Abstract: A method for providing user adjustable variable gain for a night vision device which utilizes an image intensifier tube, wherein the image intensifier tube has a given life expectancy, the image intensifier tube is subjected to factory calibration for providing an optimum output during operation, wherein the calibration undesirably differs from tube to tube and is adjustable by variable control means coupled to the tube, whereby when one tube is substituted for another the difference in calibration causes non-optimum performance, the method including the steps of: determining minimum and maximum gain limits associated with the optimum output of the night vision device; factory calibrating gain limiting means according to the determined minimum and maximum gain limits, wherein the gain limiting means are associated with the image intensifier tube and for limiting the variable control means; and, tethering the gain limiting means to the image intensifier tube.

Abstract: An infrared communicating badge is provided for transmitting an infrared coded signal, such as a patient identification number. The badge includes a sealed housing having an infrared transparent segment. The badge housing contains a power source, a microprocessor, an infrared transmitter, and an infrared receiver. The badge receiver is desensitized such that it does not respond to ambient light from the surroundings and, preferably, only detects signals from a programmer. This programmer transmits a coded infrared signal, which represents the patient identification number, to the badge. After the coded infrared signal is transmitted and stored in the badge, the infrared signal is transmitted periodically to another infrared receiver, located in a remote location. The remote receiver relays the information to a base unit at which the location of a person may be monitored.

Abstract: An amplitude-shift-keyed (ASK) optical transmitter is described for generating an ASK modulated infrared signal from a light-emitting-diode (LED). The transmitter includes a DC powered microcircuit for generating an ASK modulation signal. A pair of mosfet devices are connected in series with one or more LED's between the mosfets. An oscillator signal used to operate the microcircuit is also employed as a carrier signal to activate one mosfet while the ASK modulating signal is coupled to operate the other mosfet. Input capacitances of the mosfets are used to tune the oscillator signal and smooth the leading and trailing edges of the ASK modulation signal. Several embodiments are described.

Abstract: An amplitude-shift-keyed (ASK) receiver is described for use in receiving infrared ASK modulated carrier signals wherein a delayed version of a demodulated pulse os compared with a stretched version and a dynamic threshold signal to reproduce binary data pulses. The dynamic threshold signal is further compared with the stretched version to derive an indication of the amplitude of the incident optical carrier. An embodiment illustrating use of the ASK receiver in an infrared communication system is described.

Abstract: A high voltage measuring system with very high input impedance. The system measures a high voltage source under test by developing a control signal which is proportional to the differential voltage between the high voltage source being tested and an adjustable high voltage reference. This control signal is fed back into a controller which adjusts the reference source so as to match the reference source with the source under test. When the controller detects that matching has occurred, it measures the reference source. By measuring the reference source, as opposed to measuring the source under test directly, the system avoids loading down the source under test.

Abstract: A channel electron multiplier phototube having a channel electron multiplier, a transparent faceplate, and an anode assembly. The channel electron multiplier includes an insulating body having a curved passageway extending therethrough. A photoemissive element, and a secondary emissive dynode material is on the walls of the passageway. The passageway, together with a photoemission film of the photocathode assembly and the anode of the anode assembly define an evacuated closed region. Preferably, the electron multiplier is a monolithic ceramic body.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus having a container for holding a quantity of cleaning agent, which is vaporized and condensed to form an upper vapor layer. Essentially, the container is divided into a lower chamber, for holding the cleaning agent, and an upper chamber for containing the vapors. One or more heat pumps are adapted to establish a relatively low temperature in the upper region to condense the vapors released by the lower heating process. Multiple high thermally conductive shunting devices are coupled between the high temperature end of the heat pumps and the bottom portion of the container to transfer extracted heat from the upper portion to the lower portion, to augment the vaporization process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system comprising a plurality of networks, encapsulated in substantially electrically non-conductive materials and positioned interior to the outer surface of an encasement region. According to the invention, at least one outer surface of at least one of the encapsulated networks is complementary to, adjacent to, and in physical contact with at least one outer surface of at least one other of the encapsulated networks. Also disclosed is a method for constructing the system. In a preferred embodiment, the system is a toroidally shaped power supply whose modular structure facilitates ease of testing and assembly, affords considerable space savings, substantially reduces manufacturing waste costs, and eliminates a proven source of circuit failure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a component carrier adapted for mounting components on curved surfaces. The carrier comprises a rigid base member having a top surface adapted for supporting a component and a bottom surface curved to mount flush to a complementary curved support surface.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for remotely reading out an analog meter having a movable pointer overlying and being mobile over a stationary scale. The pointer is characterized by a first optical reflectivity (R1), and the scale is characterized by a second optical reflectivity (R2). The system comprises an image generator and a detector. The image generator generates an image signal representative of the optical reflectivity of a composite image of the pointer overlying the scale. The detector processes the image signal to generate a pointer position signal representative of the relative position of the pointer with respect to the scale.

Abstract: A channel electron multiplier having a semiconductive secondary emissive coating on the walls of said channel wherein said electron multiplier is a monolithic ceramic body and said channel therein preferably is three dimensional.