Abstract Five embodiments of slot sensors for stabilizing the position of a satellite in space are disclosed. All embodiments comprise a glass body having a refractive circumferential surface of 180* angular aperture. In the image plane of the refractive surface is disposed a slot diaphragm, the slot of which is arranged to coincide with the center plane of said glass body. Behind the slot diaphragm there is provided a photoelectric receiver which is sensitive to the electromagnetic rays which are incident on the sensor. In the different embodiments the slot diaphragms are shown to be positioned either in front of or behind the center of rotation of the toric glass body (in the direction of light travel) depending on the radius of the toric shape and on the refractive index of the glass.
A toric imaging lens with a center plane for slot sensors for satellites, comprising in combination: a plane toric lens with boundary surfaces parallel and symmetric with said center plane and having a radius of rotation extending through an angle of 180*, said plane toric lens having a cylindrical recess concentric therewith, said recess having a slot diaphragm on said center plane; and a photoelectric receiver positioned in said center plane at the center of said radius of rotation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
79 words
A toric imaging lens with a center plane for slot sensors for satellites, comprising in combination: a plane toric lens with boundary surfaces parallel and symmetric with said center plane and having a radius of rotation extending through an angle of 180*, said plane toric lens having a cylindrical recess concentric therewith, said recess having a slot diaphragm on said center plane; and a photoelectric receiver positioned in said center plane at the center of said radius of rotation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The lens of claim 1, wherein said diaphragm is a transparent opening on an opaque wall on said cylindrical recess.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The lens of claim 1, wherein said toric lens comprises two toric semiring lenses having cylindrical inner surfaces and said slot diaphragm is a slit in a solid, semicircular support material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A slot sensor according to claim 3, wherein said ring lenses are substantially of the following radii and spacings: n 1.5