US4196461A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pattern generating entertainment device
Assignee: CHARTGLEN Ltd
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Filing: 1979-03-06
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Granted: 1980-04-01
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Expires: 1999-03-06
Abstract
Abstract A collimated light source, preferably coherent, is directed at an optical system comprising a plurality of controllably rotatable mirrors, the source going from one to the next in seriatim, and each mirror being mounted a small number of degrees "off" the optical axis, so as to oscillate upon rotation. With the rotational speed of each mirror individually controllable, a substantially infinite number of patterns can be generated. Further variations in pattern generation can be achieved with a beam clipper, pulse modulation by an analog (e.g. audio) signal, and/or other known beam-modifying devices. A preferred embodiment is adapted for entertainment purposes and employs a low-power laser and three mirrors. Other applications include pattern-recognition testing of individuals for optometric or psychological purposes.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael L. Geary
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 06:33
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B26/00; G02B26/08; G02B26/0816; F; F21; F21W; F21W2131/00; F21W2131/40; F21W2131/406; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/806; Y10S362/811
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
A pattern generating entertainment device for projected images comprising: a collimmated light source producing a beam; a plurality of mirrors positioned to intercept and reflect said beam in seriatim; each said mirror being rotatable about a central axis in a plane generally normal to said beam; each said mirror having its reflecting face inclined at an angle in the range of 1° to 5° to said normal plane; said mirrors being positioned and sized to intercept and reflect both said beam and patterns generated upon rotation of one or more of said mirrors; motor drive and precise speed control means for each said mirror, whereby any mirror can be rotated at a precisely controllable speed; one said drive means including rotational-direction-reversing means whereby any generated pattern may be inverted; and beam-clipping means capable of intercepting said beam at a controllable frequency prior to reflection by any of said mirrors, whereby line-chasing patterns may be generated.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
A pattern generating entertainment device for projected images comprising: a collimmated light source producing a beam; a plurality of mirrors positioned to intercept and reflect said beam in seriatim; each said mirror being rotatable about a central axis in a plane generally normal to said beam; each said mirror having its reflecting face inclined at an angle in the range of 1° to 5° to said normal plane; said mirrors being positioned and sized to intercept and reflect both said beam and patterns generated upon rotation of one or more of said mirrors; motor drive and precise speed control means for each said mirror, whereby any mirror can be rotated at a precisely controllable speed; one said drive means including rotational-direction-reversing means whereby any generated pattern may be inverted; and beam-clipping means capable of intercepting said beam at a controllable frequency prior to reflection by any of said mirrors, whereby line-chasing patterns may be generated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The pattern generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein said source is a laser.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The pattern generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein each said drive and control means comprises a motor having a shaft on said central axis attached to one said mirror, and a triac motor speed control.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The pattern generator as claimed in claim 3, wherein each said triac has an associated milliammeter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
The pattern generator as claimed in claim 2, and additionally comprising a first enclosure for said laser, said mirrors and said drive means, and a second enclosure for said control means, said first enclosure including a window positioned to pass the reflected beam or pattern.
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) | 1983-04-01 | 1983-10-01 | 1984-04-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-04-01 | 1987-10-01 | 1988-04-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-04-01 | 1991-10-01 | 1992-04-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |