Importance

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Abstract

A mounting assembly (18) for mounting an optical component (14) along an optical axis (22) to an apparatus frame (12) of a precision apparatus (10) includes a mounting bracket (20). The precision apparatus (10) includes a first alignment rod (316A), a second alignment rod (316B), and a third alignment rod (316C) that extend parallel to the optical axis (22). The mounting assembly (18) includes a mounting bracket (20) having (i) a first component mount (242) for retaining the optical component (14), (ii) a first rod aperture (234) that receives the first alignment rod (316A) and a first rod lock (236) that selectively locks the first alignment rod (316A) to the mounting bracket (20), (iii) a second rod aperture (238) that receives the second alignment rod (316B) and a second rod lock (240) that selectively locks the second alignment rod (316B) to the mounting bracket (20), and (iv) a third rod aperture (356) that receives the third alignment rod (316C) and a third rod lock (358) that selectively locks the third alignment rod (316C) to the mounting bracket (20). The rod apertures (234) (238) (356) are spaced apart in a fashion to form the corners of an obtuse triangle (364). With this design, the mounting bracket (20) securely retains the optical component (14) while providing unobstructed access to the optical axis (22) for the easy and at-will insertion and removal of the optical components (14). This allows for the relatively easy arrangement, assembly, modification, and/or repair of the precision apparatus (10).

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