Optically beam steered infrared seeker
Patent 5201895 Issued on April 13, 1993. Estimated Expiration Date: 
January 23, 2012. 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.
January 23, 2012. 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.Patent References 3296443 Dual spectral range target tracking seeker Optical apparatus Active-passive scanning system Spin-stabilized projectile and guidance system therefor Steering mechanism for a thermal imaging system and rangefinder therefor Infrared seeker Patent #: 4690351 InventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 824953 filed on 01/23/1992US Classes:244/3.16Optical (includes infrared)ExaminersPrimary: Jordan, Charles T.Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassF41G 007/26AbstractA seeker is disclosed including a Cassegrainian telescope, responsive to an optical signal having a signal path, for directing the optical signal toward an optical detector. The seeker also includes a first rotatable optical wedge, disposed in the signal path of the optical signal, for directing the optical signal from a first direction toward the Cassegrainian telescope. The seeker further includes a second rotatable optical wedge, disposed in the signal path of the optical signal, for directing said optical signal from a second direction to the first direction. With such an arrangement, a seeker is provided which is capable of surviving a high "G" application and providing a wide field of view. The seeker provides two angular degrees of freedom in polar coordinates for the optical signal just as a two axis gimbal provides two angular degrees of freedom in Cartesian coordinates.Field of SearchOptical (includes infrared) | |
