Abstract: A compact night observation viewer has one light amplifier and two eyepieces in the horizontal plane under the input aperture, and where one eyepiece can be folded out of the beam path so that a free through-view passage is opened through the viewer, whereby the observed scene can also be observed without light amplification. The invention solves thereby the problem of how in a technically and economically satisfactory way it is able to freely change between binocular and monocular vision. As an addition and optionally, the invention permits the distance between the two eyepieces to become adjustable and that a teleconverter can be applied in front of the light amplifier input and possibly also in above described free through-view opening so that magnification can be switched both with and without light amplification.

Abstract: Binocular magnifying glasses include a pair of magnifying optical systems, one system for each of the left and right eyes. Each optical system has an objective lens having a positive power and an eyepiece having a negative power arranged in that order from the object side in. The optical center of at least one eyepiece is positioned outside of a line connecting the center of rotation of the eye and the object point.

Abstract: A binocular telescope provided with a pair of left and right lens-barrels respectively containing optical systems, a first guide shaft for supporting these lens-barrels in such a manner that the lens-barrels can slide in a direction perpendicular to the optical axes of the optical systems and can rotate, a second guide shaft for restraining the relative tilt of the lens-barrels around this first guide shaft in such a manner that the optical axes of the left and right optical systems become parallel to each other, a first rib for holding both ends of the first guide shaft by fitting upper and lower covers to each other, and a second rib for restraining the tilt of the optical axes of the entire lens-barrels around the first guide shaft.

Abstract: A monocular night vision device comprising an objective lens assembly for receiving low intensity light; an image intensifier assembly comprising a variable gain image intensifier tube having an adjustable potentiometer mounted external to the tube for converting the low intensity light into a visible output image; a single eyepiece lens assembly for viewing the output image from the image intensifier assembly; and a non-metallic housing for receiving the objective lens assembly, image intensifier assembly, and eyepiece lens assembly, wherein the housing aligns the objective lens assembly with the image intensifier assembly and the eyepiece lens assembly along an optical axis.

Abstract: A device removably attachable to a binocular allowing accessory items such as radios and cameras to be secured thereto. The device comprises a planar, substantially rectangular support platform having planar upper and lower surfaces and four peripheral edges. Hingedly attached to the lower surface of the support platform are a pair of arcuate walls for abutting and surrounding the binocular barrels. Integrally extending from an edge of each arcuate wall is a curved resilient finger for surrounding an opposing portion of a binocular barrel whereby the barrel may be secured therebetween. First and second straps depend from opposing edges of the support platform which may be wrapped around an accessory item and joined to secure the accessory item on the upper surface thereof. The retaining device may be further secured to a binocular using a pair of bands extending from opposing edges of the support platform which may be wrapped around the binocular and joined to secure the device thereto.

Abstract: Optical loupes comprise a frame supporting two optical devices, each of which has an ocular and an objective. The frame has side arms or stems and a bridge for enabling the frame to be worn like a pair of spectacles, whereby the optical devices are located immediately in front of the eyes of the viewer. The ocular and the objective each have an optical axis. The optical axis of the ocular and the optical axis of the objective intersect at an angle of about 135.degree., and a Schmidt prism redirects light from the objective to the ocular in each case. A light source is provided on the frame between the optical devices and provides a gradually diverging light beam to illuminate an object being reviewed. The optical axes of the respective objectives converge at the object being reviewed. The loupes allow the user to observe at a level below his or her normal line of sight while maintaining the head in an upright position.

Abstract: A pair of spectacles is provided with supplemental lenses which are mounted on arms supported on the bridge connecting the primary lenses of the spectacles. The arms are mounted on the bridge by a clip mounted on the bridge by a screw engaging the end portions of a clamping loop extending around the bridge. The supplemental lenses may be binocular loupes which are attached to the bridge via relatively flat cross arms that are flat in a direction transverse to the primary lenses so that there is no substantial obstruction of the primary lenses.

Abstract: A versatile optical mounting assembly utilizes a headband mount having a forward portion and a vertical member having upper and lower ends. The forward portion of the headband mount includes a slide assembly which receives the upper end of the vertical member, allowing the vertical member to be vertically adjusted and locked into place once a desired position is achieved. A multiple-degree-of freedom clamp assembly is further provided to connect the lower end of the vertical member to the top edge of the eyeglass frames, facilitating first and second rotational movements about separate axes. The invention may also be used in conjunction with an ocular mounting assembly, in which case a slide rail is centrally attached to the eyeglass frames at a point proximate to where the clamp assembly connects the lower end of the vertical member to the top edge of the eyeglass frames.

Abstract: A lightweight night vision device that can be used by itself or can be selectively attached to either the objective lens assembly or ocular lens assembly of an existing optical device. The night vision device includes an image intensifier tube for amplifying low intensity light to produce a visible image. The image produced by the image intensifier tube is inverted. A prism assembly is positioned proximate to the image intensifier tube to reinvert the image in a space and cost efficient manner. The image intensifier tube, the power supply for the image intensifier tube and the reinverting prism are all contained within a house just large enough to accommodate these components. The housing has an objective port and an ocular port. Both ports are adapted to be joined to other optical components. As a result, a large variety of optical devices can be attached to either the object port or ocular port of the night vision device, thereby providing night vision capabilities to the optical device.

Abstract: A binocular incorporates a focusing and diopter correction mechanism having a common shaft, whereby the diopter adjustment is performed by rotation of the shaft and the focusing operation is performed by axial movement of the shaft. The lens-moving portions of the focusing/diopter adjustment mechanism are in a cavity having an access hole, in which the shaft enters the access hole through a water-tight seal to control the lens-moving portions of the adjustment mechanism. The binocular also incorporates a strap attaching mechanism having a spring-loaded clip and groove, wherein a flanged pin provided to a strap end is pushed past the clip into the groove, and the clip returns under the bias of the spring to hold the flanged pin in the groove. Also included is an eyecup adjustment mechanism having two positions defined by click-stops, wherein the eyecups are not rotatable, but are longitudinally slidable relative to corresponding support barrels.

Abstract: The disclosed method provides for the precise positioning of the night vision device with respect to the helmet to which it has to be fixed, in order that the user may enjoy optimum viewing conditions. This method consists in determining the position of the support of the device with respect to significant points of the user's head, in contact with the helmet, and then in copying these relative positions on a supporting tool bearing the helmet and the support of the night vision device, and in forming thickness shims between the helmet and the support.

Abstract: A night vision binocular assembly (10) capable of converting low light and infrared energy into a visible image. The night vision binocular assembly (10) includes at least one objective lens assembly (62), image intensifier tube (64), collimator lens assembly (66) and diopter cell assembly (68) encased in an easy to assembly waterproof housing (16). The objective lens assembly (62), image intensifier tube (64), collimator lens assembly (66) and diopter cell assembly (68) are all supported by a common base structure (80) within the housing (16). As a result, variations caused by thermal expansions and contractions are evenly distributed among the various optical elements, thereby preserving a predetermined optical relationship between those elements. Simple button controls (28, 30, 31) are used to operate and adjust the night vision binocular assembly (10). The button controls (28, 30, 31) are disposed on a common circuit board (38).

Abstract: A spherical binocular capable of being conveniently portable and suitable for use for watching a game in a baseball stadium, a soccer ground or the like. Two hemispherical shells are foldably or pivotally connected together into a spherical configuration. The hemispherical shells each are formed at a center thereof with an ocular through-hole, in which an ocular concave lens is fitted. A front plate is fitted in a front opening edge of each of the shells and formed at a center thereof with an objective opening, in which an objective convex lens is arranged so as to be aligned with the objective convex lens. When the hemispherical shells are folded over each other to align the front opening edges with each other, a holding pawl and holding groove of one of the hemispherical shells are fittedly engaged with a holding groove and a holding pawl of the other of the hemispherical shells, respectively.

Abstract: A single eye vision device includes a head mount, a vision assist assembly mounted on the head mount for selectable positioning in front of an eye of a wearer and single lever operated positioning apparatus for positioning of the vision assist assembly on the head mount.

Abstract: A compact optical device used to superimpose an intensified infrared image onto a visible image to allow night vision. It can especially be used to make goggles to be worn under the visor of an aircraft or helicopter pilot's helmet. The device includes a combiner located in front of the pilot's eye for directly transmitting visible light to the pilot and an objective for receiving infrared light which is placed above the combiner. An optical system guides the light received by the objective towards the combiner to be forwarded to the pilot's eye. The light is guided in a single plane substantially perpendicular to the plane containing the light received by the objective. The optical system includes a light intensifier, a transport objective, an even number of mirrors to fold the optical circuit and an eye piece.

Abstract: An adaptor detachably mounted on an ocular of night vision goggles for quly adjusting the objective lens focus to clearly view far and near objects. The adaptor includes a positive optical power or close-up lens mounted in a holder pivotally mounted between a stowed, inoperative position and an operative position locating the close-up lens in axial alignment with the objective lens of the ocular. The close-up lens has an effective diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of the objective lens to raise the F/number of the objective lens/close-up lens combination for increasing the depth of focus for enhanced near viewing. Auxiliary illumination is provided by a battery powered infra-red Light Emitting Diode (LED) mounted in the adaptor and energized by a switch as the lens holder moves toward its operative position.

Abstract: Binoculars having a neck strap and a pair of connectors removeably connecting opposite ends of the neck strap to a body of the binoculars. Each connector including a male member and a female member with associated structural members permitting each male member to be used with only one female member. Each male member being fixedly joined to opposite ends of said strap. Each of said connectors being low profile when the members are joined and appearing to be an integrated and structural part of the binoculars body.

Abstract: A binocular night vision device (BNVD) includes a pair of night vision monocular scopes which pivotally and adjustably depend from a central housing portion. The central housing portion and the two night vision monocular scopes cooperatively define a singular gas envelope, which allows the entire BNVD to be purged of moist air and back filled with dry nitrogen gas to prevent fogging while requiring only a single purging port. Further, the central housing portion contains a single battery and a single voltage step up circuit powering both image intensifier tube modules of the two monocular night vision scopes. In order to provide for interpupillary distance adjustment, the central housing portion and each of the monocular night vision scopes defines a sealed pivot mechanism which also allows for electrical connection between the central housing portion and each of the night vision scopes.

Abstract: A sliding binocular body has two optical assemblies which slide on an intermediate plate to adjust for intraocular distance and which slide closed. Two shells are joined to form one assembly. Front and back contour plates cover the assembly. A field and eye lens holder slides into the box through the back plate. An eye piece is attached to the lens holder. Inward horizontal surfaces have inward extending rails, which engage outward facing grooves on the intermediate plate. The two shells are secured together and joined to the intermediate plate before mirrors are slid and clamped into place. The objective lenses are placed in position, and the contour plates are sealed in place. The eye lens and field lens are inserted in the holders before the holders are inserted in the assemblies. The assemblies hold and clamp mirrors against fixed reference surfaces. Objective lens holders formed in the assemblies permit vertical or horizontal adjustment of an objective lens before its fixing.

Abstract: A binocular incorporates a focusing and diopter correction mechanism having a common shaft, whereby the diopter adjustment is performed by rotation of the shaft and the focusing operation is performed by axial movement of the shaft. The lens-moving portions of the focusing/diopter adjustment mechanism are in a cavity having an access hole, in which the shaft enters the access hole through a water-tight seal to control the lens-moving portions of the adjustment mechanism. The binocular also incorporates a strap attaching mechanism having a spring-loaded clip and groove, wherein a flanged pin provided to a strap end is pushed past the clip into the groove, and the clip returns under the bias of the spring to hold the flanged pin in the groove. Also included is an eyecup adjustment mechanism having two positions defined by click-stops, wherein the eyecups are not rotatable, but are longitudinally slidable relative to corresponding support barrels.

Abstract: A strap mounting mechanism for an optical viewing device, such as binoculars, has a lens barrel body and a cover member which closes an opening of the lens barrel on the eyepiece side. The lens barrel body is provided at a circumferential surface thereof adjacent to the cover member, with a through hole. The cover member is provided with a strap insertion opening and a strap guide wall integral therewith, which is fitted at its one end in the through hole and is connected at the other end to the strap insertion opening to define a strap passage in the lens barrel body.

Abstract: A night vision device having an image intensifier tube, collimator lenses and at least one aspheric ocular lens are retained within a unistructurally formed optical bed. The optical bed is essentially a tubular structure having a large receptacle at one end to receive the image intensifier tube. The tubular structure is configured so that the various collimator lenses can be stacked within the tubular structure in a highly precise yet labor and cost efficient manner. A housing is provided that conforms to the shape of the electro-optical subassembly. The housing has a substantially similar ocular end structure and objective end structure. An objective lens assembly and ocular lens assembly are retained by the housing. Both the objective lens assembly and the ocular lens assembly contain at least one lens held with a commonly shaped lens casing.

Abstract: Light weight, low-cost, compact binoculars intended to be sold at retail locations and popular attractions, such as stadiums, arenas, tourist destinations, and theme parks. The binoculars utilize high reflectance mirrors to fold light and lengthen distance between the objective lens and the field lens to correct the orientation of the image. The binoculars are very light because they are made with mirrors and lightweight, injection molded acrylic plastic lenses. They are pocket sized and compact, yet adjustable for individual interocular distance. The field view is rectangular in format and the IP adjustment is by way of sliding action between nested housings made possible by virtue of the fact that the inversion and reversion functions in its separate housings are in opposite order.

Abstract: An asymmetric binocular viewing device having a first and a second optical axis forming a horizontal plane. A single objective, a related luminance intensifier tube, a semi-reflecting optical image splitter and a first ocular are aligned in succession the first optical axis. A second ocular related to the optical image splitter by an optical image transmitting system is aligned on the second optical axis. The optical image transmitting system includes in succession a first mirror, an lens system, a second mirror, and a third mirror. The elements are arranged so that an optical path is defined starting from the optical splitter and including a first vertical axis section, a horizontal axis section, and a second vertical axis section describing a U turned upside down in the shape of a bridge located on a vertical plane and perpendicular to both parallel first and second optical axes. This defines a free space between both the first and second oculars freeing up the space for the user.

Abstract: A night vision device that uses low cost optics in a balanced arrangement that corrects for distortions created by the low cost optics. The night vision device is a monocular assembly that uses a Gen II or a Gen III image intensifier tube. An objective lens assembly, containing a plurality of low cost lenses, is positioned in front of the image intensifier tube so that the objective lens assembly directs low intensity light onto the input surface of the image intensifier tube. A collimator assembly is positioned proximate the output surface of the image intensifier tube, wherein the collimator assembly collimates the visible image produced by the image intensifier tube. The collimator assembly is comprised of lenses that are identical in shape, size and material to the lenses found within the objective lens assembly. However, the lenses in the collimator assembly are arranged in reverse, as a mirror image of the lenses in the objective lens assembly.

Abstract: A sliding binocular body has two optical assemblies which slide on an intermediate plate to adjust for intraocular distance and which slide closed. Two shells are joined to form one assembly. Front and back contour plates cover the assembly. A field and eye lens holder slides into the box through the back plate. An eye piece is attached to the lens holder. Inward horizontal surfaces have inward extending rails, which engage outward facing grooves on the intermediate plate. The two shells are secured together and joined to the intermediate plate before mirrors are slid and clamped into place. The objective lenses are placed in position, and the contour plates are sealed in place. The eye lens and field lens are inserted in the holders before the holders are inserted in the assemblies. The assemblies hold and clamp mirrors against fixed reference surfaces. Objective lens holders formed in the assemblies permit vertical or horizontal adjustment of an objective lens before its fixing.

Abstract: Night vision binoculars including an optical system for the projection of an incident light flux formed by an objective which is itself coupled through an image-reducing interface to detection means in matrix form where the image from the interface is converted into a video signal supplied to at least one miniature display coupled to an ocular. The binoculars may take the form of two modules that can be fitted into each other, a body module and a binocular visor module. Application to night vision by electronic imaging with overlay of additional information elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a user who wears spectacles including at least one lens having a positive magnification factor, to view a distant object through both the lens of the spectacles and a telescope. The method comprises the step of positioning a lens in the optical path of the telescope. The lens placed in the optical path of the telescope is adapted to cancel the positive magnification factor of the lens of the spectacles to maintain the afocal characteristic of telescope. The apparatus comprises at least one afocal telescope defining an optical path having a first lens oriented in the optical path for magnifying a distant object to be viewed through the afocal telescope system. The telescope further comprises a second lens oriented in the optical path for cancelling the positive magnification factor of the lens to maintain the afocal characteristic of the telescope.

Abstract: A night vision binocular assembly (10) capable of converting low light and infrared energy into a visible image. The night vision binocular assembly (10) includes at least one objective lens assembly (62), image intensifier tube (64), collimator lens assembly (66) and diopter cell assembly (68) encased in an easy to assembly waterproof housing (16). The objective lens assembly (62), image intensifier tube (64), collimator lens assembly (66) and diopter cell assembly (68) are all supported by a common base structure (80) within the housing (16). As a result, variations caused by thermal expansions and contractions are evenly distributed among the various optical elements, thereby preserving a predetermined optical relationship between those elements. Simple button controls (28, 30, 31) are used to operate and adjust the night vision binocular assembly (10). The button controls (28, 30, 31) are disposed on a common circuit board (38).

Abstract: A modular night vision device wherein either one or two night vision monocular assemblies can be joined to a common mount to selectively create either a monocular night vision apparatus or a binocular night vision apparatus. Electrical contacts are present on the night vision monocular assemblies that couple to the common mount. The electronic controls and power source needed to operate the night vision monocular assemblies are contained within the common mount. Accordingly, the night vision monocular assemblies automatically become disabled when detached from the common mount. The common mount provides interpupillary and distance-to-eye adjustments for the night vision monocular assemblies. Additionally, the common mount enables the night vision monocular assemblies to be flipped up to a stowed position out of the field of view of the person utilizing the night vision device.

Abstract: A pair of binoculars with built-in gyroscope for steadying comprising: a housing comprising a first housing half and a second housing half with a pivotal coupling to secure the housing halves together, each of the housing halves having lenses for optical magnification, the housing halves and lenses having normally horizontal optical axes essentially parallel with respect to each other; a supplemental housing in a cylindrical configuration having an axis centrally disposed between the optical axes and perpendicular thereto, the supplemental housing being located between the optical halves adjacent at an intermediate extent thereof; and a gyroscope having a shaft coincident with the axis of the supplemental housing, the gyroscope having an enlarged circular periphery and radial supports between the shaft and the periphery.

Abstract: A flip-up helmet mount for a night vision goggle includes a plurality of nested relatively movable brackets, the first of which is secured to a user's helmet. A second bracket pivots relative to the first to provide flip-up motion for the night vision goggle, and a third of the nested brackets is pivotal on the second bracket to provide a tilt angle adjustment for the night vision viewer. In order to both save battery power, and to prevent the user from inadvertently revealing his position by forgetting to turn off the night vision viewer before flipping it up, the support structure includes a magnetic flux source cooperable with a magnetically-responsive switch of the night vision viewer to maintain the viewer turned on only when the viewer is in its use position.

Abstract: A night vision binocular assembly capable of converting low light and infrared energy into a visible image. The night vision binocular assembly includes at least one objective lens assembly, image intensifier tube, collimator lens assembly and diopter cell assembly encased in an easy to assembly waterproof housing. The objective lens assembly, image intensifier tube, collimator lens assembly and diopter cell assembly are all supported by a common base structure within the housing. As a result, variations caused by thermal expansions and contractions are evenly distributed among the various optical elements, thereby preserving a predetermined optical relationship between those elements. Simple button controls are used to operate and adjust the night vision binocular assembly. The button controls are disposed on a common circuit board. An elastomeric structure is disposed between the circuit board and the interior of the binocular housing.

Abstract: A portable apparatus useful for close range physical examinations, in particular for use as a colposcope, is described. The portable apparatus includes a stereoscopic optical unit, a main frame lens holder, an auxiliary frame lens holder, a light and mount therefor, a filter and mount therefor, and support structure which allows the component parts to be maintained in precise optical alignment and allows the apparatus to be worn by a user in the manner of eyeglasses. These components are constructed and arranged to provide for an undistorted short focal length and magnification as necessary for clear close range visualization of body tissue. The apparatus provides for increased magnification so that visualization of blood vessels and the like can be readily discerned without the need for bulky expensive equipment. This allows for screening and earlier diagnosis in a time and cost efficient manner.

Abstract: A positioning device for an optical device is formed of two substantially parallel mounting plates which extend laterally outward from a headband. Each mounting plate has two vertically elongated slots cut in it. The slots closest to the headband (proximal) are in alignment with each other, as are the distal slots on the two mounting plates. Attached to the headband between the two mounting plates is an adjustable stop, such as a threaded rod and nut. The mounting plates and adjustable stop accept an optical device such as an ophthalmoscope having a mounting block affixed to a surface thereof. The mounting block is formed from a body having a hole extending therethrough for receiving a pivot pin. The hole is substantially parallel to the surface of the optical device to which the mounting block is affixed. The mounting block also has two spring loaded balls disposed partially within the body at opposing ends of a line through the body which is parallel to the hole in the body and located below the hole.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the eyes of a dental or medical practitioner from exposure to ultraviolet radiation during the illumination of a surgical site or other area of interest includes first and second carrier lenses positioned within a suitable frame. The first carrier lens comprises first and second regions wherein the first region is adapted to transmit substantially all visible light incident thereon and wherein the second region is adapted to absorb or reflect all ultraviolet light incident thereon and at least some light incident thereon having a wavelength above 400 nm. At least a portion of the second carrier lens is also adapted to absorb or reflect both ultraviolet light and at a portion of light incident thereon having a wavelength above 400 nm.

Abstract: A unified, low-profile, lightweight and strong component mounting system an aircrew member's helmet is disclosed. The system includes a substantially rectangular mounting bracket that carries necessary power, communications, and optical inputs to the components, mounting hardware and specially designed interface pieces for each component. The system is designed to securely and easily snap-lock onto the helmet and is positioned to stay balanced while attached to eliminate crewmember discomfort.

Abstract: An ocular mounting assembly for adjustably mounting a pair of ocular devices, such as telemicroscopic loupes, to an eyeglass frame or head mount with linear and rotational adjustments through five degrees of freedom. The ocular mounting assembly includes an adjustable ocular support assembly and an adjustable clamp assembly rotatably attached to the ocular support assembly. The ocular support assembly provides interpupillary distance, convergence angle and view direction adjustment of the ocular devices, which are rotatably attached to the support assembly. The adjustable clamp assembly provides height and view angle adjustment of the ocular devices and allows the ocular devices to be flipped up out of the way when not needed. The height adjustment in conjunction with the view angle adjustment allows the line of sight to be adjusted while the ocular devices are positioned close to the eye or eyeglass lens.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for enabling the use of night vision goggle having a plug-type mounting connector and a spring biased latch, with a head mounting assembly having a plate-type receiving carriage. The adapter comprises a housing having a plug-type receptacle which is configured to receive the plug-type mounting connector and a bar capable of engaging the latch. The adapter also comprises a mounting plate which is integrally formed to the hosing and configured to engage the plate-type receiving carriage. The plug-type mounting connector is secured within the plug-type receptacle by an engagement between the latch and the bar. The plug-type mounting connector is capable of selective disengagement from the plug-type receptacle by manual manipulation of the latch.

Abstract: The present invention is a mounting assembly for mounting a night vision apparatus onto a standard army issue helmet. The present invention includes a support member for retaining the night vision apparatus and a clamping assembly used to join the support member to the helmet. The clamping assembly is removably attachable to a standard army issue helmet above the eyes of the wearer. The support member is pivotably connected to the clamping assembly in a manner that enables the support member to be pivotably rotated about the clamping assembly between an operational position and a stowed position. At the operational position, the support member retains the night vision apparatus in front of the eyes of the wearer. At the stowed position, the night vision apparatus is "flipped up" to a position above the field of view of the wearer, where the night vision apparatus can be retained until again needed.

Abstract: A night vision system usable as either a helmet mounted or face mask mounted monocular, or as a pocketscope, comprising an optical portion having an objective lens, an eyepiece, and an image intensification apparatus for intensifying a received image intermediate the objective lens and the eyepiece, a control housing affixed to the optical portion and having internal circuitry for powering the optical portion, and an apparatus for selectively mounting the monocular in an operational position adjacent to a desired one of an operator's eye and being rapidly switchable between the eyes.

Abstract: A binocular-type optical device for night as well as day vision. A night vision optical device is located in a central body. The night vision optical device includes an optical path which is folded through a pair of opposed holes in a central body containing the night vision device. Two lateral bodies are affixed to the central body, each lateral body having a hole facing the holes in the central body. One of the lateral bodies faces an oblong hole in the central body, and is rotatable with respect to the central body. Each of the lateral bodies includes a day vision optical system having an objective at one end and an eyepiece at another end. A mirror contained in each lateral body are adjustable to permit either the folded night vision optical path or the day vision optical path to be received by a pair of common eyepieces.

Abstract: Apparatus for detachably securing a night vision goggle mount to a protective helmet visor housing in which the heads of a pair of upper fasteners carried by the mount are adapted to be inserted through the head receiving portions of a pair of upper keyhole slots in a base plate on the housing against the action of a leaf spring on the plate. When the shanks of the fasteners are moved into the lower head-retaining portions of the upper slots, the upper fastener heads are held by ears on the leaf spring to lock the mount. A releasing element on the base plate is adapted to be actuated to flex the spring to a position at which the spring ears are clear of the upper fastener heads to permit the mount to be removed. Preferably, a pair of lower fasteners having heads and a pair of corresponding lower keyhole slots are provided to insure stability and alignment of the night vision goggle mount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a case which permits a binocular to be removed laterally from the case without a cover or the like restricting the removal thereof. The optical surfaces of the binocular in the housing are protected against contamination notwithstanding a lateral removal of the binocular from the case. The invention also relates to the combination of the binocular and the case as well as to the binocular itself.

Abstract: There is provided an improved night vision goggle having a housing containing an objective lens assembly, an image intensifier tube, a collimator assembly, a splitter member, and a pair of afocal telescopes. The optical axis of the afocal telescopes are offset from the optical axis of the collimator and objective lens assemblies. A pair of achromatic doublet lens assemblies are mounted side-by-side on the exit side of the collimator and near the entrance pupils of the telescopes. The optical axes of the doublet lens assemblies are coaxial with the optical axes of the telescopes. The achromatic doublet lens assemblies thus collect light from a sub-diameter, decentered aperture of the collimator assembly, and correct axial chromatic aberration in the telescopes.

Abstract: A head support assembly is disclosed which may be worn continuously whenever it may be desirable to mount optical equipment, such as night vision goggles, on the head of a person. The head support assembly includes a main head piece which has a relatively rigid portion in the front and more flexible side and top pieces for fitting to a variety of head shapes. Webbing members connect the head piece to a chin piece and are of adjustable nature to provide strong securement to the wearer's head while permitting adjustment.

Abstract: A binocular including two collapsible telescopes mounted to a hat for pivotal movement between a downward extended viewing position and an upward retracted storage position.

Abstract: A binocular surgical loupe which enhances the illumination of the viewed field while avoiding flare effects of illuminating light within the loupe optics. The binocular system utilizes circularly polarized illumination and viewing to prevent flare effects and additionally enhances the illumination of the field of view by utilization of the illumination source waste beam that results from the presence of a beam splitter in the illumination path within the loupe. In addition, a camera system is provided which permits remote viewing of the user's field of view. In one embodiment the camera and view paths include separate, identical zoom lenses which are synchronously controlled so that the fields of illumination and view are kept coextensive. In another embodiment for a binocular loupe, the loupe optics for one eye combines illumination and viewing functions while the loupe for the other eye combines camera and viewing functions.