Abstract: An illumination optical system includes an optical integrator for forming a secondary light source by use of light from a light source, an optical system for directing light from the light source toward the integrator, and a condensing optical system for condensing light from the optical integrator upon a surface to be illuminated.

Abstract: A hand held device extends across a line of text on a page to enlarge the image and illuminate it as well. The device includes an elongate cylindrical lens that extends across the page. Elongate supports straddle the line and support the lens at a fixed distance above the line to bring the line into focus for the reader. At least one of the supports has a light source at one end that emits light into the transparent support that acts as a light pipe. A roughened surface on the support causes the light to be distributed and emitted onto the line being read. By directing the light only onto the line, less extraneous light reaches the eye for enhanced viewing by a person with cataracts.

Abstract: A back-light module for an image scanning device includes a casing, a pair of tubular lamps, a light guide plate, and a frosted transparent plate. The image scanning device includes a document supporting plate and an optical scanning module movable in a longitudinal direction. A calibration of illumination with the back-light module is done by (1) activating the back-light module to project light onto the optical scanning module, (2) driving the optical scanning module in the longitudinal direction, (3) obtaining illumination signals associated with selected pixels of a longitudinally-extending calibration zone formed on the document supporting plate, (4) comparing each illumination signal with a reference to obtain a result and manipulating the result to obtain a calibration parameter, and (5) calibrating the illumination of pixels of an image with the corresponding calibration parameters in scanning a transmissive original document.

Abstract: A CO2 laser beam 12 is converted into a beam of uniform intensity at the position of a phase matching element 15 by an intensity converting element 14 and the phase matching element 15. Then, the uniform intensity beam irradiates a mask 17 containing an aperture variable in size via a variable-magnification projecting optical system 16. At the time of irradiation, the laser beam at the position of the phase matching element 15 is projected onto the mask 17 at a magnification factor most suited to the size of the aperture formed in the mask 17. Further, the pattern of the mask 17 is projected onto a workpiece 19. Thus, a uniform intensity distribution of the laser beam is obtained on the workpiece and high quality laser processing becomes possible.

Abstract: A high resolution lens is provided as a condensing lens for collecting light made incident from a light source, of which one face is plane and the other face is curved. The curved face of the lens is coated with a reflecting material except for its central apex portion, and incident light is made incident through the plan portion of the lens. The curved face of the high resolution lens may be spherical or is a parabolic face to reduce aberration. When a parallel light is made incident on the plane face of the high resolution lens, it is reflected in the lens and totally reflected, and then is transmitted through the uncoated apex to an external object.

Abstract: An objective lens for us in an optical pickup apparatus to record or reproduce information in an optical information recording medium, comprises an aspheric surface, wherein the following conditional formula is satisfied: 1.1≦d1/f≦3 where d1 represents axial lens thickness and f represents a focal length.

Abstract: An apparatus for patterning a phosphor screen on the faceplate of a cathode-ray tube has a main lens that refracts light to simulate electron-beam trajectories. The main lens includes a fixed lens with a curved surface, and at least one replaceable flat element. The apparatus also has at least one sub-lens, with a curved surface, that can be substituted for the flat element to compensate for inaccurate simulation of the electron-beam trajectories. The flat element and the sub-lens have the same thickness, so that substitution of the one for the other does not produce an unintended shifting of light paths. Preferred sub-lenses include lenses having surfaces described by a bilaterally symmetric cosine function, and by a product of a sine function and a linear function.

Abstract: A light permeable fluorescent cover 6 is provided that comprises a fluorescent material 7 contained in the cover 6 attached on a light emitting diode for emitting a first light with a first peak in blue wavelength range of 420 nm to 480 nm. The fluorescent material 7 emits a second light with a second peak in green wavelength range of 480 nm to 580 nm separated from the first peak and a third light with a third peak in red wavelength range of 580 nm to 750 nm separated from the second peak to synthesize lights in a wide chromaticity area by mixing three primary blue, green and red lights and to irradiate them to outside of the cover 6 in colorful expression.

Abstract: An automatic testing illumination system has advantages of speed, quick calibration ability and therefore high accuracy over conventional illuminators. An spherical light source/concentrator exit port is rapidly and sequentially covered by at least one automated device for affecting the light leaving the exit port. Automation enables a very rapid sequencing of light onto a two or three dimensional array to cut the time for test and evaluation, and to permit very accurate calibration of the illuminator system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical pickup having a constant numerical aperture even if spherical aberration is compensated for. The optical pickup is used in an information recording and/or reproducing machine. The information recording and/or reproducing machine records and/or reproduces information in a recording medium upon radiation of a light beam from a light source. The optical pickup includes a condensing optical system for condensing the light beam from the light source onto a recording layer of the recording medium. The condensing optical system includes an object lens. The condensing optical system also includes an aperture positioned about a focal length of the object lens apart from a position of a principal incidence plane of the object lens toward the light source along an optical axis of the condensing optical system.

Abstract: An optical system for imaging the surface of the bottom of a well of a microtiter plate made of a transparent material. This surface has an analysis preparation. The optical system comprises an enlarging lens and an incident-light illumination formed by a ring-shape, diffuse light source. The incident light illumination is arranged concentrically with the optical axis. The microtiter plate is illuminated from the backside by an approximately dot-shaped light source, which is arranged behind the diffuser disk and centered in relation to the optical axis. Reflections and material flaws in the area located outside of the measuring area to be evaluated are thus made invisible.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light illuminating method, a surface examining method using the light illuminating method, and apparatuses for performing these methods. In the surface illuminating apparatus for illuminating an object with a light beam from a light source through a lens member for illumination, the lens member for illumination has a characteristics with respect to a longitudinal aberration caused by a spherical aberration in the light source side of the lens for illumination, that an amount of shift from a paraxial image surface to image formation points gradually increase or decrease, with an increase in height of light incidence into the lens; and the light source is set at a position in an outside of a group of the image formation points.

Abstract: An optical member for transmitting light of a wavelength less than about 200 nm including crystalline calcium fluoride with a potassium content less than about 0.5 ppm, wherein a degradation in a transmissivity of the optical member after an irradiation for a fixed period of time with the light of the wavelength of less than about 200 nm is less than about 5% of a transmissivity of the optical member before the irradiation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an illumination optical system including an optical integrator for forming a secondary light source by use of light from a light source, and a condenser optical system for condensing light from the optical integrator upon a surface to be illuminated, wherein the condenser optical system is arranged to change, independently of each other, an illuminance distribution and an angular distribution of the light incident on the surface illuminated.

Abstract: A magnifying scope and accessory holder having a main body having an upper end of reduced dimension for supporting a viewing aperture including an eye cup and window arrangement and a lower portion that includes an open-ended bore occupied by a focus tube in the form of a movable cylinder. The eye cup and window arrangement further includes a viewing lens which is of a suitable magnifying power. A mount is carried on the end of the focusing tube cylinder that detachably receives a variety of specimen holders.

Abstract: Multi-beam lithography apparatus is used for writing patterns on a substrate 14 such as a wafer for ICs. The patterns may have details of various dimensions. In order to enhance the production rate, it is attractive to write fine details with a small spot 16 and large details with a large spot. It is known to vary the spot size by varying the emissive surface of the electron source. In accordance with the invention the spot size is varied by varying the size 22 of the beam limiting aperture 20, thus enabling optimization of the beam current in dependence on the spot size. A preferred embodiment is provided with an additional (condenser) lens 24 such that the object distance remains constant when the magnification of the lens system 18, 24 is varied.

Abstract: An image forming optical system minimizes the effects of ghosts in an image. In one embodiment of the present invention, light is at an intermediate point of the optical system. Introducing light in this manner can result in ghosts being produced in the imaged data or in data being missing from the imaged data, both of which are undesirable conditions. The present invention minimizes ghosting and loss of data by maintaining one or more optical relationships to within set ranges.

Abstract: An illumination system which ensures a numerical aperture larger than the orientation characteristics of a light sources and achieves uniform yet bright illumination is provided. The illumination system includes a light source, a collector lens constructed and arranged to converge light emitted from the light source to substantially parallel light beams and a relay lens constructed and arranged to transmit the substantially parallel light beams to an objective. The collector lens includes a first positive lens group, a second negative lens group, and at least one aspheric optical element. The working distance WD of the collector lens satisfies 0.5<WD/f<1.5 . . . (1) where WD is the distance from the center of the light source to the apex of a surface in the collector lens, the surface is located nearest to the light source side, and f is the focal length of the collector lens.

Abstract: An objective optical system comprising, in order from the object side, a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power and a third lens unit having a positive refractive power, wherein the second lens unit is moved along an optical axis for changing a magnification. This objective optical system is configured to be compact and have favorable optical performance by adequately selecting an airspace between the first lens unit and the second lens unit as well as a power for the first lens unit.

Abstract: An optical member for transmitting light of a wavelength less than about 200 nm including crystalline calcium fluoride with a potassium content less than about 0.5 ppm, wherein a degradation in a transmissivity of the optical member after an irradiation for a fixed period of time with the light of the wavelength of less than about 200 nm is less than about 5% of a transmissivity of the optical member before the irradiation.

Abstract: An optical display system for magnifying the image of a liquid crystal display cell (314) used in a portable electronic device (310) such as a cellular phone or smart card reader having a light focusing and deflecting array (316), a light coupling element (318) and a magnifying lens element (110). The light focusing and deflecting array (316) includes an array of lenslets (410, 412, 414, 416, 418) that receive light rays from the liquid crystal display cell (314) and impart an angular component to the light rays. The magnitude of this angular component increases moving radially outward along the light focusing and deflecting array. The light coupling element (318) couples the deflected light rays to the magnifying lens element without substantial refraction thereof. The magnifying lens element (110) has a unitary lens having a biaxial gradient index of refraction, which causes the light rays to be bent initially outward then inward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for determining the alignment of an object, whose image is to be recorded, with a coupling eyepiece and an image capture apparatus that defines an image plane (Pi), comprising: an image capture apparatus (2) equipped with the ability for adjusting its own position; a light source (1) that emits at least two non-focused luminous dots (1a, 1b); eyepiece coupling lens(es) or element(s) (3) that focus on an object plane (Po); an opaque mask (4) that is perforated with at least two holes (5a, 5b) and that is positioned in front of light source (1) such that it transmits at least part of the light emitted by the light source; and calculating mechanism for determining whether alignment exists and, in the case of non-alignment, for quantifying the non-alignment.

Abstract: A magnifying map viewer for magnifying a map surface so that it may be easily read by a user. The magnifying map viewer includes a case having top and bottom panels and a perimeter side wall between the top and bottom panels of the case. The top and bottom panels of the case define a space therebetween designed for positioning a map therein. The perimeter side wall of the case has an side opening into the space between the top and bottom panels for extending a map into the space between the top and bottom panels. The top panel of the case has a top opening into the space between the top and bottom panels for permitting a user to view a surface of a map in the space between the top and bottom panels. The lower ends of a plurality of support posts are coupled to the top panel. A magnifying window has a magnifying lens and an outer frame extending around the magnifying lens of the magnifying window.

Abstract: A device uses a divergent lens (7) having a concave surface with a central region (12) and a peripheral region (13) of lower curvature than the central region. The light beam (16) crossing the central region is spread over the entire surface of the image frame (10), thereby avoiding a concentration of light in the central portion thereof, and ensuring a more uniform illumination. The device is useful for large size slide projectors using a xenon arc lamp.

Abstract: An optical instrument for facilitating the observation of surface engravings located on an optical lens includes a base housing having a light source therein for illuminating the optical lens. An image contrastor, selected based on the type of lens to be examined, is placed on the base housing over the light source. The image contrastor includes its own housing within which is positioned a viewing plate and a light diffuser. A screening pattern or coating is formed on the viewing plate to define a backdrop for examining the lens. A support member extends from the base housing and carries a magnifying lens. With this arrangement, an optical lens may be placed between the image contrastor and the magnifying lens to enhance the observation of engravings on the optical lens.

Abstract: A conformal identification apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus presents to an observer through an aided eye at least first and second representational objects corresponding to first and second actual objects. The apparatus includes a map that contains the first and second representational objects; a magnifier disposed between the map and the aided eye that presents a magnified image of a portion of the map including the first and second representational objects; and a support structure that supports the map and the magnifier. The apparatus enables the observer to view the first and second actual objects through an unaided eye simultaneously with viewing the magnified image with the aided eye.

Abstract: An optical element inspecting apparatus for inspecting optical elements for defects. The optical element inspecting apparatus includes an illuminating unit, an image capturing unit, two polarizers, a rotation device, a controller, and a means for composing a plurality of image data captured by the image capturing unit.The optical element to be inspected is placed between the polarizers and is illuminated by the illuminating unit. The light that passes through the polarizers and the optical element is captured by the image capturing unit and stored in memory. The controller controls the rotation device such that the polarizers are rotated by a predetermined amount and a subsequent image data is captured. In this way, a number of image data are captured and all image data are composed to make a composite image data. The optical element is examined to detect flaws therein by using the composite image data.

Abstract: A collimating lens unit is provided that includes a collimating lens, a lens holder which holds the collimating lens, and an adhesive which secures the collimating lens to the lens holder. The adhesive is applied to remain outside of an effective area of the collimating lens, so that an output beam emitted from the collimating lens unit is not shaded by the adhesive. In particular, the effective area is determined based on the characteristics of an optical system which includes the collimating lens.

Abstract: A retractable magnifier includes an enclosure and a frame slidably mounted in the enclosure. The frame is slidable between a retracted position and two extended positions. A magnifying lens is mounted in the frame such that the lens is enclosed by the enclosure when the frame is in the retracted position, and such that the lens is exposed when the frame is in the extended position. A light with electric terminals is mounted in the frame, and is connected through a pair of conductive springs to a power source. One end of one spring is slidable in a slot in the frame to engage a switch terminal to automatically switch the light on when the frame is extended, and off when the frame is retracted.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for applying a finishing block to a lens. An imaging screen for imaging an alignment pattern representing characteristics of the lens and reference data on the lens is provided. The lens is positioned in the apparatus with the pattern and the data aligned. With the lens in this position, the apparatus automatically attaches the finishing block to the lens in registration with the reference data.

Abstract: A system of retro-illumination for optical valves integrated into a system of projection is constituted by a plane array of slotted fluorescent tubes, parallel to one another, associated with a plane array of longitudinal lenses parallel to the tubes and spaced out substantially by the same pitch. This system is a compact high-output system. It enables an easy gradation of the luminous level as well as the obtaining a trichromatic sequential retro-illumination without moving parts.

Abstract: A light assembly for a track lighting system includes a housing having releasable upper and lower parts. The lower housing part includes a shell and a baffle mounted in the shell. The baffle forms a light-emitting passage and defines a lens seat for receiving a lens that extends across the passage. The baffle carries spring clips which perform the dual function of non-releasably securing the baffle to the shell and retaining the lens on the lens seat.

Abstract: An optical head of this invention includes: a light source emitting a plurality of beams from a plurality of emitting points; an optical system for focusing the plurality of beams on a recording medium; and an adjusting means for adjusting distances from the plurality of emitting points to the optical system, wherein the adjusting means includes a first member for supporting the light source and a second member for supporting the first member; the first member is rotatable around a central axis which is vertical to the plane including an optical axis of the optical system and the plurality of emitting points and passes through a point on the optical axis; and the second member is movable along a reference plane vertical to the optical axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnifying observation apparatus of a video type in which an image of an object to be observed which has been picked up by an image pick-up apparatus incorporating an imaging device therein is reproduced on a monitor display and observed. It is an object of the invention to attain a compact structure of the entire system so as to permit easy observation in a simple manner. According to the present invention, in order to achieve such object, not only the imaging device but also a control circuit unit for the imaging device, an optical system for focusing the image of the object to be observed on the imaging device, and a light-source lamp for lighting the object to be observed, are incorporated in the image pick-up apparatus.

Abstract: A needlework support apparatus has a needlework fabric frame held above a base by side arms. A magnifying lens is held above the fabric by a length of flexible tubing, one end of which is attached to the lens and the other end of which is attached to arms connected to a side arm. A flashlight is mounted in a hole through the lens and held in place by O-rings. The lens and light are adjustable to magnify and illuminate a selected portion of the needlework fabric.

Abstract: A portable diagnostic apparatus for the examination of biological material, in particular for the self-examination of a specimen containing substances which differ as a function of ovulation. The housing of the apparatus is designed such that the apparatus is of a size which allows the examining apparatus to be carried in the pockets of articles of clothing.

Abstract: An optical projection system for projecting a magnified image of an object includes a 1:2 relay lens having a magnification of .times.0.5. The object is illuminated by a collimated substantially parallel light beam from a source and the 1:2 relay lens produces an intermediate shadow image at its focal plane. A projection lens is located to project a magnified final image of the intermediate image on the screen. While it is preferred that the relay lens has a magnification of .times.0.5, the relay lens may have a different magnification less than .times.1.

Abstract: A lens system having discrete variations of focal length at discrete distances of radius outward from the optic axis for focussing light of plural wavelengths. The lens system which directs a laser beam onto a target for ablation or exposure applications includes one set of lens elements to handle short wavelength light used for ablation or exposure applications, and another set of lens elements to handle long wavelength light used for alignment applications. The lens system which provides for the ablation or exposure functions at short wavelength and for through-the-lens alignment at a longer wavelength and higher numerical aperture consists of three elements. Two outer lens elements are made entirely of fused quartz. An inner element disposed between the two outer lens is composed of any material such as optical glass. The inner lens element has a hole ground through its center.

Abstract: An optical system for use in a medical laser apparatus comprising an achromat having optical elements selected to cause two substantially different wavelengths, one visible and one infrared, to focus at a common focal point. The achromat comprises a negative lens and a doublet lens formed of a positive bi-convex lens and a negative meniscus lens. The materials of the two lenses which form the doublet have substantially different dispersions and indices of refraction and are chosen to cause a visible helium neon beam and an infrared carbon dioxide beam to focus at the same point. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the negative lens is made of zinc selenide, the bi-convex lens of the doublet is made of potassium chloride, and the negative meniscus is made of zinc selenide. The optical system of the present invention can be mounted in a micromanipulator for use in laser surgery.

Abstract: A magnifier for observing a surface includes a housing, a detachable window attachment coupled to a first end of the housing and an eyepiece coupled to a second end of the housing. A light source attachment is coupled to the housing for supplying light to the hollow interior of the housing. The light source attachment and housing each have major axes which extend in different directions and form an angle between approximately 110.degree. and 120.degree.. Photoconductive material serves as a light guide for directing the light from the light source attachment to the window attachment.

Abstract: A divergent lens (4) perforated in its center by a hole (5) of small diameter is placed opposite the aperture (12) of a laser beam type marker (10) in order to pick up the laser beam comprising substantially parallel rays (13) from the marker, the lens (4) deflecting the laser rays which reach it round the central hole (9) so as to produce a divergent beam (14) whereas the rays which reach the central hole (4) pass through it without being deflected so as to form a fine pencil of light (15) of higher intensity serving to mark a target. The divergent lens (4) is, for example, mounted in a aperture (3) provided in the head of a body (2) intended to be slid on and to cover the head (11) of a laser beam type marker (10). The divergent lens (4) can also be mounted in the aperture (12) provided in the head (11) of a laser beam type marker (10 ).

Abstract: A submerged meter reading apparatus for enabling a human user to visually read a meter submerged in water or the like, having an elongated tubular body member with a sidewall defining an interior chamber, an upper end constructed to allow a user to look into the interior chamber, a lower end sealed with a transparent cap for positioning adjacent a submerged meter to be read therewith, a magnifying lens positioned in the interior chamber of the body member for producing a magnified image of the meter, a light for illuminating the meter, and a meter cap opening device for enabling a user to open a cap on the meter to be read.

Abstract: A magnifying assembly of the type employing a lens surrounded by a plastic or metal holding is placed in a light diffuser, which light diffuser is an annular member having an open top which is associated with a peripheral flange upon which the magnifying lens rests. The member has a bottom opening which is associated with an annular curved flange which is abraded so as to uniformly diffuse light over the surface of a document to be read whereby the area enclosed by the bottom opening of the annual member is uniformly illuminated by a light source.

Abstract: The telescope sight of a weapon may be utilized to provide both day and night spotting of a target aligned with the optical axis of the telescope by means of a point source or collimated source of visible or infrared light mounted in a housing on the eyepiece end of the telescope. The light is located on the optical axis of the telescope. When the telescope is mounted on a rifle or other weapon and the projected beam from the light source is aligned with the weapon trajectory, the spot of light designated by the beam indicates the target of interest.