Abstract: An alt-az mount for supporting and orienting optical instruments comprises: a generally horizontally extending arm coupleable to a level surface by an azimuthal pivot joint which permits pivotal movement of the horizontally extending arm with respect to the level surface about a vertical azimuthal axis; a generally vertically extending arm pivotally coupled to the horizontally extending arm by an inter-arm pivot joint which permits pivotal movement of the vertically extending arm with respect to the horizontally extending arm about a vertical inter-arm axis; and an instrument coupling mechanism for coupling the mount to an optical instrument, the instrument coupling mechanism comprising an altitude pivot joint which permits pivotal movement of the optical instrument with respect to the vertically extending arm about a horizontal altitude axis.

Abstract: A continuously angle-adjustable multifunction tripod is provided. The continuously angle-adjustable multifunction tripod includes a connecting base, at least three legs, an adjusting cap, and a supporter. The adjusting cap and the supporter are disposed on and under the connecting base, respectively. Each of the legs is peripherally distributed around the supporter. Upper ends of the legs are movably connected to the connecting base. Distances between the adjusting cap, the connecting base and the supporter are adjustable along a vertical direction, and can be relatively fixed at anywhere therebetween. Meanwhile, a bottom of the adjusting cap and the supporter clamp and fix the legs, so that an angle of each of the legs relative to the horizontal plane can be arbitrarily adjusted in a range from 0° to 90° in accordance with variations of relative positions of the adjusting cap, the connecting base, and the supporter.

Abstract: A continuously angle-adjustable multifunction tripod is provided. The continuously angle-adjustable multifunction tripod includes a connecting base, at least three legs, an adjusting cap, and a supporter. The adjusting cap and the supporter are disposed on and under the connecting base, respectively. Each of the legs is peripherally distributed around the supporter. Upper ends of the legs are movably connected to the connecting base. Distances between the adjusting cap, the connecting base and the supporter are adjustable along a vertical direction, and can be relatively fixed at anywhere therebetween. Meanwhile, a bottom of the adjusting cap and the supporter clamp and fix the legs, so that an angle of each of the legs relative to the horizontal plane can be arbitrarily adjusted in a range from 0° to 90° in accordance with variations of relative positions of the adjusting cap, the connecting base, and the supporter.

Abstract: A telescopic tube includes an upper section tube and a lower section tube that are provided coaxially with each other. A plurality of connecting rods is provided between the upper and lower section tubes in parallel to the axis of the tube. Via the connecting rods, the upper section tube or the lower section tube can slide telescopically in the axial direction of the tube, thereby extending or retracting the tube.

Abstract: A telescopic tube includes an upper section tube and a lower section tube that are provided coaxially with each other. A plurality of connecting rods is provided between the upper and lower section tubes in parallel to the axis of the tube. Via the connecting rods, the upper section tube or the lower section tube can slide telescopically in the axial direction of the tube, thereby extending or retracting the tube.

Abstract: An optical imaging system incorporates a beam splitter, which is moveable to a beam-splitting position where the beam splitter intercepts the light on an input optical path and a non-beam-splitting position where the beam splitter is located outside of the input optical path. The beam splitter includes a body penetrated by an aperture and a reflective surface surrounding the aperture. When the beam splitter is located in the beam-splitting position, a portion of the light in the optical path is transmitted through the aperture and a portion of the light in the optical path is reflected from the reflective surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical components for reversing and inverting images, and to methods of manufacturing them accurately, robustly and cost-effectively. The method includes optical contact bonding a first optical element and a second optical element and adhesively bonding the first optical element and the second optical element. Adhesively bonding might include forming a notch into the second optical element and depositing a bead of adhesive into the notch, such that the adhesive adheres to both the notch and the first optical element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilizing an optical tube on a base wherein a tension adjuster adapted to adjust the tension between the optical tube and sideboard of the base is secured between a the optical tube and the sideboard. By turning the tension adjuster, tension can be added or reduced to stabilize the optical tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilizing an optical tube on a base wherein a tension adjuster adapted to adjust the tension between the optical tube and sideboard of the base is secured between a the optical tube and the sideboard. By turning the tension adjuster, tension can be added or reduced to stabilize the optical tube.