US4806760A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Radiation detectors having mechanical resonation
Assignee: The General Electric Company PLC
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Filing: 1987-03-03
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Granted: 1989-02-21
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Expires: 2007-03-03
Abstract
Abstract Infra-red from a field of view is periodically interrupted before being incident on a mechanically resonant detector. Resonation of this caused by the photo-acoustic effect is detected by an optical beam.
Inventors
- 👤 Stuart M. McGlade
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 06:14
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J5/00; G01J5/38; H; H04; H04N; H04N23/00; H04N23/20; H04N23/23
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
Apparatus for inspecting a field of view comprising: focussing means for producing an image of the field of view or part of it; a radiation detector having a particular resonant frequency; means for causing the detector to be exposed periodically to the image of a frequency, the frequency of the periodic exposure being such that the exposure causes mechanical resonation of the detector; and means for producing a signal in response to resonation of the detector, said signal being indicative of the brightness of a source or reflector in the field of view.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
Apparatus for inspecting a field of view comprising: focussing means for producing an image of the field of view or part of it; a radiation detector having a particular resonant frequency; means for causing the detector to be exposed periodically to the image of a frequency, the frequency of the periodic exposure being such that the exposure causes mechanical resonation of the detector; and means for producing a signal in response to resonation of the detector, said signal being indicative of the brightness of a source or reflector in the field of view.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 including means for periodically interrupting radiation passing from features in the field of view to the detector.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 including a source of pulses of radiation arranged to illuminate the field of view.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 including a plurality of radiation detectors arranged such that each receives radiation from a respective small area of the field of view.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein each of said plurality of radiation detectors includes a balanced oscillator.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein each of said plurality of radiation detectors is defined by a single body of material shaped to form a vibrating beam arranged to receive the radiation, and a support for the beam.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
69 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for producing the signal comprises means for directing light onto said radiation detector, means for receiving the light after reflection therefrom, and means for responding to variations in a characteristic of the reflected light caused by resonation of said radiation detector and to produce the said signal indicative of the brightness of a source or reflector in the field of view.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said means for responding to the variations includes an optical interferometer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said radiation detector includes a balanced oscillator.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said radiation detector is defined by a single body of material shaped to form a vibrating beam arranged to receive the radiation, and a support for the beam.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said single body of material is quartz.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said radiation detector is an infra-red detector.
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) | 1992-02-21 | 1992-08-22 | 1993-02-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-02-21 | 1996-08-22 | 1997-02-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-02-21 | 2000-08-22 | 2001-02-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |