Kinematic ball screw adjusters
The present invention provides a kinematic mounting apparatus comprising: a plurality of spherical mount means; and a plurality of grooved mount means; wherein said mount means are operable to support a platform. The present invention relates to adjustable mounts. In particular, the present invention relates to mounting arrangements for optical devices requiring linear and tilt adjustment whereby a platform, which is usually either a mirror or a support for a mirror, should remain in a stress free condition at all times.
1 . A kinematic mounting apparatus comprising:
a plurality of spherical mount means; and
a plurality of grooved mount means;
wherein said mount means are operable to support a platform.
2 . A kinematic mounting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the mount means each comprise a ball.
3 . A kinematic mounting apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein one of the said plurality of spherical mounting means comprises two balls joined by a connecting bar.
4 . A kinematic mounting apparatus according to any previous claim wherein said balls are enclosed in socket mounts.
5 . A kinematic mounting apparatus according to any previous claim wherein the spherical mount comprises a hemispherical socket in which said ball can be accommodated.
6 . A kinematic mount apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described in relation to FIGS. 3 to 5 .