Patent · US Expired

Miniature network of light obturators

US5579149A · kind A · utility

333Cited by
9References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 12, 1994
Grant dateNov 26, 1996
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 12, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG09F9/372
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

The obturators can be actuated in order to modulate an incident beam (L). Microshutters (5) are attached to a substrate by means of fastenings opposing resistance to their rotation away from a rest position. The microshutters (5) are placed on optical paths (X--X) so as to be able to interrupt them or establish them. They are fitted out with reflecting surfaces (7) so as to deflect the light when they are in the blocking position. On each optical path (X--X) a supplementary reflecting surface (8), a diaphragm (6) and a focusing means (4) are placed. Thus, in line with its position, each microshutter can focus the light on the diaphragm (6) so as to allow it to pass or to deflect it in order to block it. The application thereof is in the transformation of a beam (L) into a modulated beam (Lm).

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.