Abstract: A telescope comprises a telescope tube and a mount for supporting the telescope tube for altitude and azimuth positioning. The mount comprises an azimuth assembly including vertical bearing holders in spaced parallel relation and an altitude assembly including interconnected vertical bearings rotatably supported on tracks of the bearing holders. The bearings have lips disposed over outer surfaces of the bearing holders, respectively, and a frictional adjustment mechanism of the azimuth assembly includes an extension element extendable into frictional contact with one of the lips to maintain proper tracking of the bearings on the tracks of the bearing holders. A clamp assembly disposed between the bearings comprises a plurality of clamp members having apertures, respectively, through which the telescope tube extends. The clamp members are pivotal between open and closed positions via operation of a single operating member.

Abstract: A vari-focal polar alignment scope includes an objective optical system, a relay optical system, and an eyepiece optical system, in that order from the object side. The relay optical system includes an erecting vari-focal viewing optical system, including a positive condenser lens element, and positive second and third relay lens groups which relatively move in the optical axis direction so as to vary the magnification of the polar alignment scope, wherein the following conditions (1), (2) and (3) are satisfied: 6.0<fo/fe<10.0??(1); ?4.0<M2L<?1.0??(2); and 0.2<M3L<0.6??(3); wherein fo designates the focal length of the objective optical system; fe designates the focal length of the eyepiece optical system; M2L designates the lateral magnification of the second lens group of the relay optical system at a low magnification; and M3L designates the lateral magnification of the third lens group of the relay optical system at a low magnification.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for deploying the petals of a sectored mirror assembly of an optical space telescope, wherein the sectored mirror includes a central hub and a plurality of petals disposed about the periphery of the central hub, and each petal has a petal root independently hinged to the central hub. The system includes a first hinge assembly having a root mount secured to a petal root and a hub mount secured the central hub, whereby the first hinge assembly affords the petal associated therewith freedom of rotation about a petal hinge axis. The system further includes a second hinge assembly including a root mount secured to the petal root and a hub mount secured to the central hub, whereby the second hinge assembly affords the petal associated therewith freedom of rotation about the petal hinge axis and freedom to expand and contract thermally, and move rigidly along the petal hinge axis in a frictionless, unconstrained manner.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for deploying the petals of a sectored mirror assembly of an optical space telescope, wherein the sectored mirror includes a central hub and a plurality of petals disposed about the periphery of the central hub, and each petal has a petal root independently hinged to the central hub. The system includes a first hinge assembly having a root mount secured to a petal root and a hub mount secured the central hub, whereby the first hinge assembly affords the petal associated therewith freedom of rotation about a petal hinge axis. The system further includes a second hinge assembly including a root mount secured to the petal root and a hub mount secured to the central hub, whereby the second hinge assembly affords the petal associated therewith freedom of rotation about the petal hinge axis and freedom to expand and contract thermally, and move rigidly along the petal hinge axis in a frictionless, unconstrained manner.

Abstract: An equatorial tracking platform for a telescope that comprises two rolling surfaces, each in contact with a pair of rollers which each have an adjustment for the latitude setting. One rolling surface is a complex 3-dimensional contour, which provides for a differing radius for each latitude setting, while the other rolling surface is of fixed radius. By varying the angle of the roller pairs, the virtual axis of rotation is changed to be aligned parallel to the earth's rotational axis, thus allowing a telescope to accurately track a celestial object.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a color laser display that comprises a red laser light source for emitting red laser light, a green laser light source for emitting green laser light, and a blue laser light source for emitting blue laser light. An excitation solid laser unit (which has a solid-state laser crystal doped with Pr3+ and a GaN semiconductor laser element for exciting the solid-state laser crystal), a fiber laser unit (which has a fiber with a Pr3+-doped core and a GaN semiconductor laser element for exciting the fiber), or a semiconductor laser unit (which has a semiconductor laser element, employing a GaN semiconductor, and a surface-emitting semiconductor element), is employed as at least one of the red laser light source, the green laser light source, or the blue laser light source.

Abstract: The polar-axis telescope has an objective lens, a focal plate, an eyepiece, a zoom optical system, and a zoom optical system driver. The objective lens forms an object image, and the focal plate is arranged on a focal plane of the objective lens. The eyepiece is arranged backward of the focal plate and forms an observed image. The zoom optical system is arranged between the objective lens and the eyepiece. The zoom optical system makes the observed image appear gradually bigger while maintaining an in-focus situation. The zoom optical system driver shifts the zoom optical system along a polar-axis, corresponding to an optical axis of the polar-axis telescope, so as to change a magnification.

Abstract: A portable altitude/azimuth telescope mount having an integral locator system with a magnetic encoder mechanism for facilitating location of astronomical objects and telescope positioning for observation thereof. A microprocessor receives signals from the encoder mechanism and translates such into position data for display. The locator system also includes a database of astronomical objects, including their locations and other relevant information. The mount is preferably provided with a drive mechanism adapted to allow for automatically or manually positioning the telescope to view astronomical objects and for automatically repositioning or steering the telescope in order to track the astronomical objects during extended viewing. When moved manually, components of the drive act as a clutch mechanism that effectively disengages the drive motor to avoid damage. An instance of the drive may be provided for each axis of movement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilizing an optical tube on a base wherein a tension adjuster adapted to adjust the tension between the optical tube and sideboard of the base is secured between a the optical tube and the sideboard. By turning the tension adjuster, tension can be added or reduced to stabilize the optical tube.

Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is able to be fully operable in both Alt-Az and polar configurations. In either configuration, the telescope aligns itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed north and then pointed towards a user's horizon. A command processor, under application software program control orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation may be further refined by initially inputting a geographical location indicia, or by shooting one or two additional celestial objects. Once the telescope's orientation with respect to the celestial coordinate system is established, the telescope system will automatically move to and track any desired celestial object without further alignment invention by a user.

Abstract: A solar telescope is disclosed that facilitates safe observation of the sun with minimal setup, targeting effort or operator skill. The folded solar telescope of the invention includes a friction stabilized telescope support system that is capable of maintaining a specified telescope orientation. The telescope further includes a targeting system that comprises one or more pointing aids to simplify the process of aligning the telescope with the sun so a solar image is projected onto a viewing surface.

Abstract: A portable altitude/azimuth telescope mount having an integral locator system with a magnetic encoder mechanism for facilitating location of astronomical objects and telescope positioning for observation thereof. A microprocessor receives signals from the encoder mechanism and translates such into position data for display. The locator system also includes a database of astronomical objects, including their locations and other relevant information.

Abstract: A support for a telescope includes cavities for holding ballast material for improved stability. The cavities are provided in a fork to which the telescope is mounted, the fork is fixed to a ground-engaging frame for rotation about an axis of the fork. The cavity includes a lowermost conical section having an axis aligned with the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is operable in both alt-az and equatorial modes. In either configuration, the telescope system aligns and orients itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed North and then pointed towards the horizon. A command processor, under application software control, orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation is refined by automatically inputting geographical location data and a timing parameter. A simplified tracking procedure allows tracking of celestial objects after the telescope system has had its axis positions initialized to a horizontal and a vertical index. Object tracking is subsequently performed with no additional orientation procedure required.

Abstract: A solar telescope is disclosed that facilitates safe observation of the sun with minimal setup, targeting effort or operator skill. The folded solar telescope of the invention includes a friction stabilized telescope support system that is capable of maintaining a specified telescope orientation. The telescope further includes a targeting system that comprises one or more pointing aids to simplify the process of aligning the telescope with the sun so a solar image is projected onto a viewing surface.

Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is able to be fully operable in both Alt-Az and polar configurations. In either configuration, the telescope aligns itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed north and then pointed towards a user's horizon. A command processor, under application software program control orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation may be further refined by initially inputting a geographical location indicia, or by shooting one or two additional celestial objects. Once the telescope's orientation with respect to the celestial coordinate system is established, the telescope system will automatically move to and track any desired celestial object without further alignment invention by a user.

Abstract: A portable altitude/azimuth telescope mount having an integral locator system with a magnetic encoder mechanism for facilitating location of astronomical objects and telescope positioning for observation thereof. A microprocessor receives signals from the encoder mechanism and translates such into position data for display. The locator system also includes a database of astronomical objects, including their locations and other relevant information.

Abstract: A telescope system facilitates easy upgrading from friction lock mounting to manual worm drive, and from manual worm drive to motor drive. Vibration isolation provides a steady field of view for enhanced observation and photography. A telescope mount facilitates enhanced below the horizon and zenith viewing. A tripod has detents which hold the legs thereof in a deployed position during handling of the tripod. A cam lock reliably maintains a desired length of telescoping tripod legs.

Abstract: An optical element has a small reflection loss of light on a boundary surface between a photonic crystal and the normal medium. The optical element includes: a normal medium region having a first refractive index; a photonic crystal region having a refractive index which is changed periodically depending upon a position thereof, the photonic crystal region having as an averaged refractive index a second refractive index different from the first refractive index; and an intermediate region interposed between the normal medium region and the photonic crystal region, the intermediate region having a refractive index which is gradually changed from the first refractive index to the second refractive index.

Abstract: A telescope is constructed so that inertia force caused when the telescope is moved is canceled to thereby eliminate any influence on a space station, artificial satellite or the like. When a telescope body (1) rotates around an axis (X) in a direction (&agr;1), counter weights (6a, 6b) are driven by a rotator drive (10) so as to rotate in a direction (&agr;2) which is reverse to the direction (&agr;1), so that the inertia force caused is canceled. Also, when the telescope body (1) rotates around an axis (Y) in a direction (&bgr;1), counter weights 8a, 8b are rotated in a direction (&bgr;2), which is reverse to the direction (&bgr;1) so that the inertia force caused is canceled.

Abstract: A portable altitude/azimuth telescope mount having an integral locator system with a magnetic encoder mechanism for facilitating location of astronomical objects and telescope positioning for observation thereof. A microprocessor receives signals from the encoder mechanism and translates such into position data for display. The locator system also includes a database of astronomical objects, including their locations and other relevant information.

Abstract: There is disclosed a multi-channel panoramic night vision goggle (PNVG) system having two monocular subassemblies, each having a first channel and a second channel, each channel having an optical axis. A mounting structure, having a right and a left side, and having two angled mounting shoes may be used to mount the monocular subassemblies. The angled mounting shoes permit a single monocular subassembly to be attached to either side of the mounting structure, yet permit an optical axis of one of the first or second channels to be substantially coaxial with a user's optical axis and permits the other of the first and second channels to be at an angle not coaxial or parallel with the user's optical axis. In addition a hot shoe connector enables selective and repeatable attachment of the monocular subassembly to the angled mounting shoe, without the use of solder to complete the electrical contact.

Abstract: An ergonomic adjustable microscope base comprising a two-part base positioned on a support surface; having means to prevent the base from sliding on the support surface; having means mechanisms for attaching and locking a microscope in a nonmovably mounted relationship on the upper surface of the second support base; and manually rotatable adjusting mechanisms, located at each rearward corner of the second support base and at all four corners of the first base to provide for selectively varying the rearward vertical height of the second support base and mounted microscope and the vertical height of the first base relative to the support surface, thereby providing a range of vertical heights and of forward title angles so that a user of the microscope is able to maintain a more neutral position in the neck, back, and shoulder areas.

Abstract: A support for a telescope includes cavities for holding ballast material for improved stability. The cavities are provided in a fork to which the telescope is mounted, the fork is fixed to a ground-engaging frame for rotation about an axis of the fork. The cavity includes a lowermost conical section having an axis aligned with the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A tripod/telescope assembly including a tripod structure and optical tube-fork-base structure removably connected to one another by a conical central opening formed in an upper structure of the tripod and a complementary conical structure extending from a lower portion of the optical tube-fork-base. The tripod has three equally spaced legs pivotally extending downward from the upper structure of the tripod head. The tripod structure and optical tube-fork-base structure are disassembled and reassembled by a hand knob that has a central threaded fastening shaft extending through the complementary conical structures. The hand knob and complementary conical structures establish a stable, rotatable platform and allow the tube-fork-base structure of the telescope to be quickly separable from the tripod structure for transportation purposes.

Abstract: A solar telescope is disclosed that facilitates safe observation of the sun with minimal setup, targeting effort or operator skill. The folded solar telescope of the invention includes a friction stabilized telescope support system that is capable of maintaining a specified telescope orientation. The telescope further includes a targeting system that comprises one or more pointing aids to simplify the process of aligning the telescope with the sun so a solar image is projected onto a viewing surface.

Abstract: A telescope system facilitates easy upgrading from friction lock mounting to manual worm drive, and from manual worm drive to motor drive. Vibration isolation provides a steady field of view for enhanced observation and photography. A telescope mount facilitates enhanced below the horizon and zenith viewing. A tripod has detents which hold the legs thereof in a deployed position during handling of the tripod. A cam lock reliably maintains a desired length of telescoping tripod legs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting system for mounting a camera, or other similar devices, for afocal photographic viewing through a telescope eyepiece providing an attachment for the telescope which allows attachment of the telescope eyepiece and a yoke which locks and supports a supporting rail along which is mounted a camera platform which is designed to be adjustable to bring the camera or other light receptor device into axial alignment with the eyepiece of the telescope quickly and to hold the device in fixed axial alignment. The invention permits adjustment with four aspects: lateral perpendicular mutually exclusive movement in two axes to the optical axis; longitudinal movement along the optical axis; and tilting or pivoting movement in one of the two lateral perpendicular axes.

Abstract: An adjustable optical device including an optical element, a housing having an adjusting post fixed thereto, the optical element mounted to the housing, the housing adjusting post having a plane of movement, and an adjustment mechanism, the housing flexibly connected to the adjustment mechanism, the adjustment mechanism comprising a moving adjusting member in sliding engagement with the housing adjusting post, one of the adjusting member and the housing adjusting post comprising a wedge. The housing adjusting post is urged into movement in its plane of movement in response to relative movement between the adjusting member and the adjusting post, whereby the orientation of the optical element relative to the adjusting mechanism is adjusted by movement of the moving adjusting member.

Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is able to be fully operable in both Alt-Az and polar configurations. In either configuration, the telescope aligns itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed north and then pointed towards a user's horizon. A command processor, under application software program control orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation may be further refined by initially inputting a geographical location indicia, or by shooting one or two additional celestial objects. Once the telescope's orientation with respect to the celestial coordinate system is established, the telescope system will automatically move to and track any desired celestial object without further alignment invention by a user.

Abstract: A mounting and tracking system for telescopes receives date, time, and geographical position data and, in response, automatically selects and points the telescope to a first alignment star. The user completes the exact centering of the first alignment star. Based on the date, time, and geographical position data, the telescope automatically selects and points to a second alignment star. After the user completes the exact centering of the second alignment star the system automatically points to and tracks any of a large number of celestial bodies.

Abstract: An intelligent telescope system independently acquires and tracks designated celestial objects with little to no knowledge of the night sky being required by a user. The telescope system hosts and runs an application routine in order to have the telescope system conduct a tour of interesting celestial objects that are visible from an observer's location. Tour programs are created by a user and stored in memory in the system's microprocessor controlled command module or, alternatively, pre-defined tour programs are downloaded from a repository, such as in Internet web site, for storage in the system's memory and subsequent use.

Abstract: A heavy-duty precision support for an optical instrument, especially for an astronomical telescope is disclosed, comprising a base carrier which is mounted on a stationary base so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis and an instrument holder for holding the optical instrument which is supported at the base carrier so as to be swivelable about a horizontal axis. To provide a support which is simple to produce and assemble and which has excellent stiffness, positioning accuracy and dependability, the base carrier is supported against the base in the manner of a ball joint by means of a central bearing. Further, a bearing portion of the base carrier is guided axially at the base.

Abstract: A converter for a polar-axis telescope includes an optical system which varies one of the field of view, angle of field, and magnification of the polar-axis telescope. A movable lens barrel is provided which holds the optical system such that the optical system can be moved into or out of the optical path of the polar-axis telescope. The converter may be detachably attached to a front end of the polar-axis telescope, or may be built into the polar-axis telescope. The converter lens system has a negative power and includes a negative lens group and a positive lens group.

Abstract: A drive device for rotating a main mobile assembly relative to a support about a rotation axis includes an intermediate mobile assembly rotated about the same rotation axis. A small travel linear electromagnetic drive device operates tangentially between the intermediate mobile assembly and the mobile assembly, being controlled in accordance with the position of the main mobile assembly relative to the support. A large travel drive device rotates the intermediate mobile assembly relative to the support in accordance with the relative position of the intermediate mobile assembly and the main mobile assembly. End stops delimit predetermined movement of the main mobile assembly relative to the intermediate mobile assembly.

Abstract: A device for accurately positioning the vertex of a secondary mirror (5) off-centered with respect to that of a primary mirror (3) of a telescope (1). The secondary mirror (5) is connected to a support (8). The connection (9) includes two radial and crossed elongate connecting members (10) which extend on either side of the support (8) (along a first direction X--X and a second direction Y--Y) passing through the center (0) of the support, corresponding to the vertex (5A) of the secondary mirror (5). Each of the connecting members (10) is longitudinally rigid and transversely flexible. Each of the connecting members is capable of being controlled, in order to move along its longitudinal extent by an actuation device (11).

Abstract: An equatorial mount for supporting a binocular reflecting telescope having two Cassegrain or Schmidt-Cassegrain reflecting mirror units having the same aperture and the same focal length. The equatorial mount includes a pedestal, a polar shaft (first shaft) supported obliquely by the pedestal. A second shaft is rotatably supported in a support barrel coupled to the polar shaft. A third shaft is rotatably supported in a second support barrel provided at the bottom end of the first support barrel. Counterweights are screwed onto a threaded rod so as to extend from the free end of a V-shaped crank which is mounted on the free end of the second shaft. Another counterweight is screwed onto another threaded rod mounted inside of the crank and extends in the same direction as the crank. The equatorial mount has a greater degree of freedom of rotation compared with a German-style equatorial mount, because it has the third shaft.

Abstract: A pair of binoculars with built-in gyroscope for steadying comprising: a housing comprising a first housing half and a second housing half with a pivotal coupling to secure the housing halves together, each of the housing halves having lenses for optical magnification, the housing halves and lenses having normally horizontal optical axes essentially parallel with respect to each other; a supplemental housing in a cylindrical configuration having an axis centrally disposed between the optical axes and perpendicular thereto, the supplemental housing being located between the optical halves adjacent at an intermediate extent thereof; and a gyroscope having a shaft coincident with the axis of the supplemental housing, the gyroscope having an enlarged circular periphery and radial supports between the shaft and the periphery.

Abstract: An astronomy console includes various features which provide greater comfort and convenience for a user thereof. The console includes a seat which may include heating and/or cooling systems therein, as well as attachment for a telescope or other optical equipment to be aligned with the eye of the viewer or user. The console includes a horizontal and a vertical axis, which axes are motorized in order to provide for the tracking of celestial objects. The tracking process may be automated, or may be manually controlled by a switch panel or keyboard, as desired. Additional comfort and convenience features may be incorporated, such as audio systems for the enjoyment of the observer, and/or computer driven graphics displays of star charts and the like. The present astronomy console will be seen to be of great value particularly to ardent amateur astronomers who enjoy the hobby, but by its nature would be otherwise required to partake of the hobby in whatever ambient conditions might randomly occur.

Abstract: A compact, substantially vibration-free binocular mounting assembly for supporting large binoculars during astronomical observations. The binocular mounting assembly is adapted to be rotated about a horizontal axis during altitude adjustment, with the binocular eyepieces closely following the eye position of a seated astronomical observer as the altitude of observation is varied from horizon to zenith.

Abstract: A pivotless equatorial table for a telescope comprises a horizontal platform carried by at least five tracks on five rollers. The rollers are attached to a fixed base. The surfaces of the tracks are all rotation symmetrical around a common virtual axis whereby the only motion of the platform is a rotation around the virtual axis. The virtual axis is aligned parallel to the polar axis of the earth. Accordingly, the platform moves around the polar axis.

Abstract: The optical device is preferably used for a telescope, and has a pair of reflectors attached to a front end of a cylindrical section, so that objects can be searched or traced. The optical device has a first reflector provided in front of an object lens, which is provided at a front end of a rotatable cylindrical section. The first reflector reflects the light in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the object lens. A second reflector provided is close to the first reflector and the second reflector reflects the reflected light from the first reflector in parallel to the optical axis of the object lens. The first reflector can be rotated in a plane which is positioned between the first reflector and the second reflector and which is perpendicular to the optical axis of the object lens, and the second reflector can be independently rotated on the optical axis thereof.