From: "Richard Schwartz" 
To: "ATM List" 
Reply-To: "Richard Schwartz" 


I would like to agree with Don Clement 100%.  (And everybody knows I hate
to agree with anybody!)  I have done the same thing as Don in several small
machines, using silicone blobs as the compliant stuff.  (Don likes to use
steel tape rulers.)   If you set up your parts, then inject the silicone,
it
pretty much sets up in a stress free condition.   Motion is without
friction, expeciially that nasty static friction or "sticktion"
that you get whenever parts must slide over each other.

. . . Richard

----- Original Message -----
From: "clement.focuser" 
To: 
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2002 3:30 PM Subject: Re: ATM Main mirror
cell design - need help with bearings


>
> An alternative to using rolling element bearings for limited travel
> applications is to use flexible or compliant mechanisms. The compliant
pivot
> can be made from a monolithic part. I have made a moving mirror focuser (
> based on my patented focuser) for a 14" cassigrain in which the entire
> focuser/ mirror rested on three coaxial push pull collimation rods with
> spherical ends. A lead screw was used for focus position. A monolithic
> compliant U joint connected the lead screw to the tilting focuser/ mirror
> assembly. Compliant mechanisms have no slop and almost no friction.
>
>
>
> Don Clement
>
> Running Springs, California
>
> Owner: Clement Focuser
>
>

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