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US4091279A
Expired / Lapsed
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Method and means for equalizing the sensitivity of a multi-element sensor array
Assignee: United States Department of the Air Force
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Filing: 1976-03-23
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Granted: 1978-05-23
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Expires: 1996-03-23
Abstract
Abstract Equalization and the individual control of the sensitivity of each element in a multi-element sensor array is achieved by means of a light transmitting element positioned to intercept light falling on the light receiving surface of each sensor element. Structurally the light transmitting device can be a single sheet of transparent ferroelectric ceramic having a long term polarization retention capability (or memory). A discrete portion of the sheet adjacent each sensor element is polarized in a manner that controls the level of light transmitted through the sheet at that locus and so controls the output level of the sensor adjacent to it. Equalization of sensor elements is accomplished by setting the polarization of each light transmitting element as a function of the difference between its associated sensor output voltage level and a standard voltage level in response to a constant intensity light source.
Inventors
- 👤 Irving Kaufman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 06:18
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J1/00; G01J1/10; G01J1/20; G01J1/22; G01J1/24; H; H10; H10F; H10F39/00; H10F39/10; H10F39/107; H10F77/00; H10F77/30; H10F77/306; H10F77/331
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
The method of equalizing the sensitivity of a multi-element sensor array comprising the steps of positioning a sheet member of transparent material having long term polarization retention capabilities adjacent to and in light intercepting relationship with the light receiving surfaces of said sensor elements, illuminating said sheet member with constant intensity illumination, testing each sensor element by comparing its output voltage level with a standard voltage level, and fixing the polarization characteristics of the portion of said sheet member adjacent to the sensor element being tested as a function of the difference between that sensor element's output voltage level and the standard voltage level.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
104 words
The method of equalizing the sensitivity of a multi-element sensor array comprising the steps of positioning a sheet member of transparent material having long term polarization retention capabilities adjacent to and in light intercepting relationship with the light receiving surfaces of said sensor elements, illuminating said sheet member with constant intensity illumination, testing each sensor element by comparing its output voltage level with a standard voltage level, and fixing the polarization characteristics of the portion of said sheet member adjacent to the sensor element being tested as a function of the difference between that sensor element's output voltage level and the standard voltage level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of equalizing the sensitivity of a multi-element sensor array as defined in claim 1 including the initial step of depolarizing said sheet member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
92 words
A sensor array having individual sensor element sensitivity setting means comprising an array of sensor elements, a sheet member of transparent course grained ferroelectric ceramic material having long term polarization retention capabilities positioned adjacent to and in light intercepting relationship with the light receiving surfaces of said sensor elements, light opaque members disposed adjacent to said sheet member, said light opaque members defining a light transmitting iris for each sensor element, and means for selectively fixing the polarity characteristics of a discrete portion of said sheet member adjacent to each sensor element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
92 words
A sensor array having individual sensor element sensitivity setting means comprising an array of sensor elements, a sheet member of transparent course grained ferroelectric ceramic material having long term polarization retention capabilities positioned adjacent to and in light intercepting relationship with the light receiving surfaces of said sensor elements, light opaque members disposed adjacent to said sheet member, said light opaque members defining a light transmitting iris for each sensor element, and means for selectively fixing the polarity characteristics of a discrete portion of said sheet member adjacent to each sensor element.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
99 words
A sensor array having individual sensor element sensitivity setting means comprising an array of sensor elements, a sheet member of transparent fine grained ferroelectric ceramic material having long term polarization retention capabilities positioned adjacent to and in light intercepting relationship with the light receiving surfaces of said sensor element, a light filtering means positioned adjacent to and in light interception relationship with said sheet members, a light polorizer means positioned between said sheet member and said sensor element, and means for selectivity fixing the polarity characteristics of a discrete portion of said sheet member adjacent to each sensor element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
99 words
A sensor array having individual sensor element sensitivity setting means comprising an array of sensor elements, a sheet member of transparent fine grained ferroelectric ceramic material having long term polarization retention capabilities positioned adjacent to and in light intercepting relationship with the light receiving surfaces of said sensor element, a light filtering means positioned adjacent to and in light interception relationship with said sheet members, a light polorizer means positioned between said sheet member and said sensor element, and means for selectivity fixing the polarity characteristics of a discrete portion of said sheet member adjacent to each sensor element.
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) | 1981-05-22 | 1981-11-21 | 1982-05-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-05-22 | 1985-11-21 | 1986-05-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-05-22 | 1989-11-21 | 1990-05-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |