Abstract: An optical device includes a housing enclosure, a lens cell holder mounted to the housing enclosure by a retainer, a lens assembly mounted to the lens cell holder such that the lens assembly is configured to translate in an axial direction; and a radial space defined between the lens cell holder and the retainer that is sized to accommodate adjustment of the lens cell holder and the lens assembly in a radial direction with respect to the housing enclosure. A method of adjusting a line of sight of the optical device includes (i) positioning the lens assembly against the housing enclosure; (ii) adjusting the radial position of the lens assembly until a pre-determined line of sight requirement is achieved; and (iii) fixing the lens assembly to the housing enclosure of the optical device to preserve the radial position of the lens assembly with respect to the housing enclosure.

Abstract: A power supply for an image intensifier, the power supply including a DC voltage source generating a photocathode voltage; a bright source protection (BSP) resistor in series with the DC voltage source; and an oscillator in parallel with the DC voltage source and the BSP resistor, the oscillator providing an AC voltage component, the AC voltage component having a fixed pulse width, the AC voltage component being coupled to the photocathode by a diode, the pulse width and shape of the AC voltage component on the photocathode being determined by the photocathode current.

Abstract: Power supplies and methods for regulating performance of image intensifiers are disclosed. Performance is regulated by controlling the duty factor of the image intensifiers.

Abstract: Systems for mounting a helmet-mounted device to a helmet are disclosed. One such system comprises a frame configured to be movably coupled to the helmet, and an interconnect mechanism rotatably coupled to the frame. The interconnect mechanism is configured to receive the helmet-mounted device. The interconnect mechanism is rotatable relative to the frame between a use position for the helmet-mounted device and a stow position for the helmet-mounted device.

Abstract: Systems for establishing electrical interconnections for helmet-mounted devices are disclosed. A system for establishing an electrical interconnection for a helmet-mounted device is comprises a first interconnect mechanism coupled to one of a helmet and the helmet-mounted device, and a second interconnect mechanism coupled to the other one of the helmet and the helmet-mounted device. The first interconnect mechanism comprises a first frame, a biasing member, a plurality of first electrical contacts, and a first projection. The second interconnect mechanism comprises a second frame, a plurality of second electrical contacts, and a second projection. As the first interconnect mechanism is moved toward the second interconnect mechanism, the contact between the first projection and the second projection causes rotation of the first frame in a direction opposite the predetermined rotational direction.

Abstract: Systems for mounting a helmet-mounted device to a helmet are disclosed. One such system comprises a frame configured to be movably coupled to the helmet, and an interconnect mechanism rotatably coupled to the frame. The interconnect mechanism is configured to receive the helmet-mounted device. The interconnect mechanism is rotatable relative to the frame between a use position for the helmet-mounted device and a stow position for the helmet-mounted device.

Abstract: Systems for establishing electrical interconnections for helmet-mounted devices are disclosed. A system for establishing an electrical interconnection for a helmet-mounted device is comprises a first interconnect mechanism coupled to one of a helmet and the helmet-mounted device, and a second interconnect mechanism coupled to the other one of the helmet and the helmet-mounted device. The first interconnect mechanism comprises a first frame, a biasing member, a plurality of first electrical contacts, and a first projection. The second interconnect mechanism comprises a second frame, a plurality of second electrical contacts, and a second projection. As the first interconnect mechanism is moved toward the second interconnect mechanism, the contact between the first projection and the second projection causes rotation of the first frame in a direction opposite the predetermined rotational direction.

Abstract: An optical device includes a housing enclosure, a lens cell holder mounted to the housing enclosure by a retainer, a lens assembly mounted to the lens cell holder such that the lens assembly is configured to translate in an axial direction; and a radial space defined between the lens cell holder and the retainer that is sized to accommodate adjustment of the lens cell holder and the lens assembly in a radial direction with respect to the housing enclosure. A method of adjusting a line of sight of the optical device includes (i) positioning the lens assembly against the housing enclosure; (ii) adjusting the radial position of the lens assembly until a pre-determined line of sight requirement is achieved; and (iii) fixing the lens assembly to the housing enclosure of the optical device to preserve the radial position of the lens assembly with respect to the housing enclosure.

Abstract: A power supply for an image intensifier, the power supply including a DC voltage source generating a photocathode voltage; a bright source protection (BSP) resistor in series with the DC voltage source; and an oscillator in parallel with the DC voltage source and the BSP resistor, the oscillator providing an AC voltage component, the AC voltage component having a fixed pulse width, the AC voltage component being coupled to the photocathode by a diode, the pulse width and shape of the AC voltage component on the photocathode being determined by the photocathode current.

Abstract: An optical system includes an optical bench defining a mounting surface, an objective lens mounted to the optical bench, and an image intensifier tube. The image intensifier tube includes: (i) a housing defining an interior region and a mounting surface, and (ii) a photocathode bonded to a glass faceplate defining a faceplate surface, wherein the photocathode is positioned within the interior region of the housing, and wherein the mounting surface of the housing resides on the same plane as the faceplate surface. The mounting surface of the optical bench is mounted onto the mounting surface of the image intensifier tube housing such that the mounting surface of the optical bench resides on the same plane as the faceplate surface and the faceplate surface of the faceplate is the surface of the faceplate that is positioned closest to the objective lens.

Abstract: A liquid-tight sealed assembly comprises a housing for a night vision device and a transmissive window, wherein the transmissive window permits a signal to pass-through the transmissive window for programming or controlling the night vision device within the housing. A night vision imaging sensor assembly comprises an electronic module disposed within a housing of a night vision device, a control assembly disposed externally of the housing, and a control interface of the housing interposed between the electronic module and the control assembly. The control assembly and the electronic module are configured to transmit and receive signals. The control interface permits a signal to pass-through the housing while preventing environmental leakage into the housing. The transmissive window permits signals, such as infra-red, capacitive, or magnetic signals, to pass-through. The assembly minimizes environmental leakage paths into the housing, thereby preventing damage from environmental contaminants such as moisture.

Abstract: In an optical system including an optical bench and an imaging device that is configured to be mounted to the optical bench, a method of aligning the imaging device on the optical bench includes the steps of: (1) inserting an alignment pin extending from a mounting surface of either the optical bench or the imaging device into a hole defined in the other of the optical bench and the imaging device; (2) aligning the imaging device with respect to a target image by translating and/or rotating the imaging device on the mounting surface of the optical bench while the pin is inserted in the hole to meet pre-defined center pixel, scan line and/or resolution requirements of the optical system; and (3) applying epoxy to the pin and the hole to mount the optical bench to the imaging device.

Abstract: An optical system includes an optical bench defining a mounting surface, an objective lens mounted to the optical bench, and an image intensifier tube. The image intensifier tube includes: (i) a housing defining an interior region and a mounting surface, and (ii) a photocathode bonded to a glass faceplate defining a faceplate surface, wherein the photocathode is positioned within the interior region of the housing, and wherein the mounting surface of the housing resides on the same plane as the faceplate surface. The mounting surface of the optical bench is mounted onto the mounting surface of the image intensifier tube housing such that the mounting surface of the optical bench resides on the same plane as the faceplate surface and the faceplate surface of the faceplate is the surface of the faceplate that is positioned closest to the objective lens.

Abstract: In an optical system including an optical bench and an imaging device that is configured to be mounted to the optical bench, a method of aligning the imaging device on the optical bench includes the steps of: (1) inserting an alignment pin extending from a mounting surface of either the optical bench or the imaging device into a hole defined in the other of the optical bench and the imaging device; (2) aligning the imaging device with respect to a target image by translating and/or rotating the imaging device on the mounting surface of the optical bench while the pin is inserted in the hole to meet pre-defined center pixel, scan line and/or resolution requirements of the optical system; and (3) applying epoxy to the pin and the hole to mount the optical bench to the imaging device.

Abstract: A liquid-tight sealed assembly comprises a housing for a night vision device and a transmissive window, wherein the transmissive window permits a signal to pass-through the transmissive window for programming or controlling the night vision device within the housing. A night vision imaging sensor assembly comprises an electronic module disposed within a housing of a night vision device, a control assembly disposed externally of the housing, and a control interface of the housing interposed between the electronic module and the control assembly. The control assembly and the electronic module are configured to transmit and receive signals. The control interface permits a signal to pass-through the housing while preventing environmental leakage into the housing. The transmissive window permits signals, such as infra-red, capacitive, or magnetic signals, to pass-through. The assembly minimizes environmental leakage paths into the housing, thereby preventing damage from environmental contaminants such as moisture.

Abstract: A helmet mount for night vision apparatus wherein night vision goggles can be coupled and uncoupled to its power pack without the use of tools and wherein the power pack can be coupled and uncoupled to a helmet without the use of tools. When an aviator wearing a helmet with night vision apparatus so mounted, is ejected from his aircraft both the goggles and the power pack are released from the helmet.

Abstract: A sealing structure for an optical device, such as an image intensifier device, is provided. The optical device includes an evacuated housing and an anode positioned within the evacuated housing. An interior sealing member extends from the anode. An exterior sealing member extends from a component of the image intensifier device, wherein the exterior sealing member is positioned to extend adjacent to and substantially parallel with the interior sealing member such that a gap is defined between the sealing members. A seal cup is positioned for sealing engagement with both the interior sealing member and the exterior sealing member to substantially maintain a vacuum condition within the housing.

Abstract: An image intensifier device and a method of fabricating the image intensifier device are disclosed. The image intensifier device includes a microchannel plate (MCP) having a thin-film applied to a surface thereof. An anode assembly comprising an image sensor mounted to a header is positioned adjacent the MCP. A spacer defining a mounting surface is positioned against a mounting surface of the header of the anode assembly for separating the MCP from the anode assembly. A recess is defined in either the header or the spacer at the interface between the header and the spacer. The recess forms a passageway defined between the spacer and the header thru which organic gases pass.

Abstract: An imaging device and a method for aligning an image sensor within the imaging device are disclosed. The imaging device comprises a housing and an image sensor assembly including a header and an image sensor mounted to the header. The header of the image sensor assembly is coupled to the housing. Means for aligning the image sensor with respect to the header are provided. Means for aligning the header with respect to the housing of the imaging device are also provided. A distance separating the image sensor alignment means and the header alignment means is pre-determined such that a distance between the image sensor and the housing of the imaging device is pre-determined.

Abstract: A sealing structure for an optical device, such as an image intensifier device, is provided. The optical device includes an evacuated housing and an anode positioned within the evacuated housing. An interior sealing member extends from the anode. An exterior sealing member extends from a component of the image intensifier device, wherein the exterior sealing member is positioned to extend adjacent to and substantially parallel with the interior sealing member such that a gap is defined between the sealing members. A seal cup is positioned for sealing engagement with both the interior sealing member and the exterior sealing member to substantially maintain a vacuum condition within the housing.