Abstract: This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for positioning and motion control of the elements (mirrors) of a Fresnel reflector solar concentrator tracking heliostat array wherein the elements are suspended with the center of mass below the swivel point, or have an internal-swivel. This achieves an advantageous natural vertical stability. The torque to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion is provided separately by an electric wind force due to electrons, ions, and/or neutrals; or in combination with an induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid. Thus forces and torques are produced without the use of internal moving parts such as in motors. The instant invention exceeds the capability of conventional systems. It is ideally suited for maximization of solar energy focused by a low-profile concentrator array onto a receiver. Since there are no internal moving parts, the instant invention provides less costly and greater ease of manufacture.

Abstract: This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for highly polarizable high dielectric constant positioning and motion control of the elements (approximately planar mirrors) of a Fresnel reflector solar concentrator tracking heliostat array wherein the elements are suspended with the center of mass above the swivel point, below the swivel point, or have an internal-swivel. This achieves an advantageous natural vertical stability. The torque to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion is provided induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid. The force interaction is greatly enhanced by securing a high dielectric material adjacent to each mirror. Thus forces and torques are produced without the use of motors. The instant invention is ideally suited for maximization of solar energy focused by a low-profile concentrator array onto a receiver. Since there are no motors or mechanical linkages, the instant invention provides less costly and greater ease of manufacture.

Abstract: A coordinate system defines the length of the curve of a parabola used in constructing a parabolic trough reflector. The origin (0,0) of the coordinate system is at the bottom center of the coordinate system. The two upper points of the coordinate system define the width, height of the parabola. These points are defined as (X1,Y1)=(?width,height), and (X2,Y2)=(width,height). The equation defining the parabola is f(x)=a·x2, where a=height/width2. The plot of this equation produces a parabola that fits into the coordinate system. Two small blocks are used as anchor points for the ends of the parabola. The length of the curve of the parabola is defined in the equation: length(x)=a·[x·(x?{square root over (x2+b2)})+b2·ln(x+?{square root over (x2+b2)})] where b=½·a. An inexpensive trough reflector is constructed out of flexible material. It is used to build a much more complicated six reflector system to concentrate parallel radiation like sunlight much like a magnifying glass.

Abstract: A non-specular reflective optical element comprises a reflective surface. A beam of incident light can be reflected such that the reflective angle may or may not be the same as the incident angle. In an exemplary application of a rear projection system, the non-specular folding mirror is used to project the modulated light from a light valve onto a translucent screen.

Abstract: Described is a method for designing individual stages of a multiple cascaded etalon TDC device to allow continuous thermo-optic tuning over a desired range without inducing incremental signal distortion due to uncontrolled and unpredictable dispersion of the TDC during tuning. This allows the signal to transmit without encountering periods of incremental distortion or dark spots. The method includes prior knowledge of each etalon stage, after full assembly, for spectral group delay profile as a function of temperature through modeling and/or characterization. Characterization can account for performance variations that are due to allowed manufacturing tolerances.

Abstract: A faceted mirror apparatus includes a support plate having a plurality of stepped reception bores into which are fitted the base portions of respective ones of a plurality of mirror facets having mirrored surfaces. An outer surface of each of the facets bears on an inner wall to provide a stable alignment of the optical axes of the mirrored surfaces such that the apparatus generates a beam of rays from impinging rays.

Abstract: An asymmetrical mirror lens, usable on front fenders of school buses and similar vehicles, which has a plurality of mirror sections, each having a distinct constant radius of curvature to reduce image distortion. Optional sections located between sections of the constant radius of curvature have a step-wise changing radii of curvature to smooth the image sizes as an object moves across the mirror lens.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to illumination optical systems for microlithography, such as EUV-microlithography, as well as related systems, components and methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reflector having a light-diffusing property which suppresses inter-object reflection over a wide angle, and giving particularly high reflectance in an intended range of viewing angle; and to provide a reflection type liquid crystal display device using the same. The reflector includes a plurality of light-reflective concave portions. Each of the concave portions is formed so that an inclination angle (an angle between a plane tangential to a point on a concave surface and the surface of the base material) is maximum on a side portion of the curved surface, and so that the direction of the side portion having the maximum inclination angle is on a far side from a view point of an observer.

Abstract: This invention provides a Hybrid Micromirror Array Lens with reduced chromatic aberration over a broadband wavelength range of light. Conventional micromirror array lens uses phase matching condition. Therefore, the optical surface profile of Micromirror Array Lens using the same phase condition has a discontinuous surface profile. As the required optical power of Micromirror Array Lens is increased, the number of profile discontinuity of Micromirror Array Lens is increased. Therefore, the chromatic aberration is increased. To minimize the chromatic aberration, the number of profile discontinuity should be minimized. The number of discontinuity is reduced when the optical surface profile has a simulating base curve, called a translation contour with optical power. Hybrid Micromirror Array Lens is invented to reduce a large translational amount and chromatic aberration for large optical power lens.

Abstract: Enhancement of the contrast ratio of optical flat panel displays by integrating an array of corner-cube retroreflectors into the front face of the optical display, said integration involving mutual adaptation of both the display and the corner-cube retroreflector geometry to unite the two disparate optical systems. The light emission from the display passes through the truncated vertex of the corner-cubes to the observer. The display directs its emitted light through the vertex apertures (either as a natural behavior, or by interposing a registered array of light concentrators between the display and the corner-cube array). The improvement in contrast ratio arises due to the corner-cube retroreflectors' ability to direct incident ambient light directly back to its source, rather than the viewer's eyes. Ambient light reflections are not attenuated but maximized; this maximization is directed away from the viewer, causing the array to appear dark even in direct sunlight.

Abstract: A facet mirror is provided with a multiplicity of mirror segments (11) which have reflective surfaces (13). A number of mirror segments (11) are in each case arranged on a mirror carrier (9). At least a part of the mirror segments (11) has an aspect ratio of greater than 1:5, is identically arranged and accommodated individually in a holder (10).

Abstract: Optical devices and systems that provide high solar flux onto a multi-junction solar cell, or other target cell, to produce efficient electrical output. An optical device includes a primary focusing element, and a non-imaging secondary concentrator having an entry aperture and an exit aperture. The primary focus element is configured to focus light from a distant source onto the entry aperture of the secondary concentrator. The primary focusing element has an f-number that is greater than about 1, e.g., between 1 and 4 or greater. The device includes a solar cell located proximal to the exit aperture of the secondary concentrator. In certain aspects, the primary focusing element includes a Fresnel lens, a diffractive lens and/or a reflector. In certain aspects, a Fresnel lens used as the primary is flat, substantially square, curved and/or refractive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-dimensional imaging system for robot vision, which is capable of three-dimensional positioning of objects, object identification, searching and tracking of an object of interest, and compensating the aberration of the system. The three-dimensional imaging system for robot vision comprises one or more camera systems, each of which has at least one variable focal length micromirror array lens, an imaging unit, and an image processing unit. The variable focal length micromirror array lens used in the three-dimensional imaging system for robot vision has unique features including a variable focal length, a variable focal axis, and a variable field of view with a fast response time.

Abstract: A micro-mirror well. In one embodiment the micro-mirror well includes a plurality of planar mirrors arranged around an axis of symmetry and inclined to form a pyramid well, where each of the plurality of planar mirrors is capable of reflecting light emitting from an object of interest placed inside the pyramid well.

Abstract: Nonuniformities in the efficiency of detection of individual fluorescing reaction mixtures in a well plate with a two-dimensional array well array are corrected. The nonuniformities arise both from the stimulation pattern and the detection pattern, and are corrected by adding additional segments to a pair of segmented mirrors. The additional segments are oriented to direct light to the outermost reaches (i.e., the four corners) of the array and thereby produce a stimulation pattern that has a greater intensity in the outermost regions. This compensates for a radial decline in the efficiency of the detector in detecting the emissions from the well plate, the radial decline being an artifact of systems that utilize CCDs or similar components as detectors.

Abstract: A beam focusing and scanning system using a micromirror array lens (optical system) includes a light source configured to emit light and a micromirror array lens, including at least one micromirror, optically coupled to the light source, configured to reflect the light onto a projection medium (projection plane). The optical system also includes at least one actuating component coupled to the at least one micromirror, configured to move the at least one micromirror to enable the at least one micromirror to focus the light on the projection medium. The advantages of the present invention include high speed variable focusing and scanning, large focal length variation, phase compensation, high reliability and optical efficiency, low power consumption and low cost.

Abstract: A facet mirror (10) is provided with a number of mirror facets (11), in which the mirror facets (11) respectively have a spherical or conical facet body (17) with a reflecting surface (12). The side of the facet body (17) averted from the reflecting surface (12) is mounted in a bearing device (15).

Abstract: A three-dimensional display device includes a two-dimensional display displaying a depthwise image, and a variable focal length micromirror array lens receiving light from the two-dimensional display and forming a corresponding image in the required location in space. Each depthwise image represents a portion of an object or scene having the same image depth, and the two-dimensional display displays one depthwise image at a time. The focal length of the variable focal length micromirror array lens changes according to the depth of the depthwise image being displayed. The variable focal length micromirror array lens has enough speed and focusing depth range for the realistic three-dimensional display.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a set of alternatively provided first and second reflection surfaces that reflect the light emitted by a first and second respective diodes toward a lamp lens. Each of the first and second reflection surface is a part of a rotational paraboloid having a focus on a light emission source of a respective one of the first and second diodes such that the paraboloids corresponding to reflection surfaces that are farther from the their respective diodes have longer focal lengths.

Abstract: Due to an ever growing shortage of conventional energy sources, there is an increasingly intense interest in harnessing solar energy. This invention deals with method and apparatus for the direct conversion of solar energy to alternating current power by an active spinning mini-optics system. A limiting factor in the utilization of solar energy in the past has been the high cost of power conversion from dc to ac. By directly producing alternating current power, this invention substantially reduces the cost of generating photovoltaic electricity. This system utilizes a dynamic spinning ensemble of mini-mirrors to both concentrate and modulate rays from the sun onto a photovoltaic collector array. The focusing with superimposed spinning action produces single phase and multiphase alternating current (ac) with substantially higher power output than the direct current (dc) power resulting from the direct incidence of sunlight on the photovoltaic collector.

Abstract: In a reflecting mirror, a plurality of segmented mirrors are grouped into a plurality of groups of a cluster, and are supported by a plurality of sub mirror cells. The plurality of sub mirror cells are supported by a mirror cell, and all the segmented mirrors are supported by the mirror cell. A reference cell is supported by a plurality of force support mechanisms disposed in the mirror cell with the reference cell being nearly in a weightlessness state. Projections and depressions are prevented from occurring in an axial direction of the reflecting mirror due to a self weight deformation, and the reference cell can be used as a reference surface for control of the positions of the plurality of segmented mirrors and those of the plurality of cluster mirrors in the axial direction of the reflecting mirror.

Abstract: An automatic focusing system comprises at least one micromirror array lens, an image sensor, and a signal processor. The micromirror array lens images an object and focuses the image on the image sensor. The image sensor receives the light and converts the photo energy of the light to electrical energy in the form of an electrical signal. The image sensor sends the electrical signal, which carries image data concerning the object, to the signal processor. The signal processor receives the electrical signal, compares the image quality of the image data to its focus criteria, and generates a control signal, which it sends to the micromirror array lens to adjust the focal length of the micromirror array lens. This iterative process is continued until the quality of the image data meets the focus criteria, and the process is completed within the afterimage speed of the human eye.

Abstract: The instant invention is concerned with method and apparatus for induced dipole alignment of solar concentrator micro-mirrors. Novel method and apparatus are taught for coupling to, addressing, and alignment of a micro-optics solar concentrator system for single-axis and two-axis tracking. Mirrored micro-balls are covered with a thin spherical shell of lubricating liquid so that they are free to rotate in an almost frictionless encapsulation in the sheet. Novel method and apparatus are presented for matching the overall ball density with that of the lubricating fluid. Broadly this invention deals with novel concepts used for alignment in the focussing of light wherever mirrors are used for focussing such as for solar propulsion assist, illumination and projection of light, optical switching, etc. A particularly important objective is the focussing of sunlight for solar power conversion and production.

Abstract: In a facet mirror with a number of mirror facets, wherein the mirror facets are provided with reflecting surfaces, the mirror facets are mounted jointly in a basic body via bearing devices. The mirror facets comprise mirror bodies contacting at the periphery with the bearing devices via a surface, line or point contact. The preferred field of use of the facet mirrors is a projection objective of a projection exposure machine in microlithography for fabricating semiconductor elements.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display device includes a two-dimensional display displaying a first image, and a variable focusing lens receiving light from the two-dimensional display and forming a second image. The variable focusing lens reflects light from the two-dimensional display. The first image includes a predetermined number of first depthwise images that are displayed within a unit time, and the second image includes corresponding second depthwise images. Each depthwise image represents the portion of the first image having the same image depth, and the two-dimensional display displays one depthwise image at a time. The focal length of the variable focusing lens changes according to the depth of the depthwise image being displayed. A micromirror array lens is used as the variable focusing lens. The micromirror array lens has enough speed and focusing depth range for realistic three-dimensional display.

Abstract: A method of making an array of corner cubes includes the steps of: preparing a substrate, at least a surface portion of which is made of a cubic crystalline material and which has a surface that is substantially parallel to {111} planes of the crystalline material; and patterning the surface of the substrate such that a plurality of solid shape elements defines a predetermined pattern on the surface of the substrate. Each of the solid shape elements is defined by a number of concave portions, a number of convex portions or a combination of concave and convex portions. The method further includes the step of supplying a first active species, including an element that is contained in the crystalline material, onto the substrate on which the solid shape elements have been formed.

Abstract: In a method of connecting a multiplicity of optical elements (9) to a basic body (8), in particular for producing a faceted mirror (1), for example for beam mixing and field imaging for an EUV lighting system, the individual optical elements (9) are positioned on the basic body (8, 14) and subsequently connected to one another by an galvanoplastic process. Alternatively, the multiplicity of optical elements are aligned on an auxiliary structure (11) and the optical elements (9) are subsequently made to grow up galvanoplastically on their rear sides, forming a supporting structure (14) as the basic body.

Abstract: Due to an ever growing shortage of conventional energy sources, there is an increasingly intense interest in harnessing solar energy. Broadly this invention deals with the general concept of method, apparatus, and consequences of focussing light. Specifically the Coherent-Micro-Macro-Collector of this invention is the unique total solar collector system consisting of concentrator and receiver. Method and apparatus are detailed for systems with: 1. Passive or non-tracking. 2. Semi-Passive tracking 2. Single-axis tracking. 3. Two-axis tracking. Also detailed are means for operating the collector system of micro-optics and receiver on the ground and protection means. A particularly important object of the CMMC is the focussing of sunlight for solar power conversion and production.

Abstract: Due to an ever growing shortage of conventional energy sources, there is an increasingly intense interest in harnessing solar energy. The instant invention can contribute to the goal of achieving environmentally clean solar energy to be competitive with conventional energy sources. A novel method is described for manufacturing a transparent sheet with an embedded array of mirrored spheroidal micro-balls for use in a solar energy concentrator, and analogous applications such as optical switches and solar rocket assist. The micro-balls are covered with a thin spherical shell of lubricating liquid so that they are free to rotate in an almost frictionless encapsulation in the sheet. Novel method and apparatus are presented for producing the preferred embodiment of a close-packed monolayer of the array of mirrored micro-balls.

Abstract: This invention deals with an improveed general concept for a multi-wavelength switching ensemble which is controlled electrically, electromagetically, or magnetically. A switching system is presented that permits the input to control the output. It allows a full 360 degree rotation of the beam which greatly exceeds the rotational capability of conventional systems. Furthermore, the instant invention permits less costly and greater ease of manufacture.

Abstract: Due to an ever growing shortage of conventional energy sources, there is an increasingly intense interest in harnessing solar energy. The instant invention is concerned with method and apparatus for the alignment of solar concentrator micro-mirrors and the maximization of the percentage of incident light that is reflected to the receiver. Novel method and apparatus are taught for operating the addressing and alignment micro-optics solar concentrator system for single-axis and two-axis tracking. Broadly this invention deals with novel concepts used for alignment in the focussing of light wherever mirrors are used for focussing such as for solar propulsion assist, illumination and projection of light, optical switching, etc. A particularly important objective is the focussing of sunlight for solar power conversion and production. The instant invention can contribute to the goal of achieving environmentally clean solar energy on a large enough scale to be competitive with conventional energy sources.

Abstract: A tracking heliostat array comprises a plurality of optical elements. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a frame separated from the optical elements. Each of the optical elements has an orientation with respect to the frame. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a plurality of supports coupled to at least one of the optical elements. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a turnbuckle coupled to at least one of the supports and to the frame. Rotation of the turnbuckle causes the corresponding support to be displaced relative to the frame. The orientation of the optical element relative to the frame is adjustable. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a traveling actuator configured to rotate at least one of the turnbuckles. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a positioning mechanism supporting the traveling actuator. The positioning mechanism is configured to move the traveling actuator from a first selected turnbuckle to a second selected turnbuckle.

Abstract: Due to an ever growing shortage of conventional energy sources, there is an increasingly intense interest in harnessing solar energy. The instant invention is concerned with method and apparatus for the group alignment of solar concentrator micro-mirrors and the maximization of the percentage of incident light that is reflected to the receiver. Novel method and apparatus are taught for the alignment in large groups or ensembles of micro-mirrors of a micro-optics solar concentrator system for single-axis and two-axis tracking. Broadly this invention deals with novel concepts used for alignment in the focussing of light wherever mirrors are used for focussing such as for solar propulsion assist, illumination and projection of light, optical switching, etc. A particularly important objective is the focussing of sunlight for solar power conversion and production.

Abstract: A metal die having a reverse pattern of a irregular surface in which a height of a convex increases from the center toward the outer periphery is pressed onto a surface of a molding resin on a substrate. A total volume of convexes protruding from a cutting plane and a total volume of concaves depressed below the cutting plane coincide with each other over all of the metal die as a whole, so that it is possible to form the irregular surface on a reflective plane with good precision. A reflective film such as an aluminum film is provided on a surface of an uneven layer formed in such a manner, thereby obtaining a reflective plate having high light-collecting performance in a direction toward the center. As a result, it is possible to provide a reflective plate capable of collecting reflected light in a specified direction and of being formed with good precision by embossing, a method of making same, and a reflective type liquid crystal display having the reflective plate.

Abstract: Adaptive optical elements for use in high precision lithography exposure are provided with an array of discrete actuators to provide highly stable and repeatable correction of the shape of an optical element to an accuracy of a small fraction of a very short wavelength of light in the EUV range of 1 to 50 nanometers, responsive to a metrology source and sensor arrangement. The actuators are matched to the deformation characteristics of the adaptive optical elements. Preferably, the actuators provide both positive and negative force for outward and/or inward deflection continuously over the surface of the mirror. The surface of the optical element may thus be accurately, controllably and repeatably deformed to within an allowable deformation limit to optimize optical performance of an optical system for high precision lithography exposure.

Abstract: In a method for imaging using multiple apertures, the present invention uses a wavefront sensor, a phase sensor, and an image processor to construct a high-resolution image without using complex relay optics. A wavefront sensor collects information that allows the wavefront from each aperture to be reconstructed and a phase sensor collects information regarding the relative phase difference between the apertures. An image processor uses the information collected from the phase sensor to correct the phase differences between the apertures, reconstruct the wavefronts from the wavefront sensor data, then coherently sums the wavefronts from each aperture to form a high-resolution image that corresponds to a synthesized aperture that is larger than any of the individual apertures.

Abstract: This invention deals with the broad general concept for focussing light. A mini-optics tracking and focusing system is presented for solar power conversion that ranges from an individual's portable system to solar conversion of electrical power that can be used in large scale power plants for environmentally clean energy. It can be rolled up, transported, and attached to existing man-made, or natural structures. It allows the solar energy conversion system to be low in capital cost and inexpensive to install as it can be attached to existing structures since it does not require the construction of a superstructure of its own. This novel system is uniquely distinct and different from other solar tracking and focusing processes allowing it to be more economical and practical. Furthermore, in its capacity as a power producer, it can be utilized with far greater safety, simplicity, economy, and efficiency in the conversion of solar energy.

Abstract: A solar radiation condensing device (1), characterized by comprising a plurality of reflectors (10) disposed on a reflector arrangement surface, reference point providing members (20) for determining the reference points for the rotating motions of the plurality of reflectors, and a cam mechanism (30) for simultaneously rotating the plurality of reflectors around the reference points, the cam mechanism further comprising a cam (40) of such a specified shape that the plurality of reflectors can condense an incident solar radiation, a plurality of probes (60, 70) coming into contact with the plurality of reflectors, and unshown guide members for storing the plurality of probes, wherein a rotating mechanism (90) for rotating the plurality of reflectors around a straight line perpendicular to the reflector arrangement surface so that the incident solar radiation (S) is positioned along a specified incident direction area is disposed in an XYZ moving coordinate system moving along with the reflector arrangement su

Abstract: A precision surface formed of a thin stretchable membrane. The shape and curvature of the formed surface are determined by the boundary over which the membrane is stretched, a forming pressure (if applicable), and the membrane's mechanical properties. The surface has the property that it can concentrate electromagnetic radiation and, if appropriate materials for the membrane and boundary are chosen, the resulting system can have very low mass with diffraction limited optical performance. The surface may be incorporated into a telescope or imaging system wherein the system consists of a large primary optical element and subsequent corrective optical elements.

Abstract: A mirror ball comprises a pair of counter-rotating reflective hemispheres. These are each attached to rotating bevel gears that are in mesh with a horizontal static bevel gear. A vertical spindle rotates with respect to a shaft extending upwardly from a base that supports the mirror ball. The spindle has a spindle gear that is driven to rotate with respect to the shaft by an electric motor and reduction gearbox.

Abstract: In order to provide a noise-free reliable projection type display apparatus which has no movable portion and can display a high quality full-color image, the following arrangement is proposed. In a projection type display apparatus which has an optical modulation device for displaying an image by controlling the reflected state of light, an illumination unit for irradiating the optical modulation device with light, and a projecting optical system for projecting reflected light components of the light components with which the optical modulation device is irradiated, and projects and displays an image formed by the optical modulation device, as the optical modulation device, a mirror array device for modulating light by controlling the tilt amounts of mirrors that form pixels is used.

Abstract: A method of making an array of corner cubes includes the steps of: preparing a substrate, at least a surface portion of which is made of a cubic crystalline material and which has a surface that is substantially parallel to {111} planes of the crystalline material; and patterning the surface of the substrate such that a plurality of solid shape elements defines a predetermined pattern on the surface of the substrate. Each of the solid shape elements is defined by a number of concave portions, a number of convex portions or a combination of concave and convex portions. The method further includes the step of supplying a first active species, including an element that is contained in the crystalline material, onto the substrate on which the solid shape elements have been formed.

Abstract: A reflector employs shapes that transfer light and sound emission from sources to planes or volumes in an efficient and controlled manner. Reflector troughs employ shaped ends that increase the efficiency of utilizing output from sources, improve uniformity and project light outside the footprint of the reflector. A slanted trough reflector projects light out one or both ends of the trough outside the footprint of the reflector. Axi-symmetric and linear-symmetric reflectors provide directionality for specific applications. Sources that erode are enclosed by shaped reflectors to maintain directionality as the source erodes.

Abstract: This invention deals with the broad general concept for focussing light. A mini-optics tracking and focussing system is presented for solar power conversion that ranges from an individual's portable system to solar conversion of electrical power that can be used in large scale power plants for environmentally clean energy. It can be rolled up, transported, and attached to existing man-made, or natural structures. It allows the solar energy conversion system to be low in capital cost and inexpensive to install as it can be attached to existing structures since it does not require the construction of a superstructure of its own. This novel system is uniquely distinct and different from other solar tracking and focussing processes allowing it to be more economical and practical. Furthermore, in its capacity as a power producer, it can be utilized with far greater safety, simplicity, economy, and efficiency in the conversion of solar energy.

Abstract: This invention deals with the broad general concept for focussing light. A mini-optics tracking and focussing system is presented for solar power conversion that ranges from an individual's portable system to solar conversion of electrical power that can be used in large scale power plants for environmentally clean energy. It can be rolled up, transported, and attached to existing man-made, or natural structures. It allows the solar energy conversion system to be low in capital cost and inexpensive to install as it can be attached to existing structures since it does not require the construction of a superstructure of its own. This novel system is uniquely distinct and different from other solar tracking and focussing processes allowing it to be more economical and practical. Furthermore, in its capacity as a power producer, it can be utilized with far greater safety, simplicity, economy, and efficiency in the conversion of solar energy.

Abstract: A compact reflector telescope has a spherical primary reflector and a secondary reflector with a negative lens interposed there between in axial alignment therewith. Light reflected from the primary reflector is passed through the negative lens and is diverted by the secondary reflector to a positive lens at the side of the telescope tube. The positive lens focuses the light rays onto an eye piece or ocular or onto a photographic emulsion or electronic detector. The telescope reduces or substantially eliminates spherical aberration and can be configured to have a focal ratio significantly greater than the focal ratio of the primary reflector. The telescope produces a flat field of view and an image which is substantially diffraction limited.

Abstract: A patent application is filed for an automobile side-view mirror that could avoid thousands of automobile accidents that could occur yearly on account of the well-known blind-spot hazard. The side-view mirror is a relatively low-cost item, and yet is a major contributor of automobile safety. The new device will cost substantially little more to fabricate than existing alternate devices, yet is devoid of the disadvantages inherent with the earlier devices. The new mirror is an integrated all-planar device which has no curvature and hence fully retains the distance perception of the auto driver. It provides the driver with a continuous side view of the road from close to the shoulder back toward the horizon. Contiguous images of extraneous vehicles can be seen, only one image for a given distance. Multiple reflections of light from points on the mirror are avoided. In mounting on the auto body, the new device introduces no hydrodynamical problem. It is versatile for use and esthetically appealing.

Abstract: An improved rearview mirror for use on most types of motor vehicles (cars and trucks) includes two plane (flat) reflective surfaces held at an acute angle with respect to each other. One of these a principal reflecting surface used as the principal rearview mirror; and a second reflecting surface being oriented so as to provide a reflected image of traffic in the blind spot of the principal reflecting surface. This second reflecting surface called the blind-spot-mirror. A support structure holds the principle reflecting surface bound to the larger reflecting surface, the blind-spot-mirror. Although the blind-spot mirror is larger, only portions of it appear to the driver as it is mostly covered by the principal reflecting surface. The support structure between the two reflective surfaces has the shape of a wedge (one or more) necessary for maintaining the blind-spot-mirror at the proper angle so as to reflect blind-spot traffic to the eye of the driver.

Abstract: A confocal microscope apparatus includes a disk scanner for scanning a specimen with a laser beam, and camera main body for photographing a still image. An exposure time calculation circuit is arranged to generates an exposure time signal for the camera main body. A rotation sensor, a scan track start point/end point determination circuit, and a rotation period calculation circuit are arranged to generate a rotational period signal for the disk scanner. A comparator compares the exposure time signal with the rotational period signal, so that a motor controller and a motor driver control rotation of a motor of the disk scanner by a comparison output from the comparator.