Patent US5091646A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5091646A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Integrated thermal imaging system
Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corp
•
Filing: 1990-05-29
•
Granted: 1992-02-25
•
Expires: 2010-05-29
Abstract
Abstract A totally integrated thermal imaging system has a dewar housing including imaging optics, a scanning mirror and a curved detector array. The imaging optics constitute a meniscus lens and a spherical focusing mirror. The scanning mirror scans the image, and the spherical mirror focuses the scanned image onto the detector array. The meniscus lens advantageously corrects aberrations. A detector support provides access for cryogenic cooling of the detector, and individual cold shielding of the detector elements is made possible by the telecentricity of the optics. Processing electronics, at least a portion of which may also be disposed on the detector support, process the detector signals to display an image. The integrated structure advantageously eliminates any need for separate scanner, imager, detector dewar and electronics modules.
Inventors
- 👤 William H. Taylor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:20
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J5/00; G01J5/48; G01J5/02; G01J5/06; G01J5/061; G01J5/08; G01J5/0806; H; H04; H04N; H04N23/00; H04N23/20; H04N23/23; H04N3/00; H04N3/02; H04N3/08; H04N3/09; G01J2005/065; G01J5/10; G01J5/28; G01J2005/283
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 108
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
A thermal imager system comprising: (i) a system housing having an evacuated enclosure and a corrector lens window having concentric surfaces for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged; (ii) detector means disposed inside said enclosure for detecting incident radiation and producing a detector signal; (iii) focusing optical element means disposed inside said enclosure for focusing radiation corresponding to at least a portion of a scene onto said detector means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
72 words
A thermal imager system comprising: (i) a system housing having an evacuated enclosure and a corrector lens window having concentric surfaces for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged; (ii) detector means disposed inside said enclosure for detecting incident radiation and producing a detector signal; (iii) focusing optical element means disposed inside said enclosure for focusing radiation corresponding to at least a portion of a scene onto said detector means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 1 further comprising means for cooling said detector means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 1 wherein said corrector lens means is made from germanium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 1 wherein said focusing optical element means further comprise a concave mirror.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 4 wherein said concave mirror is a spherical mirror.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 1 further comprising scanning means disposed inside said housing for receiving radiation from said window and scanning said radiation; and drive means for scanning said scanning means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
57 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 6 wherein said focusing optical element means further comprises a concave mirror and said scanning means further comprise a scanning mirror, said scanning mirror being disposed at the center of said concave mirror and directing scanned radiation toward said concave mirror, said concave mirror forming an image at a curved surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 7 wherein said concave mirror is a spherical mirror.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 1 wherein said detector means further comprises an array of detector elements.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 9 wherein said array further comprises a two dimensional array.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 10 further comprising a detector support extending into said housing.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 11 wherein at least a portion of the system processing electronics is disposed on said detector support.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 9 wherein said detector elements are made of mercury cadmium telluride.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 11 wherein said detector support is insulated from said housing.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 14 wherein said detector support further comprises a conduit for cryogenic coolant.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 14 further comprising cold shield means extending from said detector support to surround said detector elements.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 16 wherein said cold shield means individually surrounds each detector element.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 12 wherein said processing electronics on said detector support further comprise a charge coupled device for combining and multiplexing the output signals of said detector elements.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 10 wherein said detector array further comprises two staggered rows of detectors.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 14 wherein said detector support is in contact with a cold finger.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 15 wherein said detector support is a hollow beam.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
38 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 21 wherein said cryogen conduit further comprises a cryogen orifice, said cryogenic cooling being effected by permitting cryogen gas under pressure to expand through said orifice and flow through said hollow beam.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
163 words
A thermal imager system comprising: (i) a system housing having an evacuated enclosure and a window for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged; (ii) detector means disposed inside said enclosure for detecting incident radiation and producing a detector signal; (iii) focusing optical element means comprising a concave mirror disposed inside said enclosure for focusing radiation corresponding to at least a portion of a scene onto said detector; (iv) scanning mirror means disposed inside said housing at the center of said concave mirror for receiving radiation from said window and scanning said radiation, said scanning mirror means directing scanned radiation toward said concave mirror, said concave mirror forming an image at a curved surface; (v) corrector lens means disposed in the optical path between said window and said focusing optical element means, said corrector lens means having concentric surfaces, said scanning mirror means being aligned with the center of said concentric surfaces; and (vi) drive means for scanning said scanning means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
163 words
A thermal imager system comprising: (i) a system housing having an evacuated enclosure and a window for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged; (ii) detector means disposed inside said enclosure for detecting incident radiation and producing a detector signal; (iii) focusing optical element means comprising a concave mirror disposed inside said enclosure for focusing radiation corresponding to at least a portion of a scene onto said detector; (iv) scanning mirror means disposed inside said housing at the center of said concave mirror for receiving radiation from said window and scanning said radiation, said scanning mirror means directing scanned radiation toward said concave mirror, said concave mirror forming an image at a curved surface; (v) corrector lens means disposed in the optical path between said window and said focusing optical element means, said corrector lens means having concentric surfaces, said scanning mirror means being aligned with the center of said concentric surfaces; and (vi) drive means for scanning said scanning means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
26 words
The thermal imager system of claim 23 wherein said corrector lens means are in the optical path between said window and said focusing optical element means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
147 words
A thermal imager system comprising: (i) a system housing having an evacuated enclosure and a window for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged; (ii) detector means disposed inside said enclosure for detecting incident radiation and producing a detector signal; (iii) detector support means within said housing to support said detector means, said detector support means comprising a curved arch support; (iv) focusing optical element means comprising a concave mirror disposed inside said enclosure for focusing radiation corresponding to at least a portion of a scene onto said detector means; (v) scanning mirror means disposed inside said housing at the center of said concave mirror for receiving radiation from said window and scanning said radiation, said scanning mirror means directing scanned radiation toward said concave mirror and said concave mirror forming an image at a curved surface; (vi) drive means for scanning said scanning means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
147 words
A thermal imager system comprising: (i) a system housing having an evacuated enclosure and a window for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged; (ii) detector means disposed inside said enclosure for detecting incident radiation and producing a detector signal; (iii) detector support means within said housing to support said detector means, said detector support means comprising a curved arch support; (iv) focusing optical element means comprising a concave mirror disposed inside said enclosure for focusing radiation corresponding to at least a portion of a scene onto said detector means; (v) scanning mirror means disposed inside said housing at the center of said concave mirror for receiving radiation from said window and scanning said radiation, said scanning mirror means directing scanned radiation toward said concave mirror and said concave mirror forming an image at a curved surface; (vi) drive means for scanning said scanning means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
43 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 25 wherein said curved arch support has a curved detector support surface configured and dimensioned to support said detector means such that said detector means is disposed on at least a portion of said curved image surface.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
18 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 26 wherein said detector means further comprises an array of detector elements.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
17 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 27 wherein said detector array further comprises a curved detector array.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
170 words
A thermal imager system comprising: (i) a system housing having an evacuated enclosure and a window for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged; (ii) detector means disposed inside said enclosure for detecting incident radiation and producing a detector signal; (iii) focusing optical element means comprising a concave mirror disposed inside said enclosure for focusing radiation corresponding to at least a portion of a scene onto said detector means; (v) scanning mirror means disposed inside said housing at the center of said concave mirror means for receiving radiation from said window and scanning said radiation, said scanning mirror means directing scanned radiation toward said concave mirror and said concave mirror forming an image at a curved surface; (vi) detector support means within said housing to support said detector means, said detector support means providing a substantially curved detector surface defined by a polygon surface, said detector means further comprising a plurality of detector segments disposed on said polygon surface; and (vi) drive means for scanning said scanning means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
170 words
A thermal imager system comprising: (i) a system housing having an evacuated enclosure and a window for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged; (ii) detector means disposed inside said enclosure for detecting incident radiation and producing a detector signal; (iii) focusing optical element means comprising a concave mirror disposed inside said enclosure for focusing radiation corresponding to at least a portion of a scene onto said detector means; (v) scanning mirror means disposed inside said housing at the center of said concave mirror means for receiving radiation from said window and scanning said radiation, said scanning mirror means directing scanned radiation toward said concave mirror and said concave mirror forming an image at a curved surface; (vi) detector support means within said housing to support said detector means, said detector support means providing a substantially curved detector surface defined by a polygon surface, said detector means further comprising a plurality of detector segments disposed on said polygon surface; and (vi) drive means for scanning said scanning means.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
107 words
A thermal imaging system comprising: (i) a system housing having an evacuated enclosure and a window for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged, said window being a corrector lens; (ii) scanning means disposed inside said enclosure for scanning radiation received from said corrector lens; (iii) focusing means disposed inside said enclosure for focusing radiation scanned by said scanning means at an image surface, said focusing means comprising a spherical mirror for forming said image at a curved image surface; (iv) detector means for detecting at least a portion of said radiation focused by said focusing means; and (v) means for cooling said detector means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
107 words
A thermal imaging system comprising: (i) a system housing having an evacuated enclosure and a window for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged, said window being a corrector lens; (ii) scanning means disposed inside said enclosure for scanning radiation received from said corrector lens; (iii) focusing means disposed inside said enclosure for focusing radiation scanned by said scanning means at an image surface, said focusing means comprising a spherical mirror for forming said image at a curved image surface; (iv) detector means for detecting at least a portion of said radiation focused by said focusing means; and (v) means for cooling said detector means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
28 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 30 further comprising processing electronics for producing an image from detector signals produced by said detector means in response to said radiation.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
19 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 30 further comprising a telescope for directing an image toward said corrector lens.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
34 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 30 wherein said corrector lens has concentric surfaces, said scanning means further comprising a scanning mirror aligned with the center of said concentric surfaces and said spherical mirror.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
18 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 30 wherein said detector means further comprise an array of detector elements.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
25 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 34 further comprising a detector support, said detector support supporting said detector array substantially at said curved image surface.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
22 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 35 wherein said cooling means further comprise a cold finger in contact with said detector support.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
35 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 35 wherein said detector support further comprises a hollow beam, said cooling means further comprising a cryogenic coolant conduit having a cryogen orifice for feeding cryogen into said beam.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
111 words
A thermal imaging system comprising: (i) a system housing having an evacuated enclosure and a window for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged, said window being a corrector lens; (ii) scanning means disposed inside said enclosure for scanning radiation received from said corrector lens; (iii) focusing means disposed inside said enclosure for focusing radiation scanned by said scanning means at an image surface; (iv) detector means for detecting at least a portion of said radiation focused by said focusing means; (v) a curved strip mirror for receiving radiation from said focusing means and directing said radiation toward said detector means; and (vi) means for cooling said detector means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
111 words
A thermal imaging system comprising: (i) a system housing having an evacuated enclosure and a window for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged, said window being a corrector lens; (ii) scanning means disposed inside said enclosure for scanning radiation received from said corrector lens; (iii) focusing means disposed inside said enclosure for focusing radiation scanned by said scanning means at an image surface; (iv) detector means for detecting at least a portion of said radiation focused by said focusing means; (v) a curved strip mirror for receiving radiation from said focusing means and directing said radiation toward said detector means; and (vi) means for cooling said detector means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
20 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 38 wherein said strip mirror further comprises a section of a right circular cone.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
32 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 38 wherein said detector means further comprise a planar curved array of detector elements configured and dimensioned to receive said radiation from said curved strip mirror.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
16 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 38 wherein said focusing means further comprise a concave mirror.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
15 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 38 wherein said concave mirror is a spherical mirror.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
70 words
A thermal imaging system comprising: (i) a system housing having an evacuated enclosure and a window for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged; (ii) focusing optical element means disposed inside said enclosure for focusing radiation corresponding to at least a portion of a scene at a curved image surface; and (iii) detector means disposed inside said enclosure for detecting radiation focussed by said focusing optical element means.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
70 words
A thermal imaging system comprising: (i) a system housing having an evacuated enclosure and a window for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged; (ii) focusing optical element means disposed inside said enclosure for focusing radiation corresponding to at least a portion of a scene at a curved image surface; and (iii) detector means disposed inside said enclosure for detecting radiation focussed by said focusing optical element means.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
15 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 43 further comprising means for cooling said detector means.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
26 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 43 further comprising a corrector lens disposed in the optical path between said window and said focusing optical element means.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
15 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 43 wherein said housing window comprises a corrector lens.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
14 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 46 wherein said corrector lens has concentric surfaces.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
15 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 47 wherein said corrector lens is made from germanium.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
18 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 43 wherein said focusing optical element means further comprise a concave mirror.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
15 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 49 wherein said concave mirror is a spherical mirror.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
37 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 43 further comprising scanning means disposed inside said housing for receiving radiation from said window and conducting a linear scan of said radiation; and drive means for scanning said scanning means.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
18 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 51 wherein said focusing optical element means further comprises a concave mirror.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
17 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 52 wherein said window is a corrector lens having concentric surfaces.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
49 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 53 wherein said scanning means comprise a scanning mirror, said scanning mirror being disposed at the center of said concave mirror and said window lens and directing scanned radiation toward said concave mirror, said concave mirror forming an image at a curved surface.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
15 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 54 wherein said concave mirror is a spherical mirror.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
29 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 43 further comprising detector support means within said housing to support said detector means, said detector support means being a curved arch support.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
42 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 56 wherein said curved arch support has a substantially curved detector support surface configured and dimensioned to support said detector means with said detector means disposed on at least a portion of said curved image surface.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
18 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 57 wherein said detector means further comprise an array of detector elements.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
17 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 58 wherein said detector array further comprises a curved detector array.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
19 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 57 wherein said curved arch support further comprises a conduit for cryogenic coolant.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
22 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 60 further comprising cold shield means extending from said detector support to shield said detector means.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
16 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 60 wherein said curved arch support is a hollow beam.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
34 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 57 wherein said substantially curved detector support surface is defined by a polygon surface, said detector means comprising a plurality of detector segments disposed on said polygon surface.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
28 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 43 further comprising a curved strip mirror for receiving radiation from said focusing means and directing said radiation toward said detector means.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
21 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 64 wherein said curved strip mirror further comprises a section of a right circular cone.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
32 words
The thermal imaging system of claim 64 wherein said detector means further comprise a planar curved array of detector elements configured and dimensioned to receive said radiation from said curved strip mirror.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
64 words
A thermal imager system comprising: (i) a system housing having an evacuated enclosure and a window for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged; (ii) focusing optical element means comprising a spherical mirror disposed inside said enclosure for focusing radiation corresponding to a scene; and (iii) detector means disposed inside said enclosure for detecting radiation focused by said focusing optical element means.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
64 words
A thermal imager system comprising: (i) a system housing having an evacuated enclosure and a window for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged; (ii) focusing optical element means comprising a spherical mirror disposed inside said enclosure for focusing radiation corresponding to a scene; and (iii) detector means disposed inside said enclosure for detecting radiation focused by said focusing optical element means.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
15 words
The thermal imager of claim 67 wherein said housing window further comprises a corrector lens.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
25 words
The thermal imager of claim 67 further comprising scanning means disposed inside said housing for performing a linear scan of radiation received from said window.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
18 words
The thermal imager of claim 69 wherein said scanning means is at the center of said spherical mirror.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
29 words
The thermal imager of claim 69 further comprising a corrector lens having concentric surfaces, said scanning means disposed at the center of said concentric surfaces and said spherical mirror.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
143 words
A thermal imager system comprising: (i) a system housing having a window for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged; (ii) detector means disposed inside said housing for detecting incident radiation and producing a detector signal; (iii) focusing optical element means comprising a concave mirror disposed inside said housing for focusing radiation corresponding to at least a portion of a scene onto said detector; (iv) corrector lens means disposed in the housing in the optical path of said radiation, said corrector lens means having concentric surfaces; (v) scanning mirror means disposed at the center of said concave mirror and said corrector lens means concentric surfaces for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged and performing a linear scan thereof, said scanning mirror means directing scanned radiation toward said concave mirror; and (vi) drive means for actuating said scanning means.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
143 words
A thermal imager system comprising: (i) a system housing having a window for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged; (ii) detector means disposed inside said housing for detecting incident radiation and producing a detector signal; (iii) focusing optical element means comprising a concave mirror disposed inside said housing for focusing radiation corresponding to at least a portion of a scene onto said detector; (iv) corrector lens means disposed in the housing in the optical path of said radiation, said corrector lens means having concentric surfaces; (v) scanning mirror means disposed at the center of said concave mirror and said corrector lens means concentric surfaces for receiving radiation corresponding to a scene to be imaged and performing a linear scan thereof, said scanning mirror means directing scanned radiation toward said concave mirror; and (vi) drive means for actuating said scanning means.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
18 words
The imager of claim 72 wherein said concave mirror is integrally mounted to a wall of said housing.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
13 words
The imager of claim 72 wherein said concave mirror comprises a spherical mirror.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
13 words
The imager of claim 72 wherein said corrector lens means constitutes said window.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
24 words
The imager of claim 72 wherein the optical system defined by the imager has an entrance pupil on the order of about 30 mm.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
21 words
The imager of claim 72 wherein the optical system defined by the imager has a field of view of about 25°.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
21 words
The imager of claim 72 wherein the optical system defined by the imager has a focal length of about 25 mm.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
23 words
The imager of claim 72 wherein the optical system defined by the imager has an F/no. equal to or less than about 1.0.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
31 words
The imager of claim 72 wherein the optical system defined by the imager has a field of view of about 25° and an F/no. equal to or less than about 1.0.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
31 words
The imager of claim 80 wherein the optical system defined by the imager has a modulation transfer function curve approximating the diffraction limit curve in the 8 to 12 nanometer waveband.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
24 words
The imager of claim 81 wherein the optical system defined by the imager is substantially free from chromatic aberrations across the field of view.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
29 words
The imager of claim 72 wherein the optical system defined by the imager exhibits zonal spherical aberrations smaller than the size of a detector element of said detector means.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
24 words
The imager of claim 72 wherein the optical system defined by the imager exhibits zonal spherical aberrations of not more than about 10 microns.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
63 words
The imager of claim 72 wherein the optical system defined by the imager has a field of view of about 25°, an F/no. equal to or less than about 1.0, a modulation transfer function curve approximating the diffraction limit curve in the 8 to 12 nanometer waveband, and zonal spatial aberration smaller than the size of a detector element of said detector means.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
15 words
The thermal imager system of claim 72 further comprising means for cooling said detector means.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
16 words
The thermal imager system of claim 72 wherein said corrector lens means is made from germanium.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
38 words
The thermal imager system of claim 72 wherein said scanning mirror means comprise a linear scanning mirror, said linear scanning mirror directing scanned radiation toward said concave mirror, said concave mirror forming an image at a curved surface.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
29 words
The thermal imager system of claim 72 further comprising detector support means within said housing to support said detector means, said detector support means being a curved arch support.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
42 words
The thermal imager system of claim 89 wherein said curved arch support has a substantially curved detector support surface configured and dimensioned to support said detector means with said detector means disposed on at least a portion of said curved image surface.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
18 words
The thermal imager system of claim 90 wherein said detector means further comprise an array of detector elements.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
17 words
The thermal imager system of claim 91 wherein said detector array further comprises a curved detector array.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
19 words
The thermal imager system of claim 89 wherein said curved arch support further comprises a conduit for cryogenic coolant.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
22 words
The thermal imager system of claim 93 further comprising cold shield means extending from said detector support to shield said detector means.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
16 words
The thermal imager system of claim 93 wherein said curved arch support is a hollow beam.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
34 words
The thermal imager system of claim 90 wherein said substantially curved detector support surface is defined by a polygon surface, said detector means comprising a plurality of detector segments disposed on said polygon surface.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
28 words
The thermal imager system of claim 72 further comprising a curved strip mirror for receiving radiation from said focusing means and directing said radiation toward said detector means.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
21 words
The thermal imager system of claim 97 wherein said curved strip mirror further comprises a section of a right circular cone.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
32 words
The thermal imager system of claim 97 wherein said detector means further comprise a planar curved array of detector elements configured and dimensioned to receive said radiation from said curved strip mirror.
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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) | 1995-02-24 | 1995-08-26 | 1996-02-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-02-24 | 1999-08-26 | 2000-02-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-02-24 | 2003-08-26 | 2004-02-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |