Abstract A linear scanning seeker with optical components mounted on a common rotational axis to facilitate field of view target area scanning without introducing unwanted precessional torques. The optical elements, with the exception of one prism, form an integral portion of a spinning gyroscopic mass. The seeker spin axis is defined by the gyroscopic mass spin axis. A parabolic primary mirror, which is cut into the face of the gyroscopic mass, and a slanted secondary mirror are positioned along the gyroscopic mass spin axis. A concave mirror and a prism are arranged to direct the incoming energy beam onto a detector in a direction orthogonal to the seeker spin axis. As the gyroscopic mass spins, energy beams from the seeker field of view are reflected off the primary, secondary, and concave mirrors. These energy beams are directed through the prism and scan the detector in a curved radial sweep pattern. The prism may be made to rotate in the same direction or in a direction opposite to the direction of spin of the gyroscopic mass. Rotating the prism in a direction opposite to the direction of the spinning gyroscopic mass increases the density of the curved radials. This same effect may be achieved by increasing the rotational speed of the gyroscopic spinning mass. In this invention, the gyroscopic mass and the prism are rotated about a common spin axis. This eliminates the necessity to counter rotate a mass to cancel the moment generated by the prism if it is not spun parallel to the seeker spin axis. A target is displayed on one of the beams when a target is present in the seeker field of view. Magnetic sensors react with magnets on the rotating gyroscopic mass and on the prism to indicate where a target is located in the seeker field of view when an image from the target is displayed on the detector.
An optical scanning target seeker for use in a target pursuit vehicle comprising: a. a gyroscopic mass having its spin axis defining the spin axis of said target seeker; b. means for spinning said gryoscopic mass; c. optical elements carried by said gyroscopic mass and forming an integral portion of said gyroscopic mass for transmitting a target image into said gyroscopic mass; e. detector means for detecting said transmitted signal; f. prism means mounted on a prism spin axis common to said seeker spin axis; and, g. means for rotating said prism wherein said gyroscopic mass and prism rotate with respect to each other to sweep linear curved radial beams of the seeker field of view over said detector for locating the position of a target image on said detector in relation to the center of said detector.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
An optical scanning target seeker for use in a target pursuit vehicle comprising: a. a gyroscopic mass having its spin axis defining the spin axis of said target seeker; b. means for spinning said gryoscopic mass; c. optical elements carried by said gyroscopic mass and forming an integral portion of said gyroscopic mass for transmitting a target image into said gyroscopic mass; e. detector means for detecting said transmitted signal; f. prism means mounted on a prism spin axis common to said seeker spin axis; and, g. means for rotating said prism wherein said gyroscopic mass and prism rotate with respect to each other to sweep linear curved radial beams of the seeker field of view over said detector for locating the position of a target image on said detector in relation to the center of said detector.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
An optical scanning target seeker as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for rotating said prism includes gear train means carried by said gyroscopic mass for rotational support of said prism.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
An optical scanning target seeker as set forth in claim 2 including position sensing means for generating signals indicative of target position in the seeker field of view when a target image is displayed on said detector.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
An optical scanning target seeker as set forth in claim 3 wherein said position sensing means includes a first magnetic pick-off for determining prism position; and, a second magnetic pick-off for determining gyroscopic mass position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
113 words
An optical scanning target seeker as set forth in claim 4 wherein said optical elements includes a parabolic mirror; a slanted mirror positioned facing the reflective surface of said parabolic mirror, said parabolic mirror and said slanted mirror being positioned along said seeker spin axis, a Focusing lens and a detector, said focusing lens being positioned within said gyroscopic mass for focusing images reflected from said slanted mirror onto said rotating prism, whereby when energy beams from a target in the seeker field of view is reflected on said detector to display a target image on said detector for determining the position of said target in the field of view of said seeker.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
An optic scanning target seeker as set forth in claim 5 wherein said parabolic mirror is cut into said gyroscopic mass.