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US3765765A
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Optical ranging device
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1971-12-27
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Granted: 1973-10-16
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Expires: 1991-12-27
Abstract
Abstract A thin interrupter is moved through the image plane of a converging optical system to interrupt light impinging on a pair of equal size detectors. The output signals from the detectors are used as a measure of the distance between the light source or target and the lens and the optical system.
Inventors
- 👤 M Hefter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 03:04
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01C; G01C3/00; G01C3/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
A stationary optical system for determining the range to an object said optical system comprising: a. a stationary lens for focusing the rays of energy from the object to an image plane, said lens having an optical axis and a focal length, b. interrupter means positioned with respect to said image plane and said optical axis for sequentially interrupting the focused rays of energy, c. first and second detectors positioned with respect to said image plane and said optical axis to simultaneously intercept the focused rays of energy emitted by said stationary lens when the image plane and the plane in which said interrupter means is positioned coincide and to sequentially intercept the focused rays of energy when the image plane and the plane in which said interrupter means is positioned do not coincide, each detector having an output proportional to the time that the ray energy is intercepted.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
A stationary optical system for determining the range to an object said optical system comprising: a. a stationary lens for focusing the rays of energy from the object to an image plane, said lens having an optical axis and a focal length, b. interrupter means positioned with respect to said image plane and said optical axis for sequentially interrupting the focused rays of energy, c. first and second detectors positioned with respect to said image plane and said optical axis to simultaneously intercept the focused rays of energy emitted by said stationary lens when the image plane and the plane in which said interrupter means is positioned coincide and to sequentially intercept the focused rays of energy when the image plane and the plane in which said interrupter means is positioned do not coincide, each detector having an output proportional to the time that the ray energy is intercepted.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The optical system of claim 1 wherein interruption of said focused rays of energy is by means of a knife-edge interrupter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The optical system of claim 1 wherein said interrupter means is a thin opaque disc containing a plurality of radial transparent slits.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The optical system of claim 3 wherein said first and second detectors are of equal size.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3499711A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-15 | 1977-04-16 | 1977-10-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-15 | 1981-04-16 | 1981-10-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-15 | 1985-04-16 | 1985-10-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |