Litton Systems, Inc.

Other

Hvm Technology Gmbh

Michael R Saldana

Joseph P Estrera

Jerry Porter

Roland M Morley

Kenneth W Sauter

Rodney Lynn Doster

Timothy W Sinor

David W Buck

Michael Charles Epperson

Alric M Fitterer

Michael J Iouse

In one exemplary embodiment, a shock-resistant night vision assembly is configured to detect a high-acceleration event, for example, resulting from a round or burst of high-caliber rifle fire. Upon detecting the event, a voltage such as a photocathode voltage is forced to an inactive or protective level and held there for approximately 50 ms, giving time for mechanical excursions of the microchannel plate to settle out. Damage from physical impact and electrostatic discharge may thus be mitigated.

Shock-resistant image intensifier

An advanced image intensifier assembly provides enhanced functionality. A grounded photocathode provides shielding from electromagnetic interference, improving the ability to work in multiple light conditions. Bi-directional wireless communication and non-volatile storage allow critical information to be permanently stored and read wirelessly at a scanning station, easing in identification of units. Because bi-directional communication components can be embedded within an image intensifier assembly, existing end-user night vision devices can be upgraded by simply replacing the image intensifier assembly. For enhanced safety, a programmable shutdown capability is provided. This renders the device inoperative in the absence of continuous input, either wireless or manual, from an authorized operator, thus rendering the device useless if captured by enemy combatants. Finally, direct 1-volt operation enables the device to be powered by, for example, a single AA battery.

Advanced image intensifier assembly

A battery adapter (A) replaces two batteries ( ) with a single battery ( ) housed within a compartment ( ) of a battery powered electrical device (D). An electrically conductive housing ( ) adapted to replicate a selected battery and fit within a space adapted to house two of the selected sized batteries. A step up circuit ( ) mounted within the battery housing ( ) receives an electrical signal from a single battery ( ) and transforms the voltage of the electrical signal to simulate an electrical signal from two electrically connected selected batteries ( ).

Battery adapter for night vision device

The present invention comprises a method for gating a power supply. A gating command terminal is capacitively coupled to an on/off switch. A gating command signal is provided at the gating command terminal. The gating command signal is operable to activate the on/off switch. An off signal is generated at an output terminal of the on/off switch in response to an off state of the on/off switch being activated. An on signal is generated at the output terminal in response to an on state of the on/off switch being activated.

Method and system for gating a power supply in a radiation detector

A method for regulating a signal level in a power supply for a microchannel plate in a radiation detector is provided. The method includes receiving an input signal at a signal multiplier. The signal multiplier has an output terminal and a return terminal. An output signal is produced at the output terminal. The output signal is provided to the microchannel plate. A regulation signal is provided from the output terminal to the return terminal. A signal level of the output signal is regulated with the regulation signal.

Method and system for regulating a high voltage level in a power supply for a radiation detector

A night vision device (,) includes an improved power (,) that regulates the output brightness of the image intensifier tube (,) of the device (,) according to the two functions of MCP voltage control and photocathode gating duty cycle control. These two functions operate in sequence&mdash;the MCP voltage control operates prior to the duty cycle control with increasing input illumination to the image intensifier&mdash;in order to provide automatic brightness control and bright source protection while maximizing the high light level image resolution and maintaining the signal-to-noise ratio of the image intensifier at an acceptably high level.

Power supply for night viewers

An integrated night vision device and laser range finder provides both night-time and day-time imaging by use of an image intensifier tube, as well as providing laser range finding operations both day and night. In a laser range finder mode of operation the device projects a pulse of laser light into a scene being viewed, and a power supply and laser range finder circuit of the device temporarily utilizes the image intensifier tube as a sensor to detect reflected laser light. During laser range finding, imaging is cut off for a very short time interval. Also, during imaging operations, the power supply and laser range finder circuit operates the image intensifier tube in a unique way in order to provide both improved automatic brightness control (ABC) and improved bright-source protection (BSP). The ABC and BSP functions are coordinated with the laser range finding function in order to prevent interference by the ABC or BSP functions with laser range finding operations.

Integrated night vision device and laser range finder

A night vision device with an image intensifier tube includes an improved power supply which operates the image intensifier tube of the device according to a variable duty cycle either at a design voltage level for the tube or at a voltage level simulating a dark-field. This duty cycle variation is effected as a function of the current flow in the image intensifier tube in order to provide automatic brightness control and bright source protection. An improved service life for the image intensifier tube is achieved. Also, a microchannel plate of the image intensifier tube need not carry an ion barrier film, resulting in an improved light amplification for the image intensifier tube.

Night vision device having an image intensifier tube, microchannel plate

A multi-function day/night observation, ranging, and sighting device with active acquisition of optical targets includes a single objective lens and a single eyepiece lens and provides an image of a scene. The single objective lens leads to a visible-light first optical path and to an invisible-light second optical path. The invisible-light second optical path includes an image intensifier tube providing a visible image. The first and second optical paths converge with visible images provided by each pathway being overlaid at a reticule plane. A single light path leads from the reticule plane to the eyepiece lens. A laser provides pulses of laser light projected into the scene via the single objective lens, and the image intensifier tube is used as a detector for a portion of the laser light pulses reflected from an object in the scene in order to provide both a laser range finding function and an active optical target acquisition mode. The device includes a light-emitting display visible through the eyepiece lens providing ranging information superimposed over the image of the scene as seen by a user of the device. Methods of the device's operation are also disclosed.

Multi-functional day/night observation, ranging, and sighting device

A night vision device includes an improved power supply which operates the image intensifier tube of the device according to a variable duty cycle either at a design voltage level for the tube or at a voltage level simulating a dark-field. This duty cycle variation is effected as a function of the current flow in the image intensifier tube in order to provide automatic brightness control and bright source protection.

Night vision device having improved automatic brightness control and

A night vision device which applies a time-varying voltage to the photocathode of the device during periods of high average light intensity from a scene being viewed. The purpose of applying this time-varying voltage during periods of high average light intensity is to reduce the average current through the photocathode, thus increasing reliability for the night vision device while preserving image resolution.

Night vision device with voltage to photocathode having a rectified

A multi-function day/night observation, ranging, and sighting device includes a single objective lens and a single eyepiece lens and provides an image of a scene. The single objective lens leads to a visible-light first optical path and to an invisible-light second optical path. The invisible-light second optical path includes an image intensifier tube providing a visible image. The first-and second optical paths converge with visible images provided by each pathway being overlaid at a reticule plane. A single light path leads from the reticule plane to the eyepiece lens. A laser provides a pulse of laser light projected into the scene via the single objective lens, and the image intensifier tube is used as a detector for a portion of the laser light pulse reflected from an object in the scene in order to provide a laser range finding function. The device includes a light-emitting display visible through the eyepiece lens and providing ranging information superimposed over the image of the scene as seen by a user of the device. Methods of the device's operation are also disclosed.

Multi-function day/night observation, ranging, and sighting device and

A night vision device having a power supply which delivers a high voltage level to its microchannel plate (MCP) through a variable resistance device. The voltage to the MCP is monitored and used to control the resistance to the variable resistance device such that the voltage on the MCP remains substantially at an established level, notwithstanding variations in the current being drawn by the MCP.

Growing community of inventors

New Braunfels, TX, United States of America

Michael R Saldana