US4419669A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Controlled scintillation rate decoy
Assignee: Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems Corp
•
Filing: 1971-01-04
•
Granted: 1983-12-06
•
Expires: 1991-01-04
Abstract
Abstract A controlled scintillation rate decoy having microwave reflectors for reflecting incident radar energy in a manner to provide the decoy with a selected radar cross-section, and variable electrical impedance control means connected in electrical circuit with the reflectors for controlling the scintillation magnitude or scintillation rate of the decoy.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald M. Slager
- 👤 William C. Barker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 11:41
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41J; F41J2/00; G; G01; G01S; G01S7/00; G01S7/02; G01S7/38; H; H01; H01Q; H01Q15/00; H01Q15/0006; H01Q15/0013; H01Q15/002; H01Q15/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
A controlled scintillation radar decoy comprising; a decoy body; microwave reflectors mounted on said body for reflecting incident radar energy in a manner to simulate the radar cross-section of a larger space vehicle to be protected; and means for varying the reflectivity of said reflectors in random manner and at a relatively slow rate in such a way as to introduce into radar energy reflecting from the decoy a randomly varying scintillation effect simulating the varying scintillation of said space vehicle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
81 words
A controlled scintillation radar decoy comprising; a decoy body; microwave reflectors mounted on said body for reflecting incident radar energy in a manner to simulate the radar cross-section of a larger space vehicle to be protected; and means for varying the reflectivity of said reflectors in random manner and at a relatively slow rate in such a way as to introduce into radar energy reflecting from the decoy a randomly varying scintillation effect simulating the varying scintillation of said space vehicle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A decoy according to claim 1, wherein: said means comprises a motor driven variable impedance device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
59 words
A decoy according to claim 2 wherein: said said device comprises an electrical resistor having an electrical resistance which varies along the resistor, a wiper engaging said resistor, and a motor for driving said resistor and wiper in relative movement to effect relative movement of said wiper along said resistor and thereby vary the electric resistance between said reflectors.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A decoy according to claim 3 wherein: said resistor is a generally annular resistor, and said wiper is rotatable about the center of said resistor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A decoy according to claim 1 wherein: said means comprises an electronically variable impedance device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
A decoy according to claim 5 wherein: said variable impedance device comprises a semiconductor means connected between said reflectors, means connected to said semicondutor means for varying the electrical impedance of the latter means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A decoy according to claim 1 wherein: said microwave reflectors comprise dipoles spaced about said body.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A decoy according to claim 1 wherein: said body has a spherical shape; and said microwave reflectors comprise dipoles projecting from said body.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
A decoy according to claim 1 wherein: said body has a conical shape; and said microwave reflectors comprise dipoles embedded within said body.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
A decoy according to claim 1 wherein: said body constitutes a Luneberg lens; and said microwave reflectors are disposed along one side of said body.
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) | 1986-12-05 | 1987-06-06 | 1987-12-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-12-05 | 1991-06-06 | 1991-12-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-12-05 | 1995-06-06 | 1995-12-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |