US4595287A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Doppler effect laser velocity measuring system
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1984-01-18
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Granted: 1986-06-17
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Expires: 2004-01-18
Abstract
Abstract The frequency shift of reflected laser beam from a target is transformed o an angular measurement which is proportional to the velocity of the target relative to the measurement platform. The system uses the refraction angle of the reflected beam from a movable optical grating to produce the angular measurement.
Inventors
- 👤 George R. Edlin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:03
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01P; G01P3/00; G01P3/36; G01S; G01S17/00; G01S17/02; G01S17/50; G01S17/58
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
A measuring system comprising a laser generating means for directing first electromagnetic energy at a first frequency towards a moving target in space; said target moving relative to the measuring system; reflected second electromagnetic energy from said target; an optical grating; a first device for collecting said second reflected electromagnetic energy and directing it towards said optical grating; an electromagnetic detector located spatially from said grating so as to receive electromagnetic energy refracted from said grating; positioning means attached to said grating so as to move said grating to an angle such that maximum electromagnetic energy is directed to said detector; and indicator means connected to said positioning means for measuring the position of said grating; and measurement means responsive to the position of said grating for producing an output proportional to the change in frequency of the reflected energy caused by doppler shift from said target.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
147 words
A measuring system comprising a laser generating means for directing first electromagnetic energy at a first frequency towards a moving target in space; said target moving relative to the measuring system; reflected second electromagnetic energy from said target; an optical grating; a first device for collecting said second reflected electromagnetic energy and directing it towards said optical grating; an electromagnetic detector located spatially from said grating so as to receive electromagnetic energy refracted from said grating; positioning means attached to said grating so as to move said grating to an angle such that maximum electromagnetic energy is directed to said detector; and indicator means connected to said positioning means for measuring the position of said grating; and measurement means responsive to the position of said grating for producing an output proportional to the change in frequency of the reflected energy caused by doppler shift from said target.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a plate having a small orifice therein positioned between said grating and said detector so that only electromagnetic energy passing through said orifice will reach said detector.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
A system as set forth in claim 2 further comprising a servo system connected between an output of said detector and said positioning means for driving said grating to a position whereby said detector will have a maximum output.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system as set forth in claim 3 wherein said first device is an electromagnetic collimator for collecting reflected electromagnetic energy and directing the energy toward said grating at a constant angle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
222 words
A measuring system comprising an optical grating; a first device for collecting incoming electromagnetic energy and directing it towards said optical grating; an electromagnetic detector located spatially from said grating so as to receive electromagnetic energy refracted from said grating; positioning means attached to said grating so as to move said grating to an angle such that maximum electromagnetic energy is directed to said detector; indicator means connected to said positioning means for measuring the position of said grating; a plate having a small orifice therein positioned between said grating and said detector so that only electromagnetic energy passing through said orifice will reach said detector; a servo system connected between an output of said detector and said positioning means for driving said grating to a position whereby said detector will have a maximum output; said first device being an electromagnetic collimator for collecting incoming electromagnetic energy and directing the energy toward said grating at a constant angle; a laser generating means for directing electromagnetic energy at a first frequency towards a moving target in space; said target moving relative to the measuring system; reflected electromagnetic energy from said target being collected by said collimator; and measurement means responsive to the position of said grating for producing an output proportional to the change in frequency caused by doppler shift from said target.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
222 words
A measuring system comprising an optical grating; a first device for collecting incoming electromagnetic energy and directing it towards said optical grating; an electromagnetic detector located spatially from said grating so as to receive electromagnetic energy refracted from said grating; positioning means attached to said grating so as to move said grating to an angle such that maximum electromagnetic energy is directed to said detector; indicator means connected to said positioning means for measuring the position of said grating; a plate having a small orifice therein positioned between said grating and said detector so that only electromagnetic energy passing through said orifice will reach said detector; a servo system connected between an output of said detector and said positioning means for driving said grating to a position whereby said detector will have a maximum output; said first device being an electromagnetic collimator for collecting incoming electromagnetic energy and directing the energy toward said grating at a constant angle; a laser generating means for directing electromagnetic energy at a first frequency towards a moving target in space; said target moving relative to the measuring system; reflected electromagnetic energy from said target being collected by said collimator; and measurement means responsive to the position of said grating for producing an output proportional to the change in frequency caused by doppler shift from said target.
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) | 1989-06-16 | 1989-12-16 | 1990-06-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-06-16 | 1993-12-16 | 1994-06-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-06-16 | 1997-12-16 | 1998-06-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |