US3577144A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Distance measuring systems
Assignee: Thales SA
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Filing: 1968-10-10
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Granted: 1971-05-04
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Expires: 1988-10-10
Abstract
Abstract A distance measuring system comprising means for transmitting a sinusoidal wave or a sinusoidally modulated wave and receiving the same after reflection on a target and means for converting the phase shift, due to the propagation of this wave out and back, into a measuring signal the frequency of which is proportional to the travelling distance of said wave.
Inventors
- 👤 Pierre Girault
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:22
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S17/00; G01S17/02; G01S17/06; G01S17/08; G01S17/32; G01S17/36; G01S13/00; G01S13/02; G01S13/06; G01S13/08; G01S13/32; G01S13/36; G01S13/40; G01S15/00; G01S15/02; G01S15/06; G01S15/08; G01S15/32; G01S15/36
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
A system adapted for measuring the transmission phase shift corresponding to the distance along which a wave travels between transmitting and receiving means, said system comprising: fixed frequency oscillator means having an output coupled to said transmitting means; variable frequency oscillator means having a frequency control input and an output; first mixing means having two inputs respectively coupled to said oscillator means outputs; delaying means coupled to said variable frequency oscillator means output; second mixing means having two inputs respectively coupled to said first mixing means and to said delaying means; a phase comparator having two inputs respectively coupled to said receiving means and said second mixing means; said comparator having an output coupled to said frequency control input to make said variable frequency proportional to said distance.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
128 words
A system adapted for measuring the transmission phase shift corresponding to the distance along which a wave travels between transmitting and receiving means, said system comprising: fixed frequency oscillator means having an output coupled to said transmitting means; variable frequency oscillator means having a frequency control input and an output; first mixing means having two inputs respectively coupled to said oscillator means outputs; delaying means coupled to said variable frequency oscillator means output; second mixing means having two inputs respectively coupled to said first mixing means and to said delaying means; a phase comparator having two inputs respectively coupled to said receiving means and said second mixing means; said comparator having an output coupled to said frequency control input to make said variable frequency proportional to said distance.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
83 words
A measuring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said wave is a luminous modulated wave undergoing a reflection on a target; said transmitting means comprising a modulated electro-optical source and an optical collimator device at the focus of which said source is positioned; said receiving means comprising a photoelectric detector a further optical collimator device at the focus of which said detector is positioned; and an optical filter for filtering the energy radiated by said source associated with said last mentioned collimator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
117 words
A measuring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fixed frequency oscillator means comprises a first oscillator; said variable frequency oscillator means comprising a second oscillator; said first mixing means comprising a first mixer having two inputs respectively coupled to the outputs of said first and second oscillators; said delaying means comprises a delay line connected to said second oscillator output; said second mixing means comprises a second mixer having two inputs respectively connected to the outputs of said delay line and said first mixer; said comparator is coupled to said frequency control input through a low-pass filter; and frequency measuring means are coupled to said second oscillator output for supplying an indication of said distance.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
229 words
A measuring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fixed frequency oscillator means comprise a first oscillator, a second oscillator, a first mixer coupled to said first and second oscillators and first switching means for alternately coupling said transmitting means to the outputs of said first oscillator and said first mixer; said variable frequency oscillator means comprises a third oscillator; said first mixing means comprises a fourth oscillator having a frequency control input, a second mixer coupled to the outputs of said third and fourth oscillators, a second phase comparator having two inputs respectively coupled to the outputs of said first and second mixers; said second comparator is coupled to the control input of said fourth oscillator; said delaying means comprises first and second delay lines having inputs respectively coupled to the output of said third oscillator; said second mixing means comprises a third mixer having a first input coupled to the outputs of said fourth oscillator and a second input alternately coupled to the outputs of said delay lines through second switching means operating at synchronism with said first switching means; a fourth mixer has an input and an output respectively coupled to the outputs of said second oscillator and said third mixer, and another input coupled alternately with said output, to said receiving means through third switching means operated in synchronism with said first switching means.
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) | 1974-05-03 | 1974-11-02 | 1975-05-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-03 | 1978-11-02 | 1979-05-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-03 | 1982-11-02 | 1983-05-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |