Abstract: Optical arrangements are provided by which observers of containers or display boxes, such as compact disc (CD) jewel boxes, are presented with different information when looking at a box's surfaces from different azimuthal and elevational angular perspectives. Advantageously, parallax effects are compensated where the size of the observable images and the viewing distance create undesirable visual artifacts. Lenticulated panels carrying arrays of lenslets are used in combination with interlaced images to convey the differently coded views without the need for physically manipulating such boxes as in the past to see equivalent information. Printed informational inserts are provided as printed inserts with interlaced images and reference surfaces for alignment, which is achieved either with control of fit or via resiliently flexible arrangements for urging the inserts into positions of proper alignment.

Abstract: A video headset is worn comfortably on the head of a user, supported by a pair of spaced apart straps extending over the top of the head and across the lower back of the head. The rear strap may be counterweighted. A pair of headphone type speakers are supported on pivoted arms from a frame of the headset, so as to be swingably adjustable to accommodate ear position. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of LCD video displays are positioned above the level of the user's eyes, each with a beam splitter positioned in front of the eyes to reflect a portion of the light from the video screens to the user. The partially transmissive beam splitters allow the user to see through to the ambient scene beyond, increasing the comfort of the user in viewing the video. A transparent shield preferably is positioned forward of the video optics, with an adjustment under the control of the user for controlling the brightness of the ambient light.

Abstract: A rear projection monitor having a housing with reduced depth is disclosed. Images produced by liquid crystal active matrices are illuminated by a light source. The images are enlarged and projected by a projection lens having a large rear focus. A mirror reflects the projected images onto a viewing screen. The mirror is positioned between 36.degree. and 45.degree. in relation to the viewing screen. The back of the housing is adjacent to and slopes at the same angle as the mirror. The depth of the projection monitor is between 33% to 41% of the diameter of the viewing screen.

Abstract: A system for quickly measuring and displaying in real-time a variety of performance characteristics of optical components such as lenses. The system is video based and is under the control of a computer which uses a windowing software program to provide the user with a graphical user interface by which the various components of the system and test lenses may be characterized and operated on through functions available via the interface. Lens performance measurements such as line spread and modulation transfer functions can be graphically and numerically displayed in real-time and/or recorded on other output devices or as files in computer memory.

Abstract: Image displays are provided with mechanical and optical features that permit them to be easily configured for a variety of different display modes for a variety of aesthetic or commercial environments while having the capability of displaying multiple images in any of the available modes. The inventive displays are an alternative to and improvement over other methods such as standard picture frames (wood, plastic, metal), pins, buttons, badges, or cards (i.e., baseball cards, souvenirs, etc.).

Abstract: Light weight, low-cost, compact binoculars intended to be sold at retail locations and popular attractions, such as stadiums, arenas, tourist destinations, and theme parks. The binoculars utilize high reflectance mirrors to fold light and lengthen distance between the objective lens and the field lens to correct the orientation of the image. The binoculars are very light because they are made with mirrors and lightweight, injection molded acrylic plastic lenses. They are pocket sized and compact, yet adjustable for individual interocular distance. The field view is rectangular in format and the IP adjustment is by way of sliding action between nested housings made possible by virtue of the fact that the inversion and reversion functions in its separate housings are in opposite order.

Abstract: Optical arrangements are provided by which observers of flat containers or display boxes, such as compact disc (CD) jewel boxes, can be presented with different information about the contents of the box when looking at one of its surfaces from different angular perspectives. Advantageously, parallax effects are compensated where the size of the observable images and the viewing distance create undesirable visual artifacts. Horizontally and vertically oriented lenticulated panels are used in combination with interlaced images to convey the differently coded views without the need for physically manipulating such boxes as in the past to see equivalent information. Compliant inserts preferably provide the information content of the various views and are adapted for use with industry automated insert machinery while being self aligning with the lenticulated panels.

Abstract: Pseudoscopic, dual-path optical systems employing plane mirror arrangements for cross coupling the optical paths to reverse the left and right perspectives of object space are provided. Advantageously, the cross coupled path arrangements permit the systems to be manufactured inexpensively because low-cost reflective components can be used and assembled with alignment requirements that are significantly relaxed compared with customary requirements found in uncoupled systems utilizing high-cost prisms or mirror arrangements for similar purposes.

Abstract: Optical arrangements are provided by which information about the contents of flat containers and display boxes, such as compact disc (CD) jewel boxes, that is carried on or near the surfaces its flat panels, can be observed by looking at or through its narrow edges. Preferred arrangements include one or more prisms or diffractive optical elements that are snapped to or molded with existing structure to provide folded optical paths between the viewer and the interior information to provide views of information that is located in planes that are at angles to an observer's natural line of sight.

Abstract: A cylindrical lens for coupling light from a line of emitting facets of laser diodes to a line of entrance faces of respective fiber waveguides. The lens is biaspheric, i.e., it includes two aspheric refractive surfaces which, in planes transverse to the lens axis, have curvatures that are other than of a conic in cross-section. The surfaces are shaped to correct for spherical aberrations, coma, and other off-axis aberrations. A system places the lens to image the emitting facets of the laser diode line onto the entrance facets of the fiber waveguides so that coupling efficiency between the two is relatively insensitive to lateral misalignment.

Abstract: A low-cost, dual-view, immersible periscope that is particularly suitable for use as a toy or learning tool in environments such as bath tubs, sinks, tidal pools, outdoor wadding pools, or other aquatic areas where children play and explore. The periscope has an upper viewing compartment that operates in air and a lower compartment that floods with water as the periscope is immersed and contains the entrance aperture. The upper and lower compartments are separated from one another with a transparent window, which the upper compartment surrounds isolate its air space from surrounding water to provide a completely still image of activity taking place beneath the surface even though it may be turbulent with wave action. Additional enhancements include magnification, underwater accessory lighting, sound effects, torpedo tubes, and means for placing transparencies over the entrance aperture to integrate images with underwater action.

Abstract: Pseudoscopic, dual-path optical systems employing plane mirror arrangements for cross coupling the optical paths to reverse the left and right perspectives of object space are provided. Advantageously, the cross coupled path arrangements permit the systems to be manufactured inexpensively because low-cost reflective components can be used and assembled with alignment requirements that are significantly relaxed compared with customary requirements found in uncoupled systems utilizing high-cost prisms or mirror arrangements for similar purposes.

Abstract: A rear projection monitor having a housing with reduced depth is disclosed. Images produced by liquid crystal active matrices are illuminated by a light source. The images are enlarged and projected by a projection lens having a large rear focus. A mirror reflects the projected images onto a viewing screen. The mirror is positioned between 36.degree. and 45.degree. in relation to the viewing screen. The back of the housing is adjacent to and slopes at the same angle as the mirror. The depth of the projection monitor is between 33% to 41% of the diameter of the viewing screen.

Abstract: A cylindrical lens for coupling light from a line of emitting facets of laser diodes to a line of entrance faces of respective fiber waveguides. The lens is biaspheric, i.e., it includes two aspheric refractive surfaces which, in planes transverse to the lens axis, have (curvatures that are other than of a conic in cross-section. The surfaces are shaped to correct for spherical aberrations, coma, and other off-axis aberrations. A system places the lens to image the emitting facets of the laser diode line onto the entrance facets of the fiber waveguides so that coupling efficiency between the two is relatively insensitive to lateral misalignment.

Abstract: A system for the automatic measurement of parameters of optical elements such as radii of curvature, thickness, power, index of refraction, and focal length including the radii of curvature of convex or concave optical surfaces such as those of lenses, molds, lathe turned optics, inserts, ball bearings or micro-optics. The system includes a computer for control, operator interfacing, and analysis, along with an optical head for providing signals from which parameters can be calculated.

Abstract: A system for the automatic measurement of radius of curvature of convex or concave optical surfaces such as those of lenses, molds, inserts, ball bearings or micro-optics. The system includes an 80286 based AT computer for control, operator interface and analysis along with an optical head for providing a signal from which radii can be calculated.

Abstract: In an optical coupling system for a fiber laser, a cylindrical lens extends parallel to a number of aligned light sources and a series of aligned input ends of optical fibers facing the light sources. Output ends of the fibers pass light to a solid state medium in a laser cavity. A block with precision grooves holds the fibers to align them with the lens and the images of the light sources. The cylindrical lens is biaspheric with a longitudinal axis and two refractive surfaces whose axially transverse cross-sections follow paths other than the paths of a conic section.

Abstract: Voidable articles are made with an identification code and a radiant energy responsive material coated over said code. The material is invisible and remains unactivated in ambient light but obscures the identification code upon being exposed to radiant energies such as heat or light from within a particular wavelength range. Printing can be accomplished by imaging light onto a substrate coated with photosensitive material including an infrared absorbing dye. A cancellation device for voiding documents of the present invention is made with a scanner, a comparator and a radiant energy source for exposing the document to activate the energy responsive material on the document.

Abstract: A low cost optical system which incorporates a low ultraviolet output tungsten halogen light source and solid state photodetectors and circuitry in such a way as to provide reliable fluorometric test results. The attainment of reliable results using such components is made possible by incorporating highly ultraviolet transmissive optics to maximize ultraviolet light throughput and by using solid state circuitry together with a filter wheel having both light blocking and light passing regions in a manner which fully accounts for noise and dark signals associated with solid state photodetectors.

Abstract: An integral sensing head includes a single fiber optic faceplate substrate to which are connected photodiode arrays, circuits for selectively controlling the transmission of electronic information signals from the photodiodes and interconnecting conductive lines all disposed on the same fiber optic faceplate substrate which thereby provides the optical lens system for the photodiodes and a supporting substrate to which the active components are mounted and electrically interconnected by conductive lines.