US 5,347,119 A · Night vision device with dual-action artificial illumination

Abstract

A night vision device with an infrared light usable for covert signaling and reading as well as for illumination of exceedingly dark areas where sufficient ambient light does not exist for the night vision device to provide a view of the area, includes a singular dual-action control switch which allows an operator of the night vision device to operate all of the functions of the device with a singular control. These functions include momentary illumination of the infrared light for signaling and for "quick look" purposes, such as for updating a user's knowledge of map coordinates, for example. The control circuit also allows the infrared light to be maintained on for area illumination, for example, until the user purposely turns it off. However, the momentary illumination feature for the infrared light improves utility of the night vision device for signaling, and improves user safety when "quick look" map reading and area illumination functions are performed because the user is less likely to forgetfully leave the infrared light on, and to thereby reveal the user's position to other personnel equipped with night vision devices. Human factors considerations for operation of the night vision device with minimal training and in stressful situations is improved.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A night vision device comprising:

a housing which may be suspended relative to a user's head and eyes, the housing having an objective lens admitting low-level light from a night scene, an image intensifier apparatus providing an intensified image representative of the low-level night scene, and an eye piece into which the user may look with at least one eye to view the intensified representative image;
an infrared supplemental illumination light;
and
a singular dual-action control switch for both the image intensifier apparatus and the supplemental light which allows the user to selectively choose between a first mode of switch operation in which the user may purposefully manipulate an external switch feature of the housing in order to momentarily illuminate the supplemental light, the switch automatically extinguishing the supplemental light once the user discontinues manipulation of the switch feature, and a second mode of switch operation in which the supplemental illumination light may be locked on.

1 more element

A night vision device of the AN/PVS-7B type comprising:

a housing having an objective lens for receiving low-level light from a night scene, an image intensifier tube for receiving the low-level light and providing an intensified image representative of the night scene, and an eye piece in which said intensified image is visible;
an infrared supplemental illumination light carried by said housing and when turned on forwardly projecting an illuminating beam of infrared light which is visible with the night vision device;
a singular dual-action control switch for controlling both the image intensifier tube of said night vision device and the infrared supplemental illumination light, said control switch including a control feature sequentially rotatable in a plane between bi-stable first and second positions, and a third momentary-contact position for respectively effecting:
all off, image intensifier tube on, and image intensifier tube on along wit momentary supplemental infrared illumination;
and
wherein said switch feature further includes a forth operative position in which said infrared supplemental illumination light is locked on, said forth operative position being reached by axially moving said switch control feature.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Night vision device with dual-action artificial illumination

Life of this patent

Night vision device with dual-action artificial illumination

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17