Abstract: A structureless space telescope is disclosed. The structureless primary mirror includes a plurality of mirror elements for focusing and reflecting electromagnetic radiation, and the telescope further includes at least one secondary mirror and possibly a tertiary mirror for receiving the focused and reflected electromagnetic radiation from the structureless primary mirror and reflecting the electromagnetic radiation, and at least one focal plane array for receiving the focused and reflected electromagnetic radiation from the secondary mirror or tertiary mirror, wherein the plurality of mirror elements, the secondary mirror and the focal plane array are coordinated and controlled without a physical structure connecting the plurality of mirror elements.

Abstract: A mounting and adjustment device for an optical observation system includes at least one optical observation instrument and a pedestal, and at least one element integrally associable with said optical observation instrument and at least one element integrally associable with the pedestal. The at least one element is also integrally associable with the optical observation instrument and the at least one element integrally associable with the pedestal is operatively connected in a pivoting manner to at least one pivoting fulcrum and is pivotable around pivoting axes positioned transversely with respect to one another. The device additionally comprising adjustment bodies for the operation of the pivoting.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include self-aligning telescope control systems and self-alignment methods. In an embodiment, a telescope control system orients a telescope with respect to the celestial sphere by pointing the telescope in the direction of an alignment star or alignment area of the sky. The telescope control system images a field of view in the alignment area, and processes the images to determine the celestial coordinates of a center of the filed a field of view the alignment area. The telescope control system then maps the telescope's coordinate system to the celestial coordinate system. Once mapped, the telescope control system can advantageously slew the telescope to any desired celestial object in the viewable sky based on, for example, user selection, system recommendations, combinations of the same, or the like.

Abstract: A rifle scope has a body with a number of optical elements. An adjustment knob is rotated we connected to the body and interacts with at least one of the optical elements to provide an image shift in response to rotation of the knob. A detent mechanism interacts with the knob, and has a number of detent positions. Many of the detent positions have a first detent force, and a selected subset the detent positions have a greater second force. The selected subset of detent positions may correspond to selected major distance intervals.

Abstract: An optical sight includes: an outer barrel having opposite ends; ocular and objective lens units mounted respectively to the ends of the outer barrel; a magnification unit disposed tiltably in the outer barrel, and extending between the ocular and objective lens units; an adjustment units mounted on the outer barrel, and operable independently and respectively to adjust position of the magnification unit inside the outer barrel in first and second directions that are perpendicular to each other; a biasing member interposed between the magnification unit and the outer barrel to provide an urging force on the magnification unit to abut against the adjustment units; and a force-adjusting unit disposed to connect the biasing member to the outer barrel, and operable to adjust the urging force exerted by the biasing member on the magnification unit.

Abstract: An optical system including a telescope and a principal pointing device for selecting a direction of observation is disclosed. The system furthermore includes at least one secondary pointing device arranged ahead of a part of the entrance of the telescope and oriented fixedly with respect to the principal pointing device. A set of photodetectors records a secondary image formed by the telescope from light rays directed by the secondary pointing device toward the entrance of the telescope The secondary image makes it possible to accurately determine the direction of observation.

Abstract: A disc-based altitude-azimuth telescope mount for mounting and adjusting a telescope along altitude and azimuth axes. The telescope mount includes an azimuth disc assembly for facilitating adjustment of the telescope along the azimuth axis and an altitude disc assembly for facilitating adjustment of the telescope along the altitude axis. A friction adjusting mechanism operably engages the azimuth disc assembly and the altitude disc assembly to prevent inadvertent movement of the telescope along both axes. A digital setting circle may be operably connected to the disc assemblies to facilitate automatic adjustment of the telescope, as desired.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include self-aligning telescope control systems and self-alignment methods. In an embodiment, a telescope control system orients a telescope with respect to the celestial sphere by pointing the telescope in the direction of an alignment star or alignment area of the sky. The telescope control system images a field of view in the alignment area, and processes the images to determine the celestial coordinates of a center of the filed a field of view the alignment area. The telescope control system then maps the telescope's coordinate system to the celestial coordinate system. Once mapped, the telescope control system can advantageously slew the telescope to any desired celestial object in the viewable sky based on, for example, user selection, system recommendations, combinations of the same, or the like.

Abstract: A cylindrical body of a Newton reflective telescope includes a first cylindrical body and a second cylindrical body combined together. The first cylindrical body has an eyepiece fixed on an outer surface, and a reflective mirror fixed in its interior. A joint member is connected between the first and the second cylindrical body to enable the first cylindrical body to rotate relative to the second cylindrical body as a pivot in such a way that the first and the second cylindrical body have coincident center axes. Therefore, a person other than a first user can also look in the eyepieces by rotating the first cylindrical body without need for the first user to leave the location of the eyepiece.

Abstract: Magnifying binoculars configured for observing a magnified image of an object, includes a frame configured to be worn by a user, a pair of magnifying optical system units provided for left and right eyes of the user, respectively, each of the magnifying optical system units including a magnifying optical system for observing the magnified image of the object, and an optical path switching unit provided on an object side of each of the magnifying optical system units, the optical path switching unit including a movable mirror and a fixed mirror. The movable mirror is configured to be moved between an operating position on an optical path on the object side of the magnifying optical system unit and an evacuated position off the optical path. The fixed mirror is configured to deflect the optical path deflected by the movable mirror when the movable mirror is located on the operating position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a way to measure the position of an instrument that is mounted on an instrument shaft within a clutched mounting system, the instrument shaft being driven through a reduction gearbox by a motor shaft. The position of the instrument is measured as a function of the position of the motor shaft and the position of the instrument shaft, the measurement of the position of the motor shaft providing greater precision than the position of the instrument shaft. Because the mounting system is clutched, it is necessary to check at intervals whether the measurement of the motor shaft position no longer accurately represents the position of the instrument, in which case the measurement of the motor shaft position is resynchronized to the measurement of the instrument shaft.

Abstract: An all-reflective optical system includes an all-reflective afocal module, an all-reflective imaging module and an all-reflective switching structure being operated to direct a light beam through the afocal module and the imaging module. A first position of the switching structure directs the light beam to enter the first optical end of the afocal module and exit the second optical end of the afocal module, and thereafter to enter the input optical end of the imaging module. A second position of the switching structure directs the light beam to enter the second optical end of the afocal module and exit the first optical end of the afocal module, and thereafter to enter the input optical end of the imaging module. A third position of the switching structure directs the light beam to enter the input optical end of the imaging module so that the light beam completely bypasses the afocal module.

Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is able to be fully operable in both Alt-Az and polar configurations. In either configuration, the telescope aligns itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed north and then pointed towards a user's horizon. A command processor, under application software program control orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation may be further refined by initially inputting a geographical location indicia, or by shooting one or two additional celestial objects. Once the telescope's orientation with respect to the celestial coordinate system is established, the telescope system will automatically move to and track any desired celestial object without further alignment invention by a user.

Abstract: An automated telescope includes an optical system and respective altitude and azimuth motor systems. Each motor system is configured to rotate the optical system about a corresponding altitude or azimuth axis. Each of the altitude and azimuth motor systems includes a motor and a microprocessor configured to control its respective motor. A third microprocessor is connected to microprocessors of both the altitude and azimuth motor systems. The third microprocessor is programmed to determine a relationship between a celestial coordinate system and an altitude-azimuth coordinate system and to generate motion control commands based at least in part on the determined relationship. Each microprocessor of the altitude and azimuth motor systems then controls its respective motor based at least in part on the motion control commands.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method for calibrating an alt-az telescope system with a latitude of an observer location. The telescope system comprises a telescope tube mounted for pivotal motion about altitude and azimuthal axes and a latitude indicator coupled to a corresponding one of the altitude and azimuthal axes. The latitude indicator indicates a latitude value which varies with movement of the telescope tube about the corresponding axis. The method involves obtaining encoder information indicative of a first angular position of the telescope tube about the corresponding axis, wherein at the first angular position, the latitude indicator indicates a first latitude value. The orientation of the telescope tube is then adjusted to a second angular position, wherein at the second angular position, the latitude indicator indicates a second latitude value that differs from the first latitude value by an amount corresponding to the observer latitude.

Abstract: A telescope comprises a telescope tube and a mount for supporting the telescope tube for altitude and azimuth positioning. The mount comprises an azimuth assembly including vertical bearing holders in spaced parallel relation and an altitude assembly including interconnected vertical bearings rotatably supported on tracks of the bearing holders. The bearings have lips disposed over outer surfaces of the bearing holders, respectively, and a frictional adjustment mechanism of the azimuth assembly includes an extension element extendable into frictional contact with one of the lips to maintain proper tracking of the bearings on the tracks of the bearing holders. A clamp assembly disposed between the bearings comprises a plurality of clamp members having apertures, respectively, through which the telescope tube extends. The clamp members are pivotal between open and closed positions via operation of a single operating member.

Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is operable in both alt-az and equatorial modes. In either configuration, the telescope system aligns and orients itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed North and then pointed towards the horizon. A command processor, under application software control, orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation is refined by automatically inputting geographical location data and a timing parameter. A simplified tracking procedure allows tracking of celestial objects after the telescope system has had its axis positions initialized to a horizontal and a vertical index. Object tracking is subsequently performed with no additional orientation procedure required.

Abstract: An improved reticle for optical instruments such as telescopic sights, riflescopes and surveying telescopes, provides a primary indicator at the focal plane of the instrument and a secondary indicator spaced, axially, apart from, and viewable with, the primary indicator. When an operator's eye is properly centered on the optical axis of the instrument, the indicators provide visual feedback to the operator of such proper alignment. When an operator's eye is laterally displaced from the optical axis, the indicators provide visual feedback indicative of improper positioning of the eye. Thus, an operator may readily, and intuitively, make the necessary adjustments to the relationship of the eye to the optical axis to correct for misalignment without the need for cumbersome mechanical adjustments and special mechanisms.

Abstract: A pre-assembled pivoting lens unit is disclosed that includes a pivot cartridge capable of being at least partially received by an optical sighting device housing, along with a pivot tube defining a first end movably coupled to the pivot cartridge and a second end capable of moving transversely to the longitudinal axis of the device housing. Disposed in the pivot tube between the first and second ends is a lens assembly capable of focusing an image when the lens unit is at least partially received by the device housing. A fastener is used to secure the pivot cartridge to the first end of the pivot tube, and a resilient member interposes the fastener and pivot tube first end to enable relative pivoting movement of the pivot tube.

Abstract: An astrometry system comprises an astrometry first telescope having first and second sightlines respectively corresponding to first and second fields of view and a first star detector system in a first focal plane. A first optical system combines first and second light beams from stars in the first and second fields of view and substantially parallel to the first and second sightlines and delivers them to the first star detector system. A second telescope has a third sightline substantially parallel to one of the first and second sightlines. There is a second star detector in at least one second focal plane. A second optical system collects a third light beam from the stars substantially parallel to the third sightline and delivers it to the second star detector. A processor determines the source field of view of each star detected as a function of whether it is detected either by only the first detector or conjointly by the first and second detectors.

Abstract: A pre-assembled pivoting lens unit is disclosed that includes a pivot cartridge capable of being at least partially received by an optical sighting device housing, along with a pivot tube defining a first end movably coupled to the pivot cartridge and a second end capable of moving transversely to the longitudinal axis of the device housing. Disposed in the pivot tube between the first and second ends is a lens assembly capable of focusing an image when the lens unit is at least partially received by the device housing. A fastener is used to secure the pivot cartridge to the first end of the pivot tube, and a resilient member interposes the fastener and pivot tube first end to enable relative pivoting movement of the pivot tube.

Abstract: A non-telescoping adjustment mechanism for adjustment of a riflescope or other sighting device includes a core that is rotatable about a central axis of the adjustment mechanism and an adjustment knob, which is rigidly coupled to the core and which extends from a housing of the riflescope to a protrusion distance. Rotating the adjustment knob causes the core to rotate for adjusting an adjustable member within the riflescope. An index slide, threadably coupled to the adjustment knob, reciprocates along the central axis between the adjustment knob and the core in response to rotation of the adjustment knob. A scale, positioned on the adjustment mechanism, provides a visual indication of the degree of adjustment applied to the riflescope through multiple turns of the adjustment knob. The indication is achieved without increasing the protrusion distance of the adjustment knob.

Abstract: A free space optical communication system is disclosed whereby a transmit telescope and a receive telescope are aligned such that the point of maximum power of the received light beam is incident upon the optical fiber located at a specific point on the focal plane of the receive telescope. Such incidence is achieved by causing the transmitted beam to diverge by moving the transmit optical fiber to a point in front of the focal plane of the transmit telescope until at least a portion of the beam is incident upon the receive optical fiber. The transmit telescope and/or the receive telescope (or, alternatively, only the respective optical fibers of those telescopes) are then moved such that the point of maximum received power for that degree of divergence is incident upon the receive optical fiber.

Abstract: A portable altitude/azimuth telescope mount having an integral locator system with a magnetic encoder mechanism for facilitating location of astronomical objects and telescope positioning for observation thereof. A microprocessor receives signals from the encoder mechanism and translates such into position data for display. The locator system also includes a database of astronomical objects, including their locations and other relevant information.

Abstract: A prime focus unit that enables position and angle correction within a lens barrel while being located at the prime focus of a telescope. There is provided a first frame on which a barrel top inner tube of a telescope is to be mounted. A second frame is joined to the first frame by way of a Stewart platform comprising six jacks and three pressurized springs. An observation apparatus for collecting observation data and an optical correction system for effecting optical correction are provided on the second frame. If a change arises in the relative position and angle formed between the telescope and the observation apparatus in association with a change in the attitude of the telescope, the change can be eliminated by adjustment of a Stewart platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combined telescope and telemeter device comprising a telescopic sight (1) having a housing (2), one end of which receives an objective lens (3) while the other end receives an eyepiece (4), said housing defining a beam path (5) between the objective lens and the eyepiece. The device also includes an opto-electronic telemeter (12) with emitter-receiver optics (14) for optical measuring beams (15) and evaluation electronics (24) for timing the interval between an emitted measuring beam and a received measuring beam and for determining the distance on the basis thereof.

Abstract: A telescope system has an intelligent motor controller for accurately controlling telescope position to facilitate location of celestial objects and to precisely control the speed at which the telescope moves to facilitate tracking of celestial objects. An optical encoder utilizes two photodetectors to provide enhanced servo control of the telescope positioning motors, a calibration circuit eliminates a need to test LED's during assembly of the optical encoder and a brushless mount provides electrical communication to an altitude drive motor located in a fork thereof in a manner which mitigates problems due to undesirable wrapping of an electrical cable around the mount as the mount rotates in azimuth.

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.

Abstract: A telescope (1) with inclined viewing relative to the axis of sight (2) has a sighting device (4) with a mounting (8) that is adapted to be inserted in or removed from a recess (9) on the telescope housing (6) at an inclined portion (5) such that the sighting device (4) is disposed on the side adjacent the eyepiece (3).

Abstract: A portable altitude/azimuth telescope mount having an integral locator system with a magnetic encoder mechanism for facilitating location of astronomical objects and telescope positioning for observation thereof. A microprocessor receives signals from the encoder mechanism and translates such into position data for display. The locator system also includes a database of astronomical objects, including their locations and other relevant information.

Abstract: A telescope for geodetic instruments, comprises an objective and device for generating separate beam paths for target seeking or image detection and for distance measurement. In the beam path for target seeking, a CCD camera with CCD matrix or a position-dependent photoelectric receiver arrangement (quadrant photoreceiver) is provided in a first image plane of the objective. A receiver for distance measurement is located in a second image plane of the objective. An evaluating device is connected with the CCD camera or receiver arrangement for signal evaluation and/or image evaluation. A device for generating a third, wide-angle, beam path are provided in the telescope. A supplementary objective cooperating with the objective is advantageously provided for generating the wide-angle beam path.

Abstract: A force-equalized pivot mount for a telescopic sight such as a riflescope includes a lens holder having a pivot end positioned between a fixed half-socket and an opposing movable half-socket. A resilient member biases the movable half-socket toward the fixed half-socket to pivotally capture the pivot end therebetween. Rotation of the lens holder generates first lateral friction forces at a first sliding interface between the fixed half-socket and the pivot end that are equalized by oppositely-directed second friction forces generated at a second sliding interface between the movable half-socket and the pivot end. Force-equalization prevents the lens holder from walking within the pivot mount, reduces wear at the sliding interfaces, and improves aiming accuracy.

Abstract: A scanning sensor system includes a light sensor and a scanning telescope having a first telescope subassembly and a second telescope subassembly. Each of the telescope subassemblies has a primary telescope mirror oriented to receive an incident light beam over an angular viewing range as the primary telescope mirror is rotated about a primary-mirror rotation axis, and at least one additional telescope mirror positioned to receive a reflected light beam from the primary telescope mirror. A primary mirror drive rotates the primary telescope mirrors about the primary-mirror rotation axis at a primary mirror angular instantaneous rate of rotation. A half-angle derotation mirror has a derotation-mirror axis parallel to the primary-mirror rotation axis. The half-angle derotation mirror is positioned to reflect light in the optical path when each primary telescope mirror is within the angular viewing range and to direct the reflected image along the optical path toward the sensor.

Abstract: A telescope system facilitates easy upgrading from friction lock mounting to manual worm drive, and from manual worm drive to motor drive. Vibration isolation provides a steady field of view for enhanced observation and photography. A telescope mount facilitates enhanced below the horizon and zenith viewing. A tripod has detents which hold the legs thereof in a deployed position during handling of the tripod. A cam lock reliably maintains a desired length of telescoping tripod legs.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a directionally adjustable telescope arrangement (1) having a first arcuate mirror (3), a second arcuate mirror (9) and a planar deflecting mirror (13). A third arcuate mirror (17) is provided in the imaging beam path of the telescope arrangement (1). The mirror (17) coacts with the first arcuate mirror (3) and the second arcuate mirror (9) to effectively form images.

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

Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is able to be fully operable in both Alt-Az and polar configurations. In either configuration, the telescope aligns itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed north and then pointed towards a user's horizon. A command processor, under application software program control orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation may be further refined by initially inputting a geographical location indicia, or by shooting one or two additional celestial objects. Once the telescope's orientation with respect to the celestial coordinate system is established, the telescope system will automatically move to and track any desired celestial object without further alignment invention by a user.

Abstract: A telescope for geodetic instruments, comprises an objective and device for generating separate beam paths for target seeking or image detection and for distance measurement. In the beam path for target seeking, a CCD camera with CCD matrix or a position-dependent photoelectric receiver arrangement (quadrant photoreceiver) is provided in a first image plane of the objective. A receiver for distance measurement is located in a second image plane of the objective. An evaluating device is connected with the CCD camera or receiver arrangement for signal evaluation and/or image evaluation. A device for generating a third, wide-angle, beam path are provided in the telescope. A supplementary objective cooperating with the objective is advantageously provided for generating the wide-angle beam path.

Abstract: An erecting prism of a binocular includes a first and a second prism, which are held by a holder, and the holder being supported vertically movable and laterally immobile with respect to a thin plate. The thin plate is supported laterally movable and vertically immobile with respect to a right moving body. A shaft reception means is provided, for rotatably supporting a jig, at the right eyepiece cylinder that is attached to the rear wall 303B of the right moving body. The position of erecting prism is adjusted by using a jig to move the holder vertically with respect to the thin plate, and to move the thin plate laterally with respect to the right moving body. The jig may be supported by the shaft reception means and rotated.

Abstract: A night vision monocular having an optical axis is provided which includes a housing having a distal end and a proximal end; an objective lens assembly having at least one objective lens, the objective lens assembly being engaged within the housing at the distal end; an eyepiece lens assembly having at least one eyepiece lens, the eyepiece lens assembly being engaged within the housing at the proximal end; and an image intensifying tube being engaged within the housing between the objective lens assembly and the eyepiece lens assembly and optically communicating with the objective lens assembly and the eyepiece lens assembly, such that light entering the night vision monocular via the objective lens assembly is intensified via the image intensifying tube and further such that the intensified light is focused via the eyepiece lens assembly onto an eye of a viewer.

Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is able to be fully operable in both Alt-Az and polar configurations. In either configuration, the telescope aligns itself to be celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed north and then pointed towards a user's horizon. A command processor, under application software program control orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation may be further refined by initially inputting a geographical location indicia, or by shooting one or two additional celestial objects. Once the telescope's orientation with respect to the celestial coordinate system is established, the telescope system will automatically move to and track any desired celestial object without further alignment invention by a user.

Abstract: A motor-driven focusing apparatus of a telescope, includes a telescopic optical system which includes a focusing lens group guided along an optical axis; a motor-driven lens moving device which drives the focusing lens group along the optical axis; a manual operating switch for actuating the motor-driven lens moving device; and a lens-control device for controlling the motor-driven lens moving device when the manual operating switch is turned ON, so that the moving amount per unit time of a focal point of the telescopic optical system, that is caused by a movement of the focusing lens group, is kept substantially at a constant speed regardless of the position of the focusing lens group on the optical axis, the constant speed being selected from one or more constant speeds.

Abstract: A device for the directional transmission and the directional reception of modulated light waves between geostationary satellites, or respectively geostationary satellites still close to earth, which have been constructed in a particularly weight-saving manner.

Abstract: The invention concerns a telescopic rifle sight for individual weapon equipped with at least one step micro-motor designed to vary the angle of the sight relative to the axis of the weapon and the initial axis of aim, thereby adequately varying the whole sight assembly and thus varying the original position of the sight reticle from the original point of aim to the required point of aim.

Abstract: A sighting apparatus is provided for aiming an optical device mounted on a moving platform and having both coarse and fine adjustment. The sighting apparatus includes a fixed base and an outer support ring that is capable of rotation by a drive motor about an azimuthal axis perpendicular to an axis defined by the outer support ring. A support hub is rotatably supported within the outer support ring and is capable of rotation by a drive motor about an elevational axis substantially coincident with the axis defined by the outer support ring. At least one mounting plate is supported by the support hub and the mounting plate is capable of movement about the azimuthal and elevational axes relative to the support hub, and the mounting plate is capable of movement about a roll axis perpendicular to the azimuthal and the elevational axes.

Abstract: A multi-function day/night observation, ranging, and sighting device includes a single objective lens and a single eyepiece lens, and at the eyepiece lens provides an image of a scene. The single objective lens leads to a visible-light first optical path, and to an invisible-light second optical path. The invisible-light second optical path includes an image intensifier tube providing a visible image. The first and second optical paths converge with visible images being provided by each pathway overlaying at a reticule plane. A single light path leads from the reticule plane to the eyepiece lens. A lens group includes a lens through which light from the scene is transmitted to be focused at an image plane. A focus cell body carries at least one lens of the lens group, and a support structure of the device movably supports the focus cell body for controlled lateral relative movement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a viewing optical instrument which includes: a first image stabilizer for stabilizing the vision in the viewing optical instrument in a first direction; a second image stabilizer for stabilizing the vision in the viewing optical instrument in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a first switch for manually turning the first image stabilizer ON or OFF; and a second switch, provided independently from the first switch, for manually turning the second image stabilizer ON or OFF.

Abstract: A multi-function day/night observation, ranging, and sighting device includes a single objective lens group and a single eyepiece lens and provides an image of a scene. The single objective lens group leads to a visible-light first optical path and to an invisible-light second optical path. It will be understood that the terms visible-light and invisible-light are used merely to distinguish the two optical paths, and not as a limitation. In other words, some visible light will pass to the image intensifier tube, and this tube is capable of providing an image in response to light in the visible portion of the spectrum. On the other hand, some light in the infrared portion of the spectrum may pass along the visible-light optical path. As mentioned, the invisible-light second optical path includes an image intensifier tube providing a visible image. The first and second optical paths converge with visible images provided by each pathway being overlaid at a reticule plane.

Abstract: A binocular-like vision system for enabling an observer to view an object. The system includes an input end that receives light from the object and an optical transfer system that receives the light received from the input end and transfers the received light to an image intensifier which intensifies the received light, wherein the intensified received light is transferred to and transmitted out of an output end of the system, wherein the light transmitted out of the output end forms a field of view of the object that is greater than a 60 degree horizontal field of view.

Abstract: A dual purpose optical device that is convertible between binocular and stereoscope modes of operation while using a common eyepiece arrangement for both. The device includes a housing containing a pair of optic supports mounted side-by-side for lateral movement towards and away from one another. Each support preferably carries three lenses. Two lenses on each support serve as the eyepiece and are aligned in a common plane with an eyepiece opening through the housing and a rotatable mirror assembly. The assembly pivots substantially ninety degrees from opposing forty-five degree angle positions with respect to the plane through the eyepiece opening and the eye and field lenses so as to fold the lines of sight either up or down within the housing. A circular photo transparency reel is received horizontally in a slot provided on an upper side of the housing.