Patent ID: 6445498
Filing Date: 2002-09-03
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A telescope system of the type commonly used to observe/photograph celestial objects, the telescope system comprising:a telescope; a tripod supporting the telescope; a first shaft rigidly attached to the telescope; a mount attaching the telescope to the tripod in a manner which facilitates rotation of the telescope about two generally orthogonal axes with respect to the tripod, the mount comprising: a base; two arms extending from the base, the first shaft being pivotally attached to one of the two arms to define a first axis of the two generally orthogonal axes; a second shaft rigidly attached to the base and pivotally attached to the tripod to define a second axis of the two generally orthogonal axes; at least one worm drive for effecting desired movement of the telescope with respect to the tripod, each worm drive comprising: a worm gear formed upon one of the first and second shafts; a worm having first and second ends, the worm being configured to engage the worm gear; a pair of resilient supports for each worm, one resilient support being located proximate the first end of the worm and the other resilient support being located proximate the second end of the worm, the resilient supports providing shock/vibration isolation of the worm with respect to the telescope, wherein each of the resilient supports comprises a body having a flat side and an opening formed through the body, the worm extending through the opening; and a bushing located within the opening of the body of the support for facilitating rotation of the worm with respect to the support.