# US 7,609,459 B2 · Shutter device for infra-red imaging systems > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,609,459 B2 - Document ID: US7609459B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 11/277,787 - Filed: 2006-03-29 - Published: 2006-10-05 - Granted: 2009-10-27 - Earliest claimed: 2005-03-29 - Assignees: Thermoteknix Systems Ltd. - Inventors: Ben Pemberton; Richard Salisbury - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7609459B2 ## CPC - G03B 9/16: Two separate members moving in the same direction - G03B: APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR (optical parts of such apparatus G02B; photosensitive materials or processes for photographic purposes G03C; apparatus for processing exposed photographic materials G03D) ## 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. ## Claims ### Claim 1 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. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A shutter device according to claim 1 in which a next successive element has an edge which is complimentary to the edge of the first shutter element, for abutment therewith. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A shutter device according to claim 1 in which all said elements are complementarily shaped 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 or unfurled. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) A shutter device according to claim 1 wherein 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. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) A shutter device according to claim 4 wherein the rotary device element comprises a motor. ### Claim 6 (depends on 4) A shutter device according to claim 4 wherein the rotary device comprises a torsion spring disposed along the rotation axis. ### Claim 7 (depends on 4) A shutter device according to claim 4 wherein said lost motion device comprises a pin or a hinge which engages in slots of increasing length in the successive shutter elements, the pin being arranged to be rotated by the drive element. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) A shutter device according to claim 1 wherein the elements are of different materials. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) A shutter device according to claim 1 wherein a contact thermistor is provided, which thermistor can measure the temperature of the shutter device. ### Claim 10 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. ### Claim 11 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. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) A shutter device according to claim 11 wherein the rotary device element comprises a motor. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) A shutter device according to claim 11 wherein the rotary device element comprises a torsion spring disposed along the rotation axis. ### Claim 14 (depends on 11) A shutter device according to claim 11, further comprising a contact thermistor which can measure the temperature of the shutter device. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) A shutter device according to claim 14, wherein the two or more elements are connected to a single shaft and mounted on a single axis of rotation. ### Claim 16 (depends on 11) A shutter device according to claim 11, wherein there are two elements. ### Claim 17 (depends on 11) A shutter device according to claim 11 wherein said lost motion device comprises a pin or a hinge which engages in slots of increasing length in the successive shutter elements, the pin being arranged to be rotated by the drive element. ### Claim 18 (depends on 11) A shutter device according to claim 11 wherein the elements are made of different materials. ### Claim 19 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.