Shutter device for infra-red imaging systems
AssigneeThermoteknix Systems Ltd.
InventorsBen Pemberton, Richard Salisbury
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A shutter for an infra-red imaging camera comprises shaped first and second elements (17, 18) which are movable relative to each other, between open and closed positions. In the open position, the elements (17, 18) overlie each other leaving a clear optical path through the camera. In the closed position, the elements (17, 18) are disposed side-by-side and completely block off the optical path through the camera.
Claims19
A shutter device in an infra-red imaging system comprises a circular window, two or more elements which are mounted on a common axis of rotation which is disposed eccentrically of an optical path of the imaging device and which can be moved out of the radiation path to rest in an overlapping manner, said two or more elements defining a fan-like shape comprise a first element which has a curved edge to match the outer circumference of the light path to the window whereby when the shutter is opened, with the elements retracted, the said edge abuts the circumference so as to leave the window unobstructed and the second and all subsequent elements are disposed to wholly overlie the first element so as to occupy the minimum area outside of the light path.
A shutter device in an infra-red imaging system comprises a circular window, two or more elements which are mounted on a common axis of rotation which is disposed eccentrically of an optical path of the imaging device and which can be moved out of the radiation path to rest in an overlapping manner, said two or more elements defining a fan-like shape comprise a first element which has a curved edge to match the outer circumference of the light path to the window whereby when the shutter is opened, with the elements retracted, the said edge abuts the circumference so as to leave the window unobstructed and the second and all subsequent elements are disposed to wholly overlie the first element so as to occupy the minimum area outside of the light path whereby the elements are expanded and uncurled to cover the window similar to the folding and unfolding of a fan.
A shutter device suitable for use in an infra-red imaging system to allow for image correction therein comprises a circular window, two or more elements which are mounted on a common axis of rotation which is disposed eccentrically of an optical path of the imaging device and which can be moved out of the radiation path to rest in an overlapping manner, said two or more elements defining a fan-like shape comprising a first element which has a curved edge to match the outer circumference of the light path to the window whereby when the shutter is opened, with the elements retracted, the said edge abuts the circumference so as to leave the window unobstructed and the second and all subsequent elements are disposed to wholly overlie the first element so as to occupy the minimum area outside of the light path, the next successive element having an edge which is complimentary to the edge of the first shutter element for abutment therewith, said elements defining a fan-like shape with respect to each other such that they can abut together to completely obstruct the light path to the window when the elements are expanded, the rotation of the shutter on said eccentrically disposed axis is accomplished by providing a rotary drive element which is arranged to rotationally displace the last element through the full extent of the arc of rotation, and, by means of lost motion devices, entrain the successive shutter elements through lesser arcs of rotation, whereby the elements are retracted or expanded similar to the folding and unfolding of a fan.
A shutter device suitable for use in an infra-red imaging system to allow for image correction therein comprises a circular window, two or more elements which are mounted on a common axis of rotation which is disposed eccentrically of an optical path of the imaging device and which can be moved out of the radiation path to rest in an overlapping manner, said two or more elements defining a fan-like shape comprise a first element which has a curved edge to match the outer circumference of the light path to the window whereby when the shutter is opened, with the elements retracted, the said edge abuts the circumference so as to leave the window unobstructed and the second and all subsequent elements are disposed to wholly overlie the first element so as to occupy the minimum area outside of the light path.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.