Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting system for mounting a camera, or other similar devices, for afocal photographic viewing through a telescope eyepiece providing an attachment for the telescope which allows attachment of the telescope eyepiece and a yoke which locks and supports a supporting rail along which is mounted a camera platform which is designed to be adjustable to bring the camera or other light receptor device into axial alignment with the eyepiece of the telescope quickly and to hold the device in fixed axial alignment. The invention permits adjustment with four aspects: lateral perpendicular mutually exclusive movement in two axes to the optical axis; longitudinal movement along the optical axis; and tilting or pivoting movement in one of the two lateral perpendicular axes.

Abstract: A telescope comprises a telescope tube and a mount for supporting the telescope tube for altitude and azimuth positioning. The mount comprises an azimuth assembly including vertical bearing holders in spaced parallel relation and an altitude assembly including interconnected vertical bearings rotatably supported on tracks of the bearing holders. The bearings have lips disposed over outer surfaces of the bearing holders, respectively, and a frictional adjustment mechanism of the azimuth assembly includes an extension element extendable into frictional contact with one of the lips to maintain proper tracking of the bearings on the tracks of the bearing holders. A clamp assembly disposed between the bearings comprises a plurality of clamp members having apertures, respectively, through which the telescope tube extends. The clamp members are pivotal between open and closed positions via operation of a single operating member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coupler for auxiliary lenses for coupling auxiliary lenses to spectacles and allowing the auxiliary glassed to be out of user's sight when they are not needed. The coupler for auxiliary lenses comprises a coupling unit, an operation unit which is extended and retracted to be near and far from the coupling unit and is arranged to be pivoted upward on a pin when it is extended, and a sliding panel which is extended and retracted in the operation unit and has an end combined with and fixed to a bridge of the auxiliary lenses.

Abstract: A ray of light incident via a pin hole (6) and a field stop (7) having a field of vision a predetermined angle larger than a telescope's actual field of vision that are disposed on an axis (5) in parallel to the optical axis (4) of the telescope is measured in intensity by a photoelectric element (8). When a quantity of light incident on the photoelectric element is larger than a predetermined quantity of light, a shutter (11) is inserted into an optical path of the telescope to cut off a ray of light going into the eyes of the observer. Since an incidence of a quantity of light in excess of a predetermined one into a field of vision a predetermined angle larger than the actual field of vision of the telescope will block the optical path of the telescope, a risk such as damage to the eyes of the observer can be eliminated to prevent an accident even when the observer erroneously observes a strong light-generating object such as the sun.

Abstract: A reference plate is situated on an optical axis of an eyepiece. The reference plate includes a first glass plate and a second glass plate. One surface of the first glass plate and one surface of the second glass plate are bonded. Cross hairs are formed on the bonded surface of the first glass plate by using a chromium plating and so on. A radius of curvature of the bonded surface accords with the field curvature of the sagittal image surface of the eyepiece.

Abstract: A viewing instrument that has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The viewing instrument includes two lenses that are located within a housing when the viewing instrument is in its collapsed configuration and at least a portion of each of the lenses is located outside of the housing when the viewing instrument is in its expanded configuration.

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: Space telescope including at least a membranous mirror and a device to fold said mirror, this device allowing transport and orbiting, without residual deformation, of the said mirror, and being constituted by a circular thin disc comprising concentric circular undulations, and able to be rolled up.

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.

Abstract: A compact telescope having a modified Gregorian design comprising three reflecting surfaces. The first reflecting surface is concave and is defined by an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter. The curvature of the first reflecting surface defines a focal plane of the first reflecting surface. The second reflecting surface is optically coupled to the first reflecting surface and is disposed between the first reflecting surface and the focal plane defined by the first reflecting surface. The third reflecting surface is concave and is disposed within the inner perimeter of the first reflecting surface. The curvature of the third reflecting surface is greater than the curvature of the first reflecting surface. The third reflecting surface is optically coupled to the first reflecting surface by the second reflecting surface. An aperture is disposed within the third reflecting surface. Thus light incident upon the first reflecting surface is directed through the aperture.

Abstract: A viewing device (10) adapted to be held at eye level by an apparatus (14) comprises a housing (16) designed to fit within a tray (12) of the apparatus (14), two eyepieces (22) mounted to a proximal end (24) of the housing, a magnification mechanism (26), and a focus mechanism (28). The device (10) also includes an objective lens (18) and a video screen (19) mounted to a distal end (20) of the housing (16). The housing (16) preferably includes a substantially flat bottom (30) and two substantially flat sides (32) and is preferably secured to the tray (12) by a threaded fastener (36). The eyepieces (22) are preferably flexible and padded to provide a comfortable fit. The eyepieces (22) may be either contoured or substantially flat. The contoured eyepieces (22) fit against a user's face. The substantially flat eyepieces (22) fit against the user's eyeglasses.

Abstract: A viewing device (10) adapted to be held at eye level by an apparatus (14) comprises a housing (16) designed to fit within a tray (12) of the apparatus (14), two eyepieces (22) mounted to a proximal end (24) of the housing, a magnification mechanism (26), and a focus mechanism (28). The device (10) also includes either two objective lenses (18) or a video screen (118) mounted to a distal end (20) of the housing (16). The housing (16) preferably includes a substantially flat bottom (30) and two substantially flat sides (32) and is preferably secured to the tray (12) by a threaded fastener (36). The eyepieces (22) are preferably flexible and padded to provide a comfortable fit. The eyepieces (22) may be either contoured or substantially flat. The contoured eyepieces (22) fit against a user's face. The substantially flat eyepieces (22) fit against the user's eyeglasses.

Abstract: Recent schemes have been accepted by NASA in its TPF program for simple sparse arrays. But these methods require a great deal of interferometric control of tip tilt and other motion. But with this invention we just need (actuated) flats on a parabola with a central focal point module. The mirrors will be on the order of a kilometer distant from that module so that tip tilt can be sensed (and then controled) by sensors on the module that also detect beam pointing. The actual (high SNR) star the planet is orbiting can be used for rapid Strehle ratio maximization so that NO laser interferometry is needed at all. Fine mirror control can be done by variable reflectivity of the backside of the mirrors. The mirrors can be placed at L2 so that their orbits are all the same. A lot of this multi space craft control has already been accomplished with the ESA “Cluster”.

Abstract: A telescope includes at least two telescope components which are constructed C-shaped and/or U-shaped and are arranged so as to be longitudinally slidable relative to each other. The telescope components are movable by the longitudinal displacement between a retracted position and an extended position. The telescope components are separated from each other by rolling bodies which ensure the slidability of the components. The rolling bodies may be guided in a cage and travel on tracks of the telescope components which are limited by stops, screws or the like. A stop is provided in the area of a travel path of the rolling bodies between the end portions of the track.

Abstract: A telescope (1) with inclined viewing relative to the axis of sight (2) has a sighting device (4) with a mounting (8) that is adapted to be inserted in or removed from a recess (9) on the telescope housing (6) at an inclined portion (5) such that the sighting device (4) is disposed on the side adjacent the eyepiece (3).

Abstract: A free space optical communication system is disclosed whereby a transmit telescope and a receive telescope are aligned such that the point of maximum power of the received light beam is incident upon the optical fiber located at a specific point on the focal plane of the receive telescope. Such incidence is achieved by causing the transmitted beam to diverge by moving the transmit optical fiber to a point in front of the focal plane of the transmit telescope until at least a portion of the beam is incident upon the receive optical fiber. The transmit telescope and/or the receive telescope (or, alternatively, only the respective optical fibers of those telescopes) are then moved such that the point of maximum received power for that degree of divergence is incident upon the receive optical fiber.

Abstract: A single sensor that can operate in multiple bands and display either one radiation band alone or multiple overlaid bands, using an appropriate color choice to distinguish the bands. The multiple-band sensor allows the user to look through at least one eyepiece and with the use of a switch, see scenes formed via the human eye under visible light, an II sensor, an MWIR sensor, or an LWIR sensor, either individually or superimposed. The device is equipped with multiple switching mechanisms. The first, for allowing the user to select between radiation bands and overlays, and the second, as with most thermal imaging sensors, for allowing the user to switch between “white-hot/black-hot” i.e., a polarity switch.

Abstract: A telescope with an optical axis established by the optical elements of the telescope, comprising an eyepiece, an objective and a first focusing optics, which is mounted displaceably along the optical axis for focusing, wherein the telescope has a second focusing optics which is mounted displaceably along the optical axis for focusing.

Abstract: A telescope apparatus for celestial observations by a reflecting telescope which is provided with: a first reflecting mirror 3 having its surface 3a coated over the entire area thereof with a grid-like metallic film 10 that reflects radio waves 1 but permits the passage therethrough of infrared and visible rays 2 and having its back 3b coated over the entire area thereof with a full-face metallic film that reflects both of the radio waves 1 and the infrared and visible rays 2; and a second reflecting mirror 4 having its surface 4a coated over the entire area thereof with the grid-like metallic film 10 that reflects the radio waves 1 but permits the passage therethrough of the infrared and visible rays 2 and having its back 4b coated over the entire area thereof with the full-face metallic film 11 that reflects both of the radio waves 1 and the infrared and visible rays.

Abstract: A support for a telescope includes cavities for holding ballast material for improved stability. The cavities are provided in a fork to which the telescope is mounted, the fork is fixed to a ground-engaging frame for rotation about an axis of the fork. The cavity includes a lowermost conical section having an axis aligned with the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is operable in both alt-az and equatorial modes. In either configuration, the telescope system aligns and orients itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed North and then pointed towards the horizon. A command processor, under application software control, orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation is refined by automatically inputting geographical location data and a timing parameter. A simplified tracking procedure allows tracking of celestial objects after the telescope system has had its axis positions initialized to a horizontal and a vertical index. Object tracking is subsequently performed with no additional orientation procedure required.

Abstract: A binoculars for capturing images includes two optical systems and a image-capturing device installed in one optical system. The optical system having the image-capturing device includes a beam-splitting element, and the beam-splitting element divides a beam into two beams, wherein one beam is received by eye and another beam is received by the image-capturing device simultaneously. Consequently, the image-capturing device takes photos through the optical system of the binoculars.

Abstract: A portable optical device comprises an optical-system mount plate, a control circuit board, and an inner frame. The inner frame has first pillar elements, and second pillar elements. The first pillar elements are provided for supporting the optical-system mount plate. The second pillar elements are provided for supporting the control circuit board. The first and second pillar elements are constructed in such a manner that the optical-system mount plate is disposed between the inner frame and the control circuit board.

Abstract: An auxiliary binocular device for astronomical telescope, comprising a center tube, a left lens unit, a right lens unit and a beam splitter and image-inverting device, the objective lens of the binocular device being joined to the eyepiece of astronomical telescope, so the telescope becomes binocular. The beam splitter and image-inverting device is installed inside the center tube, the right lens unit and the left lens unit, comprising a beam splitter prism, three reflected mirrors and two lens sets, having beam splitting and image-inverting functions.

Abstract: An adjusting device for adjusting a projecting direction of a view comprises the following components. A reflector is pivotally installed in a body case. The body case is formed with an incident hole, first viewing hole and a second viewing hole. A reflector is located within the body case and is pivotally installed thereto. An adjusting button is located on the upper cover. A rotary flange is installed on the adjusting button. Thereby, the user rotates the adjusting button so that a rotary arm is adhered on the adjusting button. When a user desires to see an outer view; by a driving the rotary arm, the reflector is driven to rotate to a predetermined angle. On the contrary, when the user desires to see outer view from the first viewing hole; the user only needs to restore the adjusting button to the original position.

Abstract: A compact telescope having a modified Gregorian design comprising three reflecting surfaces. The first reflecting surface is concave and is defined by an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter. The curvature of the first reflecting surface defines a focal plane of the first reflecting surface. The second reflecting surface is optically coupled to the first reflecting surface and is disposed between the first reflecting surface and the focal plane defined by the first reflecting surface. The third reflecting surface is concave and is disposed within the inner perimeter of the first reflecting surface. The curvature of the third reflecting surface is greater than the curvature of the first reflecting surface. The third reflecting surface is optically coupled to the first reflecting surface by the second reflecting surface. An aperture is disposed within the third reflecting surface. Thus light incident upon the first reflecting surface is directed through the aperture.

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: 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: An astronomical viewing instrument with a helmet-mounted optical assembly comprising a pair of binocular tubes, each with an objective lens, attached to a base plate. The base plate is connected via a first hinge to the helmet worn by the viewer. The binocular tubes are also attached to a first pair of apertures in a mirror housing which has a second pair of apertures with threaded tees, at an angle relative to the first pair, for connection to a pair of prism housings ending in eyepieces for the viewer. The prism housings provide for a parallel offset such that their individual rotation around the mirror housing tees changes the distance between the eyepieces to match the distance between the pupils of the viewer. The first hinge serves to accommodate different head sizes of viewers and allows to adjust the weight, via the cushioned eye-pieces, on the eyes of a viewer.

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.

Abstract: &lgr;UVt sampling is employed to achieve high resolution imagery without sub-wavelength system tolerances. An exemplary application is a 20 meter outside diameter orbiting, earth-watching ring telescope utilizing 40 identical commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS)-grade convex primary mirrors of 80 cm diameter each. Its nominal orbit is geosynchronous, with a designed ground resolution of approximately 1 m at 500 nm. It is configured such that there is no macro-structure pointing, where the primary mirrors are solely responsible for gross target pointing and no phasing whatsoever. The overall wavefront error budget is on the order of X or even worse, rather than the more traditional &lgr;/10.

Abstract: &lgr;UVt sampling is employed to achieve high resolution imagery without sub-wavelength system tolerances. An exemplary application is a 20 meter outside diameter orbiting, earth-watching ring telescope utilizing 40 identical commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS)-grade convex primary mirrors of 80 cm diameter each. Its nominal orbit is geosynchronous, with a designed ground resolution of approximately 1 m at 500 nm. It is configured such that there is no macro-structure pointing, where the primary mirrors are solely responsible for gross target pointing and no phasing whatsoever. The overall wavefront error budget is on the order of &lgr; or even worse, rather than the more traditional &lgr;/10.

Abstract: A prime focus unit that enables position and angle correction within a lens barrel while being located at the prime focus of a telescope. There is provided a first frame on which a barrel top inner tube of a telescope is to be mounted. A second frame is joined to the first frame by way of a Stewart platform comprising six jacks and three pressurized springs. An observation apparatus for collecting observation data and an optical correction system for effecting optical correction are provided on the second frame. If a change arises in the relative position and angle formed between the telescope and the observation apparatus in association with a change in the attitude of the telescope, the change can be eliminated by adjustment of a Stewart platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combined telescope and telemeter device comprising a telescopic sight (1) having a housing (2), one end of which receives an objective lens (3) while the other end receives an eyepiece (4), said housing defining a beam path (5) between the objective lens and the eyepiece. The device also includes an opto-electronic telemeter (12) with emitter-receiver optics (14) for optical measuring beams (15) and evaluation electronics (24) for timing the interval between an emitted measuring beam and a received measuring beam and for determining the distance on the basis thereof.

Abstract: The rays of light from an object under observation are condensed by objective lens. The incident light from the objective lens is reflected by plane reflector mirror to form a focused image on a detector. The plane reflector mirror floats in at least three reflector mirror floating vessels and even if the telescope tilts, a surface of the fluid in the vessel remains leveled and the plane reflector mirror does not vibrate. Further, the plane reflector mirror includes at least three pads, each of the pads floating in a corresponding reflector mirror floating vessel.

Abstract: Binoculars, a telescope, or the like, having a removable strap, wherein

Abstract: A telescope system has an intelligent motor controller for accurately controlling telescope position to facilitate location of celestial objects and to precisely control the speed at which the telescope moves to facilitate tracking of celestial objects. An optical encoder utilizes two photodetectors to provide enhanced servo control of the telescope positioning motors, a calibration circuit eliminates a need to test LED's during assembly of the optical encoder and a brushless mount provides electrical communication to an altitude drive motor located in a fork thereof in a manner which mitigates problems due to undesirable wrapping of an electrical cable around the mount as the mount rotates in azimuth.

Abstract: A viewing apparatus with a photographing function, includes a viewing optical system by which an image of an object, formed by a positive objective optical system, is viewed though a positive eyepiece optical system, and a photographing optical system which is provided independently from the viewing optical system. The photographing optical system covers substantially the same field of view as that of the viewing optical system.

Abstract: Reticles and scopes using reticles are provided with increased visibility in low-light conditions by illuminating the reticle using the light emitted by a quantity of photoluminescent material. The photoluminescent material may be placed on the reticle itself or emit light which is cast onto the reticle. In some forms, the reticle is entirely coated with the photoluminescent material and in other forms, the photoluminescent material is selectively deposited on a portion of the reticle or an area adjacent the reticle. In other forms, the photoluminescent material is located remote from the reticle and the light emitted from the reticle is transmitted to the reticle. Alternatively, the light may be transmitted directly into a disc of optical material which has an area etched into a reticle pattern whereby the transmitted light escapes from the disc through the etched out portion and provides an illuminated reticle pattern which is visible in low light conditions.

Abstract: An alignment detector is disclosed that determines whether a first element has been moved to a predetermined position relative to a second element. The detector includes an emitter that is secured within a first optical chamber. A first detector is secured within a second optical chamber. The first optical chamber is optically connected to the second optical chamber such that a signal emitted from the emitter is detectable by the detector. An occluding element at least partially obstructs the signal when the first element has been moved to the predetermined position.

Abstract: In an optical viewer instrument with a photographing function, there is provided a telescopic lens system for observing objects, and a digital camera system including a solid-state image sensor and a photographing lens system associated with each other such that an object is formed as a photographed image on the solid-state image sensor through the photographing lens system. A manually-operable focussing mechanism is associated with the telescopic lens system and the photographing lens system such that the object is brought into focus through the telescopic lens system, and such that the object is brought into focus through the photographing lens system. Optical parameters are selected such that predetermined conditions are fulfilled, whereby the focussing of the telescopic lens system and the focusing of the photographing lens system can be suitably and properly performed by the focussing mechanism.

Abstract: A viewing apparatus includes a viewing optical system having a positive objective optical system and a positive eyepiece optical system, an image of an object formed through the positive objective optical system being viewed through the positive eyepiece optical system; a photographing optical system, provided independently from the viewing optical system, for photographing the object image viewed through the positive eyepiece optical system; a first focusing mechanism for changing an image focal point of the object image formed through the positive objective optical system of the viewing optical system; a second focusing mechanism for changing an image focal point of an object image formed through the photographing optical system; an association mechanism which interconnects the first focusing mechanism with the second focusing mechanism; and an indicia indication optical system for selectively indicating the object image and an indicia image in a field of view viewing through the positive eyepiece optical s

Abstract: A telescope system facilitates easy upgrading from friction lock mounting to manual worm drive, and from manual worm drive to motor drive. Vibration isolation provides a steady field of view for enhanced observation and photography. A telescope mount facilitates enhanced below the horizon and zenith viewing. A tripod has detents which hold the legs thereof in a deployed position during handling of the tripod. A cam lock reliably maintains a desired length of telescoping tripod legs.

Abstract: An optical device (10) is disclosed which is mountable to a scope (S) having an objective lens OL and an eyepiece EP. The optical device (10) has a light intensifying module (11), an eyepiece (12), an objective lens unit (14), and an elastic, tubular collar (21). The collar (21) has a first end (22) adapted to be stretchably coupled with the scope eyepiece and second end (23) adapted to be stretchably coupled to the optical device objective lens unit (14) to provide air tight seals.

Abstract: A telescope includes an erecting system having first, second, third and fourth reflecting surfaces from an object side, the first and second reflecting surfaces and the third and fourth reflecting surfaces facing each other at right angle, respectively. An objective lens located between the first and fourth reflecting surfaces has a positive refractive power to converge object light that is reflected by at least the first reflecting surface for forming an image. An eyepiece located between the fourth reflecting surface and an eye point, has a positive refractive power to magnify the image formed by the objective lens. The first reflecting surface is formed on a retractable mirror that can swing between a working position such that the first and second reflecting surfaces are perpendicular, and a retracted position such that a free end of the retractable mirror moves close to the second reflecting surface.

Abstract: A compact reflector telescope has a spherical primary reflector and a secondary reflector with a negative lens interposed there between in axial alignment therewith. Light reflected from the primary reflector is passed through the negative lens and is diverted by the secondary reflector to a positive lens at the side of the telescope tube. The positive lens focuses the light rays onto an eye piece or ocular or onto a photographic emulsion or electronic detector. The telescope reduces or substantially eliminates spherical aberration and can be configured to have a focal ratio significantly greater than the focal ratio of the primary reflector. The telescope produces a flat field of view and an image which is substantially diffraction limited.

Abstract: A telescope (1) with inclined viewing relative to the axis of sight (2) has a sighting device (4) with a mounting (8) that is adapted to be inserted in or removed from a recess (9) on the telescope housing (6) at an inclined portion (5) such that the sighting device (4) is disposed on the side adjacent the eyepiece (3).

Abstract: A band narrowing laser having a band narrowing module which narrows by a band narrowing element a band of the laser beam generated from a laser medium, in which wavefront correction means (10) that corrects the wavefront of an incident laser beam and and projects the corrected beam is intalled in the band narrowing module (6) to produce a laser beam with a narrow and stable spectral line width.

Abstract: Telescope with a main tube in which a crosshair plate is movably arranged in an intermediate image plane. The crosshair plate can be moved relative to the main tube by means of a vertical drive and a horizontal drive. An index plate is associated with the crosshair plate of the telescope, is tiltably mounted in the main tube, and executes a tilting movement accompanying the movement of the crosshair plate in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: An optical system with improved boresight stability having optical elements and a beam expander oriented on a chassis, wherein the beam expander is mounted for minimal movement. By minimizing movement of the beam expander, the angular error of a laser beam travelling through the optical system and subject to various angular tilt errors is reduced by an amount inversely proportional to the magnification ratio of the beam expander based on optical principles. In one embodiment the beam expander is mounted on a highly stiff location on the chassis and away from thermal stresses. Another embodiment is to mount the beam expander to a structural support of a higher assembly. The present invention isolates the beam expander from the instability of individual optical elements and from deformation of the optical bench that impairs the performance and diminishes benefits otherwise gained from the optical principles.