Abstract: A telescope design having an integrated baffle is disclosed herein. The integrated baffle is configured as both a baffle and a mirror support. The integrated baffle can be shaped to the F-cone between the primary and secondary mirrors of a given telescope design. The baffle design can be adjusted to minimize or otherwise reduce the total obscuration of the baffle to improve the optical throughput. The interior facing surfaces of the integrated baffle can be configured with corner reflectors, so that the detector views itself, instead of the baffle.

Abstract: A combination day/night sight includes an image intensifying sensor/display combination and a daytime optical path length compensator that may be selectively placed within the optical path. Use of the optical path length compensator when the image intensifying sensor/display is not being used eliminates the need for moving optical elements. The night sight therefore requires no change in focus or bore sight adjustment after switching between day and night operations.

Abstract: A low orbit optical imaging satellite has a long thin satellite body housing an optical telescope arrangement. A major part of the telescope arrangement has its optical axis roughly parallel to the direction of elongation and includes a mirror arrangement deployed to direct a line of sight of the optical telescope out sideways from the direction of elongation. The transverse dimensions of the satellite body are preferably minimized to be close to the optical aperture dimension of the optical telescope, thereby providing a high ballistic coefficient and high orbit lifetime for orbits in the low thermosphere.

Abstract: An optical system includes two lens systems, one that provides viewing of an object with relatively no spherical aberration, and another that provides viewing of the object with significant spherical aberration. Preferably, both lens systems provide viewing of the object with relatively no chromatic aberration. The optical system may have the configuration of binoculars.

Abstract: A long range eye-safe laser radar (LADAR) system for use in an environment where real-time non-cooperative identification of an object is required. In particular, a laser beam is aimed at an object, the laser energy reflected from the object is collected by a detector array for use in generating a composite of both a high resolution 3-Dimensional (3D) shape of the object and the object's high resolution micro-Doppler vibration spectrum, a characteristic of the object as unique as a fingerprint. The composite is then used to automatically identify the object by comparison to a database of similar composite sets of 3D shape and vibration spectrum information with the results of the identification conveyed to the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an image has one or more lenses in an optical path, at least one angular-sensitive light transmission filter in the optical path, in which transmission varies with change in angular orientation of the filter with reference to the direction of light in the optical path, and a mechanism for adjusting the angle of the light transmission filter.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a flat field Schmidt-type telescope including a spherical primary mirror, an aspheric correcting plate spaced apart from the primary mirror, a detector disposed between the primary mirror and the corrector plate, and a field lens disposed between the primary mirror and the detector. The field lens is configured to reshape a curved field plane formed by the primary mirror into a flat field plane. A material of the field lens is selected to transmit in the infrared wavelength range (e.g., SWIR and/or MWIR) and is selected to have a desired refractive index so as to achieve a field of view (FOV) of the telescope greater than approximately 10 degrees.

Abstract: A sighted device has a sight that includes an objective lens lying on an optical axis of the sight so that an input beam is coincident with the optical axis, an eyepiece lens lying on the optical axis, an imaging detector having a detector output signal, a signal processor that receives the detector output signal from the imaging detector, modifies the detector output signal, and has a processor output signal, and a video display projector that receives the processor output signal and has a video display projector output. An optical beam splitter lies on the optical axis. The beam splitter allows a first split subbeam of the input beam to pass to the eyepiece lens and reflects a second split subbeam of the input beam to the imaging detector. An optical mixer mixes the first split subbeam and the video display projector output prior to the first split subbeam passing through the eyepiece lens.

Abstract: A space telescope having a primary mirror for focusing and reflecting electromagnetic radiation, multiple secondary mirrors and, optionally, multiple tertiary mirrors, for receiving the focused and reflected electromagnetic radiation from the primary mirror and reflecting the electromagnetic radiation, and multiple focal plane arrays for receiving the focused and reflected electromagnetic radiation from the secondary mirrors or tertiary mirrors. The use of a multiple secondary mirrors and multiple focal plane arrays allows the telescope to observe multiple fields of regard simultaneously in selected celestial regions or on an orbited celestial body, such as the Earth.

Abstract: The present invention includes a periscope, which has two camera objectives. The cameras are housed on top of the viewing monitor inside of a housing cell, so as to efficiently utilize the cabin space of the vehicle. One camera objective is a day camera bullet that may be used during day time or low light viewing. Another camera objective is the night board camera that may be used for night time viewing. Both cameras are electronically connected to a flat panel display, so that the optical picture may be displayed by others. In addition, the periscope of the present invention utilizes a heater sensor system that allows the day or night camera to be operated at or below temperatures of 32° Fahrenheit. The periscope of the present invention also implements an 18 mm image intensifier tube, which has the capability of detecting and amplifying low light level images during night time viewing and surveillance, under moonlight or starlight.

Abstract: A multi-magnification viewing and aiming scope includes a first imaging group including an objective lens lying on the optical path and an eyepiece lens lying on the optical path. The first imaging group forms a first image having a first magnification on the optical path at an image location. A second imaging lens group is controllably inserted into the optical path between at least some elements of the objective lens and the eyepiece lens. Upon insertion of the second imaging lens group into the optical path an optical combination of the first imaging group and the second imaging lens group forms a second image having a second magnification on the optical path at substantially the image location. The insertion may be accomplished by a tumbler mechanism upon which the second imaging lens group is mounted.

Abstract: A portable astronomical telescope includes the cylinder body, on which three telescopic legs are hinged through a joint to form a tripod stand. The bottom of aforementioned cylinder body is fixed by means of connection element and mounted with part box. On the bottom end of this part box, a bottom cover is insert-mounted. On the upper end of the part box, limit connection elements of the connected telescopic leg are hinged. Within the aforementioned cylinder body, a guide bush is fixed and installed, inside of which telescope base is mounted. On the side of this telescope base, a guide pin is established. On the side of the guide sleeve, an L-shaped feed-through slot is established to accommodate the guide sleeve. On the tail end of the above feed-through slot, one guide pin residence slot is connected. The aforementioned telescope base is activated by the lug and mounted with bellows. This product can be used without need for separate assembly, and eliminates the need for a separate package.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical instrument (1) comprising at least one mirror called the primary mirror (3), placed in a cavity (2) and comprising an active face capable of being subjected to instantaneous variations of the incident radiative flux. According to the invention, the cavity (2) comprises a rigid internal casing (20) around the mirror consisting of a material having a thermal inertia so as to damp the instantaneous variations of the incident radiative flux thereby making it possible to limit the temperature fluctuations of this cavity and, consequently, the temperature fluctuations of the mirror. The invention applies to the space field.

Abstract: In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an optical device comprises a telescope and a pipescope arranged as a spatial filter to light propagated through the telescope, to confine a field of view to ?DL.

Abstract: A deployable reflector (RP), for a space observation instrument is disclosed. The deployable reflector has a chosen number of deployable reflecting elements (E1a-E3b) suitable, once deployed in a first position, for together defining a reflecting area in the form of a so-called Reuleaux triangle (RD) with closed convex curve whose width is constant as a function of direction.

Abstract: In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an optical device comprises a telescope, a coronagraph device coupled to the telescope and having a focal plane occulting mask to provide a coronagraphic image, and a reticulate grid element arranged in a light path propagated through the telescope, at a location relative to the coronagraphic image, to create controlled fiducial spots in the coronagraphic image.

Abstract: A mini-scope for multi-directional imaging is disclosed. The mini-scope includes an elongated mini-scoped body. An emissions aperture is disposed on the distal end of the elongated mini-scope body, which can be configured to emit a beam of optical energy propagating through a flexible optical conductor. A selective mirror is also positioned at the distal end of the elongated mini-scope body and is configured to selectively pass or reflect the beam of optical energy based on the optical characteristics of the beam. A SSID is further disposed on the distal end of the elongated mini-scope body for imaging illumination reflected by an external object in response to the beam of optical energy. This illumination is directed to pass through or reflect from the selective mirror to the camera based on optical characteristics of the beam.

Abstract: A night sight includes a notched bottom portion, permitting the use of a large objective lens for maximized light gathering capability while also permitting the night sight to be mounted with its center line relatively close to the center line of the barrel of the weapon with which it is used. This configuration permits the night sight to be mounted so that its center line is the same as the center line of a daytime telescopic sight used in conjunction with the night sight. The night sight includes a focusing assembly having decreased sensitivity to tilt or decenter, and a collimator mounted within a spherical bearing so that the collimator may be precisely aligned during assembly of the night sight. The night sight thereby ensures that an image viewed through the night sight appears to originate from the same angle as that with which the image entered the objective lens, and further resists a need to compensate for parallax during aiming.

Abstract: A scope assembly includes an elongated viewing scope and a scope mount adapter. The viewing scope has first and second opposite ends, and at least one externally-threaded mounting post located between the opposite ends. The scope mount adapter includes a first connector having an internal screw thread mating with the external thread of the mounting post and a second connector designed for releasably engaging an accessory mounted to the scope.

Abstract: An apparatus has structure with a reticle oriented approximately parallel to and adjacent an imaginary plane. The structure includes on one side of the plane a portion transmissive to visible radiation, the portion having a surface that is spaced from and angled with respect to the plane, and that faces away from the reticle. A reticle illumination section emits radiation adjacent the surface. According to a different aspect, a method involves: providing a reticle oriented approximately parallel to an imaginary plane and disposed immediately adjacent the plane; providing on one side of the plane a structural portion that is transmissive to visible radiation; forming on the portion a surface spaced from the plane, oriented at an angle to the plane, and oriented to face away from the reticle; and emitting radiation adjacent the surface.

Abstract: A direct vision periscope is disclosed having a second set of mirrors strategically positioned within a wide angle trapezoidal periscope. The main optical path has a vertical field of view of 24° above and below horizontal while the secondary optical path provides a field of view of 12° to 59° above horizontal to allow the occupants to see elevated areas. When used on military vehicles, multiple periscopes may be disposed about the operator's compartment to create a near panoramic view.

Abstract: A telescopic tube includes an upper section tube and a lower section tube that are provided coaxially with each other. A plurality of connecting rods is provided between the upper and lower section tubes in parallel to the axis of the tube. Via the connecting rods, the upper section tube or the lower section tube can slide telescopically in the axial direction of the tube, thereby extending or retracting the tube.

Abstract: In a day/night-vision device, provision is made to view observations made via a day- or night-vision channel in a shared receiving channel or via an eyepiece unit as day image or night image by designing and arranging a deflector such that the same deflector is used to transfer radiation from the day- or night-vision channel into the shared receiving channel. In particular, it is also provided that further images, such as thermal images, can be transferred to the observer and can be overlaid by the day image or night image, in particular fused.

Abstract: An illuminable reticle (1) has a minor (5) disposed laterally beside the carrier (2) and having two foci (8 and 9). The light source (6) is disposed in one focus (8). The line image (3) is disposed in the second focus (9), whereby optionally a total reflection on one of the two carrier surfaces is also possible for focusing light beams (12) in the line image (3).

Abstract: An optical transmission device including a driving unit having a transmitting member, a guide member, a frame, a clipping unit and a flexible member is disclosed. The clipping unit has a main clip engaging with one side of the transmitting member, and a sub-clip engaging with the other side of the transmitting member. The flexible member pushes the main clip to the sub-clip, so that the sub-clip radially and axially approaches the transmitting member.

Abstract: A sighting device couples a sight mark into a viewing beam path and is especially for a handheld weapon (2), a bow or a pump gun. The sighting device includes an optical component (6) having a first optical coupling element (8) for coupling the sight mark from a sight mark source into the component (6) and having a second optical coupling element in the region of the viewing beam path for coupling the sight mark (14) out of the component (6) and into the viewing beam path. The second optical coupling element is configured as a diffractive structure (9). The optical component (6) is configured to be totally reflective for guiding the sight mark beam in the interior of the optical component and is at least partially transmissive for the viewing beam paths in the region of the viewing beam path. In this way, a compact and lightweight illuminated sight is provided.

Abstract: A filter or lens for a star tracking telescope includes a clear center portion and an attenuating peripheral portion where the peripheral portion attenuation of off-axis images is nonidentical through any radial line extending from a center of the filter or lens to a circumference edge of the filter or lens for passing on-axis images with high signal to noise ratios and for attenuating off-axis images for attenuating but not completely blocking the off-axis images, which telescope with such a filter or lens is well suited for improved star tracking systems, and well suited for reducing off-axis glare in handheld optical apparatus such as binoculars, telescopes, cameras, and eyeglasses.

Abstract: A deployable thin-film mirror telescope comprises a base structure and a metering structure. The base structure houses a thin-film mirror, which can be rolled for stowage and unrolled for deployment. The metering structure is coupled to the base structure and can be folded for stowage and unfolded for deployment. In the deployed state, the unrolled thin-film mirror forms a primary minor for the telescope and the unfolded metering structure positions a secondary minor for the telescope.

Abstract: In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an optical device comprises a telescope, a coronagraph device coupled to the telescope and having a focal plane occulting mask to provide a coronagraphic image, and a reticulate grid element arranged in a light path propagated through the telescope, at a location relative to the coronagraphic image, to create controlled fiducial spots in the coronagraphic image.

Abstract: An ultracompact, lightweight, reflective telescope is described which has no loss due to central obscuration for a beam being projected from its focus. The optical surfaces are composed of matched conics of rotation.

Abstract: An automatic introduction apparatus for automatically introducing a target celestial object by controlling a rotation of an astronomical telescope around at least two axes comprises: an image-capturing means capable of capturing an image of a celestial object at a plurality of focal distances; a celestial object database; an image processing section for extracting a set of information of each celestial object from the image of celestial object captured by the image-capturing means; and a celestial object identification means for identifying the celestial object whose image has been captured, by comparing the information of each celestial object extracted by the image processing sections with the celestial object information stored in the celestial object database.

Abstract: A weapon sight of the kind comprising a lens having a partially reflecting surface, a light source spaced from the lens for emitting light towards the reflecting surface to produce a light spot by direct imaging of the light source on the surface to be superimposed on a target when sighting through the lens. For adjustment of the location of the light spot on the reflecting surface when observed from a defined fixed position, the sight includes a device for displacement of the light source, comprising a miniature drive motor or element operatively connected with the light source.

Abstract: An inter-lens baffles unit for an imaging system is provided. The inter-baffle lens unit comprises at least two lens elements; a plurality of baffles positioned between the two lens elements, wherein the baffles are contoured to fit between the two lenses and to fill a volume between the lenses such that the baffles are parallel to an optical path of an imaging system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter (1) for securing a camera (2) or an optical measuring device onto a telescope (3). The adapter (1) comprises a platform (6) for securing the camera (2) and a cylindrical sleeve (4) for securing onto an eyepiece (16) of the telescope (3), wherein the sleeve (4) is attached by flange onto a base plate (5) extending at right angles to a sleeve axis (7). On the base plate (5) a guide is formed, which is formed by two guiding tracks (9, 10) and runs at right angles to the sleeve axis (7), wherein the platform (6) can be adjusted by said guide. On the platform (6) a mechanical stage (23) is also arranged by means of which the camera (2) can be adjusted in a plane running parallel to the sleeve axis (7).

Abstract: A telescope design is disclosed that has at least some of its interior facing surfaces configured with corner reflectors, so that a detector operatively coupled to the telescope views itself, instead of those surfaces. The corner reflectors may be on, for example, interior facing surfaces of a conventional baffle appended to the telescope and/or minor supports or other structures inside the telescope housing that are within the detector's FOV. Likewise, the corner reflectors may be on interior facing surfaces of a baffle that is integrated into the telescope housing. In some such cases, the integrated baffle can be configured as both a baffle and a mirror support. The integrated baffle can be shaped to the F-cone between minors of a given telescope design, and/or configured to minimize or otherwise reduce the total obscuration of the baffle to improve the optical throughput.

Abstract: A filter or lens for a star-tracking telescope includes a clear center portion and an attenuating peripheral portion. The peripheral portion attenuates off-axis images through any radial line extending from a center of the filter or lens to a circumference edge of the filter or lens. The attenuation is for passing on-axis images with high signal to noise ratios, for attenuating off-axis images, and for attenuating but not completely blocking the off-axis images. The telescope with such a filter or lens is well suited for improved star tracking systems, and well suited for reducing off-axis glare in handheld optical apparatus such as binoculars, telescopes, cameras, and eyeglasses.

Abstract: A compact spotting scope includes a housing with an outer surface having a grasping region sized and shaped to fit in a user's hand. An optical element positioned within the housing is adjusted by manually rotating a side-mounted adjustment knob that extends laterally from the outer surface of the housing opposite the grasping region. The side-mounted position of the adjustment knob allows the arm and wrist of the focusing hand to be maintained in an ergonomic position during manipulation of the adjustment knob, thereby further facilitating steady support. An internal support member of the spotting scope includes a frame portion and a generally tubular portion, which are preferably formed together of unitary one-piece construction for aligning optical elements of the spotting scope.

Abstract: A night vision device includes an objective lens assembly, an image detector assembly, an eyepiece lens assembly and a housing. The objective lens assembly receives low intensity light. The image detector assembly converts the low intensity light into a visible output image. The eyepiece lens assembly provides for viewing the output image from the image detector assembly. The housing receives the objective lens assembly, the image detector assembly, and the eyepiece lens assembly. Additionally, the housing aligns the objective lens assembly with the image detector assembly and the eyepiece lens assembly along an optical axis.

Abstract: A holding apparatus for holding an optical element includes: a barrel; a first member having one end connected to the barrel, and an opposite end located apart from the one end in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the barrel and outside the barrel; a second member passing through the hole and having one end connected to the opposite end of the first member and the other end located apart from the opposite end of the first member in the direction and inside the barrel. Their linear expansion coefficients and dimensions are configured so that the opposite end of the second member is in contact with a side of the optical element, and the amounts of displacement of the side of the optical element and the opposite end of the second member due to a change in temperature correspond to each other.

Abstract: A telescope includes: a concave mirror reflecting light from an object; an image pickup element receiving light from the mirror; a compensation optical system for guiding light from the mirror to the image pickup element; a lens barrel integrally holding the image pickup element and the compensation optical system; and a drive mechanism for driving the lens barrel to change the angle of the optical axis of the compensation optical system with respect to the optical axis of the concave mirror.

Abstract: A method for shooting a projectile weapon involves determining the inclination of a line of sight from a vantage point to a target and a line-of-sight range to the target, then predicting a trajectory parameter at the line-of-sight range, for a preselected projectile. Using the trajectory parameter, an equivalent horizontal range may then be determined, wherein the equivalent horizontal range is the range at which the trajectory parameter would be expected to occur if the projectile were shot from the vantage point toward a theoretical target located in a horizontal plane intersecting the vantage point. The equivalent horizontal range may be utilized to compensate for ballistic drop when shooting the projectile weapon. The method may be embodied in a handheld laser rangefinder including a memory for storing ballistic data. Systems for automatic hold over adjustment in a weapon aiming device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A description is given of a telescopic sight with variable magnification, comprising a fixed objective and first image plane assigned thereto, a variable system with second image plane assigned thereto, and a fixed eyepiece for viewing the second image plane and that has a stop in the vicinity of the first image plane whose aperture diameter can be varied as a function of the magnification of the variable system in order to suppress scattered and/or false light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a telescope which is used to inject and/or to extract, by reflection, emitting and/or capturing bundles of beams. According to the invention, at least one deflecting means is joined to the planar surface by means of at least one lens of the telescope objective unit, which is embodied as a plan convex or plan concave lens. The lens is used as a lens of the objective unit and as a holder for the deflection means. The number of optical components in the telescope about one of the holders is reduced due to the dual function thereof.

Abstract: Optical system for a telescope having independent optical arms adapted to collect light rays over a first cross sectional area and compress it into a second cross sectional area less than the first cross sectional area. Orthogonal mirror pairs of parabolic trough mirrors compress light in first one dimension and then the other dimension and feed the light into a focusing smaller telescope structure. The gathered light is kept parallel and its wavefront is kept in phase, allowing the telescope to have the diffraction limit of the collective aperture. The optical arms are independently adjustable to point the system toward different objects of interest and track them.

Abstract: A method for shooting a projectile weapon involves determining the inclination of a line of sight from a vantage point to a target and a line-of-sight range to the target, then predicting a trajectory parameter at the line-of-sight range, for a preselected projectile. Using the trajectory parameter, an equivalent horizontal range may then be determined, wherein the equivalent horizontal range is the range at which the trajectory parameter would be expected to occur if the projectile were shot from the vantage point toward a theoretical target located in a horizontal plane intersecting the vantage point. The equivalent horizontal range may be utilized to compensate for ballistic drop when shooting the projectile weapon. The method may be embodied in a handheld laser rangefinder including a memory for storing ballistic data. Systems for automatic hold over adjustment in a weapon aiming device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An extendable telescope comprises a main barrel having a compensation lens group thereinside; an auxiliary barrel slidably disposed within the main barrel, the auxiliary barrel having a main lens group thereinside corresponding to the compensation lens group; and an assembling structure disposed on an end of the main barrel, the assembling structure being corresponding to the compensation lens group and the main lens group. Further, an image capturing unit can be assembled on the assembling structure. By the above-mentioned structure, no moment generates on the end of the main barrel and thus the main barrel and the auxiliary barrel carry their straight states to maintain the precision of the focal length.

Abstract: An ultracompact, lightweight, reflective telescope is described which has no loss due to central obscuration for a beam being projected from its focus. The optical surfaces are composed of matched conics of rotation.

Abstract: A telescope having a focus display includes a tube assembly, a sensor and a focus display. The tube assembly has a first tube and a second tube connected within the first tube. The first tube has an opening. The sensor is provided on the second tube. The focus display is provided in the opening of the first tube. The focus display is provided with a screen, a processing unit and an electromagnetic sensing unit. The electromagnetic sensing unit, the processing unit and the screen are electrically connected with each other. When the first tube is telescopically moved with respect to the second tube, the electromagnetic sensing unit receives and senses the change in the electromagnetic field of the sensor. The processing unit then calculates the displacement and displays the data on the screen, so that the user can focus the telescope to obtain the clearest image.

Abstract: A dual sighting optical sight is provided. The sight provides non-inverted images through a rear window and at least one side window so that a user may view a target from either a rear or a side, respectively, of the weapon to which the sight is mounted. The sight is adjustable to a plurality of different positions so that the user can use the sight and weapon from other than directly behind the sight weapon.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an image has one or more lenses in an optical path, at least one angular-sensitive light transmission filter in the optical path, in which transmission varies with change in angular orientation of the filter with reference to the direction of light in the optical path, and a mechanism for adjusting the angle of the light transmission filter.