Patent ID: 7311409
Filing Date: 2007-12-25
Classification: G02B,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of maintaining a focused beam on a target, the focused beam being generated from the beam generator and projected from an object wherein the object and target are in motion with respect to each other, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a reflective surface rotatable about a fulcrum, the reflective surface being offset from the fulcrum, wherein the fulcrum is defined by an intersection of a first and second axes that are perpendicular to each other; b) mounting the reflective surface to the object; c) directing the focused beam onto the reflective surface; d) rotating the reflective surface about at least one of the intersecting axes of the fulcrum in correspondence with the relative motion of the object and target to redirect and maintain the focused beam on the target as the object and target move in relation to each other; and e) wherein a footprint of a field of regard of the beam directed through an aperture is smaller compared to a corresponding footprint when the focused beam generated from the beam generator is directed onto the surface, aligned with the fulcrum, and the alignment is maintained during the rotating step.