Optical: systems and elements – Compound lens system – Telescope
Reexamination Certificate
2011-07-19
2011-07-19
Pritchett, Joshua L (Department: 2872)
Optical: systems and elements
Compound lens system
Telescope
C359S429000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07982951
ABSTRACT:
A digitally controlled platform for precise celestial tracking of astronomical telescopes, generally those having an independent pointing mechanism. A movable stage carrying the telescope is moved relative to a base by three digitally controlled actuators each of which determines the distance between a point fixed in the base and a point fixed stage. The base and stage otherwise are connected by a mechanism that holds a single point fixed in the base in coincidence with a single point fixed in the stage. It functions without approximation at any digitally specified latitude and longitude, enabling astrophotography with alt/azimuth mounted telescopes and diurnal tracking through the zenith. The digital controller may be a personal computer laptop running a multitasking operating system linked to the platform electronics by a Universal Serial Bus cable. Novel software design allows precise tracking, control, and calibration in spite of operating system and Universal Serial Bus latency.
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Wikipedia demonstration of “Stewart platform”, 2010.
Google “Radio telescope hexpod”, 2010.
Bursch Stephen LeRoy
Innes Robert
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