US4431918A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Etchable glass cold shield for background limited detectors
Assignee: Honeywell Inc
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Filing: 1981-03-27
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Granted: 1984-02-14
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Expires: 2001-03-27
Abstract
Abstract A shield for limiting the radiation received by individual detectors within a detector array of an electromagnetic radiation detection system to the radiation provided to the detectors by the optics of the system. The shield comprises a member of etchable glass having apertures formed therein, the position of the aperture edges being in predetermined relation to the edges of the detectors for shielding the detectors from electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Inventors
- 👤 William J. White
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 20:39
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F77/00; H10F77/30; H10F77/306; H10F77/331; H10F77/334; G; G01; G01J; G01J5/00; G01J5/02; G01J5/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
An electromagnetic radiation detection system comprising: optics for viewing a scene eminating electromagnetic radiation, the optics providing a field of view of the scene; an array of detectors mounted in the path of the field of view of the optics for producing electrical signals representative of electromagnetic radiation impinging on the detectors; a shield comprising a member of etchable glass having apertures formed therein, the position of the aperture edges being in predetermined relation to the edges of the detectors for shielding interfering electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics to improve the sensitivity of the detector array; cooling means for cooling the array of detectors and the shield; and electro-optics coupled to the electrical output of the array for forming a display of the scene viewed by the optics.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
134 words
An electromagnetic radiation detection system comprising: optics for viewing a scene eminating electromagnetic radiation, the optics providing a field of view of the scene; an array of detectors mounted in the path of the field of view of the optics for producing electrical signals representative of electromagnetic radiation impinging on the detectors; a shield comprising a member of etchable glass having apertures formed therein, the position of the aperture edges being in predetermined relation to the edges of the detectors for shielding interfering electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics to improve the sensitivity of the detector array; cooling means for cooling the array of detectors and the shield; and electro-optics coupled to the electrical output of the array for forming a display of the scene viewed by the optics.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the detectors as viewed from the optics have a particular geometrical configuration and wherein the apertures as viewed from the optics have a matching configuration.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the shield surface viewed by the optics and the walls of the apertures are coated with an absorbant material for absorbing electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the shield surface viewed by the optics and the walls of the apertures are coated with an absorbant material for absorbing electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the detectors are infrared detectors.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
76 words
In an electromagnetic radiation detection system, a shield for limiting the radiation received by individual detectors within a detector array to the radiation provided to the detectors by optics within the system, the shield comprising a member of etchable glass having apertures formed therein, the position of the aperture edges being in predetermined relation to the edges of the detectors for shielding the detectors from electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
76 words
In an electromagnetic radiation detection system, a shield for limiting the radiation received by individual detectors within a detector array to the radiation provided to the detectors by optics within the system, the shield comprising a member of etchable glass having apertures formed therein, the position of the aperture edges being in predetermined relation to the edges of the detectors for shielding the detectors from electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the detectors as viewed from the optics have a particular geometrical configuration and wherein the apertures as viewed from the optics have a matching configuration.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the shield surface viewed by the optics and the walls of the apertures are coated with an absorbent material for absorbing electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the shield surface viewed by the optics and the walls of the apertures are coated with an absorbent material for absorbing electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the detectors are infrared detectors.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
123 words
A shield for limiting the radiation received by electromagnetic energy detectors to the radiation provided to the detectors by the optics of an electromagnetic energy detection system, the shield comprising a member of etchable glass having a first surface and a second surface, the first and second surfaces being parallel, the glass having apertures formed therein, there being supporting walls of glass defining the shape of the apertures, the walls being at least substantially perpendicular to the first and second surfaces, the apertures having edges in the planes of the first and second surfaces, the position of the aperture edges being in predetermined relation to the edges of the detectors for shielding electromagnetic energy generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
123 words
A shield for limiting the radiation received by electromagnetic energy detectors to the radiation provided to the detectors by the optics of an electromagnetic energy detection system, the shield comprising a member of etchable glass having a first surface and a second surface, the first and second surfaces being parallel, the glass having apertures formed therein, there being supporting walls of glass defining the shape of the apertures, the walls being at least substantially perpendicular to the first and second surfaces, the apertures having edges in the planes of the first and second surfaces, the position of the aperture edges being in predetermined relation to the edges of the detectors for shielding electromagnetic energy generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the detectors as viewed from the optics have a particular geometrical configuration and wherein the apertures as viewed from the optics have a matching configuration.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the shield surface viewed by the optics and the walls of the apertures are coated with an absorbent material for absorbing electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the shield surface viewed by the optics and the walls of the apertures are coated with an absorbent material for absorbing electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
11 words
Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the detectors are infrared detectors.
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) | 1987-02-13 | 1987-08-15 | 1988-02-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-02-13 | 1991-08-15 | 1992-02-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-02-13 | 1995-08-15 | 1996-02-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |