US5056097A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Target illuminators and systems employing same
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1990-10-01
•
Granted: 1991-10-08
•
Expires: 2010-10-01
Abstract
Abstract Devices for illuminating a target with a beam of coherent energy. The device has a number of applications. In one, it is employed with a night vision system to make available additional energy which can be utilized by an image intensifier in the night vision system in prodcing a visual image of a target acquired by the night vision system.
Inventors
- 👤 Brad E. Meyers
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 23:31
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S5/00; H01S5/02; G; G01; G01S; G01S17/00; G01S17/88; G01S17/89; G02; G02B; G02B23/00; G02B23/12; H01S5/024; H01S5/005; H01S5/04; H01S5/042; H01S5/0427; H01S5/06; H01S5/068; H01S5/0683
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
The combination of a hand holdable night vision system comprising an image intensifier, a detachable grip for supporting said image intensifier, a device for illuminating a target acquired by the night vision system and thereby making available additional energy usable by the image intensifier of the night vision system to produce a visual image, and means for mounting the target illuminating device on the image intensifier, said target illuminating device comprising a casing; a diode-type laser for generating a beam of coherent energy, said laser being housed in said casing; an optical lens in said casing on the output side of said laser for projecting the beam of coherent energy; and means in said casing for operating said laser, said detachable grip including an operator activatable switch, and said combination further including connector means extending between and so electrically connecting said switch to the operating means of the target illuminating device that the laser in that device cannot be turned on unless the switch is closed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
166 words
The combination of a hand holdable night vision system comprising an image intensifier, a detachable grip for supporting said image intensifier, a device for illuminating a target acquired by the night vision system and thereby making available additional energy usable by the image intensifier of the night vision system to produce a visual image, and means for mounting the target illuminating device on the image intensifier, said target illuminating device comprising a casing; a diode-type laser for generating a beam of coherent energy, said laser being housed in said casing; an optical lens in said casing on the output side of said laser for projecting the beam of coherent energy; and means in said casing for operating said laser, said detachable grip including an operator activatable switch, and said combination further including connector means extending between and so electrically connecting said switch to the operating means of the target illuminating device that the laser in that device cannot be turned on unless the switch is closed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
A combination as defined in claim 1 in which the laser of the target illuminating device has a standby mode and said operating means includes means for causing a threshold current to flow through the laser when said laser is in the standby mode, thereby keeping, the laser from operating erratically when it is subsequently turned on.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
106 words
A combination as defined in claim 2 in which the operating means of the target illuminating device includes an electrical power source, a first circuit means for connecting said power source to the laser of the target illuminating device, a second circuit means with higher resistance connectable between said power source and said laser in parallel with said first circuit means, and an electronic switching circuit which connects said power source to said laser via said first circuit means when said laser is turned on and connects said power source to said laser via said second circuit means when the laser is in the standby mode.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
A combination as defined in claim 1 in which the laser target illuminating device includes means for adjusting the intensity of the illumination it provides by optically controlling the area illuminated by the radiant energy outputted from the laser of that device.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
84 words
A combination as defined in claim 1 which comprises mean for regulating the intensity of the radiant energy outputted from the laser of the target illuminating device, said intensity regulating means including an electrical power supply, first circuit means for converting the output of said power supply to a series of pulses with a selected waveform, and second circuit means for adjusting that part of the first circuit means duty cycle in which electrical energy can flow at an operating level to said laser.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
A combination as defined in claim 5 in which the target illuminating device includes operator manipulatable means for adjusting that part of the first circuit means duty cycle in which current can flow at the operating level to the laser.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
A combination as defined in claim 1 in which the target illuminating device has a rechargeable, internal, electrical power source in the casing of that device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
51 words
A combination as defined in claim 7 in which the target illuminating device has means accessible from the exterior of the casing of that device for connecting the device to an external electrical power source in order to operate the laser of the device and to charge its internal power source.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
A combination as defined in claim 1 in which the target illuminating device has means for turning said device on and off and means for providing an operator accessible signal while said device is turned on.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
49 words
A combination as defined in claim 1 in which the target illuminating device includes circuit means for connecting the laser of said device to an electrical power source and an electrical interlock which must be installed before the connection between the power source and the laser can be completed.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-10-07 | 1995-04-08 | 1995-10-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-10-07 | 1999-04-08 | 1999-10-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-10-07 | 2003-04-08 | 2003-10-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |