Patent ID: 7948677
Filing Date: 2011-05-24
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A structure for supporting an optical telescope, comprising: (a) an optical element, said optical element including a predetermined size and shape; (b) a base assembly that supports at least a portion of said optical element; (c) a structural member attached at a first end thereof to said base assembly and extending upward to a first location, and wherein said first location is disposed above said optical element, and wherein said structural member includes a portion thereof that extends downward from said first location in a direction that is generally toward an interior portion of said optical element, and including means for attaching said portion of said structural member to said base assembly, and wherein said means for attaching extends through an opening that is provided in said optical element; and (d) at least one optical component that includes a first active position that is disposed along an optical path of said optical element and a second inactive position that is not disposed along said optical path, and wherein said at least one optical component is supported by said structural member at said first end of said structural member, and wherein said at least one optical component is able to be urged between said first active position and said second inactive position, and wherein said at least one optical component is disposed above said optical element.