US3761180A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Synchronously gated active night sight
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-09-22
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Granted: 1973-09-25
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Expires: 1992-09-22
Abstract
Abstract A night sight employing a gated image intensifier is operated in conjunction with an amplitude-modulated tracking beacon on a missile and a pulsed light source for illuminating the target. The source is pulsed and the intensifier tube gated on for the target return magnet attached illumination such times that the amplitude modulated beacon intensity is at a low level for minimium viewing interference.
Inventors
- 👤 R Maxwell
- 👤 J Tallet
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 03:37
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41G; F41G7/00; F41G7/20; F41G7/30; F41G7/301; F41G7/303
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
An optical command-to-line-of-sight guidance system having an active night sight for use with a missile having an amplitudemodulated beacon of optical radiation thereon, said system comprising: photoresponsive means for detecting the radiant energy amplitude of the missile beacon; electronic circuit means including means for determining the time at which the beacon amplitude has decreased to a prEdetermined level from its peak amplitude and for generating a synchronizing signal thereat; means for generating an illumination pulse along the line of sight toward a missile target in response to said synchronizing signal; a gated night sight capable of being gated on in response to an applied signal; range time delay means responsive to a signal derived from said synchronizing signal to gate on the gated night sight; whereby the night sight is gated on when the beacon amplitude is at a low level and the pulsed illumination reflected from said target has returned to said night sight.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
An optical command-to-line-of-sight guidance system having an active night sight for use with a missile having an amplitudemodulated beacon of optical radiation thereon, said system comprising: photoresponsive means for detecting the radiant energy amplitude of the missile beacon; electronic circuit means including means for determining the time at which the beacon amplitude has decreased to a prEdetermined level from its peak amplitude and for generating a synchronizing signal thereat; means for generating an illumination pulse along the line of sight toward a missile target in response to said synchronizing signal; a gated night sight capable of being gated on in response to an applied signal; range time delay means responsive to a signal derived from said synchronizing signal to gate on the gated night sight; whereby the night sight is gated on when the beacon amplitude is at a low level and the pulsed illumination reflected from said target has returned to said night sight.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said electronic circuit means includes further means for establishing a time delay in said synchronizing signal; said time delay being on the order of one-quarter of the beacon modulation period.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
The system of claim 2, further including a pulse repetition frequency generator for receiving said synchronizing signal and utilizing said synchronizing signal for triggering the illumination pulse, said generator further activiating said range time delay for gating on said night sight; said generator further activating said range time delay for gating on said night sight.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 3 including a narrow bandpass filter associated with said gated night sight.
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) | 1976-09-24 | 1977-03-26 | 1977-09-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-24 | 1981-03-26 | 1981-09-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-24 | 1985-03-26 | 1985-09-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |