US20080263752A1 - Method and Apparatus for Mounting a Vision System - Google Patents
Method and Apparatus for Mounting a Vision System Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080263752A1 US20080263752A1 US11/721,884 US72188405A US2008263752A1 US 20080263752 A1 US20080263752 A1 US 20080263752A1 US 72188405 A US72188405 A US 72188405A US 2008263752 A1 US2008263752 A1 US 2008263752A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- helmet
- slide
- coupled
- pivot
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B23/00—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices
- G02B23/12—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices with means for image conversion or intensification
- G02B23/125—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices with means for image conversion or intensification head-mounted
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
- A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
- A42B3/0406—Accessories for helmets
- A42B3/042—Optical devices
Definitions
- the present invention is generally related to vision systems and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for mounting a vision system to, for example, a helmet.
- Vision systems such as night or low light vision systems, include image intensification, thermal imaging, and fusion monoculars, binoculars, bioculars, and goggles, whether hand-held, weapon mounted, or helmet mounted.
- the helmet may include a helmet mount fixed thereto for removably receiving an associated mount affixed to the vision system. Both the helmet mount and the vision system mount may be configured to allow for fit and location adjustment of the vision system.
- the helmet and vision system mounts combined may allow vertical adjustment, fore and aft adjustment, interpupilary distance adjustment, tilt adjustment, and may allow rotation of the vision system to a stowed area adjacent a top surface of the helmet.
- Facile orientation of the vision system to a user's fit and location preferences is a desirable feature in a vision system.
- One difficulty associated with providing these features has been the limited physical space available for mounting. This difficulty has been exacerbated by the advancement of fusion systems. Fusion vision systems are typically used by military and law enforcement personnel and include image intensification tubes, focal plane arrays, and displays that take up space.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of a vision system consistent with one embodiment of the present invention mounted to a helmet;
- FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the vision system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 2A is a front exploded view of the vision system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 2B is an isometric exploded view of the vision system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the mount assembly of the vision system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a partial exploded view of the mount assembly of the vision system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a portion of the mount assembly of the vision system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a portion of the mount assembly of the vision system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a portion of the mount assembly of the vision system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the receiver of the vision system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 9 is a rear isometric view of the dovetail of the imaging assembly of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 10 is a front isometric view of the dovetail of the imaging assembly of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 11 is side view of the mount assembly of the vision system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 12 is an isometric exploded view of a portion of the cross-slide assembly of the vision system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating an in-sight/deployed position of the mount assembly of the vision system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 14 is a side view illustrating an out-of-sight position of the mount assembly of the vision system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 15 is an exploded isometric view illustrating details of the stow pivot of the mount assembly of the vision system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 16 is an exploded isometric view of the stow pivot and slide assembly of the mount assembly the vision system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 17 is a rear isometric view of the mounting interface of the vision system of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 18 is an isometric view showing the attachment of the mounting interface of the vision system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the vision system shown in FIG. 1 , not including the helmet;
- FIG. 20 is a front-side isometric view of the helmet adaptor assembly of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 21 is a rear-side isometric view of the helmet adaptor assembly of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a portion of the helmet adaptor plate assembly of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the helmet adaptor plate and front hook assembly of the helmet adaptor plate assembly of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 24 is an exploded view of a rear hook assembly of the helmet adaptor assembly of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 25 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a power cable and a strap assembly consistent with the present invention.
- FIG. 26 is a plan view of the strap assembly of FIG. 25 ;
- FIG. 27 is side elevation view of the strap assembly of FIG. 26 ;
- FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the strap assembly of FIG. 26 ;
- FIG. 29 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a battery pack hub and buckle consistent with the present invention.
- FIG. 30 is a plan view of the battery pack hub and buckle of FIG. 29 ;
- FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack hub and buckle of FIG. 29 ;
- FIG. 32 is an exploded rear view of the battery pack hub and buckle of FIG. 29 ;
- FIG. 33 is a rear view of the battery pack hub and buckle of FIG. 29 ;
- FIG. 34 is a partial exploded rear view of the battery pack hub and buckle of FIG. 29 ;
- FIG. 35 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a battery pack hub and buckle and strap assembly consistent with the present invention.
- FIG. 36 is a rear, partial exploded view of the battery pack hub and buckle of FIG. 29 ;
- FIG. 37 depicts an embodiment of a connector suitable for use in connection with a battery pack hub consistent with the present invention
- FIG. 38 depicts an embodiment of wiring detail between a cable and a connector consistent with the present invention
- FIG. 39 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a battery pack hub and buckle and strap assembly coupled to a rear hook assembly consistent with the present invention.
- FIG. 40 illustrates an embodiment of a battery pack consistent with the present invention mounted to a helmet.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of a vision system 100 consistent with one embodiment of the invention mounted to a helmet 101 through a helmet adapter assembly 2000 .
- FIGS. 2 , 2 A, and 2 B are assembly and exploded views of the vision system 100 .
- the vision system 100 may include a mount assembly 102 and an imaging assembly 104 removably affixed to the mount assembly 102 .
- a receiver 106 may provide a mechanical and electrical interface between the mount assembly 102 and the imaging assembly 104 .
- the receiver 106 may include surfaces defining first 108 and second 110 slots, e.g. dovetail slots, for receiving associated dovetails 114 , 112 , respectively, associated with, and/or coupled to, the imaging assembly 104 for removably securing the imaging assembly 104 to the mount assembly 102 .
- the imaging assembly 104 may be configured as a monocular, including an image intensification channel 116 and a thermal channel 118 .
- Processing electronics associated with the image intensification channel 116 and the thermal channel 118 may be disposed within a housing 120 , which may be sealed/waterproof to protect the electronics from contaminants and water.
- the system 100 may be powered by one or more batteries disposed in a removable battery pack 103 coupled to the helmet 101 . Power from the batteries may be provided to the imaging assembly 104 through an electrical connection extending through the mount assembly 102 and to the imaging assembly 104 .
- the electrical connection may be established, at least in part, through one or more cables 140 , extending to hot shoes 122 , 124 associated with each of the slots 108 , 110 , as shown in FIGS. 3-8 .
- the hot shoes 122 , 124 may provide an interface for providing connection to the imaging assembly 104 through corresponding hot shoes 126 associated with each of the dovetails 112 , 114 , shown in FIG. 10 .
- Information from the image intensification (I 2 ) channel 116 may be fused with the information from the thermal channel 118 and may be presented for viewing through the eyepiece 130 .
- the eyepiece 130 may include one or more ocular lenses.
- FIGS. 3-7 illustrate an exemplary mount assembly 102 .
- the illustrated exemplary embodiment includes a cross-slide assembly 400 coupled to a stow pivot and slide (SPS) assembly 406 through a mount arm 404 .
- the mount assembly 102 may allow adjustment of the fore, aft, tilt, and vertical position of the imaging assembly 104 relative to the helmet 101 .
- the SPS assembly 406 may facilitate pivoting of mount arm 404 to move the cross-slide assembly 400 and the imaging assembly 104 affixed thereto between a stowed, or out-of-sight, position adjacent a top surface of the helmet, as shown in FIG. 14 , and an operable, or insight, position, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 13 .
- the power to the imaging assembly 104 may be disconnected when the imaging assembly 104 is in the stowed position.
- the mount assembly 102 may include a magnet and a Hall Effect switch package 602 , as shown in FIG. 6 , a Reed switch, etc.
- the magnet When the imaging assembly 104 is in the stowed position, the magnet may cause a change in the magnetic flux imparted to the Hall Effect switch 602 , thereby placing the Hall Effect switch 602 in a state (open/closed) to turn off the imaging assembly electronics, or put the imaging assembly in a lower power consumption mode.
- the flux imparted to the Hall Effect switch 602 may place the Hall Effect switch 602 in a state to enable the imaging assembly electronics.
- FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the receiver 106 of FIG. 1 .
- the illustrated exemplary receiver 106 includes a body portion 800 , a lever 802 , a lever receiver 804 , first 122 and second 124 hot shoes, a release pin 806 , and a torsion spring 808 .
- the receiver 106 may be constructed from a 7075 T6 aluminum alloy to provide a high elastic modulus and high bearing strength.
- the hot shoes 122 , 124 may be received within an opening 810 in the body portion 800 and may be fixed within the body portion 800 to extend from associated openings 812 , 814 to expose contacts 816 to associated contacts 1000 on the hot shoes 126 of dovetails 112 , 114 .
- the hot shoe contacts 816 may provide power and ground connections from the batteries, as well as power and ground connections from the Hall Effect switch 602 .
- the contacts 816 may be constructed from a brass 360 alloy with a plating system of copper, electroless nickel and gold to provide low electrical contact resistance and corrosion and wear capability. In one embodiment, the gold layer may by about 2.5 micrometers in thickness. Molded plastic inserts may be used to support the hot shoes/contacts.
- the inserts may be bonded to an aluminum receiver using 3M 2216 epoxy, and may be constructed from a 20% glass fiber reinforced polyetherimide (PEI) plastic, such as ULTEM available from GE Plastics, to provide tolerance to thermal stress and corrosion and wear capability.
- PEI polyetherimide
- Electrical connections from the batteries and the Hall Effect switch 602 may be made through the conductors of cable 140 , which may extend through an opening 818 in the body portion 800 for connection to associated pins 820 on the back of the hot shoes 122 , 124 .
- the receiver hot shoes 122 , 124 and the dovetail hot shoes 126 may be configured to provide appropriate electrical connection to the imaging assembly 104 through the dovetails 112 , 114 and corresponding slots 108 , 110 on either side of the receiver 106 , i.e., with the dovetail 114 received within slot 108 or with the dovetail 112 received within slot 110 .
- the lever receiver 804 may be at least partially received within the opening 810 and may be secured to the body portion 800 .
- the lever 802 may include first 830 and second 832 arms having first 831 and second 833 detents, respectively, and an actuating tab 834 .
- the lever 802 may be positioned over the lever receiver 804 with openings 836 , 838 in the arms 830 , 832 aligned with corresponding openings 840 , 842 , respectively, in projections provided on the lever receiver 804 .
- the release pin 806 may extend through openings 836 , 838 , 840 , 842 and through a central opening 844 in the torsion spring 808 to secure the lever 802 to the lever receiver 804 , e.g. as shown in FIG.
- One end 846 of the torsion spring 808 may extend into an opening 848 in the lever receiver 804 and the other end 850 of the torsion spring 808 may be positioned against an inside surface of the actuating tab 834 .
- the lever 802 may thereby be pivotally coupled to the body portion 800 , via the lever receiver 804 , about the release pin 806 against a bias of the torsion spring 808 .
- the detents 831 , 833 may extend into the slots 108 , 110 , respectively, of the receiver 106 .
- FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the dovetail 112 . Since both dovetails 112 , 114 may be similar in construction, for clarity only the dovetail 112 is shown.
- the dovetails 112 , 114 may be constructed of a high strength material such as a 7075 T6 aluminum alloy, and may be mounted directly to side surfaces of the imaging assembly 104 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . Electrical connections from contacts 1000 of the dovetail hot shoe 126 may be provided to the imaging assembly 104 through associated conductors 900 and a connector interface 902 .
- the dovetail 112 may include a configuration for mating with the slot 110 of the receiver 106 .
- the dovetail 112 has a generally tapered and dovetailed configuration.
- the tapered geometry along the length of the dovetails may allow for initial misalignment during insertion of the dovetail 112 into a corresponding slot 110 , and may also allow for manufacturing variances between imaging assemblies and/or mounting assemblies, while still permitting the dovetails 112 , 114 to mate tightly with the mating slots 108 , 110 of the receiver 106 , thereby establishing a rigid connection.
- Other mating configurations may also, and/or alternatively, be provided.
- a top surface of the dovetail 112 may include a detent opening 904 therein.
- the actuating tab 834 of the mount may be depressed to rotate the detents 831 , 833 of the lever 802 out of the slots 108 , 110 .
- the actuating tab 834 may be released to allow the detent 833 to at least partially extend into the detent opening 904 of the dovetail 112 .
- Positioning of the detent 833 within the detent opening 904 may secure the imaging assembly 104 to the mount assembly 102 .
- the imaging assembly 104 may be removed from the mount assembly 102 by depressing the actuating tab 834 to remove the detent 833 from the detent opening 904 .
- the imaging assembly 104 may then be separated from the receiver 106 of the mount assembly 102 by sliding the dovetail 112 out of the slot 110 .
- the detent and detent opening may cooperate to provide a latch and/or retainer configured to releasably or removably retain the imaging assembly 104 to the body portion 800 of the receiver 106 .
- the imaging assembly 104 may be positioned on either side of the receiver 106 via cooperating dovetails 112 , 114 and slots 108 , 110 . Positioning the imaging assembly on either side of the receiver 106 may allow the imaging assembly to be selectively disposed in front of either the right eye or the left eye of a user. Furthermore, attachment and removal of the imaging assembly 104 from the mount assembly 102 may be accomplished with one hand.
- a cross-slide assembly 400 consistent with the present invention may provide the capability to precisely locate the imaging assembly 104 in a plane.
- the cross-slide assembly may be used to position the imaging assembly 104 at the proper eye relief for a range of users in front of either the right or left eye.
- Fore and aft travel of the cross slide assembly 400 may be configured to accommodate the eye relief distances of the imaging assembly 104 required for any particular application, e.g. for use with general purpose protective masks, laser protective eyewear and/or wind, sand and dust goggles.
- the illustrated cross-slide assembly 400 may include a nested dovetail set, as shown in FIG. 6 , and may be constructed from 7075 T6 aluminum alloy members. Adjustment of the cross-slide assembly 400 may be accomplished by two lead screws 604 , 606 . Lead screw 604 may provide fore-aft adjustment of the cross-slide assembly 400 , and lead screw 606 may provide adjustment of the interpupillary (lateral) position of an imaging assembly 104 coupled to the cross-slide assembly 400 . Thumb wheels 608 , 610 , 611 may be associated with respective lead screws 604 , 606 , and may facilitate turning of the lead screws 604 , 606 .
- the fore-aft lead screw 604 may drive a fore-aft shuttle 1202 along a fore-aft slide 1204 between forward and aft stops 1206 , 1208 .
- a side-side shuttle including and/or provided by guides 621 coupled to the receiver 106 , may be slidably positioned in associated rails 622 on the fore-aft shuttle 1202 .
- the interpupillary lead screw 606 may extend through a threaded portion 614 on the receiver 106 and may be supported on the fore-aft shuttle 1202 for driving the side-side shuttle, including the receiver 106 , across the fore-aft shuttle 1202 between left 616 and right 618 stops.
- the lead screws 604 , 606 may drive associated slides with a 4 start, 32 pitch thread. This may provide the accuracy required to locate the eyepiece at an appropriate rate of travel.
- Tolerances and surface finishes of the cross-slide assembly 400 may be established to create a smooth motion.
- Mechanical play between fore-aft shuttle 1202 and the fore-aft slide 1204 may be minimized during the assembly process by providing Actel glides 1210 disposed between the fore-aft shuttle 1202 and the fore-aft slide 1204 .
- the glides 1210 may be nested within pockets 1212 of the fore-aft shuttle and may be shimmed to provide a maximum clearance of, for example, 0.001 of an inch.
- Similar glides 620 may be disposed between the guides 621 coupled to the receiver 106 and the associated rails 622 and/or the fore-aft shuttle 1202 .
- the mount arm 404 may support the cross-slide assembly 400 and may provide the load path to the stow pivot and slide (SPS) assembly 406 .
- the mount arm 404 may be constructed from a 7075 T6 aluminum alloy.
- the mount arm 404 may be coupled to the pivot housing 402 of the SPS assembly 406 by two 3/32 stainless steel spring pins 420 , 422 and two flat head fasteners 424 , 426 , e.g., as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the pins 420 , 422 may create a line fit between the mating parts with minimized mechanical play.
- the flat head screws 424 , 426 give rotational strength to actuate the pivot mechanics.
- the cross-slide assembly 400 may be coupled to the mount arm 404 by two shoulder screws 640 , 642 . Assembly play may be managed at this interface by o-rings 650 , 654 , which may apply a preload to the mating surfaces. This technique may maintain the stability of the mount assembly 102 and imaging assembly 104 .
- the cross-slide assembly 400 may be tightened against the mount arm 404 by a tilt adjustment lever 644 that rotates about a pin or screw 646 .
- Rotation of the lever 644 may present an eccentric cam surface 656 for reliably tightening and releasing the connection between the mount arm 404 and the cross-slide assembly 400 to allow pivoting of the cross-slide assembly 400 relative to the mount arm 404 about the shoulder screws 640 , 642 .
- a pivot connection may thus be made to the cross-slide assembly 400 to allow the user to adjust the tilt of the mount assembly 102 .
- tilt adjustment may aid the user by reducing the required rotation of the head to perform surveillance. This capability may significantly reduce head and neck fatigue.
- the stow pivot and slide (SPS) assembly 406 may allow the user to pivot the mount assembly 102 into a stow position and to make vertical adjustments of the imaging assembly 104 to optimize the location of the eyepiece 130 for the user's individual requirements. It also completes the load path of the imaging assembly 104 and mount assembly 102 by attaching to the helmet adaptor assembly 2000 .
- SPS pivot and slide
- the illustrated exemplary system 100 is configured to latch in both out-of-sight and in-sight positions without the need for user to push, pull or twist any button, lever or knob.
- This function is provided by the pivot assembly 1500 of the SPS assembly 406 shown in FIG. 15 .
- Biased members, such as ball detents 1502 in the pivot assembly 1500 may engage associated features, such as lateral grooves 1504 , in a pivot drum 1506 , which may be coupled to the mount arm 404 , to hold the mount arm 404 and imaging assembly 104 latched in place without the need for additional mechanics.
- Each ball detent 1502 may be preloaded with 25 lb of force, e.g. by springs 1508 which acts on the pivot drum 1506 . In either the out-of-sight or the in-sight position, the ball detents 1502 may engage in one of the lateral grooves 1504 to hold the imaging assembly 104 securely in place.
- the ball detents 1502 may retract from the lateral groove 1504 .
- the ball detents 1502 may run in a raceway around the pivot drum 1506 until they engage in a second lateral groove. This action may latch the imaging assembly 104 in the alternative position.
- the ball detents 1502 may thus be configured to break free if the user pulls the imaging assembly 104 and/or the mount assembly 102 out of either fixed position.
- the lateral grooves 1504 may be angularly spaced approximately 135 degrees apart on the pivot drum 1506 .
- the angular separation between the out-of-sight position and the in-sight position may also be approximately 135 degrees.
- the mount may rotate 135 degrees and latch in place when the ball detents 1502 engage the second lateral groove.
- FIG. 13 shows the mount in an in-sight position
- FIG. 14 shows the mount in an out-of-sight position.
- Various other suitable angles may also be employed.
- a slide assembly 1600 of the SPS assembly 406 may allow the mount assembly 102 , via the pivot housing 402 , to translate up and down to facilitate the positioning of the imaging assembly 104 .
- the slide action of the slide assembly 1600 is established by a cooperating dovetail profiles between the pivot housing 402 and the slide 1604 .
- the pivot housing 402 may be fixed in a plurality of alternative heights relative to the slide 1604 by a release assembly 1605 .
- a pawl 1510 on a release tab 1608 may engage an array of slots, e.g., horizontal slots 1606 , to maintain the pivot housing 402 at one of a plurality of alternative heights.
- the release tab 1608 may be fixed to the pivot housing 402 by a pin 1512 and a mounting frame 1514 .
- the release tab 1608 may be depressed to rotate about the pin 1512 releasing the pawl 1510 from the horizontal slots 1606 to free the pivot hosing 402 for vertical adjustment relative to the slide 1604 .
- a latch plate 1612 of the SPS assembly 406 may attach the mount assembly 102 to a helmet interface.
- the helmet interface may be an adaptor plate 1800 of the helmet adaptor assembly (HAA) 2000 , shown particularly in FIGS. 1 and 19 - 21 .
- the latch plate 1612 may be supported by a fastener through an existing mounting hole in the front of the helmet 101 . Additional stability may be provided by a front hook 2002 of the adaptor plate 1800 which may anchor the helmet adaptor assembly 2000 to the brim of the helmet 101 .
- the mount assembly 102 may lock into the adaptor plate 1800 .
- the mount assembly 102 may be locked into the helmet adaptor plate 1800 by a stationary tab 1700 and spring loaded latch 1702 of the latch plate 1612 .
- the tab 1700 may be engaged into a pocket at the top of the adapter plate 1800 and then the mount assembly 102 may be rotated downward to catch the latch 1702 in a latch receiver 2004 .
- Precision tolerancing between the helmet adaptor plate 1800 and the latch plate may minimize the mechanical play at the interface. Remaining mechanical play may be reduced and/or eliminated by a light preloaded applied by a compliant pressure pad disposed between the adaptor plate 1800 and the latch plate 1612 .
- the compliant pressure pad may be a 60 durometer SANTOPRENE thermoplastic elastomer pressure pad.
- the mount assembly 102 may be released from the adaptor plate 1800 by depressing the release lever 1704 of the latch plate 1612 to release the latch 1702 from the latch receiver 2004 and pulling the mount assembly 102 free.
- the SPS assembly 406 may be constructed from materials selected to balance the system weight and the stiffness and strength requirements for the specific component.
- the pivot housing 402 , pivot drum 1506 , and latch plate 1612 may be constructed from 7075 T6 aluminum.
- the helmet adapter assembly 2000 may include a helmet adapter plate 1800 coupled to the front hook 2002 , a cable strap assembly 2006 extending from the adapter plate 1800 to a battery pack hub and buckle 2008 , and a rear hook 2010 coupled to the battery pack hub 2008 .
- FIGS. 22-23 show the adapter plate 1800 and front hook 2002 assembly and FIG. 24 shows the rear hook 2010 assembly.
- the front and rear hooks 2002 , 2010 may be configured to engage the front and rear rims of the helmet 101 .
- the cable strap assembly 2006 may be tightened against the battery pack hub and buckle 2008 to tighten the helmet adaptor assembly 2000 against the helmet 101 . As shown in FIG.
- the rear hook 2010 may be provided with a hook and loop fastener 2400 , such as a VELCRO brand fastener, on front 2402 and back 2404 surfaces thereof for fastening the back surface 2404 against a corresponding hook and loop fastener affixed to the inside surface of the helmet 101 and for fastening the front surface 2402 against a helmet liner or padding (not shown).
- a hook and loop fastener 2400 such as a VELCRO brand fastener
- a power cable 2500 may extend from the battery pack hub and buckle 2008 through the strap assembly 2006 and to a connector 2502 coupled to the cable 2500 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 37-38 .
- the connector 2502 may be coupled to the helmet adapter 1800 , e.g. as shown in FIGS. 19-23 , to provide an interface for an electrical connection from the battery pack 103 to the vision system 100 through corresponding contacts 1620 coupled to the SPS 406 , e.g., such as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 .
- the contacts 1620 may be constructed from a brass 360 alloy with a plating system of copper, electroless nickel and gold.
- the cable 2500 may be secured to the helmet 101 .
- the cable 2500 may be secured to the helmet 101 in such a manner as to avoid risk of the cable snagging on elements that may contact the helmet 101 .
- the strap assembly 2006 may be configured to provide a cable channel 2801 for covering at least a portion of the cable 2500 .
- the strap assembly 2006 may include a first elongate member, such as an upper webbing 2800 , and a second elongate member, such as a lower webbing 2802 .
- the upper webbing 2800 may be wider than the lower webbing 2802 .
- the edges of the upper webbing 2800 may be stitched to the edges of the lower webbing 2802 to establish a cable channel 2801 between the upper and lower webbings 2800 , 2802 .
- the edges of the upper and lower webbings 2800 , 2802 may be continuously and/or intermittently stitched together.
- Alternative techniques may also be employed for continuously and/or intermittently coupling the upper and lower webbings 2800 , 2802 together along at least a portion of the expanse thereof. As shown for example in FIGS. 20-21 and 25 , the cable 2500 may be passed through this channel 2801 from the battery pack hub and buckle 2008 and may be terminated by the connector 2502 .
- the battery pack hub and buckle 2008 may provide a mechanical interface to a battery pack 103 and an electrical interface between one or more batteries in the battery pack 103 and the cable 2500 .
- the cable 2500 may be terminated in the battery pack hub 2008 by electrically connecting conductors 3300 of the cable 2500 to associated contacts 3200 exposed at a front surface 3202 of the battery pack hub and buckle 2008 .
- the contacts 3200 may be positioned to electrically connect to associated contacts on a battery pack 103 .
- the battery pack hub and buckle 2008 may include a buckle portion 3900 for receiving a strap 3902 to adjustably couple the rear hook 2010 to the battery pack hub and buckle 2008 .
- FIGS. 1 , 19 , and 40 An exemplary embodiment of a battery pack 103 is shown in FIGS. 1 , 19 , and 40 .
- the battery pack 103 may be contoured to the helmet 101 , and may be waterproof as well as sand and dust proof.
- the battery pack 103 may removably attach to the battery pack hub and buckle 2008 .
- the battery pack 103 may hold four “AA” size batteries.
- all of the batteries may be installed in the same orientation, e.g. with a plus (+) end up to provide ease of installation. Symbols on the outside of the housing as well as (+) plus marks inside the top housing may clearly indicate correct battery orientation.
- the sides and edges of the battery pack 103 may be tapered. By contouring the battery pack 103 to closely follow the shape of the helmet 101 , the battery pack 103 may benefit from the structural integrity of the helmet 101 for support. The unique shape of the battery pack 103 may minimize any snag hazards.
- the battery pack cover may attach to the battery pack body by means of one or more thumbscrews 4002 .
- the one or more thumbscrews 4000 may be shrouded to minimize any snag hazard while at the same time permitting easy manipulation and/or opening of the battery pack 103 by users wearing gloves of any kind.
- the battery pack may be constructed from a 20% glass filled polyetherimide, such as ULTEM.
- a thumbscrew 4000 may releasable secure the battery pack 103 to the battery pack hub and buckle 2008 , e.g. by operating a threaded, bayonet, etc., securement feature which may engage opening 3901 .
- Various alternative configurations may also be employed for releasably engaging the battery pack to the battery pack hub and buckle assembly.
- the present disclosure may provide an attachment system for securing a mount to a helmet.
- the system may include a front assembly configured to be coupled to a front portion of a helmet and a rear assembly configured to be coupled to a rear portion of a helmet.
- the system may also include a first elongate member having a first end coupled to the front assembly and a second end coupled to the rear assembly.
- a second elongate member may be coupled to the first elongate member to establish a cable channel therebetween along at least a portion of the first elongate member between the first and second ends.
- the present disclosure may provide an attachment system for securing a vision system to a helmet.
- the attachment system may include a first elongate member having a first end for coupling to a feature on a front of a helmet and a second end for coupling to a feature on a rear of the helmet.
- the attachment system may additionally include a second elongate member coupled to the first elongate member to establish a cable channel therebetween along at least a portion of the first elongate member between the first end and the second eng.
- the present disclosure may provide a vision system mount assembly including a receiver configured to be removably coupled to an imaging assembly.
- the vision system mount assembly may further include a cross-slide assembly coupled to the receiver, in which the cross-slide assembly may be configured to move the imaging assembly in a first plane.
- a stow pivot/slide assembly may be configured to pivot the imaging assembly between a first position and a second position, and may further be configured to move the imaging assembly in a second plane.
- the vision system mount assembly may also include a mount arm extending between the stow pivot/slide assembly and the cross-slide assembly.
- a receiver for mounting an imaging assembly including a body portion, and first and second mounting features capable of removably coupling an imaging assembly to the body portion.
- the receiver may also include a retainer configured to releasably retain the imaging assembly to the body portion.
- the retainer may be biased toward an engaged position.
- a cross-slide assembly for coupling a vision system to a helmet.
- the cross-slide assembly may include a fore-aft slide configured to be coupled to the helmet.
- a fore-aft shuttle may be slidably coupled to the fore-aft slide and may include at least one rail.
- the cross-slide assembly may also include a side-side shuffle that may be slidably coupled to the rail.
- the side-side shuttle may be configured to be coupled to an imaging assembly.
- a stow pivot/slide assembly may be provided including a slide assembly coupled to a helmet.
- the stow pivot/slide assembly may also include a pivot assembly having a pivot housing that may be slidably coupled to the slide assembly, and a pivot drum.
- the pivot assembly may further include a detent configured to releasably secure the pivot drum in at least a first and a second position relative to the pivot housing.
- the helmet adapter assembly may include a helmet adapter plate, a front hook coupled to the helmet adapter plate and configured for coupling to a front portion of a helmet.
- the helmet adapter assembly may also include a rear hook configured for coupling to a rear portion of the helmet.
- a battery pack hub and buckle assembly may be coupled to the rear hook.
- the helmet adapter assembly may also include a strap extending between the adapter plate and the battery pack hub and buckle assembly.
- the present disclosure may relate to a system for attaching a vision system to a helmet.
- the system may include a helmet interface coupled to the helmet, and a mount assembly coupled to an imaging system.
- the mount assembly may include a latch plate, in which the latch plate may be releasably coupled to the helmet interface.
- a strap assembly may be provided.
- the strap assembly may include an upper webbing and a lower webbing coupled together to establish a cable channel therebetween at least along a portion of the lower webbing.
- the strap assembly securing a battery pack to a helmet between a front rim and a rear rim.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/637,097, filed Dec. 17, 2004, and also claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/646,110, filed Jan. 21, 2005. The entire disclosure of both applications are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention is generally related to vision systems and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for mounting a vision system to, for example, a helmet.
- Vision systems, such as night or low light vision systems, include image intensification, thermal imaging, and fusion monoculars, binoculars, bioculars, and goggles, whether hand-held, weapon mounted, or helmet mounted. In a helmet mounted configuration, the helmet may include a helmet mount fixed thereto for removably receiving an associated mount affixed to the vision system. Both the helmet mount and the vision system mount may be configured to allow for fit and location adjustment of the vision system. For example, the helmet and vision system mounts combined may allow vertical adjustment, fore and aft adjustment, interpupilary distance adjustment, tilt adjustment, and may allow rotation of the vision system to a stowed area adjacent a top surface of the helmet.
- Facile orientation of the vision system to a user's fit and location preferences is a desirable feature in a vision system. One difficulty associated with providing these features has been the limited physical space available for mounting. This difficulty has been exacerbated by the advancement of fusion systems. Fusion vision systems are typically used by military and law enforcement personnel and include image intensification tubes, focal plane arrays, and displays that take up space.
- For a better understanding of the present invention, together with other objects, features and advantages, reference should be made to the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the following figures wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of a vision system consistent with one embodiment of the present invention mounted to a helmet; -
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the vision system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 2A is a front exploded view of the vision system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 2B is an isometric exploded view of the vision system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the mount assembly of the vision system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a partial exploded view of the mount assembly of the vision system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a portion of the mount assembly of the vision system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a portion of the mount assembly of the vision system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a portion of the mount assembly of the vision system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the receiver of the vision system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 9 is a rear isometric view of the dovetail of the imaging assembly ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 10 is a front isometric view of the dovetail of the imaging assembly ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 11 is side view of the mount assembly of the vision system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 12 is an isometric exploded view of a portion of the cross-slide assembly of the vision system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating an in-sight/deployed position of the mount assembly of the vision system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 14 is a side view illustrating an out-of-sight position of the mount assembly of the vision system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 15 is an exploded isometric view illustrating details of the stow pivot of the mount assembly of the vision system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 16 is an exploded isometric view of the stow pivot and slide assembly of the mount assembly the vision system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 17 is a rear isometric view of the mounting interface of the vision system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 18 is an isometric view showing the attachment of the mounting interface of the vision system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the vision system shown inFIG. 1 , not including the helmet; -
FIG. 20 is a front-side isometric view of the helmet adaptor assembly ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 21 is a rear-side isometric view of the helmet adaptor assembly ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a portion of the helmet adaptor plate assembly ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the helmet adaptor plate and front hook assembly of the helmet adaptor plate assembly ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 24 is an exploded view of a rear hook assembly of the helmet adaptor assembly ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 25 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a power cable and a strap assembly consistent with the present invention; -
FIG. 26 is a plan view of the strap assembly ofFIG. 25 ; -
FIG. 27 is side elevation view of the strap assembly ofFIG. 26 ; -
FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the strap assembly ofFIG. 26 ; -
FIG. 29 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a battery pack hub and buckle consistent with the present invention; -
FIG. 30 is a plan view of the battery pack hub and buckle ofFIG. 29 ; -
FIG. 31 , is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack hub and buckle ofFIG. 29 ; -
FIG. 32 is an exploded rear view of the battery pack hub and buckle ofFIG. 29 ; -
FIG. 33 is a rear view of the battery pack hub and buckle ofFIG. 29 ; -
FIG. 34 is a partial exploded rear view of the battery pack hub and buckle ofFIG. 29 ; -
FIG. 35 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a battery pack hub and buckle and strap assembly consistent with the present invention; -
FIG. 36 is a rear, partial exploded view of the battery pack hub and buckle ofFIG. 29 ; -
FIG. 37 depicts an embodiment of a connector suitable for use in connection with a battery pack hub consistent with the present invention; -
FIG. 38 depicts an embodiment of wiring detail between a cable and a connector consistent with the present invention; -
FIG. 39 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a battery pack hub and buckle and strap assembly coupled to a rear hook assembly consistent with the present invention; and -
FIG. 40 illustrates an embodiment of a battery pack consistent with the present invention mounted to a helmet. -
FIG. 1 is a side view of avision system 100 consistent with one embodiment of the invention mounted to ahelmet 101 through ahelmet adapter assembly 2000.FIGS. 2 , 2A, and 2B are assembly and exploded views of thevision system 100. Thevision system 100 may include amount assembly 102 and animaging assembly 104 removably affixed to themount assembly 102. Areceiver 106 may provide a mechanical and electrical interface between themount assembly 102 and theimaging assembly 104. As described in greater detail herein, thereceiver 106 may include surfaces defining first 108 and second 110 slots, e.g. dovetail slots, for receiving associated dovetails 114, 112, respectively, associated with, and/or coupled to, theimaging assembly 104 for removably securing theimaging assembly 104 to themount assembly 102. - As depicted, the
imaging assembly 104 may be configured as a monocular, including animage intensification channel 116 and athermal channel 118. Processing electronics associated with theimage intensification channel 116 and thethermal channel 118 may be disposed within ahousing 120, which may be sealed/waterproof to protect the electronics from contaminants and water. - The
system 100 may be powered by one or more batteries disposed in aremovable battery pack 103 coupled to thehelmet 101. Power from the batteries may be provided to theimaging assembly 104 through an electrical connection extending through themount assembly 102 and to theimaging assembly 104. The electrical connection may be established, at least in part, through one ormore cables 140, extending tohot shoes slots FIGS. 3-8 . Thehot shoes imaging assembly 104 through correspondinghot shoes 126 associated with each of the dovetails 112, 114, shown inFIG. 10 . Information from the image intensification (I2) channel 116 may be fused with the information from thethermal channel 118 and may be presented for viewing through theeyepiece 130. Theeyepiece 130 may include one or more ocular lenses. -
FIGS. 3-7 illustrate anexemplary mount assembly 102. The illustrated exemplary embodiment includes across-slide assembly 400 coupled to a stow pivot and slide (SPS)assembly 406 through amount arm 404. As described in greater detail herein, themount assembly 102 may allow adjustment of the fore, aft, tilt, and vertical position of theimaging assembly 104 relative to thehelmet 101. In addition, theSPS assembly 406 may facilitate pivoting ofmount arm 404 to move thecross-slide assembly 400 and theimaging assembly 104 affixed thereto between a stowed, or out-of-sight, position adjacent a top surface of the helmet, as shown inFIG. 14 , and an operable, or insight, position, as depicted inFIGS. 1 and 13 . - According to one aspect, the power to the
imaging assembly 104 may be disconnected when theimaging assembly 104 is in the stowed position. According to this aspect, themount assembly 102 may include a magnet and a HallEffect switch package 602, as shown inFIG. 6 , a Reed switch, etc. When theimaging assembly 104 is in the stowed position, the magnet may cause a change in the magnetic flux imparted to theHall Effect switch 602, thereby placing the Hall Effect switch 602 in a state (open/closed) to turn off the imaging assembly electronics, or put the imaging assembly in a lower power consumption mode. When theimaging assembly 104 is moved into the operable position, the flux imparted to theHall Effect switch 602 may place the Hall Effect switch 602 in a state to enable the imaging assembly electronics. -
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of thereceiver 106 ofFIG. 1 . The illustratedexemplary receiver 106 includes abody portion 800, alever 802, alever receiver 804, first 122 and second 124 hot shoes, arelease pin 806, and atorsion spring 808. In one embodiment, thereceiver 106 may be constructed from a 7075 T6 aluminum alloy to provide a high elastic modulus and high bearing strength. - The
hot shoes body portion 800 and may be fixed within thebody portion 800 to extend from associatedopenings contacts 816 to associatedcontacts 1000 on thehot shoes 126 of dovetails 112, 114. Thehot shoe contacts 816 may provide power and ground connections from the batteries, as well as power and ground connections from theHall Effect switch 602. Thecontacts 816 may be constructed from a brass 360 alloy with a plating system of copper, electroless nickel and gold to provide low electrical contact resistance and corrosion and wear capability. In one embodiment, the gold layer may by about 2.5 micrometers in thickness. Molded plastic inserts may be used to support the hot shoes/contacts. The inserts may be bonded to an aluminum receiver using 3M 2216 epoxy, and may be constructed from a 20% glass fiber reinforced polyetherimide (PEI) plastic, such as ULTEM available from GE Plastics, to provide tolerance to thermal stress and corrosion and wear capability. - Electrical connections from the batteries and the
Hall Effect switch 602 may be made through the conductors ofcable 140, which may extend through anopening 818 in thebody portion 800 for connection to associatedpins 820 on the back of thehot shoes hot shoes hot shoes 126 may be configured to provide appropriate electrical connection to theimaging assembly 104 through the dovetails 112, 114 andcorresponding slots receiver 106, i.e., with thedovetail 114 received withinslot 108 or with thedovetail 112 received withinslot 110. - The
lever receiver 804 may be at least partially received within the opening 810 and may be secured to thebody portion 800. Thelever 802 may include first 830 and second 832 arms having first 831 and second 833 detents, respectively, and anactuating tab 834. Thelever 802 may be positioned over thelever receiver 804 withopenings 836, 838 in thearms openings lever receiver 804. Therelease pin 806 may extend throughopenings central opening 844 in thetorsion spring 808 to secure thelever 802 to thelever receiver 804, e.g. as shown inFIG. 6 . Oneend 846 of thetorsion spring 808 may extend into anopening 848 in thelever receiver 804 and theother end 850 of thetorsion spring 808 may be positioned against an inside surface of theactuating tab 834. Thelever 802 may thereby be pivotally coupled to thebody portion 800, via thelever receiver 804, about therelease pin 806 against a bias of thetorsion spring 808. When thelever 802 is in a rest position, thedetents slots receiver 106. -
FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate thedovetail 112. Since both dovetails 112, 114 may be similar in construction, for clarity only thedovetail 112 is shown. The dovetails 112, 114 may be constructed of a high strength material such as a 7075 T6 aluminum alloy, and may be mounted directly to side surfaces of theimaging assembly 104, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 . Electrical connections fromcontacts 1000 of the dovetailhot shoe 126 may be provided to theimaging assembly 104 through associatedconductors 900 and aconnector interface 902. - As shown, the
dovetail 112 may include a configuration for mating with theslot 110 of thereceiver 106. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, thedovetail 112 has a generally tapered and dovetailed configuration. The tapered geometry along the length of the dovetails may allow for initial misalignment during insertion of thedovetail 112 into acorresponding slot 110, and may also allow for manufacturing variances between imaging assemblies and/or mounting assemblies, while still permitting the dovetails 112, 114 to mate tightly with themating slots receiver 106, thereby establishing a rigid connection. Other mating configurations may also, and/or alternatively, be provided. - As shown in
FIGS. 9 and 10 , a top surface of thedovetail 112 may include adetent opening 904 therein. When thedovetail 112 is mated with theslot 110, theactuating tab 834 of the mount may be depressed to rotate thedetents lever 802 out of theslots dovetail 112 is fully engaged with theslot 110, theactuating tab 834 may be released to allow thedetent 833 to at least partially extend into thedetent opening 904 of thedovetail 112. Positioning of thedetent 833 within thedetent opening 904 may secure theimaging assembly 104 to themount assembly 102. Theimaging assembly 104 may be removed from themount assembly 102 by depressing theactuating tab 834 to remove thedetent 833 from thedetent opening 904. Theimaging assembly 104 may then be separated from thereceiver 106 of themount assembly 102 by sliding thedovetail 112 out of theslot 110. The detent and detent opening may cooperate to provide a latch and/or retainer configured to releasably or removably retain theimaging assembly 104 to thebody portion 800 of thereceiver 106. - Advantageously, in a
vision system 100 consistent with the present invention, theimaging assembly 104 may be positioned on either side of thereceiver 106 via cooperating dovetails 112, 114 andslots receiver 106 may allow the imaging assembly to be selectively disposed in front of either the right eye or the left eye of a user. Furthermore, attachment and removal of theimaging assembly 104 from themount assembly 102 may be accomplished with one hand. - Turning now to
FIG. 6 andFIGS. 11-12 , across-slide assembly 400 consistent with the present invention may provide the capability to precisely locate theimaging assembly 104 in a plane. The cross-slide assembly may be used to position theimaging assembly 104 at the proper eye relief for a range of users in front of either the right or left eye. Fore and aft travel of thecross slide assembly 400 may be configured to accommodate the eye relief distances of theimaging assembly 104 required for any particular application, e.g. for use with general purpose protective masks, laser protective eyewear and/or wind, sand and dust goggles. - The illustrated
cross-slide assembly 400 may include a nested dovetail set, as shown inFIG. 6 , and may be constructed from 7075 T6 aluminum alloy members. Adjustment of thecross-slide assembly 400 may be accomplished by twolead screws Lead screw 604 may provide fore-aft adjustment of thecross-slide assembly 400, andlead screw 606 may provide adjustment of the interpupillary (lateral) position of animaging assembly 104 coupled to thecross-slide assembly 400.Thumb wheels aft lead screw 604 may drive a fore-aft shuttle 1202 along a fore-aft slide 1204 between forward andaft stops guides 621 coupled to thereceiver 106, may be slidably positioned in associatedrails 622 on the fore-aft shuttle 1202. The interpupillarylead screw 606 may extend through a threadedportion 614 on thereceiver 106 and may be supported on the fore-aft shuttle 1202 for driving the side-side shuttle, including thereceiver 106, across the fore-aft shuttle 1202 between left 616 and right 618 stops. In one embodiment, the lead screws 604, 606 may drive associated slides with a 4 start, 32 pitch thread. This may provide the accuracy required to locate the eyepiece at an appropriate rate of travel. - Tolerances and surface finishes of the
cross-slide assembly 400 may be established to create a smooth motion. Mechanical play between fore-aft shuttle 1202 and the fore-aft slide 1204 may be minimized during the assembly process by providing Actel glides 1210 disposed between the fore-aft shuttle 1202 and the fore-aft slide 1204. Theglides 1210 may be nested withinpockets 1212 of the fore-aft shuttle and may be shimmed to provide a maximum clearance of, for example, 0.001 of an inch.Similar glides 620 may be disposed between theguides 621 coupled to thereceiver 106 and the associatedrails 622 and/or the fore-aft shuttle 1202. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , themount arm 404 may support thecross-slide assembly 400 and may provide the load path to the stow pivot and slide (SPS)assembly 406. In one embodiment, themount arm 404 may be constructed from a 7075 T6 aluminum alloy. As shown, for example, inFIGS. 3-4 and 11, themount arm 404 may be coupled to thepivot housing 402 of theSPS assembly 406 by two 3/32 stainless steel spring pins 420, 422 and twoflat head fasteners 424, 426, e.g., as shown inFIG. 4 . Thepins - As shown in
FIGS. 6-7 , thecross-slide assembly 400 may be coupled to themount arm 404 by twoshoulder screws rings mount assembly 102 andimaging assembly 104. Thecross-slide assembly 400 may be tightened against themount arm 404 by atilt adjustment lever 644 that rotates about a pin orscrew 646. Rotation of thelever 644 may present aneccentric cam surface 656 for reliably tightening and releasing the connection between themount arm 404 and thecross-slide assembly 400 to allow pivoting of thecross-slide assembly 400 relative to themount arm 404 about the shoulder screws 640, 642. - In the foregoing manner, a pivot connection may thus be made to the
cross-slide assembly 400 to allow the user to adjust the tilt of themount assembly 102. In the prone position, tilt adjustment may aid the user by reducing the required rotation of the head to perform surveillance. This capability may significantly reduce head and neck fatigue. - The stow pivot and slide (SPS)
assembly 406, as shown for example inFIGS. 3-4 and 11, may allow the user to pivot themount assembly 102 into a stow position and to make vertical adjustments of theimaging assembly 104 to optimize the location of theeyepiece 130 for the user's individual requirements. It also completes the load path of theimaging assembly 104 and mountassembly 102 by attaching to thehelmet adaptor assembly 2000. - As shown in
FIGS. 13 and 14 , the illustratedexemplary system 100 is configured to latch in both out-of-sight and in-sight positions without the need for user to push, pull or twist any button, lever or knob. This function is provided by thepivot assembly 1500 of theSPS assembly 406 shown inFIG. 15 . Biased members, such asball detents 1502 in thepivot assembly 1500 may engage associated features, such aslateral grooves 1504, in apivot drum 1506, which may be coupled to themount arm 404, to hold themount arm 404 andimaging assembly 104 latched in place without the need for additional mechanics. Eachball detent 1502 may be preloaded with 25 lb of force, e.g. bysprings 1508 which acts on thepivot drum 1506. In either the out-of-sight or the in-sight position, theball detents 1502 may engage in one of thelateral grooves 1504 to hold theimaging assembly 104 securely in place. - When the user pulls the mounting
arm 404 to place themount assembly 102 in the alternative position, theball detents 1502 may retract from thelateral groove 1504. Theball detents 1502 may run in a raceway around thepivot drum 1506 until they engage in a second lateral groove. This action may latch theimaging assembly 104 in the alternative position. According to one embodiment, theball detents 1502 may thus be configured to break free if the user pulls theimaging assembly 104 and/or themount assembly 102 out of either fixed position. According to one embodiment, thelateral grooves 1504 may be angularly spaced approximately 135 degrees apart on thepivot drum 1506. - Correspondingly, the angular separation between the out-of-sight position and the in-sight position may also be approximately 135 degrees. Once the
ball detents 1502 break free of the firstlateral groove 1504, the mount may rotate 135 degrees and latch in place when theball detents 1502 engage the second lateral groove.FIG. 13 shows the mount in an in-sight position, andFIG. 14 shows the mount in an out-of-sight position. Various other suitable angles may also be employed. - With reference now to
FIGS. 15-16 , aslide assembly 1600 of theSPS assembly 406 may allow themount assembly 102, via thepivot housing 402, to translate up and down to facilitate the positioning of theimaging assembly 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the slide action of theslide assembly 1600 is established by a cooperating dovetail profiles between thepivot housing 402 and theslide 1604. - The
pivot housing 402 may be fixed in a plurality of alternative heights relative to theslide 1604 by arelease assembly 1605. Apawl 1510 on arelease tab 1608 may engage an array of slots, e.g.,horizontal slots 1606, to maintain thepivot housing 402 at one of a plurality of alternative heights. Therelease tab 1608 may be fixed to thepivot housing 402 by apin 1512 and a mountingframe 1514. Therelease tab 1608 may be depressed to rotate about thepin 1512 releasing thepawl 1510 from thehorizontal slots 1606 to free the pivot hosing 402 for vertical adjustment relative to theslide 1604. - With reference also to
FIGS. 16 , 17 and 18, alatch plate 1612 of theSPS assembly 406 may attach themount assembly 102 to a helmet interface. Consistent with one embodiment, the helmet interface may be anadaptor plate 1800 of the helmet adaptor assembly (HAA) 2000, shown particularly in FIGS. 1 and 19-21. Thelatch plate 1612 may be supported by a fastener through an existing mounting hole in the front of thehelmet 101. Additional stability may be provided by afront hook 2002 of theadaptor plate 1800 which may anchor thehelmet adaptor assembly 2000 to the brim of thehelmet 101. Themount assembly 102 may lock into theadaptor plate 1800. - The
mount assembly 102 may be locked into thehelmet adaptor plate 1800 by astationary tab 1700 and spring loadedlatch 1702 of thelatch plate 1612. Thetab 1700 may be engaged into a pocket at the top of theadapter plate 1800 and then themount assembly 102 may be rotated downward to catch thelatch 1702 in alatch receiver 2004. Precision tolerancing between thehelmet adaptor plate 1800 and the latch plate may minimize the mechanical play at the interface. Remaining mechanical play may be reduced and/or eliminated by a light preloaded applied by a compliant pressure pad disposed between theadaptor plate 1800 and thelatch plate 1612. According to one embodiment, the compliant pressure pad may be a 60 durometer SANTOPRENE thermoplastic elastomer pressure pad. Themount assembly 102 may be released from theadaptor plate 1800 by depressing therelease lever 1704 of thelatch plate 1612 to release thelatch 1702 from thelatch receiver 2004 and pulling themount assembly 102 free. - The
SPS assembly 406 may be constructed from materials selected to balance the system weight and the stiffness and strength requirements for the specific component. In one embodiment, thepivot housing 402,pivot drum 1506, andlatch plate 1612 may be constructed from 7075 T6 aluminum. - Turning again to
FIG. 1 and also toFIGS. 19-21 , thehelmet adapter assembly 2000 may include ahelmet adapter plate 1800 coupled to thefront hook 2002, acable strap assembly 2006 extending from theadapter plate 1800 to a battery pack hub andbuckle 2008, and arear hook 2010 coupled to thebattery pack hub 2008.FIGS. 22-23 show theadapter plate 1800 andfront hook 2002 assembly andFIG. 24 shows therear hook 2010 assembly. The front andrear hooks helmet 101. Thecable strap assembly 2006 may be tightened against the battery pack hub andbuckle 2008 to tighten thehelmet adaptor assembly 2000 against thehelmet 101. As shown inFIG. 24 , therear hook 2010 may be provided with a hook andloop fastener 2400, such as a VELCRO brand fastener, onfront 2402 and back 2404 surfaces thereof for fastening theback surface 2404 against a corresponding hook and loop fastener affixed to the inside surface of thehelmet 101 and for fastening thefront surface 2402 against a helmet liner or padding (not shown). - As shown in
FIG. 25 apower cable 2500 may extend from the battery pack hub andbuckle 2008 through thestrap assembly 2006 and to aconnector 2502 coupled to thecable 2500 as shown, for example, inFIGS. 37-38 . Theconnector 2502 may be coupled to thehelmet adapter 1800, e.g. as shown inFIGS. 19-23 , to provide an interface for an electrical connection from thebattery pack 103 to thevision system 100 throughcorresponding contacts 1620 coupled to theSPS 406, e.g., such as shown inFIGS. 16 and 17 . Thecontacts 1620 may be constructed from a brass 360 alloy with a plating system of copper, electroless nickel and gold. - The
cable 2500 may be secured to thehelmet 101. In one embodiment consistent with the present invention, thecable 2500 may be secured to thehelmet 101 in such a manner as to avoid risk of the cable snagging on elements that may contact thehelmet 101. According to one such embodiment, thestrap assembly 2006 may be configured to provide acable channel 2801 for covering at least a portion of thecable 2500. As shown, for example, inFIGS. 26-28 , thestrap assembly 2006 may include a first elongate member, such as anupper webbing 2800, and a second elongate member, such as alower webbing 2802. Theupper webbing 2800 may be wider than thelower webbing 2802. The edges of theupper webbing 2800 may be stitched to the edges of thelower webbing 2802 to establish acable channel 2801 between the upper andlower webbings lower webbings lower webbings FIGS. 20-21 and 25, thecable 2500 may be passed through thischannel 2801 from the battery pack hub andbuckle 2008 and may be terminated by theconnector 2502. - The battery pack hub and
buckle 2008, as shown inFIGS. 30-39 , may provide a mechanical interface to abattery pack 103 and an electrical interface between one or more batteries in thebattery pack 103 and thecable 2500. As shown for example, inFIGS. 33-36 thecable 2500 may be terminated in thebattery pack hub 2008 by electrically connectingconductors 3300 of thecable 2500 to associatedcontacts 3200 exposed at a front surface 3202 of the battery pack hub andbuckle 2008. Thecontacts 3200 may be positioned to electrically connect to associated contacts on abattery pack 103. As shown inFIG. 39 , the battery pack hub andbuckle 2008 may include abuckle portion 3900 for receiving astrap 3902 to adjustably couple therear hook 2010 to the battery pack hub andbuckle 2008. - An exemplary embodiment of a
battery pack 103 is shown inFIGS. 1 , 19, and 40. As shown, thebattery pack 103 may be contoured to thehelmet 101, and may be waterproof as well as sand and dust proof. Thebattery pack 103 may removably attach to the battery pack hub andbuckle 2008. In one embodiment, thebattery pack 103 may hold four “AA” size batteries. According to one embodiment, all of the batteries may be installed in the same orientation, e.g. with a plus (+) end up to provide ease of installation. Symbols on the outside of the housing as well as (+) plus marks inside the top housing may clearly indicate correct battery orientation. - In addition to being contoured to fit the
helmet 101, the sides and edges of thebattery pack 103 may be tapered. By contouring thebattery pack 103 to closely follow the shape of thehelmet 101, thebattery pack 103 may benefit from the structural integrity of thehelmet 101 for support. The unique shape of thebattery pack 103 may minimize any snag hazards. According to an embodiment consistent with the present invention, the battery pack cover may attach to the battery pack body by means of one ormore thumbscrews 4002. In an embodiment herein, the one ormore thumbscrews 4000 may be shrouded to minimize any snag hazard while at the same time permitting easy manipulation and/or opening of thebattery pack 103 by users wearing gloves of any kind. In one embodiment, the battery pack may be constructed from a 20% glass filled polyetherimide, such as ULTEM. Athumbscrew 4000 may releasable secure thebattery pack 103 to the battery pack hub andbuckle 2008, e.g. by operating a threaded, bayonet, etc., securement feature which may engageopening 3901. Various alternative configurations may also be employed for releasably engaging the battery pack to the battery pack hub and buckle assembly. - According to an aspect, the present disclosure may provide an attachment system for securing a mount to a helmet. The system may include a front assembly configured to be coupled to a front portion of a helmet and a rear assembly configured to be coupled to a rear portion of a helmet. The system may also include a first elongate member having a first end coupled to the front assembly and a second end coupled to the rear assembly. A second elongate member may be coupled to the first elongate member to establish a cable channel therebetween along at least a portion of the first elongate member between the first and second ends.
- According to an aspect, the present disclosure may provide an attachment system for securing a vision system to a helmet. The attachment system may include a first elongate member having a first end for coupling to a feature on a front of a helmet and a second end for coupling to a feature on a rear of the helmet. The attachment system may additionally include a second elongate member coupled to the first elongate member to establish a cable channel therebetween along at least a portion of the first elongate member between the first end and the second eng.
- According to one aspect, the present disclosure may provide a vision system mount assembly including a receiver configured to be removably coupled to an imaging assembly. The vision system mount assembly may further include a cross-slide assembly coupled to the receiver, in which the cross-slide assembly may be configured to move the imaging assembly in a first plane. A stow pivot/slide assembly may be configured to pivot the imaging assembly between a first position and a second position, and may further be configured to move the imaging assembly in a second plane. The vision system mount assembly may also include a mount arm extending between the stow pivot/slide assembly and the cross-slide assembly.
- According to another aspect, a receiver for mounting an imaging assembly may be provided including a body portion, and first and second mounting features capable of removably coupling an imaging assembly to the body portion. The receiver may also include a retainer configured to releasably retain the imaging assembly to the body portion. The retainer may be biased toward an engaged position.
- According to yet another aspect, a cross-slide assembly for coupling a vision system to a helmet may be provided. The cross-slide assembly may include a fore-aft slide configured to be coupled to the helmet. A fore-aft shuttle may be slidably coupled to the fore-aft slide and may include at least one rail. The cross-slide assembly may also include a side-side shuffle that may be slidably coupled to the rail. The side-side shuttle may be configured to be coupled to an imaging assembly.
- According to a further aspect, a stow pivot/slide assembly may be provided including a slide assembly coupled to a helmet. The stow pivot/slide assembly may also include a pivot assembly having a pivot housing that may be slidably coupled to the slide assembly, and a pivot drum. The pivot assembly may further include a detent configured to releasably secure the pivot drum in at least a first and a second position relative to the pivot housing.
- According to still another aspect, a helmet adapter assembly for a vision system may be provided. The helmet adapter assembly may include a helmet adapter plate, a front hook coupled to the helmet adapter plate and configured for coupling to a front portion of a helmet. The helmet adapter assembly may also include a rear hook configured for coupling to a rear portion of the helmet. A battery pack hub and buckle assembly may be coupled to the rear hook. The helmet adapter assembly may also include a strap extending between the adapter plate and the battery pack hub and buckle assembly.
- According to yet another aspect, the present disclosure may relate to a system for attaching a vision system to a helmet. The system may include a helmet interface coupled to the helmet, and a mount assembly coupled to an imaging system. The mount assembly may include a latch plate, in which the latch plate may be releasably coupled to the helmet interface.
- According to yet another aspect, a strap assembly may be provided. The strap assembly may include an upper webbing and a lower webbing coupled together to establish a cable channel therebetween at least along a portion of the lower webbing. The strap assembly securing a battery pack to a helmet between a front rim and a rear rim.
- Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, the invention is not limited hereto. It will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without materially departing from the novel and advantageous teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are by way of example. It is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited thereby.
Claims (61)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/721,884 US20080263752A1 (en) | 2004-12-17 | 2005-12-14 | Method and Apparatus for Mounting a Vision System |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US64611005P | 2005-01-21 | 2005-01-21 | |
PCT/US2005/045046 WO2006065805A2 (en) | 2004-12-17 | 2005-12-14 | Apparatus for mounting a vision system |
US11/721,884 US20080263752A1 (en) | 2004-12-17 | 2005-12-14 | Method and Apparatus for Mounting a Vision System |
Publications (1)
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US11/721,884 Abandoned US20080263752A1 (en) | 2004-12-17 | 2005-12-14 | Method and Apparatus for Mounting a Vision System |
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US20170049176A1 (en) * | 2015-08-17 | 2017-02-23 | Revision Military S.A.R.L. | Helmet attachment system |
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US10638807B2 (en) | 2012-06-18 | 2020-05-05 | Gentex Corporation | Helmet cover assembly having at least one mounting device |
US10645348B2 (en) | 2018-07-07 | 2020-05-05 | Sensors Unlimited, Inc. | Data communication between image sensors and image displays |
US10742913B2 (en) | 2018-08-08 | 2020-08-11 | N2 Imaging Systems, LLC | Shutterless calibration |
US10753709B2 (en) | 2018-05-17 | 2020-08-25 | Sensors Unlimited, Inc. | Tactical rails, tactical rail systems, and firearm assemblies having tactical rails |
US10796860B2 (en) | 2018-12-12 | 2020-10-06 | N2 Imaging Systems, LLC | Hermetically sealed over-molded button assembly |
US10801813B2 (en) | 2018-11-07 | 2020-10-13 | N2 Imaging Systems, LLC | Adjustable-power data rail on a digital weapon sight |
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US10921578B2 (en) | 2018-09-07 | 2021-02-16 | Sensors Unlimited, Inc. | Eyecups for optics |
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US11079202B2 (en) | 2018-07-07 | 2021-08-03 | Sensors Unlimited, Inc. | Boresighting peripherals to digital weapon sights |
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US11143838B2 (en) | 2019-01-08 | 2021-10-12 | N2 Imaging Systems, LLC | Optical element retainers |
US11162763B2 (en) | 2015-11-03 | 2021-11-02 | N2 Imaging Systems, LLC | Non-contact optical connections for firearm accessories |
US11213089B2 (en) | 2019-06-04 | 2022-01-04 | Msa Technology, Llc | Protective helmet with face protection shield and linkage mechanism |
US11229252B2 (en) | 2017-03-13 | 2022-01-25 | Gentex Corporation | Helmet mounted shroud |
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US11366324B2 (en) * | 2017-07-07 | 2022-06-21 | Bae Systems Plc | Helmet mount for stowage and adjustment of HMD |
US20220197006A1 (en) * | 2020-12-23 | 2022-06-23 | Brian Reynolds | Wearable, adjustable, hands-free binocular device |
US11382375B2 (en) | 2017-03-13 | 2022-07-12 | Gentex Corporation | Modular shroud |
US11402640B1 (en) * | 2019-08-15 | 2022-08-02 | Apple Inc. | Display adjustment for head-mountable device |
US20220264985A1 (en) * | 2021-02-24 | 2022-08-25 | LIFT Airborne Technologies LLC | Accessory mounting system for a helmet |
EP3846652A4 (en) * | 2018-09-04 | 2022-09-07 | Designworks Defence Systems Pty Ltd | Operational mode sensing switch system and multi-orientated mounting system for a helmet mounted night vision device |
US11452327B2 (en) * | 2018-01-26 | 2022-09-27 | Klein Tools, Inc. | Safety helmet |
US11452328B2 (en) | 2019-05-22 | 2022-09-27 | Gentex Corporation | Helmet accessory mounting system |
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US8830575B2 (en) | 2011-02-04 | 2014-09-09 | N-Vision Optics, Llc | Binocular system |
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US8209780B1 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2012-07-03 | Wilcox Industries Corp. | Pivoting helmet mount |
US20100083413A1 (en) * | 2008-10-02 | 2010-04-08 | Mcgovern Shawn | Adaptor platform for helmet |
US9781963B1 (en) | 2009-04-13 | 2017-10-10 | Wilcox Industries Corp. | Helmet mount for viewing device |
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US10542787B2 (en) | 2009-09-03 | 2020-01-28 | Galvion Ltd. | Ballistic and impact protective system for military helmet assembly |
US20110099695A1 (en) * | 2009-11-04 | 2011-05-05 | David John Siviter | Helmet Bracket System |
US20110145981A1 (en) * | 2009-11-20 | 2011-06-23 | Wilcox Industries Corp. | Helmet Mounting Systems |
US10004289B2 (en) | 2009-11-20 | 2018-06-26 | Wilcox Industries Corp. | Helmet mounting systems |
US8739313B2 (en) * | 2009-11-20 | 2014-06-03 | Wilcox Industries Corp. | Helmet mounting systems |
US20110127305A1 (en) * | 2009-11-30 | 2011-06-02 | Matthew Yates | Adjustment device for a head-worn viewing system and method of use thereof |
US20110239354A1 (en) * | 2010-02-02 | 2011-10-06 | Wilcox Industries Corp. | Helmet mounting system and mounting shoe interface |
US8984665B2 (en) * | 2010-02-02 | 2015-03-24 | Wilcox Industries Corp. | Helmet mounting system and mounting shoe interface |
US10928636B2 (en) | 2011-06-29 | 2021-02-23 | Intel Corporation | Modular heads-up display systems |
US8810482B2 (en) * | 2011-06-29 | 2014-08-19 | Recon Instruments Inc. | Modular heads-up display systems |
US20140139407A1 (en) * | 2011-06-29 | 2014-05-22 | Recon Instruments Inc. | Modular heads-up display systems |
US9354446B2 (en) | 2011-06-29 | 2016-05-31 | Intel Corporation | Modular heads-up display system removable from a headgear frame |
US9885871B2 (en) | 2011-06-29 | 2018-02-06 | Intel Corporation | Modular heads-up display systems |
US8981295B2 (en) | 2011-07-18 | 2015-03-17 | Kenneth JAMISON | Night vision device with display of ancillary environmental information |
US8813270B2 (en) * | 2011-07-26 | 2014-08-26 | Vladimiro Pizzi | Helmet with flush aligned shield when closed |
US20130191976A1 (en) * | 2011-07-26 | 2013-08-01 | Vladimiro Pizzi | Helmet with flush aligned shield when closed |
US9705605B2 (en) * | 2012-02-09 | 2017-07-11 | N2 Imaging Systems, LLC | Intrapersonal data communication system |
US20160191172A1 (en) * | 2012-02-09 | 2016-06-30 | N2 Imaging Systems, LLC | Intrapersonal data communication system |
WO2013151977A1 (en) * | 2012-04-03 | 2013-10-10 | Exelis Inc. | Stowable lens cap for optical device |
US10638807B2 (en) | 2012-06-18 | 2020-05-05 | Gentex Corporation | Helmet cover assembly having at least one mounting device |
US11659881B2 (en) | 2012-06-18 | 2023-05-30 | Gentex Corporation | Helmet cover assembly having at least one mounting device |
US10051908B2 (en) * | 2012-06-28 | 2018-08-21 | Revision Military S.A.R.L. | Helmet-mounted display |
US20140000014A1 (en) * | 2012-06-28 | 2014-01-02 | Revision Military S.A.R.L. | Helmet-mounted display |
US20150282549A1 (en) * | 2012-07-31 | 2015-10-08 | Revision Military S.A.R.L. | Helmet mounting system |
US10492555B2 (en) * | 2012-07-31 | 2019-12-03 | Rm Soldier Systems, Ltd. | Helmet mounting system |
US11523651B2 (en) * | 2012-07-31 | 2022-12-13 | Galvion Ltd. | Helmet mounting system |
US9167859B2 (en) * | 2013-03-13 | 2015-10-27 | Exelis, Inc. | System for mounting a helmet-mounted device to a helmet |
US9033726B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2015-05-19 | Exelis, Inc. | Systems for establishing electrical interconnections for helmet-mounted devices |
US20140259317A1 (en) * | 2013-03-13 | 2014-09-18 | Exells Inc | System for mounting a helmet-mounted device to a helmet |
US9414633B2 (en) | 2013-06-27 | 2016-08-16 | Revision Military S.A.R.L. | Helmet mounting system |
US10765164B2 (en) | 2013-06-27 | 2020-09-08 | Galvion Ltd. | Helmet mounting system |
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US20150323777A1 (en) * | 2013-08-09 | 2015-11-12 | Wilcox Industries Corp. | Modular night vision system |
US10383387B2 (en) * | 2014-06-10 | 2019-08-20 | Revision Military S.A.R.L. | Apparatus and methods for securing accessories to a helmet |
US20150351482A1 (en) * | 2014-06-10 | 2015-12-10 | Revision Military S.A.R.L | Apparatus and methods for securing accessories to a helmet |
CN104957829A (en) * | 2015-06-24 | 2015-10-07 | 郑雨位 | Head wearable device provided with telescope and used for fishing |
US20170049176A1 (en) * | 2015-08-17 | 2017-02-23 | Revision Military S.A.R.L. | Helmet attachment system |
US11162763B2 (en) | 2015-11-03 | 2021-11-02 | N2 Imaging Systems, LLC | Non-contact optical connections for firearm accessories |
US9943127B2 (en) | 2015-11-30 | 2018-04-17 | Revision Military S.A.R.L. | Adjustable connector for a helmet accessory |
US20180192725A1 (en) * | 2017-01-10 | 2018-07-12 | Hmount Ltd | Plastic helmet mounting assembly |
US10959473B2 (en) * | 2017-01-10 | 2021-03-30 | Hmount Ltd | Plastic helmet mounting assembly |
US20180192726A1 (en) * | 2017-01-10 | 2018-07-12 | Hmount Ltd | Plastic helmet mounting assembly |
US11382375B2 (en) | 2017-03-13 | 2022-07-12 | Gentex Corporation | Modular shroud |
US11229252B2 (en) | 2017-03-13 | 2022-01-25 | Gentex Corporation | Helmet mounted shroud |
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US10288864B2 (en) | 2017-04-28 | 2019-05-14 | Norotos, Inc. | Night vision goggle adapter |
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US11366324B2 (en) * | 2017-07-07 | 2022-06-21 | Bae Systems Plc | Helmet mount for stowage and adjustment of HMD |
US11452327B2 (en) * | 2018-01-26 | 2022-09-27 | Klein Tools, Inc. | Safety helmet |
US10753709B2 (en) | 2018-05-17 | 2020-08-25 | Sensors Unlimited, Inc. | Tactical rails, tactical rail systems, and firearm assemblies having tactical rails |
US11079202B2 (en) | 2018-07-07 | 2021-08-03 | Sensors Unlimited, Inc. | Boresighting peripherals to digital weapon sights |
US10645348B2 (en) | 2018-07-07 | 2020-05-05 | Sensors Unlimited, Inc. | Data communication between image sensors and image displays |
US10742913B2 (en) | 2018-08-08 | 2020-08-11 | N2 Imaging Systems, LLC | Shutterless calibration |
EP3846652A4 (en) * | 2018-09-04 | 2022-09-07 | Designworks Defence Systems Pty Ltd | Operational mode sensing switch system and multi-orientated mounting system for a helmet mounted night vision device |
US10921578B2 (en) | 2018-09-07 | 2021-02-16 | Sensors Unlimited, Inc. | Eyecups for optics |
US11122698B2 (en) | 2018-11-06 | 2021-09-14 | N2 Imaging Systems, LLC | Low stress electronic board retainers and assemblies |
US10801813B2 (en) | 2018-11-07 | 2020-10-13 | N2 Imaging Systems, LLC | Adjustable-power data rail on a digital weapon sight |
US10796860B2 (en) | 2018-12-12 | 2020-10-06 | N2 Imaging Systems, LLC | Hermetically sealed over-molded button assembly |
US11143838B2 (en) | 2019-01-08 | 2021-10-12 | N2 Imaging Systems, LLC | Optical element retainers |
US11452328B2 (en) | 2019-05-22 | 2022-09-27 | Gentex Corporation | Helmet accessory mounting system |
US11213089B2 (en) | 2019-06-04 | 2022-01-04 | Msa Technology, Llc | Protective helmet with face protection shield and linkage mechanism |
US11402640B1 (en) * | 2019-08-15 | 2022-08-02 | Apple Inc. | Display adjustment for head-mountable device |
US10908420B2 (en) * | 2019-08-27 | 2021-02-02 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Electronic device for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), or mixed reality (MR) |
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US20220197006A1 (en) * | 2020-12-23 | 2022-06-23 | Brian Reynolds | Wearable, adjustable, hands-free binocular device |
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US20220264985A1 (en) * | 2021-02-24 | 2022-08-25 | LIFT Airborne Technologies LLC | Accessory mounting system for a helmet |
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Also Published As
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WO2006065805A3 (en) | 2006-09-08 |
WO2006065805A2 (en) | 2006-06-22 |
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