Modulated light communication system

Claim 2

A two station communication system, comprising, a transmitting station, a receiving station, a first light source located at said transmitting station, a second light source located at said receiving station, means at said receiving station for transmitting a beam of light from said second source toward said transmitting station, means at said transmitting station for modulating the light from whichever of said sources may be energized and for transmitting a beam of the light so modulated toward said receiving station, and means at said receiving station for generating a signal in accordance with the modulation of said beam of modulated light.

Claim 3

A two station communication system, comprising, a transmitting station, a receiving station, a first light source located at said transmitting station, a second light source located at said receiving station, means at said receiving station for transmitting a beam of light from said second source toward said transmitting station, means at said transmitting station for modulating the light from whichever of said sources may be energized and for transmitting a beam of the light so modulated toward said receiving station, and means at said receiving station for generating a signal in accordance with the modulation of said beam of modulated light.

Claim 4

A two station communication system, comprising, a transmitting station, a receiving station, a first light source located at said transmitting station, a second light source located at said receiving station, means at said receiving station for transmitting a beam of light from said second source toward said transmitting station, means at said transmitting station for modulating the light from whichever of said sources may be energized and for transmitting a beam of the light so modulated toward said receiving station, and means at said receiving station for generating a signal in accordance with the modulation of said beam of modulated light.

Claim 5

A two station communication system, comprising, a transmitting station, a receiving station, a first light source located at said transmitting station, a second light source located at said receiving station, means at said receiving station for transmitting light from said second source toward said transmitting station, means at said transmitting station for generating a signal, means at said transmitting station for transmitting a beam of light from whichever of said sources may be energized toward said receiving station and for varying the amplitude of said beam in accordance with said signal, and means at said receiving station for receiving said beam of light and for recovering said signal.

Claim 6

A two station communication system, comprising, a transmitting station, a receiving station, a first light source located at said transmitting station, a second light source located at said receiving station, means at said receiving station for transmitting light from said second source toward said transmitting station, means at said transmitting station for generating a signal, means at said transmitting station for transmitting a beam of light from whichever of said sources may be energized toward said receiving station and for varying the amplitude of said beam in accordance with said signal, and means at said receiving station for receiving said beam of light and for recovering said signal.

Claim 7

A light modulator, comprising, a concave surface having portions reflective and the remainder transparent, a light source, means for illuminating said surface with a diverging beam from said source, whereby a portion of the light is transmitted and the remainder reflected, the curvature of said concave surface being such that the reflected light is collimated, thereby forming a pattern of light and shadow, a mirror, means for moving said mirror in accordance with a signal, optical means for converging said reflected pattern of light and shadow to a spot on said mirror, and means including said optical means for receiving light reflected by said mirror and for reforming said pattern of light on said concave surface with the light portion of said pattern partially on and partially off said reflective portions, whereby movement of said mirror causes varying amounts of light to be transmitted.

Claim 8

A light modulator, comprising, a concave surface having portions reflective and the remainder transparent, a light source, means for illuminating said surface with a diverging beam from said source, whereby a portion of the light is transmitted and the remainder reflected, the curvature of said concave surface being such that the reflected light is collimated, thereby forming a pattern of light and shadow, a mirror, means for moving said mirror in accordance with a signal, optical means for converging said reflected pattern of light and shadow to a spot on said mirror, and means including said optical means for receiving light reflected by said mirror and for reforming said pattern of light on said concave surface with the light portion of said pattern partially on and partially off said reflective portions, whereby movement of said mirror causes varying amounts of light to be transmitted.

Claim 9

A light modulator, comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of discrete reflective elements fastened upon and covering a portion of said concave surface thereby forming a first concave mirror, a light source, means for illuminating said surface with a diverging beam from said source, the curvature of said mirror being such that the light reflected by said reflecting elements is collimated, a second concave mirror mounted coaxial with said first mirror and with the two concave surfaces facing each other, a plane mirror pivotally mounted effectively at the principal focus of said second concave mirror with its surface substantially perpendicular to paraxial rays from said second concave mirror, the pivot axis being parallel to the surface of said plane mirror, and means for oscillating said plane mirror about said pivot axis in accordance with intelligence.

Claim 10

A light modulator, comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of discrete reflective elements fastened upon and covering a portion of said concave surface thereby forming a first concave mirror, a light source, means for illuminating said surface with a diverging beam from said source, the curvature of said mirror being such that the light reflected by said reflecting elements is collimated, a second concave mirror mounted coaxial with said first mirror and with the two concave surfaces facing each other, a plane mirror pivotally mounted effectively at the principal focus of said second concave mirror with its surface substantially perpendicular to paraxial rays from said second concave mirror, the pivot axis being parallel to the surface of said plane mirror, and means for oscillating said plane mirror about said pivot axis in accordance with intelligence.

Claim 11

A light modulator, comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of parallel rectangular strips of reflective material on said concave Surface arranged in spaced apart relationship thereby forming a first concave mirror, a light source, means for illuminating said surface with a diverging beam from said source, the curvature of said mirror being such that the light reflected by said strips is collimated, a second concave mirrir mounted coaxial with said first mirror and with the two concave surfaces facing each other, a plane mirror, pivotal mounting means for said plane mirror, said mounting means including means for resiliently urging said plane mirror to a normal angular position at which the surface of said plane mirror is substantially perpendicular to paraxial rays from said second concave mirror and at which one point on said plane mirror is effectively at the principal focus of said second concave mirror, the axis of said pivotal mounting means being parallel to the surface of said plane mirror and parallel to the projection of said strips on a plane perpendicular to the axis of said first concave mirror, and means for causing said plane mirror to oscillate about said axis of said mounting means in response to a signal.

Claim 12

A light modulator, comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of parallel rectangular strips of reflective material on said concave Surface arranged in spaced apart relationship thereby forming a first concave mirror, a light source, means for illuminating said surface with a diverging beam from said source, the curvature of said mirror being such that the light reflected by said strips is collimated, a second concave mirrir mounted coaxial with said first mirror and with the two concave surfaces facing each other, a plane mirror, pivotal mounting means for said plane mirror, said mounting means including means for resiliently urging said plane mirror to a normal angular position at which the surface of said plane mirror is substantially perpendicular to paraxial rays from said second concave mirror and at which one point on said plane mirror is effectively at the principal focus of said second concave mirror, the axis of said pivotal mounting means being parallel to the surface of said plane mirror and parallel to the projection of said strips on a plane perpendicular to the axis of said first concave mirror, and means for causing said plane mirror to oscillate about said axis of said mounting means in response to a signal.

Claim 13

A light modulator, comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of discrete reflective elements on said concave surface forming a first concave mirror, a source of light positioned effectively at the principal focus of said mirror whereby a plurality of beams of collimated light are formed, a second concave mirror coaxial with said first mirror positioned to receive said beams of light, a plane mirror positioned effectively at the principal focus of said second concave mirror, and means for moving said plane mirror in accordance with intelligence.

Claim 14

A light modulator, comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of discrete reflective elements on said concave surface forming a first concave mirror, a source of light positioned effectively at the principal focus of said mirror whereby a plurality of beams of collimated light are formed, a second concave mirror coaxial with said first mirror positioned to receive said beams of light, a plane mirror positioned effectively at the principal focus of said second concave mirror, and means for moving said plane mirror in accordance with intelligence.

Claim 15

A light modulator, comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of discrete reflective elements fastened upon and covering a portion of said concave surface thereby forming a first concave mirror, a light source mounted effectively at the principal focus of said first concave mirror, a second concave mirror coaxial with said first concave mirror mounted with the two concave surfaces facing each other, a plane mirror mounted effectively at the principal focus of said second concave mirror with its surface substantially perpendicular to paraxial rays from said second mirror, and means for moving said plane mirror in accordance with intelligence.

Claim 16

A light modulator, comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of discrete reflective elements fastened upon and covering a portion of said concave surface thereby forming a first concave mirror, a light source mounted effectively at the principal focus of said first concave mirror, a second concave mirror coaxial with said first concave mirror mounted with the two concave surfaces facing each other, a plane mirror mounted effectively at the principal focus of said second concave mirror with its surface substantially perpendicular to paraxial rays from said second mirror, and means for moving said plane mirror in accordance with intelligence.

Claim 17

A light modulator, comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of discrete reflective elements fastened upon and covering a portion of said concave surface thereby forming a first concave mirror, a light source positioned effectively at the focal point of said mirror, a second concave mirror coaxial with said first concave mirror mounted with the two concave surfaces facing each other, a plane mirror positioned effectively at the focal point of said second concave mirror, pivotal mounting means for said plane mirror resiliently urging said plane mirror to a normal position with the plane of the surface of said plane mirror symmetrical to rays of light from said second concave mirror, the pivot axis of said pivotal mounting means being parallel to the surface of said plane mirror, and means for oscillating said plane mirror about said pivot axis in accordance with intelligence.

Claim 18

A light modulator, comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of discrete reflective elements fastened upon and covering a portion of said concave surface thereby forming a first concave mirror, a light source positioned effectively at the focal point of said mirror, a second concave mirror coaxial with said first concave mirror mounted with the two concave surfaces facing each other, a plane mirror positioned effectively at the focal point of said second concave mirror, pivotal mounting means for said plane mirror resiliently urging said plane mirror to a normal position with the plane of the surface of said plane mirror symmetrical to rays of light from said second concave mirror, the pivot axis of said pivotal mounting means being parallel to the surface of said plane mirror, and means for oscillating said plane mirror about said pivot axis in accordance with intelligence.

Claim 19

A light modulator, comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of parallel rectangular strips of reflective material on said concave surface arranged in spaced apart relationship thereby forming a first concave mirror, a light source positioned effectively at the focal point of said mirror, a second concave mirror coaxial with said first concave mirror mounted with the two concave surfaces facing each other, a plane mirror positioned effectively at the focal point of said second concave mirror, pivotal mounting means for said plane mirror resiliently urging said plane mirror toward a normal position at which the surface of said plane mirror is symmetrical to rays of light from said second concave mirror, the pivot axis Of said pivotal mounting means being parallel to the surface of said plane mirror and parallel to the projection of said strips on a plane perpendicular to the axis of said first concave mirror, and means for moving said mirror about said pivot axis in accordance with a signal.

Claim 20

A light modulator, comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of parallel rectangular strips of reflective material on said concave surface arranged in spaced apart relationship thereby forming a first concave mirror, a light source positioned effectively at the focal point of said mirror, a second concave mirror coaxial with said first concave mirror mounted with the two concave surfaces facing each other, a plane mirror positioned effectively at the focal point of said second concave mirror, pivotal mounting means for said plane mirror resiliently urging said plane mirror toward a normal position at which the surface of said plane mirror is symmetrical to rays of light from said second concave mirror, the pivot axis Of said pivotal mounting means being parallel to the surface of said plane mirror and parallel to the projection of said strips on a plane perpendicular to the axis of said first concave mirror, and means for moving said mirror about said pivot axis in accordance with a signal.

Claim 21

A light modulator, comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of parallel rectangular strips of reflective material on said concave surface arranged in spaced apart relationship thereby forming a first concave mirror, a first plane mirror positioned on the axis of said first concave mirror and inclined thereto, a light source located off said axis in such a position that light from said source striking said plane mirror is reflected to said first concave mirror, the combined distances from said source to said plane mirror and from said plane mirror to said concave mirror being equal to the focal length of said concave mirror, a second concave mirror coaxial with said first concave mirror mounted with the two concave surfaces facing each other, a second plane mirror positioned on the common axis of said two concave mirrors and inclined thereto, a third plane mirror located off said common axis in such position that light rays parallel to said common axis striking said second concave mirror are reflected first to said second plane mirror and then to said third plane mirror, pivotal mounting means for said third plane mirror resiliently urging said third plane mirror toward a normal position at which the surface of said third plane mirror is symmetric to rays of light from said second concave mirror, the pivot axis of said pivotal mounting means being parallel to the surface of said third plane mirror and parallel to the projection of said strips on a plane perpendicular to said common axis, and means for oscillating said third plane mirror about said pivot axis in accordance with intelligence.

Claim 22

A light modulator, comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of parallel rectangular strips of reflective material on said concave surface arranged in spaced apart relationship thereby forming a first concave mirror, a first plane mirror positioned on the axis of said first concave mirror and inclined thereto, a light source located off said axis in such a position that light from said source striking said plane mirror is reflected to said first concave mirror, the combined distances from said source to said plane mirror and from said plane mirror to said concave mirror being equal to the focal length of said concave mirror, a second concave mirror coaxial with said first concave mirror mounted with the two concave surfaces facing each other, a second plane mirror positioned on the common axis of said two concave mirrors and inclined thereto, a third plane mirror located off said common axis in such position that light rays parallel to said common axis striking said second concave mirror are reflected first to said second plane mirror and then to said third plane mirror, pivotal mounting means for said third plane mirror resiliently urging said third plane mirror toward a normal position at which the surface of said third plane mirror is symmetric to rays of light from said second concave mirror, the pivot axis of said pivotal mounting means being parallel to the surface of said third plane mirror and parallel to the projection of said strips on a plane perpendicular to said common axis, and means for oscillating said third plane mirror about said pivot axis in accordance with intelligence.

Claim 23

Optical apparatus comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of discrete reflective elements on said concave surface, a light source, a plane mirror, triple purpose optical means for transmitting light from said source to said lens and said elements thereby forming a pattern of light and shadow, for converging said pattern to a spot on said plane mirror and for reforming said pattern on said lens and said elements after reflection by said plane mirror, and means for moving said plane mirror in accordance with a signal whereby the light transmitted through said lens is modulated.

Claim 24

Optical apparatus comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of discrete reflective elements on said concave surface, a light source, a plane mirror, triple purpose optical means for transmitting light from said source to said lens and said elements thereby forming a pattern of light and shadow, for converging said pattern to a spot on said plane mirror and for reforming said pattern on said lens and said elements after reflection by said plane mirror, and means for moving said plane mirror in accordance with a signal whereby the light transmitted through said lens is modulated.

Claim 25

A light modulator, comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of discrete reflective elements fastened upon and covering a portion of said concave surface thereby forming a first concave mirror, a second concave mirror mounted coaxially with said first concave mirror with the two concave surfaces facing each other, a light source positioned effectively at a distance from said second concave mirror less than the focal length of said second concave mirror whereby diverging rays from said source striking said second mirror are reflected in a diverging beam to said first concave mirror, the curvature of said first mirror being such that the above mentioned diverging beam is reflected in parallel rays to said second concave mirror, a plane mirror positioned effectively at the principal focus of said second concave mirror, and means for moving said plane mirror in accordance with intelligence.

Claim 26

A light modulator, comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of discrete reflective elements fastened upon and covering a portion of said concave surface thereby forming a first concave mirror, a second concave mirror mounted coaxially with said first concave mirror with the two concave surfaces facing each other, a light source positioned effectively at a distance from said second concave mirror less than the focal length of said second concave mirror whereby diverging rays from said source striking said second mirror are reflected in a diverging beam to said first concave mirror, the curvature of said first mirror being such that the above mentioned diverging beam is reflected in parallel rays to said second concave mirror, a plane mirror positioned effectively at the principal focus of said second concave mirror, and means for moving said plane mirror in accordance with intelligence.

Claim 27

A light modulator, comprising, a zero poweer lens having a concave surface, a plurality of parallel rectangular strips of reflective material on said concave surface arranged in spaced apart relationship thereby forming a first concave mirror, a second concave mirror mounted coaxially with said first concave mirror with the two concave surfaces facing each other, a light source positioned effectively at a distance from said second concave mirror less than the focal length of said second concave mirror whereby diverging rays from said source striking said Second mirror are reflected in a diverging beam to said first concave mirror, the curvature of said first mirror being such that the above mentioned diverging beam is reflected in parallel rays to said second concave mirror, a plane mirror positioned effectively at the focal point of said second concave mirror, pivotal mounting means for said plane mirror resiliently urging said plane mirror to a normal position at which the surface of said plane mirror is symmetric to rays of light from said second concave mirror, the pivot axis of said pivotal mounting means being parallel to the surface of said plane mirror and parallel to the projection of said strips on a plane perpendicular to the axis of said first concave mirror, and means for oscillating said plane mirror about said pivot axis in response to a signal.

Claim 28

A light modulator, comprising, a zero poweer lens having a concave surface, a plurality of parallel rectangular strips of reflective material on said concave surface arranged in spaced apart relationship thereby forming a first concave mirror, a second concave mirror mounted coaxially with said first concave mirror with the two concave surfaces facing each other, a light source positioned effectively at a distance from said second concave mirror less than the focal length of said second concave mirror whereby diverging rays from said source striking said Second mirror are reflected in a diverging beam to said first concave mirror, the curvature of said first mirror being such that the above mentioned diverging beam is reflected in parallel rays to said second concave mirror, a plane mirror positioned effectively at the focal point of said second concave mirror, pivotal mounting means for said plane mirror resiliently urging said plane mirror to a normal position at which the surface of said plane mirror is symmetric to rays of light from said second concave mirror, the pivot axis of said pivotal mounting means being parallel to the surface of said plane mirror and parallel to the projection of said strips on a plane perpendicular to the axis of said first concave mirror, and means for oscillating said plane mirror about said pivot axis in response to a signal.

Claim 29

A light modulator, comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of discrete reflective elements fastened upon and covering a portion of said concave surface thereby forming a first concave mirror, a second concave mirror mounted coaxially with said first concave mirror with the two concave surfaces facing each other, reflective means positioned on the common axis of said mirrors and inclined thereto with the reflective surface toward said second concave mirror, a first plane mirror having a central aperture positioned off said common axis and inclined to the direction of propagation of light from said reflective means, a light source, optical means for directing light from said source through said aperture to said reflective means whereby the light within said aperture approximates a point source of light, the combined distances from said second concave mirror to said reflective means and from said reflective means to said aperture being less than the focal length of said second concave mirror whereby light from said aperture reaching said second concave mirror is reflected in a diverging beam to said first concave mirror, the curvature of said first concave mirror being such that the above mentioned diverging beam is reflected in parallel rays to said second concave mirror, a second plane mirror inclined to said first plane mirror sufficiently to lie in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of propagation of light reflected by said second plane mirror, and means for varying the angular orientation of said second plane mirror in response to a signal.

Claim 30

A light modulator, comprising, a zero power lens having a concave surface, a plurality of discrete reflective elements fastened upon and covering a portion of said concave surface thereby forming a first concave mirror, a second concave mirror mounted coaxially with said first concave mirror with the two concave surfaces facing each other, reflective means positioned on the common axis of said mirrors and inclined thereto with the reflective surface toward said second concave mirror, a first plane mirror having a central aperture positioned off said common axis and inclined to the direction of propagation of light from said reflective means, a light source, optical means for directing light from said source through said aperture to said reflective means whereby the light within said aperture approximates a point source of light, the combined distances from said second concave mirror to said reflective means and from said reflective means to said aperture being less than the focal length of said second concave mirror whereby light from said aperture reaching said second concave mirror is reflected in a diverging beam to said first concave mirror, the curvature of said first concave mirror being such that the above mentioned diverging beam is reflected in parallel rays to said second concave mirror, a second plane mirror inclined to said first plane mirror sufficiently to lie in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of propagation of light reflected by said second plane mirror, and means for varying the angular orientation of said second plane mirror in response to a signal.

Claim 31

Apparatus according to claim 14 in which said reflecting means is a right angle prism.

Claim 32

Apparatus according to claim 15 further comprising a negative lens on that face of said prism facing said second concave mirror and a positive lens on that face of said prism facing said first plane mirror.

Claim 33

A light modulator, comprising, a transparent member for receiving light from and transmitting light toward a remote point, an opaque member positioned in a portion of the path of the received and transmitted light for forming from received light a pattern of light and shadow, a mirror, means for displacing said mirror from a normal position in accordance with a signal, and optical means interposed in the light path between said mirror and said opaque member for performing the dual function of converging said pattern to a spot on said mirror and of reforming said pattern on said opaque member after reflection by said mirror.

Claim 34

A light modulator, comprising, a transparent member for receiving light from and transmitting light toward a remote point, an opaque member positioned in a portion of the path of the received and transmitted light for forming from received light a pattern of light and shadow, a mirror, means for displacing said mirror from a normal position in accordance with a signal, and optical means interposed in the light path between said mirror and said opaque member for performing the dual function of converging said pattern to a spot on said mirror and of reforming said pattern on said opaque member after reflection by said mirror.

Claim 35

A light modulator, comprising, a lens for receiving light from and transmitting light toward a remote point, a plurality of discrete opaque members mounted in the path of the received and transmitted light whereby the received light is broken into a pattern of light and shadow, a plane mirror, optical means interposed in the light path between said plane mirror and said opaque members for converging said pattern to a spot on said mirror and for reforming said pattern on said opaque members after reflection by said mirror with the light portions partially on and partially off said opaque members, pivotal mounting means for resiliently supportinG said plane mirror with its surface substantially perpendicular to the paraxial rays from said optical means, the pivot axis of said mounting means being parallel to the surface of said plane mirror, and means for oscillating said plane mirror about said pivot axis in accordance with a signal.

Claim 36

A light modulator, comprising, a lens for receiving light from and transmitting light toward a remote point, a plurality of discrete opaque members mounted in the path of the received and transmitted light whereby the received light is broken into a pattern of light and shadow, a plane mirror, optical means interposed in the light path between said plane mirror and said opaque members for converging said pattern to a spot on said mirror and for reforming said pattern on said opaque members after reflection by said mirror with the light portions partially on and partially off said opaque members, pivotal mounting means for resiliently supportinG said plane mirror with its surface substantially perpendicular to the paraxial rays from said optical means, the pivot axis of said mounting means being parallel to the surface of said plane mirror, and means for oscillating said plane mirror about said pivot axis in accordance with a signal.

Claim 37

Optical apparatus, comprising, means for forming a pattern of light and shadow from incident collimated light, a concave mirror positioned with its axis parallel to the rays of light passed by said means, a plane mirror positioned effectively at the principal focus of said concave mirror, and means for moving said plane mirror in accordance with intelligence.

Claim 38

Optical apparatus, comprising, means for forming a pattern of light and shadow from incident collimated light, a concave mirror positioned with its axis parallel to the rays of light passed by said means, a plane mirror positioned effectively at the principal focus of said concave mirror, and means for moving said plane mirror in accordance with intelligence.

Claim 39

Optical apparatus, comprising, a concave mirror, a plurality of discrete opaque elements positioned about the axis of said mirror opposite the concave surface thereof whereby collimated light striking said elements is broken into portions of light and shadow before striking said mirror, a plane mirror positioned effectively at the principal focus of said concave mirror with its surface resiliently held in a normal position substantially perpendicular to paraxial rays from said concave mirror, and means for angularly displacing said mirror about said normal position in response to a signal.

Claim 40

Optical apparatus, comprising, a concave mirror, a plurality of discrete opaque elements positioned about the axis of said mirror opposite the concave surface thereof whereby collimated light striking said elements is broken into portions of light and shadow before striking said mirror, a plane mirror positioned effectively at the principal focus of said concave mirror with its surface resiliently held in a normal position substantially perpendicular to paraxial rays from said concave mirror, and means for angularly displacing said mirror about said normal position in response to a signal.

Claim 41

Optical apparatus, comprising, a concave mirror, a plurality of discrete opaque elements positioned about the axis of said mirror opposite the concave surface thereof whereby collimated light striking said elements is broken into a pattern of light and shadow before striking said mirror, a plane mirror positioned off the axis of said concave mirror, means on said axis between said elements and said concave mirror for deviating light from said concave mirror to said plane mirror and vice versa, the combined distances from said concave mirror to said means and from said means to said plane mirror being equal to the focal length of said concave mirror, mounting means for resiliently holding said plane mirror in a normal position substantially perpendicular to paraxial rays from said concave mirror, and means for angularly displacing said plane mirror from said normal position in response to a signal.

Claim 42

Optical apparatus, comprising, a concave mirror, a plurality of discrete opaque elements positioned about the axis of said mirror opposite the concave surface thereof whereby collimated light striking said elements is broken into a pattern of light and shadow before striking said mirror, a plane mirror positioned off the axis of said concave mirror, means on said axis between said elements and said concave mirror for deviating light from said concave mirror to said plane mirror and vice versa, the combined distances from said concave mirror to said means and from said means to said plane mirror being equal to the focal length of said concave mirror, mounting means for resiliently holding said plane mirror in a normal position substantially perpendicular to paraxial rays from said concave mirror, and means for angularly displacing said plane mirror from said normal position in response to a signal.

Claim 43

Optical apparatus, comprising, a concave mirror, a plurality of discrete opaque elements positioned about the axis of said mirror opposite the concave surface thereof whereby light collimated parallel to said axis striking said elements is broken into a pattern of light and shadow before striking said mirror, a plane mirror positioned off said axis, means on said axis between said elements and said concave mirror for performing the dual function of both deviating light from said concave mirror to said plane mirror and vice versa and of correcting for the inherent spherical abberation of said mirror, the combined distances from said concave mirror to said means and from said means to said plane mirror being equal to the focal length of said concave mirror, mounting means for resiliently holding said plane mirror in a normal position substantially perpendicular to paraxial rays from said concave mirror, and means for angularly displacing said plane mirror from said normal position in response to a signal.

Claim 44

Optical apparatus, comprising, a concave mirror, a plurality of discrete opaque elements positioned about the axis of said mirror opposite the concave surface thereof whereby light collimated parallel to said axis striking said elements is broken into a pattern of light and shadow before striking said mirror, a plane mirror positioned off said axis, means on said axis between said elements and said concave mirror for performing the dual function of both deviating light from said concave mirror to said plane mirror and vice versa and of correcting for the inherent spherical abberation of said mirror, the combined distances from said concave mirror to said means and from said means to said plane mirror being equal to the focal length of said concave mirror, mounting means for resiliently holding said plane mirror in a normal position substantially perpendicular to paraxial rays from said concave mirror, and means for angularly displacing said plane mirror from said normal position in response to a signal.

Claim 45

Apparatus according to claim 22 in which said means on said axis comprises a right angle prism having a negative lens on that surface facing said concave mirror and a positive lens on that surface facing said plane mirror.

Claim 46

Optical apparatus, comprising, a lens system including first and second positive lenses mounted on a common axis, a plane mirror mounted on said axis at the focal point of said lens system and held resiliently in a normal angular position substantially perpendicular to said axis, a plurality of discrete opaque members mounted about said axis, and means for angularly displacing said plane mirror from said normal position in response to a signal.

Claim 47

Optical apparatus, comprising, a lens system including first and second positive lenses mounted on a common axis, a plane mirror mounted on said axis at the focal point of said lens system and held resiliently in a normal angular position substantially perpendicular to said axis, a plurality of discrete opaque members mounted about said axis, and means for angularly displacing said plane mirror from said normal position in response to a signal.

Claim 48

Optical apparatus, comprising, a lens system including first and second positive lenses mounted on a common axis, a plane mirror positioned on said axIs at the focal point of said lens system, pivotal mounting means for said plane mirror resiliently urging said plane mirror toward a normal angular position substantially perpendicular to said axis, a plurality of discrete opaque members mounted about said axis between said first and second lenses, and means for oscillating said plane mirror on said pivotal mounting means in accordance with intelligence.

Claim 49

Optical apparatus, comprising, a lens system including first and second positive lenses mounted on a common axis, a plane mirror positioned on said axIs at the focal point of said lens system, pivotal mounting means for said plane mirror resiliently urging said plane mirror toward a normal angular position substantially perpendicular to said axis, a plurality of discrete opaque members mounted about said axis between said first and second lenses, and means for oscillating said plane mirror on said pivotal mounting means in accordance with intelligence.

Claim 50

Optical apparatus, comprising, a lens system including first and second positive lenses mounted on a common axis, a plane mirror positioned on said axis at the focal point of said lens system, a plurality of parallel rectangular strips of opaque material fastened on one surface of one of said lenses and arranged in spaced apart relationship whereby collimated light parallel to said axis incident on said lens system is broken into a pattern of light and shadow which pattern is converted to a spot on the surface of said plane mirror, pivotal mounting means for said plane mirror resiliently urging said plane mirror to a normal position substantially perpendicular to said common axis, the pivot axis of said pivotal mounting means being parallel to the surface of said plane mirror and parallel to the projection of said strips on a plane perpendicular to said common axis, whereby the light forming said spot is reflected and said pattern is reformed in the plane of said strips, and means for moving said plane mirror about said pivot axis in accordance with a signal, whereby a beam of modulated light is transmitted.

Claim 51

Optical apparatus, comprising, a lens system including first and second positive lenses mounted on a common axis, a plane mirror positioned on said axis at the focal point of said lens system, a plurality of parallel rectangular strips of opaque material fastened on one surface of one of said lenses and arranged in spaced apart relationship whereby collimated light parallel to said axis incident on said lens system is broken into a pattern of light and shadow which pattern is converted to a spot on the surface of said plane mirror, pivotal mounting means for said plane mirror resiliently urging said plane mirror to a normal position substantially perpendicular to said common axis, the pivot axis of said pivotal mounting means being parallel to the surface of said plane mirror and parallel to the projection of said strips on a plane perpendicular to said common axis, whereby the light forming said spot is reflected and said pattern is reformed in the plane of said strips, and means for moving said plane mirror about said pivot axis in accordance with a signal, whereby a beam of modulated light is transmitted.

Claim 52

A new article of manufacture comprising, a converging optical element, a light source positioned effectively at the focal point of said element whereby light from said source is collimated and transmitted to a remote point, and photosensitive means also positioned effectively at the focal point of said optical element for generating a signal in accordance with intensity variations of light incident thereon.

Claim 53

A new article of manufacture comprising, a converging optical element, a light source positioned effectively at the focal point of said element whereby light from said source is collimated and transmitted to a remote point, and photosensitive means also positioned effectively at the focal point of said optical element for generating a signal in accordance with intensity variations of light incident thereon.

Claim 54

A new article of manufacture, comprising, a concave mirror, a light source positioned effectively at the focal point of said mirror whereby light from said source is collimated and propagated toward a remote point, and photosensitive means positioned at the focal point of said mirror for generating a signal in accordance with intensity variations of light incident thereon.

Claim 55

A new article of manufacture, comprising, a concave mirror, a light source positioned effectively at the focal point of said mirror whereby light from said source is collimated and propagated toward a remote point, and photosensitive means positioned at the focal point of said mirror for generating a signal in accordance with intensity variations of light incident thereon.

Claim 56

Optical apparatus, comprising, a concave mirror, a light source, reflective means positioned on the axis of said mirror and inclined thereto for deviatingg light from said source so as to strike said mirror whereby light from said source is collimated and transmitted toward a remote point, and photosensitive means positioned at the focal point of said mirror for generating a signal in accordance with intensity variations of light incident thereon.

Claim 57

Optical apparatus, comprising, a concave mirror, a light source, reflective means positioned on the axis of said mirror and inclined thereto for deviatingg light from said source so as to strike said mirror whereby light from said source is collimated and transmitted toward a remote point, and photosensitive means positioned at the focal point of said mirror for generating a signal in accordance with intensity variations of light incident thereon.

Claim 58

Optical apparatus, comprising, a concave mirror, a light source positioned effectively at the principal focus of said mirror, a partially transparent mask positioned on the light path between said source and said mirror, and photosensitive means for generating a signal in accordance with variations in light incident thereon, said photosensitive means being positioned in a portion of said light path on the opposite side of said mask from said source and at the same distance from said mask as said source, said mask having a reflective portion on that surface facing said photosensitive means, whereby a portion of the light from said source is transmitted through said mask to said concave mirror and then toward a remote point and whereby a portion of the light from said remote point is reflected by said concave mirror and said reflective portion of said mask to said photosensitive means.

Claim 59

Optical apparatus, comprising, a concave mirror, a light source positioned effectively at the principal focus of said mirror, a partially transparent mask positioned on the light path between said source and said mirror, and photosensitive means for generating a signal in accordance with variations in light incident thereon, said photosensitive means being positioned in a portion of said light path on the opposite side of said mask from said source and at the same distance from said mask as said source, said mask having a reflective portion on that surface facing said photosensitive means, whereby a portion of the light from said source is transmitted through said mask to said concave mirror and then toward a remote point and whereby a portion of the light from said remote point is reflected by said concave mirror and said reflective portion of said mask to said photosensitive means.

Claim 60

Optical apparatus, comprising, a concave mirror, a light source positioned on the axis of said mirror, photosensitive means positioned on said axis for generating a signal in accordance with variations of the intensity of light incident thereon, and a partially transparent mask positioned on said axis between and equidistant from said source and said photosensitive means, said mask having a reflective portion on the surface facing said photosensitive means, the light path distances between said source and said concave mirror and between said photosensitive means and said concave mirror each being selected to be equal to the focal length of said mirror.

Claim 61

Optical apparatus, comprising, a concave mirror, a light source positioned on the axis of said mirror, photosensitive means positioned on said axis for generating a signal in accordance with variations of the intensity of light incident thereon, and a partially transparent mask positioned on said axis between and equidistant from said source and said photosensitive means, said mask having a reflective portion on the surface facing said photosensitive means, the light path distances between said source and said concave mirror and between said photosensitive means and said concave mirror each being selected to be equal to the focal length of said mirror.

Claim 62

Optical apparatus, comprising, a concave mirror, a light source on the axis of said mirror, an opaque mask having a small central aperture positioned on said axis, optical means for focusing light from said source to a small spot within said aperture whereby said spot approximates a point source of light, photosensitive means positioned on said axis for generating a signal in response to variations of the intensity of light incident thereon, a partially transparent mask positioned on said axis between and equidistant from said opaque mask and said photosensitive means, said partially transparent mask being partially coated with reflective material on that surface facing said photosensitive means, and a plane mirror perpendicular to and positioned on said axis on the same side of said partially transparent mask as said photosensitive means but farther away with the reflective surface of said plane mirror facing both said partially transparent mask and the reflective surface of said concave mirror, the sum of the distances from said concave mirror to said plane mirror to said partially transparent mask to said opaque mask and the sum of the distances from said concave mirror to said plane mirror to said partially transparent mask to said photosensitive means each being selected to be equal to the focal length of said concave mirror, whereby a portion of the light emanating from said aperture in said opaque mask is transmitted through said partially reflective mask to said plane mirror, reflected by said plane mirror to said concave mirror from which it is reflected in a narrow beam and propagated toward a remote point and whereby light received from said remote point is reflected and converged by said concave mirror, refelcted by said plane mirror to said partially transparent mask and thence to said photosensitive means which generates a signal corresponding to intensity variations in the received light.

Claim 63

Optical apparatus, comprising, a concave mirror, a light source on the axis of said mirror, an opaque mask having a small central aperture positioned on said axis, optical means for focusing light from said source to a small spot within said aperture whereby said spot approximates a point source of light, photosensitive means positioned on said axis for generating a signal in response to variations of the intensity of light incident thereon, a partially transparent mask positioned on said axis between and equidistant from said opaque mask and said photosensitive means, said partially transparent mask being partially coated with reflective material on that surface facing said photosensitive means, and a plane mirror perpendicular to and positioned on said axis on the same side of said partially transparent mask as said photosensitive means but farther away with the reflective surface of said plane mirror facing both said partially transparent mask and the reflective surface of said concave mirror, the sum of the distances from said concave mirror to said plane mirror to said partially transparent mask to said opaque mask and the sum of the distances from said concave mirror to said plane mirror to said partially transparent mask to said photosensitive means each being selected to be equal to the focal length of said concave mirror, whereby a portion of the light emanating from said aperture in said opaque mask is transmitted through said partially reflective mask to said plane mirror, reflected by said plane mirror to said concave mirror from which it is reflected in a narrow beam and propagated toward a remote point and whereby light received from said remote point is reflected and converged by said concave mirror, refelcted by said plane mirror to said partially transparent mask and thence to said photosensitive means which generates a signal corresponding to intensity variations in the received light.

Claim 64

A transmitter-receiver for a communication system, comprising, a zero power lens having concave and convex surfaces, a plurality of discrete reflective elements on said concave surface, a light source, a plane mirror, triple purpose optical means for transmitting light from said source to said lens and said elements thereby forming a pattern of light and shadow, for converging said pattern to a spot on said plane mirror and for reforming said pattern on said lens and said elements after reflection by said plane mirror, means for moving said plane mirror in accordance with a signal whereby the light transmitted through said lens in the direction of said concave surface to said convex surface is modulated, photosensitive means for generating a signal in accordance with variations of the intensity of light falling thereon, and auxiliary optical means including an element of said triple purpose optical means for concentrating light incident upon said convex surface onto said photosensitive means.

Claim 65

A transmitter-receiver for a communication system, comprising, a zero power lens having concave and convex surfaces, a plurality of discrete reflective elements on said concave surface, a light source, a plane mirror, triple purpose optical means for transmitting light from said source to said lens and said elements thereby forming a pattern of light and shadow, for converging said pattern to a spot on said plane mirror and for reforming said pattern on said lens and said elements after reflection by said plane mirror, means for moving said plane mirror in accordance with a signal whereby the light transmitted through said lens in the direction of said concave surface to said convex surface is modulated, photosensitive means for generating a signal in accordance with variations of the intensity of light falling thereon, and auxiliary optical means including an element of said triple purpose optical means for concentrating light incident upon said convex surface onto said photosensitive means.

Claim 66

A transmitter-receiver for a communication system, comprising, an electric source of light, a power supply for said source, means for varying the amount of power furnished to said source in accordance with intelligence whereby the light emitted by said source is modulated, photosensitive means for generating a signal in accordance with variations in intensity of light incident thereon, and optical means for collimating the light emitted by said source and directing the collimated light toward a remote point and for concentrating light from said remote point upon said photosensitive means said optical means including opaque means positioned to prevent direct illumination of said photosensitive means by said source of light.

Claim 67

A transmitter-receiver for a communication system, comprising, an electric source of light, a power supply for said source, means for varying the amount of power furnished to said source in accordance with intelligence whereby the light emitted by said source is modulated, photosensitive means for generating a signal in accordance with variations in intensity of light incident thereon, and optical means for collimating the light emitted by said source and directing the collimated light toward a remote point and for concentrating light from said remote point upon said photosensitive means said optical means including opaque means positioned to prevent direct illumination of said photosensitive means by said source of light.