US4081678A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Through-the-lens thermometer apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-03-01
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Granted: 1978-03-28
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Expires: 1996-03-01
Abstract
Abstract Infra-red images are projected onto an infra-red detector whose output is amplified, linearized, digitized and displayed as a numerical value corresponding to the temperature of the object viewed by the infra-red optical system. The optical axis of the infra-red optical system is coaxial with the optical axis of a visible light optical system which is used for sighting and aligning the field of view of the infra-red optical system with the object. Through the eyepiece of the visible light optical system an observer sees the object, the scene area surrounding the object and the numerical value of the temperature of the object as indicated by a digital readout whose image is superimposed over the scene.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas F. Macall
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 11:10
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J5/00; G01J5/48; G01J5/02; G01J5/08; G01J5/0806; G01J5/0813; G01J5/0859
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
An apparatus for measuring the temperature of objects, comprizing: a. an infra-red lens for focusing infra-red rays; b. a visible light optical system having an optical axis common to the optical axis of the infra-red lens for focusing visible light; c. an infra-red detector located proximate the focal point of the infra-red lens, having an output; d. an amplifier responsive to the output of the infra-red detector; e. a display responsive to the amplifier output for displaying the magnitude of the amplifier output.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
83 words
An apparatus for measuring the temperature of objects, comprizing: a. an infra-red lens for focusing infra-red rays; b. a visible light optical system having an optical axis common to the optical axis of the infra-red lens for focusing visible light; c. an infra-red detector located proximate the focal point of the infra-red lens, having an output; d. an amplifier responsive to the output of the infra-red detector; e. a display responsive to the amplifier output for displaying the magnitude of the amplifier output.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the display is digital.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the visible light optical system includes an objective lens and an eyepiece.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the eyepiece includes cross-hairs for assistance in aiming.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the eyepiece includes an outline of the field of view of the infra-red lens and detector combination
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the optical system includes a partially-transmitting mirror interposed between the objective lens and the eyepiece.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the digital display is located adjacent to the partially-transmitting mirror such that an image of the display is visible through the eyepiece.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the infra-red lens and the objective lens of the visible light optical system are composite.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the objective lens of the visible light optical system and the infra-red lens have the same focal lengths.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the objective lens of the visible light optical system and the infra-red lens are focused simultaneously.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein a mirror is located betwen the objective lens and the eyepiece for diverting the light rays away from the optical axis.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein a second mirror is located between the mirror and the eyepiece.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the mirror contains an aperture for allowing infra-red rays to pass through the plane of the mirror.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the display is an analog meter movement.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3509344A
Cited
US3581089A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-03-27 | 1981-09-26 | 1982-03-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-03-27 | 1985-09-26 | 1986-03-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-03-27 | 1989-09-26 | 1990-03-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |