US3739175A
Expired / Lapsed
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Photo sensitive star sensing array
Assignee: Honeywell Inc
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Filing: 1971-01-06
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Granted: 1973-06-12
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Expires: 1991-01-06
Abstract
Abstract A photosensitive detector for mounting in the focal plane of a star tracking telescope of the gradient detecting type. The detector includes two sets of long, thin photocells set at an angle to each other so that azimuth information as well as elevation information can be obtained with a single sweep in elevation as the image of a predetermined star traces a path across the photocells.
Inventors
- 👤 C Mabee
- 👤 A Turner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 01:17
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S3/00; G01S3/78; G01S3/782; G01S3/789
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
172 words
A system for determining the relative position of a star, comprising: a first pair of parallel, elongated light sensing means; a second pair of parallel, elongated light sensing means, divergingly spaced a predetermined amount from said first sensing means, both sensing means symmetrically spaced about a center line; means for developing a reference timing signal; means responsive to the reference timing signal for moving both pairs of the sensing means at a predetermined constant rate with respect to the star so that its image traces a straight path which crosses the center line at right angles and in one direction, causing first and second time signals to be generated when the image crosses the first and second sensing means, respectively; means for developing an azimuth signal, which is a function of the difference between the first and second time signals; and, means for developing an elevation signal, which is a function of the difference between the reference timing and first time signals and the difference between the first and second time signals.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
172 words
A system for determining the relative position of a star, comprising: a first pair of parallel, elongated light sensing means; a second pair of parallel, elongated light sensing means, divergingly spaced a predetermined amount from said first sensing means, both sensing means symmetrically spaced about a center line; means for developing a reference timing signal; means responsive to the reference timing signal for moving both pairs of the sensing means at a predetermined constant rate with respect to the star so that its image traces a straight path which crosses the center line at right angles and in one direction, causing first and second time signals to be generated when the image crosses the first and second sensing means, respectively; means for developing an azimuth signal, which is a function of the difference between the first and second time signals; and, means for developing an elevation signal, which is a function of the difference between the reference timing and first time signals and the difference between the first and second time signals.
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) | 1976-06-11 | 1976-12-11 | 1977-06-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-11 | 1980-12-11 | 1981-06-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-11 | 1984-12-11 | 1985-06-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |