Abstract:
System and method for modifying an optical assembly with another image modifying device by using an adapter assembly to connect or couple three image modifying devices together. The adapter assembly includes two adapters that have collars to hold a night vision monocular between them, and to each connect with a camera and lens, respectively, modifying a camera-lens assembly for use in night time photo surveillance. One adapter&#39;s collar includes a gripping mechanism to grip one end of the night vision monocular. The other adapter&#39;s collar includes one or two channels to each receive a pin on the other end of the night vision monocular and a locking mechanism to secure one pin in its channel. Attachments members on each adapter include mechanical and electrical connectors to couple or connect the adapters to each other, and to electrically connect the camera with the lens.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates to an optical adapter system and method, and more particularly to an easily assembled adapter system, for example, for modifying a standard assembly with an otherwise incompatible image modifying device in order to readily increase the functionality of the existing optical assembly in different lighting or atmospheric conditions.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Standard optical assemblies, e.g., firearm day scopes, camera-telephoto lens assemblies, and day-time monoculars, may need to be readily modifiable upon a change in lighting or atmospheric conditions, without going through the expense and burden of creating and carrying around a variety of custom-made optical assemblies for each type of condition. This is especially true for military operations that may take place in darkened harsh climates, e.g., where humidity or wind-strewn sand or other fine particles threatens to damage or wear any equipment, and where any excessive sound may inadvertently reveal the position of our military forces and put their lives further at risk.  
         [0003]     Existing adapters designed to facilitate the connection of a second image modifying device to a standard optical assembly (e.g., connecting a night vision monocular to a camera) fail to address the above concerns. For example, existing adapters:  
         [0004]     (1) have limited applications (e.g., are only operational with a subset of the optical assemblies carried around by most servicemen and women);  
         [0005]     (2) are too complex and noisy to be quickly, quietly and securely assembled in the dark (e.g., requiring the user to carry and use Allen wrenches or other tools in the assembly or disassembly, lacking discernable labels or markings, and requiring the user to loudly snap a metal buckle onto the outer surface of the adapter in order to secure an image modifying device to the adapter);  
         [0006]     (3) are not manufactured consistently (e.g., sometimes requiring additional components to be added in order to adjust an error in the focal length between lenses);  
         [0007]     (4) are made with metals and other materials that erode, deform or rust after continual usage in harsher climates;  
         [0008]     (5) unduly expose delicate components in the adapter and in the image modifying devices, e.g., wiring and pin connectors, to the elements during use or assembly; and/or  
         [0009]     (6) are more expensive to manufacture by including the manufacture and inclusion of such delicate components in the adapters.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0010]     The present invention provides adapter assemblies that are more flexible, simple, quiet, secure, reliable, sturdy, protective, and less expensive than the existing adapters. The invention may include an adapter assembly of two adapters to securely but releasably connect or couple three image modifying devices together. The middle device (also referred to as the second image modifying device) may be a night vision monocular that, without the adapter assembly, could not be coupled to two other image modifying devices compatible with each other, such as a camera and telephoto lens. The middle device is securely but releasably coupled or connected between the two adapters.  
         [0011]     Each adapter includes a collar, the inner portion of which receives and securely holds a portion of the middle device therein. The outer portion of each collar is coupled with one of the other image modifying devices (also referred to as the first and third image modifying devices). Each adapter also includes an attachment member attached to or integrally formed with the collar that couples or connects the two adapters to each other. The attachment member of one adapter has a female electric connector and dowels that mate with or connect or couple with a male electric connector and holes or cavities in the attachment member of the other adapter.  
         [0012]     The mechanisms or configuration used to assemble the devices with the adapters are quieter and securely releasable. There are no snapping buckles and there are no surfaces (metal or plastic) that loudly strike against other surfaces during assembly or disassembly. Thus, the system and method does not produce excessive noise that may jeopardize the safety and reveal the location of our servicemen during combat or similar situations.  
         [0013]     The middle device is held on either end by the inner portion of the collar on each adapter. One collar may include one or more channels and a locking mechanism. The channels slidably receive mating members (such as pins or dowels or posts on an outer surface of the middle image modifying device), and the locking mechanism secures the position of the mating member in the channel. The locking mechanism may be a screw that extends through an opening into the top channel, and that when inserted, blocks movement of the mating member back out of the channel. The other collar may include a gripping mechanism to hold onto the other end of the middle imaging device. The gripping mechanism may include a screw running through an opening in the collar, that when further inserted, presses down on the middle device, and may press an outer surface of the middle device against an inner surface of the collar. The mechanisms and configurations of how each collar holds the middle device are interchangeable or one of the above-described mechanisms and configurations may be used on both collars to retain and hold the middle imaging device between them.  
         [0014]     Each attachment member may also include electric wiring contained therein that are connected on one end to the electric connectors in the attachment member, and at the other end to electric interfaces or connectors in the collar of each adapter. The electric wiring and interface allow a front image modifying device (also referred to as a first image modifying device) to be electrically connected to the back image modifying device (also referred to as a third image modifying device), while electrically isolating the middle or second image modifying device. If the camera is the first image modifying device, a night vision minimonocular is the middle image modifying device, and a telephoto lens is the third image modifying device, then the camera may still be electrically connected to the telephoto lens, while the minimonocular may be electrically isolated from the two (and operating with its own battery or other independent power source). Each collar may also include engraved or printed markings either with fluorescent, phosphorescent, reflective or other illuminable materials or ink (whether illuminated independently or by a power source) to allow the three devices and adapters to be easily assembled in a darkened or less clear environment.  
         [0015]     At least part of the adapter assembly may be made of a hardened plastic material, such as Delrin®, or other acetal homopolymers, that, unlike metal, does not corrode, deform or rust, and is easily and accurately molded or machined by automated manufacturing systems in high volume. Additionally, one or more of the devices and/or the adapters may be painted with a camouflage print or style for desert and/or jungle conditions, to further conceal and provide additional coverage for servicemen using this equipment during combat and other similar conditions.  
         [0016]     In an example embodiment, an adapter system includes a first adapter configured to couple a first image modifying device, e.g., a lens, with a second image modifying device, e.g., a night vision monocular. The proximal portion of the first adapter is configured to be connected to the first image modifying device. The distal portion of the first adapter is configured to be connected to the second image modifying device. The distal portion includes a first channel and a locking mechanism. The first channel is configured to receive a first mating member on the second image modifying device. The locking mechanism is selectively engageable to releasably secure a position of the first mating member in the first channel.  
         [0017]     In an example embodiment, an adapter system includes a first adapter configured to couple a first image modifying device with a second image modifying device. A distal portion of the first adapter is configured to be connected to the first image modifying device. A proximal portion of the first adapter is configured to be connected to the second image modifying device. The proximal portion includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a threaded opening through a periphery of the proximal portion and a screw. The screw is long enough to extend through the opening and to push an outer surface of the distal portion of the second image modifying device against an inner surface of the proximal portion of the first adapter when the screw is further inserted through the opening.  
         [0018]     In an example embodiment, the first image modifying device is connected to the proximal portion of a first adapter. A first mating member on the proximal portion of the second image modifying device is inserted into a first channel in a distal portion of the first adapter. After the insertion step, a position of the first mating member on the second image modifying device is secured in the first channel.  
         [0019]     In an example embodiment, the first image modifying device is connected to the distal portion of the first adapter. A screw on the proximal portion of the first adapter is rotated through an opening through a periphery of the proximal portion of the first adapter until a lower end of the screw presses against an upper portion of the outer surface of the distal portion of the second image modifying device. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an optical adapter system and method according to the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a first and second adapters in the embodiment of the optical adapter system and method of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of the first and second adapters in the embodiment of the optical adapter system and method of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0023]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of the first and second adapters in the embodiment of the optical adapter system and method of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cross sectional inner view and a side view of a collar and an attachment member in the first adapter in the embodiment of the optical adapter system and method of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 6  illustrates outer and side views of the collar and attachment member in the first adapter in the embodiment of the optical adapter system and method of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 7  illustrates partial underside and side views of the top portion of the first adapter in the embodiment of the optical adapter system and method of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-sectional inner view and a side view of a collar and an attachment member in the second adapter in the embodiment of the optical adapter system and method of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 9  illustrates outer and side views of the collar and attachment in the second adapter in the embodiment of the optical adapter system and method of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of a first adapter and a night vision monocular in the embodiment of the optical adapter system and method of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of a first adapter and a night vision monocular in an embodiment of an optical adapter system and method according to the present invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of the first adapter, the night vision monocular, and the second adapter in the embodiment of the optical adapter system and method of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of a lens, the first adapter, and the night vision monocular in the embodiment of the optical adapter system and method of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of the lens, the first adapter and the night vision monocular of  FIG. 13 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of the lens, the first adapter and the night vision monocular of  FIG. 13 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of a night vision monocular, with a casing-lens assembly and eyepiece in an embodiment of an optical adapter system and method according to the present invention.  
         [0036]      FIG. 17  illustrates a perspective view of a first adapter, a second image modifying device, and a second adapter in an embodiment of an optical adapter system and method according to the present invention.  
         [0037]      FIG. 18  illustrates a perspective view of the first adapter and second adapter in the embodiment of the optical adapter system and method of  FIG. 17 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 19  illustrates a perspective view of a first adapter and a second image modifying device in an embodiment of an optical adapter system and method according to the present invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 20  illustrates a perspective view of the first adapter and a second adapter in the embodiment of the optical adapter system and method of  FIG. 19 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0040]     The present invention relates to an optical adapter system and method.  FIGS. 1 through 20  illustrate various aspects of the optical adapter system and method according to the present invention.  
         [0041]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the optical adapter system  1000  includes an adapter assembly  500  to releasably connect image modifying devices  10 ,  20  and  30  to each other. One or more of the image modifying devices  10 ,  20 , and  30  may be part of a standard optical assembly. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the first and third image modifying devices  10  and  30  may be part of a standard lens  11  camera  31  assembly that are configured to be directly connected or coupled with each other. The second image modifying device  20  may be a night vision monocular  21 , part of a standard night vision optical assembly, that without the adapter assembly  500 , could not be otherwise connected, coupled or functional with the camera-lens assembly.  
         [0042]     The term “image modifying device” is used herein in a more expansive, rather than a limited sense, and encompasses any device or assembly or component or portion thereof that processes any visual image information, including by generating, capturing, altering, transmitting, rendering, recording, storing, playing back, encoding or decoding originally live images or digitally created images, either alone, or with additional types of information, e.g., sound or other sensory-related information. For example, “image modifying devices” may refer to analog or digital cameras, telephoto lenses and other types of lenses and filters, night vision monoculars, eyepieces, fiber optic viewers, camcorders, digital or analog video cameras, visual image processors, display screens, monitors, rifle or gun scopes, spotting scopes, telescopes, binoculars, laser rangefinders, bow sights, mortar sights, anti-tank sights, anti-aircraft sights, infared cameras, image pickup devices, gyro stabilized and digitally stabilized optics, film-type cameras, devices that transform an image into electrical signals such as still or video cameras of the digital or analog type, image recording devices, image pick-up heads, or flying spot scanners, or any component or portion or accessory to any of the foregoing.  
         [0043]     Image modifying devices may alter visual information, e.g., by changing the brightness, intensity, magnification, color and/or filed of view of an image. Image modifying devices may include image intensifying or generating technologies such as night vision, infrared, thermal imaging, and/or sonar, ultrasound, electrical and radio imaging technologies. Optical assemblies of first and third image modifying devices  10  and  30 , may be standard optical assemblies that are available off-the-shelf, e.g., camera-telephoto lens assemblies, monocular-telephoto lens assemblies, and/or rifle or gun scopes. Such optical assemblies may not be directly compatible or operational with a second image modifying device  20 , without the use of adapter assembly  500 .  
         [0044]     The adapter assembly  500 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , includes first adapter  100  and second adapter  200 . The first adapter  100  is configured to connect the first image modifying device  10  to the second image modifying device  20 . The second adapter  200  is configured to connect the second image modifying device  20  to the third image modifying device  30 . Although each adapter is described below with a particular configuration for releasably but securely connecting or coupling with the image modifying devices and with each other, the connecting or coupling configurations are interchangeable between each of the adapters, as are the image modifying devices. At least a portion or all of adapters  100  and  200  may be made from a hardened plastic substance, such as Delrin®, an acetal homopolymer made by DuPont Corporation. Such material can be readily manufactured, and is not subject to the same deformation and rust and wear and tear of metal components. “CAMERA” and “LENS” markings  502  (as well as other markings) on adapter assembly may be visually enhanced by being engraved with fluorescent or phosphorescent materials or otherwise illuminable from an electrical source in adapters  100  and/or  200 , or from an electrical connection to the first or third image modifying devices  10  and  30 . Additionally parts of the assembly may be painted with camouflage cover to provide additional cover for the user.  
         [0045]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 through 7 , and  FIGS. 10 , and  12  through  15 , the first adapter  100  includes a collar  101  having a proximal portion  120  and a distal portion  130 , and an attachment member  170  attached to the distal portion  130  (attachment member  170  also being regarded as part of the distal portion  130  and may be integrally formed as part of collar  101  or a separate piece attached to collar  101 ).  
         [0046]     The illustrated collar  101  is closed when attached to attachment member  170 , but the collar  101  may also be open, or more of a casing or housing in other embodiments. Proximal portion  120  is configured with a mechanism  122  to mechanically connect or couple the first adapter  100  to the lens  11 , and an electric connector  110  to electrically connect or couple the first adapter  100  to the lens  11 . Mechanism  122  as illustrated, inter alia, in  FIG. 6 , includes a twist and lock mechanism  123  configured to be releasably but securely connected or coupled with the matching interface  13  on the distal portion  12  of the lens  11 . Electrical connector  110  may include depressible pins  112 , as illustrated, that are securely attached within collar  101 . Mechanism  122  and connector  110  may be similar or the same as the mechanism  32  (or match the manner in which mechanism  32 ) on camera  33 , illustrated in  FIG. 1 , that enables the camera  33  to be directly mechanically and electrically connected or coupled with the lens  11 . In the case of the camera  33  and lens  11  being standard off-the-shelf designs, the mechanism  122  and connector  110  may have a standard configuration to couple or connect a variety of lenses  11  with a variety of other image modifying devices  200  and  300  in optical adapter systems  1000 .  
         [0047]     The distal portion  130  of the collar  101  is configured to receive the proximal portion  22  of the night vision monocular  21 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 through 7 , and  FIGS. 10 , and  12  through  15 . The distal portion  130  includes a locking mechanism  132  and two channels  140  and  142  to securely but releasably couple or connect the distal portion  130  of first adapter  100  with the proximal portion  22  of the night vision monocular  21  (sometimes referred to as a “monoloc”). Each channel  140 ,  142  is configured to receive a mating member  25 ,  28  on the proximal portion  22  of night vision monocular  21 . Locking mechanism  132  is designed to secure a position of upper mating member  25  in upper channel  140 , or, in other words, at least partially obstruct or prevent movement of mating member  25  out of channel  140 . Mating member  25  may have some freedom of movement within upper channel  140 , e.g., within portion  148  of channel  140  as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , when the position of the mating member  25  is secured by locking mechanism  132 , provided that mating member  25  is not readily removable from the upper channel  140  once locking mechanism  132  is engaged in upper channel  140 . Additionally, securing a position of mating member  25  in channel  140  may include sufficiently securing the focal length between lenses in the first image modifying device  10  and the second image modifying devices  20 , so that the two image modifying devices may be usable together.  
         [0048]     Mating members  25  and  28 , of night vision monocular  21  or any other second image modifying device  20 , extend from an outer surface thereof and may be cylindrical hollow or solid posts or pins  26  and  29 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 10, 12  and  13 . Each of pins  26  and  29  has a diameter  27  less than a width  144  of each respective channel  140  and  142 , so that pins  26  and  29  may be free to move through channels  140  and  142  as the proximal portion  22  of night vision monocular  21  is inserted into the distal portion  130  of collar  101 . Pins  26  and  29  may be diametrically opposite from each other, as illustrated, as well as corresponding channels  140  and  142  that receive pins  26  and  29 .  
         [0049]     Locking mechanism  132  includes an opening  150  through a surface or periphery  134  in the distal portion  130  of collar  101 , and a screw  160  configured to be threadably receivable therethrough, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3, 5  and  7 . Opening  150  is at least partially threaded and runs through a cross section of surface or periphery  134  into upper channel  140 . Screw  160  may have a ring or member, such as d-ring  167  on top  164 , to make it easier to manually rotate screw  160  in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Additionally, d-ring  167  on first adapter  100 , either alone or together with d-ring  267  on second adapter  200 , allow adapter assembly  500  or the entire optical adapter assembly  1000  to be securely threaded and tied onto or around other gear or equipment (not shown), making the assembly  1000  or any portion thereof easier to carry around.  
         [0050]     Screw  160  has a length  162  sufficient to extend through a length  152  of opening  150  to at least partially block a portion of channels  140  and  142  when screw  160  is further inserted through opening  150 . Thus, screw  160  is longer than the length  152  of opening  150 , and has a diameter  163  less than a diameter  154  of opening  150  to be threadably inserted therethrough. Screw  160  also has diameter  163  less a width  147  in channel  140 , so that bottom portion  166  of screw  160  can be received in and obstruct channel  140  as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , and secure a position of mating member  25  of night vision monocular  21  therein.  
         [0051]     Each channel  140 ,  142  runs a path that allows mating members  25  and  28  to be securely but releasably inserted therein as the proximal portion  22  of night vision monocular  21  is inserted into distal portion  130  of collar  101 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 3  and  7 , first portion  146  of channels  140  and  142  is parallel to the direction in which the night vision monocular  21  is inserted into the collar  101 , and is also parallel to a longitudinal axis  103  of collar  101 . Second portion  148  of channels  140  and  142  are perpendicular to first portion  146 , and are also parallel to the direction of rotation  103  of night vision monocular  21  in collar  101 .  
         [0052]     Essentially, in order to secure night vision monocular  21  in collar  101 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 7 ,  10 ,  12  and  14 , the proximal portion  22  of night vision monocular  21  is inserted into distal portion  130  of collar  101 , sliding pins  26  and  29  through the first portions  146  of channels  140  and  142 . The proximal portion  22  of night vision monocular  21  is then rotated inside distal portion  130  of collar  101 , sliding pins  26  and  29  through second portions  148  of channels  140  and  142 . Finally, in order to secure the night vision monocular  21  in collar  101 , locking mechanism  132  is activated or engaged to secure a position of pin  26  in second portion  148  of channel  140  by further screwing or inserting screw  160  through opening  150 , until the bottom  166  protrudes into or obstructs channel  140 . Night vision monocular  21  can be removed from collar  101  by unscrewing or removing screw  160  upwards through opening, until the bottom  166  clears or no longer obstructs channel  140 . The night vision monocular  21  is then rotated and removed to move pins through the second portion  148  and then the first portion  146  of channels  140  and  142 .  
         [0053]     The channels are illustrated opposite each other as upper and bottom channels  140  and  142 . However, many alternative embodiments are possible. For example, channels may be located anywhere on the interior of the distal portion  130  of the collar and have a different path of insertion. Either or both channels may have a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism  132  may be a ball bearing or lip located in an interior of each channel  140  and  142 .  
         [0054]     Alternatively, the distal portion  130  of the collar  101  may be designed and function with only one channel, and one locking mechanism, and second image modifying device may have only one mating member or pin. As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , first adapter  100 ′ includes one channel  140 ′ configured to slidably receive pin  26 ′ on second image modifying device  20 ′. Locking mechanism  132 ′ is configured to secure a position of pin  26 ′ within distal portion  130 ′ of collar  101 ′.  
         [0055]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 through 6 ,  8  through  10 , and  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the first adapter  100  includes an attachment member  170  for releasably connecting or coupling first adapter  100  with second adapter  200 . Attachment member  170  may be integrally formed with collar  101  or removably attached to collar  101  with screws  174  in proximal portion  172  of attachment member  170 . Attachment member  170  includes two means for connecting first adapter  100  to second adapter  200 , one mechanical and one that is both electrical and mechanical. First, attachment member  170  includes two dowels  178  in distal end  176  configured to be inserted in corresponding holes in proximal end  276  of attachment member  270  of second adapter  200 . Attachment member  170  has female connector  182  at distal end  176  to interface and connect with male connector  282  in proximal end  276  of attachment member  270  of second adapter  200 . Attachment member  170  further includes circuitry  180  therein that is connected with female connector  182 , and attachment member  270  includes circuitry  280  therein that is connected with male connector  282 . Electrical circuitry  180 ,  280  and female and male connectors  182  and  282 , together with electrical connectors  110  and  210  allow lens  11  to be electrically connected to camera  31  through adapter assembly  500 , when fully assembled, while electrically isolating the night vision monocular  21  from both lens  11  and camera  31 . In alternative embodiments, there may be any number of dowels or posts or pins to attach the first adapter to the second adapter, and the dowels or posts or pins may be included on one or both of the first and second adapters  100  and  200 , with corresponding cavities or hopes or openings on either side. Additionally, the female and male electrical connectors  182  and  282  are interchangeable, and may be on either first or second adapter  100  and  200 .  
         [0056]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 through 4 , and  FIGS. 8, 9  and  12 , the second adapter  200  includes a collar  201  having a proximal portion  220  and a distal portion  230 , and an attachment member  270  attached to the distal portion  230  (attachment member  270  also being regarded as part of the distal portion  230  and may be integrally formed as part of collar  201  or a separate piece attached to collar  201 ).  
         [0057]     The illustrated collar  201  is closed when attached to attachment member  270 , but the collar  201  may also be open, or more of a casing or housing in other embodiments. Distal portion  230  is configured with an interface  232  to mechanically connect or couple second adapter  200  to the camera  31 , and an electric connector  210  to electrically connect or couple second adapter  200  to camera  31 . Electrical connector  210  may include metal interface  212 , as illustrated, that are securely attached within collar  201 . Interface  232  and electrical connector  210  may be similar or the same as the interface  13  (or match the manner in which interface  13 ) on lens  11  enables lens  11  to be directly mechanically and electrically connected or coupled with the camera  31 . In the case of the camera  33  and lens  11  being standard off-the-shelf designs, interface  232  and electrical connector  210  may have a standard configuration to couple or connect a variety of cameras  31  with a variety of other image modifying devices  100  and  200  in optical adapter systems  1000 . Interface  232  and electrical connector  210  as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 12 , interacts and matches with a twist and lock mechanism  32  and electrical connection  34  on camera  31 , to releasably but securely mechanically and electrically connect or couple camera  31  with second adapter  200  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0058]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 8  and  12 , the proximal portion  220  of the collar  201  is configured to receive the distal portion  24  of the night vision monocular  21 . The proximal portion  220  includes a mechanism  222  to securely but releasably grip the proximal portion  220  of second adapter  200  with the distal portion  24  of the night vision monocular  21  (sometimes referred to as a “monoloc”). The gripping mechanism  222  an opening  250  through a surface or periphery  224  in the proximal portion  220  of collar  201 , and a screw  260  configured to be threadably receivable therethrough. Opening  250  is at least partially threaded and runs through a cross section of surface or periphery  224  into an interior  226  of collar  201 , as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Screw  260  may have a ring or member, such as the d-ring  267  illustrated in  FIG. 3  on top  264 , to make it easier to manually rotate screw  260  in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Additionally, d-ring  267  on second adapter  200 , either alone or together with d-ring  167  on first adapter  100 , allow adapter assembly  500  or the entire optical adapter assembly  1000  to be securely threaded and tied onto or around other gear or equipment (not shown), making the assembly  1000  or any portion thereof easier to carry around.  
         [0059]     Screw  260  is longer than the length  252  of opening  250 , and has a diameter  263  less than a diameter  254  of opening  250  to be threadably inserted therethrough. Screw  260  has a length  262  sufficient to extend through a length  252  of opening  250  to reduce inner diameter  228  of collar  201  when screw  260  is further inserted through opening  250 . When further inserted through opening  250 , bottom  266  of screw  260  pushes or presses distal portion  24  of night vision monocular  21  against proximal portion  220  of collar  201 . In addition to bottom  266  of screw  260  acting upon and pressing upon proximal portion  220  of collar  201 , the force of the screw  260  on the night vision monocular  21  presses or pushes an outer surface  35  of distal portion  24  of the night vision monocular  21  against inner surface  229  in proximal portion  220  of collar  201 .  
         [0060]     Essentially, in order to secure night vision monocular  21  in collar  201 , the distal portion  24  of night vision monocular  21  is inserted into proximal portion  220  of collar  201 , as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . Then, in order to secure the night vision monocular  21  in collar  201 , gripping mechanism  232  is activated or engaged to releasably secure night vision monocular  21  in collar  201  by further screwing or inserting screw  260  through opening  250 , until the bottom  266  pushes or presses down on distal portion  24  of night vision monocular  21 . Night vision monocular  21  can be removed from collar  201  by unscrewing or removing screw  260  upwards through opening, until the bottom  266  clears inner surface  229  of collar  201 . The night vision monocular  21  is then slid out or removed from collar  201 .  
         [0061]     As with the first adapter  100 , as described above and as illustrated in  FIGS. 4, 8 ,  9  and  12 , second adapter  200  includes an attachment member  270  for releasably connecting or coupling second adapter  200  with first adapter  100 . Attachment member  270  may be integrally formed with collar  201  or removably attached to collar  201  with screws  274  in distal portion  272  of attachment member  270 . Attachment member  270  includes two means for connecting second adapter  200  to first adapter  100 , one mechanical and one that is both electrical and mechanical. First, attachment member  270  includes cavities  278  in proximal end  276  configured to slidably receive dowels  178  in distal end  176  of attachment member  170  of first adapter  100 . Attachment member  270  has male connector  282  at proximal end  276 , illustrated in  FIG. 8 , that interfaces and connects with female connector  182  in distal end  176  of attachment member  170  of first adapter  100 , illustrated in  FIG. 5 . As illustrated, the male connector  282  includes pins  283  which are surrounded and protected by a casing or housing  284 , which limit exposure of delicate wiring and circuitry to outside elements and harsh climate conditions. Attachment member  270  further includes circuitry  280  therein that is connected with male connector  282 , and attachment member  170  includes circuitry  180  therein that is connected with female connector  182 . As described above, electrical circuitry  180 ,  280  and female and male connectors  182  and  282 , allow lens  11  to be electrically connected to camera  31  through adapter assembly  500 , when fully assembled, while electrically isolating the night vision monocular  21  from both lens  11  and camera  31 . The mechanical and electrical configurations mechanically and electrically connecting first adapter  100  with second adapter  200  are interchangeable between adapters  100  and  200 .  
         [0062]     The usage of dowels and electrical connectors to couple and connect two hardened plastic attachment members  170  and  270  enable the optical assembly  500  to maintain proper focal length between first, second and third image modifying devices  100 ,  200  and  300  each time when it is assembled. No external tools are necessary to couple and connect or release all of the parts in the optical adapter assembly  1000  together. Further, since most of the electrical circuitry  180 ,  280  are contained within attachment members  170 ,  270 , the electrical components exposed to outside elements in adapter assembly  500  are limited to electrical connectors  182 ,  282  and electric connectors  110  and  210  included in proximal portion  120  of collar  101  and distal portion  230  of collar  201 .  
         [0063]     The first and third image modifying devices  10  and  30  may be attached at any time to adapter assembly  500 . Although other configurations are possible, the second image modifying device  20  is inserted and secured into one of the first adapter  100  and second adapter  200  before the one of the first adapter  100  and second adapter  200  is coupled or connected to the other of the first adapter  100  and second adapter  200 , with its respective channels  140  and  142  and locking mechanism  132 , or with its respective gripping mechanism  222 , as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . First and second adapters  100  and  200  may be coupled or connected at the same time that the second image modifying device  20  is inserted and secured into the other of the first adapter  100  and second adapter  200  as described above.  
         [0064]     As mentioned above, there are different combinations of the above-described optical adapter system and method for releasably but securely connecting or coupling the first adapter  100  and second adapter  200  with each other and with the image modifying devices  10 ,  20  and  30 . First, either adapter may function alone, attaching two otherwise incompatible image modifying devices.  
         [0065]     For example, first adapter  100  may be used alone to couple a first image modifying device  10  to a second image modifying device  20  that otherwise may be incompatible with each other. As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , first adapter  100  may be used to couple a lens  11  with a night vision monocular  21 . Casing-lens assembly  37  is unscrewed from proximal portion  22  of night vision monocular  21 , and eyepiece  36  is screwed onto proximal portion  22  of night vision monocular  21  in its place. Distal potion  24  of monocular  21  is then inserted into proximal portion  120  of collar  101 , and lens  11  is connected to distal portion  130  of collar  101 . The assembly of the monocular  21  with collar  101  and lens  11  provides expanded zooming capability to monocular  21 . Then, the same assembly can be readily adapted for photo surveillance by replacing eyepiece  36  with casing-lens assembly  37 , inserting and securing distal portion  24  of monocular  21  to proximal portion  220  of collar  201 , and connecting or coupling camera  31  to distal portion  230  of collar  201  to form assembly  1000  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 12  through  15 .  
         [0066]     In an embodiment, the mechanisms and members used or involved in releasably but securely coupling or connecting the proximal portion  22  of second image modifying device  20  to the first adapter  100  may also be used to couple or connect the distal portion  24  of second image modifying device  200  to the second adapter  200 , in place of or in addition to gripping mechanism  222 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , second image modifying device  20  may include mating members  25 ′ and  28 ′ to be inserted into channels  240  and  242  in collar  201 , when second adapter  200  is slid onto distal portion  24  of second image modifying device  20 . A locking mechanism  244  similar to the locking mechanism  132  on first adapter  100 , may be used to releasably but securely couple or connect second adapter  200  to second image modifying device  20 . Then, second image modifying device  20  has mating members on both proximal portion  22  and distal portion  24 , and is coupled or connected to both first adapter  100  and second adapter  200  in the same or similar manner.  
         [0067]     The reverse may also be employed in accordance with the present invention. In an embodiment, the gripping mechanism  222  used to releasably but securely couple or connect second adapter  200  to second image modifying device  20  may be used on first adapter  100  to securely or releasably couple or connect first adapter  100  to second image modifying device  20 , in place of or in addition to the existing mechanisms and members used for such connection or coupling. As illustrated in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , proximal portion  22  of second image modifying device  20  may be inserted into distal portion  130  of collar  101 , and gripping mechanism  132 ″ similar to gripping mechanism  222  may be used to releasably but securely couple or connect first adapter  100  to second image modifying device  20 . Then, second image modifying device  20  is coupled or connected to both first adapter  100  and second adapter  200  in the same or similar gripping manner, as described above with respect to second adapter  200 .  
         [0068]     In the preceding specification, the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.