Patents by Inventor Kenneth W. Sauter

Kenneth W. Sauter has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20090052024
    Abstract: A night viewer (10) is adaptable to generate an enhanced image suitable for viewing through an optical scope (16). An input end (18) of the viewer (10) receives the image to be enhanced through an objective lens (20). An image enhancing unit (22) enhances the image. The enhanced image is optically transmitted from a display (28) to the ocular lens (24) of the scope (16). The display (28) is operably connected with the image enhancing unit (22) to display the enhanced image. A Risley prism (30) located in an image path (32) is used to controllably adjust and to maintain boresight alignment (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. SAUTER, Rodney L. DOSTER, Roland M. MORLEY
  • Patent number: 7359114
    Abstract: A night viewer (10) is adaptable to generate an enhanced image suitable for viewing through an optical scope (16). An input end (18) of the viewer (10) receives the image to be enhanced through an objective lens (20). An image enhancing unit (22) enhances the image. The enhanced image is optically transmitted from a display (28) to the ocular lens (24) of the scope (16). The display (28) is operably connected with the image enhancing unit (22) to display the enhanced image. A Risley prism (30) located in an image path (32) is used to controllably adjust and to maintain boresight alignment (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Sauter, Rodney L. Doster, Roland M. Morley
  • Publication number: 20080043322
    Abstract: A night viewer (10) is adaptable to generate an enhanced image suitable for viewing through an optical scope (16). An input end (18) of the viewer (10) receives the image to be enhanced through an objective lens (20). An image enhancing unit (22) enhances the image. The enhanced image is optically transmitted from a display (28) to the ocular lens (24) of the scope (16). The display (28) is operably connected with the image enhancing unit (22) to display the enhanced image. A Risley prism (30) located in an image path (32) is used to controllably adjust and to maintain boresight alignment (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Sauter, Rodney L. Doster, Roland M. Morley
  • Patent number: 7091930
    Abstract: A sensor unit (F) has at least a first and second sensor (10, 12) arranged along a sensor axis (14). A head adapter (16) provides support to mount at least one selected device about a user's cranium (18). A securing module (20) is attached to the sensor unit for mounting the sensor unit (F) to the head adapter (16). The sensor unit (F) is to be mounted above an ocular axis (22) formed between a pair of eyes (24) of the user (U) when the sensor unit (F) is attached to the head adapter element (16). When the sensor unit (F) is secured to the user (U) with the head adapter element (16), the sensor axis (14) is essentially perpendicular to the user's ocular axis (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Ostromek, Joseph P. Estrera, Antonio V. Bacarella, Kenneth W. Sauter, Michael J. Iosue, Timothy B. Hogan
  • Patent number: 6806683
    Abstract: A battery adapter (A) replaces two batteries (10) with a single battery (10) housed within a compartment (48) of a battery powered electrical device (D). An electrically conductive housing (40) adapted to replicate a selected battery and fit within a space adapted to house two of the selected sized batteries. A step up circuit (18) mounted within the battery housing (40) receives an electrical signal from a single battery (10) and transforms the voltage of the electrical signal to simulate an electrical signal from two electrically connected selected batteries (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Saldana, David W. Buck, Kenneth W. Sauter
  • Publication number: 20030169607
    Abstract: A battery adapter (A) replaces two batteries (10) with a single battery (10) housed within a compartment (48) of a battery powered electrical device (D). An electrically conductive housing (40) adapted to replicate a selected battery and fit within a space adapted to house two of the selected sized batteries. A step up circuit (18) mounted within the battery housing (40) receives an electrical signal from a single battery (10) and transforms the voltage of the electrical signal to simulate an electrical signal from two electrically connected selected batteries (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: LITTON SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. Saldana, David W. Buck, Kenneth W. Sauter
  • Patent number: 6295170
    Abstract: The invention comprises an alignment element for a multiple channel sight and method. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an alignment element (456) may comprise a first prism (492) and a second prism (494). The second prism (494) may be disposed proximate to the first prism (492). An adjustment device (506) may rotate the first prism (492) with respect to the second prism (494) to deviate an image of a first channel (54, 56) at an image plane (300).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Wallace, Kenneth W. Sauter
  • Patent number: 6172821
    Abstract: The invention comprises a mounting assembly for an optical sight. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a mounting assembly may comprise a first foot (552) and a second foot (556). The first foot (552) may include a top (563), a first side (570), and a second opposite side (574). The top (563) may have a first tab (566) sized to fit a first recess (568) of a sight (20). The first side (570) may engage a first edge (572) of a rail (562). A first clamp (554) may be coupled to second side (574) of the first foot (552) to engage in combination a second edge (576) of the rail (562). The second foot (556) may include a top (586), a first side (594), and a second opposite side (596). The top (586) may include a tab (590) sized to fit a second recess (592) of the sight (20) substantially normal to the first recess (568). The first side (594) may engage the first edge (572) of the rail (562).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne E. Isbell, Kenneth W. Sauter
  • Patent number: 6073895
    Abstract: The invention comprises a mounting assembly for an optical sight. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a mounting assembly may comprise a first foot (552) and a second foot (556). The first foot (552) may include a top (563), a first side (570), and a second opposite side (574). The top (563) may have a first tab (566) sized to fit a first recess (568) of a sight (20). The first side (570) may engage a first edge (572) of a rail (562). A first clamp (554) may be coupled to second side (574) of the first foot (552) to engage in combination a second edge (576) of the rail (562). The second foot (556) may include a top (586), a first side (594), and a second opposite side (596). The top (586) may include a tab (590) sized to fit a second recess (592) of the sight (20) substantially normal to the first recess (568). The first side (594) may engage the first edge (572) of the rail (562).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne E. Isbell, Kenneth W. Sauter
  • Patent number: 6061945
    Abstract: The invention comprises an alignment element for a multiple channel sight and method. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an alignment element (456) may comprise a first prism (492) and a second prism (494). The second prism (494) may be disposed proximate to the first prism (492). An adjustment device (506) may rotate the first prism (492) with respect to the second prism (494) to deviate an image of a first channel (54, 56) at an image plane (300).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Wallace, Kenneth W. Sauter
  • Patent number: 6000667
    Abstract: The invention comprises a mounting assembly for an optical sight. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a mounting assembly may comprise a first foot (552) and a second foot (556). The first foot (552) may include a top (563), a first side (570), and a second opposite side (574). The top (563) may have a first tab (566) sized to fit a first recess (568) of a sight (20). The first side (570) may engage a first edge (572) of a rail (562). A first clamp (554) may be coupled to second side (574) of the first foot (552) to engage in combination a second edge (576) of the rail (562). The second foot (556) may include a top (586), a first side (594), and a second opposite side (596). The top (586) may include a tab (590) sized to fit a second recess (592) of the sight (20) substantially normal to the first recess (568). The first side (594) may engage the first edge (572) of the rail (562).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne E. Isbell, Kenneth W. Sauter
  • Patent number: 5902996
    Abstract: The invention comprises a mounting assembly for an image intensifier tube in an optical sight. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a mounting assembly (152) may include a housing (154), a retainer (158) and a locking device (177). The housing (154) may be mounted to an optical bench (60). The retainer (158) may engage an image intensifier tube (150) and be coupled to the housing (154). The image intensifier tube (150) may be rotatable relative to the optical bench (60). The locking device (177) may selectively secure the image intensifier tube (150) relative to the optical bench (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Sauter
  • Patent number: 5884884
    Abstract: The invention comprises a mounting assembly for an image intensifier tube in an optical sight. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a mounting assembly (152) may include a housing (154), a retainer (158) and a locking device (177). The housing (154) may be mounted to an optical bench (60). The retainer (158) may engage an image intensifier tube (150) and be coupled to the housing (154). The image intensifier tube (150) may be rotatable relative to the optical bench (60). The locking device (177) may selectively secure the image intensifier tube (150) relative to the optical bench (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Sauter
  • Patent number: 5877902
    Abstract: The invention comprises a mounting assembly for an image intensifier tube in an optical sight. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a mounting assembly (152) may include a housing (154), a retainer (158) and a locking device (177). The housing (154) may be mounted to an optical bench (60). The retainer (158) may engage an image intensifier tube (150) and be coupled to the housing (154). The image intensifier tube (150) may be rotatable relative to the optical bench (60). The locking device (177) may selectively secure the image intensifier tube (150) relative to the optical bench (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Sauter
  • Patent number: 5793528
    Abstract: The invention may include a channel selector for a multiple channel sight. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a channel selector may include a support (260) for mounting a deflecting surface (250). A pivot assembly (264) may be coupled to the support (260) to provide an axis of rotation (262). The pivot assembly (264) may include opposed recessed ends (272). A ball (274) may engage each of the opposed recessed ends (272). A holder assembly (276) may engage each of the balls (274). Each holder assembly (276) may include a recessed end (272). At least one of the holder assemblies (276) may be adjustable along the axis of rotation (262) of the support (260) to control a shifting torque of the support (260). In another embodiment of the invention, a pivot shaft (118) may be fixably coupled to a support (114) to provide an axis of rotation (116). The pivot shaft (118) may include opposed ends (120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Wallace, Kenneth W. Sauter
  • Patent number: 5745287
    Abstract: The invention comprises a reticle assembly for an optical sight. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a reticle assembly (58) may comprise a housing (302) having a first slot (322) formed along an inside surface (304) by a first set of opposing side walls (318). A cross slide (330) may disposed in the first slot (322). The cross slide (330) may include opposing edges (334) engaging the first set of opposing side walls (318). The cross slide (330) may include a second slot (340) formed by a second set of opposing side walls (346) substantially normal to the first set of opposing side walls (318). A reticle holder (350) may be disposed in the second slot (340). The reticle holder (350) may include opposing edges (358) engaging the second set of opposing side walls (346). The reticle holder (350) may include a viewing aperture (354). A reticle (300) may be coupled to the reticle holder (350) in alignment with the viewing aperture (354).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Sauter
  • Patent number: D250667
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1978
    Assignee: Atari, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Sauter
  • Patent number: D250780
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1979
    Assignee: Atari, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Sauter
  • Patent number: D517639
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Sauter, John Murphy, John Geruntho
  • Patent number: D524339
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Hayne Waring, II, Michael D. Waterman, Kenneth W. Sauter, John Murphy, Loig E. Bourree, Bruce V. Hoodswain, Sung K. Son, James D. Pruet, William McMahan