Patents Assigned to Night Operations Systems
  • Patent number: 7829191
    Abstract: A lighting system that produces a high intensity beam of light in the visible and infrared spectral regions that can be used for non-covert and ultra-covert operations. The lighting system is comprised of a HID lamp, a reflector, a lens, and a filter. The lamp utilizes a short arc gap and a unique combination of xenon gas, mercury and metal halides that produce a highly collimated beam of light in the visible and near-infrared regions. The lens is coated on both sides with an antireflective coating that reflects ultraviolet light and enhances the transmission of visible and infrared light. The lens is also coated on its outer surface with a hydroscopic material that protects the glass lens and the second antireflective coating from abrasion while facilitating the dispersion of water on the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Night Operations Systems
    Inventor: Markus W. Frick
  • Patent number: 7824063
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to lighting systems and illumination devices, and more particularly to a removable handle and battery pack for a portable lighting system that produces a high intensity beam of light in the visible and infrared spectral regions that can be used for non-covert and ultra-covert operations. The battery pack includes a 360 degree ballast connector, a locking, water-proof, recharge connector and plug, and a four-function back switch. The battery pack fits tightly into the redundantly sealed, water-proof handle, which includes a specially designed knurling system around the handle to improve a user's comfort and grip during extreme conditions and a rotatable D-ring connecter that locks in place and provides covert sound protection. The 360 degree ballast connector connects to a number of sealed connectors formed within a sealed ballast assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Night Operations Systems
    Inventor: Markus W. Frick
  • Patent number: 7815335
    Abstract: A uni-planar focal adjustment system involving no reflector housing rotation for use in high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting systems. A simple mechanical drive system allows a user to manually adjust the focal point by turning a focal adjustment ring, which in turn moves a HID lamp assembly back and forth along an optical axis relative to a stationary reflector. The system utilizes only linear motion along the optical axis and does not involve rotational reflector movement. The system allows for a significantly smaller reflector through-hole, which increases the percentage of HID generated light capable of being reflectively used in the focused light beam. Finally, the focal adjustment system allows for separation of the HID lamp assembly inductor/igniter coil from the remaining ballast circuit board components, thereby further improving heat management of the lighting system, while maintaining the optimum alignment of the lamp in regards to the parabolic optic and increasing light production efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Night Operations Systems
    Inventor: Markus W. Frick
  • Publication number: 20090226802
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to lighting systems and illumination devices, and more particularly to a removable handle and battery pack for a portable lighting system that produces a high intensity beam of light in the visible and infrared spectral regions that can be used for non-covert and ultra-covert operations. The battery pack includes a 360 degree ballast connector, a locking, water-proof, recharge connector and plug, and a four-function back switch. The battery pack fits tightly into the redundantly sealed, water-proof handle, which includes a specially designed knurling system around the handle to improve a user's comfort and grip during extreme conditions and a rotatable D-ring connecter that locks in place and provides covert sound protection. The 360 degree ballast connector connects to a number of sealed connectors formed within a sealed ballast assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Night Operations Systems
    Inventor: Markus Frick
  • Publication number: 20090207600
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to lighting systems and illumination devices, and more particularly to a removable handle and battery pack for a portable lighting system that produces a high intensity beam of light in the visible and infrared spectral regions that can be used for non-covert and ultra-covert operations. The battery pack includes a 360 degree ballast connector, a locking, water-proof, recharge connector and plug, and a four-function back switch. The battery pack fits tightly into the redundantly sealed, water-proof handle, which includes a specially designed knurling system around the handle to improve a user's comfort and grip during extreme conditions and a rotatable D-ring connecter that locks in place and provides covert sound protection. The 360 degree ballast connector connects to a number of sealed connectors formed within a sealed ballast assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Night Operations Systems
    Inventor: Markus Frick
  • Publication number: 20090207599
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to lighting systems and illumination devices, and more particularly to a removable handle and battery pack for a portable lighting system that produces a high intensity beam of light in the visible and infrared spectral regions that can be used for non-covert and ultra-covert operations. The battery pack includes a 360 degree ballast connector, a locking, water-proof, recharge connector and plug, and a four-function back switch. The battery pack fits tightly into the redundantly sealed, water-proof handle, which includes a specially designed knurling system around the handle to improve a user's comfort and grip during extreme conditions and a rotatable D-ring connecter that locks in place and provides covert sound protection. The 360 degree ballast connector connects to a number of sealed connectors formed within a sealed ballast assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Night Operations Systems
    Inventor: Markus Frick
  • Publication number: 20090207598
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to lighting systems and illumination devices, and more particularly to a removable handle and battery pack for a portable lighting system that produces a high intensity beam of light in the visible and infrared spectral regions that can be used for non-covert and ultra-covert operations. The battery pack includes a 360 degree ballast connector, a locking, water-proof, recharge connector and plug, and a four-function back switch. The battery pack fits tightly into the redundantly sealed, water-proof handle, which includes a specially designed knurling system around the handle to improve a user's comfort and grip during extreme conditions and a rotatable D-ring connecter that locks in place and provides covert sound protection. The 360 degree ballast connector connects to a number of sealed connectors formed within a sealed ballast assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Night Operations Systems
    Inventor: Markus Frick
  • Publication number: 20090207594
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to lighting systems and illumination devices, and more particularly to a removable handle and battery pack for a portable lighting system that produces a high intensity beam of light in the visible and infrared spectral regions that can be used for non-covert and ultra-covert operations. The battery pack includes a 360 degree ballast connector, a locking, water-proof, recharge connector and plug, and a four-function back switch. The battery pack fits tightly into the redundantly sealed, water-proof handle, which includes a specially designed knurling system around the handle to improve a user's comfort and grip during extreme conditions and a rotatable D-ring connector that locks in place and provides covert sound protection. The 360 degree ballast connector connects to a number of sealed connectors formed within a sealed ballast assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Night Operations Systems
    Inventor: Markus Frick
  • Publication number: 20090205935
    Abstract: A dual function switching system for use individually or in combination with a lighting system. Both a reed switch and a pressure switch connect to a lighting system's ballast circuitry and allows manual ON/OFF switching of the light without compromising the water-tight sealed ballast housing. The disclosed switching system also promotes a default-on design that allows a controlled light to continue to produce light even if the switching system is accidentally or intentionally removed or damaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Night Operations Systems
    Inventor: Markus Frick
  • Publication number: 20090207615
    Abstract: A uni-planar focal adjustment system involving no reflector housing rotation for use in high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting systems. A simple mechanical drive system allows a user to manually adjust the focal point by turning a focal adjustment ring, which in turn moves a HID lamp assembly back and forth along an optical axis relative to a stationary reflector. The system utilizes only linear motion along the optical axis and does not involve rotational reflector movement. The system allows for a significantly smaller reflector through-hole, which increases the percentage of HID generated light capable of being reflectively used in the focused light beam. A smaller through-hole also improves heat management, as less HID generated light passes through the through-hole into ballast portions of the lighting system. Furthermore, user safety is improved because focal adjustment does not involve a user physically handling and/or rotating a hot reflector housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Night Operations Systems
    Inventor: Markus Frick
  • Publication number: 20090207601
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to lighting systems and illumination devices, and more particularly to a removable handle and battery pack for a portable lighting system that produces a high intensity beam of light in the visible and infrared spectral regions that can be used for non-covert and ultra-covert operations. The battery pack includes a 360 degree ballast connector, a locking, water-proof, recharge connector and plug, and a four-function back switch. The battery pack fits tightly into the redundantly sealed, water-proof handle, which includes a specially designed knurling system around the handle to improve a user's comfort and grip during extreme conditions and a rotatable D-ring connecter that locks in place and provides covert sound protection. The 360 degree ballast connector connects to a number of sealed connectors formed within a sealed ballast assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Night Operations Systems
    Inventor: Markus Frick
  • Publication number: 20090209123
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to lighting systems and illumination devices, and more particularly to a removable handle and battery pack for a portable lighting system that produces a high intensity beam of light in the visible and infrared spectral regions that can be used for non-covert and ultra-covert operations. The battery pack includes a 360 degree ballast connector, a locking, water-proof, recharge connector and plug, and a four-function back switch. The battery pack fits tightly into the redundantly sealed, water-proof handle, which includes a specially designed knurling system around the handle to improve a user's comfort and grip during extreme conditions and a rotatable D-ring connecter that locks in place and provides covert sound protection. The 360 degree ballast connector connects to a number of sealed connectors formed within a sealed ballast assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Night Operations Systems
    Inventor: Markus Frick
  • Publication number: 20090175043
    Abstract: A lighting system that produces a high intensity beam of light in the visible and infrared spectral regions that can be used for non-covert and ultra-covert operations. The lighting system is comprised of a HID lamp, a reflector, and a filter. The lamp is an ultra compact high efficacy lamp that is ideal for tight-beam light applications because it utilizes a short arc gap that produces a highly collimated beam and because the short overall length of the lamp is robust enough to meet the shock requirements of handheld and vehicle mounted applications. The lamp also uses a unique combination of xenon gas, mercury and halides to generate an intense beam of light in the visible and near-infrared regions. The reflector is a uniquely cut or cleaved and coated aluminum alloy that creates a highly reflective surface with minimal diffuse reflection and heat build up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Night Operations Systems
    Inventor: Markus Frick
  • Publication number: 20090168445
    Abstract: A lighting system that produces a high intensity beam of light in the visible and infrared spectral regions that can be used for non-covert and ultra-covert operations. The lighting system is comprised of a HID lamp, a reflector, and a filter. The lamp utilizes a short arc gap and a unique combination of xenon gas, mercury and metal halides that produce a highly collimated beam of light in the visible and near-infrared regions. The reflector is a uniquely cut or cleaved and coated aluminum alloy that creates a highly reflective surface with minimal diffuse reflection and heat build up. The filter is formed of a red glass substrate with a multi-layer dichroic coating on the inner surface of the filter, which is effective at blocking visible light while allowing a high percentage of infrared light to be transmitted. The combination of the lamp, reflector and filter results in an ultra covert night vision illuminator system that closely matches the radiant sensitivity of Generation III night vision systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Night Operations Systems
    Inventor: Markus Frick
  • Publication number: 20090167182
    Abstract: A lighting system that produces a high intensity beam of light in the visible and infrared spectral regions that can be used for non-covert and ultra-covert operations. The lighting system is comprised of a HID lamp, a reflector, and a filter. The lamp is an ultra compact high efficacy lamp that is ideal for tight-beam light applications because it utilizes a short arc gap that produces a highly collimated beam and because the short overall length of the lamp is robust enough to meet the shock requirements of handheld and vehicle mounted applications. The lamp also uses a unique combination of xenon gas, mercury and halides to generate an intense beam of light in the visible and near-infrared regions. The reflector is a uniquely cut or cleaved and coated aluminum alloy that creates a highly reflective surface with minimal diffuse reflection and heat build up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Night Operations Systems
    Inventor: Markus Frick
  • Publication number: 20090168433
    Abstract: A lighting system that produces a high intensity beam of light in the visible and infrared spectral regions that can be used for non-covert and ultra-covert operations. The lighting system is comprised of a HID lamp, a reflector, a lens, and a filter. The lamp utilizes a short arc gap and a unique combination of xenon gas, mercury and metal halides that produce a highly collimated beam of light in the visible and near-infrared regions. The reflector is a uniquely cut or cleaved and coated aluminum alloy that creates a highly reflective surface with minimal diffuse reflection and heat build up. The lens is coated on both sides with an antireflective coating that reflects ultraviolet light and enhances the transmission of visible and infrared light. The lens is also coated on its outer surface with a hydroscopic material that protects the glass lens and the second antireflective coating from abrasion while facilitating the dispersion of water on the outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Night Operations Systems
    Inventor: Markus Frick