Fluid Lens Patents (Class 351/159.68)
  • Patent number: 11347079
    Abstract: A control system for an optical assembly having a fluid optical cell coupled to a hydraulic drive system includes a detector system that detects a line-of-sight of a user based on electromagnetic energy reflected from an eye of a user. The control system additionally includes a controller configured to determine a distance to an observed object based on the detected line-of-sight. The control system is also configured to control the hydraulic drive system to modify hydraulic pressure applied to the fluid optical cell such that the fluid optical cell is focused on the observed object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: Johnnie E. Floyd
  • Patent number: 11337795
    Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) having an optical axis extending in an anterior-posterior direction and an equator extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis is described. The IOL includes: an elastic anterior face located anterior to the equator; a posterior face located posterior to the equator, wherein the anterior face, the posterior face, or both comprises a poly(dimethylsiloxane) elastomer having a durometer between about 20 Shore A to about 50 Shore A; and a chamber located between the anterior face and the posterior face comprising a silicone oil comprising polysiloxanes comprising diphenyl siloxane and dimethyl siloxane units, the silicone oil having a maximum viscosity of about 800 cSt at 25° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: JelliSee Ophthalmics Inc.
    Inventor: Forrest J. Ellis
  • Patent number: 11333803
    Abstract: Examples include a device including a fluid lens having a membrane (that may be in elastic tension), a substrate, a fluid at least partially enclosed between the membrane and the substrate, and a support structure configured to provide a guide path for an edge portion of the membrane, such as a membrane attachment at a periphery of the membrane. The guide path may be configured to greatly reduce (or substantially eliminate) changes in the elastic energy of the membrane as the membrane profile is adjusted. The guide path may be configured so that the elastic force exerted by the membrane is generally normal to the guide path for each location on the guide path. Adjustment of the membrane profile may include applying an actuation force that is normal to the elastic force exerted by the membrane. Various other methods and apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Alexander Herbert, Robert Edward Stevens, Thomas Norman Llyn Jacoby, Andrew John Ouderkirk
  • Patent number: 10928638
    Abstract: An eyewear device comprises a left lens assembly and a right lens assembly. The left lens assembly includes a left focus tunable lens and a left focus fixed lens. A right lens assembly includes a right focus tunable lens and a right focus fixed lens. The eyewear device may be used in 3D display applications, virtual reality applications, augmented reality applications, remote presence applications, etc. The eyewear device may also be used as vision correction glasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Ajit Ninan, Chaitanya Atluru, James Thomas Triplett, Chun Chi Wan
  • Patent number: 10802296
    Abstract: An optical lens for vision correction includes a first image fusion area centered on a visual axis (L) of the eye (E) of a user and including a plurality of first dioptric portions randomly arranged around the first image fusion area and fused to have a first diopter (N), and a second image fusion area connected to and surrounds the first image fusion area and including a plurality of second dioptric portions randomly arranged around the second image fusion area and fused to have a second diopter (M). The first diopter |N| is smaller than the second diopter |M|. The longest width of each of the first and second dioptric portions relative to the visual axis (L) is smaller than 200 nanometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: ST. SHINE OPTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Hsien Chen, Yu-Jan Chou, Chiu-Hsien Tsan, Shang-Jen Huang
  • Patent number: 10656407
    Abstract: An example electronic apparatus for switching microlenses includes a microlens including a plurality of microstructures to bend light. The electronic apparatus also includes a chamber coupled to the microlens to receive a liquid with an optical index that matches an optical index of the microlens. The electronic apparatus further includes an electronic device coupled to the chamber to manipulate the liquid to achieve a target optical state of the microlens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Mikko Ollila
  • Patent number: 10394056
    Abstract: Adjustable focus spectacles using fluid displacement lens units with bipolar membrane distension and a non-circular periphery. The lens unit includes front and rear mounting rings, front and rear distensible membranes respectively mounted on the two mounting rings, a ring shaped flexible seal disposed between the two mounting rings along their peripheries, and front and rear clamping rings for respectively clamping the flexible seal to the front and rear mounting rings. The sealed space defined by the two distensible membranes and the flexible seal is filled with an optical fluid. The two mounting rings are pivotally coupled together at a pivot located along the periphery of the lens unit. A biasing spring is affixed to the front and rear mounting rings at a second location on their periphery to urge them away from each other. An assembly process for the lens unit is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Inventor: Stephen Kurtin
  • Patent number: 10359546
    Abstract: A deformable membrane assembly comprising a fixed support, a fluid-filled envelope, one wall of which is formed by an elastic membrane that is held under tension around its edge by a flexible membrane supporting member, the supporting member being coupled to the fixed support at a plurality of discrete control points around the supporting member by engaging members for controlling the position of the membrane edge; and an adjuster for adjusting the pressure of the fluid within the envelope to adjust the shape of the membrane; wherein at least three control points are provided that are situated around the membrane edge at spaced locations selected to increase the energy of the lowest order out-of-plane bending mode of the supporting member while allowing the membrane to deform according to one or more selected Zernike polynomials. An article of eyewear comprising such a deformable membrane assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Adlens Limited
    Inventors: Robert Edward Stevens, Alex Edginton, Benjamin Thomas Tristram Holland, Daniel Paul Rhodes, Dijon Pietropinto
  • Patent number: 10302968
    Abstract: A meniscus shaped lens module comprises one or more structures that decrease an amount of pressure or force to move one or more surfaces of the lens module and increase a separation distance of anterior and posterior surfaces of the module in order to provide an increase in optical power. A lens structure of the module comprises one or more of a pattern of a surface of a central chamber, a meniscus, a reduced diameter or a soft material in order to provide increased amounts of curvature of an outer contact lens surface with decreased amounts of pressure. The pattern can be formed in one or more of many ways, and may comprise one or more of folds, patterning, bellows or concertinaed surface of an optically transmissive material having a substantially uniform thickness such as a sheet of a membrane material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: ONEFOCUS VISION, INC.
    Inventors: Steven B. Waite, Amitava Gupta, Urban Schnell, Jean-Christophe Roulet, Michel Saint-Ghislain, Stefan Troller
  • Patent number: 9977261
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for an adjustable fluid-filled lens is provided. In some embodiments, the actuator assembly includes a clamp configured to adjust the optical power of the fluid lens module when the clamp is compressed. In some embodiments, a magnetic element is configured to adjust the optical power of the fluid-filled lens. In some embodiments, a plunger changes the optical power of the fluid lens module. In some embodiments, a reservoir is configured such that deformation of the reservoir changes the optical power of the fluid-filled lens. In some embodiments, a balloon is configured to deform the reservoir. In some embodiments, an adjustable fluid-filled lens includes a septum configured to be pierceable by a needle and automatically and fluidly seal a fluid chamber after withdrawal of the needle. In some embodiments, a thermal element can heat fluid within a fluid chamber to change an optical power of the lens module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.
    Inventors: William Egan, Karim Haroud, Lisa Nibauer, Matthew Peterson, Urban Schnell, Daniel Senatore
  • Patent number: 9939659
    Abstract: A non-round fluid lens assembly includes a non-round rigid lens and a flexible membrane attached to the non-round rigid lens, such that a cavity is formed between the non-round rigid lens and the flexible membrane. A reservoir in fluid communication with the cavity allows a fluid to be transferred into and out of the cavity so as to change the optical power of the fluid lens assembly. In an embodiment, a front surface of the non-round rigid lens is aspheric. Additionally or alternatively, a thickness of the flexible membrane may be contoured so that it changes shape in a spheric manner when fluid is transferred between the cavity and the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.
    Inventors: Amitava Gupta, Urban Schnell, Karim Haroud, Hans Jaeger
  • Patent number: 9791720
    Abstract: A deformable membrane assembly comprises an at least partially flexible fluid-filled envelope, one wall of which is formed by an elastic membrane that is held around its edge by a resiliently bendable supporting ring, a fixed support for the envelope and selectively operable means for causing relative movement between the supporting ring and the support for adjusting the pressure of the fluid in the envelope, thereby to cause the membrane to deform. The bending stiffness of the ring varies round the ring such that upon deformation of the membrane the ring bends variably to control the shape of the membrane to a predefined form. The moving means comprise a plurality of ring-engaging members that are arranged to apply a force to the ring at spaced control points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Adlens Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Edward Stevens, Alex Edginton, Benjamin Thomas Tristram Holland, Daniel Paul Rhodes, Dijon Pietropinto, Derek Paul Forbes Bean, Roger Brian Minchin Clarke, Peter Lee Crossley, Richard Leefe Douglas Murray, Edwin James Stone
  • Patent number: 9658469
    Abstract: This invention describes Ophthalmic Devices with media inserts that have nanostructured Metasurface elements upon or within them. In some embodiments passive ophthalmic devices of various kinds may be formed. Methods and devices for active ophthalmic devices based on Metasurface structures may also be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Frederick A. Flitsch
  • Patent number: 9402028
    Abstract: An image stabilization and tracking system includes a primary imaging detector, a stabilization and tracking detector, an image processing and correction command control, and an adaptive optic device. The primary imaging detector is configured to detect, within a field of view, images of a primary object in an optic image. The stabilization and tracking detector is disposed outside of the field of view, and is configured to detect images of a tracking object in the optic image. The image processing and correction command control is coupled to receive the images of, and is configured to detect relative movement of, the tracking object. The adaptive optic device is coupled to receive correction commands and is configured, in response thereto, to move and thereby vary a position of the optic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: David J. Dopilka
  • Patent number: 9033495
    Abstract: A variable focus optical apparatus including a rigid, curved, transparent optical component; two transparent, distensible membranes attached to a periphery of the rigid optical component to define two cavities, a first cavity between the rigid optical component and a first membrane and a second cavity between the first membrane and a second membrane; and a variable amount of fluid filling each of the cavities, and a reservoir containing additional fluid and in fluid communication with the cavity, wherein the reservoir is configured to provide injection of fluid into the cavity or withdrawal of fluid out of the cavity in response to a force or an impulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.
    Inventors: Amitava Gupta, Karim Haroud, Urban Schnell
  • Publication number: 20150116656
    Abstract: A deformable membrane assembly 1 comprising a fixed support; a fluid-filled envelope, one wall of which is formed by an elastic membrane 8 that is held under tension around its edge by a flexible membrane supporting member 2, 10, the membrane supporting member being coupled to the fixed support at a plurality of discrete control points 120 round the supporting member by respective engaging members for controlling the position of the membrane edge relative to the fixed support at the control points, and the member being unconstrained between said control points; and a selectively operable pressure adjuster for adjusting the pressure of the fluid within the envelope, thereby to adjust the shape of the membrane; wherein at least three control points are provided which are situated round the membrane edge at spaced locations on the member that are selected to increase the energy of the lowest order out-of-plane bending modes of the supporting member in response to loading through tension in the membrane that do n
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: ADLENS LTD.
    Inventors: Robert Edward Stevens, Alex Edginton, Benjamin Thomas Tristam Holland, Daniel Paul Rhodes, Dijon Pietropinto
  • Patent number: 8967797
    Abstract: Adjustable focus eyeglasses where the range of adjustment can be moved. That is, if a pair of adjustable focus eyeglasses have a range of 0 diopters to 2.75 diopters (to provide a 2.75 D ADD for reading for an emmetrope), this invention could, for example, permit the user to move the range from 0 D to 2.75 D to 2.00 D to 4.75 D so as to accommodate a short term change in the user's distance vision requirement. Each eye can be adjusted independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Superfocus Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Kurtin
  • Publication number: 20150055084
    Abstract: The present invention provides a deformable membrane assembly 1 comprising an elastic membrane 8 that is held under tension around its edge by a bendable membrane supporting member 2,10, a body of fluid in contact with one face of the membrane, the pressure of the fluid being controllable for adjusting the shape of the membrane, and one or more bending controllers 24 acting on the supporting member 2, 10 to control the bending of the supporting member in response to loading through tension in the membrane. The bending stiffness of the membrane-supporting member 2, 10 varies round its extent to control the profile of the edge of the membrane 8; etc. upon actuation. A variety of different types of bending controllers are disclosed which permit out-of-plane bending of the supporting member 2, 10 but prevent or control in-plane bending or deformation of the supporting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Adlens Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Edward Stevens, Alex Edginton, Benjamin Thomas Tristam Holland, Daniel Paul Rhodes, Dijon Pietropinto, Derek Paul Forbes Bean, Roger Brian Minchin Clarke, Peter Lee Crossley, Richard Leefe Douglas Murray, Edwin James Stone
  • Patent number: 8922902
    Abstract: A device and/or apparatus that comprises a dynamic optical lens is provided. A first apparatus includes a first lens component having a first surface and a second surface. The first apparatus further includes a second lens component that comprises a flexible element. The first apparatus also includes a fluid that may be applied between at least a portion of the first lens component and at least a portion of the second lens component. The flexible element of the second lens component is such that it conforms to the first surface of the first lens component when an amount of fluid between the first surface of the first lens component and the second lens component is sufficiently low. The flexible element of the second lens component is also such that it does not conform to the first surface of the first lens component when an amount of fluid between the first surface of the first lens component and the second lens component is sufficiently great.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Blum, Anthony Van Heugten
  • Publication number: 20140368789
    Abstract: An adaptive lens system comprises i) a lens compartment with a transparent cover; ii) a deformable transparent optical element mounted in the lens compartment which forms a sealed upper chamber in the lens compartment between the transparent cover and the upper surface of the optical element, and also defining a lower region external to the lower surface of the optical element; iii) a first transparent fluid medium in the upper chamber and a second transparent fluid medium in the lower region, the first and second fluid media having different refractive indices; iv) a structural element located in and movable in the upper chamber relative to the deformable optical element to mechanically engage the deformable optical element to thereby alter the curvature of the deformable optical element, thereby altering the refractive power or the prismatic effect of the adaptive lens system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Garth T. WEBB
  • Publication number: 20140253872
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sealing device for use in variable focus lenses that includes a guide member having at least one internal cavity and a passageway intersecting the internal cavity. A pinch member is slidably engaged within the internal cavity of the guide member and a portion of the pinch member slides across the passageway and into a portion of the internal cavity to deform and seal a fluid tube extending through the passageway. A set of adjustable eyeglasses employing the sealing device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Richard Andrew HARTSHORN, Edward Henry GOODWIN, Richard Edward TAYLOR, Jeremy STIMSON, Maja KECMAN
  • Publication number: 20140253873
    Abstract: A method of forming a support member to a flexible membrane is provided by the present disclosure. In one form, the method includes placing the flexible membrane onto an outer periphery of a fixed tool, translating a movable tool towards the fixed tool, and engaging the flexible membrane such that the flexible membrane is deformed and placed into tension. A molten resin is then injected into a support ring molding cavity, and the resin is allowed to cool such that the support ring is secured to the tensioned flexible membrane. The movable tool is then translated away from the fixed tool to eject a flexible membrane and support ring assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: David Nicholas CROSBY, Richard Edward TAYLOR, Gregor Allan STOREY
  • Publication number: 20140247422
    Abstract: Adjustable focus eyeglasses where the range of adjustment can be moved. That is, if a pair of adjustable focus eyeglasses have a range of 0 diopters to 2.75 diopters (to provide a 2.75D ADD for reading for an emmetrope), this invention could, for example, permit the user to move the range from 0D to 2.75D to 2.00D to 4.75D so as to accommodate a short term change in the user's distance vision requirement. Each eye can be adjusted independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: ZOOM FOCUS EYEWEAR, LLC DBA SUPERFOCUS LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Kurtin
  • Patent number: 8817381
    Abstract: An optical and mechanical design of a sealed, non-round fluid-filled lens capable of providing variation of optical power. The fluid lens includes at least three optical components: at least one mostly rigid optical disc, at least one mostly flexible optical membrane and a layer of a transparent fluid that is in communication via a fluid channel with a reservoir of excess fluid contained in a reservoir that can be accessed to augment the fluid volume inside the fluid lens to change the power of the fluid lens. The fluid lens is capable of providing correction of spherical and astigmatic errors, and utilizes contoured membranes to provide for a substantially constant desired spherical power over a substantially full field of view of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.
    Inventors: Amitava Gupta, Urban Schnell, Karim Haroud, Hans Jaeger, Lisa Nibauer, William Egan, Stefan Troller, Julien Sauvet, Christian Oggenfuss
  • Publication number: 20140226127
    Abstract: An actuator for a fluid-filled lens including a housing having a first and second end; a reservoir disposed within the housing is disclosed. In an embodiment, the actuator further includes a compression arm having a first end that is fixed at a pivot and a second end that is not fixed such that the compression arm flexes to compress the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Adlens Beacon, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Senatore, Matthew Wallace Peterson, Jonathan Downing, Amitava Gupta, William Egan, Lisa Nibauer, Frank Stangota, Bruce Decker, Thomas M. McGuire, Urban Schnell, Karim Haroud, Pascal Loser
  • Patent number: 8777408
    Abstract: Adjustable focus eyeglasses where the range of adjustment can be moved. That is, if a pair of adjustable focus eyeglasses have a range of 0 diopters to 2.75 diopters (to provide a 2.75 D ADD for reading for an emmetrope), this invention could, for example, permit the user to move the range from 0 D to 2.75 D to 2.00 D to 4.75 D so as to accommodate a short term change in the user's distance vision requirement. Each eye can be adjusted independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Zoom Focus Eyewear, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Kurtin
  • Patent number: 8767308
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially a conical frustum and at least a portion of the conical frustum concave in relation to the optical axis. An application of an electrical current to the meniscus wall provides for a increase in negative power in an optical quality provided by the liquid meniscus lens. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Daniel B. Otts, Adam Toner, Edward R. Kernick, James Daniel Riall, Sharika Snook
  • Patent number: 8767309
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of multiple segments of a torus convex toward the optical axis. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Daniel B. Otts, Adam Toner, Edward R. Kernick, James Daniel Riall, Sharika Snook
  • Patent number: 8760767
    Abstract: A non-round fluid lens assembly includes a non-round rigid lens and a flexible membrane attached to the non-round rigid lens, such that a cavity is formed between the non-round rigid lens and the flexible membrane. A reservoir in fluid communication with the cavity allows a fluid to be transferred into and out of the cavity so as to change the optical power of the fluid lens assembly. In an embodiment, a front surface of the non-round rigid lens is aspheric. Additionally or alternatively, a thickness of the flexible membrane may be contoured so that it changes shape in a spheric manner when fluid is transferred between the cavity and the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.
    Inventors: Amitava Gupta, Urban Schnell, Karim Haroud, Hans Jaeger
  • Patent number: 8743467
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Daniel B. Otts, James D. Riall, Adam Toner, Edward R. Kernick, Sharika Snook
  • Patent number: 8708487
    Abstract: Adjustable focus eyeglasses where the range of adjustment can be moved. That is, if a pair of adjustable focus eyeglasses have a range of 0 diopters to 2.75 diopters (to provide a 2.75 D ADD for reading for an emmetrope), this invention could, for example, permit the user to move the range from 0 D to 2.75 D to 2.00 D to 4.75 D so as to accommodate a short term change in the user's distance vision requirement. Each eye can be adjusted independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Zoom Focus Eyewear LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Kurtin
  • Patent number: 8708486
    Abstract: An actuator for a fluid-filled lens including a housing having a first and a second end; a reservoir disposed within the housing. In an embodiment, a slider is slidingly disposed within the housing and disposed adjacent to the reservoir. In an embodiment, the actuator further includes a compression arm having a first end that is fixed and a second end that is not fixed, wherein the compression arm is disposed adjacent to the reservoir. Sliding the slider from one end of the housing to the other causes the slider to push the second end of the compression arm so as to compress the reservoir. In an embodiment, the slider includes a first end having a wedge shape configured to compress the reservoir. Sliding of the slider from one end of the housing to the other causes the first end of the slider to compress the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Senatore, Matthew Wallace Peterson, Jonathan Downing, Amitava Gupta, William Egan, Lisa Nibauer, Frank Stangota, Bruce Decker, Thomas M. McGuire, Urban Schnell, Karim Haroud, Pascal Loser
  • Patent number: 8696114
    Abstract: Adjustable focus eyeglasses where the range of adjustment can be moved. That is, if a pair of adjustable focus eyeglasses have a range of 0 diopters to 2.75 diopters (to provide a 2.75 D ADD for reading for an emmetrope), this invention could, for example, permit the user to move the range from 0 D to 2.75 D to 2.00 D to 4.75 D so as to accommodate a short term change in the user's distance vision requirement. Each eye can be adjusted independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Zoom Focus Eyewear, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Kurtin
  • Patent number: 8693104
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum combined with a segment of a torus convex to the optical axis. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Daniel B. Otts, Adam Toner, Edward R. Kernick, James Daniel Riall, Sharika Snook
  • Patent number: 8687280
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum, additional embodiments may include a cylindrical wall, each with microchannels. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Daniel B. Otts, Adam Toner, Edward R. Kernick, James Daniel Riall, Sharika Snook
  • Publication number: 20140085726
    Abstract: A lens in accordance with the present invention includes an switchable cell consisting of optical substrate with diffraction surface, elastic film in contact with the diffraction surface of the substrate, optical fluid that fills the space between the film and diffraction surface and the mean to transfer the optical fluid in and out of the space between the film and diffraction surface. The refractive index of the optical fluid matches the refractive index of the optical substrate. The switchable cell changes focus positions between refractive focus in relaxed state when the pressure at both sides of the film is the same and diffraction focus when the optical fluid is transported from the space between the film and optical substrate for the film to largely conform to the diffraction surface shape of the optical substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Valdemar Portney
  • Publication number: 20140071399
    Abstract: Optical apparatus comprises at least one variable power lens 1 formed by a fluid-filled cavity 2 defined between two transparent walls 3, 4, at least one of which is provided by a flexible membrane 4. The apparatus further comprises a first pump 10 in fluid communication with the cavity 2 for varying the volume of fluid in the cavity 2 in order to change the optical power of the lens 1. A second pump 20 is provided in fluid communication with the cavity 2 for varying the volume of fluid in the cavity 2 in order to change the optical power of the lens 1. The second pump 20 is in fluid communication with the cavity 2 via a detachable connection 7, so that the second pump 20 can be removed from the apparatus after adjustment of the optical power of the lens 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Adaptive Spectacles Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher William WRAY, Joshua David Silver
  • Patent number: 8665526
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens, some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a front curve arcuate lens and a back curve arcuate lens. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Daniel B. Otts, Adam Toner, Edward R. Kernick, James Daniel Riall, Sharika Snook
  • Publication number: 20140028971
    Abstract: Adjustable focus eyeglasses where the range of adjustment can be moved. That is, if a pair of adjustable focus eyeglasses have a range of 0 diopters to 2.75 diopters (to provide a 2.75 D ADD for reading for an emmetrope), this invention could, for example, permit the user to move the range from OD to 2.75 D to 2.00 D to 4.75 D so as to accommodate a short term change in the user's distance vision requirement. Each eye can be adjusted independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Zoom Focus Eyewear, LLC dba Superfocus LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Kurtin
  • Patent number: 8638502
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum, a cross section of which is non-spherical. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Daniel B. Otts, Adam Toner, Edward R. Kernick, James Daniel Riall, Sharika Snook
  • Patent number: 8638501
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum with at least a portion of the conical frustum convex toward the optical axis. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Daniel B. Otts, Adam Toner, Edward R. Kernick, James Daniel Riall, Sharika Snook
  • Patent number: 8634145
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum with at least a portion of the conical frustum concave toward the optical axis. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Daniel B. Otts, Adam Toner, Edward R. Kernick, James Daniel Riall, Sharika Snook
  • Publication number: 20140016089
    Abstract: A variable focus optical apparatus including a rigid, curved, transparent optical component; two transparent, distensible membranes attached to a periphery of the rigid optical component to define two cavities, a first cavity between the rigid optical component and a first membrane and a second cavity between the first membrane and a second membrane; and a variable amount of fluid filling each of the cavities, and a reservoir Containing additional fluid and in fluid communication with the cavity, wherein the reservoir is configured to provide injection of fluid into the cavity or withdrawal of fluid out of the cavity in response to a force or an impulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Adlens Beacon, Inc.
    Inventors: Amitava Gupta, Karim Haroud, Urban Schnell
  • Publication number: 20140016087
    Abstract: A lens blank for a fluid lens includes a rigid lens and a semi-flexible inflatable membrane attached to the rigid lens. The lens blank is divided into a cavity zone and a bonded zone. The cavity zone extends radially outward from a central area of the lens blank and a cavity is formed between the membrane and the rigid lens within the cavity zone. The bonded zone extends radially outward from the cavity zone and the membrane is bonded and fluidly sealed to the rigid lens throughout the bonded zone. The bonded zone is dimensioned to be trimmed to accommodate a plurality of frame shapes and sizes. Methods of manufacturing lens blanks are also provided. Arrays of lens blanks and fluid lenses are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Amitava GUPTA, Urban Schnell
  • Patent number: 8596781
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and manufacturing methods for a fluid filled lens reservoir system. The eyeglass reservoir system includes a temple piece having a cavity, a bladder positioned within the cavity and configured to repeatedly compress and relax, the bladder being made of a flexible material, and a connecting tube coupled to an inlet port of a lens module and to the bladder, configured to carry a fluid between the bladder and a fluid filled lens cavity of the lens module. The eyeglass reservoir system further comprises a compression arm contacting the bladder and configured to transmit force from an actuator to the bladder to cause movement of the fluid between the bladder and the connecting tube. The bladder and connecting tube are made of a flexible material such as polyvinyledende difluoride. The connecting tube further comprises a flared end configured to couple to the inlet port of the lens module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.
    Inventors: Amitava Gupta, William Egan, Lisa Nibauer, Bruce Decker, Urban Schnell, Karim Haroud, Pascal Loser, Michel Saint-Ghislain, Daniel Senatore, Matthew Wallace Peterson
  • Patent number: 8570658
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a non-powered actuator arm for controlling liquid flow to a fluid-filled lens are described herein. A vertical tweezer assembly compresses a reservoir of solution in a first vertical direction by lateral disposition of a slider mounted on the outside of the housing. The assembly may also be shaped to provide compression of the reservoir in a second horizontal direction by lateral disposition of a slider. In another embodiment, a housing may contain a piston that moves laterally within the housing and collapses the reservoir disposed adjacent to the piston and also within the housing. The housing may contain a plurality of compressible domes which can each be compressed to cause a local compression on the reservoir disposed within the housing. Compression of the reservoir causes liquid inflation of a lens module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Nibauer, Matthew Wallace Peterson, Daniel Senatore, Urban Schnell, Karim Haroud
  • Publication number: 20130229618
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a high-efficiency Electrowetting saline solution formulation. Specific embodiments include high-efficiency Electrowetting saline formulations that maximize the electrical performance of an arcuate liquid meniscus lens incorporated in an ophthalmic lens and operated using direct current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel B. Otts, Katherine Hardy, Sharika Snook, Adam Toner, James Daniel Riall, Randall B. Pugh
  • Patent number: 8488250
    Abstract: An embodiment of a piezoelectric actuator system for a fluid-filled lens is described herein. A piezoelectric reservoir is provided encompassing a fluid. In an embodiment, the reservoir is disposed around the perimeter of a lens module within a housing. In an embodiment, electrodes are woven into the reservoir and connected to a power source. An applied potential causes the reservoir to flex with a magnitude and direction related to the amplitude and polarity respectively of the potential. In an embodiment, flexing of the reservoir causes fluid to either inflate or deflate the fluid-filled lens module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Nibauer, Matthew Wallace Peterson, Daniel Senatore, Urban Schnell, Karim Haroud
  • Publication number: 20130141690
    Abstract: An optical apparatus (1) for wearing by a human user comprises one or more variable power lenses (4), means (10) for adjusting the power of the variable power lens (4), means (26) for capturing data representative of said adjustments, and means (28) for recording or transmitting the captured data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Richard Edward Taylor, David Nicholas Crosby, Owen Fletcher Reading, Joshua Silver, Gregor Allan Storey
  • Patent number: 8414121
    Abstract: An optical and mechanical design of a sealed, non-round fluid-filled lens capable of providing variation of optical power. The fluid lens includes at least three optical components: at least one mostly rigid optical disc, at least one mostly flexible optical membrane and a layer of a transparent fluid that is in communication via a fluid channel with a reservoir of excess fluid contained in a reservoir that can be accessed to augment the fluid volume inside the fluid lens to change the power of the fluid lens. The fluid lens is capable of providing correction of spherical and astigmatic errors, and utilizes contoured membranes to minimize image aberrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.
    Inventors: Amitava Gupta, Urban Schnell, Karim Haroud, Hans Jaeger, Lisa Nibauer, Pascal Loser, William Egan