Detachably Attached (e.g., Plate, Barrel, Etc.) Patents (Class 359/827)
  • Publication number: 20110019294
    Abstract: A lens assembly is provided for use with a camera having a camera body. The lens assembly in accordance with one embodiment comprises a lens body portion having camera mount configured to be connected to the camera body. A lens body is connected to the camera mount, and an adapter is connected to the lens body. An optic assembly is removably connected to the adapter and is axially moveable relative to the lens body. The optic assembly has a housing connectable to the adapter, and an optic is carried by the housing. The optic assembly is removable from the lens body portion while the lens body portion remains on the camera body. A focus assembly is coupled to the adapter and configured to axially adjust a position of the optic assembly relative to the lens body to control focus of the lens assembly when the optic assembly is installed in the lens body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: LENSBABIES, LLC
    Inventors: Craig C. Strong, Samuel Pardue, William McDonough
  • Patent number: 7873270
    Abstract: An interchangeable lens type camera system includes a camera body and an interchangeable lens mountable to the camera body. An error detector detects whether a communication error occurs between a communication unit of the camera body and a communication unit of the interchangeable lens. A display unit displays a first error handling message when the error detector detects the communication error at a time of activation of the interchangeable lens, and displays a second error handling message when the error detector detects the communication error after activation of the interchangeable lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Akihiro Tamura
  • Patent number: 7864462
    Abstract: An interchangeable lens includes a lens drive mechanism for driving a movable lens group provided in the interchangeable lens; a lens-motor for driving the movable lens group via the lens drive mechanism; and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting a driving force of a body-motor provided in a camera body to the lens drive mechanism with the interchangeable lens being mounted to the camera body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Takuji Hamasaki
  • Patent number: 7864463
    Abstract: A thin fastening slice module includes a first fastening slice body and a second fastening slice body. The first fastening slice body includes a first surface, a first upper periphery and a first concave part. The first concave part is downwardly extended from the first upper periphery. The second fastening slice body includes a second surface, a second upper periphery and a second concave part. The second concave part is downwardly extended from the second upper periphery. The first surface has an area greater than the second surface. The first upper periphery is aligned with the second upper periphery. The second fastening slice body is connected to a front end of an image pickup device. The first fastening slice body is separated from the image pickup device. A recess structure is defined between the first fastening slice body, the second fastening slice body and said image pickup device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching-Chung Wang, Chen-Ning Hsi
  • Publication number: 20100328792
    Abstract: A clutching jig used to disengage a lens socket and a lens component which has a base glued on a printed circuit board (PCB) and is fixed in the lens socket by a plurality of buckling pieces of the lens socket abutting on the lens component. The clutching jig defines a base plate. The base plate has an inserting hole at a middle portion thereof. A side of the base plate has a portion surrounding the inserting hole extended perpendicular to the base plate to form a plurality of inserting slices, enclosing a chamber for receiving the lens component. The inserting slices are adapted to insert into a gap between the lens component and the lens socket for pressing the buckling pieces away from the lens component, with distal ends of the inserting slices extending inwards beyond a junction of the base and the PCB.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: CHENG UEI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-Chou Wang, Yi-Chang Yang
  • Publication number: 20100315731
    Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a lens barrel, an optical apparatus body, a body-side mounting unit, a lens-side mounting unit arid a position determination mechanism. A plurality of projection pins protrude from an outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical part of the body-side mounting unit. A groove is formed in an inner circumferential surface of the lens-side mounting unit. Cutout regions that are in communication with the groove are formed in a surface of the lens-side mounting unit that faces toward a flange part of the body-side mounting unit at positions that respectively correspond to positions of the projection pins. The position determination mechanism determines a position of the lens-side mounting unit around the optical axis of the optical apparatus body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hidekazu Sano
  • Patent number: 7848036
    Abstract: An external lens device is mounted in front of a lens of an image pickup device. The external lens device includes a fixer and an external lens. The fixer includes a fixing slot and an alignment slice. The alignment slice includes a first reference mark and a second reference mark. The first reference mark is enclosed by the second reference mark. The first reference mark is arranged in the middle portion of the second reference mark. After the fixer is placed in front of the image pickup device, an outer portion of the second reference mark of the alignment slice is parallel with the lens fastening part of the lens of the image pickup device, the first reference mark is aligned with a center of the lens of the image pickup device, and the second reference mark is concentric with a lens fastening part of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching-Chung Wang, Chen-Ning Hsi
  • Publication number: 20100290140
    Abstract: A lens adapter ring is provided for connecting a lens barrel to a lens holder whose thread specification is different from that of the lens barrel. The ring includes a first hollow cylinder. The cylinder includes a first inner surface and a first outer surface opposite to the first inner surface. The first outer surface includes a first outer thread portion adapted for the lens holder, and the first inner surface includes a first inner thread portion adapted for the lens barrel. The thread specification of the first outer thread portion is different from that of the inner thread portion. A lens module using the lens adapter ring is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHUN-CHENG KO
  • Publication number: 20100290139
    Abstract: A thin fastening slice module includes a first fastening slice body and a second fastening slice body. The first fastening slice body includes a first surface, a first upper periphery and a first concave part. The first concave part is downwardly extended from the first upper periphery. The second fastening slice body includes a second surface, a second upper periphery and a second concave part. The second concave part is downwardly extended from the second upper periphery. The first surface has an area greater than the second surface. The first upper periphery is aligned with the second upper periphery. The second fastening slice body is connected to a front end of an image pickup device. The first fastening slice body is separated from the image pickup device. A recess structure is defined between the first fastening slice body, the second fastening slice body and said image pickup device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: Ching-Chung Wang, Chen-Ning Hsi
  • Patent number: 7830628
    Abstract: The present invention relates to auxiliary detachable accessories associated with portable image capture and storage devices. Enhancements provided by the accessories include protective coverings for the integrated displays and integrated lenses, as well as the use of auxiliary conversion lenses that can be selectively attached to such devices to assist a user in enhancing in addition to creating artistic accentuations to the images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Glenn F. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7822339
    Abstract: An interchangeable lens which can communicate with a camera body to which the interchangeable lens is detachably attached to exchange data of the interchangeable lens, includes a logic IC serving as an interface via which the interchangeable lens communicates with the camera body; a memory which is provided independent of the logic IC, connected to the logic IC, and stores the data of the interchangeable lens; and a controller, connected to the logic IC, for controlling operations of the interchangeable lens. The logic IC selectively switches connections of terminals thereof with the memory and the controller for communication therewith upon receiving a communication signal from the camera body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Numako, Kazuhiro Kagami
  • Publication number: 20100254033
    Abstract: A lens module includes a module body with a lens base and a lens unit disposed on the lens base and a lens module socket mated with the module body. The lens module socket has an insulting housing with a base portion. Lateral walls extend perpendicularly from edges of the base portion to form a receiving chamber for receiving the module body. A plurality of terminals is received in the insulting housing. A metal shell enclosing the insulting housing has lateral plates. Tops of the lateral plates define holding slices and fixing slices both of substantially inverted-U shape. A free end of the holding slice has a resisting portion holding a periphery of the lens base. A free end of the fixing slice has a stopping portion resilient to be positioned over the lens base after the lens base passes therefrom for preventing the lens base from moving outwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Chih-Chou Wang
  • Patent number: 7736073
    Abstract: An image-capturing apparatus adapted to receive a detachable lens apparatus having a mechanical shutter includes an image-capturing unit configured to capture an image of a subject, a communication unit configured to enable communication with the lens apparatus, and a control unit configured to perform an image generating operation using a video signal supplied from the image-capturing unit. The control unit controls timing of the image generating operations performed together with a plurality of opening and closing operations of the mechanical shutter on the basis of information received via the communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuji Tsuda
  • Publication number: 20100091363
    Abstract: An objective lens to be fitted into a fitting hole of a nosepiece of a microscope includes an imaging lens that is composed of a plurality of lens groups, and a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens. The lens barrel is formed with a fitting portion that is fitted to the fitting hole of the nosepiece and provided at an outer circumference of a tip portion side away by a given distance from the tip portion where a first lens group in the imaging lens is held, and a mount surface that comes into contact with a contact surface of the fitting hole of the nosepiece upon fitting at the fitting portion. The nosepiece is equipped with the objective lens. The inverted microscope is equipped with the nosepiece fitting the objective lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Takashi KAWAHITO
  • Patent number: 7686224
    Abstract: A diode-laser bar package includes two diode-laser bars mounted on a heat sink with slow-axes of the diode-laser bars aligned. Three spaced apart mounting bosses extend from the front of the heat sink. The package includes two cylindrical lens assemblies. Each lens assembly has an elongated cylindrical lens bonded to a rectangular mounting block. The cylindrical lenses are aligned with the diode-laser bars. Lateral faces of the mounting block are epoxy-bonded to lateral faces of the mounting bosses. Bonding is effected by injecting liquid epoxy between the faces to be bonded though holes extending through the mounting blocks from front to the lateral faces of the mounting blocks. The liquid epoxy is then cured to complete the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Coherent, Inc.
    Inventors: David Schleuning, Paul Lovato, Mike Griffin, John McNulty
  • Patent number: 7625144
    Abstract: An interchangeable lens (1) with a locking device (2, 2?) for system cameras is described, wherein an orientation marking (4) for mounting the locking device (2, 2?) on the camera is provided at the end of the lens housing (3) facing the camera, and the contact surface (6) of the locking device (2, 2?) has a latching depression (8) at a distance from the orientation marking (4) counter to the direction (7) of rotation of the locking operation and the contact surface (6) contains at least two, preferably six, surface areas (10) which are situated next to one another in an isolated fashion at a distance from the latching depression (8) counter to the direction (7) of rotation within an angle segment of from 100° to 160°, preferably 110° to 150°, and can be detected individually by optical means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Leica Camera AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Kranz, Oliver Zielberg, Robert Denk, Ulrich Lies
  • Publication number: 20090279193
    Abstract: Cables and sensor lenses are routed through the frame to which they are to be mounted. At each location where a sensor is to be mounted, the remaining sensors are routed behind the mounting block at that location to continue on to other locations. Routing the sensors and cables through the frame offers protection to the sensors and cables without installing additional conduit and routing the sensors and cables behind the mounting block maintains a clear line of sight for the sensor lenses. The mounting blocks and sensor lenses may be located at least partially within the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Clyde B. Jones
  • Patent number: 7612956
    Abstract: An optical element mount has an outer member and an inner member. The inner member has a central axis and is suspended within the outer member by a plurality of fold flexures. Each fold flexure has a fold that lies along a line that intersects the central axis at one common point, where the common point serves as a pivot point for rotational movement of the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglass L Blanding, John H Bruning, Jack W Frankovich, Keith E Hanford, Kevin J Magierski, Mark C Sanson
  • Patent number: 7600932
    Abstract: A camera system is composed of a lens unit and a camera body. The lens unit has a built-in CCD. A magnet is embedded in a protrusion of the lens unit. A case of the camera body is made of a magnetic material. In virtue of this, it is possible to attach the lens unit to any position of the camera body on condition that functions of the camera body are not disturbed by the lens unit. Incidentally, a cable is utilized to perform data transmission and electric-power transfer between the lens unit and the camera body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takehiko Senba, Atsushi Misawa
  • Publication number: 20090237819
    Abstract: A resilient plate includes a plate shaped body. A through hole is defined in the center of the plate shaped body. A plurality of slots is defined in the plate shaped body and the slots cooperatively surrounding the through hole. Each of the slots includes a first substantially straight slot portion, a second substantially straight slot portion and a third substantially straight slot portion. The second substantially straight slot portion interconnects between and substantially perpendicular to the first and second substantially straight slot portions. The slots are oriented about 90 degrees with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHAU-YUAN KE
  • Patent number: 7593169
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical option attachment ring comprising: a ring body into which a lens barrel is inserted; a clamping ring rotatably fastened on the periphery of the ring body; an elastic member arranged between the ring body and the clamping ring; and an abutting portion which is provided on the clamping ring and abuts on the elastic member according to the rotational position of the clamping ring to elastically deform the elastic member to cause at least a part of the elastic member to project further inwards than the inner peripheral surface of the ring body and to be positioned in a groove formed in the lens barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Syunichiro Ouchi
  • Publication number: 20090219636
    Abstract: A lens barrel drive apparatus which can be reduced in outside diameter to realize reduced diameter. A guide bar guides a lens along an optical axis. Hollow magnets are disposed on an outer peripheral side of the lens and have magnetized portions alternately magnetized to different poles in the circumferential direction. A cylindrical rotor is disposed rotatably with respect to the magnets, made of a soft magnetic material, and is comprised of magnetic pole portions opposed to the magnetized portions of the magnets. A coil energizes the magnetic pole portions of the rotor. A stator fixes the magnets and the coil. A conversion unit adapted to convert rotating movements of the rotor into forward and backward movements of the lens along the optical axis. The magnets have breaks formed along the optical axis, and the guide bar is disposed in the break of the magnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiromu YASUDA
  • Publication number: 20090219635
    Abstract: A lens driving device is provided that moves a lens support frame in an optical-axis direction through a rack engaging with a feed screw functioning as an output shaft of a driving unit. The rack includes a main rack tooth engaging with the feed screw and a pressing portion facing and elastically holding the feed screw through an urging portion. The pressing portion includes a guiding section for guiding a pressing tooth of the pressing portion to a predetermined regular engagement position in incorporating the feed screw even when the pressing tooth facing and holding the feed screw in the rack of the lens driving device is inclined inward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoki Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7561356
    Abstract: A lens barrel is disclosed. The lens barrel includes a sleeve having curved groove on an inner side thereof, a lens module having at least one lens and an optical axis having an object end and an image end, and a pin projecting from the lens module and engaged in a curved groove, whereby the lens module is slidably disposed in the sleeve and the sleeve is rotated to move the lens module along the optical axis. The pin has a contact surface contacting the curved groove and a notch is formed on the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Chun-Yu Hsueh
  • Patent number: 7551377
    Abstract: The projection display apparatus includes rotation regulating elements for inhibiting a rotation of the mount ring in a tightening direction, and a stopper element displaceable between a non-locked position and a locked position, wherein the stopper element is displaced to the non-locked position when the mount ring is rotated to a rotating position in a loosening direction from a predetermined position in the tightening direction, and is displaced to the locked position when the mount ring is rotated to the predetermined position in the tightening direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Futoshi Kuroki, Toshimitsu Iwai, Hiroshi Kida
  • Patent number: 7545591
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for improved lens barrel tolerance in optical systems. In some embodiments, a lens barrel has a first end section configured to position a first lens with a first diameter and a second section configured to position a second lens with a second larger diameter. The first end section of the lens barrel may include an inner mating section configured to position the first lens and an outer thread section. One of more portions of the inner mating section and associated portions of the outer thread section may be separated by a gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Siimpel Corporation
    Inventors: Davy Tong, Robert J. Calvet
  • Patent number: 7542222
    Abstract: A lens barrel drive apparatus which can be reduced in outside diameter to realize reduced diameter. A guide bar guides a lens along an optical axis. Hollow magnets are disposed on an outer peripheral side of the lens and have magnetized portions alternately magnetized to different poles in the circumferential direction. A cylindrical rotor is disposed rotatably with respect to the magnets, made of a soft magnetic material, and is comprised of magnetic pole portions opposed to the magnetized portions of the magnets. A coil energizes the magnetic pole portions of the rotor. A stator fixes the magnets and the coil. A conversion unit adapted to convert rotating movements of the rotor into forward and backward movements of the lens along the optical axis. The magnets have breaks formed along the optical axis, and the guide bar is disposed in the break of the magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiromu Yasuda
  • Publication number: 20090128934
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter for connecting the optical path of an optical recording device, in particular a camera, to the optical path of an observation device, with an attachment portion for attaching to one of the two devices, and the adapter has two centring mechanisms for centring the optical axis of a lens of the recording device on the optical axis of an eyepiece of the observation device, and a first centring mechanism cooperates with the eyepiece of the observation device and a second centring mechanism cooperates with the lens of the recording device, and one of the two centring mechanisms is designed to be attached to the eyepiece of the observation device or to the lens of the recording device by means of the attachment portion to provide a centred fit and hold and the second centring mechanism is designed to provide a centrally oriented fit or hold on the lens of the recording device or on the eyepiece of the observation device when necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Urban Plangger
  • Patent number: 7530748
    Abstract: A camera module is composed from a lens unit including at least one lens, a barrel provided with the lens and having a barrel opening, and a lens holder for holding the barrel; and an image pickup device portion provided under the lens unit and having an image pickup device housing space in which an image pickup device is hermetically provided. The barrel opening of the barrel has an annular edge which serves as a diaphragm, and the annular edge of the barrel opening has a lower annular corner portion which is located on the side of the lens, wherein the lower annular corner portion of the annular edge is formed so as to have a rounded cross-sectional shape and staining is formed on the lower annular corner portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Shibata, Toshihiko Sato
  • Patent number: 7532413
    Abstract: A lens barrel includes a lens group having an optical axis associated therewith, a fixed barrel and a rotatable barrel receives the fixed barrel. The fixed barrel has the lens group received therein and has a plurality of projections extending radially from the outer surface of the fixed barrel. The rotatable barrel rotatable relative to the fixed barrel about the optical axis has an inner latching groove and a number of insertion cutouts. The latching groove is defined in the inner surface of the rotatable barrel. The insertion cutouts are defined in a distal edge of the rotatable barrel with the inner latching groove and communicating with the latching groove. The insertion cutouts is insertable in the insertion cutouts and can engage in the latching groove for preventing the rotatable barrel to move axially relative to the fixed barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignees: Premier Image Technology(China) Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Hung Chen, Chin-Ching Wang
  • Publication number: 20090109558
    Abstract: The present invention relates to auxiliary detachable accessories associated with portable image capture and storage devices. Enhancements provided by the accessories include protective coverings for the integrated displays and integrated lenses, as well as the use of auxiliary conversion lenses that can be selectively attached to such devices to assist a user in enhancing in addition to creating artistic accentuations to the images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Glenn F. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7519291
    Abstract: A digital still camera includes a lens unit and a camera body. The lens unit has a photographing lens, and a CCD for image pickup by detecting object light from the photographing lens. The camera body has a lens mount portion adapted to loading of the lens unit, and a camera contact for electrical connection with the lens unit. The lens unit has a lens unit coupling portion, engageable with the lens mount portion, for removable loading on the camera body. A lens connection contact touches the camera contact when the lens mount portion is engaged with the lens unit coupling portion, for electrical connection. A circuit board is connected with the CCD, has a first surface opposed to the camera body. The lens connection contact is mounted on the first surface. In preferred embodiment, a bayonet mechanism couples the lens unit coupling portion with the lens mount portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Tokiwa, Hiroshi Tanaka, Takehiko Senba
  • Patent number: 7480107
    Abstract: An imaging module (1) comprises a lens holder (50) for holding a lens, and a foot (30) for holding an image sensor chip. Both the foot (30) and the lens holder (50) are provided with a flange (35, 52) having inclined contact surfaces (36, 53). In an assembled state, the lens holder (50) is snap-fitted over the foot (30). The lens holder (50) comprises slots (56), whereas the foot (30) comprises ribs (37). When the ribs (37) are received by the slots (56), rotation of the lens holder (50) with respect to the foot (30) is prohibited, whereas movement of the lens holder (50) with respect to the foot (30) in an axial direction is allowed. In this way, a maximum axial distance between the lens holder (50) and the foot (30) is determined, which may be set to be the focal distance of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: TPO Hong Kong Holding Limited
    Inventor: Teunis Adrianus Kassenaar
  • Patent number: 7474845
    Abstract: The lens barrel of the present invention, in order to provide a lens barrel capable of reliably and easily preventing the breakage of the tooth of the revolving shaft of the driving motor and the tooth of the rack which teeth are engaged with each other, the lens barrel is provided with: the driving motor; the lens unit holder that has the rack receiving the transmission of the driving force by engaging with the revolving shaft which is a part of the driving motor, and holds the lens unit holder; and the spear portion that releases the engagement between the part of the revolving shaft and the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Photo Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Naohiko Hayashi, Norio Maeda
  • Patent number: 7474482
    Abstract: A selectively mountable optical assembly having an optics body, at least one optical element, and a mounting base. Coupling structure allows the optics body to be selectively coupled to the mounting base such that a flange on the optics body is selectively aligned with the mounting base when in an engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.
    Inventor: Pierre-Marie Manine
  • Patent number: 7463435
    Abstract: An optical pattern that is to be supported for examination is formed on a surface of a substrate, generally glass. Corner brackets are fixedly mounted on the substrate. Each of the corner brackets has a support portion and a housing that mounts a locating ball or sphere that protrudes out of the housing. The housing is connected to the support portion of the respective bracket through a flexure hinge that permits movement of the housing and supported ball in a plane generally parallel to the surface of the substrate having the optical pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Diffraction International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven M. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20080291557
    Abstract: A lens barrel is disclosed. The lens barrel includes a sleeve having curved groove on an inner side thereof, a lens module having at least one lens and an optical axis having an object end and an image end, and a pin projecting from the lens module and engaged in a curved groove, whereby the lens module is slidably disposed in the sleeve and the sleeve is rotated to move the lens module along the optical axis. The pin has a contact surface contacting the curved groove and a notch is formed on the contact surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: ASIA OPTICAL CO., INC.
    Inventor: Chun-Yu Hsueh
  • Patent number: 7450325
    Abstract: The present invention makes an objective lens easier to handle during disinfection or sterilization and protects the objective lens during, for example, transport, storage, or handling. The present invention provides an objective-lens protector including a substantially ring-shaped mounting portion surrounding a circumference of an objective lens, the mounting portion detachably mounted on the objective lens such that a threaded mount formed on the objective lens for mounting the objective lens to a microscope main body is exposed; a protecting member fixed to the mounting portion, extending substantially along the entire length of the objective lens mounted on the mounting portion, and arranged at a distance outwardly in a radial direction of the objective lens so as to surround the objective lens; and a locking mechanism provided on the mounting portion to prevent the objective lens from moving relative to the mounting portion in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Hideto Yamashita, Hiroya Fukuyama, Tadashi Hirata
  • Publication number: 20080266684
    Abstract: A lens module includes a lens barrel, a lens holder, a base, a plurality of elastic guiding members secured on the base and a plurality of electromagnetic devices arranged on the base. The lens barrel has a plurality of optical components received therein, and outer screw threads formed on an outer wall thereof. The lens holder has inner screw threads formed on an inner wall thereof to engage with the outer screw threads of the lens barrel. A plurality of supporting bars and magnetic elements are secured on an outer wall of the lens barrel. The guiding members each is formed on the base and configured for inserting of the respective supporting bar therein to guide a movement of the lens holder. The electromagnetic devices each locates at opposite sides of the respective magnetic element of the lens holder to provide a force to drive the lens holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jen-Tsorng Chang
  • Publication number: 20080240709
    Abstract: An interchangeable lens mountable/detachable on/from a camera body is provided with a receiving unit that receives information on photography surroundings and a transmission unit that transmits data for correction of aberration based on the information received by the receiving unit, to the camera body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20080226280
    Abstract: An interchangeable lens which can communicate with a camera body to which the interchangeable lens is detachably attached to exchange data of the interchangeable lens, includes a logic IC serving as an interface via which the interchangeable lens communicates with the camera body; a memory which is provided independent of the logic IC, connected to the logic IC, and stores the data of the interchangeable lens; and a controller, connected to the logic IC, for controlling operations of the interchangeable lens. The logic IC selectively switches connections of terminals thereof with the memory and the controller for communication therewith upon receiving a communication signal from the camera body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: PENTAX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norio NUMAKO, Kazuhiro KAGAMI
  • Patent number: 7391581
    Abstract: A lens barrel for holding an optical lens system including a molded plastic lens having decentering eccentricity is provided with a location and joining mechanism that places the plastic lens with a desired axial position with an optical axis coaxial with a geometric axis and secures the plastic lens to the barrel. The locating and joining mechanism includes three axial projections extending from the plastic lens at regular intervals on a circle with a specified radius and three groups of locating members, each group including three sets of axial bores in the barrel disposed at regular intervals on a circle with the specified radius. The bores of a set have equal depth. Each set has a different depth. Circles of the locating members have different centers. The projections are fitted in the bores selected for axial position adjustment of the lens and selected for coaxial adjustment of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Masaki Ito
  • Publication number: 20080049325
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which is capable of effectively removing dust attached to an optical member due to mounting/removing of a photographic lens in a power-off state, to thereby prevent degradation of image quality. In the image pickup apparatus, when position information of a contact brush that moves in a manner interlocked with mounting/removing of the photographic lens differs immediately after execution of power-on operation from position information obtained immediately after execution of power-off operation, it is determined that photographic lens mounting/removing operation was carried out during power-off, and a camera microcomputer outputs a warning advising cleaning of the optical member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Futoshi Hirai
  • Patent number: 7311453
    Abstract: A lens tube and a mounting base thereof comprise a lens tube for reception of a lens array and a mounting base for accommodation of an image sensor. On an outer periphery of the lens tube is formed a first conical surface, and in the mounting base is formed a concave portion. A second conical surface is formed in the concave portion for mating with the first conical surface of the lens tube. The first conical surface of the lens tube and the second conical surface of the mounting base can cooperate with each other, so as to prevent dust contamination and to make the central axis aligned with the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Largan Precision Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min-Che Li
  • Patent number: 7215481
    Abstract: A taking lens system includes, in order from an object side thereof, a first lens group (negative refracting), a second lens group (positive refracting), an aperture stop and a third lens group (positive refracting). Focusing from an infinite distance to a finite distance is performed by setting the second lens group and the third lens group such that the position of the second lens group upon focusing on a finite distance is located on an image side of the taking lens system with respect to the position of the second lens group upon focusing on an infinite distance and the position of the third lens group upon focusing on a finite distance is located on an object side of the taking lens system with respect to the position of the third lens group upon focusing on an infinite distance, while the first lens group remains fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuji Ogata
  • Patent number: 7154567
    Abstract: A projection lens regulator for a projection television includes a base, a barrel and an immobilizing hoop. The base has an annular wall, a slope guide slot at the annular wall, and a resilient flexible sheet defined by a pair of incisions at an upper side of the annular wall. The barrel is fitted inside the annular wall of the base and has an annular wall and a slope guide rib at an outer surface of the annular wall of the barrel. The slope guide rib is movably received in the slope guide slot of the base. The immobilizing hoop has an annular wall fitted on the base, and an arched convexity, which is formed at an inner surface of the annular wall thereof, corresponding in position to the flexible sheet of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tien-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 7139138
    Abstract: A lens device includes a lens barrel, a lens, a guiding unit, and a positioning unit. The lens barrel has a barrel axis. The lens has a lens axis and is disposed between the lens barrel and the positioning unit. The guiding unit includes guiding studs and guiding slots formed on the lens barrel and the lens, wherein the guiding slots receive the guiding studs respectively therein and have dimensions larger than those of the guiding studs. The positioning unit has outer and inner ring sections. The outer ring section has a ring axis and is sleeved on the lens barrel. The inner ring section engages the lens such that the lens axis forms a radial offset with the ring axis, wherein the lens is positioned relative to the barrel axis by the inner ring section according to angular orientation of the inner ring section relative to the ring axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Mei-Pin Chang
  • Patent number: 7064908
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a device including a first optical table, a second optical table, and at least one optical mount coupled to the first and second optical tables and configured to support at least one optical component. The first optical table is positioned on a first plane, while the second optical table is positioned on a second plane that is different from the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Dale Owen Cipra
  • Patent number: 7061698
    Abstract: In the case of a lens system (1), in particular in the case of a projection lens system for semiconductor lithography, it is possible to exchange at least one optical element, in particular the final optical element in the beam direction in the form of an end plate (3). For adjusting the exchangeable optical element (3), an optical quality fit with a fitting surface (6) is set between the optical element (3) and a mount (5) or a part connected to a mount (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Karlfrid Osterried, Thomas Petasch, Jens Kugler
  • Patent number: 7031081
    Abstract: An optical filters quick assembly support system or a “Matte Box” as it is known in the film industry, supporting plurality of no-tool, quick-change, snap-on, independently 360°-rotating filter-holder stages, allowing freedom of operation in the horizontal, vertical and rotational planes. A mount base ring having an internal circular coupling slot at one face for attaching the desired number of filter-holder stages serves as an initial receiving unit. The same mount ring having two slidable and lockable brackets for connecting a sunshade in an adjustable manner, assembled to it. Filter-holder stages consisting of a ring having the same internal circular coupling slot as the mount base ring at one face and one stationary and one spring-loaded filter-holder guide attached to the opposite face. The filter-holder guides having a corresponding to the coupling slot semi-circular sliding ribs for coupling with the mount base ring or any additional filter-holder stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Petroff