US3604930A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for displaying visual images of infrared beams
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1970-03-05
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Granted: 1971-09-14
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Expires: 1990-03-05
Abstract
Abstract A method and device for displaying a visual pattern of an incident beam of infrared radiation includes a film of minute droplets of a liquid crystal composition encapsulated in gelatin. The nature of the composition is such that within a certain temperature range its optical properties change with a change of temperature so that it appears to change color. The film of liquid crystal is thermally biased to its critical temperature so that when incident infrared radiation is absorbed by the composition, the temperature thereof is raised which causes a color change in the zone of the film on which the radiation is incident.
Inventors
- 👤 Philips J Allen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:23
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B23/00; G02B23/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
Apparatus for displaying a visual pattern of incident infrared radiation, comprising; a film of an encapsulated liquid crystal composition a heat distributor having a surface in heat transfer relationship with said film, a heater, said heater connected with said heat distributor means for applying heat thereto which is uniformly distributed across the heat distributor means for biasing said film to the critical temperature thereof, and a thermal-insulating means interposed between said film and said heat distributor whereby the rate of heat transfer between said heat distributor and said film may be controlled.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
92 words
Apparatus for displaying a visual pattern of incident infrared radiation, comprising; a film of an encapsulated liquid crystal composition a heat distributor having a surface in heat transfer relationship with said film, a heater, said heater connected with said heat distributor means for applying heat thereto which is uniformly distributed across the heat distributor means for biasing said film to the critical temperature thereof, and a thermal-insulating means interposed between said film and said heat distributor whereby the rate of heat transfer between said heat distributor and said film may be controlled.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein: said insulating means comprises a layer of a thermally anisotropic material whereby heat genErated by said incident infrared radiation may be conducted perpendicularly away from said film at a faster rate than heat is conducted laterally across said film to control image blooming.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus defined in claim 1, further comprising: spacer means interposed between said surface and said film for maintaining a spaced adjacent relationship therebetween; said film and said surface defining therebetween a volume containing a gas of low thermal conductivity, said gas filled volume comprising said thermal insulating means.
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) | 1974-09-13 | 1975-03-15 | 1975-09-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-13 | 1979-03-15 | 1979-09-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-13 | 1983-03-15 | 1983-09-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |