Patent US4402575A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4402575A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Wideband optical beam deflector
Assignee: Bell and Howell Co
•
Filing: 1981-05-01
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Granted: 1983-09-06
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Expires: 2001-05-01
Abstract
Abstract A wideband optical beam deflector utilizes an electromechanical transducer to simultaneously rotate a plurality of mirrors. An incoming optical beam is successively reflected by these rotating mirrors such that the deflections of the mirrors are additive. the deflector may also incorporate a stationary mirror to complete the reflector path
Inventors
- 👤 John H. Jacobs
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 18:32
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B26/00; G02B26/08; G02B26/0816; G02B7/00; G02B7/18; G02B7/182; G02B7/1822; G02B7/1827
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 51
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
An apparatus for deflecting an optical beam in response to an electrical signal comprising: a substantially rigid frame, a plurality of moving mirrors arranged to each successively reflect the optical beam at least once, each mirror having a first end flexibly attached to the frame to permit rotation of each mirror about substantially parallel axes, common linkage means attached to a second end of each of the moving mirrors, operative to rotate the mirrors to thereby cumulatively deflect the optical beam, a stationery mirror fixedly mounted to the frame operative to reflect the optical beam from one moving mirror to another moving mirror, and a single electromechanical actuator attached to the linkage means operative to actuate the linkage means in response to the electrical signal.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
125 words
An apparatus for deflecting an optical beam in response to an electrical signal comprising: a substantially rigid frame, a plurality of moving mirrors arranged to each successively reflect the optical beam at least once, each mirror having a first end flexibly attached to the frame to permit rotation of each mirror about substantially parallel axes, common linkage means attached to a second end of each of the moving mirrors, operative to rotate the mirrors to thereby cumulatively deflect the optical beam, a stationery mirror fixedly mounted to the frame operative to reflect the optical beam from one moving mirror to another moving mirror, and a single electromechanical actuator attached to the linkage means operative to actuate the linkage means in response to the electrical signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the piezoelectric means further comprises: an electromechanical actuator fixedly mounted to the frame, the electromechanical actuator having an output arm operative to transmit forces from the electromechanical actuator to the linkage means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each moving mirror further comprises: a doubly tapered structure having a greater mass at its midsection than at each end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the moving mirrors are substantially parallel to each other when the magnitude of the electrical signal is substantially zero.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein the plurality of moving mirrors further comprises: a first pair of moving mirrors, each mirror having its second end attached to a first common point of the linkage means, and a second pair of moving mirrors, each mirror having its second end attached to a second common point of the linkage means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein the plurality of moving mirrors further comprises: a first moving mirror having its second end attached to a first point of the linkage means, and a second moving mirror having its second end attached to a second point of the linkage means.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
127 words
An apparatus for deflecting an optical beam in response to an electrical signal comprising: a plurality of moving mirrors arranged to each successively reflect the optical beam at least once, each moving mirror having a first end flexibly mounted to a substantially stationary member to permit rotation of each moving mirror about substantially parallel axes, common linkage means attached to a second end of each of the moving mirrors, operative to rotate the mirrors to thereby cumulatively deflect the optical beam, a stationery mirror fixedly mounted to the substantially stationary member, operative to reflect the optical beam from one moving mirror to another moving mirror, and a single electromechanical actuator attached to the linkage means, operative to actuage the linkage means in response to the electrical signal.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
127 words
An apparatus for deflecting an optical beam in response to an electrical signal comprising: a plurality of moving mirrors arranged to each successively reflect the optical beam at least once, each moving mirror having a first end flexibly mounted to a substantially stationary member to permit rotation of each moving mirror about substantially parallel axes, common linkage means attached to a second end of each of the moving mirrors, operative to rotate the mirrors to thereby cumulatively deflect the optical beam, a stationery mirror fixedly mounted to the substantially stationary member, operative to reflect the optical beam from one moving mirror to another moving mirror, and a single electromechanical actuator attached to the linkage means, operative to actuage the linkage means in response to the electrical signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the electromechanical means further comprises: an electromechanical actuator fixedly mounted to the substantially stationary member, the electromechanical actuator having an output arm operative to transmit forces from the electromechanical actuator to the linkage means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein each moving mirror further comprises: a doubly tapered structure having a greater mass at its midsection than at each end.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the moving mirrors are substantially parallel to each other when the magnitude of the electrical signal is substantially zero.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus of claim 7, 8, 9 or 10 wherein the plurality of moving mirrors further comprises, a first pair of moving mirrors, each mirror having its second end attached to a first common point of the linkage means, and a second pair of moving mirrors, each mirror having its second end attached to a second common point of the linkage means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 7, 8, 9 or 10 wherein the plurality of mirrors further comprises: a first moving mirror having its second end attached to a first point of the linkage means, and a second moving mirror having its second end attached to a second point of the linkage means.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
151 words
An apparatus for deflecting an optical beam in response to an electrical signal comprising: a substantially rigid frame, a plurality of moving mirrors arranged to each successively reflect the optical beam at least once, each mirror having a first end flexibly attached to the frame to permit rotation of each mirror about substantially parallel axes, common linkage means attached to a second end of each of the moving mirrors, operative to rotate the mirrors to thereby cumulatively deflect the optical beam, a first stationary mirror fixedly mounted to the frame, operative to reflect the optical beam from one moving mirror to another moving mirror, a second stationary mirror mounted adjacent to the frame, operative to reflect the optical beam from one moving mirror back to the same moving mirror, and a single electromechanical actuator attached to the linkage means operative to actuate the linkage means in response to the electrical signal.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
151 words
An apparatus for deflecting an optical beam in response to an electrical signal comprising: a substantially rigid frame, a plurality of moving mirrors arranged to each successively reflect the optical beam at least once, each mirror having a first end flexibly attached to the frame to permit rotation of each mirror about substantially parallel axes, common linkage means attached to a second end of each of the moving mirrors, operative to rotate the mirrors to thereby cumulatively deflect the optical beam, a first stationary mirror fixedly mounted to the frame, operative to reflect the optical beam from one moving mirror to another moving mirror, a second stationary mirror mounted adjacent to the frame, operative to reflect the optical beam from one moving mirror back to the same moving mirror, and a single electromechanical actuator attached to the linkage means operative to actuate the linkage means in response to the electrical signal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the piezoelectric means further comprises: an electromechanical actuator fixedly mounted to the frame, the electromechanical actuator having an output arm operative to transmit forces from the electromechanical actuator to the linkage means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein each moving mirror further comprises: a doubly tapered structure having a greater mass at its midsection than at each end.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the moving mirrors are substantially parallel to each other when the magnitude of the electrical signal is substantially zero.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus of claim 13, 14, 15 or 16 wherein the plurality of moving mirrors further comprises: a first pair of moving mirrors, each mirror having its second end attached to a first common point of the linkage means, and a second pair of moving mirrors, each mirror having its second end attached to a second common point of the linkage means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 13, 14, 15 or 16 wherein the plurality of moving mirrors further comprises: a first moving mirror having its second end attached to a first point of the linkage means, and a second moving mirror having its second end attached to a second point of the linkage means.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
154 words
An apparatus for defecting an optical beam in response to an electrical signal comprising: a plurality of moving mirrors arranged to each successively reflect the optical beam as least once, each moving mirror having a first end flexibly mounted to a substantially stationary member to permit rotation of each moving mirror about substantially parallel axes, common linkage means attached to a second end of each of the moving mirrors, operative to rotate the mirrors to thereby cumulatively deflect the optical beam, a first stationary mirror fixedly mounted to the substantially stationary member, operative to reflect the optical beam from one moving mirror to another moving mirror, a second stationary mirror adjacent to the substantially stationary member operative to reflect the optical beam from one moving mirror back to the same moving mirror, and a single electromechanical actuator attached to the linkage means, operative to actuage the linkage means in response to the electrical signal.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
154 words
An apparatus for defecting an optical beam in response to an electrical signal comprising: a plurality of moving mirrors arranged to each successively reflect the optical beam as least once, each moving mirror having a first end flexibly mounted to a substantially stationary member to permit rotation of each moving mirror about substantially parallel axes, common linkage means attached to a second end of each of the moving mirrors, operative to rotate the mirrors to thereby cumulatively deflect the optical beam, a first stationary mirror fixedly mounted to the substantially stationary member, operative to reflect the optical beam from one moving mirror to another moving mirror, a second stationary mirror adjacent to the substantially stationary member operative to reflect the optical beam from one moving mirror back to the same moving mirror, and a single electromechanical actuator attached to the linkage means, operative to actuage the linkage means in response to the electrical signal.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the electromechanical means further comprises: an electromechanical actuator fixedly mounted to the substantially stationary member, the electromechanical actuator having an output arm operative to transmit forces from the electromechanical actuator to the linkage means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein each moving mirror further comprises: a doubly tapered structure having a greater mass at its midsection than at each end.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the moving mirrors are substantially parallel to each other when the magnitude of the electrical signal is substantially zero.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus of claim 19, 20, 21 or 22 wherein the plurality of moving mirrors further comprises: a first pair of moving mirrors, each mirror having its second end attached to a first common point of the linkage means, and a second pair of moving mirrors, each mirror having its second end attached to a second common point of the linkage means.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus for deflecting an optical beam in response to an electrical signal comprising: a substantially rigid frame, a plurality of moving mirrors arranged to each successively reflect the optical beam at least once, each mirror having a first end flexibly attached to the frame to permit rotation of each mirror about substantially parallel axes, common linkage means attached to a second set of each of the moving mirrors, operative to rotate the mirrors to thereby cumulatively deflect the optical beam, and a single electromechanical actuator attached to the linkage means operative to actuate the linkage means in response to the electrical signal.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus for deflecting an optical beam in response to an electrical signal comprising: a substantially rigid frame, a plurality of moving mirrors arranged to each successively reflect the optical beam at least once, each mirror having a first end flexibly attached to the frame to permit rotation of each mirror about substantially parallel axes, common linkage means attached to a second set of each of the moving mirrors, operative to rotate the mirrors to thereby cumulatively deflect the optical beam, and a single electromechanical actuator attached to the linkage means operative to actuate the linkage means in response to the electrical signal.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the electromechanical actuator means further comprises: an electromechanical actuator fixedly mounted to the frame, the electromechanical actuator having an output arm operative to transmit forces from the electromechanical actuator to the linkage means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 24 wherein each moving mirror further comprises: a doubly tapered structure having a greater mass at its midsection than at each end.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the moving mirrors are substantially parallel to each other when the magnitude of the electrical signal is substantially zero.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 24, 25, 26 or 27 wherein the plurality of moving mirrors further comprises: a first moving mirror having its second end attached to a first point of the linkage means, and a second moving mirror having its second end attached to a second point of the linkage means.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus for deflecting an optical beam in response to an electrical signal comprising: a plurality of moving mirrors arranged to each successively reflect the optical beam at least once, each moving mirror having a first end flexibly mounted to a substantially stationary member to permit rotation of each moving mirror about substantially parallel axes, common linkage means attached to a second end of each of the moving mirrors, operative to rotate the mirrors to thereby cumulatively deflect the optical beam, and a single electromechanical actuator attached to the linkage means, operative to actuage the linkage means in response to the electrical signal.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus for deflecting an optical beam in response to an electrical signal comprising: a plurality of moving mirrors arranged to each successively reflect the optical beam at least once, each moving mirror having a first end flexibly mounted to a substantially stationary member to permit rotation of each moving mirror about substantially parallel axes, common linkage means attached to a second end of each of the moving mirrors, operative to rotate the mirrors to thereby cumulatively deflect the optical beam, and a single electromechanical actuator attached to the linkage means, operative to actuage the linkage means in response to the electrical signal.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the electromechanical actuator means further comprises: an electromechanical actuator fixedly mounted to the substantially stationary member, the electromechanical actuator having an output arm operative to transmit forces from the electromechanical actuator to the linkage means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 29 wherein each moving mirror further comprises: a doubly tapered structure having a greater mass at its midsection than at each end.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the moving mirrors are substantially parallel to each other when the magnitude of the electrical signal is zero.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 29, 30, 31 or 32 wherein the plurality of moving mirrors further comprises: a first moving mirror having its second end attached to a first point of the linkage means, and a second moving mirror having its second end attached to a second point of the linkage means.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
128 words
An apparatus for deflecting an optical beam in response to an electrical signal comprising: a substantially rigid frame, a plurality of moving mirrors, each moving mirror arranged to successively reflect the optical beam at least twice, each moving mirror having a first end flexibly attached to the frame to permit rotation of each moving mirror about substantially parallel axes, common linkage means attached to a second end of each mirror operative to rotate the mirrors to thereby cumulatively deflect the optical beam, a stationary mirror fixedly mounted to the frame, operative to reflect the optical beam from one moving mirror back to the same moving mirror, and a single electromechanical actuator attached to the linkage means, operative to actuate the linkage means in response to the electrical signal.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
128 words
An apparatus for deflecting an optical beam in response to an electrical signal comprising: a substantially rigid frame, a plurality of moving mirrors, each moving mirror arranged to successively reflect the optical beam at least twice, each moving mirror having a first end flexibly attached to the frame to permit rotation of each moving mirror about substantially parallel axes, common linkage means attached to a second end of each mirror operative to rotate the mirrors to thereby cumulatively deflect the optical beam, a stationary mirror fixedly mounted to the frame, operative to reflect the optical beam from one moving mirror back to the same moving mirror, and a single electromechanical actuator attached to the linkage means, operative to actuate the linkage means in response to the electrical signal.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the electromechanical actuator means further comprises: an electromechanical actuator fixedly mounted to the frame, the electromechanical actuator output arm operative to transmit forces from the electromechanical actuator to the linkage means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein each moving mirror further comprises: a doubly tapered structure having a greater mass at its midsection than at each end.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the moving mirrors are substantially parallel to each other when the magnitude of the electrical signal is zero.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 34, 35, 36 or 37 wherein the plurality of moving mirrors further comprises: a first moving mirror having its second end attached to a first point of the linkage means, and a second moving mirror having its second end attached to a second point of the linkage means.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
128 words
An apparatus for deflecting an optical beam in response to an electrical signal comprising: a plurality of moving mirrors each moving mirror arranged to successively reflect the optical beam at least twice, each moving mirror having a first end flexibly attached to a substantially stationary member to permit rotation of each moving mirror about substantially parallel axes, common linkage means attached to a second end of each mirror, operative to rotate the mirrors to thereby cumulatively deflect the optical beam, a stationary mirror fixedly mounted to the substantially stationary member, operative to reflect the optical beam from one moving mirror back to the same moving mirror, and a single electromechanical actuator attached to the linkage means, operative to actuate the linkage means in response to the electrical signal.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
128 words
An apparatus for deflecting an optical beam in response to an electrical signal comprising: a plurality of moving mirrors each moving mirror arranged to successively reflect the optical beam at least twice, each moving mirror having a first end flexibly attached to a substantially stationary member to permit rotation of each moving mirror about substantially parallel axes, common linkage means attached to a second end of each mirror, operative to rotate the mirrors to thereby cumulatively deflect the optical beam, a stationary mirror fixedly mounted to the substantially stationary member, operative to reflect the optical beam from one moving mirror back to the same moving mirror, and a single electromechanical actuator attached to the linkage means, operative to actuate the linkage means in response to the electrical signal.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 39 wherein the electromechanical actuator means further comprises: an electromechanical actuator fixedly mounted to the substantially stationary member, the electromechanical actuator operative to transmit forces to the linkage means.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 39 wherein each moving mirror further comprises: a doubly tapered structure having a greater mass at its midsection than at each end.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 39 wherein the moving mirrors are substantially parallel to each other when the magnitude of the electrical signal is zero.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 39, 40, 41 or 42 wherein the plurality of moving mirrors further comprises: a first moving mirror having its second end attached to a first point of the linkage means, and a second moving mirror having its second end attached to a second point of the linkage means.
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) | 1986-09-05 | 1987-03-07 | 1987-09-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-09-05 | 1991-03-07 | 1991-09-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-09-05 | 1995-03-07 | 1995-09-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |