The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 25, 1993
Filed:
Aug. 09, 1991
Thomas C Brusgard, Riva, MD (US);
Thomas C McCormick, Linthicum, MD (US);
Hendrik K Sijgers, Reston, VA (US);
Corbitt T Smith, Manhattan Beach, CA (US);
William C Winterble, Columbia, MD (US);
Christopher B Schwerdt, Cattonsville, MD (US);
Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Abstract
The present invention is an integrated millimeter wave (MMW) and an infrared (IR) common aperture sensor employing a common primary reflector for infrared and millimeter wave energy. An active transmitter/receiver millimeter wave horn assembly located at the focus of the primary mirror transmits and receives millimeter wave signals off the primary reflector. A selectively coated dichroic element is located in the path of the millimeter wave energy on the axis between the feed and the primary reflector. The dichroic element reflects infrared energy from the primary reflector to a focal point and at the same time transmits and focuses millimeter wave energy. An optical system relays the infrared energy to a focal plane behind the primary mirror. The dichroic element transmits and focuses millimeter wave energy without significant attenuation such that optical and millimeter wave energy may be employed on a common boresight. Improvements in the feed assembly include a four channel waveguide structure capable of azimuth and elevation determination in sum and difference configurations. A baffle and cold stop shields the optical system from unwanted infrared radiation. Electrical transmit and receive circuitry and a correction circuit provide high probability of detection and low false alarm rate.