Abstract: Disclosed is a container, such as an above-ground pool, with an improved porthole. The container can include a base, a side wall joined to the base, and at least one porthole. The porthole can comprise an aperture in the side wall and a generally transparent window sheet attached to the side wall and completely covering the aperture in the side wall. Such a design can be stronger and more durable than conventional portholes. The pool can also have portability and storability characteristics that are superior to those of conventional pools.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a multi-panel lighting device. The multi-panel lighting device may include a primary light-emitting panel having a primary power supply and a base, and at least one auxiliary light-emitting panel coupled and detachably attached to the primary light-emitting panel. The at least one auxiliary light-emitting panel may include an auxiliary power supply such that the at least one auxiliary light-emitting panel can operate in conjunction with and/or independent of the primary light-emitting panel.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a multi-panel lighting device. The multi-panel lighting device may include a primary light-emitting panel having a primary power supply and a base, and at least one auxiliary light-emitting panel coupled and detachably attached to the primary light-emitting panel. The at least one auxiliary light-emitting panel may include an auxiliary power supply such that the at least one auxiliary light-emitting panel can operate in conjunction with and/or independent of the primary light-emitting panel.

Abstract: A magnifying cosmetic mirror may provide a three-point reflection path that may be utilized to apply cosmetics around the eye of a user. The cosmetic mirror may be constructed to have a base mirror and side mirrors extending at angles from opposite sides of the base mirror. The side mirrors may be constructed to provide a reflective view of the eye when placed above the base mirror. The base mirror may also be constructed to provide a reflective view of the eye, and each mirror may be substantially flat.

Abstract: A magnifying cosmetic mirror for use in applying cosmetics at the eye. The cosmetic mirror is constructed to have a base mirror and side mirrors extending at obtuse angles from opposite sides of the base mirror. The side mirrors are constructed as magnifying mirrors, such as spherical concave mirrors, of a focal length that provides a magnifying view of the eye when placed above the base mirror. The magnification of the side mirrors is selected according to the separation of the side mirrors from one another, and the angles at which they extend from the base mirror.

Abstract: A mirror assembly is provided. The mirror assembly includes at least two mirrors, which when positioned relative to one another, allows a user to see the front and back of his/her head and neck simultaneously. The present mirror assembly is useful for daily grooming activities, including shaving and hair styling, where it may be advantageous to see both the front and back of the head simultaneously. The mirror assembly can be folded into a compact stored position on the when not in use, so that the entire assembly rests compactly against a wall, yet is easily expanded and adjustable for use.

Abstract: An imaging system and use thereof for large-area monitoring with very high temporal resolution are provided. In one aspect, an imaging system includes a camera equipped with curved optics having a field of view of from about 0.01 miles to about 1.5 miles; and interchangeable light filters positioned in front of the camera configured to change one or more of an intensity and an amplitude of light captured by the imaging system. The curved optics may include a hemispherical mirror configured to reflect an image of objects in front of the mirror, and the camera may be positioned facing a reflective surface of the hemispherical mirror so as to capture the image reflected in the hemispherical mirror. Alternatively, the curved optics may include a fisheye lens mounted to the camera. An imaging network of the present imaging systems and a method for use thereof for thermal monitoring are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for rotational viewing systems for optical and/or other measuring equipment are disclosed. The rotational viewing device includes a housing having an interface end opposite a viewing end. The housing has one or more bends between the interface end and the viewing end, an internal mirror, and one or more rotatable joints or connections allowing at least part of the housing to be rotated in a plane parallel or orthogonal to an optical axis of an apparatus to which the viewing device interfaces at the interface end. The rotational viewing device also includes an eyepiece, located at or near the viewing end.

Abstract: An on-vehicle multidirectional visual-recognition device includes a first visual-recognition mechanism including a front door window and a door mirror of a door mirror mechanism. A second visual-recognition mechanism includes a first mirror provided in a door-mirror housing of the door mirror mechanism so as to show a range from a side of a vehicle including an area below the door mirror mechanism to a front side of the vehicle. A sub window transmits light reflected by the first mirror and extends continuously from the front door window toward the front side of the vehicle via a frame. A second mirror reflects the light transmitted through the sub window toward a vehicle occupant. Brightness of the light to be received by the vehicle occupant is set substantially equal to brightness of the light at the first visual-recognition mechanism.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for a vehicle that has a double curved mirror positioned next to a vehicle side view mirror and said double curved mirror along with said side view mirror allows a user to view the lower perimeter of the vehicle in the side view mirror while operating the vehicle.

Abstract: A multipurpose, lower extremity, examination stool, has at least one light set in integral cooperation with at least one mirror to facilitate an examination of a foot by a person, a clinician, or a doctor. The foot examination stool preferably has a top mirror and a slide mirror. The slide mirror is slidably mounted below the top mirror and has a set of lights, to illuminate both the slide mirror and the lower extremity being tested or examined. The top mirror is illuminated by two sets of lights hingedly or rotatably mounted adjacently thereto and perpendicular to the slide mirror.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems and methods for providing image projection and entertainment.

Abstract: A mirror that provides a rearview reflection is described. The rearview mirror (“RM”) may include a housing and a first mirror. The RM may further include a mounting assembly configured to couple a first portion of the housing to a surface and a securing mechanism to couple the first mirror to a second portion of the housing, where the first mirror is configured to provide a rearview reflection of an individual and/or object positioned in front of a second mirror. The first mirror may be angled. The RM may include one or more lights coupled to the housing. The RM may further include a storage unit. The angle of the first mirror may be controlled manually, mechanically, and/or electronically. The lights may be activated manually, mechanically, and/or electronically.

Abstract: A portable mirror apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises a first mirror portion having a first mirrored side and a second side, and a second mirror portion having a third mirrored side and a fourth side, configured to be coupled perpendicularly by an attachment mechanism to the first mirror portion. The first mirror portion and second mirror portion, when attached in the perpendicular arrangement, are configured to provide an unreversed image. A magnetic mirror is described also, and a method for manufacturing it.

Abstract: The invention concerns a lighting module comprising a concave reflector, and at least one light source disposed in the concavity of the reflector in order to illuminate at least upwards, and a lens situated in front of the reflector and light source. The reflector is associated with a flat plate, the top face of which is reflective in order to bend the beam coming from the reflector, the said plate comprising a front end edge able to form the cutoff in the lighting beam. The reflector is determined so as to transform a spherical wave surface coming from the source into a wave surface boiling down to an arc of a circle situated in the plane of the plate, and the lens is of revolution about an axis orthogonal to the plane of the plate and passing through the center of the said arc of a circle.

Abstract: A mirror has a recording and playback apparatus, and a pre-recorded message plays aloud through at least one speaker on the mirror. The mirror is the typical size found in a common household. The record/playback apparatus may be a CD-ROM or other similar medium. The preferred embodiment for the invention is for use by individuals with low self-esteem, and the mirror may be used as a therapeutic tool for depression.

Abstract: A system of mirrors provides multiple views of the various sides of a vehicle to the driver. In this system, one mirror is a conventional mirror that shows the conventional rear and side views of the vehicle. The second mirror can be adjacent the conventional mirror but angled away from the conventional mirror such that this second mirror does not reflect in the same direction as the conventional mirror. The third (outer) mirror is positioned such that it faces a direction somewhat opposite from the second mirror. The mirrors are contained in a housing that has a clear or transparent side opposite the side of the housing containing. The third mirror is position such that mirror reflects an image of the contents that are seen through transparent side of the mirror housing. This image shown in the third mirror is reflected by the second mirror such that the driver can look through the second mirror and see images that are in the front of the vehicle.

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: The Present invention relates to a portable folding mirror. The mirror has a rear mirror panel, a plurality of mirror panels secured to the rear mirror panel. The plurality of mirror panels includes a base mirror panel, and two front mirror panels, wherein each panel is secured to the rear mirror panel by at least one hinge. The plurality of panels have a closed position where they are folded over the rear panel and an open position where they are folded off and away from the base panel. There is a light fixture located at the top of the rear panel to aid the user. Power to the light may be provided by a battery or by an electric cord. A carrying handle can be provided to make it easy to transport the portable mirror.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high numerical aperture exposure system having a wafer. The exposure system in the present invention includes a beam-splitter, a reticle, a reticle optical group, where the reticle optical group is placed between the reticle and the beam-splitter, a concave mirror, a concave mirror optical group, where the concave mirror optical group is placed between the concave mirror and the beam-splitter, a fold mirror, where the fold mirror is placed between the beam-splitter and the wafer, and a wafer optical group, where the wafer optical group is placed between the beam-splitter and the wafer. In the present invention, a beam of light is directed through the reticle and the reticle optical group to the beam-splitter, then it is reflected by the beam-splitter onto the concave mirror. Concave mirror reflects the light onto the fold mirror through the beam-splitter. Fold mirror reflects the light onto the wafer through the wafer optical group.

Abstract: A four sided prism which provides the full scale front view and the full scale backside of one's own self. In addition, oblique front and rear views of one's own body, clothing or hair are available. Rigid frames allow for fast assembly without hand tools. The prism can be assembled as a fixed frame prism. The prism can be manufactured so as to allow for folding the frame into a thin cabinet for storage against a wall.

Abstract: A device for reflecting an image to a user's eyes that includes a viewing member having an interior mirror positioned in angled alignment with the user's eye; and an exterior mirror positioned in spaced alignment to the interior mirror. The exterior mirror is adjustable with respect to the interior mirror. The device further includes a pair of interior mirrors positioned in angled alignment to the user's eyes; and a pair of exterior mirrors in spaced alignment to the interior mirrors.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an apparatus and the apparatus being configured to convert a first distribution of an input radiation to a second distribution of output radiation. The method consists of the steps of generating a two-dimensional representation of at least three active optical surfaces of an optical device including calculating a segment of a first surface based on edge ray sets as a first generalized Cartesian oval, calculating a segment of an entry surface based on the edge ray set as a second generalized Cartesian oval, calculating a segment of a second surface based on the edge ray set as a third generalized Cartesian oval, and successively repeating the steps of calculating the segment of the first surface and calculating the segment of the second surface in a direction towards a source, and rotationally sweeping the two-dimensional representation about a central axis providing a three-dimensional representation of the optical device.

Abstract: An apparatus that appears to actively track the position of a viewer by producing a red circle about the viewer's image, seen in a security mirror. The red circle appears to translate and rotate to track the viewer's position. Rotational tracking operates independently of the mirror.

Abstract: An optical, image producing device of the Camera Lucidas type is provided wherein the panel on which the optical image is superimposed may be supported at different angles of inclination on a base, to which a mirror assembly carrying column is rigidly attached, so that the inclination of the panel can be adjusted allowing the device to be used tilted to observe an object at different elevations. The column has a viewing aperture which is wide enough for an image to be viewed simultaneously by both eyes to give a panoramic view.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical fingerprint acquisition apparatus capable of reducing an image distortion and a size of an optical system by deforming the shape of a prism. The prism according to the invention includes a fingerprint contacting surface to be touched by a fingerprint of a person, a totally reflecting surface facing the fingerprint contacting surface with an angle &thgr; for totally and inwardly reflecting the light scattered from the fingerprint in contact with the fingerprint contacting surface, a primarily projecting/re-incident surface linking the fingerprint contacting surface to the totally reflecting surface with an angle &phgr; for primarily projecting the light totally reflected from the totally reflecting surface so as to be re-incident from outside, and an ultimately projecting surface facing the primarily projecting/re-incident surface for ultimately projecting the light re-incident to the primarily projecting/re-incident surface toward outside.

Abstract: A viewing panel device, such as a mirror device used inside a motor vehicle for observing an infant in a rear-facing child safety seat secured to the rear seat of the vehicle. The viewing panel device may be employed in a plurality of attachment configurations, for use with a plurality of possible vehicle configurations. In one configuration, the top tether anchorage point included in newer vehicles as part of the LATCH anchorage point system is employed.

Abstract: A back-up mirror system for passenger vehicles allowing a driver to have an alternative view of any nearby oncoming cross-traffic imminently passing behind the vehicle before deciding to back up into that lane of cross-traffic, which is especially useful when an adjacent obstruction blocks direct views. The first mirror in the back-up mirror system is the standard rear-view mirror (10) generally positioned inside the passenger compartment at the top edge of the front windshield at the center of the vehicle's width and whose reflective surface is generally facing the rear window of the vehicle, and the second mirror, the back-up mirror (6), also mounted inside the passenger compartment, is mounted in a region behind the driver's seat, and positioned substantially near a top or side edge of the rear window and whose reflective surface is generally facing a side of the vehicle (left-looking or right-looking).

Abstract: An acoustic mirror is described which is formed of at least one first insulating layer, a first metal layer disposed thereon, a second insulating layer disposed thereon and a second metal layer disposed thereon. An auxiliary layer is produced on the first insulating layer whereby a recess extending as far as the first insulating layer is created therein. The first metal layer is substantially deposited and removed by chemical/mechanical polishing until the parts of the first metal layer disposed outside the recess are no longer present. The second metal layer is also produced in a recess with the aid of chemical/mechanical polishing. More than two insulating layers and two metal layers can be provided. The first metal layer and the second metal layer can be produced in the same recess.

Abstract: A personal shower mirror for attaching to a shower curtain pole or to a sliding glass shower door comprising a mirror element, a housing enclosing the mirror element, a hanging device and an extendable pole connected at one end to the housing and at the other threaded to receive the hanging device.

Abstract: The inventive mirror provides both an image and information to a user. The inventive mirror allows a user to review electronic information, while performing personal hygiene procedures. For example, the user could look at the inventive mirror and review news headlines and/or stories, read and respond to e-mails, and/or review and edit their schedule of appointments, while grooming. The smart mirror has two modes. In a power off mode, the smart mirror acts as a standard reflective mirror. In a power on mode, then the smart mirror becomes a display device. The display device may comprise a touch screen, which would allow direct user interaction.

Abstract: A reflective element for coupling to still and motion cameras for providing a self-reflection to a photographic subject is founded on a reflective element body comprising an upstanding face panel coupled to a base panel in an L-shaped configuration. A thin plastic film with a reflective metal deposit thereon is affixed to the upstanding face panel for providing the self-reflection to the photographic subject. Ideally, the thin plastic film and the reflective metal deposit are crafted to form a one-way mirror so that a photographer's view of the subject is not obscured. The reflective element can be coupled to the camera by a hook and loop combination to allow the reflective element to be affixed to the camera by a pressing of the two together and to allow the two to be separated by a mere pulling apart.

Abstract: An improved mirror mounting assembly is designed for use with an existing mirror for hair grooming and styling. The mirror assembly contains a mirror panel which is adjustable relative to an existing mirror for proper viewing. Once adjusted, the mirror angle does not normally require further adjustment since effective viewing is possible for a range of user heights. The mirror panel rotates to a protected position to prevent damage to either panel or assembly when the assembly is mounted on a door and door is opened against an adjacent wall. Similarly, mirror panel rotates to a protected position to prevent damage when the assembly is secured to a wall and an adjacent door is opened against the mirror panel. The mirror panel rotates from its protected position back to its preset viewing angle without intervention by user. The invention includes mounting and support elements which permit the assembly to be removably mounted over top edge of a door without tools.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an optical system for measurement of a three dimensional device. The optical system is designed and configured to meet telecentric and f-.theta. requirements. The system employs primary and secondary mirrors operating in conjunction with a tertiary deflector mounted on a pivot. Light from a light source produces a beam which is deflected off the deflector and the secondary and primary reflectors respectively. The beam is then transmitted to the surface of the object to be measured. Deflection of the tertiary deflector on the pivot results in scanning of the light beam across the surface of the object to be measured.

Abstract: A mirrored device which allows the athlete to observe his motions as he performs. Specifically as this invention relates to golf, the system trains these fundamentals: steady head control; correct alignment; proper golfing posture; the proper swing paths for the backswing and downswing. These goals are accomplished by: a large mirror to reflect the golfer's side that is opposite the direction he is driving the ball, this mirror is comprised of a diagram and moveable,adhesive strips which serve as visual guides for instillment of the mentioned fundamentals; a pair of angularly arranged mirrors which are supported by a visored headgear that the golfer wears.The user adjusts the small angled mirrors for sighting himself. Following the charting of his proper backswing and downswing planes with the moveable strips, he guides his club, and hands along the relection of these strips with the purpose of memorizing the feel of these correct motions.

Abstract: A visual effects generator for use with the image output of a video screen provides multiple secondary images and reflections dispersed through a wide visual field, so that the impact of the color and motion of the original image is enhanced. The generator includes a closed housing having a rear panel with an opening secured about the video screen. The housing includes a pair of lobes diverging laterally from the rear panel, with a viewing port disposed in the distal portion of each lobe. Each viewing port may be provided with a detachable hood to shield ambient light, and a closure panel may be secured to occlude either viewing port. A first pair of generally rectangular, planar mirrors are disposed within the housing, the mirrors abutting at confronting edges which are spaced apart from the center of the television screen, and the mirrors diverge obliquely forwardly from the screen.

Abstract: A non-reversing image mirror device is provided which is fabricated out of a single kind identical mirror units, with a front mirrored surface whereby the image produced has a centerline split which is virtually invisible or at least minimal when compared to devices mirrored on a rear surface. The mirror units are pivotally connected together at the mitered side edges for relative swinging of the mirror units between a closed position with the reflective surfaces disposed in a substantially parallel juxtaposed relationship and an open position with the reflective surfaces defining an angle of ninety degrees, when the mitered side edges contact each other. A reflected image when viewed in the middle between the mirror units will be a non-reversed image.

Abstract: A mirror and holder, and method of using the same, is provided for supporting and protecting a mirror. In particular, the holder comprises an elongate strap having a first weighted end and a length of hook and loop type fastening means on one side. A user may hang the strap from a door or ledge, or roll it up into a coil by locating the first end of the strap on said ledge or over said door. The mirror includes a first side with a reflective surface, and a second side having mating hook and loop type fastening means. A user can removably attach the mirror to the strap anywhere along the length of the strap for use when the strap is suspended from a door or the like, or can use the mirror on a flat surface by attaching it to the coiled up strap. A user may also wind the Strap around the mirror to protect the mirror during transport.

Abstract: An optical viewing apparatus adapted to be worn on the face which enables the wearer to view directly downward while maintaining an erect head and a horizontal line of sight.

Abstract: An optoelectrical particle detection apparatus comprising concave and convex reflectors spaced from each other by a predetermined distance, a laser source for emitting a laser beam and introducing the laser beam between the concave and convex reflectors, the concave and convex reflectors and the laser source being arranged so that the laser beam is multi-reflected at a much closer pitch to form a laser beam curtain in which the multi-reflected beam segments are overlapped with respect to each other to enhance a light intensity thereof, and an optoelectrical detector for receiving light scattered due to a presence of particles in the laser beam curtain, whereby the presence of particles can be detected in the laser beam curtain with a high probability and a high sensitivity.