US3703330A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical rotary joint
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1971-06-15
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Granted: 1972-11-21
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Expires: 1991-06-15
Abstract
Abstract This disclosure is directed to means for transmitting a polarized optical beam between two parts of a system in relative rotation on different levels such that the output polarization does not change with relative rotation about a common axis. Such a system may be used for optical radar in which the laser transmitting is stationary on one level with the rotatable optical reflectors on another level.
Inventors
- 👤 Philip J Allen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 10:57
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B27/00; G02B27/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A system for directing a linear polarized light from a fixed light source on one level to a light output in any non-fixed direction on another level without an effective change in its polarization; which comprises, a light source that produces polarized light, a first fixed prism for receiving said polarized light from said source and refracting light therefrom as circularly polarized light, a second fixed prism mounted on a 360* rotatable member and positioned in optical alignment with said first prism for receiving circularly polarized light from said first prism, and said second prism refracting linearly polarized light therefrom which may be directed in any direction in a plane relative to the light source.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
115 words
A system for directing a linear polarized light from a fixed light source on one level to a light output in any non-fixed direction on another level without an effective change in its polarization; which comprises, a light source that produces polarized light, a first fixed prism for receiving said polarized light from said source and refracting light therefrom as circularly polarized light, a second fixed prism mounted on a 360* rotatable member and positioned in optical alignment with said first prism for receiving circularly polarized light from said first prism, and said second prism refracting linearly polarized light therefrom which may be directed in any direction in a plane relative to the light source.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
115 words
A system for directing a linear polarized light from a fixed light source on one level to a light output in any non-fixed direction on another level without an effective change in its polarization; which comprises, a light source that produces polarized light, a first fixed prism for receiving said polarized light from said source and refracting light therefrom as circularly polarized light, a second fixed prism mounted on a 360* rotatable member and positioned in optical alignment with said first prism for receiving circularly polarized light from said first prism, and said second prism refracting linearly polarized light therefrom which may be directed in any direction in a plane relative to the light source.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
115 words
A system for directing a linear polarized light from a fixed light source on one level to a light output in any non-fixed direction on another level without an effective change in its polarization; which comprises, a light source that produces polarized light, a first fixed prism for receiving said polarized light from said source and refracting light therefrom as circularly polarized light, a second fixed prism mounted on a 360* rotatable member and positioned in optical alignment with said first prism for receiving circularly polarized light from said first prism, and said second prism refracting linearly polarized light therefrom which may be directed in any direction in a plane relative to the light source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
159 words
A system as claimed in claim 1; which includes, a mirror fixed on said rotatable member in optical alignment with said second prism for receiving polarized light and reflecting said polarized light to a right angle with respect to incident light from said second prism, a third prism fixed on said rotatable member in optical alignment with said mirror for receiving polarized light reflected from said mirror, said third prism receiving said polarized light from said mirror and refracting circularly polarized light therefrom, a second rotatable member, a fourth prism fixed on said second rotatable member in optical alignment with said third prism, said fourth prism receiving circularly polarized light from said third prism and refracting linearly polarized light therefrom, whereby said fourth prism rotates on said rotatable member with said second and third prisms and is fixed on said second rotatable member which is rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the plane of rotation of said second prism.
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) | 1975-11-21 | 1976-05-22 | 1976-11-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-11-21 | 1980-05-22 | 1980-11-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-11-21 | 1984-05-22 | 1984-11-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |