Jerry D Porter

US Patent:

6429416, Aug 6, 2002

Filed:

Jan 31, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/494992

Inventors:

Jerry D. Porter - Dallas TX

Assignee:

Northrop Grunman Corporation - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

H01J 4014

US Classification:

250214VT, 250214 B, 313103 CM

Abstract:

Apparatus for controlling a gated power supply of an image intensifier having a micro-channel plate includes a current-to-voltage converter coupled to the micro-channel plate operable to convert a strobing current on the micro-channel plate to a strobing voltage signal, a AC-to-DC converter coupled to the current-to-voltage converter operable to convert the flickering voltage signal to a voltage level signal, and a control circuit coupled to the AC-to-DC converter operable to generate a varying frequency gating control signal in response to the frequency of the strobing current. The gating frequency is gradually changed until the flickering is substantially eliminated.

US Patent:

6747821, Jun 8, 2004

Filed:

Jun 4, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/250120

Inventors:

Timothy E. Ostromek - Richardson TX
Timothy B. Hogan - Irving TX
Jeffrey C. Short - Plano TX
Antonio V. Bacarella - Dallas TX
Jerry D. Porter - Dallas TX
Allan B. Lewis - Nevada TX
Rodney L. Doster - Garland TX
Robert F. Lund - Plano TX

Assignee:

Litton Systems, Inc. - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

G02B 702

US Classification:

359822

Abstract:

A system (S) for mounting and aligning a detector (D) about an observation instrument ( ) includes a first detector ( ) movably coupled to the observation instrument ( ) off an axis of observation centerline ( ) for the observation instrument ( ). A retainer ( ) is mounted with the observation instrument ( ) to secure the first detector ( ) to the observation instrument ( ). The retainer ( ) permits rotatable movement of the first detector ( ) about the axis of observation centerline ( ). The retainer ( ) also preferably includes an attachment point ( ) for mounting the first detector ( ) to the retainer ( ). The first detector ( ) should be adjustable at least about an axis ( ) essentially perpendicular to the axis of the observation centerline ( ) for the observation instrument ( ).

US Patent:

6970190, Nov 29, 2005

Filed:

Jun 11, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/250189

Inventors:

Timothy E. Ostromek - Richardson TX, US
Timothy B. Hogan - Irving TX, US
Antonio V. Bacarella - Dallas TX, US
Jeffrey C. Short - Plano TX, US
Jerry D. Porter - Dallas TX, US

Assignee:

Litton Systems, Inc. - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

H04N005/225

US Classification:

3482171

Abstract:

An event synchronizing apparatus E for an image intensification camera system C for gathering image data includes an image intensifier for amplifying received light. A relay optic assembly is coupled between the image intensifier and a digital image sensor , such as a CMOS or CCD device. Digital logic is used to process or output an image or related data. An event detector digitizes an input signal from an illumination source and generates an electrical output synchronization signal in response to the input optical signal. The image intensifier camera C derives imaging and control information for the synchronization signal.

US Patent:

60725656, Jun 6, 2000

Filed:

Oct 14, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/173070

Inventors:

Jerry Dayton Porter - Dallas TX

Assignee:

Litton Systems, Inc. - Woodland Hills CA

International Classification:

G01C 308
H04N 700
H01J 3150

US Classification:

356 504

Abstract:

An integrated night vision device and laser range finder (10) provides night-time imaging of a scene by use of an image intensifier tube (14), as well as providing laser range finding operations. In a laser range finder mode of operation the device (10) projects a pulse of laser light into a scene being viewed, and a power supply and laser range finder circuit (50) of the device (10) temporarily utilizes the image intensifier tube (14) as a sensor to detect reflected laser light. During laser range finding, imaging is cut off for a very short time interval, and the image intensifier tube provides an electrical output signal in response to receipt of reflected laser light. A detection circuit (86, 86') associated with the image intensifier tube (10) receives the electrical output signal from the image intensifier tube (14), and includes a magnetic circuit. Oscillation in the magnetic circuit is effected by the electrical output signal of the image intensifier tube (14). A frequency comparator circuit, or phase detector circuit provides an electrical timer-stop output signal in response to a change in a frequency or phase relationship, respectively, of oscillations in the magnetic circuit.