The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 07, 2000
Filed:
Jul. 13, 1999
Allie M Baker, Cypress, CA (US);
Recon/Optical, Inc., , US;
Abstract
A method and retainer assembly for securely retaining a lens in a cell or other holding structure so that the lens does not become displaced when the cell is subject to mechanical shock and vibration. The invention is particularly useful for use in retaining large, heavy optical elements, such as can be found in long focal length aerial reconnaissance camera systems. The method involves the step of seating and centering the lens into the cell. The lens has a peripheral surface having a beveled feature. A first rigid, e.g., metallic, ring having a complementary beveled surface is installed over the peripheral beveled surface of the lens. A second rigid, e.g., metallic, ring is installed over the first ring. A retaining ring is threaded onto the cells such that the retaining ring abuts against the second ring. The retaining ring is tightening onto the cell such that the second ring conforms to the retaining ring while maintaining the alignment of the lens in the cell. The retaining Ting is secured to the cell, such as by staking or use of an adhesive.