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.

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: An optical device comprises an optical system mount plate, a casing, and a screw-hole forming part. An optical system is mounted on the optical system mount plate. The optical system mount plate is housed in the casing. The screw-hole forming part is provided on a bottom of the casing so as to threadingly fit in a screw provided on a tripod head. The screw-hole forming part and at least one portion of the bottom being engaged with the optical system mount plate so as to counteract a rotational tightening force that is affected on the screw-hole forming part when the screw is threadingly tighten in the screw-hole forming part.

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: 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).

Abstract: A hands-free binocular visor headgear for viewing sporting and other events where it is desirable to use binoculars but also have the free use of the hands. An adjustable head securing device secures the unit to the user's head. Binoculars or other optics are attached to the head securing device such that they can be pivoted between an in-use and a not in-use position. The unit can also optionally contain removable earmuffs, a removable or fixed AM/FM radio or scanner or combination AM/FM/Scanner, at least one removable earphone and a removable microphone. The user can pick and choose what exact equipment he needs for a particular sporting event.

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 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.

Abstract: A structure for assembly of a binocular telescope with a photographing function, comprises a lower frame, an upper frame, and an engaging mechanism. A pair of telescopic optical systems is mounted on the lower frame. A photographing unit is mounted on the upper frame. A first part of the engaging mechanism is provided on the lower frame. A second part of the engaging mechanism is provided on the upper frame. The first part and the second part are connected by assembling the upper frame onto the lower frame in such a manner that the photographing unit is placed between the pair of telescopic optical systems.

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: 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.

Abstract: Improved binoculars are provided for viewing objects at a distance and for selectively recording a digital image of the objects. The binoculars include first and second monoculars each with an optical lightpath constructed to deliver an image of the object to one eye of the observer. Included within one of the monoculars is a beamsplitter designed to allow a portion of the light in the first optical lightpath to pass to the eye of the observer and to reflect a second portion of the light. The reflected portion of the light is directed to a digital image sensor and recording device. The other monocular includes compensating optics, such as a second beamsplitter, to alter the image to correct for the refraction and decrease in light intensity caused by the beamsplitter in the first light path. The second monocular does not include an image sensor and does not include an image recording device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for viewing sporting events and the like from a distance includes the use of flip-down binoculars, in which the binoculars are mounted to eyeglass frames with the binoculars being wearable by a spectator. The binoculars are flipped down so as to permit close-in viewing of the scene. In one embodiment the binoculars are embedded in lenses within the eyeglass frame, in which the binoculars are hingedly attached to the eyeglass frame at the nose bridge. The binoculars include focusing apparatus that may be manipulated by the individual so as to correct for each of the individual's eyes, with the binoculars being set to focus at infinity. The entire binoculars structure occupies only a portion of the lens area of the glasses, extending fore and aft of the lens area by only a modest amount, thus making the system compact, lightweight and easily manipulated.

Abstract: An adjustable eyepiece for a viewing device includes a diopter ring with at least one cam follower mounted to the diopter ring and a cam sleeve axially aligned with the diopter ring. The cam sleeve is positioned around a tubular portion of the diopter ring and has at least one cam pathway formed in the cam sleeve. Each cam follower that is mounted to the diopter ring is positioned in a cam pathway such that the cam sleeve may be secured in at least two axial positions relative to the diopter ring. In one embodiment of the invention, three cam pathways are formed in the cam sleeve as L-shaped slots, which may be used in combination with three cam followers to secure the cam sleeve in two axial positions relative to the diopter ring.

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

Abstract: Binoculars have a pair of objective units for forming an image separated with a fixed spacing, a pair of erecting prism units for transforming the image received from the pair of objective units to an erect image, and a pair of eyepiece units. Each of the pair of erecting prism units has a Pechan roof prism having a roof face, a disparity existing between luminous flux center incident on each of said pair of erecting prisms and an optical axis along which light exits from each of said pairs of erecting prisms. Each one of the pair of prisms rotates around an optical axis of a corresponding one of the pair of objective units. The eyepiece units receive the erect image from the erecting prism units, respectively, with each of the pair of eyepiece units being rotatable around an optical axis of a corresponding one of the pair of objective units.

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 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.

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: Binoculars doubling as a toy, in particular, various spherical shapes such as a soccer ball or baseball. These binoculars have lens barrels ejected from hemispherical bodies to increase the field of vision up over a long distance. The binoculars doubling as a toy may be constructed with hemispherical bodies 1 and 21 defining a complete global shape when coupled with each other, connected to each other by a hinge 15; eye lens barrels 6 and 26 each having eye lenses 5 and 25 and mounted to centers of arc sections 2 and 22 of the bodies 1 and 21; circular plates 7 and 27 mounted into grooves 3 and 23 formed in the arc sections 2 and 22; objective lens barrels 10 and 30 each having objective lenses 9 and 29 and inserted into through holes of the circular plates 7 and 27; and springs 13 and 33 each mounted between the eye lens barrels 6 and 26 and the objective lens barrels 10 and 30.

Abstract: This invention provides a pair of range binoculars that, when the pupil distance is adjusted, is free from a deviation of the optical axes and undesirable influences on the electronic parts resulting from vibration caused by the adjustment, is capable to show the measured distance in such a way as the user can see it easily without making the system complicated, and secures the brightness of the visual field where the measured distance is displayed. The range binoculars are characterized in that a main case and an attached case contain a pair of left and right observation optical systems and the pupil distance is adjusted by turning only the attached case, and that the main case accommodates laser range-finding means, and measured distance displaying means comprising LCD means for displaying a distance measured by said laser range-finding means and a displaying optical system for projecting the distance displayed by said LCD means on the reticle so that the distance is shown at a rim of the visual field.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a modular viewing scope configured to be attached to a device such as a firearm or camera. The modular viewing scope may include a plurality of modular units wherein one or more of the units are selected from the group consisting of: a body module, an objective module, an eyepiece module, a control module, and a test module. Moreover, each of the modular units may be adapted to be replaced and/or upgraded as desired by a user without requiring removal of the viewing scope from the device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a multi-channel panoramic night vision goggle (PNVG) system having two monocular subassemblies, each having a first channel and a second channel, each channel having an optical axis. A mounting structure, having a right and a left side, and having two angled mounting shoes may be used to mount the monocular subassemblies. The angled mounting shoes permit a single monocular subassembly to be attached to either side of the mounting structure, yet permit an optical axis of one of the first or second channels to be substantially coaxial with a user's optical axis and permits the other of the first and second channels to be at an angle not coaxial or parallel with the user's optical axis. In addition a hot shoe connector enables selective and repeatable attachment of the monocular subassembly to the angled mounting shoe, without the use of solder to complete the electrical contact.

Abstract: A flip-up helmet mount for a night vision device with a goggle horn for attachment to the helmet mount is disclosed. The flip-up helmet mount includes an adjustable socket assembly for mounting goggle horns with varying dimensions therein, and an improved automatic shutdown assembly that provides for reliable shutdown of the night vision device when not operational. Additionally, the flip-up helmet mount includes a position adjustment assembly for adjusting the position of the night vision device between a use and a stowed position, a tilt adjustment assembly for adjusting the tilt angle of the night vision device relative to a user's eyes, and a focal adjustment assembly for adjusting the focus or location of the night vision device relative to the user's eyes. The assemblies provided for position, tilt, and focus adjustment all permit one-handed adjustment of these features of the flip-up helmet mount.

Abstract: A panoramic night vision goggle (PNVG) system is disclosed having a modified eyepiece that enables an improved field of view for at least an inner optical channel. Embodiments of the PNVG system may have a inner optical channel and an outer optical channel, each having an eyepiece element. In some embodiments, the inner eyepiece element may have an edge portion that is generally circular in shape and the outer eyepiece element may have an edge portion that is the complementary shape of the inner element edge portion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a multi-channel panoramic night vision goggle (PNVG) system having two monocular subassemblies, each having a first channel and a second channel, each channel having an optical axis. A mounting structure, having a right and a left side, and having two angled mounting shoes may be used to mount the monocular subassemblies. The angled mounting shoes permit a single monocular subassembly to be attached to either side of the mounting structure, yet permit an optical axis of one of the first or second channels to be substantially coaxial with a user's optical axis and permits the other of the first and second channels to be at an angle not coaxial or parallel with the user's optical axis.

Abstract: There is disclosed a multi-channel panoramic night vision goggle (PNVG) system having two monocular subassemblies, each having a first channel and a second channel, each channel having an optical axis. A mounting structure, having a right and a left side, and having two angled mounting shoes may be used to mount the monocular subassemblies. The angled mounting shoes permit a single monocular subassembly to be attached to either side of the mounting structure, yet permit an optical axis of one of the first or second channels to be substantially coaxial with a user's optical axis and permits the other of the first and second channels to be at an angle not coaxial or parallel with the user's optical axis.

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.

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: An apparatus (10) for conveniently holding a viewing device (20) at the eye level of the user is provided, which allows the user to properly position the device (20) for ease of use without the need for continually holding the device (20), and also allows the device (20) to be pivoted to a retracted, non-use position. The apparatus (10) includes an attachment headband (16) which pivotally supports a pair of elongated, forwardly extending arms (12, 14); a tray (18) extends between and is secured to the arms (12, 14) and supports the device (20). The tray (18) is adjustable both vertically and in a fore and aft direction so that it can be precisely positioned for each individual user. A cap assembly (92) may be releasably secured to the apparatus (10) to cover the user's head and the device (20).

Abstract: A binocular assembly that includes a hands free support mechanism for supporting the binoculars in front of the user's eyes without using any of the user's hands. The hands free support mechanism includes an adjustable head securing strap and a pair of positioning arms. Each of the pair of positioning arms rigidly extends from one of the binocular elements of a user adjustable binocular assembly at an angle “A” of between twenty-five and forty-five degrees.

Abstract: A simplified hand held stereoscopic imaging system in which stereoscopic recording and three-dimensional playback of objects viewed with the device is provided with a single recording element and a single playback element.

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.

Abstract: An adjusting apparatus of a binocular telescope with a binocular body including a pair of juxtaposed telephoto optical systems is provided. The apparatus includes a diopter adjusting shaft for adjusting a difference in diopter between the pair of juxtaposed telephoto optical systems. The diopter is adjusted by rotating the diopter adjusting shaft to move an objective lens in one of the pair of juxtaposed telephoto optical systems. A focus adjusting shaft for adjusting a focus of the optical systems is also provided. The focus is adjusted by moving the focus adjusting shaft in a direction parallel to an optical axis. The focus adjusting shaft rotates the diopter adjusting shaft to move the objective lenses of the pair of optical systems in an integral manner in an optical axis direction. An operation member for rotating the diopter adjusting shaft and a connecting member for connecting the diopter adjusting shaft and the operating member are provided.

Abstract: In an eyepiece cup for binoculars, which fits substantially tightly in particular around a user's eyes, provision is made for air admission holes.

Abstract: An zooming adjustment mechanism for an optical system is provided for reducing the length of the optical system along its optical axis, and enable the size down of the optical system. A cam ring is provided for adjusting distances between a first lens and a second lens that are constituting a telescope optical system in a binocular. Each of a first cam groove and a second cam groove includes two grooves. Two first cam grooves and two second cam grooves are formed on an outer circumferential surface at a distance along the circumferential direction. The two first cam grooves and the two second cam grooves are formed on the same area of the circumferential direction about the axis of the cam ring, i.e., the axis of a main shaft direction.

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.

Abstract: A binocular, including a right and left lens barrels respectively having a right and left telescope optical systems, is provided with a space occupied by a movement member that moves lenses to vary at least magnification so as to reduce the size of the binocular. First and second lens sliders, connected to a first and second lens, are moved along an optical axis direction of the telescope optical system so that the first and second lens, are moved along the optical axis direction. The first and second lens sliders move inside the space defined by the right and left telescope optical systems and a flat supporting plate.

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 Gen III retrofit package for a Gen II image intensifier which utilizes a 1:1 relay lens in front of the Gen III tube to focus an inverted image on the far side of a glass plate where the photocathode is located.

Abstract: A close-up attachment lens for a binocular includes a close-up lens group located on the object side of a pair of objective lenses of the binocular and is detachably attached to the binocular on the object side of the objective lenses. The close-up lens group is provided with a single optical system of positive power which covers the pair of objective lenses and has an optical axis parallel with and spaced from optical axes of the objective lenses at an equal distance. A pair of aperture stops are provided in front of the corresponding objective lenses of the binocular when the close-up attachment lens is attached to the binocular.

Abstract: Helmet mounted system is provided which includes a helmet which is custom fitted to a user, an optical system which is removably attachable to the helmet, an attachment which is fixedly attached to the optical system, and a mount which is custom fitted and fixedly attached to the helmet. The mount is located on the helmet such that once the attachment is snap-fit onto the mount, the optical system is in place for use by the user, without any further adjustment.

Abstract: An optical system for a binocular is provided with an objective optical system, an erecting system and an observing optical system. The objective optical system includes a first lens having positive refractive power, a second lens and a third lens arranged in the order from an object side. At least one lens surface of the first lens is an aspherical surface. One of the second and third lenses has positive refractive power, the other has negative refractive power. The first lens is capable of moving in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis to stabilize an image.

Abstract: A night vision device comprising a facemask housing assembly having a peripheral surface defined by a rear surface contoured to a user's face and an open front surface, the housing assembly operative for encasing a pair of optical assemblies operative for receiving light from a viewed object via a first folded optical path and via a second direct optical path, combining the light from the first and second paths, and directing the combined light to a user's eye for viewing the object; where each optical assembly detachably coupled to the housing assembly.

Abstract: A clip-on power source for powering an ANVIS binocular. The power source has an electrical interface that enables the power source to be detachably coupled to the ANVIS binocular. The interface also enables the power source to pivot relative to the binocular from a first position to a second position to power-on and power-off the ANVIS binocular.

Abstract: A binocular is provided with a pair of telescopic optical systems. Each of the pair of telescopic optical systems has an objective lens, a pair of positive and negative compensation lenses, an erecting system, and an observing optical system. The negative compensation lens of the right telescopic optical system and the positive compensation lens of the left telescopic optical system are held by a rotatable first frame. The positive compensation lens of the right telescopic optical system and the negative compensation lens of the left telescopic optical system are held by a rotatable second frame. The first and second frames are driven in the opposite directions to each other such that the vibration of the image can be compensated.

Abstract: Binoculars which are flat in the direction of view include two powerful Keplerian telescopes placed in two flat containers covering each eye and held by an eyeglass frame resting on the nose and ears; the binoculars can be easily converted into magnifying reading eyeglasses by touching a knob on the temple side of each telescope.

Abstract: A portable, electronic imaging system (100) includes a compact housing (102) extending across and beyond the eyes of the user, a wide field of view binocular viewfinder imaging subsystem (104) operating on an image produced by a pop-up electronic display subsystem (124) when positioned within the housing in a first configuration, speakers (106) integrally mounted with the housing, an internal, interactive electronic control subsystem (108) to control the functions of the system, and an external input/output interface (110) to facilitate connection with a plurality of optional external devices. The pop-up display allows positioning of the display in a second configuration so that the image produced thereon can be viewed externally from the housing (102).

Abstract: Binoculars which are flat in the direction of view include two powerful Keplerian telescopes placed in two flat containers covering each eye and held by an eyeglass frame resting on the nose and ears; the binoculars can be easily converted into magnifying reading eyeglasses by touching a knob on the temple side of each telescope.