Litton Systems, Inc.

Varo, Inc.

Other

Robert E Wallace

Wayne E Isbell

Kenneth W Sauter

William A Kastendieck

Thomas F Whittaker

The invention comprises an alignment element for a multiple channel sight and method. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an alignment element (,) may comprise a first prism (,) and a second prism (,). The second prism (,) may be disposed proximate to the first prism (,). An adjustment device (,) may rotate the first prism (,) with respect to the second prism (,) to deviate an image of a first channel (,) at an image plane (,).

Alignment element for multiple channel sight and method

The invention comprises a protective window for an optical sight. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an optical sight (,) may comprise an optical component (,) transmitting an image of a scene. A protective window (,) may be disposed approximate to an internal side of the optical component (,) to obstruct dirt from contacting the internal side of the optical component.

Protective window for optical sight

The invention comprises a protective window for an optical sight. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an optical sight (20) may comprise an optical component (182, 300) transmitting an image of a scene. A protective window (180, 430) may be disposed approximate to an internal side of the optical component (180, 300) to obstruct dirt from contacting the internal side of the optical component.

A multi-function day/night observation, ranging, and sighting device includes a single objective lens group and a single eyepiece lens and provides an image of a scene. The single objective lens group leads to a visible-light first optical path and to an invisible-light second optical path. It will be understood that the terms visible-light and invisible-light are used merely to distinguish the two optical paths, and not as a limitation. In other words, some visible light will pass to the image intensifier tube, and this tube is capable of providing an image in response to light in the visible portion of the spectrum. On the other hand, some light in the infrared portion of the spectrum may pass along the visible-light optical path. As mentioned, 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

The invention comprises an alignment element for a multiple channel sight and method. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an alignment element (456) may comprise a first prism (492) and a second prism (494). The second prism (494) may be disposed proximate to the first prism (492). An adjustment device (506) may rotate the first prism (492) with respect to the second prism (494) to deviate an image of a first channel (54, 56) at an image plane (300).

Optical clamping system

A multi-function day/night observation, ranging, and sighting device includes a single first lens and a single eyepiece lens and provides an image of a scene. The single first 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 first 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.

The invention may include a channel selector for a multiple channel sight. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a channel selector may include a support (260) for mounting a deflecting surface (250). A pivot assembly (264) may be coupled to the support (260) to provide an axis of rotation (262). The pivot assembly (264) may include opposed recessed ends (272). A ball (274) may engage each of the opposed recessed ends (272). A holder assembly (276) may engage each of the balls (274). Each holder assembly (276) may include a recessed end (272). At least one of the holder assemblies (276) may be adjustable along the axis of rotation (262) of the support (260) to control a shifting torque of the support (260). In another embodiment of the invention, a pivot shaft (118) may be fixably coupled to a support (114) to provide an axis of rotation (116). The pivot shaft (118) may include opposed ends (120). A frame (110) may include a trough (122) to receive each of the ends (120) of the pivot shaft (118). The troughs (122) may extend in alignment with one another on opposite sides of an aperture (112) of the frame (110). A plate (128) may be coupled across each trough (122). Each plate (128) may contact one of the ends (120) of the pivot shaft (118) to control a shifting torque of the support (114) relative to the frame (110).

Channel selector for multiple channel sight

There is provided an apparatus for improving power transfer or collection efficiency from a high aspect ratio linear junction laser diode to associated collimation optics in a weapon rangefinder, illuminator, laser spot projector, optical security system, or other optical device. A cylindrical or rod lens (16) is positioned adjacent to the emitting region (14) of the laser diode (10), the longitudinal axis of the rod lens (16) being parallel to the emitting region (14). Preferably, the emitting region (14) of the laser diode (10) is located at the bottom of a V-shaped surface (20) of the laser diode (10), for facilitating alignment of the rod lens (16) with the emitting region (14). The rod lens (16) may comprise a fiber optic strand of either glass or plastic material, and is small enough to be totally encapsulated within the window capped case (26) of the laser diode (10) o The cylindrical lens can be a gradient index type, holographic optical element, aspheric, or a combination of the aforementioned as well as circular cross-section rod lens. In an alternative embodiment, a rod lens (16) may be used to collect and collimate light emitted from a wire filament in a copier or page scanner, for example.

Apparatus for enhancing collimation and improving collection efficiency

There is provided an improved optical viewing device (10) in which variable compass heading information (80) and stadiametric range measuring information (88), (106), (118) is superimposed upon the image of a scene viewed through a viewing optical system (13) within the device (10). A self-luminous display panel (36) displays the information in the form of graphical symbols and/or alphanumeric characters. A folding lens (38) reflects light from the display panel (36) to a correcting lens (40), which transmits the light to a reflecting means (41) or (52). The reflecting means (41) or (52) reflects the light to a mangin mirror (44) or (62), which reflects the light to a dichroic combiner (28) or (50). The dichroic combiner (28) or (50) transmits the light into the path of the viewing optical system (13) such that the information displayed on the display panel (36) is effectively superimposed upon the image of the scene viewed by the user. A dichroic coating on dichroic combiner (28) or (50) reflects light of wavelengths associated with the viewing optical system (13) and transmits light associated with the illuminated display panel (36). An alternative embodiment employs a holographic element (72) to superimpose the information from display panel (36) upon the image of the scene.

Apparatus including a mangin mirror for superimposing variable graphical

There is provided a multifunction coaxial objective system (16) for a laser rangefinder (10). The transmitter, receiver, and viewing optical systems have a common, coaxial optical axis (48). The multifunction coaxial objective system (16) includes lenses (28), (30) and mirror (32) each having a central obscuration therein. The multifunction coaxial objective system (16) further includes a lens (34) having a dichroic coating on one surface (50). The dichroic coated lens (34) transmits visible and near infrared light and reflects light of the wavelength transmitted by a laser emitter (18). The viewing optical system includes a pair of focusing wedges (42), (44) for adjusting the focus of the viewing optical system. Each focusing wedge (42), (44) is a wedge-shaped optical flat. The pair of focusing wedges (42), (44) are disposed against one another along a plane inclined with respect to the coaxial optical axis (48) of the multifunction coaxial objective system (16). Focus adjustment is achieved by relative movement between the focusing wedges (42), (44) along the inclined plane. The multifunction coaxial objective system (16) of the present invention may alternatively be incorporated into a rangefinder and camera for example.

Multifunction coaxial objective system for a rangefinder

An apparatus and method for indicating a contour of a surface relative to a vehicle, in which a first electromagnetic radiation source projects a first beam to create a first reflection pattern on the surface. A second electromagnetic radiation source projects a second beam to create a second reflection pattern on the surface. An apparatus is provided for coupling the first and second electromagnetic radiation sources to the vehicle, such that a movement of the vehicle results in a movement of the first and second reflection patterns on the surface.

Apparatus and method for indicating a contour of a surface relative to a

A binocular periscope (10) viewer includes a columnar glass prism (52) disposed in a vertical optical path (24) and an angled internal reflective surface (51) for redirecting the image from a horizontal path (22) an object lens assembly (54), a night vision image intensifier tube (56) and a collimator (58) are all disposed in the vertical optical path (24) and further condition the image for presentation to a triple prism (60). The triple prism (60) includes a first prism (62) integral with a second prism (64) and a third prism (66). Prism (62) is disposed in the vertical optical path (24) and redirects the image into a forward horizontal optical path (70). Each of prisms (64, 66) receive essentially the entire redirected image, and further redirect such image into oppositely directed lateral horizontal optical paths (26, 28). The triple prism (60) is mounted to a cradle (106) which is secured to the frame (12) of the viewing system. Turning mirrors (90, 92) redirect the image into parallel common forward horizontal paths (30, 32) for individual viewing by an observer.

Binocular periscope viewing device including triple prism for image

A binocular periscope (10) viewer includes a columnar glass prism (52) disposed in a vertical optical path (24) and an angled internal reflective surface (51) for redirecting the image from a horizontal path (22) downwardly to a vertical optical path (24). An objective lens assembly (54), a night vision image intensifier tube (56) and a collimator (58) are all disposed in the vertical optical path (24) and further condition the image for presentation to a triple prism (60). The triple prism (60) includes a first prism (62) integral with a second prism (64) and a third prism (66). Prism (62) is disposed in the vertical optical path (24) and redirects the image into a forward horizontal optical path (70). Each of prisms (64, 66) receive essentially the entire redirected image, and further redirect such image into oppositely directed lateral horizontal optical paths (26, 28). The triple prism (60) is mounted to a cradle (106) which is secured to the frame (12) of the viewing system. Turning mirrors (90, 92) redirect the image into parallel common forward horizontal paths (30, 32) for individual viewing by an observer.

A quick-lock-quick-release device for attaching a boot to a foot plate which doubles as an ice crampon or mounting plate for an alloy snowshoe is provided. The lock-release foot plate design is such that it can readily be adjusted for any size of boot by simply moving the lock-release lever on the foot plate. This design also lends itself to the use of the Arctic vapor barrier boots used by the military. In addition, three crampon designs are included as well as a quick release mechanism for attachment/detachment of the foot plate to/from the snowshoe without the necessity of tools. An articulated foot plate for use with an alloy snowshoe for running in snow is also shown. The articulated foot plate consists of two pieces, a toe portion and a heel portion, which are hinged together around the pivot pin to allow for flexing of the sole of the wearer's shoe during running.

Snowshoe binding and ice crampon or the like

A one-piece light metal alloy snowshoe is coupled to a boot attached to a crampon/binding assembly via a fixed pivot assembly. A quick lock-release device of the crampon/binding assembly may be adjusted to accommodate any size boot. Thereafter, the simple moving of a locking-release lever will firmly attach and release the boot to the crampon assembly and the snowshoe.

Growing community of inventors

Garland, TX, United States of America

Robert E Wallace