초록 ▼

An optical beam expander mechanism includes a plurality of lenses movably secured to a carriage of an imaging system for varying the magnification and adjusting the focus of an optical beam. A scanning means is also secured to the carriage for reflecting the optical beam from or to a media disposed

An optical beam expander mechanism includes a plurality of lenses movably secured to a carriage of an imaging system for varying the magnification and adjusting the focus of an optical beam. A scanning means is also secured to the carriage for reflecting the optical beam from or to a media disposed within an exposure chamber. The carriage is slidably mounted to a spar for scanning the media as the carriage moves along the length of the spar. The carriage includes a plurality of independently controlled magnetically preloaded air bearings to provide an air cushion for frictionless movement of the lens along the carriage. The beam expander mechanism further includes an arm member which sequentially engages each lens and maintains the lens in fixed relationship to the spar for positioning the lens on the carriage. To move each lens to its proper position on the carriage, the arm member engages the lens. The corresponding air bearing is actuated to permit movement of the lens while the carriage is commanded to move a predetermined distance for the required magnification and focus of the optical beam. The air bearing is then deactuated to magnetically couple the lens to the carriage at its proper position. The arm member then disengages the lens.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having thus described my invention, what is claimed is:] [1.] A beam expander apparatus for magnifying and focusing an optical beam of an imaging system, the imaging system including an exposure surface for supporting media, a rigid spar extending the longitudinal length of and parallel to said me

[ Having thus described my invention, what is claimed is:] [1.] A beam expander apparatus for magnifying and focusing an optical beam of an imaging system, the imaging system including an exposure surface for supporting media, a rigid spar extending the longitudinal length of and parallel to said media, a carriage slidably coupled to said spar, a spinner motor secured to said carriage, a mirror attached to said spinner motor for reflecting said optical beam, a carriage drive means for moving said carriage along said spar in response to drive signals, and a motion control system electrically connected to said carriage drive means for providing said drive signals to move said carriage along said spar in response to a motion control algorithm, said apparatus comprising:a lens mount having a pair of engagement surfaces;a lens secured to said lens mount for receiving said optical beam;a bearing means disposed on said carriage for slidably moving said lens mount along said carriage;an engagement means disposed said carriage for coupling said lens mount to said carriage;a means for urging said lens mount to an initial position; anda catch means for engaging and maintaining said lens mount in fixed relationship to said spar.