Abstract: Methods of filling an envelope (16) of a compression-type adjustable optical device (10), such as a liquid lens or mirror, which is formed in part by a distensible membrane (11) having an exterior optical surface, with a substantially incompressible fluid (15) to a predetermined optical power or radius of curvature; the methods comprising pumping fluid into the envelope (16) under vacuum through a fluid supply conduit (23) in fluid communication with an interior of the envelope (16) while allowing air to escape from the envelope through a fluid overflow conduit (26) in fluid communication with the interior of the envelope (16); continuing to pump fluid (15) into the envelope (16) to cause the membrane (11) to distend to an optical power of the optical device (10) that is greater than the predetermined optical power while allowing excess fluid (15) to escape from the envelope through the overflow device (26); slowing or stopping the supply of fluid to the envelope (16), thereby to allow the membrane (11) progr

Abstract: A membrane assembly 150 for a variable focusing power optical assembly 100 is disclosed. The membrane assembly 150 comprises a distensible membrane 155 that is held under tension around its periphery (boundary B) by at least one bendable support ring 159 and one or more bending actuators 170, each comprising a selectively operable self-bending strip, which are attached contiguously to respective discrete sections of the support ring 159 for actively controlling the curvature of those sections of the support ring 159. Also disclosed is a variable focusing power optical assembly 100 comprising such a membrane assembly 150. Further disclosed is an article of eyewear 80 comprising at least one such variable focusing power optical assembly 801.

Abstract: A membrane assembly 150 for a variable focusing power optical assembly 100 comprising a distensible membrane 155 that is held under tension around its periphery by at least one bendable support ring 159 and one or more curvature controllers 170 that are mounted to respective discrete sections of the support ring 159 for actively controlling the curvature of those sections of the ring in a plane (Btz) that is parallel to a z-axis normal to an (x,y) plane which is defined by the un-deformed support ring and tangential (t) to the periphery (boundary B) of the membrane.

Abstract: A membrane assembly (150) for a variable focusing power optical assembly (100) comprising a distensible membrane (155) that is held under tension around its periphery by at least one bendable support ring (159) and one or more curvature controllers (170) that are mounted to respective discrete sections of the support ring (159) for actively controlling the curvature of those sections of the ring in a plane (Btz) that is parallel to a z-axis normal to an (x,y) plane which is defined by the un-deformed support ring and tangential (t) to the periphery (boundary B) of the membrane.

Abstract: A membrane assembly (150) for a variable focusing power optical assembly (100) comprising a distensible membrane (155) that is held under tension around its periphery by at least one bendable support ring (159) and one or more curvature controllers (170) that are mounted to respective discrete sections of the support ring (159) for actively controlling the curvature of those sections of the ring in a plane (Btz) that is parallel to a z-axis normal to an (x,y) plane which is defined by the un-deformed support ring and tangential (t) to the periphery (boundary B) of the membrane.

Abstract: A hybrid injection-compression variable focal power optical element comprising a fluid-filled envelope having a rigid first wall (310) and a second wall opposite the first wall which comprises a distensible membrane (320) held by a peripheral support ring (330), the first and second walls being coupled together to permit movement of the peripheral support ring towards or away from the first wall, the envelope being filled with an incompressible fluid (365); at least one spacing control device (380) for controlling the spacing between the peripheral support ring and the first wall; and an electronically operable injector (390) for introducing more or withdrawing some of the fluid from the envelope via a port (340); whereby the focal power of the optical element is continually adjustable in use by controlling the spacing between the support ring and first wall and/or the volume of the fluid in the envelope.

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.

Abstract: A deformable membrane assembly comprises a deformable membrane (70) in contact with a body of fluid (90) and a selectively operable adjuster for adjusting the pressure of the fluid (90) for causing distension of the membrane (70) in accordance with a predefined form. The membrane is held peripherally by a bendable supporting member (50) that is coupled to a fixed support by at least three engaging members (82) at spaced locations round the supporting member (50). An engaging member (82) is provided at or proximate at least one point round the supporting member (50) where the profile of the supporting member (50) corresponding to the predefined form of the membrane (70) exhibits locally maximum or minimum curvature in the direction of distension of the membrane (70).