US4492431A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pressure actuated deformable mirror
Assignee: RTX Corp
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Filing: 1982-05-04
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Granted: 1985-01-08
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Expires: 2002-05-04
Abstract
Abstract A deformable mirror system employs pressure-operated actuators that vary in extension in response to pressure changes within a cylindrical pressure vessel. Each pressure vessel has its pressure controlled in response to signals generated in a wavefront control system.
Inventors
- 👤 Frederick G. Eitel
- 👤 Thomas J. Hodges
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 02:00
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B26/00; G02B26/08; G02B26/0816; G02B26/0825
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
A deformable mirror system comprising: a flexible faceplate having a mirror surface with a surface contour; a plurality of actuators for determining said surface contour; and control means for controlling said plurality of actuators, characterized in that: at least one of said actuators is included within a variable pressure control means that comprises a non-piston pressure vessel containing a fluid at a variable pressure and having a variable length dependent on said variable pressure; and in which said control means generates a plurality of control signals for controlling said variable pressure in said plurality of actuators by detecting an optical beam having an intensity distribution dependent on said surface contour and generating control signals to said variable pressure control means dependent on said intensity distribution, thereby determining said surface contour.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
A deformable mirror system comprising: a flexible faceplate having a mirror surface with a surface contour; a plurality of actuators for determining said surface contour; and control means for controlling said plurality of actuators, characterized in that: at least one of said actuators is included within a variable pressure control means that comprises a non-piston pressure vessel containing a fluid at a variable pressure and having a variable length dependent on said variable pressure; and in which said control means generates a plurality of control signals for controlling said variable pressure in said plurality of actuators by detecting an optical beam having an intensity distribution dependent on said surface contour and generating control signals to said variable pressure control means dependent on said intensity distribution, thereby determining said surface contour.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A deformable mirror system according to claim 1, in which said pressure vessel has an elongated cylindrical shape.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A deformable mirror system according to claim 2, in which said fluid is a gas.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
A deformable mirror according to claim 2, in which said fluid within said pressure vessel is a liquid and in which said variable pressure control means apply pressure to a quantity of fluid contained within pressure transfer means connecting said variable pressure control means and said pressure vessel.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
GB1060662A
Cited
FR1473092A
Cited
FR1475736A
Cited
US3967899A
Cited
US4003640A
Cited
US4091274A
Cited
US4344707A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-01-08 | 1988-07-09 | 1989-01-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-01-08 | 1992-07-09 | 1993-01-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-01-08 | 1996-07-09 | 1997-01-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |