Radiant energy – Photocells; circuits and apparatus – Optical or pre-photocell system
Patent
1982-11-30
1985-01-08
Westin, Edward P.
Radiant energy
Photocells; circuits and apparatus
Optical or pre-photocell system
33281, 250227, 350299, 356147, G01C 102
Patent
active
044928599
ABSTRACT:
A dual axes multiple prism optical system is disclosed having first and second pairs of 45.degree.-90.degree. prisms mounted on orthogonal substrates operative in one embodiment as an autocollimator and in another embodiment as a directionally sensitive light detector. In both embodiments, the first prism pair provides an azimuthal variation detection capability and the second prism pair provides an elevational variation detection capability. The prisms are so positioned on the substrates that light traveling in a reference direction is incident to the prisms at the critical angle and is totally internally reflected therethrough. Light traveling in a direction which deviates about either the elevational or the azimuthal planes about the reference direction is incident on corresponding ones of the prisms at below the critical angle and is refracted therethrough and collected by an end array matrix of fiberoptic cables mounted to the prisms. In the autocollimator embodiment, an intensity stabilized light source and intensity detector is mounted to one of the substrates. An intensity control is connected between the source and the detector operative to stabilize the intensity of the collimated light source against variations occasioned by such factors as fluctuating atmospheric or optical media transmission characteristics, and light source aging. The dual axes multiple prism optical system has a folded optical path and a geometry which provides a compact and rugged construction.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3006236 (1961-10-01), Michaud
patent: 3137794 (1964-06-01), Seward
patent: 3156755 (1964-11-01), Collyer
patent: 3232164 (1966-02-01), Kern et al.
patent: 3241430 (1966-03-01), Kulick
patent: 3296921 (1967-01-01), Polster
patent: 3302512 (1967-02-01), Davidson
patent: 3351767 (1967-11-01), Suiter
patent: 3458704 (1969-07-01), Cath
Seward, "A Photoelectric Solid-State Angle-Sensing System;" Instrumentation Laboratory MIT, Jan. 1961; pp. 1-31.
Seward, "A Sunfinder for an Interplanetary Vehicle;" Instrumentation Laboratory MIT, Oct. 1960; pp. 1-7.
Karthas, "IR Refractosyn: A 10.6 Micron Angle Sensor;" The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Mar. 1974; pp. 1-51.
The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc.
Westin Edward P.
LandOfFree
Dual axes multiple prism optical system for azimuth and elevatio does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Dual axes multiple prism optical system for azimuth and elevatio, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dual axes multiple prism optical system for azimuth and elevatio will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-114453