Teleidoscope

A teleidoscope is a kind of kaleidoscope, with a lens and an open view, so it can be used to form kaleidoscopic patterns from objects outside the instrument, rather than from items installed as part of it. It was invented by John Lyon Burnside III,^[1] who filed a patent for the invention in 1970 and was granted it in 1972.^[2]

The lens at the end of the tube is not an optical requirement, but protects the internals of the teleidoscope. A spherical ball lens is often used. An advantage of using a sphere is that it will not press flat against the object being viewed, which would block all light and result in no image being seen.

External links

• Teleidoscope explanation from the Brewster Society

References

1. ↑ kscopes kaleidoscope fansite Teleidoscope History Archived April 23, 2011 at the Wayback Machine
2. ↑ freepatentsonline.com downloadable copy of the issued patent