Abstract: An adjustable focus lens system with at least two lens units and a mechanism to adjust the position of at least one of the two lens units relative to the other in a direction generally perpendicular to a viewing direction. The first of the two lens units has a specially designed surface and the second of the two lens units has a surface that is substantially complementary to the surface of the first lens unit. In preferred embodiments a first adjustable focus lens system with two lens units is mounted in a frame along with a second similar adjustable focus lens system to provide a pair of eyeglasses with adjustable focus.

Abstract: Closing module for an optical arrangement, in particular for an objective for microlithography, comprising an optically active closing element (3) having a first axis (3.1) and a holding device (2) that fixes the closing element (3) at least in the direction of the first axis (3.1), the holding device (2) being configured for radial clamping of the closing element (3).

Abstract: To overcoming any inconvenience in an optical unit, caused by a protrusion (burr) formed on a plastic lens when the plastic lens is molded, an optical unit is provided and has an injection molded plastic lens and a lens barrel. The injection molded plastic lens is fitted in a lens housing groove of the lens barrel so that a protrusion on one side of a flange of the injection molded plastic lens is located outside the lens housing groove.

Abstract: Headwear comprising a headband portion, a brim portion, a lens receiving portion, and a vision enhancing element operatively coupled with the lens receiving portion. The lens receiving portion and brim portion may be formed as a single-piece unitary member, such as a single piece of plastic.

Abstract: A lens support system for stabilizing and securing a large camera lens when it is attached to a camera is disclosed. The lens support system consists of a lens cradle that is attached to the tripod mount of a large camera lens, and a neck strap attached to the lens cradle that will be worn around the photographer's neck. The lens support system can also be used to secure a lens when unattached to a camera, and can be used as a balanced hand-hold without the neck strap.

Abstract: To avoid any lens breakage when a small and wide-angle optical imaging unit is assembled, an optical imaging unit is provided and has a glass lens, a plastic lens, a washer and a lens barrel having a first lens housing groove and a second lens housing groove of larger diameter than the first lens housing groove. The glass lens is mounted in a front side of the lens barrel, a washer is fitted in the second lens housing groove so that the washer contacting with an outer edge of the glass lens, and the plastic lens is mounted in the second lens housing groove behind the washer. The washer or the plastic lens has a recess in a contact side with each other except an outer edge thereof, so that the washer and the plastic lens contact each other along their outer edges.

Abstract: An exemplary clamping fixture (100) for washing optical members (60) includes a base (10), two clamping elements (20, 30), and a securing member (40). The base defines a plurality of holding grooves (13) configured for holding a first portion (61) of each of the optical members therein. The clamping elements are disposed at two sides (12) of the base. Each of the clamping elements has a plurality of holding slots (22) defined therein. The holding slots are configured for holding a second portion (62) of each of the optical members. The securing member is configured for securing the clamping elements and the optical members together in such a manner that the optical members can be removed from the base.

Abstract: A night vision system including a power system having a low voltage unit coupled to a high voltage unit. The low voltage unit includes a low voltage controller and a low voltage table correlating step values to pulse widths, the low voltage controller obtaining a desired pulse width and accessing the table to obtain a step value. The high voltage unit including an opto-isolator for receiving the step value from the low voltage controller, a high voltage controller response to the step value accessing a high voltage table correlating step values to pulse width to obtain a pulse width, the high voltage controller generating a control pulse in response to the pulse width.

Abstract: A system for implementing Berek-type variable retarder plate tipping capability in two orthogonal directions via tipping about a single axis, in combination with a means for rotating the orientation of the axis, having application in ellipsometer and polarimeter and the like systems.

Abstract: Pivoting helmet mounts for an optical device are provided. In one aspect, a breakaway connector which is selectively configurable between breakaway and nonbreakaway configurations is provided. In a further aspect, a strap mount system for securing the helmet mount to the helmet employs a rotating ratchet assembly to adjust tension in the strap. In another aspect, a helmet mount for an optical device comprises a track assembly attached to a helmet to allow stowing of the optical device in a further retracted position. The track mount system may further include electrical connectors for attaching a power supply and an electronic device. In another aspect, a mounting bracket allows helmet-mounted optics to be shared with a weapon accessory mount. In a further aspect, a optical sighting device for a weapon combines a reflex sight a night vision goggle to allow targeting at night or in other low-light conditions.

Abstract: Provided is a device mountable on a head covering. The device comprises a flexible clamp comprising an elongated gap open to its rear, a lower receptacle, two recessed slides at both outer sides of the receptacle, and a toothed-section on a top of the receptacle; a sliding seat of U-section comprising two tabs at both inner sides for retaining a lower portion of the clamp in place after removably sliding the slides therethrough, a latch projected from its bottom to urge against the toothed-section, and a flexible hook having a toothed inner surface; and a lens hingedly coupled to the inner surface of the hook in a gear manner, and a universal joint type light mounted on top of the clamp. The invention enables a desired object to be seen larger and more clear through the pivotal lens (e.g., a magnifying lens) and with light emitted from the light.

Abstract: A projection lens unit includes a main body; a lens fixed to the main body; and a hood disposed to one end of the main body close to a screen. The hood defines the outermost boundary of a view angle stretching with respect to the center of the lens and includes a light-shielding plate and a light-shielding barrel. When the shielding height of the light-shielding plate and the length of the light-shielding barrel are respectively represented by H and L, the shielding height H and the length L are set so as to satisfy the equation tan(?/2)=H/L, in relation to the view angle ?. More particularly, these dimensions are set so as to satisfy the condition that the ratio H/L lies in a range from 0.74 to 0.94. The inner surface of the light-shielding barrel is subjected to surface treatment so as to absorb unnecessary light thereby, reflect it thereat, or scatter it thereat. To be more specific, the light-shielding barrel has scattering grooves disposed on the inner surface thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic signal switching module with connectors on a first side for connecting with a variety of devices and sources and with jacks for receiving patch cords on a second side. The switching modules include two position switches in the circuitry connecting the jacks with the connectors which allow the module to be configured as a straight-through patching module, a fully normal module with paired jacks or a half normal module with paired jacks. One alternative of the invention utilizes card edge connectors on the first side. Another aspect of the invention involves a chassis for holding a plurality of switching modules adjacent to and electronically connected with a plurality of connecting modules. The switching modules may also include designation lenses adjacent to the jacks for holding indicia.

Abstract: A hands-free binocular visor headgear for viewing sporting and other events where it is desirable to use binoculars but also have the free use of the hands. An adjustable head securing device secures the unit to the user's head. Binoculars or other optics are attached to the head securing device such that they can be pivoted between an in-use and a not in-use position and can be adjusted for a usercs eyes. The unit can also optionally contain removable or fixed earmuffs, a removable or fixed electronics module that can contain a radio, MPEG player or other electronics, removable or fixed earphone and/or a removable or fixed microphone. The user can pick and choose what exact equipment he or she needs for a particular sporting event.

Abstract: A magnifier device for magnifying a portable video image produced by a video display device. The magnifier includes a base member connected a magnifier portion connected to and rotatable relative to the base member. The magnifier portion is rotatable to facilitate rotation between a first position adjacent a display window of the video device to magnify a display and a stored position compactly arranged adjacent the video display device. The magnifier device can be securely affixed to the video display device and folded to a compact stored position while attached.

Abstract: A timekeeping and magnifying device is disclosed. The device includes a watch and a magnifying lens pivotally connected to the watch. The lens may be pivoted away from the face of the watch to magnify objects other than the face of the watch. In one embodiment of the invention, the device includes spring structure which is adapted to bias the lens away from the face, and a fastener which selectively retains the lens adjacent the face of the watch until disengaged, at which point the spring structure automatically pivots the lens away from the face of the watch. In a variation of this embodiment, the fastener is actuated by a push-button mechanism. The device may further include a light that is actuated when the lens is pivoted away from the face of the watch, such as by the spring structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical element (or plastic molding) comprising an optically functional surface and a flange formed on the outer periphery thereof, and having on the flange outer peripheral surface a fitted portion inscribing on the inner peripheral surface of a lens-barrel and an adhering portion to be adhered to the lens-barrel by the adhesive filled in a concave groove of the lens-barrel, wherein a raised portion is formed on the flange surface inside the flange outer peripheral surface, whereby the adhesion area is enlarged, the adhesive capacity is increased, and a sufficient fitting area is secured, without the possibility of flow of the adhesive to the optically functional surface.

Abstract: A device for mounting an optical element (1), for example for a lens element in a lens, especially in an exposure lens (2) in micro lithography, is provided with the following features: the optical element (1) is provided in its edge zone with support points (8, 9, 10). Counterbearing points (11) are disposed opposite the support points (8, 9, 10) of the optical element (1) in an outer mounting (3). Bearing members (12) are disposed between the support points (8, 9, 10) and the counterbearing points (11). The bearing members (12) are provided with spherical surfaces directed toward the support points (8, 9, 10).

Abstract: An optical module of the present invention includes a housing containing a light receiving unit which is an optical subassembly, a notch is provided in a conductive bracket which covers lead pins of the light receiving unit, and a cylindrical stem portion of the light receiving unit having the maximum outer diameter juts out beyond a flat portion of the bracket and is thus exposed. Thus, the optical module has a configuration capable of containing the light receiving unit in the housing without interfering with the housing.

Abstract: A hands-free binocular visor headgear for viewing sporting and other events where it is desirable to use binoculars but also have the free use of the hands. An adjustable head securing device secures the unit to the user's head. Binoculars or other optics are attached to the head securing device such that they can be pivoted between an in-use and a not in-use position and can be adjusted for a user's eyes. The unit can also optionally contain removable earmuffs, a removable radio, removable earphone and/or a removable microphone as well as a laser pointer and/or rangefinder. The user can pick and choose what exact equipment he or she needs for a particular sporting event.

Abstract: A helmet plate for interfacing between a helmet having a frontally located obstruction and a mount adjustment assembly for a night vision device. The helmet plate is comprised of a support portion having a band and a cavity for overlying the obstruction and an integral power pack housing. The integral power pack housing is disposed in relation to the support portion at such height, depth and angular position to render a night vision device attached to a mount adjustment assembly which is secured to the integral power pack housing in correct viewing position.

Abstract: An optical pickup device-holding container, which is formed from a resin composition comprising a poly(arylene sulfide) (A) and an inorganic filler (B) and having a thermal conductivity of at least 1 W/mK; and an optical pickup device in which at least a light source, an objective lens and a light-receiving part are held in the holding container.

Abstract: A hands-free binocular visor headgear for viewing sporting and other events where it is desirable to use binoculars but also have the free use of the hands. An adjustable head securing device secures the unit to the user's head. Binoculars or other optics are attached to the head securing device such that they can be pivoted between an in-use and a not in-use position. The unit can also optionally contain removable earmuffs, a removable or fixed AM/FM radio or scanner or combination AM/FM/Scanner, at least one removable earphone and a removable microphone. The user can pick and choose what exact equipment he needs for a particular sporting event.

Abstract: A hands-free binocular visor headgear for viewing sporting and other events where it is desirable to use binoculars but also have the free use of the hands. An adjustable head securing device secures the unit to the user's head. Binoculars or other optics are attached to the head securing device such that they can be pivoted between an in-use and a not in-use position. The unit can also optionally contain removable earmuffs, a removable or fixed AM/FM radio or scanner or combination AM/FM/Scanner, at least one removable earphone and a removable microphone. The user can pick and choose what exact equipment he needs for a particular sporting event.

Abstract: There is disclosed a multi-channel panoramic night vision goggle (PNVG) system having two monocular subassemblies, each having a first channel and a second channel, each channel having an optical axis. A mounting structure, having a right and a left side, and having two angled mounting shoes may be used to mount the monocular subassemblies. The angled mounting shoes permit a single monocular subassembly to be attached to either side of the mounting structure, yet permit an optical axis of one of the first or second channels to be substantially coaxial with a user's optical axis and permits the other of the first and second channels to be at an angle not coaxial or parallel with the user's optical axis. In addition, a multi-function control may be provided to enable adjustment of the monocular subassemblies along one or more orientation axes.

Abstract: There is disclosed a multi-channel panoramic night vision goggle (PNVG) system having two monocular subassemblies, each having a first channel and a second channel, each channel having an optical axis. A mounting structure, having a right and a left side, and having two angled mounting shoes may be used to mount the monocular subassemblies. The angled mounting shoes permit a single monocular subassembly to be attached to either side of the mounting structure, yet permit an optical axis of one of the first or second channels to be substantially coaxial with a user's optical axis and permits the other of the first and second channels to be at an angle not coaxial or parallel with the user's optical axis. In addition, a multi-function control may be provided to enable adjustment of the monocular subassemblies along one or more orientation axes.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to enhance communications functions of a portable electronic equipment (1) that has optical communications functions so that the light beams emitted from other equipment with which it communicates can be adequately received even when the equipment (1) is being carried by a user. According to the present invention, a light-reflecting member (20) is attached to a strap body (10) used to carry the portable electronic equipment (1) in a hanging down position. The light-reflecting member (20) is positioned near a light receiver (4) provided on the top part (1a) of the portable electronic equipment (1) and reflects light beams used for optical communication from the surroundings and guides them to the light receiver (4).

Abstract: A pair of goggles with incorporated magnifying glasses including a face housing adapted for covering the eyes of a user. The face housing includes a top wall. The top wall has a forward edge and opposed side edges. The top wall has a pair of side walls extending downwardly from the opposed side edges thereof. The face housing includes an eye cover extending downwardly from the forward edge of the top wall. The eye cover includes a clear viewing area. An adjustable band is provided having opposed ends secured to the pair of side walls of the face housing for securement of the face housing to a head of the user. A pair of adjustable magnifying lenses are disposed within the clear viewing area of the eye cover of the face housing.

Abstract: A binocular assembly that includes a hands free support mechanism for supporting the binoculars in front of the user's eyes without using any of the user's hands. The hands free support mechanism includes an adjustable head securing strap and a pair of positioning arms. Each of the pair of positioning arms rigidly extends from one of the binocular elements of a user adjustable binocular assembly at an angle “A” of between twenty-five and forty-five degrees.

Abstract: An optical system includes a window, an optical corrector formed of a curved piece of a transparent material having a front surface and a back surface, and a sensor system with a sensor positioned such that the optical corrector is between the window and the sensor. At least one of the front surface and the back surface of the optical corrector is a segment of a convex aspheric curve rotated about a center, otherwise known as a torus.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to enhance communications functions of a portable electronic equipment (1) that has optical communications functions so that the light beams emitted from other equipment with which it communicates can be adequately received even when the equipment (1) is being carried by a user. According to the present invention, a light-reflecting member (20) is attached to a strap body (10) used to carry the portable electronic equipment (1) in a hanging down position. The light-reflecting member (20) is positioned near a light receiver (4) provided on the top part (1a) of the portable electronic equipment (1) and reflects light beams used for optical communication from the surroundings and guides them to the light receiver (4).

Abstract: An optical system includes a curved window, an optical corrector adjacent to a curved inner surface of the window, an optical train positioned such that the optical corrector lies between the curved window and the optical train, a movable optical train support upon which the optical train is mounted, and a sensor disposed to receive an optical ray passing sequentially through the window, the optical corrector, and the optical train. The optical corrector has an inner surface and an outer surface, at least one of which has a shape described by a modified Zernike polynomial surface.

Abstract: An optical system includes a curved window, an asymmetric, scoop-shaped optical corrector adjacent to a curved inner surface of the window, an optical train positioned such that the optical corrector lies between the curved window and the optical train, a movable optical train support upon which the optical train is mounted, and a sensor disposed to receive an optical ray passing sequentially through the window, the optical corrector, and the optical train. The optical corrector has an inner surface and an outer surface, at least one of which has a shape defined by an asymmetric polynomial.

Abstract: An eyepiece attachment structure for attaching an eyepiece to an observation optical instrument is provided with an attaching sleeve protruding from the eyepiece, a holding member secured to the body, the holding member frictionally holding the attaching sleeve when the attaching sleeve is inserted in the observation optical instrument, and a rotation preventing mechanism that mechanically prevents rotation of the attaching sleeve relative to the holding device when the attaching sleeve is inserted into the observation optical instrument.

Abstract: Helmet mounted system is provided which includes a helmet which is custom fitted to a user, an optical system which is removably attachable to the helmet, an attachment which is fixedly attached to the optical system, and a mount which is custom fitted and fixedly attached to the helmet. The mount is located on the helmet such that once the attachment is snap-fit onto the mount, the optical system is in place for use by the user, without any further adjustment.

Abstract: A head-mounted carrier for supporting an optical apparatus intended to be positioned in front of at least one eye of a user. The carrier being devised such that en elongate member or a cable, preferably comprising electric or optical conductors connected to components of the optical apparatus, is a part of the carrier itself. The cable is arranged to be applied around a part of the head of a user such that the carrier is clamped or strapped to the user's head.

Abstract: An optical system includes a housing having an axis of elongation, and a non-spherical window affixed to the housing. An optical corrector, preferably in the form of an aspherical strip of transparent material, is positioned adjacent to the curved inner surface of the window. The optical corrector is mounted on an optical corrector support, which is rotatable about the axis of elongation. An optical rain is positioned such the the optical corrector lies between the window and the optical train. The optical train includes at least one optical element operable to alter an optical ray incident thereon, and a gimbal upon which the at least one optical element is mounted. The gimbal is pivotable about a transverse axis perpendicular to the axis of elongation. The optical train is mounted on an optical train support, which is movable independently of the optical corrector support. A sensor is positioned to receive the optical ray passing sequentially through the window, the optical corrector, and the optical train.

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

Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly for mounting a night vision device to a headmount apparatus, made up of an attachment member, a mounting bracket and a hinge. The attachment member attaches the mounting bracket assembly to the headmount. The mounting bracket is generally U-shaped for holding a night vision device. The mounting bracket includes a coupling pad disposed at an end of the mounting bracket for receiving a coupling member attached to the night vision device, and a spring clip attached to the coupling pad for locking the coupling member of the night vision device to the coupling pad. The hinge couples the mounting bracket to the attachment member, and includes a pivot mechanism for allowing articulated movement of the mounting bracket relative to the attachment member.

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

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a telescope mounting for a telescope. The telescope mounting is attached on an arm-band. The arm-band could include a watch. The telescope mounting ensures a stable support for the telescope. The length of the telescope should not be longer than 15 cm, preferably 6-7 cm so that the telescope will not be a burden on the arm of the telescope wearer. The diameter of the telescope is no larger than 1.5 cm. The telescope and telescope mounting could be releasable from the arm-band. A slip-on lens could be attached at the front of the telescope.

Abstract: A wristband adapted to secure a display element having a display face, such as a wristwatch, calculator or the like, to the user's wrist includes a flexible, or shaped nonflexible, transparent magnification strip. The magnification strip is adapted to be positioned over the display face of the display element. In this manner, the user can magnify the display for easier viewing.

Abstract: A device for the mechanical hooking of a display system to a helmet which includes a sheath that surrounds the body of the display system except for elbowed optical elements leading to the combiner forming the eye-piece of the display system and that has a projecting longitudinal ridge acting as a guiding shaft for the hooking and as a fastening lug, and also includes a hooking stud. The device also has a stage that is interposed between the side wall of the helmet and the sheath. This stage is provided with a channel designed to receive the longitudinal ridge of the sheath and a hook jaw designed to grasp the hooking stud. The device is fixed to the side wall of the helmet by mechanism enabling the adjustment of its position both vertically and laterally, to enable the adjusting of the position of the eye-piece of the display system in the alignment of the helmet wearer's eye.

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

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

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens holder for holding lenses in a tinting bath has an upright support with oppositely directed base channels and spring loaded pivoted clamping arms over the base channels. Lenses are held side by side between the clamping arms and the base channels. The holder is designed to facilitate insertion and viewing of the lenses.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical system for a virtual reality head mounted display with improved image quality, enlarged field of view, and enhanced adjustability. In one embodiment, the optical system comprises a housing coupled to the frame of the head mounted display, a pair of displays mounted to the housing each defining a visual plane, and first and second lenses mounted between each of the displays and the user's eyes. The lenses are mounted to the housing such that each lens is disposed at an angle of between 1.degree. and 15.degree. relative to the visual plane. The lenses are also mounted such that the interoptic distance between the lenses may be adjusted. The optical system also has a unique lens construction including a standard Fresnel lens mounted in parallel to a low-diffraction Fresnel lens, resulting in substantially reduced diffractive interference.

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

Abstract: An improved double-lensed viewing system having a first lens or shield formed of shatterproof glass or plastic and mounted at an angle of at least 05.degree. from the vertical, together with a second lens or shield formed of partially opaque material mounted in optical alignment with the first lens or shield and extending parallel to the vertical.