Binocular Patents (Class 359/407)
  • Patent number: 6930830
    Abstract: A binocular telescope comprises right and left slide plates, and right and left mount plates disposed on the right and left slide plates. Right and left telescopic optical systems are mounted on the right and left slide plates which can be moved to adjust interpupillary distance for a user. A part of the right telescopic optical system is mounted on the right mount plate, and a part of the left telescopic optical system is mounted on the left mount plate. The right and left mount plates are moved along the optical axes of the right and left telescopic optical systems, to perform a focusing operation. The right and left slide plates have straight portions extending parallel to the optical axes. The right and left mount plates have right and left guide shoes slidably engaged with the straight portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Hirunuma, Keiichi Hotta, Gouji Funatsu
  • Patent number: 6930827
    Abstract: A binocular device includes two observation optical systems, an additional optical system, and a viewfinder for the additional optical system. An image-capturing unit is movable between a first image-plane position of one of the observation optical systems and an image-plane position of the additional optical system by shifting a lens-switching lever. A switch of the image-capturing unit can be turned on and off by a camera switch lever. For an observation mode using the observation optical system, the image-capturing unit is set at the image-plane position of the additional optical system. For an image-capturing mode using the observation optical system, the image-capturing unit is set at the first image-plane position such that the switch of the image-capturing unit is turned on. For image-capturing using the additional optical system, the image-capturing unit is set at the image-plane position of the additional optical system such that the switch of the image-capturing unit is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Genesis Technology Co., LTD
    Inventor: Nobuo Komatsu
  • Patent number: 6927906
    Abstract: A binocular telescope with a photographing function includes a pair of telescopic optical systems, a casing for receiving the telescopic optical systems, and the casing has outer-side end portions. A camera system includes a photographing optical system, and a solid-state image sensor arranged behind and aligned with the photographing optical system, and an electronic control system electronically controls an operation of the camera system. The electronic control system is supplied with electric power from the batteries through an electric power source circuit board. The batteries and the electric power source circuit board are provided at the outer-side end portions of the casing, such that the weight is balanced between the outer-side end portions of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Hirunuma, Atsumi Kaneko, Gouji Funatsu, Kiyoshi Kawano
  • Patent number: 6924933
    Abstract: A mechanism for focal adjustment and dipotric deviation adjustment in binoculars. The mechanism includes: a first focal adjustment lens system; a second focal adjustment lens system; a focal adjustment shaft that performs a focal adjustment by causing the first focal adjustment lens system and the second focal adjustment lens system to move along optical axes thereof; and a dioptric deviation adjustment shaft that performs a dioptric deviation adjustment by causing the first focal adjustment lens system to move along the optical axis. The focal adjustment shaft and the dioptric deviation adjustment shaft both are housed within a bridge casing set between the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel. The dioptric deviation adjustment shaft is linked with the first focal adjustment lens system. The focal adjustment shaft is linked with the second focal adjustment lens system and the dioptric deviation adjustment shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6924932
    Abstract: A binocular device arranged to enable images recorded by an image recording unit to be reproduced and checked on the site without using a reproduction device provided separately from the binocular device. The binocular device has an image pickup unit for obtaining an image formed from observation light at a first image plane position in one of two observation optical systems, and a display unit for displaying at a focal plane position in an ocular optical system of the other observation optical system the image obtained by the image pickup unit. The image obtained by the image pickup unit can be checked through the display unit on the site immediately after being obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Hideaki Nakajima
  • Patent number: 6924931
    Abstract: A support for adjusting the line of sight of a night vision monocular. The support has a shelf that is supported relative to a user's eyes and a flange that is coupled to the shelf and rotatable relative to the shelf. The support also has a shaft supporting the monocular. The shaft is coupled to the flange for tilting the monocular relative to the shelf concurrently with a rotation of the flange. The support also has a tilt control means coupled to the flange for applying an axial force to the flange to control the rotation of the flange and the tilting of the monocular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Lam, Lapthe C. Flora, John C. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6917470
    Abstract: This invention relates to an optical apparatus for observation which is provided with drive control means for driving a variable angle prism on the basis of an output signal from vibration detecting means and in which the variable angle prism is installed between an objective lens and an erect prism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshimi Iizuka
  • Patent number: 6909539
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Science Applications International Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald James Korniski, William Henry Dyer, Peter Spiro Paicopolis
  • Patent number: 6903811
    Abstract: The range binoculars include first and second observing optical systems, a laser beam-emitter for emitting a laser beam, a measuring optical system for collimating the laser beam and sending the collimated laser beam to a target. A laser beam-receiving device receives the laser beam reflected by the target, while a distance-determining device determines the distance between the observation place and the target from the flight time of the laser beam taken from the laser beam-emitter to the laser beam-receiver. A measurement-displaying device displays the measurements obtained by the distance-determining device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Kamakura Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naomi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6871965
    Abstract: Binoculars having a prism assembly between the objective and ocular, wherein the prism assembly is secured on a prism holding device by means of a permanently elastic sealing compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Steiner-Optik GmbH
    Inventors: Kuno Seifert, Carl Steiner
  • Patent number: 6870669
    Abstract: A pair of variable-powered binoculars include a pair of objective lens systems; a pair of prism systems, each of the prism system inverting an image that advances through the corresponding objective lens systems, from an inverted image to an erecting image; a pair of concave adjusting lenses, each of the concave adjusting lenses placed between a focus formed by the corresponding objective lens system and the corresponding prism system, so that each of the concave adjusting lenses is movable along the optical axis formed by the corresponding objective lens system and the corresponding prism system; and a pair of ocular lens systems, each of the ocular lens systems placed on the optical axis, so that each ocular lens system is movable along the optical axis closer to or away from the corresponding concave adjusting lens, synchronizing with a movement of the corresponding concave adjusting lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Kamakura Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naomi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6862084
    Abstract: In the laser range finder, a sending portion that emits laser light to a target and a receiving portion that receives the laser light reflected by the target are supported on a gimbals together with erecting prisms of a binocular optical system, and their attitudes are controlled so as to be secured to an inertial system. This eliminates influence of a shake, and allows accurate aiming at a faraway target and measurement of a distance thereto with high accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Nagata, Toshihisa Ishijima, Mokuyoo Nakano
  • Publication number: 20040263954
    Abstract: A magnification loupe carried by spectacles has a Galilean lens system comprising a single-element eyepiece lens and a two-element objective lens. The loupes may be mounted to eyeglass frames by a flip-up mounting member, or they may be mounted through the eyeglass lenses of the spectacles. The loupes provide high magnification while minimizing weight to thereby reduce strain and discomfort to users. In an exemplary embodiment, the objective lens has a non-circular shape that provides a wide field of view while further minimizing the weight of the loupe. A correction lens may be interchangeably coupled to the loupe housing to permit selective replacement with another correction lens to vary the working distance of the loupe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Kerr Corporation
    Inventors: Brian L. Wilt, Patrick J. Shipley, Jeffrey M. Hoffman, Jasmin Cote
  • Patent number: 6836360
    Abstract: Binoculars, a telescope, or the like, having a removable strap, wherein a coupling is disposed on the casing of the binoculars, and a coupling pin, which cooperates with the coupling, is disposed at the end of the strap, wherein the coupling pin incorporates an inherently elastic locking tab that projects hook-like from the plane of the coupling pin surface, wherein the coupling has a longitudinal recess to receive the locking tab under elastic deformation of the same, wherein, when the locking tab is inserted into the longitudinal recess, the locking tab locks behind a coupling projection, and wherein the longitudinal recess is open toward the outside and a swivel-mounted release key is disposed there in such a way that, by pushing the release key from outside in, the locking tab is pushed inward and moved out of engagement with the coupling projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Steiner-Optik GmbH
    Inventor: Carl Steiner
  • Publication number: 20040257648
    Abstract: Electronic binoculars comprise an imaging unit, and first and second ocular units. The imaging unit has an imaging device that projects an optical image of an object, and converts the optical image to electric signals. The first ocular unit has a first image-indicating device that indicates the object image based on the electric signals in a first image-indicating field. The second ocular unit has a second image-indicating device that indicates the object image based on the electric signals in a second image-indicating field. The first image-indicating field is smaller than a first effective image-indicating area which is the maximum image-indicating area of the first image-indicating device. The second image-indicating field is smaller than a second effective image-indicating area which is the maximum image-indicating area of the second image-indicating device. The respective first and second image-indicating fields can move within the respective first and second effective image-indicating areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Mogamiya
  • Publication number: 20040246576
    Abstract: Electronic binoculars are provided that comprise an imaging unit, a first binocular unit, a second binocular unit, and a mode selector. The imaging unit captures an image of an object. The first binocular unit comprises a first ocular unit through which the object is observed based on signals from the imaging unit. The second binocular unit comprises a second ocular unit through which the object is observed based on signals from the imaging unit. The mode selector selects at least one of first and second modes. The first mode fully supplies electricity to each of the first and second binocular units. The second mode at least partially suspends the electricity supply to the second binocular unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Mogamiya
  • Publication number: 20040233522
    Abstract: A telescope comprising a lens (3) and a focussing member (5) which can be displaced by means or a focussing adjustment ring (12), whereby the basic position thereof can be adjusted by a lockable diopter adjustment ring (13), also comprising a reversing system (4) and an eyepiece (6), characterised in that a cam disk (20) for displacement of the focusing member (5) is associated with the diopter adjustment ring (13) when the eyepiece (6, 7, 8) is used with modifiable enlargement, whereby said cam disk (20) can be displaced by a value which is dependent upon the diopter adjustment and modification of the enlargement of the eyepiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Alfred Hengst, Gernot Kettler, Sigrun Kammans
  • Publication number: 20040207917
    Abstract: An imaging optical device, in particular binoculars or a telescope, comprises, in addition to a casing, an optical system with at least two optical components, the distance of which relative to one another is adjustable for focus setting of the optical system. This adjustment is effected by an adjusting device, which is coupled with at least one of the two components. The position of the optical components relative to each other is detected and, by the aid of a processor, converted into a focal length of the optical system and then outputted as a focal length via an output device. In this way, the distance of an object sighted by the optical device can be determined conveniently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Steiner-Optik GmbH
    Inventor: Carl Steiner
  • Patent number: 6804422
    Abstract: An integrated optical component and FSO transceiver using the same. In one embodiment, the integrated optical component comprises a monolithic substrate having a plurality of optics formed therein, including a receiver optic, transmitter optic, a pickoff lens, and a pair of total internal reflection (TIR) fold mirrors. The receiver optic directs a majority of an incoming optical signal towards a data detector, while a small portion of the optical signal passes through the pickoff lens, is redirected by a first TIR fold mirror towards a second TIR fold mirror, and is then redirected towards a optical beam position sensor. In another embodiment, a plurality of tracking lenses and respective TIR fold mirrors are disposed around the periphery of the receiver optic. Portions of the incoming optical signal are received by the tracking lenses, redirected by the TIR fold mirrors toward a TIR combiner and then towards a beam position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Terabeam Corporation
    Inventors: David Paul Bajorins, James S. Webb
  • Patent number: 6804051
    Abstract: The invention concerns an optical instrument having at least one binocular viewing port, in which in the two channels of at least one binocular beam path there are provided beam splitters that make it possible to reflect a portion of the beam path out onto an imaging device or the like, and to reflect into the respective channel, toward the viewing port, data or images that have been made available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AG
    Inventor: Jacques Alain Déverin
  • Publication number: 20040190136
    Abstract: An adjustment method includes rotating a pair of magnifying glasses in directions opposite to each other using &ggr;-rotation, and correcting inclination of an image, caused by the &ggr;-rotation, by rotating the pair of magnifying glasses in directions opposite to each other using the &bgr;-rotation, given that rotation about each of axes XL and XR, which respectively correspond to visual axes of left and right eyes when an object distance is infinite in a condition of a primary position, is represented by the &ggr;-rotation, and that rotation about each of axis YL and YR, which are respectively perpendicular to the axes XL and XR and are also perpendicular to a z-axis which perpendicularly intersects with the axis XL at a position of a deflector for the left eye and the axis XR at a position of the deflector for the right eye, is represented by the &bgr;-rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Moriyasu Kanai
  • Publication number: 20040179261
    Abstract: The vision assisting apparatus of the present invention includes a casing for forming an inversely U-shaped optical path, a light entry, provided at one end of the optical path, through which light enters, a light exit, provided at another end of the optical path, through which light exits in an opposite direction to the light entry, an optical system for processing an image entered via the light entry by using the optical pass and outputting a processed image via the light exit, and means for attaching the casing to a wearer so that the light exit is positioned close to an eye of the wearer. By forming the inversely U-shaped optical path with the casing, it is possible to provide a sufficiently long optical path in a compact form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Hideo Hara, Kazunaga Shimizu, Fumiaki Koizumi, Yasuhiro Sakai
  • Patent number: 6789897
    Abstract: Sports theme hands-free binocular glasses having an eyeglass frame, a binocular device, and an ornamental device, where the ornamental device has an overall shape which is substantially the shape of a sports-related device, and where the ornamental device has an opening which allows light to pass through the opening and into the binocular device. The ornamental device may be hollow and adapted to enclose the binocular device, and may comprise a first design element, where the first design element has a first design element shape which is substantially the shape of an attribute of the sports-related device. The sports theme hands-free binocular glasses may be adapted for use as a hands-free device. Also, hands-free binocular glasses having an eyeglass frame, a binocular device, a decorative element and a design element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Anita F. Smith
  • Patent number: 6785046
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Darrel D. Newkirk
  • Patent number: 6778773
    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 interconnection mechanism which interconnects the first focusing mechanism with the second focusing mechanism; and a release mechanism for releasing the interconnection mechanism so that the first focusing mechanism and the second focusing mechanism can operate independently of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Abe
  • Publication number: 20040136068
    Abstract: An image stabilization apparatus is adapted, in order to maintain the position of at least one optical member that constitutes an optical system, to control the angle of the at least one optical member relative to the optical axis of the optical system. The image stabilization apparatus comprises fixing means for, when a predetermined event is detected while the aforementioned control is performed, fixing the angle of the at least one optical member to the angle it assumes at the moment said event is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicants: Nikon Vision Co., Ltd., Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Shunichi Haga
  • Publication number: 20040125443
    Abstract: A binocular device arranged to enable images recorded by an image recording unit to be reproduced and checked on the site without using a reproduction device provided separately from the binocular device. The binocular device has an image pickup unit for obtaining an image formed from observation light at a first image plane position in one of two observation optical systems, and a display unit for displaying at a focal plane position in an ocular optical system of the other observation optical system the image obtained by the image pickup unit. The image obtained by the image pickup unit can be checked through the display unit on the site immediately after being obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Hideaki Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20040120035
    Abstract: Electronic spectacles and visual aids for various areas of application are known, in particular those also comprising microcomputers, range finders and an autofocus function. The aim of the invention is to configure a cost-effective binocular optical device in such a way that an automatic focus that includes the correction of different vision defects can be set. To achoeve this, the inventive device has a frame, at least one electronic camera that is supported by the frame and a motor-adjustable lens system that is located at the front and is connected to the electronic camera. The device is characterised in that vision defects are corrected by adjusting the refractive power of the lenses and/or by setting a focus that includes an automatic adjustment for the reading or working distance. The invention lies in the domain of electronic spectacles and visual aids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Klaus Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20040100690
    Abstract: A terrestrial telescope with digital camera includes objective lenses, an imaging element located downstream of the objective lenses, a retractable optical-path-splitting means between the objective lenses and the imaging element, and an optical system for observing an optical image divided from the optical path of the imaging optical system by the optical-path-splitting means. An imaging position correction means is further provided which includes an optical element that is inserted into the optical axis of the imaging optical system to correct any change in the image-formation position when the optical-path-splitting means is retracted from the optical path of the imaging optical system during imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Hirokatsu Nakano, Yoshihide Goto, Shuichi Tominaga, Takayuki Ishida
  • Publication number: 20040095643
    Abstract: Binoculars having a digital camera are provided. The digital camera is able to capture an image of an object which is observed through the optical systems of the binoculars. The digital-camera-provide binoculars further comprise a microphone. The microphone is provided on the bottom face of the binoculars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Hirunuma, Atsumi Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20040095642
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pair of variable-powered binoculars capable of keeping a high resolution without causing much change in the quality of the image, securing a wide view, and making small the difference between the eye relief of a low magnifying arrangement and that of a high magnifying arrangement when they are switched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Naomi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6738191
    Abstract: A microscope formed from a single, flat, relatively thin, injection molded plastic blank employs living hinge technology. The blank has eight living hinges that cooperate with slots, hooks, and detents, such that when folded in a prescribed sequence, produces a unitized microscope body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Richard A. Onanian
  • Publication number: 20040085631
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a structure (2d) in the form of a crosshair and/or hairlines in a telescopic sight or binocular telescope, at least one transparent optical part (1d), in particular a lens of the telescopic sight or binocular telescope, being provided with the structure (2d). The structure (2d) is introduced as internal engraving into the transparent optical part (1d) by laser action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Norbert Mueller
  • Patent number: 6728030
    Abstract: Electronic binoculars comprise a body containing an electronic camera having an electromechanical zoom, a single display, a power source, and electronics for modifying the output of the camera, including a variable electronic zoom. A lens is positioned between the user's eyes and the display to further magnify the image. External controls toggle power and select modifications to the image to be performed by the electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: David Bellefuil
  • Publication number: 20040070823
    Abstract: A head-mounted assembly provides simultaneous recording of 3D stereo video of surgical procedures. In addition, the head-mounted assembly provides a 3D stereo surgical video system that may be co-axial to a surgeon's bi-nocular optical view trajectory. The head-mounted assembly includes a head-mountable structure, a first telescope and a second telescope, and a first video camera and a second video camera. The head-mountable structure is mounted on the head of a user. The first telescope, the first video camera, the second telescope, and the second video camera are secured to the head-mountable structure. The first video camera is positioned in relation to a first line of sight, as viewed, through the first telescope, by a first eye of the user. On the other hand, the second video camera is positioned in relation to a second line of sight, as viewed, through the second telescope, by a second eye of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Richard J. Radna
  • Patent number: 6704142
    Abstract: A housing for a magnification loupe is provided having a body portion for an eyepiece lens and a nose portion for an objective lens. The body portion for the eyepiece lens includes outer circumferential threads over which the objective nose portion fits. The objective nose portion includes a pin slot defining an arc across the body of the nose. The arc is configured such that a pin may be secured through the holes in the nose piece to co-act with the threads of the eyepiece body such that radial movement is prohibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Kerr Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Howard Caplan, Richard Alfred Buchroeder, Frederick Nicholas Bushroe, Anthony Ralph Ford
  • Publication number: 20040036966
    Abstract: A binocular telescope with a photographing function comprises a pair of telescopic optical systems, a photographing optical system, and a pair of reticle elements, on which reticles are formed. The reticle elements are provided in the telescopic optical systems for focusing the telescopic optical systems. The distance between the optical axes of the telescopic optical systems can be adjusted, so that the reticle images are fused. The shapes of the fused reticle images are geometrically non-coordinate with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Hirunuma, Shuji Yoneyama
  • Publication number: 20040027657
    Abstract: In binoculars comprising an objective lens, a prism arrangement and an eyepiece, it is provided that a mirror can be inserted in the optical path between the prism arrangement and the eyepiece, deviating the optical path to an image sensor of a digital camera arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: STEINER-OPTIK GMBH
    Inventor: Carl Steiner
  • Publication number: 20030231393
    Abstract: An image stabilization apparatus comprises a housing accommodating an optical system in the interior thereof. A part of optical members that compose the optical system is held to allow angular displacement relative to the housing, and the position of the part of the optical members is maintained in a predetermined state. The part of the optical members is driven to restore the position angularly displaced. A driving amount is controlled based on information of the angular displacement. A mode for controlling the housing that is suitable for vibration applied to the housing is determined, and the mode is informed to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicants: Nikon Vision Co., Ltd., Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuo Yamamoto, Youichi Yokoi, Shunichi Haga
  • Publication number: 20030231386
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Darrel D. Newkirk
  • Publication number: 20030231387
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Darrel Newkirk
  • Patent number: 6657784
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Swarovski Optik K.G.
    Inventor: Gerhard Swarovski
  • Publication number: 20030218801
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald James Korniski, William Henry Dyer, Peter Spiro Paicopolis
  • Publication number: 20030210464
    Abstract: An erecting prism of a binocular includes a first and a second prism, which are held by a holder, and the holder being supported vertically movable and laterally immobile with respect to a thin plate. The thin plate is supported laterally movable and vertically immobile with respect to a right moving body. A shaft reception means is provided, for rotatably supporting a jig, at the right eyepiece cylinder that is attached to the rear wall 303B of the right moving body. The position of erecting prism is adjusted by using a jig to move the holder vertically with respect to the thin plate, and to move the thin plate laterally with respect to the right moving body. The jig may be supported by the shaft reception means and rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Gouji Funatsu
  • Patent number: 6646799
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Science Applications International Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald James Korniski, William Henry Dyer, Peter Spiro Paicopolis
  • Publication number: 20030197929
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: ASIA OPTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hsin-Feng Lee
  • Publication number: 20030189752
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Hirunuma, Masami Shirai, Gouji Funatsu, Keiichi Hotta
  • Publication number: 20030184859
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Guang-Qu Liang, Zhou-Ying Chen, Mao Li
  • Publication number: 20030169494
    Abstract: Optical loupes are disclosed which include eyepieces (21) having an ocular (40) and an objective (42). A transfer tube (44) is mounted for transferring light between the ocular (40) and objective (42). The objective (42) is arranged at an obtuse angle with respect to the ocular and the ocular and objective are in side by side relationship. The transfer tube includes a transfer means having mirrors for transferring light from the objective to the ocular. A light source (38) including a plurality of diodes (100) is mounted between the eyepieces (21) of illuminating a work area. The eyepieces (21) can be adjusted in the interpupliery direction by adjustment nobs (35) which engage in slots (34) on a support bar (22) which hold the eyepieces (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Colin A. Porter, Simon M Meysztowicz
  • Patent number: 6614592
    Abstract: An erecting prism of a binocular includes a first and a second prism, which are held by a holder, and the holder being supported vertically movable and laterally immobile with respect to a thin plate. The thin plate is supported laterally movable and vertically immobile with respect to a right moving body. A shaft reception means is provided, for rotatably supporting a jig, at the right eyepiece cylinder that is attached to the rear wall 303B of the right moving body. The position of erecting prism is adjusted by using a jig to move the holder vertically with respect to the thin plate, and to move the thin plate laterally with respect to the right moving body. The jig may be supported by the shaft reception means and rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Pentax Corporation
    Inventor: Gouji Funatsu