Abstract: The invention relates to a changeover system for optical components such as filters, reflectors, polarizers and lens systems in optical equipment, particularly microscopes, a so-called reflector revolving nosepiece. The elements carrying the optical components, the so-called reflector blocks, are held by spring force against precision stops on the revolving nosepiece. For this purpose, the reflector blocks have lateral flanges that are respectively held against precision stop surfaces on the revolving nosepiece, by two respective leaf springs. The direction of the spring forces is mutually inclined, so that an outer edge of the flange is pressed into the interior edge formed on the revolver by two mutually perpendicular surfaces. The invention makes possible a rapid and simple fitting and changeover of reflector blocks without the use of tools.

Abstract: The application describes a holder for attaching a component with outside dovetail carriages to a bearing surface. A pin-like bolt and, next to it, a ssion spring, which is bent away from the bolt under preloading, are attached in front of the bearing surface as interacting holder components. The cross sections, the lengths and the distance between the bolt and the compression spring are adapted to the inner profile of the dovetail carriage. To attach the component, the dovetail carriage is pressed manually by means of the bolt and the compression spring, until it comes into contact with the bearing surface, and is latched in place. The bolt and the compression spring are pressed into the inner sides of the dovetail carriage on both sides by the preloading of the bent compression spring. Advantageously, the compression spring is additionally preloaded toward the bearing surface.

Abstract: A structural unit includes a lens that forms an optical image, a solid state imaging element placed in a predetermined position relative to the lens, and an intermediary supporting member that may be bonded and fixed to each of the lens and the solid state imaging element by an adhesive. Thereby, the lens and the solid state imaging element can be integrated with each other in a state that a positional relation between the lens and the solid state imaging element is maintained.

Abstract: The lens apparatus permits rapid focusing by the operator demanding an autofocus start-up direction to carry out AF in the direction in an AF mode. When a start of the AF mode is instructed, an AF standby state of waiting for the operator to demand the AF start-up direction by operating a focus operation member, thereby permitting the operator to properly demand the AF start-up direction, and permitting the demand to be appropriately detected. When automatically switching from the state where the operator operates the focus operation member to the AF, condition of the switching is that a focus evaluation value exceeds a predetermined threshold based on the operation of the focus operation member, or that an operation amount of the focus operation member is changed more then a predetermined amount, thereby permitting further rapid focusing and improvement of operability.

Abstract: An eccentricity-prevention mechanism includes a pair of lens-supporting rings for supporting a pair of lens groups, respectively; and a pair of positioning recesses and a follower projection formed on one and the other of opposed surfaces of the pair of lens-supporting rings, such that the follower projection engages with one of the pair of positioning recess to define a relative position of the pair of lens-supporting rings with respect to the optical axis, at a mutually close position and at a mutually distant position. At least three pairs of the positioning recesses and at least three follower projections are provided at different positions in a circumferential direction, so that eccentricity between the pair of lens-supporting rings is eliminated when all of the follower projections are concurrently brought into engagement with corresponding positioning recesses.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes front and rear sub-lens groups; front and rear sub-lens group frames for supporting the front and rear sub-lens groups, respectively; a lens frame shift mechanism for causing the front sub-lens group frame and the rear sub-lens group frame to move relative to each other to obtain the mutually close position and the mutually distant position; a first lens group positioning surface provided on the front sub-lens group frame for positioning the front sub-lens group by contacting with a portion of a rear surface of the front sub-lens group; and a second lens group positioning surface provided on the rear sub-lens group frame for positioning the front sub-lens group by contacting with a portion of a front surface of the rear sub-lens group.

Abstract: An optical system capable of reducing trouble in assembly and skew adjustment, comprising first and second optical lenses arranged so that their optical axes coincide or substantially coincide, wherein the first optical lens has a substrate comprised of an optical material, the substrate has a convex portion serving as a convex lens, a flat portion positioned around the convex portion, and an outer circumference portion positioned around the flat portion, a thickness of the substrate at the outer circumference portion is greater than a thickness of the substrate at the convex portion, and the outer circumference portion of the first optical lens and that of the second optical lens are fixed in place by an adhesive so that the convex portion of the first optical lens faces the convex portion of the second optical lens.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a lens frame for supporting a photographing lens group, the lens frame including a guide bore which extends in a direction parallel to the optical axis; a support barrel, wherein the lens frame can be inserted into and removed from a front opening of the support barrel; a rod receiving portion formed inside the support barrel; a bracket detachably attached to a front end of the support barrel; and a guide rod provided on the bracket for guiding the lens frame to move relative to the support barrel in the optical axis direction, the guide rod engaging with the rod receiving portion when the bracket is attached to the support barrel. The lens group frame can be taken out of the support barrel through the front opening when the bracket having the guide rods is removed from the support barrel.

Abstract: A lens barrel having a zoom lens system including a plurality of variable power lens groups which includes a switching lens group having two sub-lens groups which are optically operable in mutually close and distant positions, the lens barrel includes a first sub-lens group frame for supporting one sub-lens group; a second sub-lens group frame for supporting the other sub-lens group; a switching lens group frame for supporting the first and second sub-lens group frames; a shift mechanism for selectively moving the first and second sub-lens group frames in the switching lens group frame to the mutually close and distant positions; and a switching lens group frame moving mechanism for moving the switching lens group frame with the other variable power lens group(s) along a predetermined path to vary the focal length; wherein combined movement of the shift mechanism and the switching lens group frame moving mechanism provides a zoom path for the sub-lens groups.

Abstract: A shift mechanism includes first and second ring bodies which are relatively rotatable; a shift cam surface formed on the first ring body on an end surface thereof which faces the second ring body, the shift cam surface being inclined with respect to a circumferential direction of the first ring body; a follower projection formed on the second ring body for engaging with the shift cam surface; and a rotating mechanism for relatively rotating the first and second ring bodies. The shift cam surface and the follower projection are arranged to move the first and second ring bodies toward and away from each other in the axial direction as the first and second ring bodies are relatively rotated. An annular rib is formed along the circumference of the first ring body outside the shift cam surface over the follower projection of the second ring body.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a lens frame, for supporting a photographing lens group, which have guide bore which extends in a direction parallel to the optical axis; a support barrel including front and rear rod support portions which face each other, with the guide bore provided therebetween; guide rod supported by the front and rear rod support portions by the front and rear ends thereof, respectively, the guide rod being placed through the guide bore and guiding the lens frame to move relative to the support barrel in the optical axis direction; and a coil spring for biasing the lens frame in an optical axis direction, the coil spring provided around the guide rod so as to be positioned between the lens frame and one of the front rod support portion and the rear rod support portion.

Abstract: A zoom lens mechanism includes a switching lens group frame which supports a first sub-lens group frame and a second sub-lens group frame; a shift cam mechanism provided on opposed surfaces of the first and second sub-lens group frames, respectively, the shift cam mechanism causing the first and second sub-lens group frames to move to a mutually close position or mutually distant position; an actuator ring for providing relative rotation between the first and second sub-lens group frames; a receiving surface provided on the switching lens group frame wherein a rear end surface of the actuator ring abuts against the receiving surface; and a biasing device for biasing the first sub-lens group frame toward the actuator ring to force the first and second sub-lens group frames, and the actuator ring against the receiving surface, so that the shift cam mechanism come into contact with each other.

Abstract: A lens barrel having a zoom lens system including variable power lens groups, at least one of which includes a switching lens group having two sub-lens groups, the lens barrel includes a first sub-lens group frame for supporting one of the sub-lens groups; a second sub-lens group frame for supporting the other sub-lens group; a switching lens group frame for supporting the first and second sub-lens group frames; a lens shutter mechanism secured to the switching lens group frame on the image side of the second sub-lens group frame; and a focusing mechanism for making the second sub-lens group frame advance or retreat, with respect to a reference position provided by the lens shutter mechanism secured to the switching lens group frame. The first and second sub-lens group frames are integrally moved along in the optical axis direction via the focusing mechanism.

Abstract: A reduction gear mechanism includes at least first and second axes which extend parallel to each other; one of the first and second axes rotatably supports at least two gears arranged one after the other in the axial direction thereof, and the other of the first and second axes rotatably supports at least one gear, and the gears provided on the first and second axes being engaged with each other in such a manner that the gear supported on one of the first and second axes successively and alternatively engages with the gear supported on the other of the first and second axes.

Abstract: An optical element switching apparatus can switch optical elements, as desired, without interference between the optical element and an object. The optical element switching apparatus comprises a movement member to which a plurality of optical elements are detachably attached and which is supported to be parallel-linearly movable by means of a guide mechanism, a drive mechanism for parallel-linearly moving the movement member, and a guide member for guiding, where the optical elements are to be switched, the optical element to be switched in such a direction as to retreat from the object when the movement member is to be parallel-linearly moved.

Abstract: Proposed is a rearview mirror in which a reflective coating (16) is found on the outer side (12) of a mirror carrier (6). This carrier (6) then, no longer serves for the support of a separate mirror element, for instance, a glass plate or the like and further the carrier (6) is not provided on its own inner surface (14) with the reflective coating (16). In other words, the carrier (6), that is, the material of the carrier (6), need not show any special qualities of an optical nature. Thus, preparatory steps for the machining and finishing of the inner surface (14), such as polishing, before application of the reflective coating (16), which steps are expensive in time and cost, can be dispensed with, since the reflective coating (16) is, in the present invention, directly on the outside (12) of the said carrier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing excessive closure between a retractable tip objective and the stage of a microscope which includes positioning a sensor in the turret of a microscope, which sensor is capable of detecting excessive retracting of the retractable tip into the body of the objective, and providing a controller for monitoring the sensor for such excessive retracting and issuing an alert in response to the detection of an event of such excessive retracting. The alert may be made by way of an audio output, or by a visual cue or both. Extinguishing the lamp of the microscope is a preferred visual cue, as the excessive retracting of the retractable tip is generally caused by a focusing error, and the extinguishing of the light source reduces or eliminates the ability of the user of the microscope to focus the microscope, thus attracting his or her attention.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a rotatable disc 12 which is pivotally 54 mounted onto the front of a disposable camera housing 52 having a plurality of user selectable rotatable lens 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, each having a plurality of facets. Each lens also has a visual symbol 18, 22, 26, 30, 34 associated therewith for easy recognition by the user. Rotation of the disc 12 about its central pivot 54 and rotation of each lens creates numerous artistic accentuations to the photographs of the user.

Abstract: An eye cup moving mechanism of an optical device includes: an eyepiece lens holding barrel that houses and holds an eyepiece lens; an eyepiece outer casing that is capable of sliding against an external circumferential portion of the eyepiece lens holding barrel; and an eye cup cover provided at the eyepiece outer casing. The eyepiece lens holding barrel includes a first regulating member provided at the external circumferential portion thereof; and the eyepiece outer casing includes a second regulating member that comes in contact with the first regulating member to regulate a movement of the eye cup cover along an optical axis of the eyepiece lens.

Abstract: An optical element switching device is provided wherein a plurality of optical elements are held by a guide mechanism for guiding them to move straight or rotate and arranged on a turret, and positioned by a positioning part comprising a spring for pushing a ball into V grooves formed at a rotarys shaft of the turret rotated by a first motor wherein, a selected one of the optical elements is stopped in an optical path (i.e. an optical axis of objectives), and wherein the optical element is moved by a second motor along a direction in which it is guided by the guide mechanism, so that corrections such as adjustment of the contrast and the like are automatically executed at switching operations.

Abstract: A lens unit has an opening to incorporate first and second movable lens frames at a side other than an image side and an object side. The first movable lens frame has a first through hole to slide on a first guide shaft and a second through hole to slide on a second guide shaft. The second movable lens frame has a first through hole and a second through hole one of which slides on a third guide shaft. The length of the first through hole of the first movable lens frame is longer than that of the second through of the first movable lens frame and the length of the first through hole of the second movable lens frame is longer than that of the second through hole portion of the second movable lens frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical lens system (39) which is suitable for use in an optical scanning device (15) for an optical disc player. The lens system (39) comprises a first lens or objective lens (45) and a second lens or auxiliary lens (47) which are mounted in fixed positions in a lens holder (61). The objective lens comprises more than one half of a first spherical lens body (67) having a first diameter (D1), and the auxiliary lens comprises more than one half of a second spherical lens body (69) having a second diameter (D2) smaller than the first diameter. The objective lens and the auxiliary lens are surrounded by, respectively, a first circular cylindrical inner wall (83) and a second circular cylindrical inner wall (85) of the lens holder having a diameter which is substantially equal to the first and the second diameter, respectively. Said inner walls can be provided in the lens holder in very accurate coaxial positions by means of conventional tools.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes an optical element having a light-transmissive surface which is deformed by own weight thereof and/or by being supported, and a plurality of protrusive parts which support the optical element. The plurality of protrusive parts are disposed in such a way as to enable the light-transmissive surface of the optical element to be deformed symmetrically with respect to a plane which includes an optical axis.

Abstract: A telecentric imaging lens system and video camera are mounted above a work support for reciprocation toward and away from an object positioned for inspection on the support. The system includes a lens barrel having therein a plurality of lenses and an adjustable iris diaphragm for projecting an image of an object from a stop opening in the diaphragm to an image inlet end of a zoom lens housing having an image outlet end connected to the camera to transmit the image of an inspected object to an image plane in the camera. The zoom lens housing has therein a plurality of movable zoom lens groups for projecting a magnified image of the object to the image plane in the camera; and the zoom lens groups are adjustable axially of the housing to alter the magnification of the image projected to the camera.

Abstract: A cam mechanism includes a linear guide barrel provided with a linear guide projection at one end thereof, extending radially outwards; a cam barrel fitted on the linear guide barrel, rotatable relative to the linear guide barrel and movable along the optical axis with the linear guide barrel, the cam barrel being provided with a cam groove on an inner surface thereof; a linear guide slot formed on the linear guide barrel extending parallel to the optical axis; at least one lens frame positioned inside the linear guide barrel; a projection formed on the lens frame to be slidably engaged in the linear guide slot; and a cam follower formed on the projection to be engaged in the cam groove. The linear guide projection and the linear guide slot are formed on the linear guide barrel at the same circumferential position of the linear guide barrel.

Abstract: A securing device, for securing a light interception frame made of a resilient material to an end face of a lens frame, includes engagement projections and engagement surfaces provided on the peripheral surface of the lens frame, engagement legs and engagement pieces provided on the light interception frame having a light interception plate portion; wherein the light interception plate portion has an opening through which light can pass. The positional relationship between the plurality of engagement projections and the plurality of engagement legs, and the positional relationship between the plurality of engagement surfaces and the plurality of engagement pieces are such that when the engagement pieces engage with the engagement surfaces in a free state of the light interception frame, no engagement occurs, and the engagement legs are engaged by the engagement projections by elastically deforming the light interception frame.

Abstract: A microscope is capable of changing over a magnification of an objective lens with a simple construction and by a simple changeover operation without operating a focusing handle when observing a sample within a chamber. The microscope includes an objective lens change unit for holding a plurality of objective lenses and selectively disposing the objective lenses on an observation optical path of the microscope. The objective lens change unit has a first objective lens holding member which holds a first objective lens among the plurality of objective lenses, and a second objective lens holding member which holds a second objective lens a working distance of which is shorter than that of the first objective lens. The first objective lens holding member is fixed to the objective lens change unit. The second objective lens holding member is so provided in the objective lens change unit as to be movable in an optical axis direction of the second objective lens.

Abstract: Image sensor packages are fabricated simultaneously to minimize the cost associated with each individual image sensor package. To fabricate the image sensor packages, windows are molded in molding compound to form a molded window array. A substrate includes a plurality of individual substrates integrally connected together in an array format. Image sensors are attached and electrically connected to corresponding individual substrates. An adhesive layer attaches the molded window array to the substrate. The substrate and attached molded window array are singulated into a plurality of individual image sensor packages.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a mold for molding an optical element in which eccentricity of an optical insert can be suppressed as much as possible. In order to achieve this object, in a mold for molding an optical element, which molds an optical element having a curved optical surface on at least one surface thereof by injecting and solidifying a molten resin material, a mold member that forms a cavity surface for molding the optical surface includes a plurality of specular optical inserts that divide the optical surface into a plurality of surfaces. Contact surfaces of the divided specular optical inserts which come into contact with each other have grooves extending from the optical surface.

Abstract: The light beam scanning device has a casing injection molded from magnesium or magnesium alloy as the material. A polygon mirror and a motor are sealed in the inside of the casing and a cover covering the latter. Since the thickness of the magnesium or magnesium alloy material can be reduced, heat generated from a motor is dissipated satisfactorily. Heat dissipating fins are formed to the casing to promote heat dissipation and enhance the strength of the casing.

Abstract: A housing structure for fixedly holding an elongate lens array of rectangular cross section comprises an elongate groove extending along the length of the housing structure and having a width and a depth corresponding to a sectional height and width of the lens array so that the lens array can be fitted therein, and at least one protrusion of thermoplastic resin provided at an open edge extending along the groove to thereby partly define the groove. The protrusion is deformed to radially spread over part of the lens array. As a result, the lens array can be fixedly held in the groove.

Abstract: An optical microscope has a revolver for selectively inserting a plurality of objective lenses including a low-magnification (very-low-magnification) objective lens on an optical axis for observation light. In fluorescence observation using the low-magnification objective lens, the effective diameter of an observation optical system is set larger than that of an illumination optical system. With this arrangement, fluorescence observation using the low-magnification objective lens can be stably performed. A cube unit having a plurality of cubes corresponding to the respective microscopic methods is arranged in the optical microscope. An auxiliary lens serving as a very-low-magnification objective lens is mounted in this cube unit. The auxiliary lens can be automatically used in observation using the very-low-magnification objective lens. With this arrangement, a compact optical microscope excellent in operability can be realized.

Abstract: A stereoscopic objective lens system for video endoscopes and borescopes includes two full-diameter doublets and two lens pairs forming a stereo lens set. A rotatable dual telescope is disposed between the two doublets and the stereo lens pairs, establishing a Galilean telescope associated with each stereo channel. The Galilean telescopes are each rotatable, preferably in convert, to be in or out of alignment with the system optical axis. When out of alignment, the Galilean telescopes have no effect along the optical path. When in alignment, the Galilean telescopes provide an increase or decrease in magnification, depending on orientation of the telescopes. The full-diameter doublets present equal-angle pairs from symmetrically disposed object points to the lenses of the stereo lens pair. This equal-angle property enables accurate object/image mapping onto the final stereo image pair, such that all parts of each left/right image can be mapped to within a fraction of a video pixel to each other.

Abstract: An objective lens switching device of the present invention is a device in which assembly and adjustment in order to correctly position each objective lens on an optical axis are easy and a switching action can quickly be performed with certainty without receiving an influence of a mounting condition of objective lenses or a change in the revolver over time in use. A CPU reads an angular displacement from an angle sensor from a revolution position of a turret outside a detection range of an engagement sensor and issues a command of start braking to a driver when the angular displacement reaches a predetermined given angle. A revolution position of the turret at which the CPU starts the braking is correctly set all the time since the detection range of the engagement sensor and an engagement position of the turret are correctly adjusted.

Abstract: A scanning device for an optical record carrier (1) comprises a high-numerical aperture dual lens objective system (10, 11) for focussing a radiation beam (7) on an information layer (3) of the record carrier. The lens (11) of the objective system closest to the record carrier is tilted by a tilt servo system in response to tilt of the record carrier. The tilt angle of the lens is preferably less than the tilt angle of the record carrier in order to reduce optical aberrations of the radiation beam such as coma and astigmatism.

Abstract: A lens driving device which does not make larger an apparatus in which the device is installed, which ensures a longer span for preventing a tilt of a lens therein, and which allows an easy access to the lens after assemblage is disclosed. The lens driving device includes a stationary board; a lens frame holding a lens group; a moving body like a flat plate one end of which is fixed to the lens frame in which the moving body is slid over the stationary board; and a rod, extending in an optical direction of the lens, which guides the moving body in the optical direction and is driven by a piezoelectric element. In the arrangement, the other end of the flat plate is frictionally held by the rod over a predetermined distance in the optical direction. When the piezoelectric element is supplied with a voltage with a predetermined waveform, the lens frame is driven in the direction of the optical axis by the moving body frictionally engaging the rod.

Abstract: For observing transparent phase objects and the like, an optical microscope is provided with an aperture element 13 and an optical modulation element 14 that creates an image having the detecting sensitivity of the phase contrast imaging technique while simultaneously realizing an image having the three-dimensional sense provided by the modulation contrast imaging technique. In the present invention, the aperture is shaped as an angular segment of a circular ring that is centered on the optical axis and the corresponding optical modulation element includes either a light attenuating phase plate in the shape of a circular ring, or a light attenuating region in the shape of a circular ring with all other regions of the optical modulation element adding a phase retardation to the light passing therethrough.

Abstract: A microscope system for observing an image of a sample at desired magnifications includes a first objective lens having an objective side surface which is telecentric, a focusing lens, disposed in an optical path along which optical rays emitted from the first objective lens travel, for focusing the optical rays and forming a sample image and a second objective lens having a magnification factor different from that of the first objective lens. An interchanging member holds the first objective lens and the second objective lens and is used for placing one of the first and second objective lenses in an observational optical path between the sample and the focusing lens. The inequality 0.29<D/fI<0.40 is satisfied, assuming D to be a parfocal length which equals a distance between a surface of the sample and an attachment plane of the objective lens and fI to be a focal length of the focusing lens.

Abstract: An optical-element supporting device arranged to support and set one or a plurality of optical elements in respective predetermined positions in an optical axis direction, includes ring frames mounted respectively on the plurality of optical elements and each having a plurality of projections protruding in the optical axis direction, and a pinching structure for pinching the ring frames being piled up in the optical axis direction (the pinching structure comprising, for example, a lens barrel member which accommodates the ring frames mounted on the optical elements and leaf springs mounted near an end part of the lens barrel member in the optical axis direction), wherein the projections of the ring frames and respective pinching positions of the pinching structure are axially aligned in parallel with the optical axis direction.

Abstract: The lens switch apparatus of present invention comprises lens mounts, lenses, a carrier, rotating axes, at least one belt, gears, motion mechanisms and the power sources. The lens mounts include the first lens mount and the second lens mount. Several lenses are positioned on the lens mounts. The carrier, on which the above lens and the lens mounts are positioned, serves as the plate to move the lens. The motion mechanism, which further includes the first motion mechanism and the second motion mechanism. The first motion mechanism move the carrier toward the first direction to focus lens properly. Besides, the second motion mechanism move the first motion mechanism toward the second direction to align lens to the optical axis. The rotating axis, which comprises the first rotating axis and the second rotating axis. Through the first rotating axis, the first lens mount is coupled to the carrier. Similarly, through the second rotating axis, the second lens mount is coupled to the carrier.

Abstract: A FLIR system having a refractive FLIR optical configuration including a substantially spherical housing and an optical window disposed in and extending to the outer housing surface. The window aperture diameter exceeds the housing radius and is a near dome-shaped, relatively high dispersive negative lens forming a part of the FLIR optical system and is disposed adjacent a positive relatively low dispersive lens. A first optical system extends to a first housing window for receiving light and is within a hemispherical housing portion comprises an afocal lens system of a first pair of lenses, one lens disposed at a housing wall, a first mirror disposed within the hemisphere and reflecting light passing through the first pair of lenses, a second mirror for receiving the light reflected from the first mirror and reflecting the light along a path parallel to the light impinging upon the first mirror and a further plurality of lenses for transmission of the light reflected from the second mirror.

Abstract: In a microscope such as for the examination of specimens in specimen vessels, a device for changing objectives is provided. The microscope includes at least a first objective. The device comprises an arrangement for providing an operating control so that the at least first objective can be raised and lowered vertically and is displaceable horizontally vertical to an optical axis of the microscope.

Abstract: A main lens 500 and an auxiliary lens 550 are selectively loaded on a lens loading section 601 of a lens moving deck 600. The lens moving deck 600 is movable in a certain direction to selectively set the lens loading section 601 at an exposed position and a retracted position adjacent to each other. A lens storage deck 700 is provided adjacent the retracted position to load the main lens 500 thereon for housing.

Abstract: A device comprising a housing, at least one optical component, such as, for example, a polarizer, contained in the housing, and a base. At least two fixing means are attached to the housing and at least one fixing means is attached to the base. The at least one optical component is fixed at a predetermined position upon mating of at least one of the at least two fixing means attached to the housing with at least one fixing means attached to the base. Such device provides for more precise optical measurements than devices which include optical components that are rotatable through a continuum of angles.

Abstract: This invention intends to provide an optical pickup of which it is possible to limit aberrations within a tolerable limit without incorporating a special device for that purpose even if errors arise in thickness of component lenses of a two-lens system constituting an element of the pickup. This object is achieved by providing an optical pickup incorporating a two-lens system with first and second lenses 13 and 14 being arranged in the following manner: the first lens has a first surface 15 to receive a laser beam radiated from a semiconductor laser and a second surface 16 to direct the laser beam transmitted from the first surface 15 towards the second lens 14; the second lens 14 has a third surface 17 to receive the light flux transmitted from the second surface 16 and a fourth surface 18 to direct the light flux transmitted from the third surface 17 towards an optical disc placed opposite thereto; and the first and fourth surfaces are used as a reference during positioning.

Abstract: A lens for use in a light fixture provided to project a beam of light in a first light pattern having a first cross-sectional geometry. A lenticular lens element is supported in the fixture and movable into a position to interrupt the beam of light for selecting beam shape by altering the first projected light pattern from the first cross-sectional geometry to a second cross-sectional geometry different from the first geometry and for moving the second pattern to a desired orientation. The lens element may be carried by a disc rotatably mounted in the fixture. The disc may carry a plurality of lens elements which can also change the orientation of the projected light patterns.

Abstract: A microscope objective having a plurality of lens assembly holders, one of which is designed as a correction holder (F4) for matching to different cover slip thicknesses and can be moved axially along the optical axis of the objective for position changing between lens assembly holders which are stationary relative to the objective. A cam ring (6) is arranged within the holder support (1) such that it can rotate. The correction holder (F4) is supported by means of a ball (11) or a bolt (24) on its cam (7). A pin (14), which can move radially in a holder support, is firmly connected at its one end to the cam ring (6), and its other end extends into a knurled ring (16). Turning the cam ring (6) by means of the knurled ring (16) changes the support point between the correction holder (F4) and the cam (7) of the cam ring (6), resulting in the correction holder (F4) being moved exclusively in the axial direction.

Abstract: A multi-beam light source unit includes a light source section having a plurality of semiconductor lasers, a plurality of collimating lenses for collimating light beams emitted from the semiconductor lasers, and a supporting member for supporting the plurality of semiconductor lasers and the plurality of collimating lenses arranged in a main scanning direction. There is a relation expressed by D/d.noteq.1 relating to a distance D between adjacent ones of the semiconductor lasers and a distance d of adjacent ones of the collimating lenses, and the light source section is supported so that it can be angularly adjusted so as to change a rotational position of the light source section including the semiconductor lasers and the collimating lenses.

Abstract: An optical apparatus according to the present invention includes a cylindrical holding barrel, a plurality of moving lens frames which are held in the holding barrel such that the moving lens frames are moved back and forth in an optical axis direction, and a cam cylinder fitted on an outer surface of the holding barrel so as to move the moving lens frames. The cam cylinder slides and rotates on the outer surface of the holding barrel, and includes a first cam cylinder and a second cam cylinder each having a cam section on an inner surface thereof, and one end face of the first cam cylinder and one end face of the second cam cylinder are coupled to each other such that the first and second cam cylinders are rotated together.

Abstract: A modular microscope system includes a plurality of stackable housing modules each having a plurality of inwardly pointing protuberances provided with one or more precision stop surfaces thereon for removably mounting and positioning a plurality of prealigned functional element carriers having corresponding precision stop surfaces thereon for engagement with the precision stop surfaces of the housing module protuberances.