US3602576A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical viewing system
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1965-05-20
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Granted: 1971-08-31
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Expires: 1985-05-20
Abstract
Abstract An optical viewing system employing a photochemical shutter for protecting an observer against the harmful and binding effects of intense light produced by laser beams. The incoming light is split into two beams, one of which is delayed in reaching the photochemical shutter which acts as a reflector. When an intense light pulse is received the nondelayed beam will cause the photochemical shutter to decompose explosively thus disrupting the transmission of the delayed beam of light.
Inventors
- 👤 Hans W Kohler
- 👤 Billy M Horton
- 👤 Charles H Klute
- 👤 Donald R Hartter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 02:56
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B5/00; G02B5/20; G02B5/22; G02B5/23; A; A61; A61F; A61F9/00; A61F9/02; A61F9/022; A61F9/023
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
An optical viewing system for protecting an observer against the harmful and blinding effects of intense light that is produced by laser beams comprising: a. beam splitting means for dividing incoming light into First and second light beams; b. an eyepiece for viewing the light image of said first light beam; c. a photochemical shutter means for directing said first light beam toward said eyepiece; d. means for directing said second light beam onto said photochemical shutter means, said photochemical shutter rapidly decomposing when the intensity of said second light beam exceeds a predetermined level; and e. delay means for delaying said first light beam with respect to said second light beam to said photochemical shutter.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
An optical viewing system for protecting an observer against the harmful and blinding effects of intense light that is produced by laser beams comprising: a. beam splitting means for dividing incoming light into First and second light beams; b. an eyepiece for viewing the light image of said first light beam; c. a photochemical shutter means for directing said first light beam toward said eyepiece; d. means for directing said second light beam onto said photochemical shutter means, said photochemical shutter rapidly decomposing when the intensity of said second light beam exceeds a predetermined level; and e. delay means for delaying said first light beam with respect to said second light beam to said photochemical shutter.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
91 words
An optical viewing system as recited in claim 1 wherein said photochemical shutter means compromises: a. a thin film of light absorbing explosive material; and b. a thin film of optically reflecting material cohesively bonded to one side of said thin film of explosive material to form a mirrored surface, said photochemical shutter being positioned in said viewing system to have said mirrored surface direct said first light beam toward said eyepiece and to have said second light beam projected onto the exposed surface of said thin film of explosive material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
An optical viewing system as recited in claim 2 wherein said thin film of explosive material is composed of a composition selected from the group consisting of nitrocellulose, lead azide, PETN, lead styphnate, and silver nitride.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
An optical viewing system as recited in claim 2 wherein said thin film of optically reflecting material is composed of aluminum.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
An optical viewing system as recited in claim 1 further comprising means for renewing said photochemical shutter means after the intensity of said second light beam has caused the rapid decomposition of said photochemical shutter means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
65 words
An optical viewing system as recited in claim 5 wherein said means for renewing said photochemical shutter means comprises an apertured disk rotatably mounted in said viewing system and supporting within each of its apertures a separate photochemical shutter, said disk being positioned in said viewing system to permit moving a new photochemical shutter into operative position after the decomposition of a preceding photochemical shutter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
An optical viewing system as recited in claim 1 further comprising means for detecting the decomposition of said photochemical shutter means and providing a warning to an observer using said viewing system.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
67 words
An optical viewing system as recited in claim 7 wherein said means for detecting the decomposition of said photochemical shutter means comprises: a. a photoelectric detector positioned within said viewing system to receive said first light beam after the decomposition of said photochemical shutter means; and b. means connected to said photoelectric detector means for producing an alarm when said photoelectric detector receives as first light beam.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-08-30 | 1975-03-01 | 1975-08-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-30 | 1979-03-01 | 1979-08-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-30 | 1983-03-01 | 1983-08-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |