US3592550A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical tracking system
Assignee: LTV Aerospace Corp
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Filing: 1968-06-26
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Granted: 1971-07-13
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Expires: 1988-06-26
Abstract
Abstract A target acquisition and tracking system including an image converter tube with optical means for receiving light from a target area and creating an image on the tube''s photocathode, a plurality of light-transmitting fibers arranged to receive light from the tube''s phosphor screen and means to sense the light level from these fibers to in turn control tube deflection.
Inventors
- 👤 Calvin J Christmann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 02:01
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S3/00; G01S3/78; G01S3/782; G01S3/783
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
Target acquisition and tracking means comprising: an image-converter tube having a photocathode, a phosphor screen, and deflecting means for deflecting electrons passing from said photocathode to said screen; entrance optics means for receiving light from a target area and focusing said light to form an image on said photocathode; a plurality of light-transmitting fibers arranged in side-byside relation across said phosphor screen, each of said fibers having one end coupled to receive light from said phosphor screen; a plurality of electro-optic transducers, each coupled to receive light from the free ends of a respective group of said light-transmitting fibers and operative to emit electrical signals indicative of the light received; means connected to receive and compare the signals from said transducers and operative to establish an output signal indicative of the difference between the signals from said transducers; and means for applying said output signal to the deflecting means of said image-converter tube to cause desired deflection of electrons passing through said image-converter tube.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
164 words
Target acquisition and tracking means comprising: an image-converter tube having a photocathode, a phosphor screen, and deflecting means for deflecting electrons passing from said photocathode to said screen; entrance optics means for receiving light from a target area and focusing said light to form an image on said photocathode; a plurality of light-transmitting fibers arranged in side-byside relation across said phosphor screen, each of said fibers having one end coupled to receive light from said phosphor screen; a plurality of electro-optic transducers, each coupled to receive light from the free ends of a respective group of said light-transmitting fibers and operative to emit electrical signals indicative of the light received; means connected to receive and compare the signals from said transducers and operative to establish an output signal indicative of the difference between the signals from said transducers; and means for applying said output signal to the deflecting means of said image-converter tube to cause desired deflection of electrons passing through said image-converter tube.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said light-transmitting fibers are disposed in symmetrical groups arranged to define an adjustable reticle extending across said phosphor screen with adjustable field of view.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: viewing optics positioned to permit an operator to view said phosphor screen.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising: viewing optics positioned to permit an operator to view said phosphor screen and said reticle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-07-12 | 1975-01-11 | 1975-07-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-07-12 | 1979-01-11 | 1979-07-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-07-12 | 1983-01-11 | 1983-07-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |