US5471348A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Directed reflection optical device
Assignee: 3M Co
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Filing: 1994-05-13
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Granted: 1995-11-28
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Expires: 2014-05-13
Abstract
Abstract An optical device having a transparent body and including two prism surfaces formed thereon. The composite structure exhibits two axis stability in that the angular relationship between the input beam and the output beam remains fixed for slight movement of the device about two orthogonal axes.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard A. Miller
- 👤 Kenneth A. Aho
- 👤 John F. Dreyer, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 08:35
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B5/00; G02B5/04; G02B5/045
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
A reflective article comprising first and second structured surfaces, wherein: said first structured surface includes a first array of prisms aligned in a first orientation; said second structured surface includes a second array of prisms aligned in a second orientation, wherein the second orientation is different from said first orientation; such that a light ray incident on said first structured surface at an entrance angle is reflected at said second structured surface and exits from said first structured surface at an exit angle, the exit angle measured relative to said entrance angle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
92 words
A reflective article comprising first and second structured surfaces, wherein: said first structured surface includes a first array of prisms aligned in a first orientation; said second structured surface includes a second array of prisms aligned in a second orientation, wherein the second orientation is different from said first orientation; such that a light ray incident on said first structured surface at an entrance angle is reflected at said second structured surface and exits from said first structured surface at an exit angle, the exit angle measured relative to said entrance angle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The reflective article of claim 1, wherein each prism in said first array of prisms includes a first facet and a second facet which intersect at a prism apex to define an apex angle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The reflective article of claim 2, wherein the apex angle of at least one of said prisms in said first array of prisms measures approximately 90 degrees.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The reflective article of claim 2, wherein the apex angle of at least one of said prisms in said first array of prisms measures between 80 and 110 degrees.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The reflective article of claim 1, wherein each prism in said second array of prisms includes a first facet and a second facet which intersect at the prism apex to define an apex angle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The reflective article of claim 5, wherein the apex angle of at least one of said prisms in said second array of prisms measures approximately 90 degrees.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The reflective article of claim 5, wherein the apex angle of at least one of said prisms in said second array of prisms measures between 80 and 110 degrees.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The reflective article of claim 1, wherein said first orientation is approximately orthogonal to said second orientation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The reflective article of claim 1, wherein said entrance angle measures between 0 degrees and 13 degrees.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The reflective article of claim 1, wherein said exit angle is approximately 90 degrees.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
46 words
The reflective article of claim 1 wherein a light ray incident on a first prism of said first structured surface at said entrance angle is reflected at said second structured surface and exits from a second prism of said first structured surface at said exit angle.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The reflective article of claim 11, wherein said exit angle is approximately 90 degrees.
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) | 1998-11-27 | 1999-05-29 | 1999-11-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-11-27 | 2003-05-29 | 2003-11-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-11-27 | 2007-05-29 | 2007-11-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |