Modular night vision assemblies

• US 20080007826A1
• Filed: 11/04/2005
• Published: 01/10/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/04/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. (ITT, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. (ITT, Inc.)
• Inventors: Smith, William, Oesterreich, Mark, Willey, Charles
• Application Number:
  US11/267,466
• Publication Number:
  US 20080007826A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/407
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 23/12 with means for image conversion or intensification
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 23/125 head-mounted
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 23/18 for binocular arrangements focusing binocular pairs G02B7/06; adjusting pupillary distance of binocular pairs G02B7/12
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 25/004 having binocular arrangement

Abstract

A modular night vision assembly comprising a first night vision monocular, a power assembly and a connection assembly. The monocular includes a first monocular housing enclosing a first optic assembly and a first associated electrical assembly. A first contact interface is defined along the exterior of the first monocular housing and is in electrical communication with the first electrical assembly. The first contact interface and the first monocular housing are sealed such that the first monocular assembly is independently sealed. The power assembly includes a power housing enclosing an electrical power source and a second contact interface in communication with the electrical power source. The connection assembly is configured to removably connect the power assembly to the first monocular assembly with the first and second contact interfaces electrically interconnected and sealingly enclosed between the power housing and the first monocular housing.

Claims

1. A modular night vision assembly comprising:

a first night vision monocular including a first monocular housing enclosing a first optic assembly and a first associated electrical assembly; and

a first contact interface defined along the exterior of the first monocular housing and in electrical communication with the first electrical assembly, the first contact interface and the first monocular housing being sealed such that the first monocular is independently sealed;

a power assembly including a power housing enclosing an electrical power source and a second contact interface in communication with the electrical power source; and

a connection assembly configured to removably connect the power assembly to the first monocular with the first and second contact interfaces electrically interconnected and sealingly enclosed between the power assembly housing and the first monocular housing.

2. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 1 further comprising:

a second night vision monocular including a second monocular housing enclosing a second optic assembly and a second associated electrical assembly; and

a third contact interface defined along the exterior of the second monocular housing and in electrical communication with the second electrical assembly, the third contact interface and the second monocular housing being sealed such that the second monocular is independently sealed; and

wherein the power assembly includes a fourth contact interface in communication with the electrical power source and the connection assembly is further configured to removably connect the power assembly to the second monocular with the third and fourth contact interfaces electrically interconnected and sealingly enclosed between the power assembly housing and the second monocular housing.

3. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 2 wherein the power assembly provides manual variable gain to the first and second monoculars using a single control.

4. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 3 wherein the single control also controls flow of power from the power source to the first and second monoculars.

5. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 2 wherein the modular assembly is configured as a binocular.

6. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 2 wherein the modular assembly is configured as an aviation binocular.

7. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 2 wherein the power assembly housing includes a mounting bracket for attachment to a helmet.

8. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 2 wherein the connection assembly includes a connection platform extending from each monocular housing and a pair of engagement mechanisms within the power assembly housing.

9. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 8 wherein each engagement mechanism is configured to provide a snap-fit with a respective connection platform.

10. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 9 wherein each engagement mechanism includes at least one spring clip.

11. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 8 wherein each engagement mechanism includes a threadably adjustable wedge.

12. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 2 wherein the power assembly is configured to permit adjustment of the lateral distance between the second and fourth contact interfaces.

13. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 1 wherein the modular assembly is configured as a standalone monocular.

14. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 1 wherein the modular assembly is configured as a pocket scope.

15. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 1 wherein the modular assembly is configured as a survival vest scope.

16. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 1 wherein the modular assembly is configured as a weapon site.

17. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 1 wherein the monocular housing includes a tube body with an objective lens knob sealingly supported at a first end and a focus knob sealingly supported at the opposite end.

18. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 16 wherein the objective lens knob supports an objective lens assembly and the focus knob supports user output optics and wherein the objective lens assembly and the user output optics are axially adjustable.

19. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 1 wherein the connection assembly includes a connection platform extending from the first monocular housing and an engagement mechanism within the power assembly housing.

20. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 19 wherein the connection platform and the engagement mechanism are configured to provide a snap-fit therebetween.

21. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 20 wherein the engagement mechanism includes at least one spring clip.

22. The modular night vision assembly according to claim 19 wherein the engagement mechanism includes a threadably adustable wedge.