Patent US4049969A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4049969A
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Passive optical transponder
Assignee: United States Department of the Air Force
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Filing: 1970-03-19
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Granted: 1977-09-20
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Expires: 1990-03-19
Abstract
Abstract An optical identification and communication system wherein an interrogator sends out a broad illuminator beam outside the visible range. Some of this radiation is collected by the transponder optic and focused on a converting phosphor. The response light is recollimated by the transponder optic and transmitted directly back at the interrogator. The use of co-axial optics along with color filters and an electronic "shutter" in the interrogator enables the transmitted and received radiation to be separated.
Inventors
- 👤 David J. Salonimer
- 👤 Buster E. Kelley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 06:55
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S17/00; G01S17/74
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
In an optical identification and communication system having a combination interrogator and receiver for generating and receiving radiation signals; a passive optical transponder comprising a phosphor device for receiving a converting light from the interrogator, a transponder optic positioned between said phosphor device and said interrogator for collecting and focusing light of a specified wavelength from the interrogator onto the surface of said phosphor, thereby converting the light from the interrogator to a different wavelength and re-transmitting the converted light along the same path back to the receiver in a beam that is re-collimated by said transponder optic, allowing a response light of a different color from the interrogator light to be used to locate and identify friendly forces.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
In an optical identification and communication system having a combination interrogator and receiver for generating and receiving radiation signals; a passive optical transponder comprising a phosphor device for receiving a converting light from the interrogator, a transponder optic positioned between said phosphor device and said interrogator for collecting and focusing light of a specified wavelength from the interrogator onto the surface of said phosphor, thereby converting the light from the interrogator to a different wavelength and re-transmitting the converted light along the same path back to the receiver in a beam that is re-collimated by said transponder optic, allowing a response light of a different color from the interrogator light to be used to locate and identify friendly forces.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The optical identification and communication system defined in claim 1 wherein the interrogator includes an infrared laser and a lenticular lens, said lens operating to spread the light from the interrogator and make its distribution of intensities uniform.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-09-19 | 1981-03-21 | 1981-09-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-09-19 | 1985-03-21 | 1985-09-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-09-19 | 1989-03-21 | 1989-09-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |