David Glenn Couch

US Patent:

6440264, Aug 27, 2002

Filed:

Sep 20, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/399427

Inventors:

James D. Pruet - Garland TX
David G. Couch - Kaufman TX

Assignee:

Litton Systems, Inc. - Woodland Hills CA

International Classification:

H01J 900

US Classification:

15634521, 15634527, 15634528, 445 50, 445 51

Abstract:

A system for manufacturing a photocathode includes a cap having a first end and a second end. The first end defines a passage operable to direct an etch compound to an etch surface of the photocathode. The system also includes a support operable to releasably engage the cap to align the etch surface of the photocathode with the passage of the cap. The system also includes a plunger operable to extend through a passage in the support to secure the photocathode against the cap to confine the etch compound to the etch surface of the photocathode.

US Patent:

6551162, Apr 22, 2003

Filed:

Jul 2, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/188839

Inventors:

James D. Pruet - Garland TX
David G. Couch - Kaufman TX

Assignee:

Litton Systems, Inc. - Woodland Hills CA

International Classification:

H01J 900

US Classification:

445 50, 445 51, 216 45, 216 83

Abstract:

A method for manufacturing a photocathode includes positioning the photocathode on a support such that an etch surface of the photocathode faces away from the support. The method includes inserting an end of the support containing the photocathode into a cap. The cap comprises a passage operable to direct an etch compound to the etch surface of the photocathode. The method also includes aligning the etch surface of the photocathode with the passage of the cap using the support. The method also includes inserting a plunger through a passage in the support to contact a surface of the photocathode opposite the etch surface of the photocathode. The method further includes securing the photocathode against the cap using the plunger to confine the etch compound to the etch surface of the photocathode.

US Patent:

6692209, Feb 17, 2004

Filed:

Nov 19, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/443180

Inventors:

James D. Pruet - Garland TX
David G. Couch - Kaufman TX

Assignee:

Litton Systems, Inc. - Woodland Hills CA

International Classification:

B65G 4907

US Classification:

414217, 414939

Abstract:

A system ( ) for manufacturing a photocathode includes a housing ( ) having a first end and a second end. The first end of the housing ( ) is operable to be coupled to a vacuum chamber ( ). The system ( ) also includes a drive support ( ) disposed within the housing ( ). The system ( ) includes a shaft ( ) disposed within the housing ( ) and a ladder ( ) coupled to the shaft ( ). The ladder ( ) includes at least one rung ( ) to retain the photocathode. The system ( ) further includes a drive system ( ) supported by the drive support ( ) within the housing ( ). The drive system ( ) is coupled to the shaft ( ) and is operable to translate the shaft ( ) relative to the housing ( ) to position the rung ( ) of the ladder ( ) at a predetermined location within the vacuum chamber ( ).

US Patent:

6743074, Jun 1, 2004

Filed:

Sep 19, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/957282

Inventors:

James D. Pruet - Garland TX
David G. Couch - Kaufman TX

Assignee:

Litton Systems, Inc. - Woodland Hills CA

International Classification:

B24B 4900

US Classification:

451 5, 451 41, 451 56, 451444, 451285

Abstract:

A system ( ) for manufacturing a photocathode includes a support ( ) and a polishing pad ( ) disposed adjacent the support ( ). The polishing pad ( ) is operable to polish the photocathode in response to movable contact of the photocathode relative to the polishing pad ( ). The system ( ) also includes a rinsing system ( ) coupled to the support ( ). The rinsing system ( ) is operable to deliver a rinsing agent to the polishing pad ( ). The system ( ) further includes a control system ( ) operable to automatically regulate delivery of the rinsing agent to the rinsing system ( ) at a predetermined time period.

US Patent:

6977465, Dec 20, 2005

Filed:

Jun 17, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/174427

Inventors:

Michael R. Saldaña - New Braunfels TX, US
Robert S. Delzell - Garland TX, US
David G. Couch - Garland TX, US
Duke L. Hogan - Richardson TX, US
Thomas M. Daley - Mesa AZ, US
Chuck Min Lee - Chandler AZ, US
David B. Johnson - Phoenix AZ, US

Assignee:

Litton Systems, Inc. - Woodland Hills CA

International Classification:

H01J040/06
H01J040/00
H01J040/16

US Classification:

313544, 313542, 313537

Abstract:

An image intensifier includes a photocathode () with a face plate (). A conductive layer () is disposed outwardly from the face plate (). A grounded conductor () is electrically coupled to the conductive layer () and grounds the conductive layer ().

US Patent:

62965476, Oct 2, 2001

Filed:

Nov 16, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/440753

Inventors:

James D. Pruet - Garland TX
David G. Couch - Kaufman TX

Assignee:

Litton Systems, Inc. - Woodland Hills CA

International Classification:

B24B 4900

US Classification:

451 5

Abstract:

A system (10) for manufacturing a photocathode includes a support (12) and a polishing pad (14) disposed adjacent the support (12). The polishing pad (14) is operable to polish the photocathode in response to movable contact of the photocathode relative to the polishing pad (14). The system (10) also includes a rinsing system (16) coupled to the support (12). The rinsing system (16) is operable to deliver a rinsing agent to the polishing pad (14). The system (10) further includes a control system (62) operable to automatically regulate delivery of the rinsing agent to the rinsing system (16) at a predetermined time period.

US Patent:

61216127, Sep 19, 2000

Filed:

Oct 22, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/955694

Inventors:

Timothy W. Sinor - Plano TX
Joseph P. Estrera - Dallas TX
David G. Couch - Van TX

Assignee:

Litton Systems, Inc. - Woodland Hills CA

International Classification:

G01T 128
H01J 134
H01J 4006

US Classification:

250330

Abstract:

A night vision device includes an image intensifier tube having a photocathode responsive to light in the wavelength range extending from about 1. mu. m to about 2. mu. m. The photocathode releases photoelectrons in response to photons of light in this wavelength range. A photomultiplier tube includes such a photocathode to provide an image in response to light of such a wavelength. A method of making such a photocathode is set out.

US Patent:

60596228, May 9, 2000

Filed:

Sep 20, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/399422

Inventors:

James D. Pruet - Garland TX
David G. Couch - Kaufman TX

Assignee:

Litton Systems, Inc. - Woodland Hills CA

International Classification:

H01J 900

US Classification:

445 1

Abstract:

A system for manufacturing a photocathode includes a housing and a retainer disposed within the housing. The retainer includes a seating area operable to receive a first surface of the photocathode. The retainer is operable to independently translate relative to the housing along an axis. The system also includes a weight enclosed within the retainer. The weight is operable to provide a substantially uniform pressure across a second surface of the photocathode as the housing translates across a polishing pad substantially orthogonal to the axis.