Slotted peep

Abstract

The slotted peep of this invention is a device that eliminates diffracted light from its aperture. By surrounding an open space with the open ends of slots, a space is defined that has virtually no physical edges. A slot of the slotted peep is shaped to direct diffracted light parallel to or away from the perimeter of the open space. (FIG. 1 ) shows slotted peep ( 22 ). A user looking through the slotted peep would see, ( 20 ). Diffracted light darkens the slots. Since light is diffracted parallel to or away from the perimeter of the slotted peep's aperture, diffraction will have no effect on the aperture. The slotted peep's aperture will virtually free of diffracted light. The slotted peep should be made in a rigid material. There is a need for a peep that eliminates diffracted light from its aperture.

45 . A slotted peep for viewing an object, comprising: 
 A member having at least four slots formed therein;    each of said slots having a pair of generally parallel sides extending a length between an open end and a closed end;    each of said slots intersecting angularly spaced adjacent ones of said slots at said open ends thereof such that the open ends intersect to form corners and said intersection defines a central aperture;    the closed ends of said slots being curved; and, the slots having the width thereof selected such that diffraction of light is confined to said slots and said central aperture is substantially free from light diffraction:    
     
     
         46 . The slotted peep of  claim 45 , wherein 
 each of said sides includes an edge and wherein the edges of said generally parallel sides and said closed end define a border of said slots; said member having a thickness adjacent to said border which is less than a thickness of said member away from said border.    
     
     
         47 . The slotted peep of  claim 46 , wherein: 
 said border defines a knife edge.    
     
     
         48 . The slotted peep of  claim 45 , wherein: 
 said slots are generally equi-angularly spaced.    
     
     
         49 . The slotted peep of  claim 45 , wherein: 
 the slots having the length at least twice the width thereof.