| 摘要 |
<p>Precise directional maintenance or alignement within a narrow angular range by active control of a frictionless gimbal-type device permitting pivotal movement relative to two axes and supporting a payload including multiple telescopes is provided. Maintaining precise direction or alignment of a payload despite the presence of base motions is contemplated. The largest or 'primary' reflector or lens associated with the telescopes is included in the payload, such that no stationary reflector or lens needs to be positioned adjacent the pivoting elements to aid in signal transmission or reception. Flexible torsional elements such as flex pivots, coupled with frictionless actuators (26 and 36) and frictionless positioning sensors, permit frictionless positioning of a payload within a narrow angular range. Coupling with a directional sensor such as a tracking sensor and a controller are further provided to permit tracking of a remote signal source. A wide variety of multi-telescope payloads may be used with the present invention. One embodiment contemplates the enablement of reliable laser beam communications between remote stations, such as between buildings up to several kilometers apart, utilizing active pointing of payloads each including a receiver and multiple laser transmitters.</p> |
