Abstract: There is provided a multifunction coaxial objective system (16) for a laser rangefinder (10). The transmitter, receiver, and viewing optical systems have a common, coaxial optical axis (48). The multifunction coaxial objective system (16) includes lenses (28), (30) and mirror (32) each having a central obscuration therein. The multifunction coaxial objective system (16) further includes a lens (34) having a dichroic coating on one surface (50). The dichroic coated lens (34) transmits visible and near infrared light and reflects light of the wavelength transmitted by a laser emitter (18). The viewing optical system includes a pair of focusing wedges (42), (44) for adjusting the focus of the viewing optical system. Each focusing wedge (42), (44) is a wedge-shaped optical flat. The pair of focusing wedges (42), (44) are disposed against one another along a plane inclined with respect to the coaxial optical axis (48) of the multifunction coaxial objective system (16).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for indicating a contour of a surface relative to a vehicle, in which a first electromagnetic radiation source projects a first beam to create a first reflection pattern on the surface. A second electromagnetic radiation source projects a second beam to create a second reflection pattern on the surface. An apparatus is provided for coupling the first and second electromagnetic radiation sources to the vehicle, such that a movement of the vehicle results in a movement of the first and second reflection patterns on the surface.

Abstract: A high powered beam dump apparatus and method for absorbing the power of a high power laser, while the beam is shuttered off from contact with a workpiece, comprises two principal features. A reflecting cone reflects and spreads the high power laser beam outwardly from the axis of a high power laser beam when the beam dump is positioned with the axis of the cone coaxial with the axis of the incoming laser beam. An absorber extends circumferentially about the reflecting cone surface and absorbs the power of the beam as reflected from the reflecting cone surface. The materials and surface finishes of the conical reflecting surface and the absorber and the angle of the reflecting cone are related to the wavelength of the high power laser beam with which the beam dump is associated so as to absorb essentially all of the power of the laser beam when the beam dump is moved into the beam shuttered off position.

Abstract: A fast axial flow carbon dioxide laser has a laser head arranged to provide multiple folding of the laser beam into two, four or more linear passes. The construction of the head is such as to provide for generating either one laser beam or a pair of beams, by adjustment of optics. Located centrally in the laser head is a single exhaust manifold for exhausting all of the axially flowing gas from a series of colinear and spaced parallel discharge tubes on opposite sides of the exhaust manifold. Gas flow is from two outer inlet manifolds toward the central exhaust manifold, so that optics of the system are isolated from contamination and from the hot exhaust. Adequate distribution of gas within each discharge tube is assured by the manner in which the flowing gas is directed into the discharge tubes.

Abstract: A quick-lock-quick-release device for attaching a boot to a foot plate which doubles as an ice crampon or mounting plate for an alloy snowshoe is provided. The lock-release foot plate design is such that it can readily be adjusted for any size of boot by simply moving the lock-release lever on the foot plate. This design also lends itself to the use of the Arctic vapor barrier boots used by the military. In addition, three crampon designs are included as well as a quick release mechanism for attachment/detachment of the foot plate to/from the snowshoe without the necessity of tools. An articulated foot plate for use with an alloy snowshoe for running in snow is also shown. The articulated foot plate consists of two pieces, a toe portion and a heel portion, which are hinged together around the pivot pin to allow for flexing of the sole of the wearer's shoe during running.

Abstract: A one-piece light metal alloy snowshoe is coupled to a boot attached to a crampon/binding assembly via a fixed pivot assembly. A quick lock-release device of the crampon/binding assembly may be adjusted to accommodate any size boot. Thereafter, the simple moving of a locking-release lever will firmly attach and release the boot to the crampon assembly and the snowshoe.