US4459024A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for light detection and ranging for use in visually obstructed areas
Assignee: ConocoPhillips Co
•
Filing: 1981-12-09
•
Granted: 1984-07-10
•
Expires: 2001-12-09
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for transmitting light and detecting resultant scattering in order to derive information relating to a light-scattering object. A fiberoptic cable has one end adjacent a light generator and the other end aimed at a light-scattering object. A receiver gathers light scattered by the object at which the light output of the cable is aimed. An information processor is connected to the receiver and is operative to generate values relating to properties of the light-scattering object.
Inventors
- 👤 John S. Gergely
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 04:53
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/17; G01N21/47; G01N21/49; G01N21/53; G01N2201/00; G01N2201/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
In light detection and ranging apparatus for monitoring pollution levels which includes a light source for scattering light from airborne pollution particles in order to derive information relating to the particles. a plurality of fiberoptic cables, each having one end adjacent the light source and the light output of the other end aimed at such particles; a light receiver for each cable, said receiver being constructed to detect light scattered by the particles at which its associated cable light output is aimed and to generate a signal indicative of a characteristic of the scattered light; and an information processor connected to each receiver, said processor adapted to evaluate said receiver signals in order to derive information relating to the airborne particles.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
In light detection and ranging apparatus for monitoring pollution levels which includes a light source for scattering light from airborne pollution particles in order to derive information relating to the particles. a plurality of fiberoptic cables, each having one end adjacent the light source and the light output of the other end aimed at such particles; a light receiver for each cable, said receiver being constructed to detect light scattered by the particles at which its associated cable light output is aimed and to generate a signal indicative of a characteristic of the scattered light; and an information processor connected to each receiver, said processor adapted to evaluate said receiver signals in order to derive information relating to the airborne particles.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus further includes a beam-director interposed between said light source and said adjacent cable ends, said beam-director being constructed to selectively couple the output of said light source to each of said cable ends.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said apparatus further includes control means connected to said beam-director, said control means being adapted to rapidly sequentially couple said light source output to each cable end, thereby enabling said processor to develop a three-dimensional time-varying map of the volume at which the cable light output is aimed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
93 words
In a method of light detection and ranging to monitor airborne particles using the step of scattering the light of a single source from such particles, the step of: directing said light into the ends of a plurality of fiberoptic cables; aiming the light output of the other end of said cables at such particles; aiming one receiver for each cable at such particles so that each receiver detects scattered light originating from its associated cable; and using said detected light to generate a signal which includes information relating to the airborne particles.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
93 words
In a method of light detection and ranging to monitor airborne particles using the step of scattering the light of a single source from such particles, the step of: directing said light into the ends of a plurality of fiberoptic cables; aiming the light output of the other end of said cables at such particles; aiming one receiver for each cable at such particles so that each receiver detects scattered light originating from its associated cable; and using said detected light to generate a signal which includes information relating to the airborne particles.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
In the method of claim 4 including the steps of: rapidly, sequentially coupling said directed light into the ends of the plurality of fiberoptic cables; and processing said detected light to develop a three-dimensional time-varying map of the volume of said airborne particles.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2481034A
Cited
US3068739A
Cited
US3317730A
Cited
US3458651A
Cited
US3384885A
Cited
US3499159A
Cited
US3541340A
Cited
US3899688A
Cited
US3998552A
Cited
US4058736A
Cited
US3994601A
Cited
US4152025A
Cited
US4146799A
Cited
US4112310A
Cited
US4125779A
Cited
US4304492A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-07-10 | 1988-01-09 | 1988-07-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-07-10 | 1992-01-09 | 1992-07-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-07-10 | 1996-01-09 | 1996-07-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |