Abstract: A side shield for eyeglasses includes a metal foil shape-retentive member sandwiched between a neoprene base layer and an ornamental fabric cover layer. The shape-retentive member includes first and second arcuate lobe ends connected by a reduced width medial neck portion. Two pair of slits formed through the base and cover layers on opposite sides of the medial neck portion allows the shield to be slipped onto a temple region of an eyeglass earbow, without contact between the shape-retentive member and the earbow, and thereafter deformed to a custom configuration by a user to block peripheral light and wind. In a method of making the side shields, a plurality of preformed shape-retentive members are laminated to a neoprene base sheet. A fabric cover sheet is then laminated in overlying relation to the shape-retentive members and the base sheet to form a three layer laminate sheet.

Abstract: A lens (10) that substantially blocks horizontally polarized light and selectively blocks wavelengths between 300 and 549 nanometers. The selective blocking is controlled by a sharp cut-on filter (14) selected to cut-on at either 450, 500, 515, 530, or 550 nanometers. The specific blocking and cut-on point selected is dependent upon the ultimate usage/environment of the lens (10). If a 450 cut-on filter is selected, wavelengths between 300 and 449 nanometers are blocked before a cut-on occurs at 450 nanometers; similarly, a 550 cut-on filter blocks wavelengths between 300 and 549 nanometers before a cut-on occurs at 550 nanometers. The lens (10) also allows 30 to 40 percent of wavelengths over 625 nanometers to be transmitted. The filter (14)in combination with the polarizer (16) blocks harmful Ultraviolet radiation and blue light.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connector for use in connecting a lens to an earstem, comprising a main body which contains a hinge end and a lens receiving end. The connector contains a channel for receiving a portion of the lens. The pivot end of the channel contains a recess whereas the locking end of the channel contains a projection. The hinge end of the connector is attached to the earstem by a releasable pin connection. The lens is connected to the connector by inserting a lens into the channel where the lens is pivoted at the pivot end and then the connector is snapped down to cover over the top edge of the lens. Variations, component parts, and a wire frame dual lens detachable component system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Liquid crystal sunglasses indicating overexposure to UV-radiation comprising a pair of liquid-crystal lenses (12 and 14) a rim (10), a bridge portion (14) which support the lenses, and a pair of temples (18 and 20) which supported by the rim. The rim (10) supports a pair of solar cells (28 and 30) and a dual-photodetector sensor (26) which can separately measure an incident UV-A radiation and a UV-B radiation and convert these radiations into electric signals. The sunglasses's rim also incorporates a microcontroller (36). The lenses have a laminated structure composed of a color mask (43), an input polarizing plate (44), a liquid crystal cell (50) sandwiched between a pair of voltage-controlled active matrices, and an output polarizing plate (46). Each active matrix consists of a plurality of sets of pixels which control the transmission of light through the respective color cells of a mosaic mask. The microcontroller also incorporates a frequency generator (104) and a memory unit.

Abstract: Facial protective wear including a facial shield member having a substantially transparent portion for allowing visible light to pass to the wearer's eyes and a support coupled to the facial shield for supporting the facial shield on the wearer's head. The facial shield member further has a nose protective portion extending over and protecting substantially the wearer's entire nose from in front of and from above and preferably has side portions protecting the wearer's eyes in a direction from the sides of the wearer's head. The facial shield member transparent portion preferably substantially prevents ultraviolet solar radiation from reaching the wearer's eyes and facial features, such as the nose and cheeks, and also from reaching the eyes in a direction from the sides of the head. The facial protective wear also can be used to protect the wearer from the wind and from injury due to flying objects. Various embodiments are described, including embodiments that clip onto existing eyewear or headware.

Abstract: Facial protective wear including a facial shield member having a substantially transparent portion for allowing visible light to pass to the wearer's eyes and a support coupled to the facial shield for supporting the facial shield on the wearer's head. The facial shield member further has a nose protective portion extending over and protecting substantially the wearer's entire nose from in front of and from above and preferably has side portions protecting the wearer's eyes in a direction from the sides of the wearer's head. The facial shield member transparent portion preferably substantially prevents ultraviolet solar radiation from reaching the wearer's eyes and facial features, such as the nose and cheeks, and also from reaching the eyes in a direction from the sides of the head. The facial protective wear also can be used to protect the wearer from the wind and from injury due to flying objects. Various embodiments are described, including embodiments that clip onto existing eyewear or headware.

Abstract: Protective eyewear including an elongated strap member, at least a portion of the strap member being elastic, a pair of lens members, the pair of lens members being attached to the strap member adjacent opposite ends thereof, and an attachment mechanism for attaching the opposite ends of the strap member together, the attachment mechanism including: a first interlocking member disposed on a first end of the strap member, and a second interlocking member disposed on a second end of the strap member, the first and second interlocking members being releasably attachable to one another. Preferably, the length of the strap member is adjustable.

Abstract: A pair of sunglasses having an elongated lens support frame member having a pair of elongated grooves formed in its bottom surface for detachably receiving a left lens and a right lens. The lenses have a constant radius in the horizontal planes extending from their top edge to their bottom edge. The grooves in the lens support frame member have a predetermined asymetric curvature that requires the lenses to be bent during insertion or removal. The temple members in sequence from their front end to their rear end have a forward portion, an intermediate correctly oriented letter shaped portion, and a rear portion. The letter shaped portions when viewed from either side of the wearer's head have the same correctly oriented letter design incorporated in the structure of the temple member.

Abstract: An eye protection device in one embodiment composed of a foam rubber-like member having a front portion, first and second side portions, and first and second apertures therein for receipt of the lenses and frame of a pair of eyeglasses with the side earpieces of the pair of eyeglasses being passed through the first and second apertures in the first and second side portions. When worn, the foam rubber-like member is compressed against the wearer's face to create a seal between the device and the user's face.

Abstract: A sunshade and sunglasses which may be interchangeably detachably attached to vision correcting eye glasses is provided. The atttachment being by means of flexigrip-catch pairs. A pair of flexigrips are integrally formed on the top of an eyeglass frame for correcting lenses and are adapted for being received by a first pair of catches that are integrally formed on the top of a frame of a pair of sunglasses which has no temples, or a second pair of catches fixedly positioned underneath a sunshade. The position of the respective first and second pairs of catches are in alignment with the position of the flexigrips. By pressing the first pair of catches onto the respective flexigrips, the sunglass lenses are pivotally attached thereon.

Abstract: A removable sunglass assembly to be attached to a conventional eyeglass assembly having lenses, a lens frame, and bow members extending aft from the frame. The preferred embodiment of the removable sunglass assembly includes a one-piece lens member having side support members with the lens member serving as the frame, side support members, and a top support member. The resiliency of the one-piece arcuate lens member provides a clamping force by which the removable sunglass assembly can be attached to the conventional eyeglass assembly. The side support members locate and attach the removable sunglass assembly to the bow members of the conventional eyeglass assembly while a top support member locates the removable sunglass assembly to the top of the conventional eyeglass assembly. Reliable securing elements are provided by resilience of the material used to construct the arcuate lens member and the high-friction, resilient, and anti-skid material used to construct the side support members.

Abstract: Non-prescription and or prescription glasses and or sunglasses having a single metal or plastic frame and a plurality of interchangeable, removable or replaceable lenses, temple side bars, temple ornaments, color beaded lenses and adjustable earpiece. Lenses of different colors and shapes are magnetically attached to the frame. Temple side bars and ornaments of different colors and shapes are snap-fitted to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sunglass lens having a central region which is provided with an ultra-violet screening agent to protect the eye while the surrounding regions of the lens have little or no screening agent so as to permit tanning of the skin around the eye. In a preferred embodiment, the lens is additionally colored with tint, the darkness of which may vary over the surface area of the lens. In addition, the variation of tint over the surface of the lens is different from the variation of the ultra-violet screening agent. For example, the ultra-violet screening agent is most highly concentrated in the central portion of the lens whereas the colored tint is most highly concentrated around the periphery of the lens.

Abstract: A visualization training device with adjustable electro-optical shutters comprises a pair of goggles (10) and a control unit (20). The goggles have a single lens made of an electro-optical shutter (11) which uses liquid crystals as the light valve. The control unit produces a square wave which alternately drives the shutter opened and closed. The opening and closing cycles are adjustable in duty cycle and frequency via a duty cycle control knob (21) and a frequency control knob (22). When the shutter is opened, it is transparent so that the user has a panoramic view of external visual information. When the shutter is closed, it becomes an opaque white to occlude the visual information from the user, so that the user must mentally visualize the previous information. The opening and viewing, and closing and visualizing cycle is repeated to train and improve the visualization ability of the user.

Abstract: A vision training device, useful for improving hand-eye coordination activities, takes the form of eyewear having two red colored, translucent lenses, each lens containing a clear target sight positioned and dimensioned to allow a trainee to focus the image of an object onto the foveal vision areas of his eyes through the apertures while simultaneously stimulating the rod vision of the eye by exposure to light in the red spectrum.

Abstract: An eye protecting hood member made of a soft material is joined to lens rims and auxiliary temples of a spectacle frame made of a rigid material, without using any adhesive. The hood member is provided in the form of a fin between an upper side of each rim and the auxiliary temple and between an outer lateral side of each rim and the auxiliary temple for closing a space between the hood member and the face of the wearer. The lens rim is formed in the inner face of each of the upper side and the outer lateral side with at least one narrow groove so shaped as to enlarge toward its bottom. Each of the temples is formed in its inner face with at least one narrow groove so shaped as to enlarge toward its bottom. The soft material forming the hood member is filled in the narrow grooves in the lens rim and the auxiliary temple. Preferably, the narrow groove of the lens rim has a channel communicating with a lens fitting groove, and the auxiliary temple has a bore vertically extending therethrough.

Abstract: A two dimensional matrix of liquid crystal cells is laid on the surface of a vehicle's windshield. The sunshade is formed by selectively turning some of the cells to be less transparent. The size of the sunshade is close to the minimum necessary to cast an umbra covering the vehicle occupant's eyes. A three dimensional Cartesian coordinate system is used, in which the z axis is parallel to the direction of travel and perpendicular to the x and y axes. The coordinates of an internal target are stored in the memory and may separately be increased or decreased by pushing some buttons. In a normal mode of operation, the microprocessor continuously repositions the sunshade to shade the target from direct sunlight. The computation is based on the image of the sun captured by a two dimensional CCD, the relative locations of the CCD and the optical center of a lens forming the image on the CCD, and the locations of the target and the windshield surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented for successively interrupting the transmission of light through a transparent body at a frequency such that a scene viewed through the transparent body by a human eye is perceived as a continuous image that is less bright than actually, and is viewed with minimal color distortion. In one aspect of the invention, the lenses of spectacles are provided with a layer of liquid crystal material that is normally transparent, but which responds to the application of an electrical charge to render the liquid crystal layer non-transparent. By adjusting the frequency of application of successive electrical charges, the lenses admit light at full brightness for small increments of time, with minimal color distortion, and interrupt the transmission of light for small increments of time, so that the light admitted at full brightness is perceived as being less bright or dimmed.

Abstract: A lens that transmits light expressing a transmission curve which has a low cut-in wavelength in the vicinity of 400 nm, rising gradually in terms of percentage of light transmitted, to a maximum in the vicinity of 509 nm and then descending in equal manner, in terms of wavelength and percentage of light transmitted, to a high wavelength cut-off in the vicinity of 600 nm, and method of manufacture. The overall transmission curve expresses essentially a Gaussian configuration. The transmission curve is congruent with the rod mediated portion of the electromagnetic wavelength spectrum for the human eye, also described as scotopic in character and believed to be operative in maximizing the inhibition of melatonin secretion, a substance produced by the human pineal gland.

Abstract: The article includes an eyeglass frame (12) and two lenses (14, 16). Each lens has a film (18,20) on one surface thereof which is changeable between an opaque condition and a transparent condition, controlled by an electrical circuit (22).

Abstract: A clip-one splash shield (100) is provided for protecting the eyes of the wearer of eyeglasses from contamination from splashed fluids. The splash shield (100) includes a pair of side guard sub-assemblies (122, 124) each having an inner shield member (126, 128) and an outer shield member (130, 132) integrally formed to a respective arm member (129, 131). Each of inner shield members (126, 128) and outer shield members (130, 132) are disposed on opposing sides of a respective temple member (20) of eyeglasses (10) to provide shielding substantially without gaps for the wearer of eyeglasses (10).

Abstract: A visor apparatus for attachment to a pair of eyeglasses; the apparatus has two main parts, including a clip means which attaches to a pair of eyeglasses and a visor portion which is pivotally attached to the clip means. Preferably the visor portion and the clip means are manufactured from light weight and durable plastic. When the visor apparatus is attached to a pair of eyeglasses the visor portion may be locked into a functional position or a position which is substantially perpendicular to the wearer's forehead and an inoperative position or a position which is substantially parallel to the wearer's forehead.

Abstract: A pair of sportglasses comprises a large, curved polymer lens (10) sized and shaped to shield the front and sides of the face from harmful solar radiation which may cause accelerated skin aging and skin cancer after repeated exposure. The lens has main portions (11) which cover the eyes (31) and cheeks (32), lower portions (13) which extend down the front of the face past the level of the mouth on either side to cover the side portions of the face (33), and rear portions (14) which wrap around the sides of the face to cover the sides of the face as far back as the ears. The large lens has an optical coating which significantly attenuates ultraviolet radiation, the most harmful component of sunlight, to protect most of the face from the damaging effects which may result after repeated exposure. A detachable nosepiece (19) protects the nose. The nostrils and mouth are left uncovered such that breathing and speaking are not impaired.

Abstract: A pair of variable density sunglasses include two lens elements of polarized material forming each lens. The other lens element is rotatable in a channel in the frame by manipulation of a gear mounted on the nose bridge, the gear teeth being engaged with gear teeth on the edge of the outer lens element. Rotation of the gear is limited by a peg extending from the back thereof into an arcuate channel on the nose bridge. The stationary inner lens is prevented from rotation by an edge tab extending into an opening in the lens channel through which the gear and rotatable lens engage.

Abstract: An optical device that is optically neutral to normal light but absorbs highly collimated light is formed as a mosaic of optical cells. Each cell has at least two refracting surfaces and a non linear material at a focus internal to those surfaces. In one form, the cell comprises two pairs of lenses with a layer of non-linear light absorbent material interposed between the lenses of each pair. The lens elements can be one-power telescopes. A first lens element focuses highly collimated light at its entrance aperture on the non-linear layer. The intensity of the focused light causes the non-linear layer to become opaque or reflective and thereby reduce, or substantially block, the transmission of highly collimated light. The second pair of lenses inverts the re-collimated light exiting the first lens pair.

Abstract: A method of reducing the impact of a reading deficiency caused by a slow transient response comprises the steps of inserting a light diffuser in a reader's light path to attenuate the high spatial frequency information mediated by the cone receptors of the eye(s) of the reader, and inserting a chromatic filter which limits stimulation to the red and/or green cone receptors relative to stimulation of the blue cone receptors in the eye(s) of the reader whereby the magnitude of the cone mediated sustained response of the reader is reduced towards a more normal balance relative to the impaired transient response of the reader. An apparatus for reducing the impact of a reading deficiency caused by a too slow transient response of a reader comprises a light diffuser and a chromatic filter to limit the red and/or green mediated sustained transmission relative to the blue cone mediated transient transmission, the diffuser and filter being locatable in the reader's light path.

Abstract: A visor particularly useful by pilots includes a unitary, arcuate, molded transparent member having a lower edge closely conforming to the cheekbone area and bridge of the nose of a user's face. While maintaining a head's up attitude, the pilot's eyes may scan outside the cockpit, the panel instruments and also view a kneeboard. In the latter instance, farsightedness is overcome through the inclusion of a pair of contoured lenses flushly affixed to the inner surface of the visor, juxtaposed a cut-out engaging the wearer's nose. In view of the compound curvature of the visor, it is readily adapted for use with an aviator's helmet, with the added lenses on the inner visor surface avoiding interference with retraction of the visor into the helmet shell. Optionally, by the addition of separable fastener devices adjacent the two lateral extremes of the visor, a protective cover member may be removably attached in an overlying manner, upon the outer surface of the visor.

Abstract: Glasses with multilayered, color-switchable lenses (102) and (104) for blocking harmful radiation include a rim (100) connected to temples (108) and (110). The rim contains a photosensor (116), a color-changing switch (118), a dry-cell power source (120), solar cells (121) and (123), an electronic driver unit (122), and an electronic circuit (124). The color-switchable lenses comprise glass plates (126a), (126b), and (126c), conductive layers (136a), (136c) (142a), and (142b), color polarizers (138a) and (136c), alignment layers (140a), (140c), (146), and (148), a neutral polarizer (144), and liquid-crystal layers (158) and (160). When the photosensor determines that the intensity of incident radiation falls above or below the specified threshold, an amplified signal is sent via the circuit to the electronic driver unit which supplies layers 158 and 160 with voltages which cause the color-switchable lenses to change their spectral transmittance characteristics.

Abstract: The sunglasses structure comprises a front piece, an arm hinged to each end of the front piece, and a one-piece lens supported by the front piece. A milling is formed in the lens which is substantially V-shaped, with inwardly protruding coupling elements. A V-shaped elastically deformable bridge is insertable into the milling. The bridge has a perimetral groove for accommodating a perimetral portion of the milling and a plurality of seats accommodating the coupling elements, which snap into engagement with the seats upon inserting bridge into the milling. Air vents are provided at a lateral portion of the lens for preventing misting.

Abstract: A lens (10) that substantially blocks horizontally polarized light and selectively blocks wavelengths between 300 and 549 nanometers. The selective blocking is controlled by a sharp cut-on filter (14) selected to cut-on at either 450, 500, 515, 530, or 550 nanometers. The specific blocking and cut-on point selected is dependent upon the ultimate usage/environment of the lens (10). If a 450 cut-on filter is selected, wavelengths between 300 and 449 nanometers are blocked before a cut-on occurs at 450 nanometers; similarly, a 550 cut-on filter blocks wavelengths between 300 and 549 nanometers before a cut-on occurs at 550 nanometers. The lens (10) also allows 30 to 40 percent of wavelengths over 625 nanometers to be transmitted. The filter (14) in combination with the polarizer (16) blocks harmful Ultraviolet radiation and blue light.

Abstract: A safety spectacles against laser radiation has a first frame part which is of integral construction and in which shields are integrated, which cover the area between the frame and the spectacle-wearer's face. This frame part is also drawn over the spectacle-wearer's temple area and forms temple plates. Fitted pivotably to these temple plates are side arms which are each integrated in a further plate which forms the continuation of the associated temple plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pair of spectacles for stereoscopic pictures based upon the principle of the Pulfrich effect. The direction in which a moving object is moving in a picture or the moving direction of a video camera is marked on the spectacles for stereoscopic pictures to obtain a correct stereoscopic image, so that the viewer can easily and readily determine which of a darker lens or a lighter lens is applied to which eye. According to the invention, the connecting portions between the front frame and the temples of the spectacles are formed as a pair of hinges which protrude from the inside front frame and are spaced apart from each other so that a space therebetween receives the hinges of a pair of standard glasses worn by a viewer to support the stereoscopic spectacles on the standard glasses with great stability. This also enables the stereoscopic spectacles to be reduced in size so that they may be worn more stably by those who do not wear vision correcting glasses.

Abstract: An eye shield having two layers of X-radiation protective material is disclosed. X-radiation initially encounters a metalized thin layer that permits the substantial transmission of accompanying visible light yet partially diffracts, reflects, and refracts the X-radiation to decrease the amount of X-radiation passing through this metalized layer. Beneath the metalized thin layer is a lead layer that allows the passage of limited amounts of visible light yet functions to absorb effectively X-radiation. In combination, these two layers protect the eyes of a wearer from harmful X-radiation while permitting the wearer limited forward vision.

Abstract: LC sunglasses with selectively color adjustable lenses comprising an energy cell (30) attached to one butt-strap (22) of a rim (10), a color changing switch (28) supported by another butt-strap (24), a memory chip (26) supported by a bridge portion (16) of the glasses rim, and lenses (12 and 14) of a laminated structure. Each lens consists of a color mosaic mask (43), an input polarizing plate (44), a liquid crystal cell (50) sandwiched between voltage-controlled active matrices (52a and 52b), and an output polarizing plate (46). When the wearer of the sunglasses wants to change the color of the lenses (12 and 14), he/she installs the switch (28) into the position of a selected color, whereby the battery cell (30) is electrically connected with respective pixel sets of the active matrices (52a and 52b) via the memory chip (26). As a result, the lenses will pass only the component of the white light (W) which corresponds to the selected color.

Abstract: An eyesight auxiliary device having within a main body of the device is described, a spot light source, transparent liquid cyrstal panels illuminated by the spot light source and convex lenses substantially integrally arranged with the liquid crystal panels. The main body of the device is fitted to a user's head, the image of the liquid crystal panels is directly projected onto the retina of the user's eyeballs through the spot light source. Further, a small-sized camera for capturing the image of the liquid crystal panels is arranged at a position corresponding to the height positions of the eyeballs.

Abstract: A holographic member for a helmet visor comprising a first holographic layer having planes of diffraction oriented in a first direction in a given local area is disclosed. A second holographic layer disposed over said first holographic layer has planes of diffraction oriented in said local area in the opposite direction. The first holographic layer is transferred from a slanted planar holographic mirror. The second holographic layer comprises the holographic analog of an oppositely slanted transferred planar mirror. The slant and the opposite slant have substantially the same magnitude of slant but opposite orientation, providing for diffractive ghost compensation. A third holographic layer, unslanted, is transferred from an unslanted planar holographic mirror. The three holographic layers provide practical total eye coverage with minimum diffractive unwanted ghosts.

Abstract: A method of coloring a glass optical structure comprising providing a first glass plate member having a smooth exterior surface and an interior surface, applying a transparent paint layer to said interior surface, providing a clear layer of flowable plastic over said paint layer so that said flowable plastic fills any variations in said paint layer, and prevents optical distortion in said structure, and applying a second glass member having a smooth exterior surface and an interior surface adjacent said flowable layer. In structural form, the optical system comprises a four-layered optical structure. The flowable plastic corrects any optical distortions created by variations in the paint layer.

Abstract: Sunglasses and other light transmitters for human viewing and illumination are characterized by an efficient transmission of photobiologically-active radiations, thereby offering the users (especially sunglass wearers) a physiologically-oriented alternative. Furthermore, the .lambda.max and the peak absorbance wavelengths of human rhodopsin exemplify those wavelengths which must be transmitted, since they are photobiologically impeccable. Tinted photobiologic sunglass lenses transmit a light spectrum (FIG. 1) exactly within the human rhodopsin absorption curve (FIG. 2); they also provide antiglare as well as ultraviolet and infrared protection by attenuating radiations outside the photobiologic spectrum. Photobiologic sunglasses are also ecologically beneficial, restoring in part the pristine quality of the albedo which has been adulterated by modern urban enviroment.

Abstract: A lens reduces eye strain and fatigue due to glare, after images, reflections or other visual noise incident upon an observer of a visual display terminal. The lens includes a light transmitting plastic body having a convex shaped outer surface for deflecting stray angular radiation and a body provided, in combination with, an ultraviolet absorber to block the transmission of ultraviolet radiation, a colored dye to diminish the intensity of any fluorescent light incident upon the lens and to diminish the transmission of either or both green color radiation or yellow color radiation through the lens and a grey dye to reduce the transmission of incident light.

Abstract: The method of making an optical layered structure having irregularities on a surface contained therein, so that an image of said surface irregularities is reflected, while permitting coherent light transmission through said structure, comprising: a first clear hardenable plastic layer having irregularities on a first surface thereof; applying a first transparent medium to a surface of said first plastic layer opposite said first surface; applying a second clear hardenable plastic layer to fill in the irregularities on said first surface of said first plastic layer; applying one surface of a second transparent medium directly to the second plastic layer in adhering relationship thereto, where one of the opposing surfaces of the second transparent medium is smooth and becomes the outside surface of said optical layered structure formed by the first transparent medium, the first and second plastic layer, and the second transparent medium. The invention also relates to the structure formed by such method.

Abstract: A semi-reflecting layer is deposited on a transparent material as part of a technique for color enhancement in such a way that the reflectivity of the semi-reflecting layer may still be varied in order to control transmission of light and portions of the electromagnetic spectrum thereto over a broad range of frequencies. For purposes of color enhancement there is used in conjunction with the semi-reflecting layer a thin dielectric layer the thickness whereof is selected to make use of optical interference between light reflected from the outer surface of the dielectric layer and light reflected from the semi-reflecting layer.

Abstract: Electronic sunglasses of the transmittance-varying type including liquid crystal panels employing the electro-optical effect and a solar cell used as a power source. The electronic sunglasses include a voltage detecting circuit having such a hysteresis characteristic so as to output a signal for changing transmittance of the liquid crystal panel from a high mode to a low mode at at least high predetermined voltage or illumination, and changing transmittance from a low mode to a high mode at at least a low voltage or illumination. The sunglasses also include a first switch which operates at at least two switch positions, one switch position having a first stage of illumination at less than 20,000 Lux and a second stage of illumination at 20,000 Lux or greater at which transmittance is changed from a high mode and another switch position disabling the voltage detecting circuit.

Abstract: An elongated, generally strip-like shade visor device is removably attachable to the front frame section of a pair of eyeglasses to shade the wearer's eyes from overhead glare. Support tab portions of the visor project downwardly from its bottom side surface adjacent downturned opposite ends of the visor, each of the support tab portions having a resilient attachment loop removable secured thereto. To install the visor, the outer ends of the eyeglass temple bar members are inserted into the attachment loops, the visor is moved forwardly along the temple bar members, and the attachment loops are stretched diagonally around the outer top corner portions of the front frame section.

Abstract: An optical element for use in eyeglasses, visors, masks and screens to reduce the image perception time and improve the countour definition of the image comprises a transparent plastic material supporting member into which there is introduced, by suitable processing operations, 4-nitro-2-methyl-4-diethanolamino-azobenzene having the following formula ##STR1##

Abstract: An eyeglass frame for supporting an optical member having an electrooptical device and a pair of electrodes exposed in different peripheral positions, comprises a front part providing a rim for supporting the optical member, the front part including first and second front members which constitute different parts of the rim, are composed of conductive metal and are mutually insulated electrically, wherein the first front member is in contact with a first peripheral part including one of the paired electrodes of the optical member while the second front member is in contact with a second peripheral part including the other of the paired electrodes, and the eyeglass frame comprises an electric power source for applying a voltage between the first and second front members, for electric supply to the electrooptical device.

Abstract: A flexible eyelid cover pre-formed for secure placement in a eyesocket over the eyelid with only a single wetting and without the use of adhesive. The cover is formed of closed cell thermoplastic UV barrier material having a plurality of suction-cup like dimples disposed on the rear surface thereof and which upon initial wetting, conforms to the shape of the eyelid and adheres thereto. A frontal layer of nylon is provided to support a decorative design thereon.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator includes a photosensor diode and a photoemitting diode array, each having two semiconductive layers of opposite electrical polarities, and which are sandwiched together with layers of the same polarity (P or N) in electrical contact with each other. Transparent electrode layers are formed on the opposite surfaces of the photosensor diode and photoemitting diode array respectively, in electrical contact with the layers of the opposite polarity. The individual photoemitting diodes are electrically and optically isolated from each other. With a voltage applied across the electrodes which causes the photosensor diode to be reverse biased and the photoemitting diodes to be forward biased, the photoemitting diode array generates a visual display which is a reproduction of a light image incident on the photosensor diode. The photosensor diode may be replaced by a single layer of a photoconductive material.

Abstract: The present invention is a laser protection visor. This visor has an ellipsoidal shape. The major axis of the ellipsoid falls on the line connecting the user's eyes. The foci least as far apart as the expected interpupillary distance of the user. The visor has a modulated index of refraction reflection filter disposed thereon having a rejection bandwidth including the wavelength of the expected laser threat. The ellipsoidal shape minimizes the maximum rejection angle needed to prevent laser radiation from reaching either eye. This in turn minimizes the needed rejection bandwidth and thus increases the visual see through at other wavelengths. In the preferred embodiment the modulated index or refraction layer forming the reflection filter is formed of a holographic optical element constructed by capturing an interference pattern in a photosensitive medium.

Abstract: Plastic sunglasses comprise a transparent lens piece, a pair of temple pieces attached to the ends of the lens piece, and an opaque visor which snap-locks onto the top of the lens piece. The visor has a long curved front face with L-shaped ends, an angular top face for projecting inwardly across the top of the lens piece, and separate hooks projecting inwardly from the inner ends of the visor behind corresponding L-shaped shoulders. A visor connector at the top of the lens piece includes a curved upright wall with generally L-shaped ends. The wall is recessed from a curved ridge with generally L-shaped ends extending across the front of the lens piece. The opposite ends of the visor connector include L-shaped slots in its bottom front face which interlock with the L-shaped shoulders on the bottom inside face of the visor.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved optical accessory of the sun shade type for use with a pair of prescription spectacles. The accessory includes releaseable securing structure which releaseably cooperates with a bridge assembly of the spectacles to inhibit movement of the accessory relative thereto.