Linear actuated optical concentrator

Patent 4798949 Issued on January 17, 1989. Estimated Expiration Date:

October 9, 2006. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

3215391

3374977

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More ...

Inventors

Assignee

Rockwell International Corporation

Application

No. 06/917339 filed on 10/09/1986

US Classes:

250/203.6, Airborne target, or spaceborne target other than the sun (e.g., star or missile)250/234Means for moving optical system

Examiners

Primary: Westin, Edward P.
Assistant: Wieland, Charles

Attorney, Agent or Firm

International Classes

F24J 2/00 (20060101)
F24J 2/54 (20060101)
G01S 3/786 (20060101)
G01S 3/78 (20060101)

Abstract

An apparatus 10 for pointing an optical concentrator 20 in an extraterrestrial environment. A base 12 rigidly supports focal point equipment 16. At least three support means 18 are utilized for connecting the optical concentrator 20 to the base 12. The support means 18 include actuation means 28 for providing differential motion between the base 12 and the optical concentrator 20 and further include gimballing means 32,36 for accommodating the differential motion and independently gimballing the optical concentrator 20 with respect to the focal point equipment 16.