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Abstract

An apparatus and associated method of coupling a night vision device to a CCD camera, thereby providing the CCD camera with low light capabilities. The apparatus includes a tubular adaptor element having a first end region and an opposite second end region. The first end region of the adaptor element is threaded and threads onto the objective lens assembly of the CCD camera, thereby joining the adaptor element to the CCD camera. The second end region of the adaptor element is not threaded, but rather is sized so that a segment of the ocular lens assembly of the night vision device can pass into the second end region. A bracket assembly extends from the adaptor element. The bracket attaches to the tripod mount on the night vision device, thereby providing support to the night vision device. As such, the bracket assembly retains the night vision device in a set orientation where the ocular lens assembly extends into the adaptor element and is optically aligned with the objective lens assembly of the CCD camera. Although the bracket assembly retains the night vision device so that the ocular lens assembly of the night vision device extends into the adaptor element, the ocular lens assembly is not physically joined to the adaptor element. Consequently, the night vision device can be held in optical alignment with the CCD camera regardless to the presence or absence of an attachment coupling on the ocular lens assembly.

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First Claim