Abstract: An optical system including a telescope and a principal pointing device for selecting a direction of observation is disclosed. The system furthermore includes at least one secondary pointing device arranged ahead of a part of the entrance of the telescope and oriented fixedly with respect to the principal pointing device. A set of photodetectors records a secondary image formed by the telescope from light rays directed by the secondary pointing device toward the entrance of the telescope The secondary image makes it possible to accurately determine the direction of observation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving image quality in a reflector-type telescope are provided, through utilization of one or more nozzles disposed about the periphery of a reflecting mirror of the telescope, for directing a flow of air from a backside of the mirror across a concave reflecting surface of the mirror, to thereby sweep away and/or preclude formation of image distorting thermal boundary layers, or other impediments to image quality, resulting from the mirror not being in thermal equilibrium with ambient air surrounding the mirror. Supply nozzles are provided around a portion of the periphery of the mirror, and exhaust pick-up nozzles are provided around another portion of the periphery of the mirror, to thereby cause a flow of air to closely adhere to the concave surface of the mirror.

Abstract: A compact spotting scope includes a housing with an outer surface having a grasping region sized and shaped to fit in the palm of a user's hand so that the spotting scope can be held at eye level with one hand in an ergonomic arm and wrist position for steady support. An optical element positioned within the housing is adjusted by manually rotating a side-mounted adjustment knob that extends laterally from the outer surface of the housing opposite the grasping region. The side-mounted position of the adjustment knob allows the arm and wrist of the focusing hand to be maintained in an ergonomic position during manipulation of the adjustment knob, thereby further facilitating steady support. An internal support member of the spotting scope includes a frame portion and a generally tubular portion, which are preferably formed together of unitary one-piece construction for aligning optical elements of the spotting scope.

Abstract: A day/night weapon sight assembly that consists of daytime sight and a nighttime sight allows the use of both sights without change in eye relief even when the nighttime sight is attached to the rear end of the daytime sight. This is achieved by supporting the daytime sight moveably in the direction of the optical axis and by supporting the nighttime sight with the use of a plane-parallel motion mechanism that allows switching of the nighttime sight between the upper inoperative position and the operative position behind and coaxially with the daytime sight.

Abstract: A telescope imaging system is provided. The telescope imaging system comprises a first lens group for receiving a spot light and generating a first refracted beam, a second lens group for receiving the first refracted beam and generating a second refracted beam, a third lens group having a convex lens disposed at a side of the third lens group distant from the spot light for receiving the second refracted beam and generating a parallel beam by an effective focus formed by the first lens group, the second lens group and the third lens group, a first reflective mirror having an opening, receiving the parallel beam and generating a reflected beam, and a second reflective mirror adjacent to the third group lens and reflecting the reflected beam for allowing the reflected beam passing through the opening and focused as an image.

Abstract: An improved aiming tube pivot assembly for use in a sighting and/or aiming apparatus which comprises an aiming tube axially mounted within an outer tube (or housing). A support ring supports the aiming tube within the outer tube in a gimbal-like arrangement by means of ball bearings and set screws. The ball bearings are secured intermediate the aiming tube and the support ring via apertures in the outer tube. The set screws are threadedly mounted in the support ring and engage the outer surface of the outer tube. A movable cover tube can be mounted on the outer tube and substantially encloses the end of the outer tube and the support ring.

Abstract: An optical sight includes an optical train having an optical path therethrough. The optical train typically includes an objective, a prism that receives the optical path from the objective, and an eyepiece that receives the optical path from the prism. A reticle is formed on a surface of the prism. The reticle is illuminated by a reticle illumination source including a light source having a light-source output beam that illuminates the reticle, and a light diffuser lying in the light-source output beam between the light source and the reticle. The light diffuser is made of a non-lambertian material such as acetal.

Abstract: A filter or lens for a star tracking telescope includes a clear center portion and an attenuating peripheral portion where the peripheral portion attenuation of off-axis images is identical through any radial line extending from a center of the filter or lens to a circumference edge of the filter or lens for passing on-axis images with high signal to noise ratios and for attenuating off-axis images for attenuating but not completely blocking the off-axis images, which telescope with such a filter or lens is well suited for improved star tracking systems, and well suited for reducing off-axis glare in handheld optical apparatus such as binoculars, telescopes, cameras, and eyeglasses.

Abstract: A digital telescopic sight includes an objective lens group (202), a light collecting lens (204), an erecting lens group (206), an eyepiece lens group (212), a semi-reflecting mirror (208) and an image sensor (210). The incident exterior light rays are sequentially transmitted through the objective lens group, the light collecting lens and the erecting lens group, and then incident onto the semi-reflecting mirror. The semi-reflecting mirror reflects a portion of the light rays onto the image sensor, and transmits the remaining primary light rays to the eyepiece lens group for enabling the user to view the image. The image sensor receives the reflected portion of the light rays, converts it into an electrical signal, and finally transmits the electrical signal to a digital signal processor for further image signal processing.

Abstract: A laser-based altimeter for use on-board an aircraft comprises: a first housing including a hollow cavity and an exit aperture, and a second housing including a hollow cavity and an entrance aperture. A laser source and a plurality of first optical elements are fixedly supported in a compact configuration within the hollow cavity of the first housing. The plurality of first optical elements directs laser beams generated by the laser source from a first optical path to a second optical path which exits the first housing through the exit aperture. At least one second optical element is configured within the hollow cavity of the second housing to form a telescope with a predetermined field of view. The telescope receives at the entrance aperture reflections of the pulsed laser beams from objects within the field of view thereof and focuses the received reflections substantially to a focal point.

Abstract: There is provided a head-up display (HUD) tray harmonization assembly, including a mount alignment jig (MAJ) having a first end and a second end, the first end being connectable to an adjustable tray affixed in an aircraft front cabin at spaced-apart relationship to a front window having a lower edge located adjacent the front end of the aircraft, a telescope connected to the MAJ at, or adjacent, its second end oriented for viewing through the window, a collimator holder having a first portion connectable to the outside wall of the front edge of the aircraft and a second portion extending towards and terminating at least at the lower edge of the window, and a collimator coupled to the second portion of the holder to form a line of sight with said telescope. A method for HUD tray harmonization is also provided.

Abstract: An optical system having at least one dichroic Mangin mirror. The optical system has a front-end optical sub-system or a light source operative to emit an optical beam. The optical beam is dispersed into at least a first color beam and a second color beam and has certain degree of monochromatic aberration. The dichroic Mangin mirror is disposed along the optical paths of both the first and second color beams. The dichroic Mangin mirror includes a first surface operative to transmit the first color beam only, but reflects the second color beam. Therefore, upon incident on the dichroic Mangin mirror, the second color beam is reflected, while the first color beam transmits through the first surface and is then reflected off from the second surface. Thereby, the first and second color beams can be focused at the same position, which is referred as an achromatic system focus. Thereby, the chromatic aberration caused by the dispersion can be eliminated.

Abstract: A correct image reflecting telescope with zoom capability comprised of a flat mirror, a parabolic primary mirror, and an image correcting system. The flat mirror reflects the incoming light from the telescope aperture into the parabolic primary mirror. The reflected light from the primary mirror passes back through a small centrally located opening in the flat aperture mirror and into an image correcting lens system. The image correcting system repositions the focal point of the primary mirror from a point in front of the flat aperture mirror to a point behind this mirror for observation with and eyepiece. The image correcting system makes the telescope useful in terrestrial as well as celestial applications and it can be moved with respect to the primary mirror such that a zoom feature results.

Abstract: A telescope has at least one barrel. At least three optical elements, namely an objective lens, an inverting system, and an eyepiece are arranged within the barrel along a longitudinal axis thereof one behind another. Further, shaking movements of the barrel are compensated for by moving at least one of the optical elements relative to the barrel. The objective lens is rigidly connected to the barrel. The inverting system together with the eyepiece constitutes a common assembly. At least a part of the assembly is adapted to be moved relative to the longitudinal axis. As an alternative, the inverting system and the eyepiece are rigidly connected to the barrel and at least a part of the objective lens is adapted to be moved relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A laser-based altimeter for use on-board an aircraft comprises: a first housing including a hollow cavity and an exit aperture, and a second housing including a hollow cavity and an entrance aperture. A laser source and a plurality of first optical elements are fixedly supported in a compact configuration within the hollow cavity of the first housing. The plurality of first optical elements directs laser beams generated by the laser source from a first optical path to a second optical path which exits the first housing through the exit aperture. At least one second optical element is configured within the hollow cavity of the second housing to form a telescope with a predetermined field of view. The telescope receives at the entrance aperture reflections of the pulsed laser beams from objects within the field of view thereof and focuses the received reflections substantially to a focal point.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include user-directed automated telescope alignment systems and methods. In various embodiments, the automated alignment procedure provides for user-direction in selecting astronomical alignment objects. For example, in an embodiment, after the telescope is aligned according to a first approximation alignment, the user may direct the field of view of the telescope system to a viewable, sufficiently bright astronomical object. Upon bringing the object into the field of view, the alignment procedure advantageously identifies the likely astronomical object based on the first approximation alignment. The procedure also updates the first approximation alignment based on known information about the identified object. The process of user-direction to additional viewable bright astronomical objects provides for more precise and accurate mappings of telescope movements to celestial field of view.

Abstract: A fused thermal and a direct view aiming sight includes an optical gun sight, a thermal sight, and a beam combiner. The optical sight generates a direct view image of an aiming point or reticle superimposed on a target scene. The thermal sight generates a monochromic thermal image of the target scene. The combiner is positioned behind a 1× non-magnified optical sight and the thermal sight and in front of an exit pupil of the thermal sight. The combiner is positioned right behind the intermediate image plane of a magnified optical sight between an objective lens and an eyepiece. The combiner passes the direct view image and reflects the thermal image to the exit pupil to fuse the thermal image onto the direct view image for an operator to see at the exit pupil as a combined thermal and direct view optical image of the target scene together with the aiming reticle.

Abstract: A system for operating an astronomical observatory made up of astronomical hardware, utilizing a web browser operated by a user, and a web server connected to the observatory, wherein both the control to, and feedback from the observatory are displayed to the user in real time independent of personnel support at the observatory site. The user submits a request to the observatory via the web browser, which displays the status and results of the request. A web server, coupled to the various astronomical hardware, processes the request on behalf of the user and responds with the status and results of the request. The status and/or results ae then displayed by the web browser to the user. Requests may be made by the user interactively, or in the form of a script. The system may be used over wide area networks, like the Internet, or any other type of network.

Abstract: A cylindrical body of a Newton reflective telescope includes a first cylindrical body and a second cylindrical body combined together. The first cylindrical body has an eyepiece fixed on an outer surface, and a reflective mirror fixed in its interior. A joint member is connected between the first and the second cylindrical body to enable the first cylindrical body to rotate relative to the second cylindrical body as a pivot in such a way that the first and the second cylindrical body have coincident center axes. Therefore, a person other than a first user can also look in the eyepieces by rotating the first cylindrical body without need for the first user to leave the location of the eyepiece.

Abstract: A manual controller commands a telescope mount to automatically track a specific bright star after the image of the star is located to center of an electronic eyepiece and a timer is started. The average moving speed of the bright star is calculated after a predetermined elapsed time to acquire the right ascension (RA) and the declination (DEC) coordinates of this bright star. Subsequently, the RA and DEC coordinates are compared with pre-stored data contained within a database used to identify the bright star. The celestial sphere coordinates of the telescope can be determined after a minimum of one bright star is identified. In the auto-tracking procedure, the manual controller controls movement of telescope by feedbacks of the drifting speed and direction of the specific bright star in an electronic eyepiece for the purpose of keeping the specific bright star in the center of the electronic eyepiece.

Abstract: A telescope capable of motorized focus and/or collimation. The telescope includes control electronics capable of correcting the focus and/or collimation based on identified information, such as, for example, information about optical or other elements of the telescope, information about a user or imaging device, or the like. In various embodiments, such identified information is acquired through radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies. In other embodiments, an automated system controls the actuators based at least in part upon identification information, such as through user or device recognition.

Abstract: A display device (4) for a telescope system is disposed between a first image plane (10) and a second image plane (20) of the telescope system. The display device includes a signal emitter (41), a converging lens group (42) positioned adjacent to the signal emitter, and a dioptric imaging lens group (43) positioned adjacent to the converging lens group. The optical signal emitted by the signal emitter is first transmitted through the converging lens group, then incident onto the dioptric imaging lens group, and finally imaged onto the second image after reflection of the dioptric imaging lens group. Therefore, both the image size and brightness of the displayed signal viewed by the observer can maintain unchanged in spite of the magnification variation of the telescope system.

Abstract: A telescope has a primary light mirror structure including a central base, and a concave primary mirror having a central opening in which the central base is received and extending radially outwardly from the central opening. The concave primary mirror has an inner margin adjacent to the central opening. A secondary light mirror structure includes a secondary mirror having a center and an outer periphery. The secondary mirror faces the concave primary mirror and the central base of the primary light mirror structure. A spider support extends between the inner margin of the concave primary mirror and the center of the secondary mirror facing the central base. The spider support does not extend to the outer periphery of the secondary mirror. The spider support has openings therethrough to permit light rays to pass between the secondary mirror and the central base of the primary light mirror structure.

Abstract: A portable altitude/azimuth telescope mount having an integral locator system with a magnetic encoder mechanism for facilitating location of astronomical objects and telescope positioning for observation thereof. A microprocessor receives signals from the encoder mechanism and translates such into position data for display. The locator system also includes a database of astronomical objects, including their locations and other relevant information. The mount is preferably provided with a drive mechanism adapted to allow for automatically or manually positioning the telescope to view astronomical objects and for automatically repositioning or steering the telescope in order to track the astronomical objects during extended viewing. When moved manually, components of the drive act as a clutch mechanism that effectively disengages the drive motor to avoid damage. An instance of the drive may be provided for each axis of movement.

Abstract: A focal device for a telescope includes an eyepiece tube, a main body, a fixing washer, a direction restricting member, a focus adjusting ring, a focus adjusting tube, an eyepiece, an eyepiece clamping member and a tightening ring. The eyepiece-clamping member is fixed with the eyepiece and with the focus adjusting tube, having male threads at the other end. The focus adjusting tube and the eyepiece have the same axial line and are able to shift axially only for restricted by the direction-restricting member. The focus adjusting ring engages with the focus adjusting tube, having the same axial line as the focus adjusting tube does, limited to rotate at its site for activating the focus adjusting tube to shift axially. All the axial lines of the eyepiece and the telescope overlap with each other, enabling focusing absolutely precise.

Abstract: An image-inverting prism device with double use for a telescope includes a prism contained in a housing formed of two semi-housings. The housing has a first end for connecting a lens, the first end being provided with three different diameter threaded stepped surfaces. The housing has a second end provided with a male threaded surface. The prism device further has a small lens tube, a changeover tube, a large lens tube, so when the image-inverting prism device is to be combined with a telescope with a large lens or a small lens, the changeover tube is used for connecting a large cylinder or a small cylinder of a telescope, and a large lens or a small lens respectively engaging with different diameter threaded stepped surfaces so that the image-inverting prism device may be use with both a telescope of a large lens and a small lens.

Abstract: An optical corrector system optical system comprising two components, a first housing supporting therein a telenegative-type lens, and a second housing supporting therein a positive-type lens. The first housing is adapted to be coupled to a telescope in a manner so that the telenegative lens intercepts the image plane provided by the telescope. The second housing is adapted to be coupled to an image input portion of a remote viewing device. Opposite ends of the first and second housings are adapted to be coupled to each other in a manner so that the distance between the telenegative lens in the first housing and the positive lens in the second housing results in the intercepted image plane being repositioned from a viewing position at the telescope, to a viewing position at the remote viewing device. In a preferred embodiment, the remote viewing device comprises a binocular viewer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control device for controlling an astronomical telescope and, specifically, to a control device for automatic locating of celestial bodies, and to a method for controlling an astronomical telescope. The control device comprises a power input interface, a master controller, and an intelligent motor drive controller. The master controller comprises a CPU, an optional RAM, a FLASH microprocessor, one or more buttons, an LCD, a buzzer, one or more backlight diode lamps, one or more LED lights, a serial to USB interface, and an internal serial bus. The intelligent motor drive controller comprises a chip microprocessor having IAP functions, a two-way reversible PWM driving circuit having an output end and a detection end, a direct current motor, an optical encoder, an optical encoder detection circuit, and an over-current protection circuit.

Abstract: An optical system comprising a concave primary mirror reflects light through an intermediate focus to a secondary mirror. The secondary mirror re-focuses the image to a final image plane. Optical limiter material is placed near the intermediate focus to optically limit the intensity of light so that downstream components of the optical system are protected from intense optical transients. Additional lenses before and/or after the intermediate focus correct optical aberrations.

Abstract: A substantially neutral filter across the white-light spectrum is obtained by minimizing the wavelength-dependent effects of filtering components and of reflective coatings on surfaces. The incoming light is captured by a first prism and directed toward the interface formed by the optical contact of a second prism with a face of the first prism, where the light is partially reflected internally and partially transmitted into the second prism. The reflected light is further reflected internally and directed toward the image surface out of the first prism. The fraction of light transmitted into the second prism is reflected back and redirected out of the system toward the incoming beam. The amount of energy directed toward the image plane is controlled by the judicious selection of the refractive indices in the two materials at the contacting interface of the first and second prisms.

Abstract: A periscope is mounted through the roof and into a room within a building, such as a house or the like, whereby people in the building can view scenes outside without leaving the building. The periscope extends from a room in the building, such as a living room of a house, upwardly through any overhead ceilings and floors and through the roof. Further, the periscope extends above the topmost roofline for increased distance viewing or viewing over obstacles. Using an eyepiece at the bottom of the periscope, a user can then see outside areas, including distant areas, while remaining in the comfort of his or her house. The building can be any permanent dwelling structure, such as a house, apartment, single story building, multistory building, condominium, cottage, cabin, beach house or the like, in a residential or commercial setting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a way to measure the position of an instrument that is mounted on an instrument shaft within a clutched mounting system, the instrument shaft being driven through a reduction gearbox by a motor shaft. The position of the instrument is measured as a function of the position of the motor shaft and the position of the instrument shaft, the measurement of the position of the motor shaft providing greater precision than the position of the instrument shaft. Because the mounting system is clutched, it is necessary to check at intervals whether the measurement of the motor shaft position no longer accurately represents the position of the instrument, in which case the measurement of the motor shaft position is resynchronized to the measurement of the instrument shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel land based reflecting telescope having a stationary, equatorially mounted, segmented mirror comprised of a plurality of movable mirrored collectors. These movable collectors are arranged in hexagonal groups to form a multiple mirrored reflector, which comprises the stationary compound telescope. A secondary mirror mounted atop a tower at the focal point directs the image toward the observation cart. Observers ride the periphery of the stationary mirror at a rate of one revolution per day. A retractable air supported hypalon cover protects the large primary mirror structure.

Abstract: A panoramic field of view acquiring system comprises three telescopes, which acquire three separate images, each typically covering a little over one third of the total required scene and a multiplexer, which is used to transmit the three images, one at a time, to an appropriate detector. Standard imaging techniques are then used to coordinate the images to form a complete picture and display them as required.

Abstract: A three mirror anastigmatic optic (and corresponding method of making) comprising a primary mirror, a secondary mirror, a tertiary mirror, and a vertex common to the primary and tertiary mirrors.

Abstract: This invention encompasses near-real-time processing of astronomical images for viewing on a computer. This image processing method is preferably integrated with the control of an astronomical observatory. The subject invention thus includes an Internet-based system that provides a virtual experience of an astronomical observatory. The subject invention preferably uses an unmanned astronomical observatory to observe galaxies, nebulae, stars, etc. The observatory produces color images suitable for viewing on a computer monitor. These images are delivered to users across the Internet using web browser-based software.

Abstract: A targeting unit is incorporated into the main body of a solar telescope. The targeting image is provided by an aperture facing the sun in the housing of the telescope through which sunlight is received and directed to a transmissive viewing screen placed in the housing on the same side of the telescope's eyepiece. All parts of the targeting system are fixed to the housing of the telescope and removed from accidental contact by personnel operating the telescope, thereby minimizing the chance for events that might cause misalignment. In addition, this configuration makes it possible to easily position both the viewing screen and the eyepiece on the same side of the telescope following any degree of folding of the objective beam.

Abstract: A solar telescope is disclosed that facilitates safe observation of the sun with minimal setup, targeting effort or operator skill. The folded solar telescope of the invention includes a friction stabilized telescope support system that is capable of maintaining a specified telescope orientation. The telescope further includes a targeting system that comprises one or more pointing aids to simplify the process of aligning the telescope with the sun so a solar image is projected onto a viewing surface.

Abstract: An in-line night-day boresight with an adjustable wedge-prism assembly is disclosed. The adjustable wedge-prism assembly includes two opposing wedge prisms that are axially rotatable relative to each other. The assembly is arranged in the optical path between the night optics and the day optics. The adjustable wedge-prism assembly allows for compensation of image shift errors introduced by the night optics due to manufacturing errors in the night optics. This in turn allows for a cost-effective and easily aligned in-line night-day boresight.

Abstract: A telescope (800) includes a lens (802) and an eyepiece (801) by which a person can view a remote object. The telescope includes a built-in printer to provide an instantaneous permanent record of an image viewed by the person. Upon activation of a trigger (817), a permanent graphic image is printed onto a sheet (816) that passes out of the telescope via slot (804).

Abstract: A fluid pressure support mechanism has a container in which fluid pressure is applied and fluid tubes are connected to the fluid pressure support mechanisms and to a fluid pressure control unit in such a way as to make all the fluid pressure support mechanisms communicate with each other, then a fluid pressure control unit applies the fluid pressure to the containers in the respective fluid pressure support mechanisms via the fluid tubes and controls the fluid pressure, and an electrically attractive actuator translates a mirror in an axial direction with one degree of freedom for translation by attracting force produced by a driven member and an electromagnet.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical instrument, designed to be used on a satellite, for simultaneously or quasi-simultaneously observing in two opposite angularly separated directions. It comprises at least two telescopes (TA, TB) having angularly spaced apart observation directions, each having a real and accessible exit pupil and respective planar or superimposable image fields, with a width at least five times more than that of the pupil in a specific direction. Optical means provided at the exit pupil are arranged so as to form the image fields in a common overlapping focal plane except in lateral zones whereof the width is substantially equal to that of the exit pupil of the telescopes. In the common focal plane, an assembly of several matrix detectors are arranged and oriented on the superimposition zone of the image fields of the telescopes in the wavefront.

Abstract: An optical system deviation estimating apparatus includes an erected/inverted attitude setting means 9 for changing dispositional attitude of an optical system under test, a non-interferometric type wavefront measuring means 10 for measuring wavefronts at the attitudes as set up without resorting to interference phenomenon of light, a polynomial approximation means 15 for expanding measured wavefront values determined by the non-interferometric type wavefront measuring means 10 to a polynomial, an averaging arithmetic means 11 for averaging the measured values derived from output of the non-interferometric type wavefront measuring means 10 or alternatively arithmetic values derived from output of the polynomial approximation means 15, and a polynomial specific coefficient extraction arithmetic means 16 for extracting specific coefficient values of the polynomial.

Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is able to be fully operable in both Alt-Az and polar configurations. In either configuration, the telescope aligns itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed north and then pointed towards a user's horizon. A command processor, under application software program control orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation may be further refined by initially inputting a geographical location indicia, or by shooting one or two additional celestial objects. Once the telescope's orientation with respect to the celestial coordinate system is established, the telescope system will automatically move to and track any desired celestial object without further alignment invention by a user.

Abstract: A compact spotting scope includes a housing with an outer surface having a grasping region sized and shaped to fit in the palm of a user's hand so that the spotting scope can be held at eye level with one hand in an ergonomic arm and wrist position for steady support. An optical element positioned within the housing is adjusted by manually rotating a side-mounted adjustment knob that extends laterally from the outer surface of the housing opposite the grasping region. The side-mounted position of the adjustment knob allows the arm and wrist of the focusing hand to be maintained in an ergonomic position during manipulation of the adjustment knob, thereby further facilitating steady support. An internal support member of the spotting scope includes a frame portion and a generally tubular portion, which are preferably formed together of unitary one-piece construction for aligning optical elements of the spotting scope.

Abstract: An automated telescope includes an optical system and respective altitude and azimuth motor systems. Each motor system is configured to rotate the optical system about a corresponding altitude or azimuth axis. Each of the altitude and azimuth motor systems includes a motor and a microprocessor configured to control its respective motor. A third microprocessor is connected to microprocessors of both the altitude and azimuth motor systems. The third microprocessor is programmed to determine a relationship between a celestial coordinate system and an altitude-azimuth coordinate system and to generate motion control commands based at least in part on the determined relationship. Each microprocessor of the altitude and azimuth motor systems then controls its respective motor based at least in part on the motion control commands.

Abstract: A focusing optic can be axially displaced along the optical axis in a housing with the aid of coarse and fine drives. The coarse drive includes a coarse belt drive by which the coarse drive and the focusing optic cooperate actively with one another and the fine belt drive is provided for connecting the fine drive and the focusing optic.

Abstract: A telescope support stand system for side cutaway view of the present invention in the contracted position. The telescope support stand system includes a base that is permanently secured to a floor, a lower tube attached to the base, an upper tube slidably positioned about the lower tube, an elevating unit within the lower tube for elevating the upper tube, and a support plate attached to the upper tube for mounting a telescope thereto. The outer tube preferably includes a plurality of alignment plates for providing a reduced friction guide surface for sliding about the lower tube.

Abstract: A portable altitude/azimuth telescope mount having an integral locator system with a magnetic encoder mechanism for facilitating location of astronomical objects and telescope positioning for observation thereof. A microprocessor receives signals from the encoder mechanism and translates such into position data for display. The locator system also includes a database of astronomical objects, including their locations and other relevant information. The mount is preferably provided with a drive mechanism adapted to allow for automatically or manually positioning the telescope to view astronomical objects and for automatically repositioning or steering the telescope in order to track the astronomical objects during extended viewing. When moved manually, components of the drive act as a clutch mechanism that effectively disengages the drive motor to avoid damage. An instance of the drive may be provided for each axis of movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for the focusing of incident light includes a base assembly that is adapted to support a primary mirror. The primary mirror includes an outside circumference and an inside aperture. An upright member is attached to the base assembly at a first end thereof at a first location that is disposed inside the aperture and at a second location that is disposed outside the primary mirror. The upright member includes a second end that is distally disposed with respect to the first end. The second end is adapted to receive a turret that includes a secondary mirror and is adapted to pivot between two positions. An IMU is attached to the base assembly proximate the primary mirror.