Thermal wake control
US8848290B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 8, 2011 |
| Grant date | Sep 30, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B17/0626
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Thermal wake proximate to an optical element of a telescope may be reduced. Signal(s) related to respective temperatures of support struts supporting the optical element may be generated. The respective temperatures of the support struts may be determined based on the signal(s). Individual support struts may be heated based on the respective temperatures of the support struts. Heating a given support strut may cause the given support strut to thermally expand. Individual support struts may be at least partially enclosed with corresponding shrouds. Airspaces may be disposed between individual support struts and the corresponding shrouds. Heat emitted in the airspaces by the support struts may be ejected away from the optical element to prevent a thermal wake from reaching a volume proximate to the optical element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.