US4638508A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Portable FLIR beacon
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
•
Filing: 1978-04-10
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Granted: 1987-01-20
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Expires: 1998-04-10
Abstract
Abstract An optical signal having construction and components and employing relatiy long wavelength radiation. An aspheric lens and waveguide laser provide long range capability with low power requirements making battery operation practical.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert T. Hintz
- 👤 Roy L. Nichols
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 03:19
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S1/00; G01S1/70; G01S1/703; G01S1/7032; G01S1/7034; G01S2201/00; G01S2201/01
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A radiant energy signal system comprising: a portable housing configured for manual manipulation to a predetermined spatial orientation with respect to an operator thereof for aiming said signal system; a source of electrical energy mounted within said portable housing; an electro-optical transducer means mounted within said portable housing and effectively connected to said source of electrical energy for producing a radiant energy signal having a wavelength within the eight-to-twelve micron range; and an optical element effectively mounted within said housing and in optical alignment with said electro-optical transducer means and configured to have two cylindrical concave surfaces of different radii with axes at right angles and on the same surface thereof to direct said radiant energy into a fan shaped beam which with said predetermined spatial orientation causes said radiant energy signal to impinge a desired receptor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
A radiant energy signal system comprising: a portable housing configured for manual manipulation to a predetermined spatial orientation with respect to an operator thereof for aiming said signal system; a source of electrical energy mounted within said portable housing; an electro-optical transducer means mounted within said portable housing and effectively connected to said source of electrical energy for producing a radiant energy signal having a wavelength within the eight-to-twelve micron range; and an optical element effectively mounted within said housing and in optical alignment with said electro-optical transducer means and configured to have two cylindrical concave surfaces of different radii with axes at right angles and on the same surface thereof to direct said radiant energy into a fan shaped beam which with said predetermined spatial orientation causes said radiant energy signal to impinge a desired receptor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A signal system according to claim 1 wherein said portable housing is anatomically shaped to facilitate shoulder support while being manipulated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A signal system according to claim 1 further including sight means attached to said housing for facilitating directing said signal to remote points.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A signal system according to claim 3 wherein said sight means includes an optical sight attached to said housing and positioned to facilitate aiming by a person holding said housing in a shoulder supported position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A signal system according to claim 1 in which said source of electrical energy includes switch means for effecting said connection to said electro-optical transducer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
A signal system according to claim 4 further including a manually operated switch positioned to be finger operated by a user holding the aforesaid portable housing in a shoulder supported position and electrically connected to said source of electrical power to complete the effective connection to said electro-optical transducer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A signal system according to claim 1 wherein said electro-optical transducer is a carbon dioxide waveguide laser.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
A signal system according to claim 6 wherein the aforesaid electro-optical laser is a carbon dioxide laser.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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Cited
US4091412A
Cited
US3731892A
Cited
US3778007A
Cited
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Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-01-19 | 1990-07-21 | 1991-01-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-01-19 | 1994-07-21 | 1995-01-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-01-19 | 1998-07-21 | 1999-01-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |