Abstract: A waterproof housing for storing a camera with a lens barrel includes, a cylindrical lens barrel storage section for storing the lens barrel portion with a through hole communicating the outside and inside of the waterproof housing; and a rotatable cylindrical operation ring supported on an outer periphery of the cylindrical lens barrel storage section and provided to enclose an outer periphery of a rotary ring on the stored lens barrel for rotating the same. The waterproof housing also includes a transmitting member in the hole on an outer wall of the cylindrical lens barrel storage section connected to the rotary ring for directly transmitting rotation of the operation ring thereto, and a waterproof member between the outside of the cylindrical lens barrel storage section and an inner periphery of the operation ring for waterproof between the interior and the exterior of the cylindrical lens barrel storage section.

Abstract: A rotating window includes a circular base member, a transparent window, and a magneto-conductive element, which are assembled into an electric motor device. By this rotating window, area of transparent region of the transparent window is increased, an outer diameter of a central shaft hole is decreased, and a support bracket is designed as an I-shape or a half I-shape, thereby largely decreasing barriers to the transparent window, allowing a user to conveniently see through scenery or objects at one side of the transparent window without a dead angle. In case that the rotating window is hit by objects and rotates eccentrically, an air gap of the motor disappears, and an entire frame of the rotating window will be absorbed magnetically to the magneto-conductive element, thereby improving safety to people and objects.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises: an image sensor adapted to opto-electronically convert the image of a subject; an optical member placed in front of the image sensor; first and second piezoelectric elements placed at respective ones of both ends of the optical member; first and second driving units adapted to independently vibrate the first and second piezoelectric elements, respectively; a detection unit having first and second detecting piezoelectric elements placed adjacent to the first and second piezoelectric elements, respectively, for detecting vibration of the optical member; and a first control unit adapted to control the first and second driving units and the detection unit so as to vibrate the optical member by vibrating the first piezoelectric element and detect vibration of the optical member using the second detecting piezoelectric element, or vibrate the optical member by vibrating the second piezoelectric element and detect vibration of the optical member using the first detecting piezo

Abstract: The invention relates to a video camera having a camera housing (30), a first objective (12), through which light from a scene (14) to be picked up is guidable into the camera housing 30, a semiconductor sensor field (28), on which light from the scene (14) to be picked up is able to be cumulated, wherein it further includes: a projection area (16) disposed with respect to the first objective (12) such that light introduced through the first objective (12) is imaged onto the projection area (16), a second objective (26) disposed with respect to the projection area (16) and to the semiconductor sensor field (28) such that light from the projection area (16) is imaged onto the semiconductor sensor field (28).

Abstract: A lens protection mechanism, comprising: a rotating transparent disc; and at least one counter rotating object whose rotation substantially cancels out angular momentum caused by the rotation of the disc.

Abstract: In an arrangement for storing and transporting at least one optical component, it is the object of the invention to protect the optical components from contamination not only during their storage and transport, but also when installing them in operative condition in the optical projection beam path so as to ensure their readiness for immediate operation. This object is met in that every optical component is fastened in an aligned manner to a carrier that is provided in a vessel, and a manipulator acts on the carrier to transfer the carrier into an optical beam path enclosed by a cleanroom through an airlock opening which is formed when the vessel door is open. The arrangement can be used particularly when optics must be stored and manipulated so as to be protected from environmental influences.

Abstract: A lens apparatus or optical instrument having a lens apparatus including a holding member that holds and moves a lens or a lens group in an optical axis direction, the holding member having a vent providing ventilation between the interior and the exterior of the lens apparatus, a water-repellent microporous member that covers the vent, and an appearance member disposed on the holding member, with a clearance provided between the appearance member and the holding member, so as to shield the water-repellent microporous member.

Abstract: A lens protecting mechanism (104), comprising: a transparent disc (122) having a rim (118); a plurality of wheels that engage and support the rim; and at least one motor, coupled to at least one of said wheels to apply rotational force to said disc (122).

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for substrate cleaning of liquid crystal display capable of desirably controlling the exhaust pressure and a method for substrate cleaning using it. The disclosed comprises a spin dry cup having a rotation device for rotating substrate, an air absorber arranged on the external of the spin dry cup to absorb impurities exhausted from the rotating substrate with air, a trap for exhausting air and impurities absorbed from the air absorber to the external, an exhaust pressure control part arranged in the trap to control exhaust pressure of the trap, and a drain arranged in the trap to exhaust chemicals and water from the rotating substrate to the external.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for substrate cleaning of liquid crystal display capable of desirably controlling the exhaust pressure and a method for substrate cleaning using it. The disclosed comprises a spin dry cup having a rotation device for rotating substrate, an air absorber arranged on the external of the spin dry cup to absorb impurities exhausted from the rotating substrate with air, a trap for exhausting air and impurities absorbed from the air absorber to the external, an exhaust pressure control part arranged in the trap to control exhaust pressure of the trap, and a drain arranged in the trap to exhaust chemicals and water from the rotating substrate to the external.

Abstract: A method of aligning an optical system and an optical system incorporating the method. A hologram element is installed in the optical system so that test beams diffracted by the hologram element travel along a same optical path as test beams incident on the optical system. Alignment errors in the optical system are measured using interference patterns formed on an image surface by test beams returned from the optical system and reference beams. At least one optical element of the system is aligned using measurements calculated from the interference patterns. The optical system may provide for temporarily installing the hologram element to perform the measurements or the optical system may be constructed with a hologram formed on any optical element which may require alignment. A direction and a magnitude of any misalignment are determinable based on an appearance of the pattern and a number of circles in the pattern, respectively.

Abstract: A self-cleaning, rotating mirror includes a compressor assembly mounted to a cylinder of a rotating mirror. As the cylinder and mirror rotate, the compressor assembly also rotates causing a continuous flow of clean air to be passed over the surface of the mirror, thereby preventing particles, such as dust, from depositing on the mirror surface.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a master optical disk, a photoresist applied to an optical disk substrate is coated with an optical film for converging recording light on the optical disk substrate in cooperation with a solid immersion lens body. The photoresist is exposed through the optical film by using an optical system including the solid immersion lens.

Abstract: A reflective polarizer and a dichroic polarizer are combined to provide an improved optical polarizer. The dichroic and reflective polarizers are typically in close proximity to each other, and are preferably bonded together to eliminate the air gap between the polarizers. The combination of the two polarizers provides a high reflectivity of one polarization and high transmission for the perpendicular polarization from the reflective polarizer side of the combined polarizer, and high absorption and transmission for light of orthogonal polarization from the dichroic polarizer side. The combination also reduces iridescence as seen in transmission and when viewed in reflection from the dichroic polarizer side. The increased extinction ratio and low reflectivity of the optical polarizer allows use of a lower extinction ratio dichroic polarizer in applications requiring a given extinction ratio and high transmission.

Abstract: A shutter assembly for a trace element detector includes a shutter wheel having at least one window, and a drive mechanism coupled to the shutter wheel, wherein the drive mechanism rotates the shutter wheel to move the window between at least an outlet port of the shutter assembly and a cleaning station of the shutter assembly. The cleaning station includes at least one cleaning jet positioned to apply a cleaning solution to the window when the window is located at the cleaning station. In the preferred embodiment, the shutter assembly further includes a drying station, and the drive mechanism rotates the shutter wheel to move the window to the drying station after the window has passed the cleaning station. The drying station includes at least one gas jet positioned to apply a gas stream to the window when the window is located at the drying station.

Abstract: An air-driven rotating window assembly mountable to one side of a viewing window. The rotating window assembly faces toward the working or weather exposed area and slings off, by centrifugal force, any debris that contacts the rotating window so as to maintain clear visibility through a portion of the viewing window over which the rotating window extends. The rotating window assembly includes a support base and a rotating window rotatably mounted to the support base. The rotating window has an annular frame with propulsion passages therein that receive a flow of pressurized gas substantially tangentially to the frame. The propulsion passages redirect the gas to generate a propulsive force on the frame to spin the rotating window relative to the support base. The gas exits the annular frame through a restricted gap between the support base and the rotating window so as to form an air barrier that prevents debris from passing through the gap.

Abstract: A viewing system for a vehicle has a mirror body protruding from a side of a vehicle, a light collecting element collecting light coming from the a rear field of view of the vehicle, a reflection element for reflecting light collected by the light-collecting element to the inside of the vehicle toward a field of view of a driver, and a rotating unit for rotating the light-collecting element so as to repel water drops adhering to its surface.

Abstract: A portable self-cleaning mirror having a disposable housing within which is located the rotatable reflective surface. A removably attachable reusable motor is combined to provide power to rotate the reflective surface/mirror. The reflective surface is rotated beneath a wiper blade attachment bar with a wiper blade that bisects the reflective surface along a diameter. In one embodiment, the wiper blade is formed in an inverted "Y" shape so that the two branches of the "Y" contact the reflective surface and clean the surface with a leading and trailing contact motion. Additionally, the attachment bar is formed in a sinuous non-linear shape so that a more effective cleansing of the reflective surface is accomplished.

Abstract: An objective has a first group of lenses with a first optical axis and a second group of lenses with a second optical axis. The optical axes are offset from and parallel to one another. A pair of Porroprisms is disposed between the first lens group and the second lens group and serves to rotate images. The Porroprisms cause a shift in optical axis, and the first and second optical axes are spaced from each other by a distance corresponding to this shift. The arrangement is such that light travelling along the optical axis of one lens group can enter the Porroprisms for reflection to the optical axis of the other lens group. The first lens group has negative refractive power while the second lens group has positive refractive power. A rhomboidal prism is located on the side of the second lens group remote from the Porroprisms and functions to cause a shift in optical axis equal but opposite to the shift caused by the Porroprisms.

Abstract: A telescope provided with an automatically opening and closing lens cover which obviates a protective cap attached to the main body. The telescope is provided with a lens hood disposed along a cylinder of the main body in such a manner as to be slidable forward and backward, and two movable lens covers disposed in such a manner as to cover the objective lenses provided at one end of the cylinder. The two lens covers are axially rotatably supported between the objective lenses. A guide pin is attached to the side surface of each lens cover, and a guide groove is provided on the inner surface of the lens hood in such a manner as to be engaged with the guide pin so as to open and close the lens cover by the forward and backward movements of the lens hood. When the lens hood is moved forward and the lens covers covering the objective lenses are opened, thereby enabling observation. When the lens hood is moved backward in this state, the lens covers are replaced to the original position and closed.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle including an extendable mirror for improved rearward viewing is disclosed. Several embodiments of the rearview mirror assembly each comprise a mirror housing, a mirror disposed in the mirror housing, and some structure to allow extension of the mirror between an inboard position and an outboard position. In one embodiment, the mirror assembly includes structure to allow rotation of the mirror between inboard and outboard positions. The mirror may comprise a post disposed in a mirror shell and extending along a longitudinal horizontal axis which extends through a plane defined by the mirror, offset from a central vertical axis of the mirror. In another embodiment, the means for rotating the mirror comprises a pivot part having a shaft disposed in an aperture in the mirror shell, which is disposed along the longitudinal horizontal axis.

Abstract: The improved optical deflector including a rotating shaft that is supported freely rotatable around the body of a motor, as well as an optical deflecting element and a magnet that are both fitted around the rotating shaft is further provided with a turbulence forming member in the neighborhood of the rotating element which is composed of the rotating shaft, the optical deflecting element and the magnet. The air stream generated by the rotation of the optical deflecting element is transformed to turbulences so as to block the development of a "negative" pressure in the space between a stator coil base (fixed member) and the magnet (rotating member). Therefore, the grease can be prevented from splashing in the optical deflector that uses ball bearings; in the case where the optical deflector is of a type that uses a dynamic pressure spindle, the galling of the spindle can be prevented.

Abstract: An air powered motor 10, mounted inside an outer cover 11 to effect the movement of a mirror 12 in one or more axis 35. The pneumatic motor is coaxial with a threaded and pivoted rod 13 and contains a rotor or ring gear 14 with vanes 15 arrayed around the exterior of the gear. Pressurized air is introduced into the motor, against the vanes 15, causing a center piece or gear 16 to rotate about the operating rod 13 attached to a mirror mounting plate 17. As a result, the mirror rotates on its hinge 18. The direction of air flow from the fluid source can be reversed with a control valve, causing the mirror to rotate in the opposite direction. The mirror's rotation about its axis is controlled from a remote location, such as the cab of a large truck, by moving the air control valve.

Abstract: An optical inspection system (10) has an inspection region (20) through which articles (12) pass and are illuminated by illumination (22) provided by an illumination source (30). The source is shielded from the inspection region by a protective shield or tube (32) transmissive of the illumination. A cleaning element (42), such as a plastic string, contacts a major surface (45) of the tube and dislodges contaminants (63) from the major surface as the tube rotates. The cleaning element has an active portion (60) held in contact with the major surface by tension in the cleaning element applied at tension locations (56, 58). The cleaning element describes part of a spiral or helix; it preferably occupies less than about 360 degrees, more preferably between about 30 and about 270 degrees, and still more preferably about 120 to about 240 degrees, of arc measured about the axis of the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus to spin a glass window in front of a camera lens so as to centrifugally throw off water and dirt. The window rotates in a pair of parallel bearing races at its circumference. Impeller blades between the bearing races spin with the window to force air through the bearings and prevent entry of contamination into the bearing races. The apparatus is mounted directly to the camera to isolate the lens from gyroscopic and vibrational forces.

Abstract: A rotating window mounted directly to one side of a stationary, viewing window or panel without the need to cut a hole in the stationary window. The rotating window faces toward the working or weather-exposed area and slings off any water or other debris that contacts the rotating window to maintain clear visibility through the stationary window. The rotating window further comprises a means for drawing air through the area in between the rotating window and the viewing window so that moisture does not collect on and fog up either window.

Abstract: A lithography system employing a solid immersion lens having a spherical surface to enhance its resolution is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a portable water resistent rotating mirror device which may be conveniently affixed to a bathroom wall or placed on a counter surface and which prevents the accumulation of moisture on a rotating mirror in a high moisture environment such as hot showers or saunas. The device comprises a water resistent housing having a generally hollow interior for containing a battery-powered motor which can be activated with a water resistent control switch mounted on a front portion of the water resistent housing. The motor is directly connected to the mirror so that actuation of the motor in turn rotates the mirror at high angular velocities. Attached to the back of the water resistent housing is a suction cup which can be affixed to a vertical wall by compressing the device against the wall. In addition, a pivotal bracket is connected to the lower, rear portion of the water resistent housing.

Abstract: A novel rearview directional control device for a rearview mirror, either a conventional rearview mirror or a self-cleaning rearview mirror, is provided. The present rearview directional control device for a conventional rearview mirror includes a mirror body mounting therein a spherical plain bearing having an inner ring securing therein a sleeve coaxially fixing thereto a mirror disk having a mirror, an eccentrical wheel engaging with the sleeve and having a rotating axis non-parallel to the shaft axis in a manner that when rotated, the shaft axis will be inclined.

Abstract: A rearview mirror includes a mirror body pivotally connecting thereto a securing frame mounting therein a rotatable carrier mounting therein a transparent glass capable of being set in rotation by an energized motor. When the securing frame is held against a door window of a vehicle, the transparent glass will be rotated and enable the driver to clearly see the rearview mirror through the door window and the transparent glass in a rainy or snowy day. The height of the securing frame can optionally be adjusted so that the driver can choose the best angle to see the rearview mirror through the door window and the transparent glass mounted in the securing frame.