US4030047A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Opto-mechanical subsystem with temperature compensation through isothermal design
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1976-04-28
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Granted: 1977-06-14
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Expires: 1996-04-28
Abstract
Abstract An opto-mechanical subsystem for supporting a laser structure which minimizes changes in the alignment of the laser optics in response to temperature variations. Both optical and mechanical structural components of the system are formed of the same material, preferably beryllium, which is selected for high mechanical strength and good thermal conducting qualities. All mechanical and optical components are mounted and assembled to provide thorough thermal coupling throughout the subsystem to prevent the development of temperature gradients.
Inventors
- 👤 with respect to an invention of Fletcher James C. Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- 👤 Francis E. Goodwin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 16:39
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/02; H01S3/04; G; G02; G02B; G02B7/00; G02B7/008; H01S3/10; H01S3/13; H01S3/139
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A thermally self compensating optical system and a mechanical support structure therefor, comprising: housing means constructed of a selected material having a high thermal conductivity for supporting said optical system, said housing means constructed so as to minimize the existence of thermal gradients therein; an optical system having critical focal parameters mounted within said housing, said optical system comprising optical system comprising optical elements formed of said same selected material as said housing means whereby said focal parameters are not effected by changes in temperature, said optical elements coupled both mechanically and thermally to said housing means to minimize the existence of thermal gradients therebetween.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
A thermally self compensating optical system and a mechanical support structure therefor, comprising: housing means constructed of a selected material having a high thermal conductivity for supporting said optical system, said housing means constructed so as to minimize the existence of thermal gradients therein; an optical system having critical focal parameters mounted within said housing, said optical system comprising optical system comprising optical elements formed of said same selected material as said housing means whereby said focal parameters are not effected by changes in temperature, said optical elements coupled both mechanically and thermally to said housing means to minimize the existence of thermal gradients therebetween.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as in claim 1, wherein: said housing means is formed of wall panels including a base member, side walls and end walls and end wall assemblies.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
A system as in claim 2, wherein: said base member, side walls and end wall assemblies are secured together by both bonding and riveting, and wherein all joints between said base member, side walls and end wall assemblies are structurally reinforced and rendered more thermally conductive by the use of reinforcing members.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system as in claim 3, wherein: said end wall assemblies comprise inner and outer panels having a U-shaped reinforcing member extending around the periphery thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system as in claim 4, wherein: said housing means further includes a reinforcing bulkhead secured to a central internal portion thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
A system as in claim 1, wherein: said selected material is beryllium.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
60 words
A system as in claim 1, wherein: said optical system comprises a plurality of mirrors, said parameters are focal distances, and said focal distances of said mirrors change as a function of temperature in the same manner as the spacing of said mirrors due to the use of the same material throughout said optical system and said mechanical support structure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system as in claim 1, wherein: said optical elements are mounted to said housing means using adjustable clamp ring means for providing a positive mechanical and thermal coupling between said optical system and said housing means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
A system as in claim 8, wherein: said selected material is beryllium.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system as in claim 9, wherein: said optical system includes primary, secondary and pointing mirrors for a laser communication system.
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) | 1980-06-13 | 1980-12-13 | 1981-06-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-06-13 | 1984-12-13 | 1985-06-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-06-13 | 1988-12-13 | 1989-06-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |