US3916196A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Infrared detector line array scanner
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1971-12-27
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Granted: 1975-10-28
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Expires: 1991-12-27
Abstract
Abstract Mechanical scanning of a 360* annular zone by the movement of optical components is obtained by rotation of a first optical plane scan mirror at twice the rotational velocity of a reflective image inverter right angle mirror assembly. A telescopic converging lens is fixed between the plane mirror and the right angle mirror assembly. The plane mirror is aligned at an angle tilt with the vertical and is rotated, projecting an image through the converging lens onto the right angle mirror assembly. The image is then projected onto a fixed linear array of infrared detector elements.
Inventors
- 👤 Arthur V Thompson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 20:19
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B27/00; G02B27/64; G02B27/642; G02B23/00; G02B23/02; G02B23/08; G02B26/00; G02B26/08; G02B26/10; H; H04; H04N; H04N3/00; H04N3/02; H04N3/08; H04N3/09
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
A scanning assembly comprising: a plane mirror assembly for reflecting incoming radiation adapted to be rotated at a first rotational velocity; a converging lens connected to receive and converge the reflected incoming radiation from said plane mirror assembly; a right angle mirror assembly connected to rotate at one-half said first rotational velocity for receiving and reflecting the converged radiation from said converging lens; and a detector assembly having a sensor at the focal point of said converging lens for receiving the reflected converged radiation from said right angle plane mirror assembly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
91 words
A scanning assembly comprising: a plane mirror assembly for reflecting incoming radiation adapted to be rotated at a first rotational velocity; a converging lens connected to receive and converge the reflected incoming radiation from said plane mirror assembly; a right angle mirror assembly connected to rotate at one-half said first rotational velocity for receiving and reflecting the converged radiation from said converging lens; and a detector assembly having a sensor at the focal point of said converging lens for receiving the reflected converged radiation from said right angle plane mirror assembly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A scanning assembly according to claim 1 further comprising; a housing slidably connected to said plane mirror assembly, fixedly connected to said converging lens and slidably connected to said right angle plane mirror assembly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A scanning assembly according to claim 2 wherein said housing further comprises a cutout for inserting said detector assembly.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
A scanning assembly according to claim 3 further comprising: a first bearing assembly connected between said plane mirror assembly and said housing; and a second bearing assembly connected between said right angle mirror assembly and said housing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
55 words
A scanning assembly according to claim 4 wherein said plane mirror assembly further comprises: a plane mirror adapted to receive incoming radiation; a cover having a window for conducting said incoming rays connected to said mirror and said cover having a shaft adapted to be rotated and said cover further connected slidably to said housing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A scanning assembly according to claim 5 further comprising: a transparent sheet of magnesium fluoride inserted in said window.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
68 words
A scanning assembly according to claim 5 wherein said right angle mirror assembly further comprises: a U-shaped bar slidably mounted on said housing with a shaft on said U-shaped bar adapted to be rotated; a pair of plane rectangular mirrors with the reflective surfaces of each mirror arranged adjacently and at right angles to each other and said pair of plane rectangular mirrors connected to said U-shaped bar.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
48 words
A scanning assembly according to claim 7 wherein said detector assembly further comprises: a line array of infrared detector elements located in the focal plane of said converging lens; a dewar connected to said line array for cooling purposes; and piping connected to said dewar for cooling purposes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
A scanning assembly according to claim 8 further comprising: a motor connected to rotate said plane mirror assembly at a first rotational velocity and said motor further connected to rotate said right angle mirror assembly at one-half said first rotational velocity.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
A scanning assembly according to claim 9 further comprising: a gear box connected intermediate said motor and said right angle mirror assembly.
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) | 1978-10-27 | 1979-04-28 | 1979-10-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-27 | 1983-04-28 | 1983-10-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-27 | 1987-04-28 | 1987-10-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |