Abstract: In systems embodying the invention, a battery powered collimated light source is located at the muzzle end of a cannon and is beamed back over the length “L” of the cannon gun tube to the collecting aperture of an optical transceiver located near the breech end (or trunnion) of the cannon. The turn-on and turn-off of the collimated light source is under the control of the gunner of the tank or the tank's fire control computer system to ensure that the battery power/energy is used only when deemed necessary by the user so that battery power is conserved.

Abstract: A matrix array of photo elements (pixels) arranged in rows and columns with at least one row conductor per row of the matrix and a column conductor per column of the matrix for selectively the pixels. Each pixel of the matrix array includes: (a) a photodetector for detecting light pulses incident on the pixel and producing an output signal indicative of an incident light pulse; (b) signal processing circuitry coupled to the photodetector and responsive to its output signal for generating an electrical pulse corresponding to each incident light pulse; and (c) counting circuitry coupled to the signal processing circuitry for storing information indicative of the number of light pulses incident on the photodector during a sensing period. Row and column decoders are respectively coupled to the row and column conductors of the matrix array for reading out the contents of the array a row at time and for resetting the pixels of each row after their contents have been read out.

Abstract: A matrix array of photo elements (pixels) arranged in rows and columns with at least one row conductor per row of the matrix and a column conductor per column of the matrix for selectively the pixels. Each pixel of the matrix array includes: (a) a photodetector for detecting light pulses incident on the pixel and producing an output signal indicative of an incident light pulse; (b) signal processing circuitry coupled to the photodetector and responsive to its output signal for generating an electrical pulse corresponding to each incident light pulse; and (c) counting circuitry coupled to the signal processing circuitry for storing information indicative of the number of light pulses incident on the photodector during a sensing period. Row and column decoders are respectively coupled to the row and column conductors of the matrix array for reading out the contents of the array a row at time and for resetting the pixels of each row after their contents have been read out.

Abstract: A current monitor which derives its power from the conductor being measured for bidirectionally measuring the magnitude of current (from DC to above 50 khz) flowing through a conductor across which a relatively high level DC voltage is applied, includes a pair of identical transmitter modules connected in opposite polarity to one another in series with the conductor being monitored, for producing from one module a first light signal having an intensity directly proportional to the magnitude of current flowing in one direction through the conductor during one period of time, and from the other module a second light signal having an intensity directly proportional to the magnitude of current flowing in the opposite direction through the conductor during another period of time, and a receiver located in a safe area remote from the high voltage area for receiving the first and second light signals, and converting the same to first and second voltage signals having levels indicative of the magnitude of current bei