Abstract: A releasably mounted equipment rack mounted to a roll bar and windshield me of a vehicle, allowing a viewing device to be mounted for viewing by a front seat occupant of a soft top vehicle.

Abstract: An aiming point system and technique for defining the aiming point of a d collection receiver used by an operator. A data receiver is directed to the aiming point for collecting and amplifying sub-audio signals emitted from rotary aircraft. The sub-audio signals are converted to audible signals by a voltage to frequency converter. The aiming point is readjusted manually or automatically in response to the sub-audible strength of the audible signal to obtain at least a substantial proportion of the target signature of the rotary type aircraft. The data collection receiver may include binoculars with a silicon photo detector and pre-amp within one of the binocular eyepieces.

Abstract: An unstable laser resonator geometry with a gradient reflectivity mirror M) and external lens, or a gradient reflectivity mirror-lens (GRML), achieving a vast improvement in the intrinsic divergence and brightness of the output laser beam.

Abstract: A modified objective lens focus assembly of a night vision image intensif monocular for providing focus control travel adjustment that has substantially free movement for a full range of travel. The focus ring and lock ring are cemented together as one subassembly which is then cemented to the monocular housing. The objective cell is then rotational within the assembly without use of separate focus ring and lock ring.

Abstract: An infrared afocal lens assembly for providing an observed magnified IR ie scene with a field of view and a substantially less temperature dependent performance. The assembly includes a collecting lens, focusing lens subassembly, an intermediate focal plane, an eyepiece lens subassembly, and an aperture stop. A wide field of view lens subassembly may be used about the focusing lens subassembly. All lenses are made of either GaAs or ZnS, and all lenses are either single lens or doublets.

Abstract: A system and mount for releasably coupling an infrared aiming light beneath he barrel of a shotgun, including a gun barrel and an extended tubular magazine. The mount includes four clampable opposing mount surfaces, where two of the surfaces approximates a curvature of the firearm barrel and two that approximates a curvature of the extended tubular magazine. A rail mating surface and draw screw releasably couples a rail, integral with an infrared aiming light, to and below the mount surfaces. The system includes optional activation of the aiming light using a tape switch located on the hand grip of the shotgun.

Abstract: An optical eyepiece assembly for providing a sixty degree field of view cbility to an image intensifier. The assembly includes first and second air-spaced lens doublets, a first lens, filter element, and second lens.

Abstract: Metal structures that are resonant to electromagnetic waves are combined h land mines to make them easier to detect using Ground Penetrating Radar. Knowledge of the resonant characteristics in the metal structures enhances detection and identification.

Abstract: A nanoporous semiconductor material and fabrication technique for use as rmoelectric elements. Starting precursors are mixed in solution so as to thoroughly dissolve in solution which is then reduced. A second phase may be added in solution to provide nanoinclusions which may be subsequently removed. A nanoporous semiconductor is formed whereby lattice thermal conductivity is greatly reduced, due to enhanced phonon scattering on the order of 10 W/cm.multidot..degree.K. The nanoporous semiconductor material may be used as the n- and p- legs in a Peltier couple utilized for a thermoelectric cooler, a cryogenic cooler, thermoelectric power generator, or a thermoelectric heat pump.

Abstract: A retaining mechanism that includes an arcuate shaped securing arm rotatiy coupled to at a pivot point to a fixedly mounted arcuate retaining member. The retaining mechanism allows for releasably securing a cylindrically shaped object until selectively released.

Abstract: A protection system and technique for a set adjustable brightness control vel regardless of previous deactivation of system display component in a thermal weapon sight (TWS) when a lens cap is utilized for covering optics of the TWS.

Abstract: An arrangement and technique for reduced laser induced damage threshold (T) of a sacrificial optical element within an electro-optical system without increased system reflectivity. A sacrificial optical element including input and output surfaces is located normal to the optical axis at an intermediate focal plane of the system and a micro-prism structure is also present on at least one of the surfaces.

Abstract: A releasable securing knob assembly including a biased leaf spring element hich securely locks a knob onto a shaft, so that removal can only be effected by accessing and debiasing the leaf spring through a slot within the knob.

Abstract: A solid-state dye laser and technique for achieving multiple output wavelength laser emission from a single solid-state dye laser media containing multiple dyes without tuning elements. When the multiple dyes within the single solid-state host are excited with a single wavelength pump source to lase, there results simultaneous multi-spectral output proportional to dye concentration ratios.

Abstract: A viewing device adaptor, hatch insert, and overall mounting system allows viewing device to be releasably mounted through an existing vehicle opening of a vehicle. The viewing device includes a mounted periscope assembly extending from a body of a viewing device, with a collar bearing surface contiguous inbetween. A viewer adaptor releasably and rotatively mounts about the collar bearing surface. A hatch insert releasably mountable within a vehicle hatch opening including an opening for the releasable mounting of the viewer adaptor therewithin. When the viewing device adaptor is coupled about the collar bearing surface, and releasably mounted within the hatch insert that has been releasably mounted within the hatch opening, there results a substantially unobstructed field of view, with the viewing device within the vehicle rotatable from inside the vehicle.

Abstract: An optical assembly and technique for magnified viewing which includes innal damaging laser energy protection. An objective lens subassembly is positioned on the focal axis which focuses incoming light energy over an entire field of view. An optical prism accepts the focused light energy and reorients the focused light energy which is split by a beamsplitter onto a power limiter at the intermediate focal plane so that only energy under an approximate damage threshold is allowed to pass onward. The optical assembly can provide from 4.times. to a 10.times. power magnification with up to a 60 millimeter entrance pupil diameter with internal, multi-spectral damaging laser energy protection.

Abstract: A system and technique for a laser rangefinder which uses a low peak power aser, scanner, and beam scanning device with a linear detector where target range corresponds to individual detector elements to enhance signal-to-noise ratio and maximum target range.

Abstract: Combining a tristimulus filter, two lenses, and a crystalline colloidal ay filter in an arrangement resulting in a visible optical limiter without substantial color distortion that can be used for eye or sensor protection. Only three nonlinear colloidal arrays are needed to Bragg reflect over the pass bands of the tristimulus filter. The nonlinear colloidal array is arranged so that the band reflected (at the least) completely overlaps the pass band of the tristimulus filter.

Abstract: A device and technique for the passive real-time control of effective emivity, color, and camouflage, the device utilizing surfaces which are interposed between a target and an observer at a viewing position with a predetermined angular resolution. Effective surfaces are utilized, including at least one set of movable surfaces, the effected surfaces having a predetermined surface characteristic, such as emissivity, color, or camouflage pattern. An assembly contains all surfaces relative to each other such that the front and back surfaces are seen by the viewing position as stationary. A drive assembly allows movable surfaces to move.

Abstract: An optical assembly using a centrally-obscured catadioptric optical objece that provides two different focal planes using the same set of optics. Both optical paths share the same optic axis and common line-of-sight. One focal plane is optimized for use with a high performance GEN II image intensifier tube, and the other is used for either laser receiver or emitter devices.