US4013365A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Laser gyroscope
Assignee: University of Utah
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Filing: 1975-06-11
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Granted: 1977-03-22
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Expires: 1995-06-11
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for determining rotation of an area including optical apparatus for optically circumscribing the area and to guide laser radiation counter-directionally around the circumscribed area. Differences that develop between the clockwise and counterclockwise laser radiation as a function of the rotation of the area are detected to determine the rotation of the area. The optical apparatus includes an optical fiber waveguide which may function as a laser cavity or a ring inferometer path. The ring inferometer may also be provided by at least three reflective surfaces.
Inventors
- 👤 Victor Vali
- 👤 Richard W. Shorthill
- 👤 Raymond Goldstein
- 👤 Reuben S. Krogstad
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 20:20
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/05; H01S3/08; H01S3/081; H01S3/083; G; G01; G01C; G01C19/00; G01C19/58; G01C19/64; G01C19/66
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
An apparatus for determining rotation of an area comprising: a single optical fiber waveguide circumscribing the area 360°; a gain medium optically coupled with the optical fiber waveguide so as to form a laser cavity with the optical fiber waveguide; means for initiating laser oscillation with laser radiation in a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction through the single optical fiber waveguide; means for removing a portion of each of the clockwise and counterclockwise laser radiation from the optical fiber waveguide comprising an imperfect splice in the optical fiber waveguide, the imperfect splice deflecting a portion of each of the clockwise and counterclockwise laser radiation from the optical fiber waveguide; means for combining the removed laser radiation; and means for detecting differences between the clockwise and counterclockwise laser radiation, the difference being a function of the rotation of the area, said means for detecting comprising a beat frequency detector.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
148 words
An apparatus for determining rotation of an area comprising: a single optical fiber waveguide circumscribing the area 360°; a gain medium optically coupled with the optical fiber waveguide so as to form a laser cavity with the optical fiber waveguide; means for initiating laser oscillation with laser radiation in a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction through the single optical fiber waveguide; means for removing a portion of each of the clockwise and counterclockwise laser radiation from the optical fiber waveguide comprising an imperfect splice in the optical fiber waveguide, the imperfect splice deflecting a portion of each of the clockwise and counterclockwise laser radiation from the optical fiber waveguide; means for combining the removed laser radiation; and means for detecting differences between the clockwise and counterclockwise laser radiation, the difference being a function of the rotation of the area, said means for detecting comprising a beat frequency detector.
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) | 1980-03-21 | 1980-09-20 | 1981-03-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-03-21 | 1984-09-20 | 1985-03-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-03-21 | 1988-09-20 | 1989-03-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |