Abstract: An anti-vibration optical system is an observation optical system including, in sequence from an object side, an objective optical system, an erecting prism, and an ocular optical system, wherein: in sequence from the object side, the objective optical system includes a first lens group having a positive refracting power and a second lens group having a negative refracting power; in sequence from the object side, the second lens group comprises a positive lens group having a positive refracting power and a negative lens group having a negative refracting power; and an image position can be changed by the negative lens group of the second lens group being displaced in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis.

Abstract: An image forming lens system includes a front lens unit having a positive refractive power, and a rear lens unit, and does not include any other lens unit. The front lens unit includes a first lens unit having a positive refractive power and a second lens unit having a negative refractive power. Each of the first lens unit and the second lens unit includes a positive lens and a negative lens. The second lens unit is a focusing lens unit. The rear lens unit includes a positive lens and a negative lens. The second lens unit is the only lens unit that moves, in the front lens unit, and the following conditional expressions (1) and (2?) are satisfied: 0.5<fFF/f<1.65??(1) 0?|f/rG2b|<6.5??(2?).

Abstract: An optical system (20) is presented, which is configured to enable the line of sight stabilization. The system comprises a light module (230), an optical module (210) defining an optical axis (0X) and an optical path of light propagation therethrough, and a stabilizer (220) configured and operable for providing optical coupling between said optical module (210) and said light module (230). The stabilizer (2209 comprises: a gimbal assembly defining a first rotation axis (FRX) orthogonal to said optical axis (0X), and an internal deflector (222) located in the optical path of light propagating through said optical module (210). The internal deflector (222) is mounted for rotation about said first rotation axis (FRX) and is configured and operable to provide optical coupling between at least a section of the optical path of said optical module (210) and an optical path of light passing through said light module (230).

Abstract: An imaging method includes providing a handpiece having a probe tip insertable into human or animal tissue disposed at an end thereof, and, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe connected to the handpiece such that a functionality of the OCT probe is provided at the probe tip. The probe tip is disposed adjacent to or into human or animal tissue. Imaging of the tissue, measuring at least one of a feature size or a quantifiable characteristic of a structure in the tissue for biometry analysis, and/or performing a diagnostic procedure on the tissue or a device implanted in the tissue is performed with the OCT probe.

Abstract: A sighting device (1), which is provided for aligning an apparatus connected to the sighting device (1) by aligning an axis of the sighting device (1) with a sight axis, having a self-luminous light source (2), an optical waveguide element (3) for collecting ambient light and a reticle (4) illuminated by the collected ambient light and/or the self-luminous light source (2), characterized in that provision is made for at least one optical beam deflection means (5) which is superposed on and/or coupled to the optical waveguide element (3) and the artificial light source (2), wherein the at least one beam deflection means (5) is designed to deflect the light from the artificial light source (2) and the collected ambient light and decouple it in a common emergence direction and/or to project it in the direction of the reticle (4), wherein the reticle is illuminated or formed by the decoupled light.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a coaxially arranged, off-axis optical system for a sighting device or aiming device. It is the object of the invention to provide a possibility for constructing an optical system in such a way that the typical disadvantage with respect to the tightness of a sighting device in an open-type construction is overcome and a good flattening of the image field is achieved in addition to the high optical imaging quality of the aiming mark. According to the invention, by means of a coaxially arranged, off-axis optical system for a sighting device or aiming device comprising a lens group, wherein the lens facing the target object is constructed as a converging meniscus and the lens facing the eye is constructed as a diverging meniscus, with a dichroic reflector and an embodiment for the aiming mark, the above-stated object is met in that a correction lens with positive refractive power is arranged at a distance of less than 0.

Abstract: A microfluidic detection device provides reduced dispersion of axial concentration gradients in a flowing sample. The microfluidic detection device includes a cell body and a flow path through the cell body. The flow path has an inlet segment, an outlet segment, and a central segment, which forms a detection cell. The central segment is located between and at an angle with both the inlet segment and the outlet segment. The central segment has a first junction with the inlet segment and a second junction with the outlet segment. The cell body contains two arms that can transmit light to and from the detection cell. At least a portion of a first arm is located in the first junction and at least a portion of a second arm is located in the second junction. The portions of the arms located in the junctions are situated so that fluid entering or exiting the central segment of the flow path flows around the outer surface of one of the portions.

Abstract: A laser transmitter is provided including a specialized compensator assembly damping mechanism. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a compensator assembly position detector is arranged to detect a position X1 of the compensator assembly with respect to the X-axis, and a position Y1 of the compensator assembly with respect to the Y-axis. The compensator assembly damping mechanism includes an X-axis magnetic damping mechanism, a Y-axis magnetic damping mechanism, and a rotational damping mechanism. The active feedback circuit is arranged to (i) drive the X-axis magnetic damping mechanism so as to increase a damping force generated by the X-axis magnetic damping mechanism as a rate of change of the signal indicative of the position x1 increases, and (ii) drive the Y-axis magnetic damping mechanism so as to increase a damping force generated by the Y-axis magnetic damping mechanism as a rate of change of the signal indicative of the position y1 increases.

Abstract: A beam splitting optical system for an automatic focusing apparatus includes a telescopic system having an objective optical system and a viewing optical system, a beam splitter which splits object-carrying light transmitted through the objective optical system from the telescopic optical system via a splitter surface, and a focus detection optical system having a pair of light receivers which receive object-carrying light beams split by the splitter surface. The focus detection optical system is arranged so that the object-carrying light beams to be received by the light receivers are incident upon the splitter surface of the beam splitter at different incident angles. The splitter surface is coated with a thin metal coating.

Abstract: A system and method for leveling an apparatus are provided. The position of the apparatus with respect to a pair of intersecting axes is determined by sensors positioned along each axis. The position of the apparatus is adjusted about a second set of axes by first and second leveling devices. The data from each of the sensors is transformed to new position data which corresponds to the position of the apparatus with respect to the second set of axes. The apparatus may be leveled automatically through direct control of the first and second leveling devices. The apparatus may also be leveled manually through the use of an indicator device which indicates the necessary adjustments for the first and second leveling devices.

Abstract: A laser survey instrument, which is arranged on an optical axis of an emitted polarized irradiation light beam and is provided with a reflection light blocking means for blocking an incident reference light having a polarizing member and a 1/4 wave birefringence member, whereby a harmful reflection light is blocked by the reflection light blocking means to improve detection accuracy of a signal light to be detected.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the orientation of a plane defined by a rotating laser beam from a laser transmitter is provided. The laser beam is swept across one or more targets having a plurality of sections. The targets each include a first reflective section and a second reflective section with a non-reflective section positioned therebetween. The non-reflective section includes a portion which slopes across the reflective sections. A photodetector detects a signal representative of the laser beam reflected from each of the targets. The orientation of the laser beam is adjusted until the laser beam traverses the center of the target at which point the width of the first reflective section equals the width of the second reflective section. A processor calculates the distance or angle in which to adjust the laser transmitter so that the laser beam traverses the center of the target once the laser beam traverses the portion of the target including the sloped non-reflective section.

Abstract: According to the present invention, fixed tilt detectors are fixed in planes crossing perpendicularly to each other of shaft center of a laser projector, and tilting tilt detectors are mounted on a plate, which is tiltable with respect to shaft center of the laser projector. The laser projector is leveled in such manner that the fixed tilt detectors indicate horizontal direction or tilting tilt detectors aligned with the fixed tilt detectors indicate horizontal direction, and horizontal reference plane is obtained. The tilting tilt detectors are tilted with the fixed tilt detectors as reference, and the laser projector is leveled so that the tilted tilting tilt detectors indicate horizontal direction, and reference plane tilted at an arbitrary angle is obtained.

Abstract: An image stabilizing apparatus is disclosed comprising an imaging optical system for forming an image of a subject onto an imaging surface. A deflector has first and second liquid prisms disposed with a movable transparent plate therebetween, and a controller changes vertex angles of the respective prisms by inclining the movable transparent plate in order to correct for a displacement of the image on the imaging surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for projecting an elongated light bar representing an artificial horizon on an interior surface of an aircraft cockpit in front of a pilot of the aircraft with respect to a reference datum line on the interior surface of the cockpit. A vertical reference means, located in the cockpit or remotely therefrom maintains a vertical reference axis for all attitudes of the aircraft. A light beam source, which may be a laser beam, is aligned with a movable optical system having mirrors or lenses to convert the light beam to a plane of light. A mechanical linkage or a servomotor coupled between the vertical reference means and the optical system controls the optical system, so that the datum line appears stationary and the light bar seems to turn angularly and move vertically when the aircraft rolls and pitches.

Abstract: An optical system comprising, from front to rear, a first lens group of positive power, a second lens group of negative power and a third lens group of positive power, wherein deflection of an image is made by parallel decentering the second lens group.

Abstract: An optical system comprises an image deflector having a variable refraction angle for forcibly moving an object image formed by an objective lens onto an image plane, and an aberration suppressor linked to the image deflector for suppressing a chromatic aberration developed in the object image due to the light refraction by the image deflector.

Abstract: The surveying instrument contains a component part (1) for the optical imaging of a target and a camera (2) for the electronic acquisition of the image produced in the optical instrument part. A reference mark (20) is located in the optical part (1) of the instrument, and this is outside that region of this instrument part through which the optical axis passes. The image of the target is projected into the region located within the reference mark. Connected to the camera is a circuit arrangement which can detect both the effective center of the image of the reference mark and the effective center of the image of the target and which can determine not only the length, but also the direction of the distance between the two effective centers. The surveying of an object or a region can be carried out automatically by means of this instrument.

Abstract: A laser ray projector and remote measuring device comprising at least two of these projectors, wherein the measuring device comprises two laser ray projectors servo-controlled in position. Each of them comprises a spindle rotating through 180.degree. in one direction and in another from a certain point and a head secured to this spindle and rotating through 90.degree. in one direction and in the other from an origin. This head carries a prism which receives in each projector a laser ray issuing from a single source whereby rotation of the spindle and of the head enables each ray to scan all the points of a hemisphere. A computer makes it possible to convert the angular coordinates into cartesian coordinates.

Abstract: A system is coupled to a pointing mirror (12) for stabilizing it and its line-of-sight (13) from three-dimensional rotational disturbances (.omega..sub.i, .omega..sub.j, .omega..sub.k) exerted thereon. First and second two-degree-of-freedom dynamically tuned gyroscopes (26, 28) are secured to the mirror and placed respectively on its elevation and azimuth axes (22, 24). The first gyroscope (26) is coupled to electronic apparatus (30) to provide inertial rates (.omega..sub.4 *, .omega..sub.2 *) of the mirror respectively about an axis (13) angled from a line (17) normal thereto and about the elevation axis. The second gyroscope (28) is coupled to the electronic apparatus to provide inertial rates (.omega..sub.2, .omega..sub.3) of the mirror respectively about its pitch and yaw axes. Inertial rates (.omega..sub.e, .omega..sub.d) of angular motion of the mirror respectively about its line-of-sight pitch and yaw axes (e, d) are calculated from the inertial rate (.omega..sub.4 *, .omega..sub.2 *, .omega..sub.2, .

Abstract: A laser beam levelling instrument, which is not only intended to level but in which the laser beam is inclinable in two axes facing away from one another at right angles, has a self-levelling surveying plate at the lower end of a rotational shaft of the instrument. Disposed on the surveying plate are two spindles, facing away from one another at right angles, at the point of intersection of which there is a joint. At the ends of the two spindles remote from the joint, screw-threaded rods are disposed on the surveying plate on which rods the ends of the spindles can travel vertically. The joint has a center member which is connected to the rotational shaft by means of a pivot and an intermediate member and which is surrounded by a casing which is ball-bearing mounted on the surveying plate on vertical arms. Further disposed on the surveying plate are two spirit levels which are at right angles to one another, each level controlling an electric motor for the self-levelling of the surveying plate.

Abstract: In the stabilized optical system against vibratory motions, a front lens unit restrained from movement in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis is followed rearwardly by a movable lens unit for decentering away from the optical axis to compensate for the image shift resulting from the vibratory motion, satisfying the following conditions:4F.sub.T <.vertline.F.sub.1 .vertline.0.25F.sub.T <.vertline.F.sub.2 .vertline.<0.8F.sub.Twhere F.sub.1 and F.sub.2 are the focal lengths of the front and movable lens units respectively, and F.sub.T is the focal length of the entire lens system.

Abstract: A multiple pane lighthouse assembly in a reference laser beam projecting apparatus includes a plurality of transparent panes disposed in an arrangement that defines a transparent window structure which permits transmission of laser light therethrough and has a generally polygonal cross-sectional shape. The window structure has spaced corners formed by pairs of adjacent ones of the opposite side edge portions of the panes. The side edge portions of the panes in each pair are offset relative to one another in forming a respective corner. The offset position of the side edge portions of each pair in forming a respective corner exposes only an interior edge on one of the adjacent side edge portions to laser light being transmitted through the window structure. The path of laser light through the adjacent side edge portions forming the corner is thereby affected only by one interior edge on the respective one of the adjacent side edge portions of the panels at each corner.

Abstract: An artificial horizon device producing a projected light bar perceivable with peripheral vision. The device includes a scanner assembly with a pair of rapidly movable scanning mirrors each selectively pivotal about respective mutually perpendicular axes. A beam of light is directed upon a first of the pair of scanning mirrors for reflection upon the second of the mirrors, and thence to illuminate a surface for perception as a relatively movable horizontal reference line. A single adjustment mirror is interposed between the source of the light beam and the first of the scanning mirrors. The adjustment mirror is selectively movable about two mutually perpendicular axes each substantially intersecting the reflective plane of the adjustment mirror in order to set a selected point of incidence for the light beam upon the first of the scanning mirrors.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a laser beam projection device for controlling the orientation of a support frame upon which a laser beam source is mounted includes a base frame, a support frame, and a pivot for mounting the support frame on the base frame. A level arm is pivotally supported at one point by the support frame and carries a level vial which provides an electrical indication of the orientation of the level arm. A positioning arrangement engages the support frame and the level arm and adjusts their relative position. The positioning arrangement includes a threaded shaft having a first threaded portion engaging the support frame and a nut engaging a second threaded portion of the shaft. The nut contacts the level arm. By rotating the nut, the relative position of the level arm and the support frame are adjusted.

Abstract: An artificial horizon device producing a projected light bar perceivable with peripheral vision.

Abstract: A device for producing a plane of light includes a ring flash and/or halogen lamps mounted in a casing defining an inner peripheral aperture slot and an outer peripheral aperture slot coplanar with the inner slot. The device is used in surveying structures and in particular for optically producing photographically recorded tunnel sections. The light plane emitted from the device has high intensity and resolution and serves to illuminate a line profile of the tunnel in the light plane. The photographic image obtained has good contrast and quality and permits on-line numerical analysis to detect deformations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of sweeping a substantially flat optical plane substantially perpendicular to an incident laser beam is disclosed. A penta-prism, optical detector and adjustment means are disposed in a housing adapted to be mounted on a rotatable spindle. When so mounted, the penta-prism is disposed a predetermined distance from the point of intersection of the axis of rotation of the spindle and the axis of a properly oriented laser beam. The optical detector determines whether the axis of the incident laser beam intersects the point of intersection and the adjustment means translates the incident laser beam until its axis substantially intersects the point of intersection in response to the output of the detector means. When this is accomplished, the penta-prism will produce a substantially flat optical plane when the housing is rotated on the spindle.

Abstract: The invention provides an artificial horizon device having a light source of limited power which can be positioned remotely from the aircraft cockpit. A scanning mechanism is mounted in the cockpit to receive light from the light source and to project a light bar representing the true horizon by scanning a projected light beam along the perceived bar at a frequency sufficiently high that the bar is perceived as a continuous projection.

Abstract: A stabilized sighting device for use on a carrier comprises an outer unit mounted for rotation about a bearing axis which may be parallel to the yaw axis of the carrier. An intermediate unit is mounted for rotation on the outer unit about an elevation axis and a sight unit provided with a gyro is mounted on the intermediate unit for rotation within a predetermined angular range about an inner axis located in a plane perpendicular to the elevation axis. First and second motors are provided for driving the intermediate unit and the sight unit about the intermediate and inner axes, respectively and are controlled by first and second servo loop circuits receiving signals from the gyroscope. A detector delivers a signal representative of the deviation of the inner unit from the canonical position and a position reproducing loop controlled by the detector actuates a motor driving the outer unit. The configuration of the outer gimbal is preferably reversed for decreasing the perturbating torques.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for sweeping a flat optical light plane perpendicular to a primary input laser beam for use in precise alignment applications includes rotatably mounting a penta prism onto a spindle such that the laser beam intersects the entrance face of the penta prism. In addition, the path of the laser beam intersects the actual axis of rotation of the spindle at a designated point which is positioned as a function of the geometry of the penta prism, and the first relfecting surface of the penta prism is located intermediate the laser device and said designated point. In operation, rotation of the penta prism about the spindle results in the development of a flat, true optical light plane.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for sweeping a flat optical light plane perpendicular to a primary input laser beam for use in precise alignment applications includes rotatably mounting a penta prism onto a spindle such that the laser beam intersects the entrance face of the penta prism. In addition, the path of the laser beam intersects the actual axis of rotation of the spindle at a designated point which is positioned as a function of the geometry of the penta prism, and the first reflecting surface of the penta prism is located intermediate the laser device and said designated point. In operation, rotation of the penta prism about the spindle results in the development of a flat, true optical light plane.

Abstract: A rotating target contains an appropriately shaped section of photoelectric material which detects the position of a beam of light which is incident on the target. The position of the beam is determined in terms of its distance from the center of rotation of the target and by its angular position relative to the vertical. The vertical direction is simultaneously determined relative to the rotating target using a gravity operated reference.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stabilized optical system, including a housing, an objective lens group mounted to the housing for collecting light from the image to be viewed, and an eyepiece lens group adjustably mounted to the housing for focusing the image at the eye of a viewer. Pivotally mounted between the objective and eyepiece lens groups is a roof Pechan prism. The prism is connected through a rigid gimbaled linkage to a gyroscopic stabilizer which is offset from the optical axis, so that rotational motion of the housing is not transmitted to the prism, thereby stabilizing the image viewed through the optical system. The gyroscopic stabilizer is provided with a damper for minimizing nutational motion of the stabilizer and a precision compensator for counteracting the precession of the gyroscope. The eyepiece lens group includes a negative lens component positioned between the objective lens group and the remaining components of the eyepiece lens group.

Abstract: An eyepiece for use on a microscope when lengths and angles are to be measured. Two glass plates extending perpendicular to the optical axis of the eyepiece are spaced axially from each other to form between them a chamber containing a steel ball which is free to move, by gravity, to the lowest part of this chamber and which thus forms an artificial horizon. One of the glass plates, preferably the one farthest from the eye of the observer, is formed as a reticle, graduated with a diametrically extending linear scale and also with a circumferential series of radially extending angular graduations, read in conjunction with the steel ball to make the desired angular measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus for orienting and maintaining the orientation of laser and similar construction equipment in a predetermined orientation with respect to a horizontal plane comprises superimposed first, second and third support plates, each of which is preferably annularly shaped for positioning a laser beam generator therethrough. The third support plate is mounted to and between the first and second support plates for pivotable movement about mutually perpendicular first and second axes, respectively. The first or top plate has level vials mounted perpendicular to the first and second axes for detecting the position of the first plate with respect to a horizontal plane. A pair of threaded screws are threaded into the central third plate to adjust the position of the first plate with respect to the bottom or second plate about the two mutually perpendicular axes.

Abstract: A wide angle seeker for missile guidance systems and the like which utili a dual motion mirror in an optical transfer system to allow a missile sensor to be mounted in a stationary position in the missile body remote from the seeker.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for controlling the plane of a laser beam in either horizontal, vertical or selected grade angle attitudes. The system includes an assembly comprising a housing which carries the operative components in a water-tight enclosure. The laser beam is generated by a laser tube carried on a chassis which is mounted for a limited range of universal movement about orthogonally intersecting Y and X axes by means of a gimbal frame. Optics structure is provided to route the beam in a collimated path along a Z-axis longitudinally of the chassis. A beam reflector unit rotatably mounted on an end of the chassis reflects the beam in a plane orthogonal to the Z-axis through a lighthouse structure provided in an end of the housing. The system for controlling the beam plane attitude includes three level sensing vials which are carried on the chassis, as well as a pair of Y- and X-axis motors and associated drive trains.

Abstract: An improved target sighting device of the type particularly suited for use on moving vehicles, such as military aircraft, and in which a vertically-disposed C-shaped elevation gimbal is supported for rotary movement about an elevation axis at the center of the gimbal to enable a vertically extending mirror on the gimbal to be aimed toward a target along a line of sight at one side of the gimbal, for reflection of target information along such axis and through the open end of the gimbal to a fixed optical pickup assembly. Improvement resides in the support of the open end of the gimbal by a ring bearing encircled by an annular flex pivot assembly that limits the extent of rotary aim-influencing vibration that can be transmitted from the exterior of the device to the gimbal and mirror circumferentially through the ring bearing by friction.

Abstract: In an optical instrument such as a camera or a telescope, a first optical component is mounted to a housing and an inertially stabilized second optical component for compensation is mounted on gimbals. The gimbals are provided with an electric motor which has a rotor in the form of an annular magnet rotatably supported with the axis of rotation aligned with the optical axis of the optical instrument. The rotor serves as an inertial member to inertially stabilize the second optical component for compensation.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a reference line for surveying, pipelaying and related purposes includes a laser source, means for automatically leveling the beam from the laser source, regardless of the orientation of the entire instrument, and means for deflecting the leveled beam to a desired angle relative to horizontal, also regardless of the orientation of the entire instrument.

Abstract: In a spectroscopic apparatus, a desolvated aerosol containing sample impurities to be analyzed is introduced into the center of a toroidal shaped plasma which is excited by an inductively coupled radio frequency power oscillator characterized by a single resonant circuit comprising an induction coil and its associated tuning capacitor, the plasma being produced by passing a gas stream along the axis of the induction coil. The single resonant circuit defined by the interconnection between the plate tank circuit and the grid tank circuit of the radio frequency power oscillator is such as to provide a common inductance for both circuits and to furnish power output and feedback for maintaining oscillation, whereby any detuning caused by introduction of the desolvated aerosol into the plasma does not affect the level of power transfer over a wide range.

Abstract: An image stabilized system comprising an afocal telescopic system section, deflecting means and a relay lens system section arranged in this order from the front, said deflecting means including a plano-convex and a plano-concave lens mounted in mating rotatable relation to each other, one of which is fixedly secured to the instrument housing containing the optical system in coaxial alignment with said telescopic system and relay lens system, and the other is held in fixed spatial alignment with the original line of a sight axis by means of a gyro stabilizer coupled thereto, thereby provide for stabilization of an image at the focal plane against accidental angular displacement or motions of the instrument relative to the original line of sight axis.