Selectable Magnification Patents (Class 359/421)
  • Patent number: 9826153
    Abstract: An optical system that images a scene at two different fields of view, with switching between fields of view enabled by switchable mirrored surface is disclosed. A voltage change across the switchable mirror element generates a change in the reflection and transmission properties of the element, such that the element switches between a mirror state and a lens state. When nested in an annular reflective optic system of a given field of view, the switching element enables the opening of an additional optical path through the center of the reflective optics where a set of refractive optics are assembled into an imaging system for a second field of view. This dual field-of-view system changes field of view with no mechanical movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
    Inventors: Bruce M. Pixton, Jay N. Vizgaitis
  • Patent number: 9529185
    Abstract: A far-optical device comprising a reversal system and an adjustable optical magnification means with more than fourfold magnification, wherein the far-optical device has an optical beam deflection means which at all magnifications ensures a subjective field of view of the far-optical device of at least 22° at least for light of a wavelength of about 550 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Swarovski-Optik KG.
    Inventor: Albert Fiedler
  • Patent number: 9310601
    Abstract: A system including a first refractive lens doublet comprising a first fixed focal length lens and a first liquid-based lens, the first liquid-based lens responsive to transition between a convex configuration and a concave configuration when electronically actuated, and a second refractive lens doublet comprising a second fixed focal length lens and a second liquid-based lens, the second liquid-based lens responsive to transition from a convex configuration to a concave configuration when electronically actuated. A focal length of the first liquid-based lens and a focal length of the second liquid-based lens are switched between a positive focal length and a negative focal length when electronically actuated to provide a net focal length to produce a varied collimated magnification of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul E. Jackson, Gary C. Vanstone
  • Patent number: 9264621
    Abstract: An electronic viewfinder is configured to magnify an image and provide adjustable diopter for different observers. The electronic viewfinder includes an aperture stop, a lens group totally with positive power, and a display. The components in the electronic viewfinder are arranged sequentially between the observer and the image. The lens group is utilized to enlarge the image, and the lens group includes a first lens with positive power and a second lens with negative power. The display is for showing the image. A first planar lens is disposed between the aperture stop and the lens group. A second planar lens may be disposed between the lens group and the display. A polarizer may be arranged between the second planar lens and the lens group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: ABILITY ENTERPRISES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jer-Yuan Sheu
  • Patent number: 9158097
    Abstract: Optical arrangement for varying a magnification or a refractive power in an optical path, wherein this optical arrangement as a whole encompasses at least two different possible magnifications or refractive powers, comprising a first optical element having a refractive power and a second optical element having a refractive power, characterized in that this optical arrangement comprises at least one optical switch, wherein the first optical element having a refractive power and the second optical element have a refractive power are spaced apart from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventor: Andreas Obrebski
  • Patent number: 8810908
    Abstract: The binoculars of the present invention comprise two optical units; one optical unit for each eye. Each optical unit comprises a first reflector element and a second reflector element, wherein at least one of the reflector elements is a micromirror array reflector. The binoculars of the present invention provide focusing and/or zoom functions without or with minimal macroscopic mechanical lens movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignees: Stereo Display, Inc., Angstrom, Inc.
    Inventors: Hye Young Kim, Jin Young Sohn, Gyoung Il Cho, Cheong Soo Seo
  • Publication number: 20140118821
    Abstract: A method of making a rifle scope that utilizes a mounting assembly that includes a longitudinal base plate and a mating, closure housing piece. Separate optical assemblies are attached to the base plate to form an optical train of optical assemblies, extending longitudinally along the base plate, to form an image magnifying assembly. Also, at least some of the optical assemblies include a support and an optical element and an adjustment feature permitting adjustment of position of the optical element relative to the base plate. In the method, at least one of the adjustment features is used to adjust position of one of the optical elements, relative to the base plate, and wherein the optical element is then permanently fixed in place. Finally, the mating, closure housing piece is attached to the longitudinal base plate and the closure housing piece is fastened to the base, thereby forming a rifle scope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: KRUGER OPTICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Thomas, Mitchell Thomas
  • Patent number: 8432610
    Abstract: A multi-magnification viewing and aiming scope includes a first imaging group including an objective lens and an eyepiece lens lying on the optical path. The first imaging group forms a first image having a first magnification on the optical path at an image location. A second imaging lens group is controllably inserted into the optical path between at least some elements of the objective lens and the eyepiece lens. Upon insertion of the second imaging lens group into the optical path an optical combination of the first imaging group and the second imaging lens group forms a second image having a second magnification on the optical path at substantially the image location. The insertion may be accomplished by a tumbler mechanism upon which the second imaging lens group is mounted for pivoting the second imaging lens group about an axis perpendicular to the optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Canada Limited
    Inventors: Stanislaw Szapiel, Brien Ross
  • Patent number: 8049959
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein comprise a scope for a firearm having a large range of zoom. The scope comprising a movable zoom selector for adjusting magnification of an image viewed through the scope. The scope further comprises an objective, an ocular, and an erector assembly positioned between the objective and ocular. The erector assembly comprises at least three optical elements movable relative to one another in response to operation of the zoom selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Thomas
  • Publication number: 20110194177
    Abstract: A multi-magnification viewing and aiming scope includes a first imaging group including an objective lens lying on the optical path and an eyepiece lens lying on the optical path. The first imaging group forms a first image having a first magnification on the optical path at an image location. A second imaging lens group may be controllably inserted into the optical path between at least some elements of the objective lens and the eyepiece lens. Upon insertion of the second imaging lens group into the optical path an optical combination of the first imaging group and the second imaging lens group forms a second image having a second magnification on the optical path at substantially the image location. The insertion may be accomplished by a tumbler mechanism upon which the second imaging lens group is mounted. The tumbler mechanism controllably pivots the second imaging lens group about a tumbler axis perpendicular to the optical path, between inserted and non-inserted positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Stanislaw Szapiel, Brien Ross
  • Patent number: 7948677
    Abstract: An apparatus for the focusing of incident light includes a base assembly that is adapted to support a primary mirror. The primary mirror includes an outside circumference and an inside aperture. An upright member is attached to the base assembly at a first end thereof at a first location that is disposed inside the aperture and at a second location that is disposed outside the primary mirror. The upright member includes a second end that is distally disposed with respect to the first end. The second end is adapted to receive a turret that includes a secondary mirror and is adapted to pivot between two positions. An IMU is attached to the base assembly proximate the primary mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventors: Che Ram Souza Voigt, Allan Alfred Voigt, John Mark Speicher, Chet Alister Johnston
  • Patent number: 7869125
    Abstract: A multi-magnification viewing and aiming scope includes a first imaging group including an objective lens lying on the optical path and an eyepiece lens lying on the optical path. The first imaging group forms a first image having a first magnification on the optical path at an image location. A second imaging lens group is controllably inserted into the optical path between at least some elements of the objective lens and the eyepiece lens. Upon insertion of the second imaging lens group into the optical path an optical combination of the first imaging group and the second imaging lens group forms a second image having a second magnification on the optical path at substantially the image location. The insertion may be accomplished by a tumbler mechanism upon which the second imaging lens group is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Stanislaw Szapiel, Brien Ross
  • Patent number: 7768703
    Abstract: A dual field of view sighting system uses liquid crystals, flip-polarizers and/or flip-mirrors to select between at least two fields of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Teledyne Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce K. Winker, Milind Mahajan
  • Patent number: 7684114
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein include a scope for a firearm having a large range of zoom. The scope comprising a movable zoom selector for adjusting magnification of an image viewed through the scope. The scope further includes an objective, an ocular, and an erector assembly positioned between the objective and ocular. The erector assembly includes at least three optical elements movable relative to one another in response to operation of the zoom selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Thomas
  • Publication number: 20090059364
    Abstract: An ocular device is be used to magnify virtual and real scenes in a binocular or monocular configuration. A plurality of lenses is positioned as though each of the lenses is tangent to a surface of a first sphere having a center that is located substantially at a center of rotation of an eye of a user. A plurality of displays is positioned as though each of the displays is tangent to a surface of a second sphere having a radius larger than the first sphere's radius and having a center that is located at a center of rotation of the eye. Each of the displays corresponds to at least one of the lenses, and is imaged by the corresponding lens. A processor displays an image to the user using the plurality of displays. An input device allows the user to adjust a magnification of the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Brown, Yuval S. Boger
  • Patent number: 7471451
    Abstract: Optical systems, including apparatus and methods, for obtaining images, particularly with multiple fields of view. These systems may utilize a plurality of optical components with different optical axes, where the optical axes may be selectively rotated into alignment with an imaging axis to obtain images having various discrete fields of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory D. Dent, Kevin E. Jones, William H. Taylor, James H. Weaver, John M. Wiltse
  • Patent number: 6909541
    Abstract: A device capable of exchanging image projection directions includes an inner body provided with an internal reflector having adjustable angles and a horizontal light permeation aperture; an accommodation tube formed at the rear of the inner body and an upper light permeation aperture formed at the top of the accommodation tube; an outer accommodation barrel disposed with at least two connection openings at the outer periphery thereof; and an inner accommodation barrel disposed with a long orifice and an outer connection opening, and is further flexibly connected into the outer accommodation barrel and fixed around the accommodation tube, such that the long orifice corresponds to the upper light permeation aperture for forming a path for light beams. The connection openings are connected to binocular connection barrels having various magnifications in advance, thereby viewing images with different magnifications and viewing ranges without dismantling or assembly of the binocular connection barrels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Hunter Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Su-Min Kung
  • Patent number: 6577449
    Abstract: A telescopic zoom lens system has a minimum magnification thereof is more than 2, and includes a positive objective lens group, and a positive eyepiece lens group, in this order from the object. Further, a zooming lens group which is made moveable along the optical axis upon zooming is positioned on the side of the object with respect to the primary image forming plane of the objective optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Pentax Corporation
    Inventor: Moriyasu Kanai
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20010043393
    Abstract: First lens frame has first front and rear shaft bearings that engage with the first guiding shaft along the optical axis, and a second shaft bearing that engages with a second guiding shaft along the optical axis. The first front and rear shaft bearings are spaced apart from each other along the first guiding shaft. Second lens frame has third front and rear shaft bearings that engage with the second guiding shaft, spaced apart form each other, and fourth shaft bearing that engages with the first guiding shaft. The third front and rear shaft bearings are arranged with the second shaft bearing between them, and fourth shaft bearing is disposed between the first front and second shaft bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: ASAHI KOGAKU KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Gouji Funatsu
  • Patent number: 6246516
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an infrared Kepler telescope which includes an objective defining an optical axis and including a positive front group and a negative rear group all arranged on the optical axis. The objective further includes an interchangeable optic interposed between the positive front group and the negative rear group with the interchangeable optic being configured to operate as a magnification changer. An ocular is mounted on the optical axis rearward of the negative rear group and the rear group and the ocular are fixedly pregiven. The positive front group is a first positive front group and is exchangeable with at least a second positive front group. The interchangeable optic is a first interchangeable optic and is exchangeable with at least a second interchangeable optic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung
    Inventor: Wilhelm Ulrich
  • Patent number: 6219182
    Abstract: A stereoscopic objective lens system for video endoscopes and borescopes includes two full-diameter doublets and two lens pairs forming a stereo lens set. A rotatable dual telescope is disposed between the two doublets and the stereo lens pairs, establishing a Galilean telescope associated with each stereo channel. The Galilean telescopes are each rotatable, preferably in convert, to be in or out of alignment with the system optical axis. When out of alignment, the Galilean telescopes have no effect along the optical path. When in alignment, the Galilean telescopes provide an increase or decrease in magnification, depending on orientation of the telescopes. The full-diameter doublets present equal-angle pairs from symmetrically disposed object points to the lenses of the stereo lens pair. This equal-angle property enables accurate object/image mapping onto the final stereo image pair, such that all parts of each left/right image can be mapped to within a fraction of a video pixel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: McKinley Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry R. McKinley
  • Patent number: 6118583
    Abstract: A two-stage optical imaging system which is capable of operating in the infra red and which is compact, the system comprising an objective generally in the form of a Cassegrain system with primary and secondary mirrors A, B together with a relay C which may be reflective, refractive or refractive and diffractive, the relay C being located co-axially between the primary and secondary mirrors A, B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Pilkington PE Limited
    Inventor: Philip Rogers
  • Patent number: 6057960
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an infrared Kepler telescope which includes an objective defining an optical axis and including a positive front group and a negative rear group all arranged on the optical axis. The objective further includes an interchangeable optic interposed between the positive front group and the negative rear group with the interchangeable optic being configured to operate as a magnification changer. An ocular is mounted on the optical axis rearward of the negative rear group and the rear group and the ocular are fixedly pregiven. The positive front group is a first positive front group and is exchangeable with at least a second positive front group. The interchangeable optic is a first interchangeable optic and is exchangeable with at least a second interchangeable optic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung
    Inventor: Wilhelm Ulrich
  • Patent number: 6002517
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Solomon Elkind
  • Patent number: 5969860
    Abstract: A dual field optical system [20] comprises an objective [A, B,] which forms an intermediate image [10] and a relay [E, F,] which transfers radiation to a focal plane [12]. The objective [A, B] comprises a primary mirror [A] and a secondary mirror [B] arranged in the form of a Cassegrain system and is rendered dual-field by the provision of an alternative primary mirror [A.sup.1 ] which is axially movable between in-use and out-of-use positions. The primary mirror [A] forms part of a housing [J] for a linear actuator [15] which is connected by co-axial rods [14] to the alternative primary mirror [A.sup.1 ] so that the system is both compact and of low mass due to symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Pilkington PE Limited
    Inventor: Ian Duguid Mearns
  • Patent number: 5956177
    Abstract: A converter for a polar-axis telescope includes an optical system which varies one of the field of view, angle of field, and magnification of the polar-axis telescope. A movable lens barrel is provided which holds the optical system such that the optical system can be moved into or out of the optical path of the polar-axis telescope. The converter may be detachably attached to a front end of the polar-axis telescope, or may be built into the polar-axis telescope. The converter lens system has a negative power and includes a negative lens group and a positive lens group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nishikata, Tetsuya Abe
  • Patent number: 5953155
    Abstract: An optical system having a selected one of a pair of fields of view. The optical system includes a primary reflector; a secondary reflector; a refractive optical system; and a drive. The drive orients the secondary reflector to a first region in optical alignment with the primary reflector to provide the optical system with one of the pair of fields of view and for reorienting the secondary reflector to a second region out of optical alignment with the primary reflector and orienting the refractive optical system at the first region to provide a refractive optical system with a second one of the pair of fields of view. The optical system includes a detector and a second refractive optical system disposed between the first region and the detector. The detector comprises an array of detector elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Eckel, Jr., Michael E. Couture
  • Patent number: 5930034
    Abstract: An auxiliary optical unit AU, which is removable on an object side of an objective lens of a microscope, has a built-in auxiliary lens group 15 having a negative refractive power. The auxiliary optical unit AU is provided with a focal point adjustment mechanism which shifts the auxiliary lens group 15 in the optical axial direction. By adjusting the auxiliary lens group 15, the telephoto focal point is shifted substantially to infinity when mounted to the objective lens system. The auxiliary optical unit AU is mounted so that the image plane of the auxiliary lens group alone is positioned, while the focus adjustment mechanism is focused at a substantially infinite focal point, where the object for the microscope to be observed is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 5796518
    Abstract: A real image mode variable magnification finder optical system is provided with an objective system having a positive refracting power, a correctly erect image forming system having a plurality of reflecting members for converting an intermediate image formed by the objective system into a correctly erect image, and an eyepiece system having a positive refracting power. The objective system includes a first lens unit having a negative refracting power, a second lens unit having a positive refracting power, and a third lens unit having a negative refracting power. At least one of the light reflecting members is arranged between the third lens unit and a position of said intermediate image, and the first, second and third lens units are adapted to be moved along the optic axis when magnification of the optical system is to be changed. Thus, the finder optical system enables one to change magnification thereof with high ratios and to form a good image of visual field with decreased flare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Kato
  • Patent number: 5737119
    Abstract: A thermal imaging device (10) receives thermal infrared radiation from a viewed scene and responsively provides a visible image replicating the viewed scene. The imaging device (10) has a main housing with an optical aperture (16) at which a lens assembly (12) is attached. The lens assembly (12) has a number of lenses (200, 204, 208, 212, 216) sequentially mounted within a cylindrical housing (146), and defining an optical axis (199). A field-of-view-change mechanism (228) allows a user to select a wide field of view or a narrow field of view. The field-of-view-change mechanism (228) includes a rotatable field-of-view (FOV) ring (226) which rotates a tumbler (210) with a pair of lenses (208, 212) mounted therein. The tumbler (210) is positioned between a first position providing a wide field of view and a second position providing a narrow field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics
    Inventors: Gary Mladjan, Peter Menard
  • Patent number: 5726814
    Abstract: A three field of view change apparatus has a cubic carousel 1 mounted for rotation about a rotation axis 2 which is coincident with a diagonal of the carousel 1. The rotation axis 2 makes an angle of 54.736.degree. with a fixed optical axis 5 so that carousel 1 can be rotated to cause the fixed optical axis 5 to pass through the centres of any two opposed faces of the carousel 1. Optical components 14 are arranged on opposed faces of the carousel 1 and can be swung into alignment with the optical axis by rotating the carousel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Barr & Stroud Limited
    Inventor: Michael Owen Lidwell
  • Patent number: 5691842
    Abstract: An optical assembly (10) includes a first plurality of optical elements (14) providing the viewer a first field of view and a second plurality of optical elements (18) that, when moved into the optical path (16), provides the viewer with a second field of view. A support structure (36) for the second plurality of optical elements (18) includes a permanent magnet (64) that is disposed to cause a switch (66) located on the housing (12) of the optical assembly (10) to close. The changing of the position of the switch (66) results in a signal being provided to identify to the viewer which field of view is being presented by the assembly (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Gabor Devenyi, Conrad Stenton
  • Patent number: 5673143
    Abstract: A thermal imaging device (10) provides for its use with a variety of accessory telescopic lenses (12). Each of the accessory telescopic lenses (12) and the thermal imaging device (10) include cooperating physical features allowing the lenses (12) to be mated with the device (10) in a single relative position. Each lens (12) also carries a uniquely positioned magnet (176), and the thermal imaging device (10) includes a plurality of magnetically-responsive sensors (178) responding to the magnets (176) of the various lenses (12) to identify which (if any) of the accessory lens (12) is installed on the device (10). Some of the accessory lenses (12) also include a variable-power feature. These variable-power lenses (12) have an additional magnet (182) moving between an effective position and an ineffective position in response to a user-selected power setting for the lens (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics
    Inventors: Richard Chin, Gary Mladjan, Stephen Shaffer, Conrad Stenton
  • Patent number: 5570229
    Abstract: A real image mode variable magnification finder optical system is provided with an objective lens having a positive refracting power and an eyepiece having a positive refracting power. The objective lens includes the first lens unit having a negative refracting power, the second lens unit having a positive refracting power which is movable for varying magnification, and the third lens unit having a positive refracting power which is movable for varying magnification. Moreover, the objective lens has the first reflecting surface for erecting an image on the entrance side of the region of a space provided on the object side of the second lens unit to move lenses when a change of magnification is made, and the second reflecting surface for erecting the image between the third lens unit and an intermediate imaging plane. Thus, the finder optical system brings about a reduction of thickness of a camera body, favorable correction for aberration, and cost reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuru Kanamori
  • Patent number: 5563736
    Abstract: A compact, simple real image finder includes an objective, a field lens, erecting optics and an eyepiece. The field lens is separated from an internal image sufficiently that it contributes substantially to the magnification of the finder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Alan E. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5552931
    Abstract: A finder optical system includes a finder objective lens provided independent of a photographic objective lens, an image erecting unit for erecting an image formed by the finder objective lens, and an eyepiece. The distance from a surface, closest to an image, of the finder objective lens to a surface, closest to an object, of the eyepiece is changed and at the same time, the focal length of the eyepiece is also changed, thereby converting the state of ordinary photography into the state of panoramic photography. Thus, in the panoramic photography, aberration is favorably maintained and finder magnification is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Olympuus Optical Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Kazuteru Kawamura
  • Patent number: 5548439
    Abstract: An infrared refractive reimaging afocal telescope (10) has an objective lens group (12), an eyepiece lens (14), and a switching lens group (16). The system (10) provides a plurality of magnification modes in a compact arrangement. Diffractive surfaces are provided on at least one of the objective lenses and the eyepiece lens. Also, the system (10) utilizes switching lenses (40, 42, 44, 46) to provide magnification changes. The diffractive surfaces provide chromatic aberration correction. The system provides for excellent image quality in all modes using a minimum number of lens elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: Richard R. Smith
  • Patent number: 5548442
    Abstract: An optical assembly (10) includes a first plurality of optical elements (14) providing the viewer a first field of view and a second plurality of optical elements (18) that, when moved into the optical path (16), provides the viewer with a second field of view. A support structure (36) for the second plurality of optical elements (18) includes a permanent magnet (64) that is disposed to cause a switch (66) located on the housing (12) of the optical assembly (10) to close. The changing of the position of the switch (66) results in a signal being provided to identify to the viewer which field of view is being presented by the assembly (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Gabor Devenyi, Conrad Stenton
  • Patent number: 5528847
    Abstract: A variable magnification telescopic rifle sighting means includes an externally-located zoom adjusting ring rotatable about sighting means axis and modified to provide a digitally-activated zooming feature, permitting an essentially instantaneous switching over the range of magnification settings. The switching means includes an annular recess on the periphery of the magnification adjusting ring suited to receive on end of a flexible cable. The cable length is adapted to extend and be coupled to a grippable means that can slide longitudinally upon manipulation within a slotted bracket mounted on the rifle stock. A second protective collar embraces the modified magnification ring and has an aperture for control cable translation. The movement of the grippable means through its line of travel via the cable effects a concurrent shifting of the zoom adjustment ring setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventors: Timothy D. Fisher, Timothy G. Oakley
  • Patent number: 5485307
    Abstract: A binocular includes an eye-piece tube, a first lens system associated with the eye-piece tube for providing a base magnification as seen through the eye-piece tube, and an eye-piece module having a second lens system therein which is interchangeably installed in the eye piece tube for changing the position of the first lens system to a position of a preset increase in magnification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Bresser Optik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Byung-Sun Kim
  • Patent number: 5479293
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: Theodore P. Reed
  • Patent number: 5321548
    Abstract: A real image mode variable magnification finder optical system comprising an objective lens system including a rotatable prism, an image erecting optical system for erecting an image formed by the objective lens system and an eyepiece lens system having a positive refractive power. The prism is rotated 180.degree. for changing the finder optical system between a wide angle condition and a telephoto condition. This variable magnification finder optical system permits minimizing a space required for operating an optical member for changing a magnification thereof and composing the objective lens system compactly of a small number of component parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Takase
  • Patent number: 5321546
    Abstract: A switching variable magnification finder includes an objective lens system having a positive refracting power, an image erecting optical system for erecting an image formed by the objective lens system, and an eyepiece system having a positive refracting power, in which an auxiliary lens system is removably disposed behind the objective lens system so that magnification is varied according to the insertion or removal of the auxiliary lens system. Thus, the switching variable magnification finder allows magnification to be changed without increasing the overall of the finder optical system and moving the objective lens system and its switching mechanism to be simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Takase
  • Patent number: 5121220
    Abstract: An ocular turret telescope system for attachment to a conventional reflecting or refracting telescope or other optical instrument includes a plurality of integrated optical adjustment features. A rack and pinion slidable adjustment provides a viewer with a resolution adjustment. A rotatable filter and magnification selection turret enables the selection of one of several filters and/or magnification levels. A selectable eyepiece housing enables the selection of one of several eyepiece barrels of different aperture sizes which are sighted along the telescope barrel via an internal, reflecting mirror mounted at a 45 degree angle. Also, an end-mounted specialized eyepiece or camera mount automatically urges the internal, reflecting mirror upward and out of the optical viewing path of the specialized eyepiece or camera when the eyepiece or camera is connected to the ocular turret system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Jason Empire, Inc.
    Inventor: Norio Nakamoto
  • Patent number: 5052791
    Abstract: The variable magnification viewfinder optical system comprises a polarizing element allowing the light incident thereon to emerge as a linearly polarized light, an objective optical system comprising a first lens component having refractive power variable dependently on the oscillating direction of the incident light, an eyepiece optical system comprising a second lens component having variable refractive power and a switching device capable of changing the oscillating direction of said polarizing element from one to another perpendicular to each other. This viewfinder optical system is capable of easily attaining to design performance thereof such as magnification, dioptric power, field ratio and image legibility, and permits simplifying composition thereof and lowering manufacturing cost therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Juro Kikuchi
  • Patent number: RE38224
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Solomon Elkind