US4015130A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for monitoring optical radiation
Assignee: Government of the United States of America
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Filing: 1975-10-07
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Granted: 1977-03-29
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Expires: 1995-10-07
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for monitoring optical radiation which, in a preferred embodiment, takes the form of a biologically weighted ultraviolet radiant energy monitor which provides a direct indication of the hazards to humans from the ultraviolet radiant energy emanating from the optical radiation source being monitored. The source of radiation is first spectrally dispersed by passage through a suitable prism or diffraction grating. Portions of the spectrally dispersed radiation are mechanically masked in accordance with a predetermined biological weighting. The subsequent weighted output from the mechanical mask is then fed to a suitable detector. In the various embodiments of the ultraviolet hazard monitor, a quartz prism or diffraction grating spectrograph is utilized to spectrally disperse the incident radiation spatially and a plate coated with sodium salicylate or other suitable converter is placed in the exit plane of the spectrograph. The sodium salicylate plate fluoresces in the blue in response to incident ultraviolet radiation. The intensity of the biologically weighted blue light may then be conveniently and readily detected by a blue sensitive detector to provide an immediate readout of the potential ultraviolet radiation hazard from the unknown optical source.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Joseph Landry
- 👤 Robert G. Bostrom
- 👤 Richard W. Peterson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 08:58
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J3/00; G01J3/12; G01J3/14; G01J1/00; G01J1/58
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
Apparatus for monitoring radiation from a source thereof to which a biological system may be exposed, said radiation having a known effect on said biological system, which comprises: means for spectrally dispersing the radiation emitted from said optical radiation source; means for masking a portion of the output of said spectral dispersion means in accordance with a predetermined wavelength-dependent sensitivity similar to the biological system desired; and means for detecting the intensity of the portion of radiation passed by said masking means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
82 words
Apparatus for monitoring radiation from a source thereof to which a biological system may be exposed, said radiation having a known effect on said biological system, which comprises: means for spectrally dispersing the radiation emitted from said optical radiation source; means for masking a portion of the output of said spectral dispersion means in accordance with a predetermined wavelength-dependent sensitivity similar to the biological system desired; and means for detecting the intensity of the portion of radiation passed by said masking means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The optical radiation monitor as set forth in claim 1, wherein said masking means comprises mask having transparent and opaque portions positioned thereon in accordance with said predetermined wavelength-dependent sensitivity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
The optical radiation monitor as set forth in claim 2, wherein said means for spectrally dispersing the radiation emitted from said optical radiation source comprises a quartz prism spectrograph means for spatially separating the ultraviolet radiation emitted from said source from the remaining portion of said radiation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The optical radiation monitor as set forth in claim 3, further comprising fluorescent means positioned in the exit plane of said quartz prism spectrograph for converting said ultraviolet radiation to visible radiation in a narrow wavelength band.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The optical radiation monitor as set forth in claim 4, wherein said mask is placed adjacent said fluorescent means in the exit plane of said quartz prism spectrograph.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The optical radiation monitor as set forth in claim 4, wherein said fluorescent means has approximately unit quantum efficiency over the ultraviolet spectrum.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The optical radiation monitor as set forth in claim 4, wherein said converting means comprises a plate transparent in the blue region of the spectrum and coated with sodium salicylate.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The optical radiation monitor as set forth in claim 7, wherein said detecting means comprises a blue sensitive detector.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
48 words
The optical radiation monitor as set forth in claim 2, wherein said means for spectrally dispersing the radiation emitted from said optical radiation source comprises a diffraction grating type spectrograph means for spatially separating the ultraviolet radiation emitted from said source from the remaining portion of said radiaton.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The optical radiation monitor as set forth in claim 9, wherein said mask is placed adjacent said fluorescent means in the exit plane of said diffraction rating type spectrograph.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
38 words
The optical radiation monitor as set forth in claim 9, further comprising fluorescent means positioned in the exit plane of said diffraction grating type spectrograph for converting said ultraviolet radiation to visible radiation in a narrow wavelength band.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The optical radiation monitor as set forth in claim 11, wherein said converting means comprises a plate transparent in the blue region of the spectrum and coated with sodium salicylate.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The optical radiation monitor as set forth in claim 12, wherein said detecting means comprises a blue sensitive detector.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
63 words
A method for monitoring ultraviolet radiation from an unknown source of optical radiation, which comprises the steps of: spectrally dispersing ultraviolet radiation from said unknown source of optical radiation; mechanically masking a portion of said spectrally dispersed ultraviolet radiation in accordance with a predetermined biological weighting thereof; and detecting the portion of said spectrally dispersed ultraviolet radiation remaining after said mechanical masking step.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
63 words
A method for monitoring ultraviolet radiation from an unknown source of optical radiation, which comprises the steps of: spectrally dispersing ultraviolet radiation from said unknown source of optical radiation; mechanically masking a portion of said spectrally dispersed ultraviolet radiation in accordance with a predetermined biological weighting thereof; and detecting the portion of said spectrally dispersed ultraviolet radiation remaining after said mechanical masking step.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as set forth in claim 14, further comprising the steps of converting said spectrally dispersed optical radiation to visible radiation by directing same through a fluorescent plate.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method as set forth in claim 15, wherein said fluorescent plate comprises a plate coated with sodium salicylate and wherein said detecting step is achieved by utilizing a blue sensitive detector.
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) | 1980-03-28 | 1980-09-27 | 1981-03-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-03-28 | 1984-09-27 | 1985-03-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-03-28 | 1988-09-27 | 1989-03-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |