Abstract: Pyroelectric detection device, including at least: a substrate; a membrane arranged on the substrate; a pyroelectric detection element arranged on the membrane or forming at least one part of the membrane, and including at least one portion of pyroelectric material arranged between first and second electrodes; a cavity passing through the substrate, emerging opposite a part of the membrane which forms a bottom wall of the cavity, and including side edges formed by the substrate; an element for stiffening the membrane arranged in the cavity, partially filling the cavity, made integral with the side edges of the cavity at at least two distinct anchoring regions, and arranged against the membrane.

Abstract: In some aspects, an afocal adaptor for an optical device comprises a housing. The housing includes a first and a second optical channel. A divider is configured between the first optical channel and the second optical channel to prevent transmission of electromagnetic radiation between the first optical channel and the second optical channel. At least one lens is associated with each of the first optical channel and the second optical channel. A particular at least one lens is configured to provide a focal point for each of the first optical channel and the second optical channel and to guide a particular type of electromagnetic radiation through each of the first optical channel and the second optical channel. The electromagnetic radiation is guided into a corresponding first receiving optical channel and a second receiving optical channel associated with the optical device. A coupling mechanism is attached to the housing and configured to permit attachment of the housing to the optical device.

Abstract: Aim enhancing systems are provided for deterrent devices. In one aspect an aim enhancing system has a light emitting system; an optical element, a housing holding the laser system and the light emitting system and having an opening through which a light from the light emitting system can pass from inside the housing to outside the housing and an optical element receiving surface against which an outer surface of the optical element can be positioned, resilient biasing member having an opening through which the light can pass, an outer surface arranged to confront an inner surface of the optical element, and an inner surface; and a pressure surface pressing the inner surface of the resilient biasing member toward the optical element to resiliently hold the inner receiving surface against the outer surface of the optical element.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for determining a time of flight (TOF) of a first bullet fired from a gun to pass a target plane of a target; determining a location of an aimpoint on the target in an imager field of view (FOV) relative to a disturbed reticle at a time the first bullet is fired by the gun; determining a location of the first bullet relative to the location of the aimpoint on the target at the TOF in the imager FOV; and determining an updated location of the disturbed reticle based on a difference between the location of the first bullet and the location of the aimpoint on the target at the time the first bullet crosses the target plane and a difference between the location of the disturbed reticle and the location of the aimpoint on the target at the time the first bullet was fired.

Abstract: Aim enhancing systems are provided for deterrent devices. In one aspect an aim enhancing system has a light emitting system; an optical element, a housing holding the laser system and the light emitting system and having an opening through which a light from the light emitting system can pass from inside the housing to outside the housing and an optical element receiving surface against which an outer surface of the optical element can be positioned, resilient biasing member having an opening through which the light can pass, an outer surface arranged to confront an inner surface of the optical element, and an inner surface; and a pressure surface pressing the inner surface of the resilient biasing member toward the optical element to resiliently hold the inner receiving surface against the outer surface of the optical element.

Abstract: A hand-held biosensor including a housing having a lower handgrip portion and an upper target portion extending substantially perpendicular to the lower handgrip portion. An electromagnetic radiation emitter is received within the lower handgrip portion for emitting a laser beam toward a band pass filter received within the upper target portion. The band pass filter is configured to reflect the laser beam toward a target, and to permit passage therethrough of fluorescence emissions from the target. A photo-detector is received within the upper target portion of the housing and is configured to receive the fluorescence emissions from the target. A signal display is configured to provide an indication of fluorescence spectral data from the photo-detector. An adapter may be releasably coupled to the upper target portion of the housing for receiving atmospheric air.

Abstract: There is provided a method, a device and a system for modifying at least one parameter used by a video processing algorithm, such as a motion detection algorithm, an object detection algorithm, or an object tracking algorithm, for monitoring of a scene (102). The method comprises: receiving a first (105a) and a second (105b) video sequence of the scene (102), wherein the first video sequence (105a) is captured using a thermal camera (104a) such that the first video sequence (105a) comprises thermal information being indicative of temperatures in the scene (102), and applying the video processing algorithm to the second video sequence (105b), wherein at least one parameter used by the video processing algorithm is modified based on the thermal information comprised in the first video sequence (105a).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for processing electromagnetic radiation. In particular, the present invention relates to conversion of light, such as light (28) comprising image information (34), from one wavelength interval to another wavelength interval. More in particular, the present invention relates to wavelength conversion of incident light (28) by means of optical mixing with a laser beam in a non-linear crystal (14). The method according to the present invention comprises receiving incoming electromagnetic radiation (28) and a laser beam (12) in a non-linear crystal, setting a plurality of phase match conditions within the non-linear crystal (14), obtaining a plurality of images of the processed electromagnetic radiation (30), and providing a first combined image (42) comprising a first part of a first image and comprising a second part of a second image.

Abstract: A multi-mode sight includes an optical sight that provides a direct view image of an aiming point or reticle superimposed on a target scene. The optical sight includes a single optical path defined through the sight comprising a direct view and overlay path. A thermal imager provides a monochromic thermal image of the target scene. A single combiner is located in the optical path and passes the direct view image and reflects the thermal image to overlay the thermal image onto the direct view image for an operator to see as a superimposed thermal and direct view optical image of the target scene together with the aiming point or reticle.

Abstract: A night vision goggle (NVG) attachment device retrofit to an existing monocular or binocular type NVG system to provide additional environmental information to the user of the NVG device. The attachable device includes a ring connector having one or more external display projectors positioned on the objective side of the NVG optical system. A sensor electronics module is attached to the ring connector and houses a number of environmental sensors, including IR transmitters and receivers for range finding information, radiation detectors, and motion/heat detectors. The sensors within the electronics module provide signal information through a connector to the existing NVG electronics. The device projects informational images into the display field of view for the user. The informational displays may take the form of one or more LED indicators or LED digital numerical displays. The user may preferably activate or de-activate one or more of the environmental sensors.

Abstract: A sighting system is disclosed, comprising a housing with small upper minor mounted in its upper center, redirecting light from a single objective lens set, and a larger lower mirror mounted coaxially relative to the lens set and upper minor, both mirrors set at 45° and redirecting light at 90° angles to the lens set. The smaller mirror is positioned closer than the lower minor to the lens set. A night camera system is used for receiving an image through the lens set redirected by the lower mirror and amplified through an intensifier before transmission to a video display monitor(s). A day camera system receiving the image from the lens set redirected by the smaller minor transmits the image to the monitor(s) for separate display of the image, enabling simultaneous capture of the optimum amount of light by each camera, maximizing the housing's diametrical space to receive incoming light.

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: There is provided a high-sensitivity organic semiconductor radiation/light sensor and a radiation/light detector which can detect rays in real time. In the high-sensitivity organic semiconductor radiation/light sensor, a signal amplification wire 2 is embedded in an organic semiconductor 1. Carriers created by passage of radiation or light are avalanche-amplified by a high electric field generated near the signal amplification wire 2 by means of applying a high voltage to the signal amplification wire 2, thus dramatically improving detection efficiency of rays. Hence, even rays exhibiting low energy loss capability can be detected in real time with high sensitivity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the temperature pattern of the surface of a golf ball or golf club is disclosed. The apparatus includes a thermal device capable of imparting a temperature pattern onto the surface of a golf ball. The thermal device preferably imparts the temperature pattern from a distance, preferably while the golf ball is positioned on a golf tee. After a predetermined amount of time, the golf ball may be stuck by a golf club. A thermal imaging device, which may detect a cooling pattern imparted to the golf ball by prongs of a cooling device, is preferably used to acquire images of the temperature pattern. The acquired images may then be analyzed by a processor to determine the kinematic characteristics of the golf ball.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power supply (40) and a night vision device using the power supply (40). The power supply (40) comprises a battery (41), a power switch (42), a booster (43) for boosting a battery voltage provided by the battery (41) to an established voltage according to an operation of the power switch (42) and outputting a boost voltage, and a voltage selector (44) for comparing the voltage provided by the battery with a reference voltage (VR), outputting the boost voltage when the battery voltage is below the reference voltage (VR), and outputting the battery voltage when the battery voltage is beyond the reference voltage (VR). The night vision device is operable by voltages supplied from the power supply (40). According to the invention, stable voltages are supplied and batteries (41) are effectively used by supplying constant voltages in the case of using batteries (41) with different voltages, and hence, usage time of the night vision device is increased.

Abstract: A fusion night vision system having image intensification and thermal imaging capabilities includes an edge detection filter circuit to aid in acquiring and identifying targets. An outline of the thermal image is generated and combined with the image intensification image without obscuration of the image intensification image. The fusion night vision system may also include a parallax compensation circuit to overcome parallax problems as a result of the image intensification channel being spaced from the thermal channel. The fusion night vision system may also include a control circuit configured to maintain a perceived brightness through an eyepiece over a mix of image intensification information and thermal information. The fusion night vision system may incorporate a targeting mode that allows an operator to acquire a target without having the scene saturated by a laser pointer.

Abstract: An image intensifier tube and a night vision system fitted with such a tube. The tube body of the image intensifier tube includes a multilayer ceramic substrate fixed in a sealed manner to an input device and to an output device so as to assure leaktightness of a vacuum chamber delimited by the tube body. The multilayer substrate also maintains a microchannel plate arranged between a photocathode and a phosphorus screen, and supplies voltage to the photocathode, the plate, and the phosphorus screen.

Abstract: An image intensifier such as a night vision goggle includes a tube module and a power supply module. The image quality may be characterized by a figure known as the “Figure of Merit” (FOM), which is an arithmetic product of screen resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Both resolution and SNR are affected by the voltage supplied by the power supply module. By providing a power supply module with an adjustable voltage, the FOM may be varied. The adjustment mechanism may then be rendered tamper resistant, thereby enabling the FOM to be permanently reduced for devices intended for export.

Abstract: A night vision device provides both an amplified visible light image and an infrared image, overlayed upon each other so that they appear to be a single image. A user may select to utilize either an intensified visual image only, an infrared image only, or ratios of both images simultaneously. Dichroic surfaces within the night vision device are utilized first to separate light into visible and infrared portions, and then to recombine the visible and infrared images to a single image.

Abstract: A monitoring device, process and system use an image recording device for recording an image falling on the eyes of the user of the device. The monitoring device includes a display and a signal processor with which at least the image signals recorded by the image recording device can be evaluated. An input medium and a storage medium are used for storing and retrieving information about the topology of the building. An instantaneous position of the user of the device is determined by evaluating the image signals sent by the image recording device by pattern recognition.

Abstract: A night vision device is disclosed. The device includes a housing that houses an intensifier tube and a proximity sensor mounted on the housing. An ON/OFF switch is operatively coupled to the intensifier tube and to the proximity sensor such that operation of the ON/OFF switch to the “ON” position automatically activates the proximity sensor. A method of operating the night vision device with the proximity sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An imaging system illuminates body tissue with infrared light to enhance visibility of subcutaneous blood vessels, and generates a video image of the body tissue and the subcutaneous blood vessels based on reflected infrared light. The system includes an infrared light source for generating the infrared light and a structure for diffusing the infrared light. The diffusing structure includes one or more layers of diffusing material for diffusing the light. The system further includes a video imaging device for receiving the infrared light reflected from the body tissue and for generating a video image of the body tissue based on the reflected infrared light.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the surface of a material that has a distinguishable infrared spectrum comprising (a) positioning an infrared fiber optic probe to be in contact with a surface of the sample or material at a region of interest for detecting attenuated total reflectance or within a sufficient distance from the surface of the region for detecting reflection, (b) detecting mid- or near-infrared radiation attenuated total reflectance or reflection off of the surface of the sample or the material, (c) analyzing the infrared radiation from step (b) for at least one of peak height, peak area, frequency and chemometric parameters, and (d) actuating the removal device when a signal from the infrared fiber optic probe is between pre-selected values for at least one of peak height, peak area, frequency and chemometric parameters for the sample of the material.

Abstract: An object detection apparatus including a light intensifier tube for use on an overland vehicle is described and which includes an electromagnetic radiation emitter which emits electromagnetic radiation which is reflected from an object of interest; and an electromagnetic radiation receiver which discriminately receives the reflected electromagnetic radiation at predetermined time intervals and which provides an output signal from which information regarding the object of interest may be derived.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an enhanced vision device having an image intensifier tube (16) with an input end (17a) and an output end (17b) with an IR phosphor (19) deposited on the input end (17a) of the image intensifier tube (16). The IR phosphor (19) produces photons in response to light of wavelengths that would be undetectable by the image intensifier tube (16).

Abstract: A thermal imaging camera having improved durability and ergonomic features including generally a seamless housing encompassing a thermal imaging core, a first handle, and a battery compartment. The housing is preferably positioned at a first end of the first handle and the battery compartment is positioned at the opposite end of the first handle. By positioning the first handle intermediate between the housing and the battery compartment, the center of gravity of the thermal imaging camera coincides generally with the handle when the thermal imaging camera is in use, that is when batteries are present within the battery compartment. The camera can also include a second handle positioned between the housing and the battery compartment, the second handle is preferably oriented generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first handle to facilitate passing of the thermal imaging camera between users. The camera also has improved water resistance, shock-resistance and other operational features.

Abstract: An infrared image sensor, in particular one of the interlaced parallel scanning type, is described. The infrared image sensor has an optical focusing system for focusing an image on a matrix of sensitive elements (55) for the detection of the image. A collimator unit (5) forms a focal plane. The collimator unit is disposed at the entry of the sensor. At least one thermal reference (33), whose image is projected on the matrix (55), is disposed on the optical path of the image inside the sensor.

Abstract: When light is incident on the photoelectric surface of this electron tube, photoelectrons are emitted. These photoelectrons are accelerated and incident on an electron beam irradiation diode. A reverse voltage of about 100 V is applied to the electron beam irradiation diode to form a depletion region almost throughout an anode layer and near the p-n junction interface of a silicon substrate. The incident accelerated electrons release a kinetic energy in a heavily doped p-type layer having an electron incidence surface and the depleted anode layer to form electron-hole pairs. In this case, since the heavily doped p-type layer having the electron incidence surface is very thin, the energy is hardly released in this layer, and almost all energy is released in the depletion region. Signal charges extracted from the electron-hole pairs formed upon releasing the energy are output as a signal from two electrodes.

Abstract: An improved electrophoresis and fluorescence detection apparatus has an electromagnetic radiation sensor juxtaposed with a sensing region. The output signal from the electromagnetic radiation sensor is a current signal, and the current signal is converted to a voltage signal. The voltage signal is summed with a programmable offset generated by an inexpensive eight-bit D/A converter. The offset signal is selected to establish a lower starting point for the dynamic range of the A/D conversion, and is selected to null some or all of the background electromagnetic radiation level. The summed signal is amplified and integrated in an integrator. The integrator is switchable under program control. The integrator is switched on for long and short intervals. The short intervals permit sensing over a dynamic range accommodating very high levels of fluorescence; very high peaks may be measured and features of the peaks distinguished.

Abstract: A night vision sight is provided for use with a weapon, which includes an objective lens and a non-inverting image intensifier tube disposed along an optical axis, providing an intensified target image. The sight is focused by direct movement of the image intensifier tube relative to the fixed position of the objective lens. A reticle projector is disposed orthogonal to the optical axis and provides a collimated reticle image, the reticle image providing an aiming point for the weapon. The reticle image is superimposed over the target image, which are reflected into an eyepiece of the sight. The eyepiece has an axis between the optical axis and a sight line passing through a pre-existing sight provided with the weapon. Adjustment of the apparent position of the reticle to compensate for azimuth and elevation is accomplished by moving the reticle projector about crossed cylindrical bearings.

Abstract: A near infrared illuminator for enhancing viewing of a target viewed with infrared viewing device when the target falls within a predetermined range. A pulse generator generates a laser pulse in the near infrared with a pulse clock for control of laser brightness and a pulse frequency adjust for control of laser blink rate. The pulse is transmitted along an optical path at a specific brightness and blink rate to a target. A detector within the optical path detects a reflected infrared signal from the target and converts the signal to an electrical signal which is processed by a processor to obtain target range information. A trigger logic controls the pulse clock rate means whereby when the target range falls within a predetermined range the laser pulse rate is increased such that increased illumination of the target is viewable with an infrared viewing device.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for accurately determining settling data for the settling of erythrocyte cells from a plasma fluid in a test specimen of blood. The apparatus includes a settling tube, a sensing assembly movably mounted proximate the settling tube. Preferably an infrared emitter and detector are provided in the sensing assembly, and a control assembly is provided which senses data at a high rate and is responsive to the sensed data to sample or store the time at which sensed reflectivity exceeds a threshold level. When the threshold is reached, data is sampled and the tracking head is moved by a very small step. This process is repeated to enable tracking of the descent of the separation boundary between the erythrocyte cells and plasma fluid. The apparatus senses changes in reflectivity of the erythrocyte portion of the specimen below and up to the separation boundary.

Abstract: A method for detecting incipient flashover of power line insulators by use of an image intensifier to detect electromagnetic radiation generated by electrical leakage. To improve detection sensitivity, a stimulus such as ultraviolet radiation or an externally applied RF pulse is used to momentarily increase insulator leakage to generate detectable electrical leakage at contaminated insulators.

Abstract: A multispectral sight integrated onto a man portable rifle or stand alone apon device for sighting the rifle or for surveillance by the device. The multispectral sight is contained in a unitary housing attached to or manufactured as an integral part of the man-pack weapon, such as from the forestock to the shoulder stock of a rifle, the sight is comprised of common objective optics and eyepiece optics. Between the objective optics and eyepiece optics and optical devices for collecting and separating input radiant energy into a plurality of distinct wavelength spectrum channels, electronic processing means for processing a visible spectrum and for processing and converting to the visible spectrum a near infrared spectrum and a far infrared spectrum in each of three spectrum channels, and optical devices for routing the outputs from the separate channels into the common eyepiece optics for viewing of a scene at all light levels.

Abstract: A pyroelectric film has a pattern of interconnected electrodes formed on one major surface, and a pattern of discrete electrodes and electrically conductive patches formed on the other major surface. The film 21 is supported by pillars connected to the patches, the pillars also producing a path for electrical signals between the patches and a signal processing means. Each discrete electrode is connected to a respective patch by a respective strip of electrically conductive material.

Abstract: An electro-optical target acquisition system having a scanning mirror which otates through a 360.degree. azimuthal plane. The infrared (IR) signal of a target is reflected off a mirror and imaged by a lens through an optical derotator onto a linear array of IR detectors. The detectors produce a current proportional to the strength of the IR signal. The current of each detector channel is amplified and fed to a corresponding light emitting diode, LED, that is part of a linear array of diodes. This light is imaged by a coupling lens through an optical rotator onto the photosurface of an image intensifier tube. The light image of the LED's creates a corresponding electron image. The electron image is swept across the tube and impinges onto the tube's phosphor output plate and creates a light output. The light output is an intensified image of the LED's.

Abstract: An image intensifier tube comprising an input screen assembly which includes a photosensitive semiconductor wafer having a substrate of one conductivity type material forming a plurality of P-N junctions with a planar array of mutually isolated islands of opposite conductivity type material, the islands protruding substantially equal distances from a common surface of the substrate, an opaque film of resistive material overlying the exposed areas of the islands and the common surface of the substrate, a layer of electroluminescent material disposed in abutting relationship with the distal ends of the islands and a layer of photoemissive material disposed in axially aligned relationship with the electroluminescent layer.

Abstract: An infrared flash unit, for use with camera employing infrared film, is mounted in a housing having a base configured to fit on the normal flash unit attachment of a standard camera. The housing has a front panel with an array of eight individual reflectors, each having an infrared light emitting diode or laser diode in it. A power supply is connected through a pulse driver circuit to the diodes, each of which are connected in series with a corresponding switch. The diode and switch combination are connected in parallel with one another and in series with the pulse driver circuit. Different combinations of diodes are selected for operation in accordance with the shutter speed and range of the camera. The pulse driver circuit supplies energizing pulses to the selected diodes at a repetition rate and duty cycle selected to match the primary infrared wave length of the diodes and the film used in the camera to reduce fogging due to background infrared light.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for pyroelectric camera signal processing, which processing includes multi-parameter automatic signal level adjustment to compensate for the effects of pedestal level variations. The pyroelectric vidicon tube generates an electrical output signal component indicative of target signal information based upon the sensed thermal energy emitted from the target, and also generates a pedestal component around which the target signal information is centered, and this information is processed to provide field video signals which are utilized to provide a composite video output. An automatic adjustment control unit, responsive to the field video signal, provides automatic adjustment of gain, balance, and offset to thereby allow the pyroelectric camera to operate at an optimized signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: An imaging tube particularly useful in providing a visible image corresponding to an incident infrared image in which a reflective photocathode is used to provide an electron image corresponding to the infrared image, and in which the incident image rays and the ultimate image rays move along different directions.

Abstract: A viewing apparatus suitable for use as a night sight includes an image intensifier (3) arranged between an objective (1) and an ocular (7). An alignment member (25) has an alignment marker (28) arranged between the image intensifier (3) and the ocular (7) adjustable by rotation of an alignment marker support (23) about two orthogonal axes (X, Y) which intersect each other at a virtual point of rotation (M) which is located on an optical axis (17).

Abstract: A relatively large diameter, sharply focused beam of invisible light is produced by a projector (10) for the purpose of lighting up a person, object, etc. to be viewed at night. The projector (10) is used in conjunction with a night vision telescope (12) which includes a light intensifier (88). The projector (10) includes a pulsating infrared LED, or a laser diode, adapted to produce a high intensity narrow beam of invisible light. This beam of invisible light is enlarged by a projection lens assembly (26) adapted to sharply focus the light into a collimated light beam of about the diameter of the projector housing (20). The light source (30) is pulsed on and off, and is on only about 10-20% of the time. When on it is illuminated by a high level current which would quickly burn out the light (30) if operated continuously. The intermittent operation of the light (30) at high current produces a nonflickering high intensity light beam.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for pyroelectric camera signal processing, which processing includes compensating for the effects of pedestal level variations. The pyroelectric videcon tube generates an electrical output signal component indicative of target signal information based upon the sensed thermal energy emitted from the target, and also generates a pedestal component around which the target signal information is centered. A line-by-line DC restorer is provided to re-establish the DC level of the video signal, with the DC level of the restorer being automatically controlled to thereby compensate for variations in pedestal levels due to drift, tube aging, and/or generated by shutter to scene temperature differences.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for initiating target crossover recovery in a pyroelectric camera by electronically detecting crossover and automatically initiating recovery in response thereto. The video signal appearing at the output of the video amplifier during readout of the vidicon tube is coupled to a level detector to detect crossover by sensing a positive signal having an amplitude greater than any such signal producible during readout arising from an optical input to the video amplifier, with reliability of detection being enhanced by use of an automatic balancing circuit providing a stable reference.

Abstract: A method for testing wooden utility poles for structural soundness, which quickly indicates usual structural conditions which make the pole unsound, such as rot, porosity and internal cavities, includes converting infrared radiation received from a utility pole being tested to visually observable form, comparing such radiation in such form, as received from different locations along the length of the utility pole, and noting disparities therein, which indicate portions of a pole which may be structurally unsound. The infrared radiation is converted to visually observable form by means of a cathode ray tube and appropriate optical and electronic transducers and circuitry, the infrared pattern is viewed by an operator of the equipment, sometimes preferably with a plurality of views of the pole being observed, and photographs of the cathode ray tube display are taken for future reference and study.

Abstract: A signal processing system is disclosed for a pyroelectric camera having a mechanical chopper in the optical path for causing information sensed by the camera to appear as dynamic information. The pyroelectric camera includes a pyroelectric vidicon tube which senses thermal energy emitted by a target and provides an electrical output signal indicative of the received thermal information. The output signal developed by the pyroelectric vidicon tube includes a relatively large pedestal signal component that is established during flyback due to secondary electron generation and a slightly wider but relatively small pedestal signal that is established due to differences in temperature sensed by the pyroelectric vidicon tube, which pedestal signal is timewise aligned with the relatively large pedestal signal generated due to secondary electron generation.

Abstract: A boresight collimator usable with three different night-vision (infrared) ights for the U.S. Army TOW missile. These sights must be boresighted to the visible light (day) sight already on the missile launcher, but each night sight is differently mounted. The collimator has a readily adjustable bracket for attaching to the night sights and for allowing both the visible and infrared collimating images to be seen in their respective sights.

Abstract: A pyroelectric vidicon has an improved signal-to-noise ratio by essentially eliminating pedestal noise and using signal gain to overcome preamplifier noise. Pedestal noise is substantially eliminated by charging the target, during the flyback read period, down to a small fixed value above the quiescent value. This is accomplished by setting the cathode potential, during the flyback read period, at a value below the reference value. The time duration of the flyback read period is such that the target is charged down to a value which is still above the quiescent value.

Abstract: There is disclosed a weapon sight for night time use having an image intensifier tube and an illuminated aiming dot. A front lens forms an image of a dimly lit scene onto the input surface of an image intensifier tube. A resulting intensified image is displayed at an output surface of the tube. A rear lens then projects this image to a viewer. A light source illuminates an aiming dot which is optically relayed by a beam combiner mirror through the rear lens to the viewer so that the images of the aiming dot and scene are superimposed. Mechanical means are provided for moving the aiming dot in elevation and windage.In a specific embodiment of the invention, the light source is a light emitting diode (LED) which illuminates an input end of a short length of fine diameter optical fiber, the output end of which forms the aiming dot. Alternatively, the aiming dot can be a small aperture within an opaque disk mounted adjacent the LED.

Abstract: A relatively large diameter, sharply focused beam of invisible light is produced by a projector (10) for the purpose of lighting up a person, object, etc. to be viewed at night. The projector (10) is used in conjunction with a night vision telescope (12) which includes a light intensifier (88). The projector (10) includes a pulsating infrared LED, or a laser diode, adapted to produce a high intensity narrow beam of invisible light. This beam of invisible light is enlarged by a projection lens assembly (26) adapted to sharply focus the light into a collimated light beam of about the diameter of the projector housing (20). The light source (30) is pulsed on and off, and is on only about 10-20% of the time. When on it is illuminated by a high level current which would quickly burn out the light (30) if operated continuously. The intermittent operation of the light (30) at high current produces a nonflickering high intensity light beam.