US4054364A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for transmitting light through Cassegrain optics
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1976-02-02
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Granted: 1977-10-18
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Expires: 1996-02-02
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for efficiently transmitting light through Cassegr type optics by way of fiber optics.
Inventors
- 👤 Willard P. Webster
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 02:02
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41G; F41G7/00; F41G7/20; F41G7/22; F41G7/2273; F41G7/2293; F41G7/2246; G; G02; G02B; G02B17/00; G02B17/02; G02B17/06; G02B17/0605; G02B17/061; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/262
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
An active optical system comprising: a light source; a centrally apertured primary mirror where the aperture is small compared to the overall size of the primary mirror; a secondary mirror placed with respect to said primary mirror so it can receive light from the aperture and reflect it onto the primary mirror; a fiber optic bundle placed with respect to said light source and said primary mirror such that the angle of incidence to receive light from the source and transmit it through the aperture and exit as annularly shaped beam toward the secondary mirror is less than the critical angle of total reflection for the given materials used between the source and the fiber optic bundle; and means for directing the light so that the angle of incidence on the fiber optic bundle is other than zero degrees for plane waves and so that the non zero angle for converging light refers to the incident angle of the ray traveling along the axis of symmetry of the converging light.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
An active optical system comprising: a light source; a centrally apertured primary mirror where the aperture is small compared to the overall size of the primary mirror; a secondary mirror placed with respect to said primary mirror so it can receive light from the aperture and reflect it onto the primary mirror; a fiber optic bundle placed with respect to said light source and said primary mirror such that the angle of incidence to receive light from the source and transmit it through the aperture and exit as annularly shaped beam toward the secondary mirror is less than the critical angle of total reflection for the given materials used between the source and the fiber optic bundle; and means for directing the light so that the angle of incidence on the fiber optic bundle is other than zero degrees for plane waves and so that the non zero angle for converging light refers to the incident angle of the ray traveling along the axis of symmetry of the converging light.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
An active optical system as recited in claim 1 wherein said source of optical energy comprises a laser.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
An active optical system as recited in claim 2 wherein said coupling means comprises an optical focusing lens.
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) | 1980-10-17 | 1981-04-18 | 1981-10-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-10-17 | 1985-04-18 | 1985-10-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-10-17 | 1989-04-18 | 1989-10-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |