Abstract: Three adjustable supports, positioned at the vertices of a triangle, are used to support one structure from another structure. In one form of the support, a post threaded at its lower end extends from the first structure to a slot in the second structure. A spring is captured between a shoulder on the post and a facing shoulder on the second shoulder at the bottom of the slot. A threaded end of the post extends through an oversize bore in the second structure. A spherical washer has a flat side resting against the outer surface of the second support, and a spherical washer is engaged to the threaded end of the post such that the spherical surface of the washer contacts the spherical surface of the nut to provide freedom of movement.

Abstract: A low cost night vision system for use in connection with law enforcement vehicles, marine vessels, and other nonmilitary surface vehicles. The invention includes a night vision camera having an array of uncooled detectors. A mechanism is provided for adjusting the pointing angle of the night vision camera in response to scan control signals. Output signals from the uncooled detectors are further processed into a standard video format and displayed on a conventional display located, for example, within a vehicle or marine vessel.

Abstract: A low profile, low cost pointing mechanism for an imaging system. The inventive pointing mechanism (500) includes a mechanism (502, 504) for supporting the imaging system so that it is movable from a first pointing angle to a second pointing angle. A second mechanism (570, 580, 584, 542) is included for driving the supporting mechanism (502, 504) to change the pointing angle thereof in response to signals from a control system. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive pointing mechanism (500) includes a tilt gimbal (502) located at the center of gravity of the imaging system and a pan gimbal (504). The pan and tilt gimbals (502, 504) are driven by pan and tilt stepper motors (542, 526) in response to commands from a joystick (568) on a remote control unit (566).

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a focal plane array. The assembly includes a fixture of thermally conductive material having a first substantially planar surface and a second surface. The fixture is attached to the focal plane array at the first surface and to a frame of a housing at the second surface thereof. In a specific embodiment, the assembly further includes a mechanism for aligning the fixture, with the attached array, to the frame and at least one flexible connector for electrically connecting the focal plane array to a circuit board disposed within the housing. In the illustrative embodiment, the alignment mechanism includes a clocking slot in the second surface of the fixture which is adapted to engage a protrusion on the frame.

Abstract: A motor drive system for imparting oscillating motion to a window wiper is disclosed which slows the wiper as it approaches respective right and left positions and holds the wiper at the right and left positions for a selectable delay interval in order to avoid deleterious effects of instantaneous motor direction reversal. The system includes a motor drive chip for generating the drive signal to the window wiper motor, a programmable logic array for sequencing the operation of the motor drive chip, and a delay chip for timing the selected delay.

Abstract: A miniaturized window wiper includes a mounting hub having a concealed mounting boss therein, the hub being pivotally connected to a wiper arm which further mounts and shrouds a wiper blade holder, the wiper arm being subjected to tension by a torsion spring in order to bias a wiper blade against a window. A motor drive system for imparting oscillating motion to the wiper is also disclosed.