Patent US3721828A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3721828A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Optical image scanner utilizing variable index of refraction fiber optics
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1971-10-29
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Granted: 1973-03-20
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Expires: 1991-10-29
Abstract
Abstract An array of the fiber optics are used to collimate divergent rays emanating from an image to be scanned. Scanning is then implemented by moveable mirrors located in the collimated beam region presented by the fiber optics. A linear array of detectors is arranged to sense the collimated rays as they pass by due to movement of the mirror.
Inventors
- 👤 J Parks
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 22:14
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/024; H04N1/028; H04N1/03; G; G02; G02B; G02B26/00; G02B26/08; G02B26/10; G02B26/103; H04N1/04; H04N1/19; H04N1/191; H04N1/192; H04N1/193; H04N1/1935; H04N1/1936; G02B6/00; G02B2006/0098; H04N2201/00; H04N2201/04; H04N2201/0402; H04N2201/0426
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
In a system whereby an image is to be scanned the improvement comprises a plurality of optical fibers having one end positioned to the image so as to propagate rays from the image through its length; said optical fibers each collimating the rays entering therein; said plurality of fibers having its other end directed to a scanning device whereby the image may be scanned; said optical fibers have a variable index of refraction with respect to their radius; a linear array of detectors; said scanning device comprising a mirror which reflects the image emitted from the optical fibers to said linear array of detectors; and said mirror means being moveable so as to cause said linear array of detectors to scan the image presented by the optical fibers.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
In a system whereby an image is to be scanned the improvement comprises a plurality of optical fibers having one end positioned to the image so as to propagate rays from the image through its length; said optical fibers each collimating the rays entering therein; said plurality of fibers having its other end directed to a scanning device whereby the image may be scanned; said optical fibers have a variable index of refraction with respect to their radius; a linear array of detectors; said scanning device comprising a mirror which reflects the image emitted from the optical fibers to said linear array of detectors; and said mirror means being moveable so as to cause said linear array of detectors to scan the image presented by the optical fibers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
77 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said scanning system further comprises a plate having a slit therein; a further set of optical fibers having one end arranged alOng said slit and their other ends arranged along said linear array of detectors; said mirror being moveable so as to cause said image to move across said plate whereby said further set of optical fibers will present line scanned information to said linear array of detectors.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3104324A
Cited
US3636366A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-03-19 | 1976-09-18 | 1977-03-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-03-19 | 1980-09-18 | 1981-03-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-03-19 | 1984-09-18 | 1985-03-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |