Patent US3796480A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3796480A
Expired / Lapsed
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Membrane light modulator
Assignee: Applied Biosystems Inc
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Filing: 1968-12-26
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Granted: 1974-03-12
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Expires: 1988-12-26
Abstract
Abstract A collodion membrane coated with a plurality of spaced apart, reflective and conductive strips is stretched across a glass plate having an array of holes. The holes are arranged in rows and columns. Each strip is located over one row of holes. A separate electrode is located underneath each column of holes. Electric signals applied to the strips and electrodes produce electrostatic deflections in the portions of the membrane above the holes; the deflection over any one hole being dependent on the signal applied to the strip above the hole and the signal applied to the electrode below the hole. In use a beam of light striking the strips on the membrane is reflected and at the same time phase modulated.
Inventors
- 👤 K Preston
- 👤 J Wasserman
- 👤 E Siebert
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:11
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09G; G09G3/00; G09G3/20; G09G3/34; G09G3/3433; G09F; G09F9/00; G09F9/30; G09F9/37; G09F9/372; G09G2300/00; G09G2300/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
172 words
A light modulator for use in modulating the phase of a beam of light incident thereon comprising: a. a rigid plate of nonconductive material having an array of holes arranged in rows in one direction and columns in another direction; b. a plurality of electrodes located underneath the plate, each electrode passing underneath one column of holes; c. a nonconductive membrane stretched across the top of the plate; d. a plurality of spaced apart reflective and conductive strips on said membrane, arranged so that each strip passes over one row of holes on the plate; e. means connecting voltage sources to the strips for establishing a different electric charge on each of the strips; and f. means connecting voltage sources to the electrodes for establishing a different electric charge on each of the electrodes; whereby the deflection of the membrane in the vicinity of each hole is dependent solely on the electric charge on the electrode underneath the hole and the electric charge on the strip on the membrane above the hole.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
172 words
A light modulator for use in modulating the phase of a beam of light incident thereon comprising: a. a rigid plate of nonconductive material having an array of holes arranged in rows in one direction and columns in another direction; b. a plurality of electrodes located underneath the plate, each electrode passing underneath one column of holes; c. a nonconductive membrane stretched across the top of the plate; d. a plurality of spaced apart reflective and conductive strips on said membrane, arranged so that each strip passes over one row of holes on the plate; e. means connecting voltage sources to the strips for establishing a different electric charge on each of the strips; and f. means connecting voltage sources to the electrodes for establishing a different electric charge on each of the electrodes; whereby the deflection of the membrane in the vicinity of each hole is dependent solely on the electric charge on the electrode underneath the hole and the electric charge on the strip on the membrane above the hole.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention according to claim 1 and wherein the membrane is made of collodion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention according to claim 1 and wherein the columns and rows are in straight lines and the columns are at right angles relative to the rows.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention according to claim 1 and wherein the electric signals applied to each elecTrode and each strip are different.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The invention according to claim 4 and wherein the electric signal applied to each electrode is a different frequency and the electric signal applied to each strip is a different multiple of a frequency greater than the highest frequency applied to any one of the electrodes.
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) | 1977-03-11 | 1977-09-10 | 1978-03-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-11 | 1981-09-10 | 1982-03-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-11 | 1985-09-10 | 1986-03-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |