US4093353A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical radiation limiter
Assignee: Honeywell Inc
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Filing: 1976-12-17
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Granted: 1978-06-06
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Expires: 1996-12-17
Abstract
Abstract An optical limiter includes two bandpass filters whose narrow passbands are at least partially overlapping at low light levels. One of the two filters is well heat-sunk while the other is not. When the input light level exceeds a threshold level, heating causes the passband of the thermally isolated filter to shift relative to the passband of the heat-sunk filter. High level light self-limits or attenuates itself by virtue of the filter passband mismatch that occurs.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth T. Lang
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 14:43
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B7/00; G02B7/008; G02B5/00; G02B5/20; G02B5/22; G02B7/006; G02F; G02F2203/00; G02F2203/52
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
An optical limiter for limiting radiation travelling along a path, the optical limiter comprising: first bandpass filter means positioned in the light path and having a first spectral passband which shifts with changes in temperature of the first bandpass filter means; second bandpass filter means positioned in the light path and having a second spectral passband, the first and second spectral passbands at least partially overlapping when the radiation travelling along the path has an intensity less than a threshold level; and thermal isolation means for thermally isolating the first bandpass filter means to an extent greater than the second bandpass filter means, whereby radiation travelling along the path having intensity greater than the threshold level causes a shift of the first spectral passband with respect to the second spectral passband.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
131 words
An optical limiter for limiting radiation travelling along a path, the optical limiter comprising: first bandpass filter means positioned in the light path and having a first spectral passband which shifts with changes in temperature of the first bandpass filter means; second bandpass filter means positioned in the light path and having a second spectral passband, the first and second spectral passbands at least partially overlapping when the radiation travelling along the path has an intensity less than a threshold level; and thermal isolation means for thermally isolating the first bandpass filter means to an extent greater than the second bandpass filter means, whereby radiation travelling along the path having intensity greater than the threshold level causes a shift of the first spectral passband with respect to the second spectral passband.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
101 words
An optical limiter for limiting radiation travelling along a path, the optical limiter comprising: first bandpass filter means positioned in the path and having a temperature sensitive first spectral passband; second bandpass filter means positioned in the path and having a temperature sensitive second spectral passband which at least partially overlaps the first spectral passband; heat sink means for heat sinking the second bandpass filter means; and thermal isolation means for thermally isolating the first bandpass filter means, whereby radiation intensity greater than a threshold level causes a shift of the first spectral passband with respect to the second spectral passband.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
101 words
An optical limiter for limiting radiation travelling along a path, the optical limiter comprising: first bandpass filter means positioned in the path and having a temperature sensitive first spectral passband; second bandpass filter means positioned in the path and having a temperature sensitive second spectral passband which at least partially overlaps the first spectral passband; heat sink means for heat sinking the second bandpass filter means; and thermal isolation means for thermally isolating the first bandpass filter means, whereby radiation intensity greater than a threshold level causes a shift of the first spectral passband with respect to the second spectral passband.
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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) | 1981-06-05 | 1981-12-05 | 1982-06-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-06-05 | 1985-12-05 | 1986-06-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-06-05 | 1989-12-05 | 1990-06-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |