Patent ID: 6679158
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: F41A,F41G

Abstract:
an aiming mechanism for pointing a device at a target comprising,(a) a base for engaging a mounting surface; (b) a first rotational mount having a first portion rigidly connected to said base and a second portion coupled thereto, whereby said second portion may rotate on a first axis; (c) a first actuator having a first end and a second end, wherein i. said first end is connected to said first portion at a connection point offset from said first axis; ii. said second end is connected to said second portion at a connection point offset from said first axis; iii. said second end has a variable first distance from said first end, said distance controlled by an electrical input signal; (d) a second rotational mount having a third portion connected to said second portion of said first rotational mount and a fourth portion coupled thereto, whereby said fourth portion may rotate on a second axis, said second axis being substantially perpendicular to said first axis; (e) a second actuator having a third end and a fourth end, wherein i. said third end is connected to said third portion at a connection point offset from said second axis; ii. said fourth end is connected to said fourth portion at a connection point offset from said second axis; and iii. said fourth end has a variable second distance from said third end, with said second distance controlled by an electrical input signal; and (f) a carriage mounted to said fourth portion, to which a device is attached so that said device points in a direction determined by said first distance and said second distance.