US3859519A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Wide dynamic range omnidirectional optical sensor for detecting nuclear detonations
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1973-04-03
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Granted: 1975-01-07
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Expires: 1993-04-03
Abstract
Abstract An optical sensor including a photosensitive device and a linear network and a logging network connected in series with the photosensitive device and with a potential source so that the photosensitive device will operate in the voltaic mode under conditions of low light and will operate in the photo current mode under conditions of high ambient light to produce a wide dynamic range of sensing of light flashes. The sensor units are particularly adaptable to the ganging of plural sensors with amplifiers to permit the arrangement of the photosensitive devices of the sensors for omnidirectional operation.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard C Weischedel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 23:04
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J1/00; G01J1/42; G01J1/4204
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
An optical sensor for deteCting and signaling the occurrence of a deviation from an ambient light condition comprising: a. an electrical photosensitive device; b. electrical terminal and ground means for applying a potential across said photosensitive device; c. a variable load resistance means in series with said photosensitive device for producing an output signal in terms of the potential across said resistance means which is relatively linear for high current flows and relatively logarithmic for low current flows whereby said device and said resistance means constitutes a detector circuit, said variable load resistance means including: 1. a linear network of resistance R across which the potential V is according to V IR, in series with 2. a logarithmic network across which the potential V is according to V (f) log I, whereby said variable load means output signal is a voltage according to V (f) log I + IR; and d. a resistance in parallel with said photosensitive device for providing a threshold level of current in said detector circuit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
An optical sensor for deteCting and signaling the occurrence of a deviation from an ambient light condition comprising: a. an electrical photosensitive device; b. electrical terminal and ground means for applying a potential across said photosensitive device; c. a variable load resistance means in series with said photosensitive device for producing an output signal in terms of the potential across said resistance means which is relatively linear for high current flows and relatively logarithmic for low current flows whereby said device and said resistance means constitutes a detector circuit, said variable load resistance means including: 1. a linear network of resistance R across which the potential V is according to V IR, in series with 2. a logarithmic network across which the potential V is according to V (f) log I, whereby said variable load means output signal is a voltage according to V (f) log I + IR; and d. a resistance in parallel with said photosensitive device for providing a threshold level of current in said detector circuit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
a logarithmic network across which the potential V is according to V (f) log I, whereby said variable load means output signal is a voltage according to V (f) log I + IR; and d. a resistance in parallel with said photosensitive device for providing a threshold level of current in said detector circuit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
a logarithmic network across which the potential V is according to V (f) log I, whereby said variable load means output signal is a voltage according to V (f) log I + IR; and d. a resistance in parallel with said photosensitive device for providing a threshold level of current in said detector circuit.
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) | 1978-01-06 | 1978-07-08 | 1979-01-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-01-06 | 1982-07-08 | 1983-01-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-01-06 | 1986-07-08 | 1987-01-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |