Abstract: An X-ray analysis apparatus includes a scanning unit (1) with an X-ray source (3), a crystal holder (9) and an X-ray detection system (5) provided with an X-ray detector (7). The crystal holer (9) can be rectilinearly displaced in a fixed radiation pick-up direction (35) relative to the X-ray source (3). The crystal holder (9) and the X-ray detector (7) are mechanically coupled to one another via a plate (21) which can be driven by means of a motion mechanism. The X-ray source (3), the X-ray detector (7) and the crystal holder (9) remain positioned on a Rowland circle (11) during the displacement. The motion mechanism has a first guide (23) and a second guide (25). The drive direction of the first guide (23) encloses an acute angle .alpha. relative to the fixed pick-up direction (35).

Abstract: Disc player includes a housing with a frame (11) carrying a scanning device and a disc-drive means for driving discs of different types. Loading mechanism includes a drawer (51) which is movable along guide means between an extended position and a retracted position to move a disc towards and away from the disc-drive means where a movable disc-pressure member (99) presses the disc against the disc-drive means. The disc-drive means comprises a first turntable which is fixedly supported relative to the frame and a second turntable (19) which is movable relative to the frame and can be positioned on the first turntable. A movable holder (21) can be actuated by the loading mechanism to position the second turntable on and remove it from the first turntable.

Abstract: An optical scanning unit with an objective for the focussing a beam of radiation along an optical axis into a scanning spot on the surface of an information carrier. The scanning unit also has an electromagnetic drive for correcting the position of the objective with respect to the information carrier. The drive has an objective mount supported in an annular, moving magnetic member which is axially magnetized and is arranged coaxially about the optical axis. The drive is further provided with fixed coils which interact with the magnetic member via an air gap. The fixed coils are arranged along at least three radial planes which are normal to the optical axis. Two planes lie in the area of the axial ends of the centrally positioned magnetic member and the third central plane which extends between the two outer radial planes.

Abstract: An electro-optical apparatus comprising an objective (7) scans an optical disc (3) having a transparent protective layer (5) by means of a radiation beam (10) which, through the transparent layer, is focussed on a reflecting recording surface (4). The objective moves along the optical axis (19) for focussing the radiation beam on the recording layer and moreover performs limited pivotal movements. The position of the optical axis of the objective is corrected for obliquity of the surface of the optical disc, correction means (22A, B) being provided to tilt the objective through a correction angle, so that the angle between the optical axis and the normal to the disc surface is reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electro-optical device for optically scanning an information carrier, comprising a stationary frame, a movable optical holder, in which an objective having an optical axis is eccentrically mounted, a first electromagnetic actuator for translating the optical holder along a pivotal axis and a second electromagnetic actuator for pivoting the optical holder about this pivotal axis. Each of the actuators comprises a first actuator element secured to the frame and a second actuator element secured to the holder, the first and the second actuator elements cooperating with each other via air gaps. The optical holder is formed with a bore which extends parallel to the optical axis and in which the second actuator element of the second actutor is secured and in which the first actuator element which cooperate with said second actuator element extends with clearance. The second actuator element of the second actuator also functions as the balancing mass.

Abstract: An optical scanning unit with an objective for focussing a beam into a scanning spot on the surface of an information carrier and an electromagnetic drive for continuous correction of the position of the objective with respect to the information carrier. The objective is mounted in a movable ring-shaped magnetic body of a permanent-magnetic material which is arranged coaxially about the optical axis and which has magnetic poles at the axial ends. The drive is provided with sets of fixed coils which interact with the magnetic body via an air gap. Each set of coils has a first segmental coil arrangement having two active coil parts extending parallel in the peripheral direction of the magnetic body and located in the vicinity of the axial ends of the centrally positioned magnetic body. The unit is further equipped with at least one second coil arrangement which is positioned at least partially between the active coil parts of the above-mentioned first segmental arrangement.

Abstract: An electro-optical device for recording and/or reading recording tracks in a recording surface of an optically readable disk by means of a radiation beam, includes a frame (43), a turntable supporting means (45) for a turntable (55) which is rotatable about an axis of rotation (57), an objective supporting means for an objective (15) having an optical axis (24), a focussing actuator (24) for moving the objective along the optical axis, and guide means for moving the objective and/or the turntable relative to each other between a first position, in which the optical axis and the axis of rotation are situated nearer each other, and a second position, in which these axes are situated more remote from each other. In the case of an oblique position of said surface of the disk, correction means reduce the angle between the optical axis and the normal to the disc surface at the location where the optical axis intersects the disk surface.

Abstract: An optical apparatus (1) for reading a recording track on an optical disc (3) comprises an objective (6) supported by a combined bearing arrangement which permits translations (12) of the objective for focussing a light beam (2) on the disc and pivotal movements (13, 14) for following the recording track in a radial and eventually also a tangential direction. The combined bearing arrangement comprises a plain bearing with a stationary member (17) having a convex outer surface (18) and a cylindrical moving member (19) which relative to the stationary member moves in a sliding and a pivoting fashion.

Abstract: A pivoting mirror device for an apparatus for optically reading information tracks on an information carrier comprises a pivoting mirror (1) which is pivotable about one or more pivoting axes (5, 6) with the aid of a mirror bearing arrangement (9), which arrangement comprises a rigid bearing support (10) and an elastic bearing (13) made of a rubber-like material, which is connected both to the pivoting mirror and to the bearing support and which partly surrounds the bearing support. In order to obtain a suitable ratio between the rigidity of the pivoting mirror bearing in desired pivoting directions and the rigidity in undesired articulating directions, the portion (14) of the bearing support located in the elastic material has a cross-section which varies from a minimum transverse dimension at the end (11) of the bearing support near the pivoting mirror to a maximum transverse dimension at a location which is more remote from the pivoting mirror (15). (FIG. 1).