US4422046A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Axisymmetric spatial/temporal encoder
Assignee: Applied Biosystems Inc
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Filing: 1980-06-23
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Granted: 1983-12-20
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Expires: 2000-06-23
Abstract
Abstract An encoder for providing a conical array of temporally phased pulse beams. A pulse is inserted and continuously recirculated around an optical ring. The pulse is amplified during each circulation and a portion of the pulse is emitted at the end of each circulation. The encoder includes means for spatially separating each emitted pulse to provide a conical array of beams at a constant field angle relative to the optical axis of propagation.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter B. Mumola
- 👤 Paul R. Yoder, Jr.
- 👤 Raul E. Casas
- 👤 William M. Grossman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 13:25
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21B; G21B1/00; G21B1/11; G21B1/23; H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/005; H01S3/0057; H01S3/05; H01S3/08; H01S3/081; H01S3/083; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
55 words
An optical ring for continuously circulating a beam around its periphery, comprising in combination; first means for receiving a collimated beam into said ring at a predetermined angle relative to the optical axis of the ring; second means comprising an out-of-plane mirror assembly for causing said beam to turn in azimuth about the optical axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
55 words
An optical ring for continuously circulating a beam around its periphery, comprising in combination; first means for receiving a collimated beam into said ring at a predetermined angle relative to the optical axis of the ring; second means comprising an out-of-plane mirror assembly for causing said beam to turn in azimuth about the optical axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
An optical ring according to claim 1 wherein said first means comprises, a beamsplitter for transmitting out of the ring a portion of beam energy at the end of each circulation and reflecting a portion of beam energy for recirculation within the ring.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
An optical ring according to claim 2 further comprising, first mirror means reflecting said beam to said second means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
An optical ring according to claim 2 further comprising, second mirror means for receiving said beam from said second means and directing it back to said beamsplitter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
An optical ring according to claim 4 wherein said first mirror means is a folding mirror.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
An optical ring according to claim 5 wherein said second mirror means is a roof mirror.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
An optical ring according to claim 6 wherein said beamsplitter, said folding mirror and said roof mirror define a plane.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
62 words
An optical ring according to claim 7 wherein said out-of-plane mirror assembly comprises, a first mirror disposed out of the plane defined by said beamsplitter, said folding mirror and said roof mirror for receiving said beam from said folding mirror, a second mirror disposed for receiving said beam from said first mirror and directing it within said plane to said roof mirror.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
69 words
An optical ring according to claim 8 further comprising, a first lens disposed between said beamsplitter and said folding mirror focusing said beam at a point between said first mirror of said out-of-plane mirror assembly and said folding mirror, a second lens disposed between said second mirror of said out-of-plane mirror assembly and said roof mirror for collimating said beam, said first and second lens being optically substantially identical.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
An optical ring according to claim 9 wherein the distance around the ring is equal to four times the focal length of said first or second lens.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
47 words
A optical ring according to claim 10 wherein said first means includes, an aperture disposed a distance from said first lens equal to the focal length of said first or second lens and such that the center of said beam passes through the center of said aperture.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
48 words
An optical ring according to claim 11 further including, a spatial filter disposed at the focal plane of said first lens having a series of apertures disposed at a constant radial distance from the optical axis to coincide with the plurality of images formed by the optical ring.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
An optical ring according to claim 12 further including, an amplifier disposed between said roof mirror and said beamsplitter for restoring the energy of said beam lost at said beamsplitter.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
An optical ring according to claim 13 wherein said beam is a pulse having a time duration substantially equal to the time for it to make one circulation around the optical ring.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
An optical ring according to claim 14 wherein said beam is a laser pulse and said amplifier is a laser amplifier.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
An optical ring according to claim 15 further including, a saturable absorber disposed in the vicinity of said spatial filter for selectively attenuating unwanted stray light.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
47 words
An optical ring according to claims 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17 or 16 further including, delay means disposed to receive each of said recirculated beams and form a composite beam thereof, said delay means including means for directing said composite pulse at a single point.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
33 words
An apparatus for spatially and temporally encoding a radiation pulse comprising in combination first means generating a plurality of time phased pulses, second means separating said pulses into a conical array of pulses.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
33 words
An apparatus for spatially and temporally encoding a radiation pulse comprising in combination first means generating a plurality of time phased pulses, second means separating said pulses into a conical array of pulses.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus according to claim 18 further including, a plurality of mirrors equal in number to said pulses, each of said mirrors disposed to reflect one of said pulses to a single point such that said pulses arrive at said single point simultaneously as a single composite pulse.
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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) | 1986-12-19 | 1987-06-20 | 1987-12-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-12-19 | 1991-06-20 | 1991-12-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-12-19 | 1995-06-20 | 1995-12-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |