US3834795A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Direct vision laser range gate system
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1973-05-02
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Granted: 1974-09-10
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Expires: 1993-05-02
Abstract
Abstract A range gate system to permit direct visual observation through visual obstructions having a laser which illuminates with a series of light pulses and develops a signal to initiate an electrical delay equal to the time required for the pulse to travel to and return from an obscured object. The delay activates a pulse generator to produce an electroacoustic shock wave which opens and closes a Fabry-Perot visual shutter for a period of nanoseconds to permit the object reflection to pass through to the observer''s eyes.
Inventors
- 👤 R Kaplow
- 👤 A Erickson
- 👤 W King
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:34
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/21; G01; G01S; G01S17/00; G01S17/02; G01S17/06; G01S17/08; G01S17/10; G01S17/18; G02B; G02B23/00; G02B23/12; G03; G03B; G03B13/00; G03B13/18; G03B13/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
A direct vision range gate system comprising: a controlled, repetitively-activated laser illumination device for illuminating the observed object; a selectively controllable electrical delay synchronization means activated by said laser illumination device to produce control signals; a Fabry-Perot visual shutter regulating the transmission of reflected illumination including a pair of parallel, closely spaced dielectric mirrors forming a Fabry-Perot cavity normally having a light reflective characteristic, separator means positioned between said mirrors to precisely space said mirrors, and a totally reflective mirror positioned to reflect incident illumination; and activating means coupled with said delay synchronization means to control the opening and closing of said visual shutter.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
A direct vision range gate system comprising: a controlled, repetitively-activated laser illumination device for illuminating the observed object; a selectively controllable electrical delay synchronization means activated by said laser illumination device to produce control signals; a Fabry-Perot visual shutter regulating the transmission of reflected illumination including a pair of parallel, closely spaced dielectric mirrors forming a Fabry-Perot cavity normally having a light reflective characteristic, separator means positioned between said mirrors to precisely space said mirrors, and a totally reflective mirror positioned to reflect incident illumination; and activating means coupled with said delay synchronization means to control the opening and closing of said visual shutter.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said activating means comprise a pulse generator controlled by signals from said electrical delay and electroacoustic means positioned in said visual shutter and coupled to said pulse generator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said totally reflective mirror is positioned at an angle of 45* with respect to said dielectric mirrors.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 3 wherein said visual shutter further comprises a viewing window positioned at 45* relative to said totally reflective mirror such that light reflected by said mirror is transmitted through said window.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
55 words
The system of claim 4 wherein said electroacoustic means comprises a piezoelectric crystal positioned parallel to the mirrors of the Fabry-Perot cavity such that when said crystal is energized by said pulse generator, an acoustic shock wave alters the spacing of one of said Fabry-Perot cavity mirrors causing said mirrors to assume a light-transmissive characteristic.
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) | 1977-09-09 | 1978-03-11 | 1978-09-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-09 | 1982-03-11 | 1982-09-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-09 | 1986-03-11 | 1986-09-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |