Abstract: Firefighter training device for limiting a trainee's vision and simulating firefighting conditions across a trainee's field of view. The device includes a view-limiting simulation mask which is worn by a trainee (e.g., respirator mask, glasses, or goggles). The mask houses a voltage controlled liquid crystal (LC) lens system, either single or multi-layered, which is divided into various individually and electronically controllable segments. Host dyes might be injected into LC materials to produce colors in the lens segments. Pre-programmed and random pattern control of lens segments occludes the trainee's vision and simulates smoke and/or fires. Sound and strobes might be added to simulate explosions and other firefighting conditions. A transmitter, which includes switchable controls, can be used to send control signals to the mask. The training device can effectively be used indoors or outdoors.

Abstract: Firefighter training device for limiting a trainee's vision and simulating firefighting conditions across a trainee's field of view. The device includes a view-limiting simulation mask which is worn by a trainee (e.g., respirator mask, glasses, or goggles). The mask houses a voltage controlled liquid crystal (LC) lens system, either single or multi-layered, which is divided into various individually and electronically controllable segments. Host dyes might be injected into LC materials to produce colors in the lens segments. Pre-programmed and random pattern control of lens segments occludes the trainee's vision and simulates smoke and/or fires. Sound and strobes might be added to simulate explosions and other firefighting conditions. A transmitter, which includes switchable controls, can be used to send control signals to the mask. The training device can effectively be used indoors or outdoors.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for permitting night vision training by simulating night vision viewing during daylight operation. A cylindrical imaging device includes an objective lens and an ocular lens. Light from the objective lens passes through a filter and is inverter by a fiber optic inverter. A pair of liquid crystals receive the inverted image and pass the same to the ocular lens for viewing by the user. A plurality of lamps are positioned for impinging light on the second liquid crystal under electronic control. The pair of liquid crystals are controlled electronically for simulating night vision photomultiplier viewing. A pair of such imaging tubes are mounted in a training helmet together with under-goggle viewing areas and peripheral viewing areas in which liquid crystals are separately placed and are separately controllable in accordance with sensed light levels. An instructor pilot uses a microprocessor based controller for controlling each of the six liquid crystals.

Abstract: A light protection apparatus receives a beam of light having both a harmless light component and a harmful light component. The apparatus includes a housing having a forward end and a rear viewing end. A view aperture is located near the viewing end and receives the beam of light. An objective lens passes light onto a reflective device within the housing. The reflective device reflects the beam of light onto a partially reflective surface. The partially reflective surface includes an absorbing portion and a reflective pellicle surface. The reflective pellicle surface reflects the harmless light component to an eye piece lens. The harmful component, however, destroys the pellicle surface and the harmful light is transmitted to the absorbing portion and thus no reflection occurs. A cartridge carries the pellicle surface and is threadably removable with respect to the housing for replacement of the cartridge. In addition, a laser detector detects the presence of laser light and signals the user accordingly.