Patents by Inventor Lawrence Schmutz

Lawrence Schmutz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Optical centroid processor wavefront sensor
    Patent number: 5083015
    Abstract: An improved optical centroid processor wavefront sensor is described in which an image is optically impinged on a plurality of mask arrays. A group of mask arrays, having a coarse dependant function, filters light onto corresponding photodetector arrays. The output of the photodetectors provide a coarse signal indicative of spot displacement over an increased tilt dynamic range. Another group of mask arrays, having a fine dependant function, filters light onto corresponding photodetector arrays. The output of the photodetectors provide a fine signal indicative of spot displacement with an increased accuracy. The coarse and fine signals may be employed by a deformable mirror to correct aberrations in a light beam wavefront.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Carl G. Witthoft, Allan Wirth, Lawrence Schmutz