Patent US3757124A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3757124A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical apparatus for focusing an image
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1971-08-13
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Granted: 1973-09-04
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Expires: 1991-08-13
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for determining the optimum focus for an optical system including signal generating means, means responsive to the position of an element in the optical system upon which sharp focus depends for providing an output signal indicating the direction the element is displaced along the optical axis of the system from a point of optimum focus. The ouput signal can be used as a servo error signal to automatically reposition the element to a position of optimum focus or, in the alternative, the element can be manually repositioned until the output signal is driven to null.
Inventors
- 👤 P Kaestner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 09:11
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B27/00; G02B27/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
The combination comprising optical means for focusing an image and means for providing an output signal indi-cating the direction said optical means is displaced from a point of optimum focus, said last mentioned means comprising a rotatable chopper for providing a repeated fluctuating light flux pattern having a phase corresponding to the direction said optical means is displaced from said predetermined point of optimum focus, said chopper comprising a hollow cylindrical member having a number of slots and bars on the side wall thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
84 words
The combination comprising optical means for focusing an image and means for providing an output signal indi-cating the direction said optical means is displaced from a point of optimum focus, said last mentioned means comprising a rotatable chopper for providing a repeated fluctuating light flux pattern having a phase corresponding to the direction said optical means is displaced from said predetermined point of optimum focus, said chopper comprising a hollow cylindrical member having a number of slots and bars on the side wall thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination as defined by claim 1, means re-sponsive to the output signal for repositioning said optical means to a point of optimum focus.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
65 words
The combination as defined by claim 1, said last mentioned means comprising means for providing a variable out-put signal depending on the position of said optical means, means for providing a fixed reference signal stabilized with respect to the remainder of said last mentioned means so as to not require constant calibration, means for comparing said reference and variable signals to provide said output signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination as defined by claim 1 wherein said number of slots and bars is odd.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
71 words
The combination comprising a light transmitter optical means for focusing an image and means for providing an output signal indicating a characteristic or position of the optical means, said signal comprising a repeating fluctuating light flux pattern having a phase corresponding to the difference between said characteristic or position and a desired character-istic or position, said image passing through said means for providing an output signal twice in forming said signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
71 words
The combination comprising a light transmitter optical means for focusing an image and means for providing an output signal indicating a characteristic or position of the optical means, said signal comprising a repeating fluctuating light flux pattern having a phase corresponding to the difference between said characteristic or position and a desired character-istic or position, said image passing through said means for providing an output signal twice in forming said signal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination as defined by claim 5, means responsive to the output signal for repositioning said optical means to a point of optimum focus.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
65 words
The combination as defined by claim 5 said last mentioned means comprising means for providing a variable output signal depending on the position of said optical means, means for providing a fixed reference signal stabilized with respect to the remainder of said last mentioned means so as to not require constant calibration, means for comparing said reference and variable signals to provide said output signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination of claim 5, said means for providing an output signal comprising grating means mounted to intersect said image fore and aft of a desired focal point.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
The combination of claim 8, said grating means comprising a light receiver and wherein said light receiver is located in a predetermined position with respect to the light transmitter and to the known target image planes of the optical systEm.
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) | 1976-09-03 | 1977-03-05 | 1977-09-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-03 | 1981-03-05 | 1981-09-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-03 | 1985-03-05 | 1985-09-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |