Night vision system including field replaceable image intensifier tube

• US 20040238724A1
• Filed: 05/30/2003
• Published: 12/02/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/30/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: L-3 Communications SPD Technologies, Inc. (L3Harris Technologies, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Insight Technology Incorporated (L3Harris Technologies, Inc.)
• Inventors: Schmidt, William David, Firth, Robert William, Moody, Scott David
• Granted Patent: US 7,294,820 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 250/214VT
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 23/12 with means for image conversion or intensification

Abstract

A night vision goggle system is provided having an image intensifier tube that may be installed or replaced without requiring realignment of the optics. The image intensifier tube is coupled to a first locating feature that is in a predetermined relationship to the optical center of the image intensifier tube. The system includes a second locating feature that interacts with the first locating feature to position the image intensifier tube in a predetermined relationship to an optical component of the night vision system.

Claims

1. A night vision system comprising:

an image intensifier tube;

a first locating feature coupled to said image intensifier tube in a predetermined relationship to an optical center of said image intensifier tube; and

a second locating feature adapted to interact with said first locating feature whereby said optical center of said image intensifier tube is positioned in a predetermined relationship relative to an optical component.

2. The night vision system of claim 1, wherein said first locating feature is directly coupled to said image intensifier tube.

3. The night vision system of claim 1, wherein said first locating feature is indirectly coupled to said image intensifier tube.

4. The night vision system of claim 1, wherein said first locating feature comprises a ring disposed on a first face of said image intensifier tube.

5. The night vision system of claim 1, wherein said second locating feature is directly coupled to said optical component.

6. The night vision system of claim 1, wherein said second locating feature is indirectly coupled to said optical component.

7. The night vision system of claim 5, wherein said optical component comprises an objective assembly, said objective assembly comprising said second locating feature.

8. A multi-channel monocular comprising:

an image intensifier tube comprising a locating ring disposed on a distal face of said image intensifier tube, said locating ring being concentric with an optical center of said image intensifier tube; and

an objective assembly comprising a locating member adapted to mate with said locating ring of said image intensifier tube to coaxially align said optical center of said image intensifier tube with an optical axis of said objective assembly.

9. The monocular of claim 8, wherein said locating ring is bonded to said image intensifier tube.

10. The monocular of claim 8, wherein said second locating feature includes an orifice adapted to at least partially receive said ring therein.

11. A night vision system comprising an image intensifier tube and a means for positioning an optical center of said image intensifier tube in a predetermined relationship with an optical component.

12. The night vision system of claim 11, wherein said means for positioning comprises interacting mechanical elements.

13. The night vision system of claim 12, wherein said interacting mechanical elements comprises at least a first locating feature and a second locating feature.

14. The night vision system of claim 13, wherein said first locating feature is associated with said image intensifier tube and said second locating feature is associated with said optical component.

15. A method of aligning an image intensifier tube with an optical pathway of a night vision system, said method comprising:

determining an optical center of said image intensifier tube;

providing a first locating feature in a predetermined relationship to said optical center;

providing a second locating feature having a predetermined relationship with said optical pathway of said night vision system; and

coupling said first locating feature to said second locating feature thereby positioning said optical center of said image intensifier tube in a predetermined relationship with said optical pathway of said night vision system.