US 5,053,794 A · Universal adapter for attaching a camera to associated optical devices such as telescopes, microscopes and the like

Abstract

Presented is a universal adapter ring for use in interconnecting a camera of the single lens reflex type to an optical device in a manner that maintains the alignment of the optical axes of the camera and optical device and secures the two together. Sets of coaxially arranged threads are formed on the spaced faces of the ring, and a resiliently deformable spring-steel band is coaxially arranged within the ring in association with adjustable screws that may be digitally manipulated to deform the spring-steel band into tight engagement with the cylindrical eyepiece of an optical device. A centrally apertured protective shield plate is also provided extending diametrically across the adapter ring to form an abutment against which the optical device may abut surrounding the aperture to prevent the optical device from impinging on the lens of the camera, or dropping into the camera when the lens is removed and for preventing stray light from entering the camera.

Claims19

Dependent claims

An adapter ring to facilitate mounting of a single lens reflex camera on an outer tubular periphery of an eyepiece of an associated optical device such as a telescope or microscope so that the optical axes thereof coincide, comprising:

(a) a toroidal monolithic body having inner and outer peripheries symmetrical about a central axis and having first and second faces connecting said inner and outer peripheries;
(b) a set of at least two coaxially arranged coextensive threaded sections formed on said toroidal body and associated with said second face;
(c) at least one threaded section coaxially formed on said toroidal body and associated with said first face;
(d) a centrally apertured plate perpendicular to the central axis and integral with said toroidal body intermediate said first and second faces and defining first and second recesses associated, respectively, with said first and second faces on opposite sides of said centrally aperture plate;
and
(e) means mounted on said toroidal body and adjustable to engage the outer tubular periphery of the eyepiece of the associated optical device inserted coaxially into said first recess.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Universal adapter for attaching a camera to associated optical devices such as telescopes, microscopes and the like

Life of this patent

Universal adapter for attaching a camera to associated optical devices such as telescopes, microscopes and the like

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19