Patent US4784448A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4784448A
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US
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Retromodulator
Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
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Filing: 1987-01-16
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Granted: 1988-11-15
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Expires: 2007-01-16
Abstract
Abstract A retromodulator in the form of a triple mirror with electromechanical transducer elements for planar deformation by which incident light radiation is retroflected in modulated form. At least one face of the retromodulator is formed as an oscillatory diaphragm which is excited to natural oscillations by the transducer elements. In a preferred form of realization, the oscillatory diaphragm comprises a piezoelectric foil, on whose inner side a reflecting layer is applied and on whose outer side electrodes are applied to which the modulation signal is applied.
Inventors
- 👤 Gunter Sepp
- 👤 Gunthard Born
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 12:00
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B5/00; G02B5/12; G02B5/122; G02B26/00; G02B26/02; G02B26/06; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/42
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
65 words
A retromodulator in the form of a triple mirror comprising three mirror surfaces, each disposed in a plane, at least one surface having electromechanical transducer elements for planar deformation, by which incident light radiation is retroreflectable in modulated form, wherein at least one plane is formed as an oscillatory diaphragm, a plurality of transducer elements affixed to the diaphragm exciting the diaphragm to natural oscillations.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
65 words
A retromodulator in the form of a triple mirror comprising three mirror surfaces, each disposed in a plane, at least one surface having electromechanical transducer elements for planar deformation, by which incident light radiation is retroreflectable in modulated form, wherein at least one plane is formed as an oscillatory diaphragm, a plurality of transducer elements affixed to the diaphragm exciting the diaphragm to natural oscillations.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The retromodulator recited in claim 1, wherein the oscillatory diaphragm is a piezoelectric foil.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The retromodulator recited in claim 2, wherein the oscillatory foil comprises a fluoro polymer and more particularly a polyvinylidene fluoride.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The retromodulator recited in claim 2, wherein on the back of the piezoelectric foil electrodes are applied, the number, size and form of which are matched to the natural oscillations of the diaphragm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The retromodulator recited in claim 1 wherein a reflecting layer is applied on the inner side of the oscillatory diaphragm.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1991-11-15 | 1992-05-16 | 1992-11-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-11-15 | 1996-05-16 | 1996-11-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-11-15 | 2000-05-16 | 2000-11-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |