Flexible darkness adapting viewer

Abstract

A portable viewing tunnel for transparencies, medical radiographs, mammograms and other trans-illuminated materials is presented. Its proper use provokes human physiologic darkness adaptation primarily by means of an elastic neoprene rubber laminate cylinder with a malleable distal aperture which can be manually shaped to fit the form of the dark or detailed areas of interest being viewed. This characteristic prevents light which is emanating from bright sources within or next to the trans-illuminated image from reaching the eyes and spoiling physiologic darkness adaptation. Additional steps to exclude stray light include a soft, form fitting goggle on the proximal end to contact the face around the eyes forming a light tight junction between viewing tunnel and the eyes. An intermediate lens board is included for easy changes in binocular magnifier lenses. This device replaces most of the need for bright lighting or masking for viewing dark areas on transparencies and other trans-illuminated materials. A monocular, high power lens attachment is described which offers convenient darkness adapted viewing of slides, microfilm and microfiche otherwise unaided by special microfilm reader devices.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.