Abstract: A reusable self-aligning precision latch, including a latch body for mounting a latch assembly, and an interface cone. A lead screw, coupled to the latch body on one end, pivots at an interface on the latch body allowing for self-alignment. A drive cam having a plurality of surfaces and positioned on the lead screw engages a plurality of linkage assemblies such that at least two links are driven. A flexure ball assembly clamped by the plurality of linkage assemblies to the latch body with a pivoting clamp plate such that all clamping forces between the pivoting clamp plate and the latch body are equalized. A motor for closing and opening the self-aligning precision latch by turning the lead screw to apply and release, respectively, the clamping forces between the pivoting clamp plate and the latch body.

Abstract: A method for translating a spatial light modulator (22) to provide dithering comprises the steps of: providing a support (11) have a high degree of flexibility; rigidly attaching an outer portion (14) of the support to a nonmoving base; attaching an inner web (12) of the support to the outer portion by means of flexible members (16); wherein the support, the outer portion, the inner web, and the flexible members are located in a first plane; wherein the flexible members allows motion of the inner web in only one dimension of the first plane; attaching a piezoelectric device (18) to a first end of the inner web; energizing the piezoelectric device to move the inner web in a positive direction in the one dimension; attaching a spring (20) to a second end of the inner web; and wherein the spring moves the inner web in a negative direction in the one dimension when the piezoelectric device is deactivated.

Abstract: A reusable self-aligning precision latch, including a latch body for mounting a latch assembly, and an interface cone is described herein. A lead screw, coupled to the latch body on one end, pivots at an interface on the latch body allowing for self-alignment. A drive cam having a plurality of surfaces and positioned on the lead screw engages a plurality of linkage assemblies such that at least two links are driven. A flexure ball assembly clamped by the plurality of linkage assemblies to the latch body with a pivoting clamp plate such that all clamping forces between the pivoting clamp plate and the latch body are equalized. A motor for closing and opening the self-aligning precision latch by turning the lead screw to apply and release, respectively, the clamping forces between the pivoting clamp plate and the latch body.

Abstract: A method for translating a spatial light modulator (22) to provide dithering comprises the steps of: providing a support (11) have a high degree of flexibility; rigidly attaching an outer portion (14) of the support to a nonmoving base; attaching an inner web (12) of the support to the outer portion by means of flexible members (16); wherein the support, the outer portion, the inner web, and the flexible members are located in a first plane; wherein the flexible members allows motion of the inner web in only one dimension of the first plane; attaching a piezoelectric device (18) to a first end of the inner web; energizing the piezoelectric device to move the inner web in a positive direction in the one dimension; attaching a spring (20) to a second end of the inner web; and wherein the spring moves the inner web in a negative direction in the one dimension when the piezoelectric device is deactivated.

Abstract: A high stability ball-in-cone type latch mechanism is taught that is particularly useful for large deployable optical systems. It provides a nearly perfect kinematic mount between structural or optical elements and can easily be remotely controlled.

Abstract: A high stability ball-in-cone type latch mechanism is taught that is particularly useful for large deployable optical systems. It provides a nearly perfect kinematic mount between structural or optical elements and can easily be remotely controlled.

Abstract: An iris diaphragm for selectively varying a diameter of an aperture, the iris diaphragm comprises at least two movable blades which are adaptable for forming the aperture; and a plurality of ceramic motors respectively attached to each one of the blades for causing said blades to vary the aperture formed therefrom.

Abstract: A photographic flash lamp having a closed, at least partially transparent capsule. A combustible material within an enclosed region of the capsule generates a flash upon ignition. Ignition is provided by a frictionally ignited composition within the enclosed region and an ignitor to frictionally engage with the composition. A frictional ignitor assembly extends between an interior and exterior of the enclosed region and carries one of the composition or ignitor. Movement of an exterior end of the ignitor assembly causes the frictional ignitor and frictionally ignited composition to frictionally engage one another resulting in flash generation. Particularly with a sliding piston arrangement for engaging the ignitor and frictionally ignited composition, ignition can be accomplished with very low cost components such as a spring while at the same time, combustion gases are trapped within the closed envelope.

Abstract: An iris diaphragm comprises a stationary circular base having a pair of opposite sides and pivot pins at only one of the sides, a plurality of opaque blades positioned adjacent the side of the circular base that has the pivot pins to define an aperture between the blades, and having pivot holes that contain the pivot pins to permit the aperture to be changed in size by pivoting the blades about the pivot pins, a rotatable ring positioned adjacent the side of the circular base without the pivot pins, and a plurality of interconnections between the ring and respective ones of the blades to make rotation of the ring relative to the circular base pivot the blades about the pivot pins.

Abstract: An iris diaphragm for selectively varying a diameter of an aperture, the iris diaphragm comprises at least two movable blades which are adaptable for forming the aperture. A moveable drive coil drives the blades which motion of the drive coil provides unison movement with the blades, wherein the movement of the drive coil imparts motion to said blades for varying the aperture.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a holeless hologon disk includes the steps of relatively positioning a disk assembly and a drive shaft assembly in closely spaced relation with the planar surface of the disk normal to the drive shaft's rotational axis. Adhesive is applied between the assemblies and allowed to fix while the relative assembly positions are maintained. In one construction fabricated by such method, the disk assembly comprises a flanged coupling attached to a planar glass disk with compliant adhesive.

Abstract: A method for assembling an iris diaphragm, the method comprises the steps of: providing an iris blade having an end portion for forming a portion of an aperture of the iris diaphragm, and the blade having a hole therethrough; interposing the iris blade between a yoke assembly having a top and bottom portion both having a hole in registry with each other and in registry with the hole in the blade; and dispensing an adhesive into the holes in the top and bottom portions and the hole in the iris blade for, in effect, forming a mechanical fastener for attaching the iris blade to both the top and bottom portions.