US3732424A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Star tracking device
Assignee: Kearfott Guidance and Navigation Corp
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Filing: 1971-04-21
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Granted: 1973-05-08
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Expires: 1991-04-21
Abstract
Abstract A star tracking device in which a source of light is moved across a detector by being reflected from the front reflecting surface of an oscillating reflector placed in the path of the light. The detector generates an output signal which corresponds to the place of incidence thereon of the reflected light. A signal corresponding to the angular position of the reflector is produced utilizing light reflected from the rear side thereof. Electronic circuitry utilizes the detector output signal and the angular position signal to supply a signal which corresponds to the position of the source of light relative to the device. A torque motor, utilizing a bifurcated torsion-bar-mounted armature, is provided for oscillating the reflector and includes redundant electromagnets for supplying motive force.
Inventors
- 👤 W Wojtulewicz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 15:23
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S3/00; G01S3/78; G01S3/782; G01S3/789; G01S3/785; G01S3/786; G01S3/7867
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
328 words
A system for detecting the position of a source of light comprising a motor having first and second and third axes disposed in quadrature and having an armature having front and rear reflecting surfaces, one of said reflecting surfaces disposed in the path of said source of light, an additional source of light having a ray of light directed along said first axis towards the other of said reflecting surfaces, said motor having a stator arranged to oscillate said armature about said third axis to cause corresponding oscillatory movement of the reflected light from said surfaces, a first and second sensing means arranged coaxially along said second axis and facing said front and rear surfaces, respectively, and directly exposed to the reflected light from said front and rear surfaces, respectively, said first sensing means being responsive to the position of said moving reflected light for generating a corresponding output signal, and second sensing means responsive to the position of said reflecting means for generating a corresponding output signal, and electronic means for comparing and processing said output signals and determining the position of said source of light, wherein said stator has first and second torsion bars axially spaced along said third axis, each said torsion bar being fixedly connected at one end thereof to said armature and being fixedly connected at the other end thereof to said stator, and wherein said stator has coil means arranged to oscillate said armature when said coil means is energized, and wherein said stator has magnet means arranged to minimize movement of said armature when said coil means is not energized; and wherein said armature has first and second radial projections extending outwardly away from said third axis in radially opposite directions, said first and second armature radial projections respectively having first and second pairs of leg portions, each said pair of leg portions being spaced on opposite sides of said second axis substantially equidistant therefrom for oscillation about said third axis.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
328 words
A system for detecting the position of a source of light comprising a motor having first and second and third axes disposed in quadrature and having an armature having front and rear reflecting surfaces, one of said reflecting surfaces disposed in the path of said source of light, an additional source of light having a ray of light directed along said first axis towards the other of said reflecting surfaces, said motor having a stator arranged to oscillate said armature about said third axis to cause corresponding oscillatory movement of the reflected light from said surfaces, a first and second sensing means arranged coaxially along said second axis and facing said front and rear surfaces, respectively, and directly exposed to the reflected light from said front and rear surfaces, respectively, said first sensing means being responsive to the position of said moving reflected light for generating a corresponding output signal, and second sensing means responsive to the position of said reflecting means for generating a corresponding output signal, and electronic means for comparing and processing said output signals and determining the position of said source of light, wherein said stator has first and second torsion bars axially spaced along said third axis, each said torsion bar being fixedly connected at one end thereof to said armature and being fixedly connected at the other end thereof to said stator, and wherein said stator has coil means arranged to oscillate said armature when said coil means is energized, and wherein said stator has magnet means arranged to minimize movement of said armature when said coil means is not energized; and wherein said armature has first and second radial projections extending outwardly away from said third axis in radially opposite directions, said first and second armature radial projections respectively having first and second pairs of leg portions, each said pair of leg portions being spaced on opposite sides of said second axis substantially equidistant therefrom for oscillation about said third axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
62 words
The system of claim 1, wherein said stator coil means includes first and second pairs of coil units disposed respectively adjacent to and cooperating with said first and second pairs of leg portions, and wherein said stator magnet means includes first and second pairs of magnet units disposed respectively adjacent to and cooperating with said first and second pairs of leg portions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 2, wherein said stator has a return plate composed of a ferrous material, said return path plate being fixedly connected to each said coil unit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 3 wherein each said torsion bar has a cross-section having a cruciform shape.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 3 wherein each said torsion bar has a cross-section said cross-section having a cruciform construction whereby said construction provides sufficient stiffness to minimize the effect of external vibrations and accelerations on said armature.
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) | 1976-05-07 | 1976-11-06 | 1977-05-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-07 | 1980-11-06 | 1981-05-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-07 | 1984-11-06 | 1985-05-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |