With Adjustable Interocular Distance Patents (Class 359/411)
  • Patent number: 11914135
    Abstract: An interpupillary distance adjustment mechanism can be used to set the interpupillary distance (IPD) between a pair of independently pivoting monocular assemblies of a binocular optical device. Once the IPD of the binocular optical device has been set to match the IPD of a user, the interpupillary distance adjustment mechanism acts as a rotational stop enabling the user to return a monocular assembly of the binocular optical device to the desired position when the monocular assembly is moved from the stowed position to the operation position. An example interpupillary distance adjustment mechanism comprises: a housing adapted for attachment to a binocular optical device, a pair of set-stop pins, and a pair of thumb dials. The housing includes a pair of set-stop pin sheaths, one for each set-stop pin. Each thumb dial is operably connected to a set-stop pin and configured to longitudinally displace the operably connected set-stop pin from its sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Lumiworx SARL
    Inventors: Reimer Von Essen, Daniel Costa, João Costa
  • Patent number: 11902646
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to cantilevered imaging modality wearable optical systems that provide for optimal ergonomics coupled with vision enhancement and vision magnification. Methods of use, devices, and kits are also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Vertical Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Richard Garofolo, David Lynn Devernoe
  • Patent number: 9910191
    Abstract: The present invention relates to optical instruments, in particular to magnification loupes, stereo-magnification loupes and magnification viewers, such as those worn by dentists and surgeons. The objective lens of the optical instrument is protected from mechanical and/or chemical damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: FORSTGARTEN INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GMBH
    Inventor: Steffen Janik
  • Patent number: 9778468
    Abstract: A head-mounted display includes a control knob, a transmission component and a rotatable drive shaft. The control knob is mounted on the body frame. The transmission component comprises a transverse transmission part mounted on a horizontal border of the body frame and a vertical transmission part mounted on a vertical border of the body frame. One end of the transverse transmission part is meshed with one end of the vertical transmission part, and the control knob is connected to a middle portion of the transverse transmission part. The drive shaft has one end fixed on the body frame, the other end as a screw rod, and a middle portion meshed with the other end of the vertical transmission part. the display module frame is provided with a nut fitted with the screw rod of the drive shaft, and the screw rod passes through the display module frame via the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Beijing Pico Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun long Yang, Hui jun Zhang
  • Patent number: 9690119
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to cantilevered and divergent view wearable optical systems that redirect an optical path, and provide for optimal ergonomics coupled with vision enhancement and vision magnification. Methods of use, devices, and kits are also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Vertical Optics, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Richard Garofolo, Scott Clear, Dean Loock, Jungwoo Choi, John Michael Elam, David Lynn Devernoe
  • Patent number: 8964291
    Abstract: An ocular mounting assembly with mechanical stabilization includes a housing with a through-bore having an interior and opposing open ends, the interior of the through-bore being defined in part by an upper wall having a lower surface interior to the through-bore, and a lower wall having an upper surface interior to the through-bore. A pair of support arms are provided, each arm being slidingly received by a respective one of the open ends of the through-bore of the housing. A pair of stabilizing bodies are also provided, each body being positioned between a respecting one of the support arms and the interior of the housing. In contrast to existing designs, both stabilizing bodies are either positioned between a support arm and the lower surface of the upper wall of the housing, or between a support arm and the upper surface of the lower wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: General Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: Byung J. Chang
  • Patent number: 8913318
    Abstract: In an ocular support assembly material present in the forward-looking cross-section of the outwardly extending support arms is removed, thereby reducing visual obscuration and enhancing peripheral vision. In the preferred embodiment, the top of each outwardly extending support arm is at or below the middle of the height of the housing, thereby resulting in a low-profile design. At the same time, the support arms are received by the housing with sliding engagement on all sides, thereby eliminating the need for ball bearings or spacers to counteract twisting. The result is a lightweight yet highly stable ocular mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: General Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A Cummings, Byung J. Chang
  • Patent number: 8896675
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a display system for stereoscopic viewing, the system comprising a binocular viewing device, information content, and a display source. The display system is remarkable in that it further comprises electronic components for implementing pieces of software for optimizing the binocular viewing device, the information content, and the display source, said pieces of optimization software together forming a loop for managing various parameters. The wearer of said device can thus view the information content via the binocular viewing device under conditions that are best adapted to the wearer's physiology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventors: Cédric Buchon, Benjamin Rousseau, Sarah Marie, Cécile Bonafos
  • Patent number: 8431881
    Abstract: A night vision goggle system is shown, including optical modules, a heads-up display (HUD) module, and a camera module. Each module may be added to and removed from the system without structural, electrical, or optical damage to itself or the remaining modules. Each optical module takes input light at one end and provides an intensified image at the other. A heads-up display module (HUD) can provide an informational display in any of at least two of the optical modules or both. A camera module is capable of recording both the intensified image produced by a particular optical module, as well as the HUD information shown through that module with substantially no offset from the original display. Both the camera module and the HUD module are installable onto the same optical module at the same time, and can be installed on either (or in some embodiments, any) optical module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignees: Kollsman, Inc., Night Vision Corporation
    Inventors: Danny Filipovich, Jack C. Fiore, Robert O. Ziv
  • Patent number: 8269159
    Abstract: A night vision goggle system is shown, including optical modules, a heads-up display (HUD) module, and a camera module. Each module may be added to and removed from the system without structural, electrical, or optical damage to itself or the remaining modules. Each optical module takes input light at one end and provides an intensified image at the other. A heads-up display module (HUD) can provide an informational display in any of at least two of the optical modules or both. A camera module is capable of recording both the intensified image produced by a particular optical module, as well as the HUD information shown through that module with substantially no offset from the original display. Both the camera module and the HUD module are installable onto the same optical module at the same time, and can be installed on either (or in some embodiments, any) optical module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: Night Vision Corporation, Kollsman, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny Filipovich, Jack C. Fiore, Robert O. Ziv
  • Patent number: 7800043
    Abstract: A night vision goggle system is shown, including optical modules, a heads-up display (HUD) module, and a camera module. Each module may be added to and removed from the system without structural, electrical, or optical damage to itself or the remaining modules. Each optical module takes input light at one end and provides an intensified image at the other. A heads-up display module (HUD) can provide an informational display in any of at least two of the optical modules or both. A camera module is capable of recording both the intensified image produced by a particular optical module, as well as the HUD information shown through that module with substantially no offset from the original display. Both the camera module and the HUD module are installable onto the same optical module at the same time, and can be installed on either (or in some embodiments, any) optical module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignees: Night Vision Corporation, Kollsman, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny Filipovich, Jack C. Fiore, Robert O. Ziv
  • Patent number: 7791798
    Abstract: In an ocular support assembly material present in the forward-looking cross-section of the outwardly extending support arms is removed, thereby reducing visual obscuration and enhancing peripheral vision. In the preferred embodiment, the top of each outwardly extending support arm is at or below the middle of the height of the housing, thereby resulting in a low-profile design. At the same time, the support arms are received by the housing with sliding engagement on all sides, thereby eliminating the need for ball bearings or spacers to counteract twisting. The result is a lightweight yet highly stable ocular mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: General Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Cummings, Byung Jin Chang
  • Publication number: 20100079859
    Abstract: Improvement to an adornable binocular device having a telescope pair including a pivoting coupling between each telescope and arm and a second releasably slidable coupling between each telescope and arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Gary Woker, John Duval, Keith Tholin, Jack Greelis
  • Patent number: 7542204
    Abstract: A single view angle deflector or a pair of viewing angle deflectors located proximal to the user's eye[s] and below the user's normal straight-ahead vision, with the eyepiece tilted at 22.5° or less relative to the horizontal and the deflector providing a deflection of light rays of preferably 37.5°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen D. Fante, John M. Holcomb
  • Publication number: 20070285772
    Abstract: In an ocular support assembly material present in the forward-looking cross-section of the outwardly extending support arms is removed, thereby reducing visual obscuration and enhancing peripheral vision. In the preferred embodiment, the top of each outwardly extending support arm is at or below the middle of the height of the housing, thereby resulting in a low-profile design. At the same time, the support arms are received by the housing with sliding engagement on all sides, thereby eliminating the need for ball bearings or spacers to counteract twisting. The result is a lightweight yet highly stable ocular mounting assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Cummings, Byung Jin Chang
  • Patent number: 7277225
    Abstract: Binoculars which include a pair of observation optical systems each having an objective optical system, an erecting optical system and an eyepiece optical system. The binoculars include a focusing mechanism that is used to move a part of the observation optical system for focusing, and a convergence value compensating mechanism that compensates for a convergence value by displacing displaceable optical elements which are at least parts of the objective optical systems, respectively, in association with actuation of the focusing mechanism. In this structure, a distance between optical axes of the eyepiece optical systems is adjustable in line with a width between eyes of a user. A maximum value of a distance between optical axes of the displaceable optical elements is smaller than a minimum value of the distance between the optical axes of the eyepiece optical systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Nemoto, Ken Hirunuma
  • Patent number: 7006285
    Abstract: Disclosed is 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kamakura Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naomi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6827577
    Abstract: The night vision goggle training apparatus simulates the size, feel and handling of actual night vision goggles. A narrow band-width green filter is positioned over the viewing port, to simulate nighttime viewing conditions. The image intensification system used in night vision goggles is eliminated; limiting use of the training goggles to daytime use. The out of balance weight of the night vision goggles is identical to actual night vision goggles. Brightness control is simulated by attenuation filters that fit over the objective lens. The blooming effect of lights is simulated with a star filter. A thin, fine mesh screen is used to simulate reduced acuity, scintillation and ghosting effects during low light or rapid motion, which occur during use of actual night vision goggles. The objective focus and diopter adjustment are identical to night vision goggles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: DCS Corporation
    Inventor: Jim E. Fulbrook
  • Patent number: 6829085
    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
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Abe
  • Patent number: 6788459
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting two monocular devices to form a binocular device. A method of collimating the monocular devices, so that the binocular device is collimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy H. Holmes, Mark A. Bryant
  • Publication number: 20040141233
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting two monocular devices to form a binocular device. A method of collimating the monocular devices, so that the binocular device is collimated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Epstein Edell Shapiro Finnan & Lytle, LLC
    Inventors: Roy H. Holmes, Mark A. Bryant
  • Patent number: 6704141
    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, but with view angle being permanently preset in accordance with working distance. The ocular mounting assembly includes an adjustable ocular support assembly and an adjustable clamp assembly rotatably attached to the ocular support assembly. The ocular mounting assembly includes a housing and two slidable mounting arms to which the ocular devices are attached, the transverse cross-sectional shape of the housing interior and mounting arms being such that substantially all of the volume of the housing interior is consumed apart from close tolerances to facilitate the sliding motion, thus resulting in a structure which cooperates to assist in providing a substantially rigid assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: General Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: David Nowak, Richard Kim
  • Patent number: 6687053
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting two monocular devices to form a binocular device. A method of collimating the monocular devices, so that the binocular device is collimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy H. Holmes, Mark A. Bryant
  • Patent number: 6667833
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the interpupillary distance of viewing glasses includes pivotally connected right and left lens holders which fit into right and left eye openings. The edges of the lens holders rest upon the inner surface of the eye openings. As the pivot axis of the right and left lens holders is vertically moved up or down along a slotted throughway in the bridge of the glasses, the lens holders move horizontally inwardly or outwardly to adjust the interpupillary distance. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the center of the lenses remain at a constant height as they move inwardly and outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: James B. Fay
  • Publication number: 20030063382
    Abstract: In an optical viewer instrument with a photographing function, there is provided a telescopic lens system for observing objects, and a digital camera system including a solid-state image sensor and a photographing lens system associated with each other such that an object is formed as a photographed image on the solid-state image sensor through the photographing lens system. A manually-operable focussing mechanism is associated with the telescopic lens system and the photographing lens system such that the object is brought into focus through the telescopic lens system, and such that the object is brought into focus through the photographing lens system. Optical parameters are selected such that predetermined conditions are fulfilled, whereby the focussing of the telescopic lens system and the focusing of the photographing lens system can be suitably and properly performed by the focussing mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ken Hirunuma, Atsumi Kaneko, Shuji Yoneyama, Moriyasu Kanai, Gouji Funatsu
  • Patent number: 6462894
    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 multi-function control may be provided to enable adjustment of the monocular subassemblies along one or more orientation axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Insight Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott D. Moody
  • Patent number: 6424462
    Abstract: A mounting base which includes an object side portion, an eyepiece side portion, and a connecting portion. The connecting portion connects the side portions, and the side portions are parallel. A pair of first mounting holes are formed in the object side portion and a pair of second mounting holes are formed in the eyepiece side portion. An axis line, perpendicular to the object side portion, which goes through a geometric center of gravity of one of the first mounting holes is coaxial with an axis line, perpendicular to the eyepiece side portion, which goes through a geometric center of gravity of one of the second mounting holes. Lens barrels of the objective lenses are fixed to the first mounting holes. Eyepiece units, in which the eyepieces are held, are rotatably engaged with the second mounting holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ken Hirunuma, Shinji Tsukamoto, Atsushi Denpo
  • Patent number: 6333814
    Abstract: An improved ocular mounting assembly having a pair of ocular support arms which can be extended by sliding out of a box-section assembly housing for supporting a pair of ocular devices attached to the ends of the support arms. The improvement is a pair of stabilizers disposed inside the assembly housing and providing stability against rotational motion when the arms are extended. In one embodiment, the stabilizers are interference-fitted balls, retained in position by retainer holes in the assembly housing, and receding into recess cut-outs at the end of the support arms when the arms are fully retracted. In an alternate embodiment, the stabilizers are L-shaped, and can be either an integral part of the housing or bonded to it with adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: General Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Byung Jin Chang, Thomas Cummings
  • Publication number: 20010028498
    Abstract: A binocular telescope with an imaging function, comprises binocular optical systems including a couple of observation optical systems having objective lenses and eyepieces, and an imaging device including an imaging optical system, for actualizing a visual field of a field angle that is substantially equal to a real field of an image observed through the binocular optical systems, and a photoelectric converting unit for converting an image obtained by the imaging optical system into an electric signal. The observation optical system and the imaging optical system have their optical axes different from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Shunichi Haga, Toshio Sosa
  • Patent number: 6204966
    Abstract: Binocular telescopic magnifying spectacles, both telescopes of which are pivotally mounted on a common plane, wherein each imaginary pivoting axis (8) of the telescopes 91) lies outside the telescopes (1) and on the side opposite the telescopes (1) of the ocular exit pupil (9) at a distance (d) from the ocular exit pupil (9), which is smaller than the diameter of the eye (D). The adjustment device for convergence and the adjustment device for the distance are mechanically coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Wolfdietrich Steinhuber
  • Patent number: 6172808
    Abstract: A binocular assembly which is held in optical alignment with a human being's eyes and without the use of a human being's hands. The binocular assembly includes a support member, a pair of optical systems positioned and mounted on the support member for magnifying items within view of the human beings eyes, an adjustment to laterally adjust and position the pair of optical systems laterally relative to one another to accommodate spacing between the human beings eyes, and a fastener for engaging the human being's head and securing the binocular assembly about the head of the human being.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Philip C. Foreman, Daniel K. Meeker, David Scott
  • Patent number: 6122101
    Abstract: An optical device having a dioptric correction device comprises a reference image display unit which is placed in the optical path extending from an object image to the optical system. The reference image is used for dioptric correction. The left and right reference images are different and are displayed on the left and right reference image display units when dioptric correction is performed. The reference image display unit is placed at a predetermined position between the optical system and an image display unit. Since the reference image is positioned at the predetermined position, both of the image of the image display unit and the reference image may be seen clearly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Tanijiri, Kenji Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 6064520
    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, but with view angle being permanently preset in accordance with working distance. The ocular mounting assembly includes an adjustable ocular support assembly and an adjustable clamp assembly rotatably attached to the ocular support assembly. The ocular mounting assembly includes a housing and two slidable mounting arms to which the ocular devices are attached, the transverse cross-sectional shape of the housing interior and mounting arms being such that substantially all of the volume of the housing interior is consumed apart from close tolerances to facilitate the sliding motion, thus resulting in a structure which cooperates to assist in providing a substantially rigid assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventors: David Nowak, Richard Kim
  • Patent number: 5969859
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Simrad Optronics A/S
    Inventor: Sven-.ANG.ke Afsenius
  • Patent number: 5966239
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Moriyasu Shirayanagi, Tomohiko Kanzaki
  • Patent number: 5949575
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5923467
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: The University of Melbourne
    Inventors: Ljubomir Pericic, Gerard W. Crock, Hugh R Taylor
  • Patent number: 5786932
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: International Technologies (Lasers), Ltd.
    Inventor: Zeev Pniel
  • Patent number: 5751476
    Abstract: A display device to be worn by the user on his or her head comprising a pair of left and right image display members which are arranged on a frame to be put on a head of a user in a manner enabling them to be moved in a direction toward or away from each other; a pair of left and right lens members on the frame which show virtual images of the images displayed by the image display members to the user, the light axes of which being made substantially parallel to each other at a position on a light path extending from the left image display member to the left eye of the user and at a position on a light path extending from the right image display member to the right eye of the user, in a manner enabling them to be moved in a direction toward or away from each other; and a link mechanism member for variably adjusting the distance in the horizontal direction between the lens members so to adjust the distance in the horizontal direction between the image display members linked with the adjustment of the distance b
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Matsui, Akira Kawamura
  • Patent number: 5703354
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Wannagot, Curtis Brent Keepers, Timothy R. Goebel, James M. Cwiakala, Jr., Clifford J. Connors
  • Patent number: 5604631
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignees: Bnox, Inc., John A. Gelardi, Anthony L. Gelardi
    Inventors: John A. Gelardi, Anthony L. Gelardi, Arthur P. Becker, Benjamin A. Wells
  • Patent number: 5589978
    Abstract: Pseudoscopic, dual-path optical systems employing plane mirror arrangements for cross coupling the optical paths to reverse the left and right perspectives of object space are provided. Advantageously, the cross coupled path arrangements permit the systems to be manufactured inexpensively because low-cost reflective components can be used and assembled with alignment requirements that are significantly relaxed compared with customary requirements found in uncoupled systems utilizing high-cost prisms or mirror arrangements for similar purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Mobi Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen D. Fantone
  • Patent number: 5535053
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: Albert M. Baril, Roy H. Holmes, Mark R. Critzer
  • Patent number: 5495364
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventor: Gary L. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5446585
    Abstract: An ANVIS 6 type of binocular night vision device includes a pair of night vision monocular scopes which adjustably depend from a support frame in front of a user's eyes. The support frame includes an interpupillary distance adjustment mechanism which allows placement of the monocular scopes to better achieve binocular vision with depth perception. The image quality of binocular vision afforded by the device is improved and made more durable by providing the monocular scope mounts with a dirt-shedding dry threaded engagement with their respective interpupillary adjustment shafts, as well as providing a laterally extended threaded engagement of these mounts with the adjustment shafts. As a result, wobble of the monocular scope mounts relative to the frame is significantly reduced, and wear of the component parts which over time contributes to increased wobble is also reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland M. Morley, Timothy R. Goebel
  • Patent number: 5410436
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for providing the coordinated rotation of two interrelated components (12, 14) includes first and second cam segment lobes (20, 22) each respectively associated with the interrelated components (12 14), the cam segment lobes (20, 22) are urged into rotatable contact with each other such that when the components (12, 14) are subjected to a torque the lateral distance therebetween is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: Gabor Devenyi
  • Patent number: 5381263
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: General Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: David Nowak, Richard Kim
  • Patent number: 5361162
    Abstract: A binocular night vision device includes a pair of night vision monocular scopes which adjustably depend from a support frame in front of a user's eyes. The support frame includes an interpupillary distance adjustment mechanism which allows non symmetrical placement of the monocular scopes to better achieve binocular vision with depth perception. Also, the adjustment mechanism allows adaptive duplicative use of identically the same component parts of the device on both the left and right sides of the support frame so that the number of different parts required for the device is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy R. Goebel
  • Patent number: 5181139
    Abstract: Retractable binoculars, to be used in combination with and attached to a visor, the binoculars being structured and fitted to be positioned between a collapsed, out of the way position on the under side of the visor, or an extended, viewing position wherein an individual may look through the binoculars supportably attached to the visor being worn. The retractable binoculars include a frame member having a pair of large, front, magnifying lenses retractably attached to a distal end thereof, and a pair of smaller, rear, eye-piece lenses attached retractably to a proximate end of the support frame, such that when the front lenses are retracted, the rear lenses are caused to be retracted. Further, the binoculars include various adjustment means for focusing and conforming the binoculars to an individual user, and are removably attached at a mounting bracket to the under side of the visor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Jose A. Benitez
  • Patent number: D394664
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Konno