Optical instrument with a continuously adjustable zoom
US5499066A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 1993 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B3/1208
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical instrument for indirectly observing an object includes a first lens system for producing a first image of the object, and an adjustable second lens system for producing a second image of the object. The second lens system is continuously adjustable between a first position wherein the second image has maximum magnification and/or a minimum area of view, and a second position wherein the second image is of a minimum magnification and/or a maximum area of view. In one aspect of the invention, the second lens system is a zoom lens system having two substantially fixed conjugate planes. In another aspect of the invention, the instrument defines a folded optical path through the lens systems which includes a generally U-shaped portion so as, in use, to reduce the separation of the observer and the observed object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.