Abstract: A reflector element which reflects different colored signals back towards a light source, depending on which side of a center plane the source is positioned, is disclosed. Reflective surfaces parallel to and equidistant from the imaginary center plane face each other. A third reflective surface is adjacent to, abuts, and is perpendicular to the other two reflective surfaces. Optionally, a fourth reflective surface is adjacent to, abuts, and is perpendicular to the other three reflective surfaces. Some or all of the reflective surfaces on one side of the center plane are tinted, and some or all of the reflective surfaces on the other side of the center plane may be differently tinted.

Abstract: A method for making a diffraction grating utilizing a laser source, a beam splitter to split the light from the laser source into two light fluxes, a collimator to convert each light flux into a light flux which is parallel and enlarged in diameter, a mirror to irradiate each light flux on a substrate coated with a photoresist, and a photomask on the photoresist. The use of an intermediate mask and focusing leans enables the formation of a diffraction grating within a limited area. A blazed diffraction grating may be formed by splitting a laser beam into two beams having an increased beam radius, and irradiating a light-sensitive material with the resulting two beams to form an interference fringe.

Abstract: A free floating mount for the holographic disc of a scanner which enables centrifugal force developed by rotation of the disc to bring the disc into perpendicular relationship with the axis of the disc motor shaft and prevent disc wobble, comprising, a first self aligning couple composed of a pin and socket for supporting the disc on the end of the motor shaft, the shaft and disc having coaxial bores therethrough; a tensioning cable assembly extending through the motor shaft and disc bores, one cable segment of the cable assembly being attached to a retaining ball receivable in a socket in the disc, the retaining ball and socket forming a second self aligning coupling; a second cable segment at the opposite end of the cable assembly having a retaining ball attached thereto receivable in a socket in the motor shaft end and forming a third self aligning coupling; an extension spring interconnecting the first and second cable segments to form the cable assembly whereby the motor shaft and disc are biased through

Abstract: A retroreflective laminar sheet assembly comprises base and cover sheets made from flexible synthetic plastic materials, and an array of interposed retroreflective film pieces seated within discrete cells formed therebetween. The sheets and film pieces of different compositions are used to afford a preselected balance of mechanical and optical properties, and the construction is such that distortion is minimized and flexibility of the assembly is maintained. The invention also provides novel methods by which such an assembly can be produced, which may take advantage of inherent or induced cohesive characteristics of the components employed.

Abstract: An exchangeable lens assembly detachably mountable on a camera body having an automatic focusing device is selectively capable of either automatic focus adjustment by the operation of the automatic focusing device or manual focus adjustment by a manual operation. In two of the embodiments, the change-over between the automatic focus adjustment and the manual focus adjustment is made by operation of a change-over member provided on a stationary barrel separately from a manual focusing ring. A driven shaft coupled with a focus adjusting mechanism is disengaged from a driving shaft of the automatic focusing device in the case of the manual focus adjustment. In the remaining embodiments, a manual focusing ring rotatable and axially shiftable relative to a stationary barrel is axially shifted between an automatic focusing position and a manual focusing position for the change-over.

Abstract: An achromatic imaging system employs a diffractive hologram as the primary element. A conventional achromatic optical element, comprising either a refractive lens or mirror, is positioned between the primary element and a second holographic optical element. The holographic and conventional elements combine to form an imaging system characterized by high resolution and light weight.

Abstract: Operating parameters for a multiple facet holographic disc scanner are adjusted on real time basis as a function of the actual diffraction efficiency of the facet region aligned with the impinging laser beam. The operating parameters are adjusted to achieve optimum signal levels independent of facet characteristics. Diffraction efficiency is inversely related to zero order beam power for a given level of input beam power. A photodetector measures the zero order beam power. The output of this photodetector is used to control video amplifier gain and/or semiconductor laser current.

Abstract: A light modulating apparatus in which a plurality of light beams, such as laser beams, having different wavelengths are coaxially introduced into a single light modulator, and the zero-order diffracted lights of the light beams modulated by the light modulator are used as the modulated light beams for image read-out purposes or the like.

Abstract: The method utilizes a multi-faceted holographic optical element, the various individual diffraction gratings of each facet collectively functioning to effect a desired wavefront transformation. In this way, a laser beam can be transformed into a specific pattern, permitting unusually shaped objects to be efficiently illuminated with laser light.

Abstract: The light incident upon a lenticular parallax panoramagram variable aspect display is imaged upon the object field and then distributed in part across portions of the object field outside the images. Adjustment is made for the rate at which the display changes as a function both of the rate of movement of the viewer past the display, and of the instantaneous absolute angular position of the viewer with respect thereto. Adjustments can also be made for parallax, lens circular aberration at off-center viewing angles, differential thermal expansions within the sign, and display changes due to changes in ambient conditions. Each lens element is preferably provided with its own exclusive object field.

Abstract: A system for processing of multifrequency input signals to provide a Fourier transform output is provided which can, for example, partition a wide input frequency band into a number of narrow bands and concurrently detect the presence of one or more signals of different frequency in the input. An array of input wave energy transducers is energized with the broadband signal, and by virtue of progressive shifting of the transducers relative to the propagating medium (such as a surface acoustic wave substrate) generates one or more composite wavefronts dispersed at frequency dependent angles. An array of output transducers are disposed along a focal region, each responding to wave energy within a specific frequency range received at its location due to dispersion of the composite wavefront. Such systems preserve phase coherence while responding to multiple input frequencies, but are compact and mass producible at relatively low cost.

Abstract: A wedge/taper alignment ring is used to hold the objective lens of a laser light pen in place. The ring is free to move in the axial direction under forces of thermal expansion and shock, decreasing distortion and misalignment to the objective. Moreover, it centers the mechanical axis of the objective to that of the housing. A spring with a high restoring force moves the ring back into place.

Abstract: An opto-optical light deflector/modulator has means for providing first and second coherent wave fronts of wavelength (.lambda..sub.0) to travel in a transparent optical active medium to produce an optically generated standing wave that induces a periodic refractive index variation in the medium suitable for diffraction purposes. The device also includes means for providing a third wavefront (.lambda..sub.1) to travel in said medium which is diffracted by the periodic refractive index variation induced by the first and second wavefronts.

Abstract: A hologram scanner includes a rotatable hologram disk on which a plurality of hologram lenses are arranged circumferentially, and a light beam guide mechanism for successively shifting irradiation regions in a predetermined direction with respect to the direction of rotation of the hologram disk, to apply a light beam successively to the hologram lenses on the hologram disk, so that the scanning of a reading window with the light beam is effected in all directions with high density. The hologram scanner is employable as a bar code reading device in a POS or UPC system.

Abstract: A reflective safety belt configured to be worn on a person's torso comprising a pair of continuous loops intersecting each other to form an X shape on the back of the wearer and overlap each other to form an X shape on the chest of the wearer such that the pair of continuous intersecting/overlapping loops cooperatively form a pair of side openings to receive the wearer's arms and an upper opening to receive the wearer's head, the lower portion of each continuous loop forming a substantially right angle to rest on opposite hips of the wearer.

Abstract: A device is adapted for viewing transparencies disposed circumferentially on a disk. It comprises a case (10) adapted to contain a disk (12). A pin (15) is adapted to mount the disk (12) for rotation within the case (10). The disk (12) may be driven in rotation by virtue of at least one peripheral opening (10F, 10G) in the case (10). A pair of windows (10C, 10D) are disposed in face to face relationship and so that the transparencies (13) can move between them. A front member (11B) on one side of the windows is adapted to support an optical system comprising at least one lens (15) in line with and spaced from the windows. A rear member (11C) is adapted to constitute a shank for clipping the device to an article of clothing. The device may be used and worn as a badge, since the front surface of the case (10) may carry any form of inscription or illustration.

Abstract: System holographic optical element 22 has a substrate 24 and developed grating carrying layer 26 and is for use in an optical system. It is exposed from a coherent point source 50 with the aid of a fabrication holographic optical element 40 having a grating layer 44 so that the photosensitive emulsion (i.e., point 38) is exposed both directly from the point source 50 and by reflection from a point 56 in the grating in the fabrication holographic optical element.

Abstract: An adjustable lens holder for use with a computer visual display which is adapted to permit interchanging of different lenses. The lens holder retains a lens, or other optical element, in spaced relation from the screen and is adjustable relative thereto. The space between the lens and the screen may be changed and the lens may be moved from side to side in the device and locked in various angular relationships relative to the face of the screen. The optical element of the present invention may be one or more magnifying lenses, color tinting lens or anti-glare filter. In one embodiment the lens may be a special mask having indicia designed to compliment the programmed visual display.

Abstract: An electrochromic display device comprising an electrolyte held between a pair of substrates, at least one of which being transparent, a plurality of electrodes coated with electro-chemical coloration material formed on at least one substrate, at least a part of the plurality of electrodes composing display picture elements, wherein the display is of uniform density and can be changed only by changing the display between the plurality of electrodes coated with the electro-chemical coloration material.

Abstract: A sunbeam concentrating and collecting apparatus characterized in that a honeycomb or regular n-sided polygonal frame is configured with one or a plurality of regular n-sided polygonal holding frames each of which is respectively formed by coupling a plurality of frame pieces each of which is then provided with at least one or a plurality of angled portions. A lens or lenses are disposed along one end plane of the frame, and the lens or lenses are supported by the adjustable supporting means which are held by said frame.