Litton Systems, Inc.

Clifford James Connors

Gary A Wannagot

Timothy R Goebel

Curtis Brent Keepers

Timothy Everett Ostromek

Michael Jude Iosue

Roland M Morley

Michael D Waterman

James M Cwiakala, Jr

A system () for combining multi-spectral images of a scene () is disclosed. The system () is compatible with a viewing system () for viewing the scene () in a first spectral range. The viewing system () has an objective lens (), an image intensifier () and viewing optics (). There is a detector () for viewing the scene () in a second spectral band. The detector () has an image output () representative of the viewed scene. A display () for receiving and displaying the image output is provided. There is a collimator () for receiving and projecting the displayed image. A beam mixer () is provided for receiving both the viewed scene in the first spectral band and the displayed image and conveying the combined images to the viewing system () to construct the combined multi-spectral images of the scene. The system may also be used stand-alone without the viewing system ().

Method and system for combining multi-spectral images of a scene

A fastening device (F) with first ( ) and second sides ( ) attaches a first device ( ) to a mounting rail ( ) of a second device ( ). A top section ( ) for mounting the first device extends from the first or second sides. The sides are adapted to removably clamp about the rail. A clamping member ( ) extends between the first and second sides. An extended end ( ) of the clamping member extends through the first side, and an opposing end ( ) is coupled with the second side. The clamping member extended portion ( ) is movably coupled to a single cam member ( ) operably mounted with the first side for drawing the sides closer together into a clamping position ( ) to mate the sides with the rail.

Single cam operated attachment device

Sighting device

A method of achieving a focusing adjustment of an optical assembly, and of releasably locking this focusing adjustment, is described. A night vision weapon sight (10) which implements this method includes an objective lens assembly (14), an eyepiece lens (18), and an image intensifier tube (20) receiving light via the objective lens in order to provide an image via the eyepiece lens. The objective lens assembly includes a base portion (32) into which a lens housing (34) is threadably received. The threaded engagement of the base portion and lens housing is locked by a collet-like array of radially flexible fingers (42) each having a conical outer surface. A locking collar (44) having a conically tapering inner surface threadably engages the lens housing (34) and engages the collet fingers (42). Locking of the locking collar (44) is ensured by threaded engagement of a locking ring (54) with the locking collar (44) such that the prevailing torque tightens both of a pair of threaded engagements of opposite hand.

Optical device having improved focus locking assembly and method of

A binocular night vision device (BNVD) includes a pair of night vision monocular scopes which pivotally and adjustably depend from a central housing portion. The central housing portion and the two night vision monocular scopes cooperatively define a singular gas envelope, which allows the entire BNVD to be purged of moist air and back filled with dry nitrogen gas to prevent fogging while requiring only a single purging port. Further, the central housing portion contains a single battery and a single voltage step up circuit powering both image intensifier tube modules of the two monocular night vision scopes. In order to provide for interpupillary distance adjustment, the central housing portion and each of the monocular night vision scopes defines a sealed pivot mechanism which also allows for electrical connection between the central housing portion and each of the night vision scopes.

Binocular night vision device and method of making and using the device

A night vision sight is provided for use with a weapon, which includes an objective lens and a non-inverting image intensifier tube disposed along an optical axis, providing an intensified target image. The sight is focused by direct movement of the image intensifier tube relative to the fixed position of the objective lens. A reticle projector is disposed orthogonal to the optical axis and provides a collimated reticle image, the reticle image providing an aiming point for the weapon. The reticle image is superimposed over the target image, which are reflected into an eyepiece of the sight. The eyepiece has an axis between the optical axis and a sight line passing through a pre-existing sight provided with the weapon. Adjustment of the apparent position of the reticle to compensate for azimuth and elevation is accomplished by moving the reticle projector about crossed cylindrical bearings.

Night vision weapon sight

A night vision device with an infrared light usable for covert signaling and reading as well as for illumination of exceedingly dark areas where sufficient ambient light does not exist for the night vision device to provide a view of the area, includes a singular dual-action control switch which allows an operator of the night vision device to operate all of the functions of the device with a singular control. These functions include momentary illumination of the infrared light for signaling and for 'quick look' purposes, such as for updating a user's knowledge of map coordinates, for example. The control circuit also allows the infrared light to be maintained on for area illumination, for example, until the user purposely turns it off. However, the momentary illumination feature for the infrared light improves utility of the night vision device for signaling, and improves user safety when 'quick look' map reading and area illumination functions are performed because the user is less likely to forgetfully leave the infrared light on, and to thereby reveal the user's position to other personnel equipped with night vision devices. Human factors considerations for operation of the night vision device with minimal training and in stressful situations is improved.

Growing community of inventors

Tempe, AZ, United States of America

Clifford James Connors