US3891328A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electro-optical liquid artificial horizon
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-10-03
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Granted: 1975-06-24
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Expires: 1993-10-03
Abstract
Abstract An electro-optical liquid artificial horizon utilizing a vidicon tube. An enclosed, leak-proof transparent, fluid container is attached to the face of the vidicon tube. A fluid partially fills the container. The surface of the fluid interferes with the optical image being resolved thereby creating an artificial horizon.
Inventors
- 👤 William P Hall
- 👤 George R Maupin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 11:52
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01C; G01C15/00; G01C15/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
An instrument for generating an artificial horizon line comprising: a vidicon tube having a face; a volume of fluid; and an enclosed, transparent, leak-proof fluid container positioned adjacent to said face of said vidicon tube such that light rays, incident upon said vidicon tube, pass first through said fluid container, said fluid container being partially filled with said fluid so that a horizontal fluid surface forms in said container at a fluid-air interface, said fluid surface interfering with a portion of an image being optically resolved by said vidicon tube creating an artificial horizon line capable of being visually observed on a television monitor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
An instrument for generating an artificial horizon line comprising: a vidicon tube having a face; a volume of fluid; and an enclosed, transparent, leak-proof fluid container positioned adjacent to said face of said vidicon tube such that light rays, incident upon said vidicon tube, pass first through said fluid container, said fluid container being partially filled with said fluid so that a horizontal fluid surface forms in said container at a fluid-air interface, said fluid surface interfering with a portion of an image being optically resolved by said vidicon tube creating an artificial horizon line capable of being visually observed on a television monitor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
88 words
The instrument of claim 1 wherein said fluid container comprises: a collar connected to said vidicon tube surrounding the perimeter of said vidicon tube face, said collar projecting outward from said vidicon tube face; means between said collar and said vidicon tube face to provide a leak-proof seal; a transparent plate connected tO said collar forming an enclosed compartment between said plate and said vidicon tube face, said compartment being partially filled with said fluid; and means between said collar and said plate to provide a leak-proof seal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
10 words
The instrument of claim 2 wherein said fluid is transparent.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
10 words
The instrument of claim 2 wherein said fluid is translucent.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
10 words
The instrument of claim 2 wherein said fluid is opaque.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
10 words
The instrument of claim 1 wherein said fluid is transparent.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
10 words
The instrument of claim 1 wherein said fluid is translucent.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
10 words
The instrument of claim 1 wherein said fluid is opaque.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
81 words
A method for generating an artificial horizon line comprising: partially filling an enclosed, transparent, leak-proof container with a fluid thereby forming a horizontal fluid surface within said container at a fluid-air interface; and positioning said container in the path of light rays from an optical image impinging upon a vidicon tube, said fluid surface interfering with a portion of an image being optically resolved by said transducer creating an artificial horizon line capable of being visually observed on a television monitor.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
81 words
A method for generating an artificial horizon line comprising: partially filling an enclosed, transparent, leak-proof container with a fluid thereby forming a horizontal fluid surface within said container at a fluid-air interface; and positioning said container in the path of light rays from an optical image impinging upon a vidicon tube, said fluid surface interfering with a portion of an image being optically resolved by said transducer creating an artificial horizon line capable of being visually observed on a television monitor.
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) | 1978-06-23 | 1978-12-23 | 1979-06-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-06-23 | 1982-12-23 | 1983-06-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-06-23 | 1986-12-23 | 1987-06-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |