Including Alternative Optical Path Or Optical Element (e.g., Day-night, Hi-low Magnification) Patents (Class 359/353)
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Patent number: 7218444Abstract: An imaging device includes a refractive imager lying in an optical path, and optionally a telescope that directs the optical path to the refractive imager. The refractive imager includes a first lens group that forms an intermediate image of a scene on the optical path, wherein the first lens group includes a first-lens-group positive-power lens, and a first-lens-group negative-power lens. A second lens group relays the intermediate image to a final image surface on the optical path, wherein the second lens group includes a second-lens-group positive-power lens, and a second-lens-group negative-power lens. A third lens group may be selectively inserted into the optical path between the first lens group and the second lens group and selectively removed from the optical path. The third lens group includes a third-lens-group positive-power lens, and a third-lens-group negative-power lens.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Lacy G. Cook
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Patent number: 7158323Abstract: Disclosed is an optical filter switching apparatus used in an optical instrument for converting externally input image information into video image information and outputting the video image information. The apparatus comprises: an optical filter holding section holding a first optical filter and a second optical filter; an actuator having a rotary solenoid which rotates between a first position and a second position. A rotational power transmission section transmits the rotational force of the rotary solenoid to the optical filter holding section; and a microprocessor controls the rotary solenoid of the actuator in accordance with at least one external input signal and the power level of the video image information. The rotary solenoid is rotated to at least one of the first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hak-je Kim, Jun-kyu Kim
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Patent number: 7142357Abstract: An in-line night-day boresight with an adjustable wedge-prism assembly is disclosed. The adjustable wedge-prism assembly includes two opposing wedge prisms that are axially rotatable relative to each other. The assembly is arranged in the optical path between the night optics and the day optics. The adjustable wedge-prism assembly allows for compensation of image shift errors introduced by the night optics due to manufacturing errors in the night optics. This in turn allows for a cost-effective and easily aligned in-line night-day boresight.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Knight's Armament CompanyInventor: Ken Greenslade
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Patent number: 7099067Abstract: A PDLC modulator is fabricated using at least one a selection of specially-formulated UV curable organic hard coatings as a protective layer on the exposed side of polyester (Mylar) film. The hard coatings of various related types show good adhesion on a polyester film substrate, superior hardness and toughness, and have a slippery top surface, which minimizes unnecessary wear. The coating as applied on the modulator surface significantly reduces scratch damage on modulators caused by unexpected particles on the panels under test. In addition, the slip surface will reduce stickiness to particles and therefore also reduce the possibility of panel damage.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Photon Dynamics, Inc.Inventor: Xianhai Chen
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Patent number: 6999235Abstract: A diffractive optical element simultaneously realizes a plurality of optical functions and is small in size and excellent in productivity. The diffractive optical element has a multilayer member composed of a plurality of layers each of which is made of an optical material. Adjacent layers of the multilayer member are in contact with each other, and have different refractive indexes from each other. The multilayer member includes boundary faces between the contacted adjacent layers. Uneven patterns that cause transmitted light to undergo desired diffraction are formed on at least two faces of three faces including the boundary faces and outer surfaces of the multilayer member. The uneven patterns formed on different faces have different shapes or sizes in the direction of the layers of the multilayer member.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Toru Nakamura
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Patent number: 6999231Abstract: A multi-spectral objective lens comprising a primary lens for receiving light reflected from an object, the light including wavelengths in the SWIR and LWIR spectral bands, and optical elements spaced from the receiving means for simultaneously imaging the SWIR light in one focal plane and the LWIR light in another focal plane, thereby allowing real-time image and sensor fusion.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Kyle R. Bryant
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Patent number: 6992275Abstract: A multi-focal night vision apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus can include a receptor for receiving light reflected off of and emitted from objects in an image field of the night vision apparatus and a set of optical elements for focusing the light onto the receptor. The optical elements can include a field lens having a first portion for focusing far field objects and a second portion for simultaneously focusing near field objects.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: David J. Knapp
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Patent number: 6839186Abstract: A large numerical aperture objective lens is disclosed having three lens groups. In order from the object side, these lens groups include: a first lens group of positive refractive power that is formed of two positive lens elements and an achromatic set of paired lens elements formed of a lens element of negative refractive power and a lens element of positive refractive power, respectively; a second lens group of negative refractive power; and a third lens group of positive refractive power, with the surface of the third lens group nearest the object side being convex. Specified conditions are satisfied in order to provide a compact, large numerical aperture objective lens having its aberrations favorably corrected as well as to correct for shifts of focus caused by expansion/contraction of the lens barrel with changes in temperature.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2001Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukiko Nagatoshi, Fumio Watanabe
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Patent number: 6795237Abstract: An illuminator system (16) for an interior cabin (12) of a vehicle (14) includes a light source (72) and a beam-forming optic (100) that is optically coupled to the light source. The optic (100) forms an illumination pattern (22) that is directed forward of the vehicle (14). A housing (58) supports the beam-forming optic (100) along a roofline (47) and window perimeter (48) of the vehicle (14).Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignees: Ford Motor Company, Lear CorporationInventors: Michael A. Marinelli, Radek Zlamal
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Patent number: 6671089Abstract: An optical filter has a spectral transmittance characteristic plotted as a curve that is not mirror-symmetric with respect to any vertical axis upon wavelength being taken along the axis of abscissa and transmittance being taken along the axis of ordinate. The optical filter can be designed and fabricated easily and efficiently. The optical filter is used with a light source that causes self-absorption, to constitute an illumination optical system. In the illumination optical system, an image of the arc lamp is projected with a sufficiently high magnification in good aberration condition on the pupil of the objective lens, light in a wavelength region that was conventionally unused is efficiently used, and, in addition, the heat problem is solved.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Nishida, Shingo Kashima
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Patent number: 6646797Abstract: An exposure apparatus (PE1) and exposure method for use in photolithographically manufacturing devices such as semiconductor devices, image pickup devices, liquid crystal display devices and thin film magnetic heads. The apparatus is capable of transferring onto a substrate (W) the image of a pattern on a reticle (R) and includes a light source (2) capable of supplying an exposure energy beam (IL) with a wavelength under 200 nm, and an illumination optical system arranged to receive the exposure energy beam from said light source. The illumination optical system is designed to guide the exposure energy beam to the reticle. The apparatus also includes a projection optical system (PL) arranged between the reticle and the substrate. The projection optical system is capable of forming an image of the reticle pattern onto the substrate based on the exposure energy beam passing through the reticle.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Yutaka Suenaga, Yasuhiro Omura
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Patent number: 6576912Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus has a discharge plasma radiation source that is contained in a vacuum chamber. The radiation source is to generate a beam of EUV radiation. A chamber wall of the vacuum chamber incorporates a channel structure comprising adjacent narrow channels separated by walls that are substantially parallel to a propagation direction of the radiation generated so as to pass the radiation from the vacuum chamber through the structure to another subsequent vacuum chamber. In the subsequent vacuum chamber, a much higher vacuum level (lower pressure) can be maintained than is present in the vacuum chamber of the radiation source.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Inventors: Hugo M. Visser, Richard L. Sandstrom, Theodorus H. J. Bisschops, Vadim Y. Banine, Jeroen Jonkers
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Publication number: 20020181093Abstract: A multi-beam zoom lens for producing variable spot sizes on a photosensitive medium from a plurality of individually modulated light sources wherein each light source emits a light beam parallel to each of the other light sources and parallel to an optical axis and wherein a numerical aperture of each of said light beams is greater than 0.125, comprising an afocal zoom lens (10). The afocal zoom lens comprises a first moving group of lenses (13), a second group of moving lenses (14), and a third group of moving lenses (15). A constant barrel length of the afocal zoom lens is less than 160 mm and the zoom lens has a constant distance from the light sources to the photosensitive medium of less than 180 mm. The zoom lens has an afocal magnification of at least 45% across a zoom range.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2001Publication date: December 5, 2002Applicant: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Michael E. Harrigan
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Publication number: 20020109914Abstract: An optical device 10 is disclosed which is mountable to a scope S having an objective lens OL and an eyepiece EP. The optical device (10) has a light intensifying module (11), an eyepiece (12), an objective lens unit (14), and an elastic, tubular collar (21). The collar (21) has a first end (22) adapted to be stretchably coupled with the scope eyepiece and second end (23) adapted to be stretchably coupled to the optical device objective lens unit (14) to provide air tight seals.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Herbert Franklin Meier
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Patent number: 6424460Abstract: A dual field-of-view objective system (40) which is inexpensive, has high transmission and is essentially achromatized and athermalized. The system (40) uses a silicon front lens A and all lens elements have positive temperature/refractive index change coefficient.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Pilkington PE LimitedInventor: Anthony John Kirkham
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Publication number: 20020075210Abstract: A display apparatus includes an IR or other light source that produces light at a first wavelength that is modulated according to a desired image. The modulated light is then applied to a phosphor that converts the light to a second wavelength in the visible range. In one embodiment, the image source is a scanned light beam display that scans an IR light beam onto an image intensifier tube of a night vision goggle. In other embodiments, the image source is a LCD having an IR back light or a FED panel that emits electrons directly into a microchannel accelerator plate of the night vision goggles. In still another embodiment, the image source emits visible or ultraviolet light onto a phosphor that emits light of a different wavelength in response.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Applicant: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Nenad Nestorovic, Clarence T. Tegreene, Stephen R. Willey
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Patent number: 6366399Abstract: A two-stage multi-spectral imaging system comprising a reflective objective and a reflective relay aligned on a common optical axis, the objective being arranged to form an intermediate image and the relay being arranged to deliver image-forming radiation emanating from the intermediate image to a focal plane, wherein the objective is formed by a large concave primary mirror which is apertured on-axis and a small secondary mirror generally disposed in the form of a “Cassegrain” objective, the relay is formed by a pair of confronting mirrors each being apertured on-axis to enable passage of radiation into and out of the relay, and the relay being positioned to provide space between the relay and the focal plane to accommodate waveband selective splitting optics if so desired.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Pilkington P.E. LimitedInventor: Philip Rogers
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Patent number: 6246516Abstract: The invention is directed to an infrared Kepler telescope which includes an objective defining an optical axis and including a positive front group and a negative rear group all arranged on the optical axis. The objective further includes an interchangeable optic interposed between the positive front group and the negative rear group with the interchangeable optic being configured to operate as a magnification changer. An ocular is mounted on the optical axis rearward of the negative rear group and the rear group and the ocular are fixedly pregiven. The positive front group is a first positive front group and is exchangeable with at least a second positive front group. The interchangeable optic is a first interchangeable optic and is exchangeable with at least a second interchangeable optic.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2000Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-StiftungInventor: Wilhelm Ulrich
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Patent number: 6222187Abstract: A multiwavelength imaging and spectroscopic photoemission microscope system (100) which simultaneously provides images in a broad range of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as between 200 nm-1000 nm (optical or visible light) and 1000 nm-500 nm (infrared light). The multiwavelength imaging and spectroscopic photoemission microscope system comprises a microscope (102), a spectrometer (106), a beam splitter (108), a first spectrum focal plane array (110) including an appropriate photodiode (114A), a second spectrum focal plane array (120) including an appropriate photodiode (114B), and a cryogenic vessel (160) to maintain relevant portions of the system at a very low temperature. The invention may be used in failure analysis of integrated circuits and in semiconductor and low temperature physics.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Institute of MicroelectronicsInventor: Kandiah Shivanandan
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Patent number: 6204961Abstract: An integrated day and night sighting system and a laser rangefinder apparatus includes a daylight objective lens having a night light corrector lens mounted adjacent to and coaxially with the daylight objective lens and having an eyepiece lens. An image converter module may be an image intensifier for night light use and is movably supported for movement between a daylight position out of the light path and a night light position in the light path. The image converter is positioned to focus the night light optics thereon and for the eyepiece lens to view the image intensifier screen. A night primary objective mirror is positioned to reflect light from the night objective lens and a night secondary mirror is positioned to receive light from the primary objective mirror and to focus the night light onto the image converter when the image converter is in the night light position. This allows a refractive day sight to be integrated with a reflective night sight.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1995Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: J. Richard Anderson, Larry G. Jones, David Shafer, James E. Gibson
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Patent number: 6201641Abstract: A binocular-like vision system (50) for enabling an observer to view an object. The system includes an input end (72,90) that receives light from the object and an optical transfer system (62,64,86,88) that receives the light received from the input end and transfers the received light to an image intensifier (68) which intensifies the received light, wherein the intensified received light is transferred to and transmitted out of an output end (80,92) of the system, wherein the light transmitted out of the output end forms a field of view of the object that is greater than a 60 degree horizontal field of view.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1998Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: Night Vision CorporationInventor: Danny Filipovich
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Patent number: 6177671Abstract: An infrared telescope, an apparatus for the harmonizing of its input and output axes including an infrared camera enabling the observation of an infrared scene and delivering a video signal representing the infrared scene, the infrared camera having a sighting axis that constitutes the input axis; a display screen receiving the video signal and displaying the corresponding image in the visible frequency spectrum; a bispectral, visible and infrared collimator, collimating the image displayed on the display screen at infinity, the collimator having an optical axis that constitutes the output axis; an infrared source positioned in a predefined way with respect to the output axis and positioned so that its radiation is collimated at infinity by the collimator; an element the reflection of the radiation coming from the infrared source at output of the collimator towards the infrared camera, the element enabling the formation on the display screen of an image of the infrared source; a device to measure the shift beType: GrantFiled: November 23, 1998Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Thomson-CSFInventors: Jean-Pierre Fouilloy, Patrick Seugnet
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Patent number: 6141144Abstract: An optical axis correcting system includes a first afocal optical system, an optical deflector which corrects the deviation of an optical axis of light incident upon the first optical system, a second afocal optical system, and a light convergent optical system. The optical axis correcting system satisfies (1) 3.60<.vertline.fp(I)/fN(I).vertline.<5.30, (2) 1.00<.vertline.fp(II)/fN(II).vertline.<2.41, and (3) 0.12 <r1 (II)/f<0.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1999Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Asahi Seimitsu Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masakazu Yamagata, Shunichiro Wakamiya, Tatsuo Gotoh, Homu Takayama, Yoichi Kojima
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Patent number: 6131294Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a telescopic sight which is characterized by the fact that in a telescopic sight for day and night use, [a] a night time imaging device can be connected without removing the ocular tube body connected to the ocular side of the objective tube body when there is a changeover from day time use to night time use, so that the telescopic sight can be used at night, [b] the sight can be used "as is" as a day time sight by removing the night time imaging device, and [c] attachment or detachment for day time or night time use can be accomplished quickly, easily and reliably by means of one hand while the gun is held in the other hand.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Hakko Co., LTDInventor: Ubao Jibiki
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Patent number: 6122106Abstract: A single aperture opto-mechanical system for transmitting two small-aperture laser beams and single received laser beam. The two pencil-thin transmitted beams are co-aligned within 150 micro-radians in the same direction but have optical axes that are displaced laterally. An in-coming beam is received along a path that is essentially parallel with the path of the transmitted beams within 500 micro-radians. The small-aperture transmitted beams each pass through a hole in a metal mirror beamsplitter that is positioned to reflect the received light energy at a 90 E angle through a narrow band-pass filter and focused by an aspheric glass lens that directs the received beam energy onto a receiver detector. The beamsplitter has indexing features that provide self-alignment of the beamsplitter to the laser mount.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Gary R. Noyes, Ashok B. Patel, Pan-Fey F. Chen
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Patent number: 6118583Abstract: A two-stage optical imaging system which is capable of operating in the infra red and which is compact, the system comprising an objective generally in the form of a Cassegrain system with primary and secondary mirrors A, B together with a relay C which may be reflective, refractive or refractive and diffractive, the relay C being located co-axially between the primary and secondary mirrors A, B.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Pilkington PE LimitedInventor: Philip Rogers
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Patent number: 6103323Abstract: A circular dichroism optical element having the solidified layer of a liquid crystal polymer comprising a Grandjean oriented cholesteric liquid crystal phase, a liquid crystal display apparatus using the optical element, and a liquid crystal polymer composed of, as the component, a copolymer comprising at least two kinds of specific acrylic monomer units.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1997Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Hironori Motomura, Kyoko Izumi, Shusaku Nakano, Amane Mochizuki
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Patent number: 6094302Abstract: A sight including an infrared camera. A first admission aperture receives an incident image. The position of the first admission aperture is rotatable vertically and sideways. A mirror arrangement is rotatable about a common axis for derotation of the incident image. An output aperture is fixed with respect to the infrared camera. The incident image passes through the output aperture to the infrared camera.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1998Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: Celsiustech Electronics ABInventor: Dan Bergstedt
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Patent number: 6088165Abstract: A night vision device comprising a facemask housing assembly having a peripheral surface defined by a rear surface contoured to a user's face and an open front surface, the housing assembly operative for encasing a pair of optical assemblies operative for receiving light from a viewed object via a first folded optical path and via a second direct optical path, combining the light from the first and second paths, and directing the combined light to a user's eye for viewing the object; where each optical assembly detachably coupled to the housing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: ITT Manufacturing EnterprisesInventors: Donald John Janeczko, Ronald Croffard Crabtree, Gary Morgan Vance
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Patent number: 6075644Abstract: A binocular-like vision system for enabling an observer to view an object. The system includes an input end that receives light from the object and an optical transfer system that receives the light received from the input end and transfers the received light to an image intensifier which intensifies the received light, wherein the intensified received light is transferred to and transmitted out of an output end of the system, wherein the light transmitted out of the output end forms a field of view of the object that is greater than a 60 degree horizontal field of view.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1996Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Night Vision General PartnershipInventor: Danny Filipovich
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Patent number: 6072565Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventor: Jerry Dayton Porter
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Patent number: 6057960Abstract: The invention is directed to an infrared Kepler telescope which includes an objective defining an optical axis and including a positive front group and a negative rear group all arranged on the optical axis. The objective further includes an interchangeable optic interposed between the positive front group and the negative rear group with the interchangeable optic being configured to operate as a magnification changer. An ocular is mounted on the optical axis rearward of the negative rear group and the rear group and the ocular are fixedly pregiven. The positive front group is a first positive front group and is exchangeable with at least a second positive front group. The interchangeable optic is a first interchangeable optic and is exchangeable with at least a second interchangeable optic.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1997Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-StiftungInventor: Wilhelm Ulrich
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Patent number: 6048081Abstract: A lighting module that diffuses a light beam to modify the size and shape of the projected beam. The device includes a light source and a reflector to direct the light along an optic path. A primary lens element reduces the cross section of an effected light region as the light enters a diffusion assembly area in the optic path. Diffusion elements in the diffusion assembly are deployed in varying combinations and to varying degrees to produce the shape and/or size of light beam desired by the user. The action of the lens element allows the diffusion elements to be physically positioned in the optic path but to have no effect on the light until the diffusion elements are rotated so that diffusion element segments align with lens segments, and the diffusion element changes the light being projected from the lighting module.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1998Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Inventor: Brian Edward Richardson
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Patent number: 5973825Abstract: An apparatus for separating solar radiation into a longer wavelength component and a shorter wavelength component includes a concentrator of solar radiation, the concentrator having a focal point F.sub.1, and a mirror for selectively reflecting either the longer or the shorter wavelength component of the solar radiation spectrum. The mirror is positioned in the light path of solar radiation from the concentrator, the mirror having a focal point F.sub.2. The mirror includes a spectrally selective filter to make the mirror transparent to the non-reflected component of the solar radiation spectrum, thereby to allow the non-reflected component to pass through the mirror to a first receiver located at the focal point F.sub.1, and the mirror is appropriately curved in order to selectively concentrate and direct the reflected longer or shorter wavelength component to a second receiver located at the focal point F.sub.2.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Inventor: John Beavis Lasich
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Patent number: 5973315Abstract: A multi-function day/night observation, ranging, and sighting device with active acquisition of optical targets includes a single objective lens and a single eyepiece lens and provides an image of a scene. The single objective lens leads to a visible-light first optical path and to an invisible-light second optical path. The invisible-light second optical path includes an image intensifier tube providing a visible image. The first and second optical paths converge with visible images provided by each pathway being overlaid at a reticule plane. A single light path leads from the reticule plane to the eyepiece lens. A laser provides pulses of laser light projected into the scene via the single objective lens, and the image intensifier tube is used as a detector for a portion of the laser light pulses reflected from an object in the scene in order to provide both a laser range finding function and an active optical target acquisition mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Saldana, Michael Charles Epperson, Jerry Dayton Porter
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Patent number: 5969860Abstract: A dual field optical system [20] comprises an objective [A, B,] which forms an intermediate image [10] and a relay [E, F,] which transfers radiation to a focal plane [12]. The objective [A, B] comprises a primary mirror [A] and a secondary mirror [B] arranged in the form of a Cassegrain system and is rendered dual-field by the provision of an alternative primary mirror [A.sup.1 ] which is axially movable between in-use and out-of-use positions. The primary mirror [A] forms part of a housing [J] for a linear actuator [15] which is connected by co-axial rods [14] to the alternative primary mirror [A.sup.1 ] so that the system is both compact and of low mass due to symmetry.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Pilkington PE LimitedInventor: Ian Duguid Mearns
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Patent number: 5943174Abstract: A monocular night vision device comprising an objective lens assembly for receiving low intensity light; an image intensifier assembly comprising a variable gain image intensifier tube having an adjustable potentiometer mounted external to the tube for converting the low intensity light into a visible output image; a single eyepiece lens assembly for viewing the output image from the image intensifier assembly; and a non-metallic housing for receiving the objective lens assembly, image intensifier assembly, and eyepiece lens assembly, wherein the housing aligns the objective lens assembly with the image intensifier assembly and the eyepiece lens assembly along an optical axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1998Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Mark Alan Bryant, Roger Douglas Whiddon, Harrison Lewis Buchanan, Jr., Lapthe Chau Flora, John Carl Nelson, Bradley Todd Philippi
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Patent number: 5933277Abstract: An imaging system provides a visible image of a scene enhanced by information from electromagnetic radiation from the scene at a non-visible wavelength without parallax-induced errors. First optical apparatus collects electromagnetic radiation from a scene and directs it onto an array of bi-state diffraction grating elements to form a combined image of the scene on the array at both visible and non-visible wavelengths. The bi-state diffraction grating elements of the array are sequentially and temporarily activated in a predetermined order to an activated state providing diffraction of incident electromagnetic radiation of the visible and non-visible wavelengths in a predetermined manner from an inactivated state in which such diffraction is not provided. The electromagnetic radiation so diffracted is collected and directed toward detector apparatus which provides coded electrical representation of scanned images of the scene in electromagnetic radiation of the visible and non-visible wavelengths.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1998Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: John Richard Troxell, Marie Irene Harrington
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Patent number: 5924234Abstract: An aiming post for an optical sighting device providing an illuminated aiming mark defined by surfaces forming a generally sharp peak or point and also a construction for providing ambient light illumination for the aiming mark in which the intensity is selectively variable by the operator.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Trijicon, Inc.Inventors: Glyn A. J. Bindon, Paul Kennedy
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Patent number: 5909309Abstract: A method and apparatus to correct and eliminate optical anomalies and geometrical distortions in an intensified imaging system, specifically a night vision system. An image is received from the original objective lens assembly of an unintensified imaging system which, presumably, has been designed to produce images sized in accordance with the image sensor size of its host camera or camcorder. The format matching lens assembly receives the image from the original objective lens system and magnifies it so that it is output onto the entire circular active area of a mechanically inserted image intensifier. Having received an image across its entire circular active area, the image intensifier is able to amplify or intensify the image using the received light without creating any optical distortions. Once intensified without distortion, the image must be still further modified to fit its original format size.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1997Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignee: Electrophysics Corp.Inventors: Gerard Di Taranto, Frank J. Vallese, Michael Roselli
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Patent number: 5903996Abstract: A multi-function day/night observation, ranging, or sighting device includes a single objective lens and a single eyepiece lens and provides an image of a distant scene. The single objective lens leads to a visible-light first optical path and to an invisible-light second optical path. The invisible-light second optical path includes an image intensifier tube providing a visible image. The first and second optical paths converge with visible images provided by along each path being overlaid at a reticule plane. A single light path leads from the reticule plane to the eyepiece lens. A laser provides laser light projected into the scene, and the image intensifier tube is used as a detector for a portion of the laser light reflected from an object in the scene in order to provide imaging or a laser range finding functions.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Inventor: Roland M. Morley
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Patent number: 5892617Abstract: A multi-function day/night observation, ranging, and sighting device includes a single first lens and a single eyepiece lens and provides an image of a scene. The single first lens leads to a visible-light first optical path and to an invisible-light second optical path. The invisible-light second optical path includes an image intensifier tube providing a visible image. The first and second optical paths converge with visible images provided by each pathway being overlaid at a reticule plane. A single light path leads from the reticule plane to the eyepiece lens. A laser provides a pulse of laser light projected into the scene via the single first lens, and the image intensifier tube is used as a detector for a portion of the laser light pulse reflected from an object in the scene in order to provide a laser range finding function.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1997Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Inventor: Robert E. Wallace
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Patent number: 5880878Abstract: An image amplifying tube system for a day and night combined use in an observation equipment includes an image amplifying tube assembly mounted on the daytime periscope of the naked-eye sighting device, in which the image amplifying tube assembly swerves from the optical path during the daytime sighting and moves into the optical path during the nighttime sighting. Consecutively, the image amplifying tube is positioned at a specific focusing distance on the optical path by a vertical and horizontal moving mechanism. In this way, it may be possible to use the periscope both in the daytime and in the nighttime.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1996Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Soo-Bong Shin
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Patent number: 5867915Abstract: Gun sight apparatus for day and night viewing includes three units, a base unit including an objective lens assembly and a windage and elevation assembly. An erector lens assembly is disposed within the windage and elevation assembly. An aiming reticle is located between the objective lens and the erector lens at the first focal plane. A second focal plane is located behind the base unit. For daytime viewing operations, a daytime unit, including an ocular lens assembly, is secured to the base unit. For nighttime viewing operations, a night vision unit, including an image intensifier tube, is secured to the base unit. The face of the image intensifier tube is located at the second focal plane when the night vision unit is secured to the base unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1996Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Inventor: Gale McMillan
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Patent number: 5867313Abstract: The present invention is a multifunctional night vision monocular that is adapted for use by a soldier as a hand-held spotting scope, a helmet mounted scope, a head mounted scope, and a weapon mounted scope depending upon circumstances and the needs of the soldier. The night vision monocular is a self-contained unit capable of carrying its own power source. A universal mount on the bottom of the night vision monocular enables either a helmet mounting adaptor or a weapon sight mount to be quickly added to the monocular. The night vision monocular contains a GEN III image intensifier tube positioned between an objective lens assembly and an eyepiece lens assembly. The housing of the night vision monocular opens in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby enabling easy access to the various optical elements for repairs, maintenance and replacement. A reduced number of wire leads are used within the night vision monocular thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving reliability.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1995Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: ITT CorporationInventors: Paul Thomas Schweitzer, Mark Alan Bryant, Harrison Lewis Buchanan, Jr., Paul Edward Kaminski
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Patent number: 5864436Abstract: The focal length of an objective lens system is substantially equal at two wavelengths: one within the visible spectrum and one within an eyesafe IR spectrum centered about 1.54 .mu.m; the lens is essentially achromatic throughout the entire visible spectrum (0.45 .mu.m -0.70 .mu.m) and is well-corrected for other monochromatic aberrations (spherical aberration, coma, astigmatism, field curvature, and distortion). By having an objective lens that is common to both optical paths (visual and laser) and has the property of having essentially the same focal length and essentially the same angular deviation for the two optical paths upon lens decentration, then a practical mechanism can be included in the opto-mechanical design of a laser rangefinder to adjust the x and y decentration of the objective lens to accomplish a corresponding x and y adjustment of the system boresight.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1997Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Gary R. Noyes
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Patent number: 5859726Abstract: A method of processing documents involving: transporting the documents at high speed unidirectionally and without pause along a prescribed transport path past at least one image-lift site; scanning the entirety of respective document faces at the sites with illumination from a light-source; providing a light-guide along a path between the light-source and the sites; providing an energy-shaping gate, disposed at each of the sites and acting to channel the imaging illumination energy there; and providing a heat-dissipation stage disposed operatively adjacent the light source and acting to extract infra-red energy therefrom and dissipate it so as to shield the sites; this heat-dissipation stage comprising an infra-red extraction unit arranged and adapted to remove a substantial part of the infra-red energy projected along a prescribed beam-path from a high-intensity spectral source; the extraction unit comprising: a selective reflector interrupting the beam path and adapted to divert infra-red energy as an infraType: GrantFiled: September 9, 1996Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Unisys CorpInventors: Gary Copenhaver, Johan Bakker, John Vala
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Patent number: 5831762Abstract: An imaging sensor has multiple fields of view of the same scene that may be selected by the user for viewing through mechanical movements. The imaging and selection are accomplished entirely with reflective optical components (mirrors) and without the use of any refractive optical components (lenses). A movable field-shifting mirror selects between a direct view and a modified-of-view image of the scene. The modified-view image is accomplished using a multi-mirror afocal telescope. Additional field-shifting mirrors may be used to select other fields of view and reference sources, as desired, or between various detectors.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: George F. Baker, Lacy G. Cook
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Patent number: 5796516Abstract: A combined collimator/diopter cell subassembly for use in a monocular optical device. The subassembly has its own housing, wherein the subassembly housing is a two part structure that joins together in a clam shell like fashion. The subassembly housing defines a plurality of reliefs that engage and retain the various lens elements that comprise the collimator and the diopter cell. The subassembly housing also defines slots that retain mirrors, creating a folded optical path whereby light enters the collimator and exists the diopter cell. Since the subassembly housing is shaped to hold the various lenses and mirrors in a predetermined relationship, the amount of labor required to both produce the collimator and diopter and position them within the optical deice is greatly reduced.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: ITT CorporationInventor: Gary L. Palmer
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Patent number: 5764417Abstract: A compact optical device used to superimpose an intensified infrared image onto a visible image to allow night vision. It can especially be used to make goggles to be worn under the visor of an aircraft or helicopter pilot's helmet. The device includes a combiner located in front of the pilot's eye for directly transmitting visible light to the pilot and an objective for receiving infrared light which is placed above the combiner. An optical system guides the light received by the objective towards the combiner to be forwarded to the pilot's eye. The light is guided in a single plane substantially perpendicular to the plane containing the light received by the objective. The optical system includes a light intensifier, a transport objective, an even number of mirrors to fold the optical circuit and an eye piece.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1996Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: Sextant AvioniqueInventors: Jean-Michel Francois, Patrick Jolly, Yves LeFort