Patent US4501966A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4501966A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Infrared microscope inspection apparatus
Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Filing: 1981-03-13
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Granted: 1985-02-26
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Expires: 2001-03-13
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and system for inspecting infrared transparents, such as an array of photovoltaic modules containing silicon solar cells, includes an infrared microscope, at least three sources of infrared light placed around and having their axes intersect the center of the object field and means for sending the reflected light through the microscope. The apparatus is adapted to be mounted on an X-Y translator positioned adjacent the object surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Steven E. Forman
- 👤 James W. Caunt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 20:51
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/84; G01N21/88; G01N21/95; G01N21/956; G01N21/17; G01N21/25; G01N21/31; G01N21/35; G01N21/3563; G01N2021/3568
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
Apparatus for illuminating an infrared transparent surface with infrared light and measuring light reflected through said surface which comprises: a. means for irradiating said surface with infrared radiation from at least three sources, each of said sources being positioned at an angle between about 15° and 60° from the orthogonal direction to said surface, b. a lens positioned above said surface having its axis orthogonal to said surface and adapted to receive infrared radiation reflected from said surface, c. means for converting infrared radiation transmitted through said lens to visible light, and d. means for sensing said visible light.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
Apparatus for illuminating an infrared transparent surface with infrared light and measuring light reflected through said surface which comprises: a. means for irradiating said surface with infrared radiation from at least three sources, each of said sources being positioned at an angle between about 15° and 60° from the orthogonal direction to said surface, b. a lens positioned above said surface having its axis orthogonal to said surface and adapted to receive infrared radiation reflected from said surface, c. means for converting infrared radiation transmitted through said lens to visible light, and d. means for sensing said visible light.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said angle is between about 30° and 40°.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensing means comprises a television camera.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
A system for irradiating an infrared transparent surface with infrared radiation and transmitting an image of said surface, comprising the apparatus of claim 1 mounted on means for moving said apparatus in both the X and Y directions over an extended surface area formed from said infrared transparent surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
A system for irradiating an infrared transparent surface with infrared radiation and transmitting an image of said surface, comprising the apparatus of claim 2 mounted on means for moving said apparatus in both the X and Y directions over an extended surface area formed from said infrared transparent surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
A system for irradiating an infrared transparent surface with infrared radiation and transmitting an image of said surface comprising the apparatus of claim 3 mounted on means for moving said apparatus in both the X and Y directions over an extended surface area formed from said infrared transparent surface.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4337395A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-02-26 | 1988-08-27 | 1989-02-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-02-26 | 1992-08-27 | 1993-02-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-02-26 | 1996-08-27 | 1997-02-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |