US3703723A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Portable passive reflector
Assignee: Grumman Corp
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Filing: 1970-01-09
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Granted: 1972-11-21
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Expires: 1990-01-09
Abstract
Abstract A portable passive reflector that utilizes a Luneberg lens to focus upon a diode array positioned about the focal region of the lens, an interrogating signal eminating from a predetermined direction. A reflecting plate is mounted behind the diode array a distance equivalent to multiples of a quarter wavelength of the interrogating signal. By selectively pulsing the diode array, the effective cross section of the reflector as seen by the interrogating radar is varied thus modulating the reflected signal.
Inventors
- 👤 Victor Albanese
- 👤 Arthur E Johnson
- 👤 Charles L Dietz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 23:27
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01Q; H01Q15/00; H01Q15/23; G; G01; G01S; G01S13/00; G01S13/74; G01S13/75; G01S13/751; G01S13/756; H01Q15/02; H01Q15/08; H01Q3/00; H01Q3/44; H01Q3/46
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
172 words
A portable passive reflector beacon for the reflection of an interrogating signal comprising: a. a sourcE of d-c potential; b. a modulating network electrically coupled to said source for providing a modulated output signal; c. a dielectric lens structure capable of focusing energy from a point of entry into said lens to a focal point appearing at the peripheral edge of said lens and diametrically opposite to said point of entry; d. a diode matrix affixed to the periphery of said dielectric lens so as to encompass an area that is defined by the focal points of said lens which would respond to an r-f energy source eminating from a point above the horizon; e. reflecting means affixed to said lens and behind said diode matrix a distance equal to a distance defined in multiples of a quarter of a wavelength of said interrogating wave; and f. means for electrically coupling said diode matrix to said modulated output signal so as to conductively bias said diode matrix according to a predetermined sequence.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
172 words
A portable passive reflector beacon for the reflection of an interrogating signal comprising: a. a sourcE of d-c potential; b. a modulating network electrically coupled to said source for providing a modulated output signal; c. a dielectric lens structure capable of focusing energy from a point of entry into said lens to a focal point appearing at the peripheral edge of said lens and diametrically opposite to said point of entry; d. a diode matrix affixed to the periphery of said dielectric lens so as to encompass an area that is defined by the focal points of said lens which would respond to an r-f energy source eminating from a point above the horizon; e. reflecting means affixed to said lens and behind said diode matrix a distance equal to a distance defined in multiples of a quarter of a wavelength of said interrogating wave; and f. means for electrically coupling said diode matrix to said modulated output signal so as to conductively bias said diode matrix according to a predetermined sequence.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
172 words
A portable passive reflector beacon for the reflection of an interrogating signal comprising: a. a sourcE of d-c potential; b. a modulating network electrically coupled to said source for providing a modulated output signal; c. a dielectric lens structure capable of focusing energy from a point of entry into said lens to a focal point appearing at the peripheral edge of said lens and diametrically opposite to said point of entry; d. a diode matrix affixed to the periphery of said dielectric lens so as to encompass an area that is defined by the focal points of said lens which would respond to an r-f energy source eminating from a point above the horizon; e. reflecting means affixed to said lens and behind said diode matrix a distance equal to a distance defined in multiples of a quarter of a wavelength of said interrogating wave; and f. means for electrically coupling said diode matrix to said modulated output signal so as to conductively bias said diode matrix according to a predetermined sequence.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
172 words
A portable passive reflector beacon for the reflection of an interrogating signal comprising: a. a sourcE of d-c potential; b. a modulating network electrically coupled to said source for providing a modulated output signal; c. a dielectric lens structure capable of focusing energy from a point of entry into said lens to a focal point appearing at the peripheral edge of said lens and diametrically opposite to said point of entry; d. a diode matrix affixed to the periphery of said dielectric lens so as to encompass an area that is defined by the focal points of said lens which would respond to an r-f energy source eminating from a point above the horizon; e. reflecting means affixed to said lens and behind said diode matrix a distance equal to a distance defined in multiples of a quarter of a wavelength of said interrogating wave; and f. means for electrically coupling said diode matrix to said modulated output signal so as to conductively bias said diode matrix according to a predetermined sequence.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
A portable passive reflector beacon as described in claim 1 wherein said diode matrix is affixed to said lens so as to encompass focal points generated by a radiating source that can vary over a 120* azimuth and a 40* elevation with respect to said lens.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A portable passive reflector beacon as described in claim 1 wherein said diode matrix utilizes general purpose diodes horizontally positioned with respect to the vertical axis of said lens.
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 |