US3854821A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical system for wide band light energy
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1971-10-29
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Granted: 1974-12-17
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Expires: 1991-10-29
Abstract
Abstract An optical system for use primarily in connection with tracking targets for airborne weapon systems, the optical system having a refractive positive element to pass a wide range of spectral wave length energy including visible and infrared wave lengths, means for separating the energy into a wave length band containing the TV of visual spectral energy and a wave length band containing the IR wave lengths, and sensing means for detecting the images formed by each of the IR and TV light energy bands. Preferably, the system is folded by mirrors for mounting the refractive element for movement about elevational and azimuth axes for tracking of the target.
Inventors
- 👤 J Thompson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 21:05
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S3/00; G01S3/78; G01S3/782; G01S3/785; G01S3/786; G01S3/7864; G01S7/00; G01S7/48; G01S7/481; G01S7/4811; G02; G02B; G02B23/00; G02B23/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
255 words
An optical system for tracking a target from an airborne platform, said optical system comprising: a positive refractive element positioned within an aircraft for receiving a beam of spectral energy containing visual and IR wave lengths from said target, said refractive element having characteristics permitting passage of visual and IR spectral energy, said refractive element forming an image plane for said visual energy a first optical distance from said refractive element, and forming an image plane for said visual energy a second optical distance from said refractive element; means mounting said refractive element for movement about an elevation axis and an azimuth axis for tracking said target; means for splitting said refracted beam of spectral energy into a band containing said visual energy and a band containing substantially said IR light energy; a first sensing means positioned in the path of said visual energy band for detecting the image formed by visual energy; means mounting said first sensing means for rotation about a central axis of said path of said visual energy band for derotation of said visual image corresponding to rotation of said refractive element about said elevation and azimuth axes; a second sensing means positioned in the path of said IR light energy for detecting the image formed by said IR light energy; and means mounting said second sensing means for rotation about a central axis of said path of said IR energy band for derotation of said IR image corresponding to rotation of said refractive element About said elevation and azimuth axes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
255 words
An optical system for tracking a target from an airborne platform, said optical system comprising: a positive refractive element positioned within an aircraft for receiving a beam of spectral energy containing visual and IR wave lengths from said target, said refractive element having characteristics permitting passage of visual and IR spectral energy, said refractive element forming an image plane for said visual energy a first optical distance from said refractive element, and forming an image plane for said visual energy a second optical distance from said refractive element; means mounting said refractive element for movement about an elevation axis and an azimuth axis for tracking said target; means for splitting said refracted beam of spectral energy into a band containing said visual energy and a band containing substantially said IR light energy; a first sensing means positioned in the path of said visual energy band for detecting the image formed by visual energy; means mounting said first sensing means for rotation about a central axis of said path of said visual energy band for derotation of said visual image corresponding to rotation of said refractive element about said elevation and azimuth axes; a second sensing means positioned in the path of said IR light energy for detecting the image formed by said IR light energy; and means mounting said second sensing means for rotation about a central axis of said path of said IR energy band for derotation of said IR image corresponding to rotation of said refractive element About said elevation and azimuth axes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
105 words
An optical system according to claim 1 wherein said mounting means includes first and second reflecting elements, said reflecting elements being positioned to successively receive and reflect said beam of light between said refractive element and said splitting means; said refractive element and said first reflecting element being mounted for movement about said elevation axis; said refractive element, said first reflecting element, and said second reflecting element being mounted for movement about said azimuth axis; said elevation axis passing through a central portion of said first reflecting element; said elevation axis and said azimuth axis intersecting in a central portion of said second reflecting element.
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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) | 1977-12-16 | 1978-06-17 | 1978-12-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-16 | 1982-06-17 | 1982-12-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-16 | 1986-06-17 | 1986-12-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |