With Support Patents (Class 359/811)
  • Patent number: 8493677
    Abstract: A lens unit includes a lens holder of stainless steel and a converging lens fixed to a lens holding hole of the lens holder. The lens holder is formed by pressing, or stamping from a metal plate, made of a compressed stainless steel plate material, having a predetermined thickness with a narrow tolerance. Upon stamping, the metal plate is fractured, thus forming an outer tapered surface at one end of the outer surface of the lens holder. When the outer surface and the rear end surface of the lens holder are allowed to abut against a positioning recess in order to position the lens holder, the outer tapered surface is opposed to the corner of the positioning recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Imai
  • Patent number: 8491748
    Abstract: Provided is a gluing method for assembling an optical transceiver module. In the gluing method, a substrate, a lens and a lens barrel are provided. The lens barrel is mounted on the substrate and includes a top surface and an inner surface. The lens includes an upper surface. A rotatable platform is provided to hold the substrate. The lens is positioned in the lens barrel, with the upper surface being lower than the top surface relative to the substrate. A gluing syringe containing glue is positioned above the upper surface. The gluing syringe is moved toward the lens such that a syringe needle of the gluing syringe is closer to the substrate and is yet spaced from the upper surface. The syringe needle is then moved to contact the inner surface. The rotatable platform is rotated and the glue is output to glue the lens to the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Chen Lai
  • Patent number: 8493674
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a positioning unit for an optical element in a microlithographic projection exposure installation having a first connecting area for connection to the optical element, and having a second connecting area for connection to an object in the vicinity of the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Kugler, Ulrich Weber
  • Patent number: 8488260
    Abstract: A flexure system for miniature camera and the like is disclosed. The flexure system can include a frame and a stage that is configured to move with respect to the frame. One or more flexures can interconnect the frame and the stage. Each flexure can have one or more film hinges formed thereon. The film hinges can be widely spaced and/or extended in length so as to substantially mitigate undesirable pitching of the stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation MEMS
    Inventors: Robert J. Calvet, Xiaolei Liu, Ankur Jain
  • Publication number: 20130176633
    Abstract: A plastic lens 1 has a lens 2 that effectively functions as a lens at a center and an annular flange 3 that does not act as a lens along a circumference of the lens. A gate 4 serving as a flow channel through which molten plastic is to be poured during molding is formed on a circumference of the flange. The gate is cut and taken away at an angle of inclination so as to include a point of intersection between the gate 4 and the circumferential flange 3, whereby a circumferential flange having a given thickness or more is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: PANASONIC CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8482868
    Abstract: Adjustable mounts for optical elements or the like that may include absolute position information feedback. For some embodiments, position data may be generated independent of displacement measurement. Position data feedback may be provided to driver embodiments, such as piezoelectric inertia drivers, by a controller and used to achieve a desired position setting for an adjustable mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Newport Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick J. Thomas, Daniel Gvero, Roger Desailly
  • Patent number: 8482870
    Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to a lens module manufactured from a wafer and a wafer level lens module manufacturing apparatus. The wafer level lens module manufacturing apparatus to mold lenses on a wafer provided with lens holes includes a first master substrate and a second master substrate disposed such that the wafer is between the first master substrate and the second master substrate. The wafer level lens module manufacturing apparatus also includes lens molding parts that enter the lens holes and are on at least one of the first master substrate and the second master substrate. The lens is molded to have a thickness less than that of the wafer using the first lens molding parts and second lens molding parts, and both surfaces of the lens are inside the lens hole. Therefore, even if wafers provided with lenses are stacked on each other, the lens does not contact the surfaces of the neighboring wafers or the lenses molded on the neighboring wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ji Ho Uh
  • Patent number: 8482869
    Abstract: Disclosed are a lens actuator and a camera module having the lens actuator. The lens actuator, which includes: a housing; a magnet installed in the housing; a lens holder supporting a lens and installed to ascend and descend in the housing; a spring coupled to the lens holder and supported by the housing to elastically support the lens holder; and a coil coupled to the lens holder in such a way that the coil faces the magnet, a lead line of the coil being interposed between the lens holder and the spring, forms an electric connection structure between the coil and the spring that durable against shocks and humidity, improving the reliability of electric connection, and simplifies the connection structure between the spring and the coil, making it easier to manufacture the lens actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Yamauchi
  • Publication number: 20130163103
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for fabricating optical instrumentation. The techniques can be used, for instance, to populate an optical bench with several optics that can be simultaneously bonded and simultaneously verified to precise assembly, and without the use of adjustable mounts or active alignment. The techniques may be embodied, for instance, in a jig designed for operatively coupling to a given optical bench. The jig includes cut-outs that identify placement locations for the various optical components on the underlying optical bench. Thus, once the jig is secured to the optical bench, precise placement of the optical components is simplified. In some such embodiments, the jig further includes a clamping assembly for each cut-out, so that once an optical component is placed on the optical bench via that cutout, the clamping assembly can be engaged to hold that optical component in place while a deposited bonding agent is cured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: BAE Systems information and Electronic Systems Int regation Inc.
    Inventors: Chris L. Willis, John C. McCarthy, Katherine J. Snell
  • Publication number: 20130163102
    Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator for driving a lens unit along an optical axis is disclosed. The piezoelectric actuator includes a fixed member, a movable member movably received in the fixed member, a magnetic plate fixed on the fixed member, a magnet fixed on the movable member, a piezoelectric member and a circuit board. The movable member includes a contacting portion. The magnet is aligned with the magnetic plate along a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. The piezoelectric member is fixed on the fixed member and contacts on the contacting portion of the movable member for driving the movable member to move along the optical axis. The circuit board provides voltages to the piezoelectric member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHIEN-WEI HUANG
  • Patent number: 8467138
    Abstract: An optical element of the present invention is provide with a first surface which is formed on the front-object side and upon which light from the front-object side is incident, a second surface formed on the image side, and a third surface which is formed between the first surface and the second surface and upon which light from the generally lateral object side is incident. The first surface is provided with a first transmission surface formed around the optical axis and a first reflection surface which faces the image side and which is formed annularly around the first transmission surface. The second surface is provided with a second transmission surface formed around the optical axis, and a second reflection surface which faces the front object side and which is formed annularly around the second transmission surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Mizusawa
  • Patent number: 8462450
    Abstract: The optical apparatus includes a first optical unit and a second optical unit that are movable in an optical axis direction, actuators that respectively move the first and second optical units in the optical axis direction, and a linking mechanism that is configured to link the first and second optical units with each other such that, in a state where the optical axis direction is tilted with respect to a horizontal direction and thereby an obliquely downward force caused by gravity acts on each of the first and second optical units in an obliquely downward direction, one of the first and second optical units works as a counterweight to provide an obliquely upward force acting on the other of the first and second optical units in an obliquely upward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Changzhi Cui
  • Patent number: 8457530
    Abstract: A plastic optical element for use in an optical scanning device including light effective portions that focus light, and at least one link portion that connects the light effective portions in the sub-scanning direction, the link portion forming a border arc having a curvature radius R of 2 mm or greater and contacting the light effective portions such that the tangent of the light effective portion at the connection point of the light effective portion and the border arc matches the tangent of the border arc at the connection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiichi Hayashi, Takamichi Ohhashi, Go Takahashi, Kan Aoki
  • Patent number: 8456771
    Abstract: A holding arrangement for an optical element includes a basic structure surrounding an optical element and a mounting device by which the optical element can be supported on the basic structure with two degrees of freedom for a rotational movement about an optical axis and a translational movement along a first axis which extends perpendicularly to the optical axis and intersects the optical axis in a center. The mounting device includes four joint locations arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center and at least one parallel rocker which is displaceable parallel to the first axis. A manipulator unit includes a holding arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignees: Carl Zeiss Laser Optics GmbH, Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Weber, Hubert Holderer
  • Publication number: 20130135694
    Abstract: A lens array includes a first lens row including first lenses arranged in a first direction, a second lens row including second lenses arranged in a direction substantially parallel with the first direction, a first boundary being a boundary between the first lenses adjacent to each other, a second boundary being a boundary between each of the first lenses and the second lens adjacent to the first lens, and a first join portion where the first boundary and the second boundary join each other. At the first joint portion, the first boundary and the second boundary contact each other with no step as seen in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: OKI DATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: OKI DATA CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130136438
    Abstract: A VCM is disclosed, the VCM including a stator including a first driving unit fixed to a base to generate a first magnetic field, a rotor including a bobbin mounted with a lens to vertically move relative to the base and a second driving unit generating a second magnetic field reacting to the first magnetic field, an elastic member connected to the stator and the rotor to elastically support the rotor, and a position sensor arranged to any one of the first and second driving units to sense a position of the rotor relative to the stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130134330
    Abstract: A holder device for holding an optical element includes a holder having first and second members to sandwich the optical element therebetween, and a sealing member for creating a seal between the second member and the optical element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Junichi FUJIMOTO, Hidenobu KAMEDA, Osamu WAKABAYASHI, Kouji ASHIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20130135760
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a positioning unit for an optical element in a microlithographic projection exposure installation having a first connecting area for connection to the optical element, and having a second connecting area for connection to an object in the vicinity of the optical element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS SMT GMBH
    Inventor: CARL ZEISS SMT GMBH
  • Publication number: 20130135759
    Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a lens component having one or more lenses attached to a retainer portion configured to removably attach to communication devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, media players, and the like. The retainer portion may be configured so as not to interfere with a user's view of a display panel of the communication device. In some embodiments, a plurality of lenses may be provided, and the lenses may be removably attached to the retainer portion and may be interchangeable. A structure for providing a flash may also be provided. In some embodiments, additional features may be provided, such as attachment components to facilitate attachment to stability devices, such as tripods, and to user-wearable accessories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick D O'Neill
  • Publication number: 20130128093
    Abstract: A device for transporting an optical element so that inclination of the optical element is substantially prevented to more precisely control the position of the optical element, including: a base; a transporting member that supports the optical element and is movably disposed along a predetermined direction with respect to the base; a magnet extending from the base along a movement direction of the transporting member; a coil that is coupled to the transporting member and generates a magnetic field when an electrical signal is applied thereto; and a magnetic substrate that is disposed on the transporting member and applies a force to the transporting member toward the magnet due an action of a magnetic force between the magnet and the magnetic substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-jae HWANG, Kwang-seok BYON, Hyoung-wook CHO
  • Patent number: 8437095
    Abstract: A compact lens module includes a lens seat, a lens group, a first and a second circuit boards. The lens seat includes a top surface, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, and a first side surface connecting the top surface to the bottom surface. The lens seat defines a receiving space extending through the top surface and the bottom surface, and a receiving groove on the first side wall. The lens group is received in the receiving space. The first circuit board is mounted on the bottom surface of the lens seat, and holds an image sensor aligned with the lens group. The second circuit board is received in the receiving groove. The second circuit board holds a lens drive circuit and electrically connected with the lens group and the first circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fang-Sheng Lin, Yun-Kai Yu
  • Publication number: 20130107113
    Abstract: An optical component includes a first glass substrate, a second glass substrate that opposes the first glass substrate, a lens that is formed on at least one of the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate, and a connection portion that is interposed between the two glass substrates in such a manner that a hollow portion is formed between the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate, and is configured to use a material which includes a porous material in at least one portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sony Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130107379
    Abstract: Provided is an adjustable lens holder, including a base, a plurality of main elastic members, a plurality of adjustment bolts and a pressing member. The base is a frame defining an opening. A periphery of the opening disposes a plurality of recesses on a front surface of the base to accommodate the protruding portions of the lens. The main elastic members are disposed on one sidewall of the base. The adjustment bolts are disposed on another sidewall of the base opposite to the one sidewall thereof. The pressing member is fixed on the front surface of the frame for tightly pressing the lens. The present invention employs the main elastic members and the adjustment bolts to hold two opposite edges of the lens. The adjustment bolts can be turned to adjust the relative position of the lens thereby improving the efficiency of adjusting the optical path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., LTD.
    Inventor: TSUNG-SHIH LEE
  • Patent number: 8432625
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a lens, a substrate is provided which includes recess in a first surface thereof. A lens structure having a first desired lens surface and a second desired lens surface is formed in the substrate's recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Jacques Duparre, Frank Wippermann, Peter Dannberg, Andreas Braeuer
  • Publication number: 20130100547
    Abstract: An optical element module includes an optical element unit and a support structure. The optical element module includes an optical element. The support structure includes a support device and a contact device connected to the support device. A surface of the contact device contacts a surface of the optical element unit and exerts a holding force on the optical element unit along a holding force direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
  • Patent number: 8427766
    Abstract: Optical assemblies for use in medical or other devices so as to image an object under examination onto an image sensor include a plurality of lens elements that can be retained in lens barrel. The lens elements and the lens barrel can be sealed with a compressible gasket. In one example, at least one lens element is made of an injection-moldable plastic and at least one lens element is made of a relatively dispersive optical glass. A lens barrel diameter or lens diameter can be selected to permit access to the object under examination with surgical or other tools. Aperture plates can be situated so as to reduce flare in the object image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Ning, Robert Lu, William Lucas Churchill, Sergey S. Grigoryants
  • Patent number: 8424030
    Abstract: To provide a reliable optical pickup device, a pickup case and an optical component including a lens are fixed by laser welding to increase the welding strength and reduce the positional displacement due to environmental changes. In a laser welded portion between a pickup case and an optical component including a lens, the optical component is provided with a joint portion having a convex protrusion at a portion to be joined to the pickup case. Laser beam irradiation is performed extending longer than the protrusion to form a thick welded portion at an end of the protrusion, in order to increase welding strength between the optical component and the pickup case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Media Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Arai, Hiroaki Furuichi, Mitsuo Satake
  • Patent number: 8422153
    Abstract: A lens device is disclosed. The lens device includes a fixed lens barrel, a rotating lens barrel, and a sensor. The rotating lens barrel is sleeved within the fixed lens barrel. The sensor is disposed within the fixed lens barrel for detecting the position of the rotating lens barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Ability Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Chieh Cheng
  • Publication number: 20130088790
    Abstract: A lens support frame includes an annular body portion; a large diameter lens holding groove on an inner peripheral surface of the body portion which is open on one side; a small diameter lens holding groove formed on an inner peripheral surface of the body portion and is open on the one side; and large-diameter-groove and small-diameter-groove lens-bonding depressions formed on inner peripheral surfaces of a large diameter lens holding groove and the small diameter lens holding groove, respectively, and allow an adhesive to be injected into the large-diameter-groove and small-diameter-groove lens-bonding depressions through end openings thereof on the one side, the end opening of the small-diameter-groove lens-bonding depression being communicatively connected with the large-diameter-groove lens-bonding depression. Circumferential positions of the large-diameter-groove and small-diameter-groove lens-bonding depressions are mutually different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventor: HOYA CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8416467
    Abstract: A fixture structure is disclosed that is able to independently adjust relative positions of constituent components in different directions and able to reduce workload of the relative position adjustment. The fixture structure includes plural members fixed with each other by screws, a first adjustment unit for adjusting relative positions of two or more of the members in a first direction and arranged on surfaces of the two or more members parallel to the first direction, and a second adjustment unit for adjusting relative positions of two of more of the members in a second direction intersecting with the first direction and arranged on surfaces of the two or more members parallel to the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuru Nakajima
  • Patent number: 8416514
    Abstract: Provided are a lens unit, a lens assembly, a camera module, a method of fabricating the camera module and the lens assembly, a method of fabricating an optic member, and an apparatus of fabricating the optic member. The lens unit comprises a lens portion and a supporting portion. The lens portion has a curved surface. The supporting portion extends from the lens portion. The supporting portion comprises a protrusion or a recess. The method of fabricating the optic member comprises injecting a resin composition inside a mold die, pressing the resin composition; and irradiating light onto the resin composition. Due to the pressure, shrinkage of a photo-curable resin composition can be reduced, and thus, the lens unit comprising the protrusion or recess can be easily fabricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bum Keun Kim, Jin Han Song, Myoung Jin An, Kee Tae Um, Chan Kwon Lee
  • Patent number: 8416516
    Abstract: An insert (18) for holding an optical system (90, 92), in particular a focusing optics, in a laser machining head (10) for machining a workpiece with a laser beam. The optical system (90, 92) is displaced in the longitudinal direction of the laser beam relative to the insert (18) via adjusting means. The adjusting means includes a linear adjusting device (64, 66, 68) with a synchronous linear motor (68). The laser machining head (10) has a housing (14) in which the insert (18) can be introduced laterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Precitec KG
    Inventors: Georg Spoerl, Christian Loose
  • Patent number: 8416517
    Abstract: A survival apparatus operable to ignite a combustible material wherein the survival apparatus additionally functions as a zipper pull-tab for an article of clothing. The survival apparatus further includes a body that is substantially rigid and generally rectangular in shape. The body includes a first aperture that is oval in shape and has a convex lens mounted therein. A coating is disposed over the body operable to substantially inhibit damage to the lens mounted within the first aperture during use as a zipper pull. A release strip is intermediate the body and the coating wherein the release strip further includes a tab providing an interface to engage the release strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Gordan Peterson
  • Patent number: 8416515
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a positioning unit for an optical element in a microlithographic projection exposure installation having a first connecting area for connection to the optical element, and having a second connecting area for connection to an object in the vicinity of the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Weber, Jens Kugler
  • Patent number: 8408269
    Abstract: An applicator suitable for converting a white-light endoscope into an endoscope for combined white-light/fluorescence imaging is disclosed. The applicator facilitates attachment of an optical element, for example an optical filter, to a distal optical port of an endoscope. The applicator engages with alignment feature on the endoscope's distal end and releasably supports the optical element in an opening that is aligned with the optical port. The optical element is released in a proximal direction by pressing down on an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Novadaq Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Fengler, John Senger, Gary Jenne
  • Patent number: 8411373
    Abstract: A zoom lens barrel includes a first optical element 300, 400 and a second optical element 600, a first guide member 703 configured to linearly guide the first optical element 300, 400 in an optical axis direction, a second guide member 704 configured to linearly guide the second optical element 600 in the optical axis direction, and a linear cylinder 700 including an opening portion configured to be able to integrate the first optical element and the second optical element only in the optical axis direction, a first holding portion 700g, 700h that supports both ends of the first guide member, and a second holding portion 700i, 700j that supports both ends of the second guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kanji Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20130070350
    Abstract: An ultrasonic motor, comprising: a member to be driven including a contact surface; a vibrator including at least one contact part, and a piezoelectric element, the vibrator driving the member to be driven by an ultrasonic vibration excited by the piezoelectric element; a retention part for retaining the vibrator; and a pressurization unit including an elastic member so as to apply an impressing force on the at least one contact part against the member to be driven, wherein: the retention part includes an abutting part including a line contact part that receives the impressing force from the elastic member and comes into line contact with the pressurization unit; the abutting part has a shape formed of a part of a cylinder; and a center axis of the cylinder is parallel to the at least one contact part and perpendicular to a driving direction of the member to be driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Oikawa, Ryo Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 8400613
    Abstract: An outer ring (21) is arranged in a barrel unit (14c). A driving mechanism (25) provided on the outer ring shifts an optical element (M), and adjusts the position and the tilt of the optical element. A damper mechanism (31) for suppressing propagation of vibration to the optical element is attached to the outer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuo Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8395981
    Abstract: In laser welding an optical part to a pickup case of an optical pickup device, outgas deposition on a lens surface can be inhibited, and positional shifting of the optical part can be reduced. The optical part has a lens surface facing in an optical axis direction and a protruding part formed, to be joined to the pickup case, at an end portion thereof in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. A joint surface between the protruding part and the pickup case extends in a direction parallel to the optical axis, and the joint surface is fixed by a weld portion formed by laser irradiation. The joint surface is parallel to a bottom surface of the pickup case, and the height from the bottom surface is approximately equal to the height of the center of the lens surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Media Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Arai, Hiroaki Furuichi, Kazumi Takahashi, Mitsuo Satake
  • Patent number: 8390939
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a lens assembly comprising a flexible lens body (10) inside a cavity bounded by a sidewall (11) and a first transparent cover (13), and a second transparent cover (14), wherein both covers (13,14) are in contact with respective surfaces of the lens body (10). Piezo electric elements (12) shapes the lens body (10) when activated, thereby adjusting the focal length of the lens assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: poLight AS
    Inventors: Lars Henriksen, Morten Eliassen, Vladimir Kartashov, Jon Herman Ulvensoen, Ib-Rune Johansen, Karl Henrik Haugholt, Dag Torstein Wang, Frode Tyholdt, Wilfred Booij
  • Publication number: 20130050853
    Abstract: A spacer includes an object-side surface, an image-side surface, and an outer sidewall. The image-side surface is opposite to the object-side surface. The outer sidewall defines a first cutout and a second cutout. The first cutout and the second cutout penetrate through the object-side surface and the image-side surface. Contours of the first cutout and the second cutout are different from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHIEN-NAN LAI, HUNG-LUNG HO
  • Publication number: 20130044380
    Abstract: A lens module is suitable for a wafer level process and works in collaboration with an image sensor. The lens module includes a substrate, a lens and a spacer. The lens is disposed on a surface of the substrate for concentrating a light. The spacer is disposed on the substrate and surrounds the lens to block the light from penetrating the substrate through a circumference of the lens. The substrate and the lens are made of a light transmissive material and the spacer is made of an opaque material for shielding a stray light coming from outside, thereby improving a sensing performance of the image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: PIXART IMAGING INC.
    Inventors: Chi-Chih SHEN, Hui-Hsuan CHEN, Wei-Chung WANG
  • Patent number: 8379335
    Abstract: The present invention provides an exhausting structure for lens. The exhausting structure is used for being disposed and fixed between a lens and an optical apparatus. The exhausting structure is formed with an air channel. The air channel has a first opening and a second opening. A projecting outline of the first opening in a projecting direction is separated from a projecting outline of the second opening in the projecting direction. Thereby, the air channel allows air to flow therethrough. Further, an air pressure caused by the change of the temperature in the exhausting structure can be released so as to prevent the air from pressing the lens or apparatus. The exhausting structure can also prevent a light from entering into the base through the air channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Newmax Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yung-Fu Liang
  • Patent number: 8379336
    Abstract: An exemplary lens module includes a lens barrel, and a first adjustable lens received in the lens barrel. The lens barrel includes a circumferential sidewall. The lens barrel also defines an accommodating cavity therein for receiving the first adjustable lens therein. The circumferential sidewall of the lens barrel defines an adjusting through hole therein. The adjusting through hole communicates with the accommodating cavity. The first adjustable lens has a circumferential side surface. The circumferential side surface defines a first adjusting notch therein. The first adjusting notch communicates with the adjusting through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hou-Yao Lin, Sheng-Jung Yu
  • Patent number: 8373938
    Abstract: Among three lenses housed in a lens barrel, a first lens and a second lens are adjacent to each other. A position regulating section is a part where a first protrusion of the first lens is formed. A shielding member is provided at a position interposed between the first lens and the second lens and limits a passing luminous flux. An engagement section is a part of the shielding member, and in this part, there is formed an opening into which the first protrusion of the first lens enters. The engagement section engages with the position regulating section, and thereby the position of the shielding member in a direction crossing an optical axis is regulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Sasaki, Ryota Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8366298
    Abstract: An optical system includes a laser diode, a collimating lens and first and second housing parts. The first housing part retains the collimating lens therein. The second housing part engages the first housing part to retain the laser diode therebetween. The position of the laser diode is adjustable with respect to the collimating lens in X, Y and Z directions. One or more biasing members are interdisposed between the housing parts in the X direction, the Y direction, and/or the Z direction for biasing the laser diode relative to the collimating lens in the X direction, the Y direction and/or the Z direction. One or more securing members fixedly engage the first and second housing to one another and provide a compression force on the housing parts to maintain the relative position of the laser diode with respect to the collimating lens in the X, Y and Z directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Garland Christian Misener, Carl Rich, Alan Papale, Roger Hale
  • Publication number: 20130028584
    Abstract: Optical equipment capable of stopping a lens in a position producing no image blur and requiring low power consumption is provided. The optical equipment includes a lens driving unit for driving a focusing lens. The equipment further includes a drive-setting unit configured to set an optimal drive amount for positioning the focusing lens at an appropriate focal depth while minimizing the amount of power consumed in the process. The optical equipment includes a lens position-control unit that controls the lens driving unit based on the drive amount set by the drive-setting unit controlling the movement of the focusing lens. The lens position-control unit can stop the lens in a position producing no image blur and requiring low power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Masayuki KAMIMURA
  • Patent number: 8363341
    Abstract: A fixed-focus lens module includes an outer lens barrel, an inner lens, a first lens, and a second lens group. The outer lens barrel includes a first open end, a first cavity, and a second open end arranged in the order from the object side to the image side of the outer lens barrel. The inner lens barrel is received in the outer lens barrel adjacent to the first open end. The first lens is received in the inner lens barrel. The second lens group is received in the outer lens barrel adjacent to the second open end. An gap is defined between an outer wall of the inner lens barrel and an inner wall of the outer lens barrel at the first open end, and the center axis of the inner lens barrel is adjustable relative to the outer lens barrel for adjusting the alignment between the first lens and the second lens group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Chun Chang, Hou-Yao Lin, Sheng-Jung Yu
  • Patent number: 8363340
    Abstract: An optical element holding apparatus includes an annular vibration attenuation plate, which covers a peripheral portion of a lens, and a connection member, which is formed of a damping alloy and which fixes the vibration attenuation plate to a frame body in a state of non-contact with the surface of the lens. The vibration attenuation plate and nitrogen gas in a clearance between the vibration attenuation plate and the surface of the lens form a squeeze film damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Youichi Arai
  • Patent number: 8362974
    Abstract: Inclination of an image display unit is prevented at the time of using a wearable display unit in which the image display unit can move between a projection position where the image display unit comes in front of a user's eye and a retracted position where the image display unit has been retracted from the front of the user's eye. A display support member 27 is prevented from rotating in relation to a display support member housing part 31 in a direction included in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the display support member 27, even in a state that the display support member can move. To that end, grooves 28a, 28b extending in the longitudinal direction are formed in the display support member 27, while guide rollers 34a, 34a in contact with these grooves are provided within the display support member housing part 31.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Miyake, Shigeru Kato, Masaki Ootsuki