Patent ID: 7265835
Filing Date: 2007-09-04
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A system for effecting tipping of a retarder plate about at least two axes which are offset with respect to one another, using only one tip producing means, comprising: a) a hollow shaft rotation producing means; b) a mounting means for securing said hollow shaft rotation producing means; c) a bracket comprising means for accessibly securing a retarder plate thereto and means for effecting tipping of said retarder plate; said bracket which comprises means for securing a retarder plate thereto being affixed to the hollow shaft of said hollow shaft rotation producing means such that a projected locus of said hollow shaft intersects a retarder plate affixed to said bracket means for securing a retarder plate, said locus of said hollow shaft being oriented at substantially 90 degrees to a plane formed by said at least two axes about which said retarder plate tipping can be effected; said hollow shaft further being positioned such that a beam of electromagnetic radiation caused to progress through and exit said hollow shaft then passes through said retarder plate; such that in use a retarder plate is secured to said means for securing a retarder plate and said means for effecting tipping of said retarder plate is applied to cause tipping of said retarder plate about an axis projected in a first direction; followed by said hollow shaft rotation producing means being applied to reorient said direction of said axis about which said retarder plate is caused to tip, and again applying said means for effecting tipping of said retarder plate to cause tipping of said retarder plate about an axis projected in a second direction; such that tipping of said retarder plate about at least two axes which are offset with respect to one another is achieved using only one tip producing means.