Abstract: A liquid crystal display cell which comprises a pair of polarizers for sealing a liquid crystal mixture. A desirable patterned electrode is formed directly on both of the pair of polarizers, preferably, by means of low-temperature sputtering techniques.

Abstract: A display module comprises a display device for displaying visual information, an electrode disposed on the display device, a circuit board for carrying wiring lines connected to circuit elements for driving the display deivce, and a conductive elastomer body for connecting the wiring lines and the electrode, the conductive elastomer body being placed between the electrode and a curled edge a flange of the circuit board. In a specific form, the display device is a liquid crystal display cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of orientation layers for liquid crystal displays wherein a solution of an organic prepolymer is applied to a transparent substrate, and the prepolymer is then annealed to result in the desired polymer, which is then subjected to an orientation treatment, and has the objective to develop a method of this type in such a manner that it is possible to prepare orientation layers which can be highly stressed thermally and are dimensionally stable, i.e., are not subject to changes of morphological structure even at temperatures of .gtoreq.420.degree. C. For this purpose, the invention employs prepolymers of polyquinazoline diones or polyisoindoloquinazoline diones. The method according to the invention is suited in particular for the preparation of orientation layers for glass solder, liquid crystal displays.

Abstract: A compound represented by the general formula: ##STR1## where X is a halogen atom, an alkyl group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms or a cyano group, and R is an alkyl group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A composition for use in thermally-addressable liquid crystal display devices, comprising a smectic liquid crystal material and a helichromic compound possessing both a chromophoric moiety and an optically-active moiety. The helichromic compound is a circularly dichroic dye capable of propagating incident visible light in a circularly polarized manner so that all polarizations of the incident light are absorbed. The composition comprising the helichromic compound can be utilized in thermally-addressable liquid crystal display devices to provide a display which operates at lower voltages, with faster response times, and higher contrast ratios.

Abstract: Polarization-insensitive optical switch and dual channel carrier multiplexer includes a polarization beam splitter for receiving an input collimated beam which has arbitrarily polarized components, splitting the beam into the two components. One of the components is rotated by a 1/2 wave plate so as to yield a polarized beam which is polarized in the same direction as the other beam. The two polarized beams are then applied to a polarization sensitive interferometric multimode fiber optic switch and modulator. The output of the interferometric multimode fiber optic switch and modulator contains two beams, both polarized in the same direction. One of the beams is rotated ninety degrees by a 1/2 wave plate, and the two mutually perpendicularly polarized beams are then recombined by a polarization beam splitter operated in reverse to yield an output beam containing mutually perpendicular components.

Abstract: A quarterwave retarder prism such as can be used in optical recording has a shape similar to a dove prism, and has three internal reflections, with the retarder prism designed to have the emerging light beam on the same axis or collinear with the entering light beam such that the accumulated phase retardation in the device is one quarterwave over a wide range of wavelengths of light.

Abstract: A variable focus lens system comprising an elastomeric lens structured to undergo shape changes and corresponding focal length changes in a continuous manner over a predetermined range in response to variations in a tensile stress uniformly distributed around the peripheral edges of the lens element. The lens element is preferably structured of silicon rubber materials which are molded around an extensible and contractable annular coil spring arrangement which is utilized to apply the required variable tensile stress.

Abstract: A zoom lens system for use as a copying lens, for example, comprises first to sixth elements arranged in this order from front to rear with a stop disposed between the third and fourth elements. The first element is a positive lens convex to the front and the second element is a negative lens concave to the front. The first and second elements together form a first stationary lens group having negative power. The third element is a positive lens and forms a first movable lens. The sixth, fifth and fourth elements are reverse duplicates of the first, second and third elements. The fourth element forms a second movable lens, and the fifth and sixth elements together form a second stationary lens group. The lens system is axially movable as a unit between fixed image and object planes. The first and second movable lenses are axially movable in response to the axial movement of the entire lens system to vary the magnification of the image. The following three conditions are satisfied.0.4<fV/f.sub.1.0 <0.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting aberrations in prisms in convergent light paths. The prism has a transparent entrance and exit face which are connected by a hypotenuse surface. The effect of adding a wedge-shaped addition is made on one of the entrance or exit faces to create a compensating dispersive spectrum to compensate for lateral chromatic aberration. The hypotenuse surface is formed as a spherically convex surface to produce a compensating astigmatic aberration to compensate for the astigmatic aberration caused by the entrance and exit faces of the prism.

Abstract: A rear conversion lens for a single lens reflex camera, constructed with a front lens group including a positive lens with its surface having a greater curvature facing to the image side, a negative biconcave lens, and a positive lens with its surface having a greater curvature facing to the object side, and a rear lens group including a negative lens, the rear conversion lens being provided between an objective lens and a camera body to extend a composite focal length, and satisfying certain conditions.

Abstract: A Gauss type objective lens system with a high speed of F1.2 for 35 mm SLR cameras is provided. The lens system consists of seven lenses, the object side surface of the second lens being aspheric, and fulfills the following conditions:0.65<Da/Db<1.1B<0 and C<00.55f<R<fwherein: Da represents the sum of axial distance from the object side surface of the second lens to the image side surface of the third lens; Db represents the sum of axial distance from the object side surface of the fourth lens to the image side surface of the fifth lens; B and C represent the aspheric surface coefficients of the fourth degree and of the sixth degree, respectively; f represents the focal length of the whole lens system; and R represents the paraxial radius of curvature of the object side surface of the second lens.

Abstract: An integral optical device is disclosed that is composed of a photosensitive glass having an optical pattern developed therein by a refractive index change due to formation of colloidal metal particles and/or crystalline microphases nucleated by such particles. In a specific embodiment the pattern is composed of at least one transparent lens system having a radial gradient refractive index distribution of prescribed nature.

Abstract: An optical interferometer matrix is described which includes a reference waveguide for optically transmitting a reference signal. The optical interferometer matrix further includes a signal source waveguide for optically transmitting a source signal which has been modulated with respect to the reference signal in response to an applied physical effect. The physical effect may be, for example, thermal, acoustic, hydrodynamic, electrical, electromechanical or magnetic. The reference and signal waveguides are then optically coupled to one another at two different points so that interference between the light in the waveguides occurs under two different phase conditions, with a phase difference between these conditions which approaches .pi./2 radians. In the preferred embodiment, the two points of optical coupling are confined in a small space so that thermal- or pressure-induced differential phase changes of light between the first and second coupling points are negligible.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transferring information relative to a recording medium bend the medium about a first axis and move an information transfer stimulus in an arc over such bent medium about a second axis laterally offset from and extending at an angle to the first axis. These methods and apparatus impart to the bent medium a wave-shaped configuration for accommodating the mentioned arc in a perpendicular plane through the second axis. The wave-shaped configuration may be imparted to the medium with the aid of a guide or roller having a wave-shaped contour.

Abstract: Two crystals, made of acousto-optical material and having their respective extraordinary axes at a predetermined angle to each other, are acoustically excited; and, in combination with a polarizer and an analyzer, the acoustically excited crystals permit the complete transmission or rejection of a preselected narrow band of polarized light in the visible/infrared wavelength region.

Abstract: An assembly of fiber optic couplers of substantially identical form in an integrated array comprising two sets of optical fibers arranged side by side across an arcuate surface, epoxied in place, and lapped to develop mating planar surfaces which expose at least partially lapped portions of the respective optical fibers. Preferably, a launch coupler array is provided in which one set of optical fibers is of smaller diameter than those of the other set and is lapped to a depth sufficient to sever the fiber cores. The two lapped faces are then aligned so that one set of severed ends of the smaller fibers is joined with the exposed core portions of the other set of fibers. Selection of fiber size and lapping of the second set of fibers is performed to develop opposed mating portions of individual fibers which are substantially equal in extent and dimensions.

Abstract: Metallic load-carrying elements (3,23) are helically spun around a central member (1,21) comprising a supporting member or members (9,24) constituting a structure (4,24) which defines at least one passage (6,26) wholly accommodating at least one electrical or optical transmission element (7,27). The transmission element is thereby protected against stresses applied to the load-carrying elements. The central structure is radially and longitudinally self-supporting. The central member (1,21) is formed by causing the supporting member or members (9,24) and the transmission element or elements (7,27) to converge to a point from which the central member (1,21) is withdrawn continuously. The load-carrying elements (3,23) are subsequently applied to the central member (1,21). Cables of practically unlimited length can be produced.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing an incoherent optical Fourier transform inclu a source of incoherent light, means for generating and phase modulating a first zone plate, a second zone plate, means for detecting incoherent light processed by the apparatus, and means for filtering the output signal, thereby discriminating between the Fourier transform signal and background constant or bias signals. A method for performing incoherent optical Fourier transform is also disclosed.

Abstract: An external rear view mirror for motor vehicles, with a shell-shaped housing for receiving a mirror body which is preferably adjustable from the vehicle interior. The freely projecting part of the mirror housing is pivotably mounted on the housing base, and the gap between the freely projecting part on the one hand, and the housing base on the other hand, is adapted to be bridged by a flat seal. One edge of the seal is securely clamped, while the other edge engages releasably in, and is capable of being lifted from, a groove.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens for the correction of presbyopia having a progressive power surface generated by the line of intersection of an ordered sequence of intersecting spheres and cylinder surfaces, the cylinder surfaces being so chosen as to produce a uniform distribution of aberration and optical power for gently curving smooth optical effect.

Abstract: An ophthalmoscope for observing the fundus of an eye includes a casing, a light source for illuminating the fundus, lens means for viewing the illuminated fundus, electrical energy producing means for providing electrical energy to the light source and means electrically connecting the electrical energy producing means and the light source, the electrical energy producing means being supported on, extending substantially completely around and substantially conforming to the outer surface of the casing. Desirably, the electrical energy producing means is a battery having at least one battery section, each battery section including at least two substantially annular contact members and a plurality of battery cells arranged in spaced relation and disposed between and electrically connected to the contact members. The cells within each battery section are electrically connected in parallel and adjacent battery sections are electrically connected in series.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which functions with a scanning arrangement including a charge coupled device (CCD) scanner and an analog-to-digital converter to digitize documents for storage, display and transmission to a remote location. The apparatus is attached to the scanner and consists of a reticle with a site pattern thereon, a lens arrangement and a lamp which are used to position a document for scanning. Prior to scanning the document the lamp is briefly energized to project the pattern onto an easel on which the document is placed, and the portion of the document on which the pattern is projected is the portion that will subsequently be scanned by the scanner.

Abstract: The electromagnetic shutter consists of a plurality of shutter sectors made of plastic material, printed electric coils operatively coupled with the shutter sectors, and permanent magnets fixed to the shutter at positions where the permanent magnets cooperate electromagnetically with the printed electric coils, respectively, so that, when electric current is supplied for a predetermined time period to the printed electric coils, electromagnetic force is generated by the printed electric coils so as to open the shutter sectors for the predetermined time period and thereafter closed to complete a required exposure. The printed electric coils are formed on the shutter sectors or on a sector ring coupled with the shutter sectors by vacuum evaporation of metal or by sticking a foil of metal.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a movable member and means for mounting the movable member for movement along a given path. The mounting means defines a surface adjacent the given path. For generating repelling magnetic forces which act on and between the movable member and the surface so as to facilitate relative movement therebetween, there is provided permanent magnetic fields in operative relationship with the surface and the member.

Abstract: Photographic exposure parameter indicating and setting accessory mechanism for a lens shutter housing, e.g. of a professional or studio camera, having a manually operatable exposure parameter setting device, e.g. an exposure time setting device, which in one embodiment contemplates a carrier directly mountable, e.g. removably, in simple manner on the housing, a guide plate mounted, e.g. releasably, on the carrier and a pointer lever pivotally and relatively movably guidedly mounted on the plate and having a pointer for pointing to a setting scale, e.g. time scale, on the plate and a connecting portion for articulated, e.g. removable, connection of the lever to the, e.g. time setting, device, and which in another embodiment further contemplates a slide slidably guided on and movable relative to the carrier and having a setting scale, e.g. diaphragm aperture scale, to which a pointer on the carrier points and a connecting portion for articulated, e.g.

Abstract: A twin camera shoulder carry stabilizer device comprising a shoulder stock having mount means on opposed surfaces thereof for supporting opposed cameras. The forward part of the device can be rotated axially to bring either of the two cameras into immediate upright operative position respective to the photographer. Brackets are provided for holding the cameras and may be adjusted forward or backward according to the requirements of the photographer. Each camera is triggered by its own individual flexible release cable in the manner similar to a rifle trigger.

Abstract: A camera mounting system which allows photographs to be taken from inside a surveillance or observation vehicle, with unlimited horizontal camera traverse, and an improved field of view. The mounting system comprises an assembly which fits into a hole in the roof of a vehicle or the like, and has a telescoping cap portion which, when in its retracted position, covers the hole, and also extends outwardly from the roof. A camera mounting bracket is releasably attached to the cap portion and has a mirror angled to reflect light from outside the vehicle to a camera mounted on the bracket. The bracket is rotatable within the hole.

Abstract: Processing apparatus for spreading processing fluid uniformly over photochemical layers on one or more photographic sheets by progressive pressure applied by rolling surfaces provided on large diameter calendering members. To achieve the large diameter rolling surface, the calendering members are defined by cylindrical sectors having a circumferential length corresponding to the length of sheets to be processed and supported by means effective to bring the respective cylindrical surfaces of both members into contact with opposite sides of the processed sheets. In one embodiment, the calendering members are semi-cylindrical, whereas in another embodiment the members are quadrants of cylinders.

Abstract: A photographic film assemblage including a cannister for housing a film cassette, a film cassette having a film spool rotatably supported therein, and a length of self-developing type film coiled about the spool with one of its ends secured to the spool and its other end extending to the exterior of the film cassette for subsequent attachment to a film take-up member of a camera. Also located within the cannister is a chamber containing a supply of processing fluid. After the film has been exposed and rewound into the cassette, the film cassette is reinserted into the cannister. The supply of processing fluid is then permitted to flow from the chamber and into contact with the film in the film cassette where it initiates formation of visible images within the film.

Abstract: A coupling device for transmitting torque from a first film transporting rack to a neighboring second film transporting rack in a developing machine has a first shaft extending outwardly from a sidewall of one of the racks, a second shaft which extends outwardly from one sidewall of the other rack and is movable into axial alignment with the first shaft, first and second gears on the respective shafts, and a sleeve having an internal gear which is in permanent mesh with one of the gears and is movable axially into and from mesh with the other gear. The sleeve has internal elastic prongs which extend into a circumferential groove of the shaft for the one gear when the internal gear meshes with the other gear.

Abstract: An improved X-Ray film holder apparatus for restrainably maintaining a plurality of X-Ray films in position within conventional developing and chemical processing tank insert trays. A holder fixture with upper and lower ends embodies a plurality of film holder members having an alternating series of substantially trapezoidal shaped flanges and recesses to describe a plurality of notched regions into which opposite edges of X-Ray films may be restrainably inserted and positioned. Pairs of aligned film holder members serve to restrain each one of the plurality of X-Ray films and handle means are operably positioned along the fixture for cooperation with the chemical processing insert tray. The flanges themselves and/or the upper and lower ends of the fixtures are shaped to preclude the inadvertent contact of supporting articles with any portion of the bowed films restrained in place within the film holder apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic exposure control camera is of a type capable of controlling both the camera exposure and the flash light amount to be emitted by an electronic flash device. The automatic exposure control camera includes an average light measuring device for measuring an amount of the entire light impinging on an image forming plane and for producing an average signal representing the average light amount, and a spot light measuring device for measuring an amount of light impinging on a spot of the image forming plane and for producing a spot signal representing the light amount at the spot.

Abstract: An exposure control circuit associated with TTL automatic electronic flash includes a diaphragm control circuit. When the electronic flash is mounted on a TTL direct photometry camera capable of photometry of reflection from a film surface in order to take a picture with the aid of the electronic flash, the diaphragm control circuit assures the emission of light from the electronic flash in a reliable manner, by automatically establishing a diaphragm value between a given diaphragm value and a minimum diaphragm value, the established diaphragm value assuring a proper exposure with an exposure period which is closely synchronized with the operation of the electronic flash.

Abstract: In an automatic diaphragm stop down operation square wave pulses are generated, the number of which represents the extent of diaphragm stop down. Short pulses are generated responsive to the leading and trailing edges of the square wave pulses. The short pulses are counted. After a predetermined number of short pulses are counted, diaphragm stop down is arrested. In one embodiment, when a periodic input signal representative of the extent of diaphragm stop down rises above a first threshold, the square wave pulses are produced at a first level and when the input signal drops below a second threshold lower than the threshold, the square wave pulses are produced at a second level.

Abstract: A photographic finder camera adapted to use interchangeable photographic lens objectives and having a photoelectric detector system for measuring the light flux passing through the photographic lens objective employed in each case. At least one movably mounted optical component is disposed in the camera housing which component directs at least a part of the light flux coming from the object to be measured and passing through the lens objective to the photoelectric detector system. Control means are provided to selectively move this optical component into the measurement position in the beam path of the camera lens objective and depending on the actuation of the shutter, to transfer the optical component into a non-use position.

Abstract: A magnetic toner developing device for developing images on a photoconductive sheet. The device includes a magnetic developer roller brush for applying a single component toner to the sheet. An electrically isolated guide plate extends beneath the developer roller brush in close proximity thereto and supports the sheet in its travel through a development zone formed between the developer roller brush and the guide plate. The guide plate is electrically isolated from a support frame to eliminate electrostatic clamping of the sheet to the guide plate.

Abstract: An indirect electrostatic printer is characterized in that the intermediate medium in the form of a dielectric tape (1) is mounted in an open loop defined by a supply reel (2), an auxiliary roller (4) over which its path doubles back and a take up reel (3), and in that said auxiliary roller (4) and an associated pressure roller (14) define a combined station (7) for simultaneously transferring and fixing the image on the final medium which is in the form of individual sheets (8), and said auxiliary roller and said pressure roller constituting, together with said tape (1), means for conveying the sheets to a copy delivery station (15).

Abstract: An optical input and output device which includes laser beam generating means, a photo-conductive drum to be formed with an electrolatent image according to the intensity of a laser beam, scanning means for simultaneously deflecting and distributing the laser beam between the surface of a sheet of paper written with a picture image to be received and the surface of the photo-conductive drum to irradiate and linearly scan the respective surfaces, and photoelectric converting means made receptive of the laser beam reflected from the paper surface thereby to convert it into an electric signal.

Abstract: A memory stores values representing distances from a predetermined reference position to positions corresponding to a plurality of selectable reduction/magnification factors. Upon the selection of a desired reduction/magnification factor, the current and desired positional values, both referenced to the predetermined reference position, are compared to obtain a signal representing the distance and direction which the optical system must be moved.

Abstract: In an image making system for forming a combined image on a recording medium on the basis of an optical image having scanned an original resting on an original carriage and an information image provided by a light beam controlled by an information signal, an optical image application termination timing is made constant with the scanning termination side of the original carriage as the original placement standard, and an optical image application start timing and an information image application timing are set on the basis of said standard to thereby effect the control of image making.

Abstract: A pattern generator for integrated multilayer circuits, comprising a light source (SLI) for each one of the layers, at least one associated reticle (RETMI) bearing patterns to be reproduced thereon and which is transparent to light, and optical means (MPI) for projecting and focusing the image of the patterns on the layer. The generator is characterized in that with a polarizer (POLI) being connected to the source, the reticle comprises a thin layer (GRI) of magnetooptical material with a magnetization which is at right angles to its surface, the image not the patterns being restituted by a light meter (ANALI).

Abstract: A distance measuring apparatus projects a light beam toward an object whose distance is to be determined. Reflected light from the object is divided into a pair of light components by a beam splitter. The intensity of one of the light components is detected by first light intensity detector. The other light component is subject to an alteration in intensity in accordance with an angle formed between the illuminating light and the reflected light, and the intensity of the said other light component is detected by second light intensity detector. The outputs from both detector is fed to a circuit, which derives information indicative of a distance to the object being determined.

Abstract: In a distance measuring apparatus in accordance with the present invention, a light beam of a wide solid angle is projected on a photographic object by means of a strobo light source, and reflected rays are received by a photoelectric device array which has a predetermined number of photoelectric devices each with narrow directivity which are comparable to solid angles necessary to see the object from the photoelectric devices disposed with their optical axes at predetermined angular pitches. When the output of a photoelectric device, which is issuing maximum amplitude output, is selected by means of a maximum value detector circuit, and a distance signal is discriminated from background noises such as sun light or electric illumination light by passing through a differentiating circuit, and then being processed by a function circuit and fed to a lens driving system or indicator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for authenticating documents such as government notes and currency, stock certificates, and the like by marking the document with an encapsulated dyed liquid crystal material and examining the document for unique optical characteristics of the mark. Reading apparatus for the document measures changes in reflectivity of the liquid crystal mark with changes in an electrical field applied thereto. In other embodiments, reflectivity is measured at a plurality of different wavelengths. In one embodiment, the dye absorbs in regions of the electromagnetic spectrum "invisible" to the human eye and the reading apparatus monitors reflectivity changes at these invisible wavelengths.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring refractive properties of transmissive elements such as ophthalmic lenses, including a mirror or deflective surface supported for adjustable movement in X and Y directions in order to deflect a light or other beam onto a detector which provides an output proportional to the deviation of the deflected beam from a null point when a lens or other transmissive element is positioned in the beam path; the output being arranged to drive a pair of servomotors, each coupled to a potentiometer connected to electrical circuits for indicating the position of the mirror or deflective surface in the X and Y directions and in conjunction with the light detector output, to return the deflected beam to the null point; simultaneously varying the resistance of the coupled potentiometers whereby the voltage output of the electrical circuits indicate refractive properites of the lens/transmissive elements.

Abstract: A ring laser gyroscope includes a laser ring having at least three reflective surfaces. At least one of the reflective surfaces is partially reflecting and partially transmissive for removing a portion of the laser light within the ring, and for directing the removed light onto an output detector. Optical elements are provided for displacing the light directed on the output detector in a fashion by which a portion of the light from one of the counter rotating beams only partially overlaps the light from the other beam. A detector is provided for detecting the intensity of each of the counter rotating beams from the nonoverlapping beam portions on the detector and for detecting the fringe motion of the interfacing beams produced by the overlapping portions of the beams on the detector.

Abstract: A single-coupler guided-wave passive resonant-ring optical gyro system responsive to a coherent light source including: an optical-fiber resonant ring, a single directional coupler that serves as an input for exciting clockwise and counterclockwise traveling wave resonances in the resonant ring and serves as an output for extracting the ouput signals representative of those resonant traveling waves; switching means for selectively alternately applying the light waves from the coherent light source to the clockwise and counterclockwise inputs of the single directional coupler; means for separating the resonant frequencies of orthogonal polarization states of the resonant ring; means for tuning the frequency of the input light waves to the resonant frequencies of the resonant ring; and means for sensing the output signal representative of the clockwise and counterclockwise waves.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus to process pizza dough. The apparatus includes a platform to support the dough to be processed, and further includes a platen having finger-like projections positioned to operatively come in contact with the dough. The platform and platen are caused to oscillate relative to one another along an axis perpendicular to the dough support surface, and also move rotationally relative to one another in a plane parallel to the dough support surface. The motion of the platform and platen is in a predetermined timed relationship to cause the projections to engage and process the dough.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing viscous substances or substances which can be made viscous during processing has a casing, in whose bore is arranged a rotatable disk rotor, which comprises a shaft provided with disks. The disks only have a limited clearance relative to the bore wall and define between them a chamber, which has an outlet in front of a damming-back point. In order to provide a self-cleaning construction of the disk rotors and particularly the damming-back points, at least two disk rotors are arranged in axially parallel, partly interpenetrating bores. The disks of one disk rotor project into the chambers of the other disk rotor and the outer circumference thereof is substantially clearance-free with respect to the shaft.