Patent ID: 8294969

Claim:
A scan element for use in scanning a light beam produced from a light source, said scan element comprising: a bobbin having a central axis about which is wound an energizable electromagnetic wire coil; at least one elastomeric support having first and second ends, wherein said first end is supported so that said second end is disposed at a predetermined distance from said bobbin, about which said energizable electromagnetic wire coil is wound; a permanent magnet having first and second sides, a central axis, and a magnetization direction; wherein said first side of said permanent magnet is supported by the second end of said at least one elastomeric support; wherein the magnetization direction of said permanent magnet is oriented generally transverse to the central axis of said permanent magnet; a mirror having a central axis and being mounted on the second side of said permanent magnet to form a scanning subassembly; wherein the central axis of said mirror is generally coaxial with the central axis of said permanent magnet; wherein said at least one elastomeric support has an intermediate portion between said first and second ends, and wherein said intermediate portion has a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of said first and second ends; and wherein said at least one elastomeric support generating a return force when said permanent magnet and said mirror are rotated at an angle relative to the central axis of said bobbin, during energization of said electromagnetic wire coil.