With Optical Device Patents (Class 313/524)
  • Patent number: 11348749
    Abstract: A night vision goggle adapter including: a goggle mount assembly; a primary magnet generating a magnetic flux; a magnetic flux conducting unit having a first end and a second end; a first plurality of shunts; and a second plurality of shunts disposed about the goggle mount assembly; wherein the magnetic flux conducting unit may overlap the primary magnet and form a magnetic circuit for conducting the magnetic flux towards the second end of the magnetic flux conducting unit when none of the first plurality of shunts and none of the second plurality of shunts are overlapped by the magnetic flux conducting unit; and wherein the magnetic flux is shorted through one of the first plurality of shunts or the second plurality of shunts when the magnetic flux conducting unit is positioned to overlap one of the first plurality of shunts or one of the second plurality of shunts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: NOROTOS, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathon R. Prendergast, Ronald R. Soto
  • Patent number: 10612890
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus can include an optical device configured to provide a day view image mode and a night view image mode. The optical device may include an optics assembly configured to receive light from a view area and a control circuit including one or more sensors and a display interface. The control circuit may be configured to receive a mode selection input and to selectively enable at least one of the display interface and the one or more sensors in response to the mode selection input indicating a night view image mode. The optical device may also include an optical element responsive to a signal from the control circuit to direct at least a portion of the light toward the one or more sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Talon Precision Optics LLC
    Inventors: John Francis McHale, Douglas Richard Hammond
  • Patent number: 10455881
    Abstract: An adjustable headgear mount device and system is presented. The mount system comprises an adjustable locking catch that is adjustable by the user to accommodate a various range of male bayonet parts. A receiver element defines a slot that the adjustable locking catch is positioned in. The user can slide the catch into a desired position in the slot and securedly fix the catch in the desired position with at least one set screw. In the desired position, the catch can engage a portion of the male bayonet. The catch can be moved to a different position by the user if a different size male bayonet part is desired to be attached to the headgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: CADEQUIP, INC.
    Inventor: Serge Dextraze
  • Patent number: 10170525
    Abstract: An organic light emitting display device includes a substrate, a gate insulation layer, a planarization layer, a boundary pattern, and a sub-pixel structure. The substrate includes a sub-pixel region and a transparent region. The gate insulation layer is disposed on the substrate. The planarization layer is disposed in the sub-pixel region on the gate insulation layer, and exposes the transparent region. The boundary pattern covers a boundary of the sub-pixel region and the transparent region. The sub-pixel structure is disposed on the planarization layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Ho Lee, Dae-Woo Kim, Jin-A Lee, Myung-Koo Hur
  • Patent number: 10121390
    Abstract: A helmet point-of-view training and monitoring method and apparatus to solve problems encountered in the training and monitoring of pilots of airplanes and other air, sea, land, and space vessels, or vehicles where the seating arrangement in the cockpit prevents an instructor or evaluator from sitting beside or directly observing the pilot's view of the controls and indicators in the cockpit and the outside view from the pilot's position in the cockpit, by providing an apparatus to affix a camera to the standard multi-angle mounting surface found on pilot's helmets, in a proper position and at a proper angle, and by capturing a series of images from the pilot's point of view and displaying such images in real time to an instructor and as recordings for review by pilots, instructors, and others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Donald Kennair, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10100871
    Abstract: A bridge mount device, system, and related methods are disclosed. The bridge mount device has a mounting shoe. A connector is affixed to the mounting shoe. A bridge assembly has at least two bridge arms, wherein each of the bridge arms has an optical device mount. The at least two bridge arms are detachably connected to the connector. The mounting shoe is vertically offset from the bridge assembly and horizontally adjustable relative to the bridge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: KNIGHTVISION, LLLP
    Inventor: Robert J. McCreight, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10079488
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus for use with an aircraft can include an aircraft interface input adapted for operatively connecting to and receiving DC power from an aircraft's power bus, and a single connection input adapted for operatively connecting to and supplying power and communications to a plurality of aircraft devices. The apparatus can include a DC to DC electrical converter that converts the DC power received from the aircraft power bus and converts the power to appropriate voltages for powering the aircraft devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Inventor: William M. Challancin
  • Patent number: 9678344
    Abstract: A wearer of a virtual image display apparatus can adjust the position of the virtual image display apparatus relative to the position of each of the wearer's eyes by using a registration mechanism while checking a marker member that is a positioning member, whereby an optimum adjusted position is readily achieved. Further, registration according to person-to-person differences in the position of each of the eyes can be readily achieved, whereby it is not necessary to increase the light flux width of image light in advance or provide the image light with a margin so that the wearer can recognize an image even when the position of the eye deviates from a normal position to some extent, and the size of the apparatus will not increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Takeda, Takahiro Totani, Akira Komatsu, Masayuki Takagi, Toshiaki Miyao
  • Patent number: 9578916
    Abstract: An appliance mounting device 10 that is adapted for securement to head gear 12. The device 10 has an elongated guide 14 that is adapted for removable attachment to the head gear 12 such that a lengthwise dimension of the elongated guide 14 is at least generally coincident with a sagittal plane 16. An appliance holder 20 supports an appliance 18 and can engage the elongated guide 14 to allow for adjustment of the position of the appliance 18 along the elongated guide 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bjorn Daniels, Stefan Aberg, Jonas N. A. Frejd, Mats U. Sernfalt, Marcus T. R. Wiederkehr
  • Patent number: 9439273
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus, method, and program product to control a lamp system. The apparatus comprises a plasma lamp bulb (20) and a microwave generator (12) operable to generate a microwave energy field to excite the plasma lamp bulb (20) to emit ultraviolet light (24). The apparatus further comprises a sensor (70) to measure the intensity of the ultraviolet light (24) and a reflector (42) positioned between the plasma lamp bulb (20) and the sensor (70) The reflector (42) is operable to reflect at least a portion of the ultraviolet light (24) generated by the plasma lamp bulb (20). The method comprises receiving a target intensity for the ultraviolet light (24) and measuring an intensity of the ultraviolet light (24) using a sensor (70). The method further comprises comparing the target intensity to the measured intensity and, in response to the comparison, adjusting power to a microwave generator (12) to adjust the intensity of the ultraviolet light (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Borsuk, James Khoury, Edward C. McGhee, James Smith
  • Patent number: 9239258
    Abstract: A photoelectric cell comprising: a cathode layer configured to eject electrons in response to receiving photons from a light source; a substantially-photon-transparent anode configured to receive the ejected electrons; first and second, substantially-photon-transparent, dielectric layers, wherein the first dielectric layer is disposed between the cathode layer and the anode layer and wherein the anode layer is disposed between the first and second dielectric layers such that the cathode layer, the first dielectric layer, the anode layer, and the second dielectric layer form a layered stack; and wherein at least a first portion of the layered stack overlaps a second portion of the layered stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Paul David Swanson, Richard L. Waters
  • Publication number: 20130126705
    Abstract: The present invention includes a transmissive-reflective photocathode including a membrane configured to absorb photons from an illumination source via a first surface of the membrane, the membrane further configured to emit photoelectrons in a reflection mode via the first surface, the membrane further configured to emit photoelectrons in a transmissive mode via a second surface, the first surface and the second surface being substantially parallel, and a membrane support structure configured to mechanically secure the membrane, the membrane support structure further configured to provide at least a first pathway between the first surface and free space and a second pathway between the second surface and free space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: KLA-TENCOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ivan Maleev
  • Patent number: 8395568
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating apparatus comprising photovoltaic diodes, which may be created through a printing process, using a semiconductor or other substrate particle ink or suspension and using a lens particle ink or suspension. An exemplary apparatus comprises a base; at least one first conductor; a plurality of substantially spherical or optically resonant diodes coupled to the at least one first conductor; at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a plurality of substantially spherical lenses suspended in a polymer attached or deposited over the diodes. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignees: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc, The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark D. Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
  • Patent number: 8384630
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating apparatus comprising photovoltaic diodes, which may be created through a printing process, using a semiconductor or other substrate particle ink or suspension and using a lens particle ink or suspension. An exemplary apparatus comprises a base; at least one first conductor; a plurality of diodes coupled to the at least one first conductor; at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a plurality of lenses suspended in a polymer deposited or attached over the diodes. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes are substantially spherical, and have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1. The diodes may be LEDs or photovoltaic diodes, and in some embodiments, have a junction formed at least partially as a hemispherical shell or cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc, NASA, an agency of the United States
    Inventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark D. Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
  • Publication number: 20120248977
    Abstract: A light emitting device-light receiving device assembly includes: a mount substrate having first and second surfaces, and including a first base as a raised portion on the first surface; a light receiving device having first and second surfaces, the first surface of the light receiving device being anchored on the first base; and a light emitting device, the light receiving device including a light passage portion allowing for passage of light emitted by the light emitting device, the light emitted by the light emitting device emerging to outside through the light passage portion, the first base, and the mount substrate, the light receiving device receiving externally incident light through the mount substrate and the first base, the light receiving device including an annular second base as a raised portion on the second surface of the light receiving device, and the light emitting device being anchored on the second base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiizu Ootorii
  • Publication number: 20120019132
    Abstract: a photomultiplier tube including a photocathode, an electron multiplier, an electron collector, and a power lead, wherein the photocathode and the electron multiplier are disposed in a sealed transparent vacuum envelope, the electron collector and the power lead are connected with an external circuit outside the vacuum envelope, the photocathode is formed on the entire inner surface of the vacuum envelope, and the electron multiplier is located on the internal center of the vacuum envelope to receive photoelectrons from the photocathode in all directions for electrons multiplication. Because the effective photocathode area is increased, the detection efficiency of unit light-receiving area is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: INSTITUTE OF HIGH ENERGY PHYSICS, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Yi fang Wang, Sen Qian, Tian chi Zhao, Jun Cao
  • Patent number: 7742208
    Abstract: A rewriteable diffraction grating contains first nanoparticles and second nanoparticles. Each first nanoparticle is configured and arranged to generate one or more charge carriers in response to a write beam. Each second nanoparticle is configured and arranged to substantially alter its response to light from a read beam upon receiving one or more charge carriers from the first nanoparticles. The second nanoparticles are disposed in proximity to the first nanoparticles to permit charge carriers generated by the first nanoparticles to interact with the second nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Brother International Corporation
    Inventor: Howard Duiane Lewis
  • Publication number: 20100001639
    Abstract: An organic light-emitting display apparatus having a touch panel operation. The organic light-emitting display apparatus includes: a substrate; a display unit disposed on the substrate; an encapsulation substrate disposed above the display unit; a reflection layer formed on the substrate; and a photo sensor interposed between the reflection layer and the encapsulation substrate, and to detect light striking an object disposed on the encapsulation substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: Samsung Mobile Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Dae KIM, Kyoung-Bo KIM, Moo-Jin KIM, Cheol-Su KIM, Hye-Dong KIM, Ki-Ju IM, Yong-Sung PARK, Gun-Shik KIM, Jun-Sik OH, Brent JANG, Sang-Uk KIM
  • Patent number: 7297924
    Abstract: An optronic observation device including a detector having a photocathode and a sensor arranged to receive an incident light beam. The device also including a switch to position an optical element opposite the detector in the pathway of the incident beam or to retract the optical element and a focusing element to focus an incident ray on the photocathode when the optical element is in a retracted position. When the optical element is positioned opposite the detector, it is able to focus the beam on the sensor and to filter the beam spectrally to block all or part of the wavelengths for which the responsiveness of the photocathode is greater than a given threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sagem Defense Securite
    Inventors: Geoffroy DelTel, Sylvain Faure, Denis Guettier, Philippe Patry
  • Patent number: 7251400
    Abstract: A limiter device is used as a fiber optic faceplate (FOFP) night vision goggle for limiting light or laser induced damage on a vacuum side of the FOFP. The limiter device includes a plurality of longitudinally extending optical fibers, each bundled to each other to form a light input surface on an external side of the FOFP and a light output surface on the vacuum side of the FOFP. The optical fibers include fiber optic cores and a glass cladding surrounding each of the cores. A portion of the glass cladding is replaced by an optical absorber material extending longitudinally away from the light input surface. The optical absorber material may extend longitudinally about 1-20 microns away from the light input surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Niels Frederick Jacksen
  • Patent number: 7176429
    Abstract: In an electron tube, one end of an insulating tube is protruded toward the inside of an envelope, and an avalanche photodiode (APD) is provided on the one end of the insulating tube. Another end of the insulating tube is connected to an outer stem of the envelope. Alkali sources are provided inside the envelope. The alkali sources are disposed inside the envelope and generates alkali metal vapor to thereby form a photocathode on a predetermined part of the internal surface of the envelope. The alkali sources and insulating tube are isolated from each other by a separating member. When the electron tube is manufactured, the alkali metal vapor that is generated from the alkali sources is not deposited on the insulating tube due to existence of the separating member. This prevents voltage resistance between the envelope and APD from being decreased and the electrical field in the electron tube from being adversely affected, thereby preventing incident efficiency of electrons to the APD from being decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Motohiro Suyama, Hiroyuki Kyushima, Yasuharu Negi, Atsuhito Fukasawa, Yoshihiko Kawai, Yasuyuki Egawa, Atsushi Uchiyama, Suenori Kimura
  • Patent number: 7064486
    Abstract: An image intensifier tube comprising a housing which holds a photocathode and a screen, wherein a microchannel plate is supported in a recess in an interior surface of an annular collar which is also held in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Theodore Mabry
  • Patent number: 7015641
    Abstract: A faceplate (F) for an image intensifier tube (10) for reducing veiling glare begins as a blank (36) of optical material of a desired glass composition having a shape that conforms substantially to a configuration of the faceplate (F) to be produced. An extraneous removable aperture step portion (54) is formed on the glass blank (36). The glass blank is blackened (41) and the aperture step portion (54) is removed creating a desired transmissive aperture (34) through the glass blank (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay Scott Tucker
  • Patent number: 7005795
    Abstract: A semiconductor source of emission electrons which uses a target of a wide bandgap semiconductor having a target thickness measured from an illumination surface to an emission surface. The semiconductor source is equipped with an arrangement for producing and directing a beam of seed electrons at the illumination surface and a mechanism for controlling the energy of the seed electrons such that the energy of the seed electrons is sufficient to generate electron-hole pairs in the target. A fraction of these electron-hole pairs supply the emission electrons. Furthermore, the target thickness and the energy of the seed electrons are optimized such that the emission electrons at the emission surface are substantially thermalized. The emission of electrons is further facilitated by generating negative electron affinity at the emission surface. The source of the invention can take advantage of diamond, AlN, BN, Ga1-yAlyN and (AlN)x(SiC)1-x, wherein 0?y?1 and 0.2?x?1 and other wide bandgap semiconductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Daniel S. Pickard, R. Fabian W. Pease
  • Patent number: 6960879
    Abstract: The invention relates to the correction of distortion in an image intensifier comprising a primary screen intended for receiving first radiation and a secondary screen that emits second radiation that depends on the first radiation. The image intensifier furthermore includes means for projecting, onto the primary screen, a location test pattern produced using third radiation, and the secondary screen emits an image that depends on the location test pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Andreas Koch, Michel Codron, Paul De Groot
  • Patent number: 6911643
    Abstract: The invention relates to an especially monocular night-vision device comprising a lens (11) and lens systems (53, 57, 77) which project the light strengthened by means of a residual light amplifier (33) in a pre-determined wave range, onto a receptor lying on a receiving beam axis (9), such as a human eye (99). Reflective elements (13, 35, 75, 97) bend the beam path of the light through the night-vision device. The reflecting surfaces of at least one pair of the reflective elements (35, 75) are oriented in a coplanar manner. At least one optical component (33, 53, 55, 57, 77) is provided between at least one pair of the four reflective elements (13, 35, 75, 97).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems A.G.
    Inventor: Dusan Zadravec
  • Patent number: 6898890
    Abstract: A night-vision optical device of the invention with controlled life expectancy contains a time measuring device built into the housing of the aforementioned device for measuring the accumulated time of active work of the device. In application to a night scope for a firearm, the device also contains a sensor, which is interlocked with activation of the scope and reacts on the shots produced from the firearm in general and separately on those shots produced during active work of the night-vision optics at nighttime. The aforementioned shots of both types are counted and stored in separate memory units. The night-time shots affects the life expectancy of the night-vision optics because of muzzle flashes which cause such devices as an image intensifier to work with an increased light load. The information obtained from the time measuring device and the shot counter makes it possible to timely receive a warning signal about the fact that the night optics or the entire firearm must be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: American Technologies Network Corp.
    Inventor: Leonid Gaber
  • Patent number: 6765352
    Abstract: A photocathode and an electron tube in which the photocathode plate can be securely fixed without using any adhesive. Even under the severe condition that a high vibration resistance is required or thermal stress occurs because of great temperature variation, it can be used widely for an image intensifier, a streak tube, or a photomultiplier. The photocathode plate of the photocathode is sandwiched between a faceplate and a support plate. First pins embedded in the faceplate are joined to the support plate. Therefore, the photocathode plate can be readily fixed securely to the faceplate without using any adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Akihiko Ohtomo, Tsuneo Ihara, Kuniyoshi Mori, Yoshiyuki Natsume
  • Patent number: 6713668
    Abstract: A solar energy converter includes: a light-concentrating instrument; an electron emitter in an insulated vacuum vessel, emitting electrons in a vacuum as a temperature rises by sunlight; an electron accelerator within the light-concentrating instrument; a cathode on a surface of the electron emitter opposite to a surface which is irradiated by sunlight, and electrically connected with the electron emitter; an electric field supplier having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; and an electron collector in the vacuum vessel, collecting the emitted electrons flying from the electron emitter toward the electron accelerator; wherein the electron accelerator is connected with the positive terminal and the cathode is connected with the negative terminal to generate an electric field, and the electron collector is used as a negative generator electrode and the cathode is used as a positive generator electrode in which the collected electrons migrate to the electron emitter to generate electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Norio Akamatsu
  • Patent number: 6667572
    Abstract: An image display apparatus includes a nanotube assembly having a plurality of nanotubes arranged in an array. An optical excitation device is provided adjacent to the nanotube assembly. The optical excitation device includes a diffraction grating and a piezoelectric crystal disposed adjacent to the diffraction grating. A radiation source generates a write beam incident to the piezoelectric crystal, a read beam incident to the diffraction grating, and an erase beam incident to the diffraction grating. When voltage is applied to the piezoelectric crystal, the write beam scans across the diffraction grating and forms a grating pattern in the diffraction grating. The read beam reads the grating pattern as a holographic image on the at least one nanotube. The erase beam erases the grating pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Brother International Corporation
    Inventor: Howard D. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6657178
    Abstract: A low light level image directed to a photocathode in a vacuum causes release of electron which bombard a CMOS imager including passive pixel sensors which in turn generates an electronic image which is fed out of the vacuum and is used to create useful images corresponding to the low level input image. A camera and other low light imaging devices are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Intevac, Inc.
    Inventor: Verle W. Aebi
  • Patent number: 6657384
    Abstract: Provided is a small-sized less expensive light-intensity measuring apparatus for measuring a xenon excimer lamp that radiates a light beam having a central wavelength of 172 nm for an intensity. The light-intensity measuring apparatus of the present invention comprises a photoelectric converting means 23, preferably a photodiode, having photosensitivity in the range of from 800 to 1,000 nm, an operating means 25 for relatively determining the intensity of a light beam having a central wavelength of 172 nm depending upon an output of the photoelectric converting means 23 and a transmitting means 26 for transmitting the light intensity determined with the operating means 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Hoya-Schott Corporation
    Inventor: Shunji Niwa
  • Patent number: 6653547
    Abstract: The solar energy converter comprises an electron emitter and an electron collector. They are provided separate from each other in a vacuum vessel. Solar energy in a wide range of sunlight spectrum can be efficiently converted into electric energy by moving electrons from the electron emitter to the electron collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Norio Akamatsu
  • Patent number: 6628073
    Abstract: An image intensifier tube comprising a housing which holds a photocathode and a screen, wherein a microchannel plate is supported in a recess in an interior surface of an annular collar which is also held in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Theodore Mabry
  • Patent number: 6509701
    Abstract: The present invention may be used in the field of microelectronics, in medicine as well as in the production of lighting appliances. The method and the device of the present invention are used for increasing the brightness of optical radiation sources powered by low-voltage power supplies. The optical radiation is generated by emitting electrons and by exciting the radiation. The electrons are generated by emitting the same from the surface of a cathode, while the excitation of the radiation involves accelerating the electrons in the gaseous interval up to an energy exceeding the excitation energy of the radiating levels of the gas. To this end, a voltage is applied between the cathode and the anode, wherein said voltage does not exceed the ignition voltage of a self-maintained discharge. The device of the present invention comprises a chamber as well as electrodes having surfaces which are transparent to the radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventors: Alexandr Tursunovich Rakhimov, Jury Alexandrovich Mankelevich, Vladimir Vitalievich Ivanov, Tatiyana Viktorovna Rakhimova, Nikolai Vladislavovich Suetin
  • Patent number: 6437491
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a photon detector and image generator, which includes a photocathode that receives photons from an image. The photocathode discharges electrons in response to the received photons. A microchannel plate with an unfilmed input face and an output face receives the electrons from the photocathode and produces secondary emission electrons which are emitted from the output face. A display receives the secondary electrons and displays a representation of the image. The photon detector and image generator has a lifetime of more than 7,500 hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph P. Estrera, Anthony J. Nico, Keith T. Passmore, Timothy W. Sinor, Robert H. Smithson
  • Publication number: 20010038263
    Abstract: A photocathode having a gate electrode so that modulation of the resulting electron beam is accomplished independently of the laser beam. The photocathode includes a transparent substrate, a photoemitter, and an electrically separate gate electrode surrounding an emission region of the photoemitter. The electron beam emission from the emission region is modulated by voltages supplied to the gate electrode. In addition, the gate electrode may have multiple segments that are capable of shaping the electron beam in response to voltages supplied individually to each of the multiple segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: KIM Y. LEE, TAI-HON PHILIP CHANG, MARIAN MANKOS, C. NEIL BERGLUND
  • Patent number: 6275270
    Abstract: A video display system utilizing a video source and an image intensifier having a substrate. A video image source positions at the substrate to provide a photon signal. A photocathode element at the substrate converts the photon signal into electrons. An optically transparent body having first and second surfaces is placed opposite the substrate spaced therefrom. A vacuum chamber is formed between the substrate and the first surface of the second optically transparent body. A fluorescing layer is positioned on said first surface of the second optically transparent body. A source of electrical power provides a voltage potential between the photocathode layer and said fluorescing layer. The intensified video image exits the second surface of the second optically transparent body for viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Calvest Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Bradley Culkin
  • Patent number: 6198090
    Abstract: A night vision device (10) with an image intensifier tube (14) includes an improved microchannel plate (22) which has an extraordinarily low indigenous population of gas molecules. Because of this low population of gas molecules, positive ions produced from these gas molecules in the high voltage operating environment of the image intensifier tube (14) are of such a low number that the image intensifier tube (14) will operate for a satisfactory service life even though the microchannel plate (22) has no ion barrier film. The microchannel plate (22) is also spaced much closer to a photocathode (20) of the image intensifier tube (14) than has heretofore been possible. Thus, improved gain and reduction or elimination of image halo also results from the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Jude Iosue
  • Patent number: 6069352
    Abstract: An improved intensity control system for an intensified imaging system allows continuous viewing through an intensified imaging system while protecting saturated areas from the negative effects of overexposure. A micromirror array (MMA) is used in conjunction with associated optics to control the intensity incident on the image intensifier. Control circuitry determines if pixel intensity is above or below the preset threshold level. If above, the corresponding elements of the MMA array will deflect the incident light in that specific area thereby eliminating saturation of the pixels. The rest of the image is maintained for continuous viewing. A continuous feedback loop monitors the intensity levels of pixels and actively controls the incident light using the MMA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: InterScience, Inc.
    Inventors: James Castracane, Mikhail A. Gutin, Lawrence P. Clow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6057639
    Abstract: A photoemission apparatus includes a spatial light modulator (2) and an integral photoemitter (5). A lens array (1) focuses light through the spatial light modulator (2) onto the photoemitter. Electrons emitted by the photoemitter (5) are deflected electrostatically by electrodes (10) and are accelerated through a screening mesh (8) onto a phosphor screen (6). Light emitted by the screen (6) passes through a further lens array (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Paul May, Graham J. Woodgate, David Ezra
  • Patent number: 5977705
    Abstract: A novel photocathode and image intensifier tube include an active layer comprised substantially of amorphic diamond-like carbon, diamond, or a combination of both. The photocathode has a face plate coupled to an active layer. The active layer is operable to emit electrons in response to photons striking the face plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Sinor, Joseph P. Estrera, Keith T. Passmore
  • Patent number: 5965982
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a versatile side-on type photomultiplier comprising a structure for improving the uniformity in light receiving sensitivity. Disposed on the outer peripheral surface of a sealed envelope of this photomultiplier is a restricting member which guides light to be detected into, of the light receiving surface of a photocathode, an effective region where the light receiving sensitivity is high, thereby restraining the light to be detected from reaching the outside of the effective region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Masumi Tachino, Hidehiro Kume, Suenori Kimura, Takashi Goto
  • Patent number: 5962843
    Abstract: A night vision device includes an image intensifier tube, which includes a photocathode responsive both to white light and to infrared light to release photoelectrons. The photocathode is particularly sensitive to infrared light at the 980 nm wavelength, and has desirable spectral response characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventors: Timothy Wayne Sinor, Joseph Paul Estrera
  • Patent number: 5883380
    Abstract: A night vision device includes an improved image intensifier tube providing an image with reduced dark spots caused by microscopic particulate contamination in the tube. A method of processing image intensifier tubes to reduce dark spots caused by such microscopic particulate contamination within the tubes is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Timothy W. Sinor
  • Patent number: 5883381
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Michael R. Saldana
  • Patent number: 5864207
    Abstract: A photomultiplier includes a photocathode (3); an electron multiplier section (60) for cascade-multiplying photoelectrons emitted from the photocathode (3); a faceplate (2) provided with the photocathode (3); a metal housing (1) accommodating the photocathode (3) and the electron multiplier section (60); and a structure disposed on the faceplate (2) for increasing the effective light entrance region of the faceplate (2). In a preferred embodiment the subject structure includes a lens element (30) attached to the faceplate for increasing the effective light entrance region of the faceplate (2). In order to improve the optical coupling efficiency, either the faceplate (2), or the lens element (30), or both the faceplate (2) and the lens element (30) may further include a protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Kume, Suenori Kimura
  • Patent number: 5847380
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a versatile side-on type photomultiplier comprising a structure for improving the uniformity in light receiving sensitivity. This photomultiplier comprises a positioning structure for precisely positioning, with respect to the light receiving surface of a photocathode, a lens element which guides light to be detected to a photocathode and constitutes a part of an envelope accommodating the photocathode. The precisely positioned lens element guides the light to be detected into, of the light receiving surface of the photocathode, an effective region where the light receiving sensitivity is high, thereby restraining the light to be detected from reaching the outside of the effective region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Masumi Tachino, Hidehiro Kume, Suenori Kimura, Takashi Goto
  • Patent number: 5828166
    Abstract: An intensifying system adapted to be affixed to an electronic imaging device such as a single lens reflex camera or a video camera. The system includes a central intensifying unit for intensifying an image at lower light levels. A back body adapter and a front lens adapter would combine with the central intensifying unit and would be attached to the body of the camera. An electronic objective lens which is normally attached to the camera, would be removed and would be affixed to the front lens adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Electrophysics Corp.
    Inventors: Michael Roselli, Frank Vallese, Gerard DiTaranto, Robert Lindner
  • Patent number: 5811932
    Abstract: An X-ray image intensifier tube (1) includes an entrance section (2) for converting high-energy X-rays of from 100 keV to 120 keV into an electron beam (10). The entrance section (2) had a conversion layer (3) with a filter layer (5) for absorbing a part of comparatively low energy (from 60 keV to 80 keV) of the X-rays and a conversion layer for converting the high-energy X-rays of approximately from 100 keV to 120 keV into radiation whereto the photocathode is sensitive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Johannes K. E. Colditz, Pieter J. t Hoen