US3942879A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Mirror steering system
Assignee: United States Department of the Air Force
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Filing: 1975-03-19
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Granted: 1976-03-09
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Expires: 1995-03-19
Abstract
Abstract A system for steering a mirror, comprising a mirror mounted on a gimbal provided with a steering rod and incorporated into an articulated spatial parallelogram linkage to allow for steering the mirror in a precise and controlled manner.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard Payne Pledger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 01:47
CPC Classifications
F; F21; F21S; F21S11/00; F21V; F21V17/00; F21V17/02; F41; F41G; F41G7/00; F41G7/001
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
153 words
A mechanical mirror steering system comprising: a gimbal; a plane mirror pivotally mounted within the gimbal, a means for steering said plane mirror affixed to one side of the plane mirror and extending normal to the plane thereof, a first bifurcated link connected to a first universal swivel joint at one end; an arm means connected to a pivot for rotation about a first axis, said arm means having a second universal swivel joint atone end; a second bifurcated link connected to said second joint on said arm means to universally swivel thereby, and a slider bearing connecting said first and second links at their bifurcated ends and receiving, in a sliding relationship, said means for steering the plane mirror, whereby as the mirror rotates about said first axis radiation striking the mirror at a point along said first axis will describe a circular arc on a plane perpendicular to said first axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
153 words
A mechanical mirror steering system comprising: a gimbal; a plane mirror pivotally mounted within the gimbal, a means for steering said plane mirror affixed to one side of the plane mirror and extending normal to the plane thereof, a first bifurcated link connected to a first universal swivel joint at one end; an arm means connected to a pivot for rotation about a first axis, said arm means having a second universal swivel joint atone end; a second bifurcated link connected to said second joint on said arm means to universally swivel thereby, and a slider bearing connecting said first and second links at their bifurcated ends and receiving, in a sliding relationship, said means for steering the plane mirror, whereby as the mirror rotates about said first axis radiation striking the mirror at a point along said first axis will describe a circular arc on a plane perpendicular to said first axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
A mechanical mirror steering system according to claim 1 wherein said arm means includes an extension further connected to a second pivot for rotation about said first axis and a second plane mirror affixed to said extension whereby radiation reflected from a first mirror will be reflected from the second mirror to a point in space.
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) | 1979-03-09 | 1979-09-08 | 1980-03-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-03-09 | 1983-09-08 | 1984-03-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-03-09 | 1987-09-08 | 1988-03-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |