| 摘要 |
A scanning horizon sensor for indicating orientation by sensing a line of discontinuity in optical radiation in a field of view between a reference body and outer space is provided in which a scanning turret is mounted on one end of a motor shaft of any conventional design or make. A detector is positioned on the optical axis of the horizon sensor for detecting optical radiation applied thereto by the scanning turret generating detector signals in accordance with the intensity of the optical radiation applied. The motor shaft is provided with a small hole drilled axially through the motor shaft which houses an optical fiber which serves to transfer the focal point from one end of the motor shaft to the other where a stationary lens focuses the radiation emitted from the outer end of the optical fiber onto the detector. The use of an optical fiber on a standard motor shaft eliminates the need for large bearings surrounding the more conventional hollow rotating motor shaft employed in conical scan-type horizon sensors. Advantageously, the life and reliability of the bearings are extended without compromising the compact nature of the sensor provided.
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