Multispectral linear array multiband selection device

Claim 2

Apparatus for selecting multiple spectral bands of an optical beam comprising: means for providing a selected number of one or more composite beams of an optical beam, each of which composite beams being composed of a plurality of diverse spectral bands; a fixed elongate detector array individually positioned in the path of an impinging one of each of said composite beams; a tray proximately overlaying each fixed detector array and carrying a plurality of elongate filters with diverse bandpass characteristics which are unique to each tray, each tray being moveable across the composite beam impinging upon its associated fixed detector array; a pair of flexible members individual to each tray; a stationary base connected to each pair of flexible members such that a flexible, parallelogram-type four bar linkage is formed; and moving means individual to each tray for positioning a selected one of the plurality of elongate filters carried by the tray into the path of the composite beam impinging upon its associated fixed detector array, said selected one of said filters being axially aligned with said associated detector array.

Claim 3

Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said moving means comprises: a resilient member in contact with the stationary base for urging the tray in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tray; and a moveable member for imparting lateral movement to the tray against the urging of the resilient member, which lateral movement is maintained perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tray by the flexuring of the pair of flexible members.

Claim 4

Apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein each fixed detector array comprises a linear detector array, and wherein said providing means comprises a beamsplitter for dividing said optical beam into two or more composite beams.

Claim 5

Apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein each filter tray comprises a frame having a central opening and a glass substrate mounted thereover, said filters supported on said glass substrate.

Claim 6

Apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said movable member comprises a linear actuator.

Claim 7

Apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein at least three filters are supported on each glass substrate, each filter having dimensions slightly wider and longer than the linear detector which they overlie.

Claim 8

A multiband selection device for detecting selected bands of a source beam, comprising: a beamsplitter for dividing said source beam into at least two optical beams; respective fixed linear detector arrays positioned in the paths of said optical beams; respective elongated filter trays comprising a glass substrate mounted over a frame positioned in the path of said optical beams and overlying respective ones of said detector arrays, said filter trays movable through respective optical beams; a plurality of filters having unique bandpass characteristics supported by said glass substrates; respective linear actuators for moving respective filter trays across and parallel to the longitudinal axes of said detector arrays; interface means coupling said filter trays to respective linear actuators; whereby by moving said filter trays such that different filters individually overlie said detector arrays, multiple spectral bands of said source beam may be examined individually and concurrently.

Claim 9

A multiband selection device for detecting selected bands of a source beam, comprising: a beamsplitter for dividing said source beam into at least two optical beams; respective fixed linear detector arrays positioned in the paths of said optical beams; respective elongated filter trays comprising a glass substrate mounted over a frame positioned in the path of said optical beams and overlying respective ones of said detector arrays, said filter trays movable through respective optical beams; a plurality of filters having unique bandpass characteristics supported by said glass substrates; respective linear actuators for moving respective filter trays across and parallel to the longitudinal axes of said detector arrays; interface means coupling said filter trays to respective linear actuators; whereby by moving said filter trays such that different filters individually overlie said detector arrays, multiple spectral bands of said source beam may be examined individually and concurrently.

Claim 10

A multiband selection device as recited in claim 7, whrein each of said interface means comprises: a fixedly secured T-shaped base mount, the leg portion thereof in the longitudinal axis of respective detector array; a rectangularly shaped movable filter tray support member having a center opening therethrough, said support member coupled to respective frames for supporting respective filter trays above respective linear detector array; a pair of oppositely faced rectangularly shaped flexible plates clamped between the top portion of said T-shaped base mount and said filter tray support member; the leg portion of said T-shaped base mount terminating in the center opening of said support member and having an aperture in one end thereof perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said detector array, said aperture extending from one side and partially therethrough; the support member having an aperture through one leg thereof, the aperture having a diameter conforming to that of the aperture of said leg portion and aligned therewith; a coil spring retained in said leg portion aperture such that it extends through said leg portion aperture and through said support member aperture and contacts one of said flexible plates to urge said flexible plate, filter support member and other flexible plate in the direction of said one of said flexible plates; said first and second linear actuator having a tip positioned adjacent respective filter tray support members on the side having said aperture so as to enable said actuator to exert a force on respective tray support members against the action of said spring so as to translate the member and its respective filter tray coupled thereto across respective linear detector arrays.