Abstract: An objective head for a fiberscope fabricated (cast or molded) from optically clear plastic having lenses molded integrally with the head to form a single piece-part and method of fabrication.

Abstract: An autofocus mechanism for a microscope comprises an arrangement of optical elements aligned along a single optical path. The arrangement includes a single illumination source which provides both a viewing component and a positioning component. Included in the autofocus arrangement are optical elements to eccentrically reference the positioning component for determining the focus condition of the instrument. The autofocus arrangement also includes a detector for determining the degree of eccentricity of the measuring ray and to make adjustments in the microscope according to this eccentricity to bring the viewed object into focus.

Abstract: An endoscope has an eyepiece with an optical system (16) comprising a series of lenses (18) housed in a sleeve (20) which is movable longitudinally in the endoscope casing for focusing an image. An adjusting ring (26) is rotated to adjust the position of the sleeve (20), to focus the image for viewing by the eye. For viewing of the image by a camera, an adaptor (38) is fitted on the end of the endoscope eyepiece. The adaptor (38) has a slot (44) which receives a fixed projection (36) and a movable projection (30) on the adjusting ring (26). Rotation of the adaptor (38) rotates the ring (26) and thereby shifts the sleeve to a predetermined longitudinal position suitable for viewing of the image by a camera.

Abstract: A circuit and method for converting signals from a photoelectric image sensor into digital signals containing information as to a characteristic of the sensor signals. The photoelectric image sensor provides output pulses having characteristic determined by the manner in which light is incident thereon and this, in turn, is determined by a light influencing medium in an optical path between a light source and the image sensor. In particular, the peak amplitude of each signal from the sensor is determined and then converted into a digital signal containing information as to the peak amplitude. This is accomplished by detecting the rise of each sensor signal to a peak amplitude and then holding a signal level corresponding to the peak level of the sensor signal as the sensor signal falls in amplitude for a time at least equal to the time for acquiring or converting into the digital signal.

Abstract: A circuit for operating and controlling optical apparatus for viewing an object and making a photographic record thereof and having an illuminating light source and a photoflash light source, the circuit including a pulse width modulator for operating the illuminating light source, a flyback converter circuit and capacitor charging and discharging circuit for operating the photoflash light source, a clock pulse source connected to the pulse width modulator and the flyback converter for operating the same, and a delay circuit for allowing the optics to settle before operation of the photoflash. An energy level control circuit monitors the capacitor voltage and stops application of clock pulses to the flyback converter when the capacitor voltage reaches a desired value. A first visual indicator signals when the desired capacitor voltage is reached, a second visual indicator signals a certain condition in the apparatus, and a circuit gives priority to operation of the second indicator.

Abstract: A four-component microscope objective has a numerical aperture of 0.66. When used with a telescope objective as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,355,234, the objective provides a magnification of 40X and is well corrected for the usual chromatic image aberrations, spherical aberration, coma and astigmatism.

Abstract: A refractor optical system having a new series of spherical and cylinder lenses substantially eliminates the irregular occurrence of additive errors when lenses spaced from the reference plane are used or more than two lenses are combined and permits correction for the significant additive errors by non-additive lens selection is disclosed.

Abstract: A glass faceplate having a central area of required useful diameter surrounded by a narrow ring of opaque glass and an outer glass mounting flange. Light entering the flange or ring is prevented from reaching the central area as stray light or glare in the system and spurious reflections at the interface of the ring and central area are minimized by a refractive index match of the two innermost glasses.

Abstract: A glass faceplate having a central area of required useful diameter surrounded by a narrow ring of opaque glass and an outer glass mounting flange. Light entering the flange or ring is prevented from reaching the central area as stray light or glare in the system and spurious reflections at the interface of the ring and central area are minimized by a refractive index match of the two innermost glasses.

Abstract: A flexible image-conducting bundle of optical fibers is produced by juxtapositioning and drawing a multiplicity of glass-clad glass fiber preforms and interstitial rods of leachable glass. The drawn assembly is cut to desired length and interstitial glasses are leached from the intermediate portion of the cut piece.

Abstract: A tonometer with an improved objective unit containing a fluid discharge tube having a portion thereof extending into a plenum chamber enhances the consistency of repeated regulated air discharges. The consistency is further enhanced by texturizing the inner wall of the discharge tube. Since the discharge tube extends into the plenum chamber, the objective unit can have substantial interchangeability with other tonometers.

Abstract: A five-component 40x microscope objective having a plano-convex positive doublet as the third element providing sufficient color correction to permit classification as a semi-apochromatic objective is disclosed.

Abstract: A fiberscope objective having an oscillating lens element which causes images formed by the objective to scan across a receiving end of an image-transporting fiber bundle for increased image resolution and bundle blemish suppression. Synchronous scanning of the opposite bundle end renders transported images stationary for viewing.