Support mechanism for a mirrored surface or other arrangement

Patent · Tue Feb 03 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6865370

Cutburth, R W

A mechanism is described for supporting first means including a planer surface for movement relative to a vertical plane defined by particular intersecting x and y axes which extend horizontally and vertically, respectively, the mechanism comprising: (a) second means including a plurality of segments of an annular surface which forms part of a sphere whose center defines the intersection of the x and y axes. The annular surface defines a z axis extending through the intersection of the x and y axes perpendicular to the vertical plane; (b) third means connecting the planer surface including first means with the second means such that the planer surface is positionably within the vertical plane and is itself intersected by the z axis at a particular point thereon. The third means includes bearing means disposed between the first means and the segments of the annular surface of the second means for allowing the first means to move in any direction on the annular surface segments including certain specific directions which allow the planer surface to pivot back and forth to a limited extent about both the x and y axes relative to the vertical plane; and (c) fourth means interconnecting the first and second means and cooperating with the third means for limiting the movement of the first means to the certain specific directions.

• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC
• Patent Number(s): US 4640591
• OSTI ID: 6865370
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420200* -- Engineering-- Facilities
Equipment
& Techniques
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
MIRRORS
POSITIONING
SPHERES
SUPPORTS
SURFACES