US4947044A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for covertly viewing a target using infrared radiation
Assignee: Boeing Co
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Filing: 1989-03-20
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Granted: 1990-08-07
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Expires: 2009-03-20
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for covertly viewing a target using transmission of infrared radiation through an atmosphere having given atmospheric conditions. The target is illuminated with only a selected frequency band of infrared radiation having the least effective transmittance properties of all frequencies of infrared radiation in the given atmospheric conditions. This selected frequency band of infrared radiation is reflected from the target and detected. The selected frequency band of infrared radiation may be generated by generating a broad spectrum of infrared radiation and filtering this broad spectrum to output only the selected frequency band of infrared radiation. Alternatively, a laser may be employed to output the selected frequency band of infrared radiation.
Inventors
- 👤 George T. Pinson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 00:40
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S17/00; F; F41; F41G; F41G1/00; F41G1/32; F41G1/34; F41G1/36; G01S17/02; G01S17/04; G02; G02B; G02B23/00; G02B23/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
66 words
A method for covertly viewing a target using transmission of infrared radiation through an atmosphere having given atmospheric conditions, comprising the steps of: illuminating a target with only a selected frequency band of infrared radiation having the least effective transmittance properties of all frequencies of infrared radiation in said given atmospheric conditions; and detecting reflection of said selected frequency band of infrared radiation from said target.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
66 words
A method for covertly viewing a target using transmission of infrared radiation through an atmosphere having given atmospheric conditions, comprising the steps of: illuminating a target with only a selected frequency band of infrared radiation having the least effective transmittance properties of all frequencies of infrared radiation in said given atmospheric conditions; and detecting reflection of said selected frequency band of infrared radiation from said target.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method according to claim 1, further including the steps of generating a broad spectrum of infrared radiation, and filtering said broad spectrum of infrared radiation so as to output only said selected frequency band of infrared radiation for illuminating said target.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said selected frequency band of infrared radiation has a transmittance percentage value substantially equal to zero for said given atmospheric conditions over a predetermined distance.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
67 words
An apparatus for covertly viewing a target using transmission of infrared radiation through an atmosphere having given atmospheric conditions, comprising: means for illuminating a target with only a selected frequency band of infrared radiation having the least effective transmittance properties of all frequencies of infrared radiation in said given atmospheric conditions; and means for detecting reflection of said selected frequency band of infrared radiation from said target.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
67 words
An apparatus for covertly viewing a target using transmission of infrared radiation through an atmosphere having given atmospheric conditions, comprising: means for illuminating a target with only a selected frequency band of infrared radiation having the least effective transmittance properties of all frequencies of infrared radiation in said given atmospheric conditions; and means for detecting reflection of said selected frequency band of infrared radiation from said target.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said means for illuminating a target includes means for generating a broad spectrum of infrared radiation, and filter means for filtering said broad spectrum of infrared radiation so as to output only said selected frequency band of infrared radiation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said means for illuminating a target includes laser means for generating a laser beam of said selected frequency band of infrared radiation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising handle means enabling an operator to carry said apparatus.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising means for supporting said apparatus above the surface of the earth.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said filter means includes a first filter for filtering only infrared radiation above a first predetermined frequency and a second filter for filtering only infrared radiation below a second predetermined frequency.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-08-06 | 1994-02-05 | 1994-08-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-08-06 | 1998-02-05 | 1998-08-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-08-06 | 2002-02-05 | 2002-08-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |