Unfortunately, it looks like the deal for Revision to purchase Pacific Safety Products’ headborne system and helmet liner assets for $1,275,000 has been terminated by Revision. Under a Memorandum of Understanding, Revision had the right to terminate if the sale was not completed by July 15, 2010. However, all is not lost. PSP and Revision are continuing talks for a partial sale of PSP’s Headborne System.
Archive for the ‘Eyepro’ Category
Revision Cancels Purchase of PSP’s Headborne Division
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010Precise Overlay Registration Within Augmented Reality
Sunday, July 4th, 2010
We know it sounds like a mouthful but the folks at Chicago-based Tanagram Partners are on to something. Essentially they are able to overlay geo-registered data sets over objects of interest. So, if you are looking at a building for example, additional information on that building can be accessed. Additionally, the information can applied to any form of imagery enhancement whether visual spectrum, IR, or night vision.
Check out Tanagram’s blog for more info.
Eyepro Makers Support Marines
Thursday, July 1st, 2010This story would probably have gone under the wire if it wasn’t for an intrepid war correspondent who was recently in Afghanistan. Some of you may have heard about the recent fuel farm fire at Leatherneck. Well, what wasn’t widely reported was that the fire reached the Marine’s SMU and burned it to the ground with the whole RCT’s worth of gear in there. All classes of supply were affected, though it was mostly equipment. In particular, they were wiped out of eyepro.
What you probably don’t know is that once Revision Eyewear and Smith Optics heard about the accident from that diligent reporter, they immediately stepped up to the plate to make sure that our Marines had adequate eyepro and donated enough sets to outfit the entire shortfall. Heavy hitter Revision filled the majority of the 250 set loss with Sawfly kits worth about $25,000 and relative newcomer to the tactical market Smith gave the assist with 25 sets of Aegis eyeshield kits worth about $2500.
Revision’s James Radigan commented on the project, “I’m former Navy and have family and friends who are serving so along with Revision’s deep dedication to the military, I’ve got a lot of heart for Marines and for what they do.” Mike Torres of Smith added, “We didn’t hesitate, once we heard that Marines were without adequate numbers of eyewear, we put together a package to give them the best we have available.”
According to the correspondent, the eyewear arrived about 3 weeks later and the Marines were stoked to have clean, scratch free ballistic eyewear. The environment is so abrasive that eyewear requires regular replacement.
A big salute to both Revision as well as Smith from SSD! When you are looking for quality eyepro remember those companies that step up to the plate and support the troops.
PSP and Revision Terminate Arrangement
Friday, June 18th, 2010In a press release issued earlier this week, Pacific Safety Products and Revision announced they have agreed to terminate the arrangement agreement made last month wherein Revision would pay Cdn $0.18 per share for PSP stock. PSP was unable to garner sufficient support among its shareholders to ratify the sale. PSP will reimburse Revision for $150,000 in transaction costs.
However, PSP has announced the sale of its headborne system assets to Revision for $1,275,000. Mr. David Scott, Chief Executive Officer of PSP stated: “The headborne program was established by PSP to develop new protection products for future market opportunities. To date the Company has made advances in the development of products; however, significant further investment is required in order to capitalize on these anticipated market opportunities. Given the state of the industry and the current economic conditions, the Company simply does not have the capital required to continue its headborne R&D program and Revision’s offer provides the Company with the opportunity to monetize this asset.” One example of the technologies developed by PSP is the Tactical Impact Protection System. Their headborne systems division is the crown jewel of PSP and will be a perfect addition to Revision which began their own headborne work over a year ago.
Smith Optics Elite Division Eyewear Added to APEL
Thursday, June 10th, 2010
In the recent update to the Army’s Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL), Smith Optics Elite Division’s Outside The Wire (OTW) Goggle, Aegis Eyeshield, and Individual Rx System were selected for inclusion. The OTW Goggle is available in Black, Foliage and Desert Tan while the Aegis and Individual Rx System are both offered in Black. Protective Eyewear on the APEL undergo a rigorous testing regime and are approved for use by Army as well as Air Force personnel.
Revision Giveaway – Wolfspider
Monday, May 3rd, 2010Soldier Systems Daily sponsor Revision Eyewear is giving away the Wolfspider Tactical Goggle System to a lucky reader. Remember, you have to enter to win. No purchase is necessary. Just simply provide your valid email address to enter. The winner will be notified via email.
While the Wolfspider is manufactured to exceed stringent military ballistic impact requirements for goggles: MIL-DTL-43511D clause 3.5.10 and EN 166 as well as exceeding ANSI Z87.1 optical and ballistic requirements, it is important to note that it is not currently on the US Army Approved Protective Eyewear List. This makes it great for Law Enforcement duty, the recreational shooter, or for that matter anyone who requires an optically clear ballistic goggle. Lenses are available in Black, Smoke, Clear, and High Contrast Yellow providing 100% UV-A-B-C protection.
You must enter by 1200 Eastern time 7 May, 2010 to be eligible to win the Wolfspider.
By submitting your e-mail address you are also opting in to receive special offers from Revision.
Night Vision for Everyone
Tuesday, April 27th, 2010
According to an article in Advanced Materials, DARPA funded research at the U. of Florida has adapted technology regularly found in flat-screen OLED televisions to create a thin film that turns any infrared signal into visible light. This is exciting news for the consumer base is that such cheap night vision could be integrated into everything from car windshields to plate glass windows to cell phone cameras as well eyewear. For the warfighter, this could also be a boon, as eye pro could pull double duty as night vision and be even more widely available.
Traditional night vision systems rely on a vacuum but new thin-film night vision requires no vacuum but instead use several layers of energy-efficient OLEDs to convert infrared light to the visible spectrum. In this case it is seven separate layers of OLEDs that detect IR light as it enters, generating a charge of three to five volts then amplifies the signal as it passes through the additional layers. This process converts the light to the visible spectrum, producing a green-lit picture similar to that of existing night vision tech. What makes this new technology so special is that a night vision device might weigh less than a quarter of a pound, with the actual working bits being only a few microns thick.
The proof of concept for the technology is only about one square centimeter, but researchers think they could scale the concept to a usable device like a car windshield or cell phone camera within just 18 months.
Truthfully, these are the things that keep me up at night. Sure, the technology can easily be applied to both mil and commercially items to improve night vision at a lower cost but ultimately that’s the problem isn’t it? If everyone can afford night vision and it is built-in to common everyday items then it isn’t special anymore and it chips away at that “Owning the Night” edge we have prided ourselves on for the last 30 years or so. We want technologies like this to be special. Our enemies purchase any technology from the open market that they can use to close the gap between them and us. Fortunately, our tech base is hard at work fielding and improving on new systems that fuse night vision and IR sensors (see photo). For example, the AN/PSQ-20 Enhanced Night Vision Goggle is a helmet-mounted passive Image Intensification (I2) and thermal device and it’s developments like this that are critical to ensuring the US military maintains its warfighting edge.
Gear Up for Spring with Revision Eyewear
Friday, April 23rd, 2010Revision Eyewear is offering a generous 30% discount for up to five items purchased through their website from now until 1 May 2010. Choose from glasses, goggles, and accessories including the popular Sawfly.
Visit Revision Eyewear and enter discount code “SOLSYS“.
Also, look for a giveaway of a set of Wolfspider glasses here next week.
A Picture Says a Thousand Words – Part II
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
This one however, says a few more.
Fortunately, Marine Sgt William Bee was uninjured in this close call from a Taliban sniper firing a Dragunov but the sentiment captured here is priceless. Protect yourself.
Ski Goggle with HUD
Saturday, February 13th, 2010Zeal Optics and Recon Instruments have teamed up to release the new Head Up Display equipped Transcend ski goggle in the fall. The design has already received the 2010-2011 ISPO Boardsports Award for the top product.
The goggles have integrated hardware to measure speed, altitude, vertical odometer, stopwatch/chronos mode, temperature, time, GPS derived coordinates. Data transfer as well as recharges can be accomplished through USB. It will be available in two lens options; SPX polarized and SPPX Polarized + Photochromatic.
While this is a ski goggle, the concept is pretty exciting if you consider the possibilities of integrating Recon’s GPS data to a goggle-based HUD.
Available Fall 2010 from www.reconinstruments.com and www.zealoptics.com.
Black Ops; New from Wiley X
Sunday, January 17th, 2010If you are thinking that Wiley X has boring styles you are thinking wrong. They are launching the new Black Ops line at SHOT Show (booth #20220) and this is nothing like they have done before. The lineup features 8 new frame styles. I was able to preview 3 of those styles and the wrap around Revolvrs are not only comfortable and good looking, they have become my daily wear sunglasses. Check out www.wileyx.com/blackops for information as it becomes available.
Revision Giveaway #3 – Hellfly Ballistic Sunglasses
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010This is the final of three giveaways by Soldier Systems Daily sponsor Revision Eyewear. The first was for a Sawfly Military Eyewear System, the second for a Desert Locust goggle set and both have already been awarded. Names will be announced soon. This is your last chance, but you have to enter to win. No purchase is necessary. Just simply provide your valid email address to enter. Winners will be notified via email.
The Hellfly Ballistic Sunglasses feature wrap around styling and offer not only ballistic protection* but also 100% protection from UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C rays. Additionally, they are available with photochromic change as well as prescription lenses. These things are awesome. I used to wear a pair as safety glasses when I was working on armored vehicle development. They feature an adjustable nose piece, good looks, and a wide field of view. Plus they are extremely lightweight.
You must enter by 1200 Eastern time Friday, 15 January, 2010 to be eligible to win the Hellfly.
By submitting your e-mail address you are also opting in to receive special offers from Revision.
*ANSI Z87.1 and Military Requirements (MIL-V-43511C clause 3.5.10 and MIL-PRF-31013 clause 3.5.1.1)
Revision Giveaway #2 – Desert Locust
Friday, January 8th, 2010This is the second in a series of three giveaways by Soldier Systems Daily sponsor Revision Eyewear. There are three separate contests. The first was for a Sawfly Military Eyewear System and it has already been awarded. You may enter for each of the giveaways but you have to enter to win. No purchase is necessary. Just simply provide your valid email address to enter. The final contest will be posted next week and the closing date and time will be announced. Winners will be notified via email.
This giveaway is for the Desert Locust Goggle. The Desert Locust features an interchangeable, optically correct curved lens that is certified to ANSI Z87.1 and Military Requirements (MIL-V-43511C clause 3.5.10 and MIL-PRF-31013 clause 3.5.1.1). Interchangeable polycarbonate lenses provide 100% protection from UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C rays and feature OcuMax® coating which provides protection against fogging and scratching. It is compatible with the PDQ Quick Release goggle strapping system. Additionally, it accepts a vision prescription carrier. Finally, it is on the U.S. Army Authorized Protective Eyewear List so you can wear the Desert Locust with confidence.
You must enter by 1200 Eastern time Monday, 11 January, 2010 to be eligible to win the Desert Locust Goggle.
By submitting your e-mail address you are also opting in to receive special offers from Revision.
Revision Giveaway #1 – Sawfly
Wednesday, January 6th, 2010Soldier Systems Daily sponsor Revision Eyewear is giving away three different eyewear over the next two weeks. There will be three separate contests. You may enter for each of the giveaways but you have to enter to win. No purchase is necessary. Just simply provide your valid email address to enter. The contests will be posted randomly and the closing date and time for each will be posted. Winners will be notified via email.
The first is for a Sawfly Military Eyewear System. The Sawfly features an interchangeable, optically correct curved lens that is certified to ANSI Z87.1 and Military Requirements (MIL-V-43511C clause 3.5.10 and MIL-PRF-31013 clause 3.5.1.1). It also has a removable retention strap. Additionally, it is on the U.S. Army Authorized Protective Eyewear List so you can wear the Sawfly with confidence.
You must enter by 1200 Eastern time 7 January, 2010 to be eligible to win the Sawfly.
By submitting your e-mail address you are also opting in to receive special offers from Revision.
Smith Optics Elite Division Enlists Protect the Force
Friday, December 4th, 2009Or maybe it is the other way around? At any rate, Smith Optics Elite Division is now represented by Protect the Force, LLC for product and business development services. This is a great move for both companies who are up and comers in their respective arenas.
Smith Optics’ took steps last year to move into the tactical market. Scott Robinson, Smith Optics Executive Director, commented, “Our partnership with Protect the Force is an exciting step forward for Smith Elite in our mission to save eyes and save lives. Their expertise will allow us to use our resources to create the next generation of combat eye protection for our forces at home and abroad.”
“The addition of Smith Optics Elite Division to our client ranks fills in a critical protection category for Protect the Force. According to PEO Soldier eye Injuries account for over 10% of combat related injuries and Smith Optics brings best in class capabilities to protect those who serve our country” commented Bobby Feigler, Protect the Force Chief Operating Officer.
For more info visit www.protecttheforce.com and elite.smithoptics.com.
Modern Day Marine Round Up
Monday, October 5th, 2009There were a lot of great products at last week’s Modern Day Marine expo at Quantico, Virginia.
Wilcox Industries showed their new interface for the Ops-Core mount.
Speaking of Ops-Core, they debuted several new products available in early 2010. This eye shield was actually developed a couple of years ago but placed on hold while they refined the FAST technology for a military customer. The lens slides up and down on a track located inside the shell. It will replace the front brow pad inside the helmet as a unit and is ready to go awaiting production of the actual clear shield which will be manufactured by Oakley.
The Smith Optics Elite Division crew was on hand.
Australian firm Global Safety Solutions & Management PTY LTD exhibited their new wet weather laminate material. It is used in the current Australian issue foul weather clothing system.
Inert Products, LLC displayed a wide variety of training aids including the M4 “rubber duck” as well as other inert training aids.
Benchmade Knives showed a set of their HK signature knives packed inside a pistol case. The combo pack includes a 20-Tools-in-One mutli-tool, LED light, and Ally knife.
Revision Eyewear New Employee Announcement
Thursday, May 14th, 2009Richard Coomber, Major, REME has retired from the British Army and taken a business development position with Revision Eyewear. Prior to his retirement Major Coomber was a program officer with the PECOC program.
Revision provides tactical eyewear to military and law enforcement customers worldwide.
Transition Lenses that Really Transition
Sunday, April 26th, 2009ScienceNOW Daily News reports that researchers have developed a material that almost instantaneously changes from clear to dark blue when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, and it just as quickly reverts to clear when the exposure is removed.
For more than a decade, chemical engineer Jiro Abe and colleagues at Aoyama Gakuin University in Japan have been studying the light-sensitive properties of photochromic materials, including a compound called hexaarylbiimidazole (HABI). In its natural state, HABI is colorless, but when ultraviolet light breaks one of the bonds in the molecule, it produces a version that is dark blue. They found that by adding naphthalene to the compound, they could accelerate the color change to about 180 milliseconds. Adding a compound called cyclophane instead of naphthalene improved the clear-to-blue conversion even more–to about 30 milliseconds. According to an article in the current issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the cyclophane version of HABI reverts just as rapidly to its colorless state when the UV light source is turned off and the reactions can be repeated thousands of times.
Scientists see this as a great step forward in the development of optical storage drives. This could be a boon for transition lenses which take forever to change from clear to dark if they can develop ways to control it. Similar work has been ongoing for some time to protect vision from LASER as well as the flash associated with a nuclear detonation but such systems have been powered in order to make the nearly instantaneous transition.
Enhanced Goggle Strap Keepers
Tuesday, April 7th, 2009New from Down Rage Gear, these Goggle Strap Keepers attach to the helmet via button holes found on the cover rather than the bolts. This allows the Strap Keepers to be used with several different styles of helmets as well as simplifying installation. The Straps also feature a Velcro patch in order to mount interchangeable markers and identifiers. A standard kit contains one pair (each): Scotchlite reflective material, luminescent (glow in the dark) tape and IR reflective squares (for military customers only).
Down Range Gear Goggle Strap Keeper
Sold in pairs, the Strap Keepers are available in Foliage and Coyote from Down Range Gear.
Vuzix Debuts CamAR Augmented Reality Headset
Thursday, April 2nd, 2009Augmented Reality; the combination of real-world and computer generated data. At the recent 2009 Game Developers Conference, Vuzix debuted a camera add-on for their iWear VR920 video headset which surveys the space in front of the cam, and superimposes interactive, 3D graphics on top.
Gizmodo provides some excellent coverage.
Now, imagine combining this capability with the “Sixth Sense” technology from MIT that we wrote about last week. No more need for a mouse. Perhaps it could be further combined with an image augmentation systems such as image intensification or thermal. Now was are talking Predator vision. You see a target in any condition. You gesture with your fingers to conjure key data such as vulnerable points or to collect additional photos. Wow! And the best part? All of this is actually doable…today.
See also Vuzix.
New TAC-EYE® LT Display from Vuzix
Sunday, March 29th, 2009
We introduced you to Vuzix last Fall. At the time they were working on their new TAC-EYE® LT Display.
The new display mounts to standard ballistic sunglasses found on the Approved Products List (Revision, ESS, and Oakley) and is designed to meet MIL-STD 810F: Shock, Vibration, Water, Dust, Drop, Temp. The Display features a 30° Horizontal Field of View, SVGA+ (852×600) Color AMOLED, and is capable of displaying SVGA, NTSC, RS-170, and PAL formats.
The TAC-EYE® LT is offered in three configurations; Video, VGA, and VGA/Video. Depending on which configuration you choose will determine which of the accessories your system will come with. There is a Mouse, Battery Box, and Inline Control Pad.
For more information contact Vuzix.
Smith Optics Elite Division
Thursday, February 26th, 2009
Smith Optics recently launched the Elite Division to focus on the military and tactical LE markets. The Elite Division is offering two lines of products, the Combat Eyewear Protection System and the Tactical Sunglasses Program.
As part of the Combat Eyewear Protection System Smith offers the Outside the Wire (OTW) Goggle, Aegis Eye Shield and interchangeable Rx system.
The OTW Goggle’s lens meets and exceeds MIL-DTL-43511D as well as ANSI Z87.1 standards and provides 100% protection from UVA/UVB rays. The lens is also compatible with Smith Elite’s Rx system. Additionally, the OTW features FRAG face foam, a specially designed flame resistant anti-microbial goggle foam.
The Aegis Eye Shield features lenses that meet and exceed MIL-PRF-31013 as well as ANSI Z87.1 standards. They also have a quick release lens system designed for fast lens exchange. The Aegis is compatible with the interchangeable Rx system and protects against UVA and UVB rays.
Additionally, they have adapted three classic Smith styles for day to day, non-combat wear as part of the Tactical Sunglasses Program. All three of these designs, the Director, Hideout, and Hudson meet and exceed the ANSI Z87.1-2003 requirements. as well as 100% protection from UVA/UVB/UVC rays.
For more information visit Smith Elite on the web.
Revision PDQ Goggle Strap
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009
Revision introduced a new goggle strap last fall. Designed to make protective goggles and NVG mounts a bit more compatible, the PDQ Goggle Retention System snaps onto a set of Revision Desert Locust goggles, replacing the stock strap with short velcro extensions that attach to a helmet mounted elastic halo. The halo stays in place via gripper strips on the back and a rubber O-ring that mates best with the Army One-hole style NOD mount. However, you can mess with it to get it work with other systems as well.
Available in Black, Tan, Foliage and Coyote from US Cav.
Photo from US Cav.
Vuzix Tactical Display Group
Friday, October 31st, 2008
Vuzix has been on the head mounted display scene for a couple of years now. In fact, if you own a headset for your iPod chances are that it is a Vuzix product. Naturally, we are interested in their tactical products and they have been instrumental in the Future Force Warrior program as well as taking on several special projects for USSOCOM. They are constantly developing new systems but here are two complimentary mainstays in their line.
The Tac Eye Goggle Mounted Display
What makes the GMD unique is that it is mounted below the eye unlike previous Head Mounted Displays which completely occluded the wearer’s vision. Additionally, it mounts directly to the operator’s goggles and it is adaptable to a wide variety of models (Revision, ESS, and Oakley) in order to accommodate different tastes or requirements. The SVGA+ (852×600) color display has a 32° horizontal field of view.
Wearable Mouse
The mouse is rugged and easily mounted to the operator’s kit.
For information on these and other custom solutions contact the Tactical Display Group.
Photos courtesy of Vuzix.
Off-Duty: Oakley 10th Mountain Line
Friday, September 26th, 2008Oakley has recently unveiled a new line of products that pay homage to the 10th Mountain Division. Continuing their trend for military inspired clothing and eye wear, this new line of products includes a watch, pants, as well as several shirts and jackets.
Check out the entire line here.
