Patent ID: 8059324

Claim:
A scan element for use in scanning light from a light source, said scan element comprising: (a) a bobbin having a central axis about which is wound an energizable electromagnetic wire coil, said bobbin including a flange oriented generally transverse to the central axis of said bobbin; (b) an elastomeric support having first and second ends, wherein said first end is coupled to the flange of said bobbin; (c) a permanent magnet having a central axis and a magnetization direction, wherein said permanent magnet is embedded within said elastomeric support adjacent to the second end of said elastomeric support, wherein the central axis of said permanent magnet is generally coaxial with the central axis of said bobbin, and wherein the magnetization direction of said permanent magnet is oriented generally transverse to the central axis of said permanent magnet; (d) a mirror having a central axis and being mounted on the second end of said elastomeric support, wherein the central axis of said mirror is generally coaxial with the central axes of said bobbin and said permanent magnet, wherein said elastomeric support provides a return force when said permanent magnet and said mirror are rotated at an angle from the central axis of said bobbin during energization of the electromagnetic wire coil.