Abstract: A device (28) is transported into space for transmitting information from space to earth. On the device (28) there is disposed a plurality of reflectors (10) to be distributed in a raster or grid configuration on a framework (11). Of these reflectors (10), certain reflectors (10), which are selected as a function of the information to be transmitted, are brought into a position in which they reflect light beams, emanating from the sun, to the earth (26). The respective information becomes visible to an observer on the earth (26) in that the selected reflectors (10) give a sequencing of light points which corresponds to the information to be transmitted. On the other hand, the reflectors (10) which are not needed to the display of the respective information are in a position, relative to the sun, which does not allow these reflectors (10) to be perceived as light points by the observer on the earth (26).

Abstract: A binocular telescope provided with a pair of left and right lens-barrels respectively containing optical systems, a first guide shaft for supporting these lens-barrels in such a manner that the lens-barrels can slide in a direction perpendicular to the optical axes of the optical systems and can rotate, a second guide shaft for restraining the relative tilt of the lens-barrels around this first guide shaft in such a manner that the optical axes of the left and right optical systems become parallel to each other, a first rib for holding both ends of the first guide shaft by fitting upper and lower covers to each other, and a second rib for restraining the tilt of the optical axes of the entire lens-barrels around the first guide shaft.

Abstract: A non-distorting auxiliary rear view vision enhancing assembly which attaches onto an existing automotive interior main rear view mirror. The assembly comprises an auxiliary mirror shell having a front and back side with a non-distorting mirror placed on the front side, and a connecting arm connected to the back side of the auxiliary mirror shell for attaching the mirror shell to the main rear view mirror. In turn, the connecting arm has a ball joint pivot at substantially one end of the connecting arm and attached to the mirror shell. This provides for angular rotation of the mirror shell in the left and right, as well as the up and down tilt position. A spring loaded clamp is placed at substantially the end of the connecting arm opposite the ball joint pivot, for attachment of the connecting arm and the mirror shell to the main rear view mirror.

Abstract: A cube corner article and method of manufacturing the article from a series of directly machinable unitary substrates. The method of manufacture comprises the first step of providing an initial unitary directly machinable substrate of material suitable for forming retroreflective surfaces. Then, a first cube corner element array zone is formed having a plurality of geometric structures including cube corner elements. The zone is created by directly machining at least two sets of parallel grooves in the substrate. A replica of the cube corner element array zone is formed as an additional unitary substrate suitable for forming retroreflective surfaces. Portions of the replica substrate material are removed. The removal of these portions forms at least two intersecting cavities bounded by side walls in the replica at a depth at least that of the cube corner elements formed by the groove sets.

Abstract: A applied diffusor structure for lightguides fabricated out of a flexible transparent film substrate. The substrate having high resolution complex patterns printed on the surface of the substrate using any high resolution printing process. The substrate affixed to the lightguide using a transparent adhesive or alternatively the substrate is molded to the lightguide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a window tinting apparatus (10) which comprises an outer window (16A) and an inner window (16B) having a window cavity (16C) there between. The window tinting apparatus (10) further comprises a first primary polarized panel (12A) securely affixed to the window (16A, 16B). The first primary polarized panel (12A) comprises a plurality of first primary polarized panel longitudinal polarization lines (12AA) therein. The window tinting apparatus (10) further comprises a secondary polarized panel (14) slidably mounted within the window cavity (16C). The secondary polarized panel (14) comprises a plurality of secondary polarized panel longitudinal polarization lines (14B). The secondary polarized panel (14) further comprises a secondary polarized panel ledge (14A) attached at a distal edge. The secondary polarized panel longitudinal polarization lines (14B) and the first primary polarized panel longitudinal polarization lines (12AA) are parallel to one another.

Abstract: There is provided an array of M.times.N thin film actuated mirrors for use in an optical projection system comprising an active matrix, an array of M.times.N thin film actuating structures, each of the thin film actuating structures including at least a thin film layer of a motion-inducing material, a pair of electrodes, each of the electrodes being provided on top and bottom of the thin film motion-inducing layer, an array of M.times.N supporting members, each of the supporting members being used for holding each of the actuating structures in place by cantilevering each of the actuating structures and also for electrically connecting each of the actuating structures and the active matrix, and an array of M.times.N mirrors for reflecting light beams, each of the mirrors being placed on top of each of the actuating structures.

Abstract: An active anti-glare filter system in the form of a monoblock or solid unit which can be easily inserted into areas of protective helmets and goggles as a replacement or alternate filter includes an active and a passive optical filter elements, electronics which control the active optical filter element and a current supply, preferably in the form of a solar cell, which powers the electronics. Transparent cover plates surround the foregoing elements and are joined together and protected by a jointing mass.

Abstract: An optical variable power module has a movable lens unit slidably mounted on a chassis, such that the lens unit is moved along an optical axis defined thereby, and a movable mirror unit slidably mounted on the chassis, such that the mirror unit is moved along the optical axis of the lens unit. The movable mirror unit has a frame, a pair of supporting plates shiftably attached to the frame, and at least one mirror supported by the supporting plates. The chassis has a pair of abutment faces formed thereon such that the supporting plates can be abutted against the abutment faces. The abutment faces define a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens unit, whereby the supporting plates are shifted with respect to the frame such that the longitudinal axis of the mirror supported by the supporting plates is perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens unit.

Abstract: A power pack for controlling the position of a rearview mirror of an automotive vehicle which is to be mounted within a mirror housing. The mirror housing is shaped to define a cavity. The power pack is connected to a base plate which holds the mirror within the housing cavity. A stationary pivot assembly is connected to the power pack to pivotally couple to the base plate. A movable pivot assembly is connected to the base plate for pivoting the mirror about the stationary pivot assembly. A motor is located within the power pack and is rotatably coupled to a drive shaft. A first portion of the drive shaft has a first set of threads and a second portion of the drive shaft has a second set of threads opposite that of the first portion. A first arm and second arm are coupled to said first set of threads and the said second set of threads, respectively. Each arm is also connected to the moveable pivot assembly.

Abstract: Optical loupes comprise a frame supporting two optical devices, each of which has an ocular and an objective. The frame has side arms or stems and a bridge for enabling the frame to be worn like a pair of spectacles, whereby the optical devices are located immediately in front of the eyes of the viewer. The ocular and the objective each have an optical axis. The optical axis of the ocular and the optical axis of the objective intersect at an angle of about 135.degree., and a Schmidt prism redirects light from the objective to the ocular in each case. A light source is provided on the frame between the optical devices and provides a gradually diverging light beam to illuminate an object being reviewed. The optical axes of the respective objectives converge at the object being reviewed. The loupes allow the user to observe at a level below his or her normal line of sight while maintaining the head in an upright position.

Abstract: A method for improving the resolution and contrast of images associated with coherent recording is presented, which includes conventional reconstruction with a reference wave followed by re-imaging the intermediately formed image through a system based on techniques from confocal microscopy. This method provides the opportunity to bring the benefits of the optical confocal microscope, namely resolution, contrast improvement, and the accompanying three-dimensional visualization, to such diverse imaging regimes as infrared, X-ray, ultraviolet, as well as other wave propagation systems such as seismic, sonar and ultrasound imaging. In addition, through snap-shot acquisition of said coherent recordings, the capability of time resolution may be added, thus adding functionality in wavelength regions where the confocal microscope currently operates.

Abstract: A self-attachable wheel spoke reflector is provided. The self-attachable wheel spoke reflector includes removable from sheet of reflectors. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the material be thermoplastic and most preferably vinyl. Another embodiment is that the self-attachable wheel spoke reflector be adhesive-backed.

Abstract: A cube corner article and method of manufacturing the article from a series of directly machinable unitary substrates. The method of manufacture comprises the first step of providing an initial unitary directly machinable substrate of material suitable for forming retroreflective surfaces. Then, a first cube corner element array zone is formed having a plurality of geometric structures including cube corner elements. The zone is created by directly machining at least two sets of parallel grooves in the substrate. A replica of the cube corner element array zone is formed as an additional unitary substrate suitable for forming retroreflective surfaces. Portions of the replica substrate material are removed. The removal of these portions forms at least two intersecting cavities bounded by side walls in the replica at a depth at least that of the cube corner elements formed by the groove sets.

Abstract: A coating-substrate combination having high specular reflectivity at high temperatures reaching 800.degree. C. in a vacuum is described. The substrate comprises pure nickel metal or a nickel-containing metal alloy such as stainless steel having a highly polished reflective surface. The coating is a layer of silver deposited on the substrate to a thickness of 300 .ANG. to 3000 .ANG.. A 300 .ANG. to 5000 .ANG. protective coating of silica, alumina or magnesium fluoride is used to cover the silver and to protect it from oxidation. The combination is useful as a parabolic shaped secondary concentrator for collecting solar radiation for generating power or thermal energy for satellite uses. The reflective layer and protective coating preferably are applied to the reflective surface of the substrate by electron beam evaporation or by ion sputtering.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing sequential temporal and spatial integration of a collimated non-symmetrical excimer laser beam to optimize the temporal and spatial characteristics of the beam. The temporal integrator comprises a pair of cylindrical lenses spaced along the beam axis by a distance substantially equal to the sum of the focal length of both lenses, and a motor mechanism for rotating the two spaced cylindrical lenses about the beam axis. The spatial beam integrator includes a plurality of prisms distributed about a hollow center, the outlet face of each prism being angled with respect to the body axis of the spatial beam integrator so that portions of the laser beam passing through a given prism are refracted towards the center upon emergence from the outlet face.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to correct and eliminate optical anomalies and geometrical distortions in an intensified imaging system, specifically a night vision system. An image is received from the original objective lens assembly of an unintensified imaging system which, presumably, has been designed to produce images sized in accordance with the image sensor size of its host camera or camcorder. The format matching lens assembly receives the image from the original objective lens system and magnifies it so that it is output onto the entire circular active area of a mechanically inserted image intensifier. Having received an image across its entire circular active area, the image intensifier is able to amplify or intensify the image using the received light without creating any optical distortions. Once intensified without distortion, the image must be still further modified to fit its original format size.

Abstract: A reflective optical system includes, in traveling order of light, a correction plate having an aspherical surface and a reflecting mirror for concentrating the light. An image is formed out of an optical path between the correction plate and the reflecting mirror.

Abstract: A dual action support cylinder placed between a support (2) and a load (1) for applying on said load a nominal force of about 400 to 3900N for a low displacement of less than 1 cm, having a body (1) forming a vessel connected to said support (2) and closed on both sides by a cover (11, 12), said covers and body defining a housing with two chambers (32, 33), each sealed by a flexible membrane (36, 39). The two covers (11, 12) are connected to each other by connecting means (16) comprising ties (45) arranged through the body (10) and the covers (11, 12). The body (10) has a cylinder flange (30, 31) placed on either side of a core member (50) and cooperating with a collar (37, 40) for gripping the inner edge of each membrane (36, 39), wherein the movement of the cylinder is guided by metallic membranes.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved reflector for use in a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) luminaire and a luminaire incorporating such a reflector. The present invention achieves significantly improved light output from a CFL by employing a reflector of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Not only is light output improved over presently employed CFL luminaire reflectors, providing more light and/or allowing for less energy usage, but the luminaire of the present invention also produces a more pleasing light output.