Optical: systems and elements – Mirror – With support
Patent
1992-09-24
1994-11-22
Look, Edward K.
Optical: systems and elements
Mirror
With support
359872, G02B 700, G02B 2300
Patent
active
053674073
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a reflector supporting apparatus for an astronomical instrument, and more particularly to an apparatus for supporting an aiming and orienting appliance useful in reflector systems.
A reflector supporting device is known from the publication SPIE, vol. 1236, Advanced Technology Optical Telescopes IV (1990) page 86 et seq. In this apparatus two rotationally symmetrical primary mirrors are arranged, as an astronomical instrument, on a common support member at a predetermined spacing. The reflected rays are brought to a common focus by means of deflector mirrors. Multiple reflector mirrors and a protective casing likewise are located on the support member.
The total mass of the support member, the mirrors and the superstructures rests on two pivot bearings of a rotary table which is movable in the horizontal plane. As the pivot bearings are loaded with the full weight of the system, there is a risk that negative effects will occur on the formation of the image, by reason of the inherent vibration and frequency of the optical and mechanical devices during a tilting movement, and which can be restricted only by costly and technically difficult counter measures. In view of the fact that increasing primary mirror diameters, and the additional auxiliary equipment this involves, result in an enormous increase in mass, it is difficult to provide pivot bearings which can accommodate these masses, while observing the required parameters. Accordingly, the known supporting apparatus is little suited for large telescopes in particular, and also for reflector systems having diameters of more than 8 meters, when used in different manner.
Another supporting apparatus of the described type is described in WO 88/06743 by Huegenell. The support member for a reflector telescope in this case is supported hydrostatically by a large bearing surface in a stationary tray, which is adapted to the spherical shape of the support member, so as to be pivotable about the axis of elevation. At two diametrically opposed ends and coaxial with the axis of elevation, the support member includes circular cylinders which are each arranged for rotation in a bushing. The bushings are located in a ring which is disposed concentrically with the tray and is rotatable about the axis of elevation and which also includes a drive.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a supporting apparatus of the kind specified, and wherein the reflectors and deflector mirrors, as well as evaluating means cooperating with them, and which have especially great diameters and masses, can be supported reliably, with non-vignetted image formation, when used as an astronomical instrument, and which also has an undisturbed radiation path at the receiving end and also in the radiation direction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by the provision of a supporting apparatus which comprises an elongate casing adapted for supporting the reflectors of an astronomical instrument or the like, with the casing having opposite ends and a pair of coaxial support cylinders positioned at respective ones of the ends and so as to define an axis of elevation. A circular tray supports the casing hydrostatically thereupon for rotation about the axis of elevation, and means are provided for mounting the tray hydrostatically upon a stationary bed and such that the tray is rotatable in a horizontal plane. A support ring is disposed concentrically about the tray, with the support ring having a pair of bushings rotatably supporting respective ones of the pair of support cylinders of the casing. Also, means are provided for supporting the support ring hydrostatically for independent rotation in said horizontal plane, and drive means is provided for rotating the tray and the support ring in the horizontal plane.
In the preferred embodiment the drive means comprises first drive means for rotating the tray, and second drive means for rotating the support ring, and m
REFERENCES:
patent: 2968228 (1961-01-01), Merritt
patent: 3791713 (1974-02-01), Mackay
patent: 3951510 (1976-04-01), Lloyd
patent: 4300160 (1981-11-01), Pusch et al.
patent: 4822156 (1989-04-01), Hugenell
patent: 4828376 (1989-05-01), Padera
patent: 4991948 (1991-02-01), Hugenell
patent: 5204785 (1993-04-01), Tang et al.
Angstenberger Karl Friedrich
Hugenell Hermann
Look Edward K.
Nguyen Hoang
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