Michael L Ritter

US Patent:

59144874, Jun 22, 1999

Filed:

Jan 16, 1998

Appl. No.:

8/836811

Inventors:

David P. Ramer - Dayton OH
Harold E. Watson - Kettering OH
Michael P. Ritter - Dayton OH
Bobby L. Epling - Waynesville OH
Mark G. Schmitt - Huber Heights OH
Jack C. Rains - Herndon VA

Assignee:

Advanced Optical Technologies, LLC - Chevy Chase MD

International Classification:

G01J 104

US Classification:

250237R

Abstract:

A radiant energy transducer system includes a base. The base has a diffusely reflective surface and an optical area defining a horizon district with respect to the transducer system. A mask occludes a portion of the optical area so as to present a substantially constant portion of the optical area over a range of angles above the horizon district. An electromagnetic transducer converts between radiation associated with the optical area and corresponding signals. Examples of the transducing systems provide emission of radiant energy with a tailored intensity distribution over an area illuminated by the system. Other examples of the transducing systems detect radiant energy, and the position of the mask relative to the optical area of the detector system serves to tailor the sensitivity of the detector over a field of view. The emitters and detectors can be used together, for example in a system for tracking the position of an object.

US Patent:

57330280, Mar 31, 1998

Filed:

Jan 23, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/590290

Inventors:

David P. Ramer - Dayton OH
Harold E. Watson - Kettering OH
Michael P. Ritter - Dayton OH
Bobby L. Epling - Bellbrook OH
Mark G. Schmitt - Huber Heights OH
Jack C. Rains - Herndon VA

Assignee:

Advanced Optical Technologies, LLC. - Chevy Chase MD

International Classification:

F21V 714

US Classification:

362 32

Abstract:

Apparatus is disclosed that efficiently projects electromagnetic radiation over a predetermined spherical sector with a tailored intensity distribution. The apparatus includes a base having a cavity and aperture that faces the spherical sector to be illuminated, with a flat, ring-shaped shoulder surrounding the aperture. The apparatus further includes a mask spaced over the aperture and a baffle projecting from the mask toward the aperture. The base, the mask, and the baffle are formed of a material having an outer surface with a significant diffuse, reflective characteristic. A source emits electromagnetic radiation (e. g. , visible light) into the base cavity, and the base, mask and baffle are configured to redirect this radiation outwardly with the tailored intensity distribution (e. g. , a uniform distribution) over the predetermined spherical sector (e. g. , a hemisphere, or 2. PI.

US Patent:

59676523, Oct 19, 1999

Filed:

Mar 30, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/050175

Inventors:

David P. Ramer - Dayton OH
Harold E. Watson - Kettering OH
Michael P. Ritter - Dayton OH
Bobby L. Epling - Bellbrook OH
Mark G. Schmitt - Huber Heights OH
Jack C. Rains - Herndon VA

Assignee:

Advanced Optical Technologies, LLC - Chevy Chase MD

International Classification:

F21V 714

US Classification:

362552

Abstract:

Apparatus is disclosed that efficiently projects electromagnetic radiation over a predetermined spherical sector with a tailored intensity distribution. The apparatus includes a base having a cavity and aperture that faces the spherical sector to be illuminated, with a flat, ring-shaped shoulder surrounding the aperture. The apparatus further includes a mask spaced over the aperture and a baffle projecting from the mask toward the aperture. The base, the mask, and the baffle are formed of a material having an outer surface with a significant diffuse, reflective characteristic. A source emits electromagnetic radiation (e. g. , visible light) into the base cavity, and the base, mask and baffle are configured to redirect this radiation outwardly with the tailored intensity distribution (e. g. , a uniform distribution) over the predetermined spherical sector (e. g. , a hemisphere, or 2. pi.