Abstract: A lens assembly especially adapted for mounting in an environment subject to variable temperatures, such as a projection television set, including an automatic thermal focus adjustment. A lens mount is formed from a material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and carries at least one lens. A focus mount is coupled to the lens mount and is formed from a material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion. Adjustment and locking structure couples the lens mount to the focus mount and allows the lens mount to be axially adjusted relative to the focus mount and then locked in position. In use, the relative axial positions of the lens mount and focus mount automatically change to move the lens in response to a temperature change in the environment of use and after being locked in position with the adjustment and locking structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mounting an optical element to a mounting plate in an optical system. The optical element is adhesively bonded with a surface on the mounting plate by a radiation-curable adhesive and a radiation-transmissive member that provides an unobstructed optical path in the mounting plate for curing the radiation-curable adhesive. The adhesive accommodates differences in thermal expansion between the material forming the mounting plate and the material forming the optical element so as to maintain the position and angular orientation of the optical element relative to the mounting plate and so as to prevent damage to the optical element. The formulation of the adhesive forming the adhesive couplings may incorporate spacer elements operative for maintaining the spacing and parallelism between the optical element and the mounting plate.

Abstract: A polishing system for polishing a surface of a substrate, such as the surface of an optical pin mold, to a desired surface finish and profile under the automated control of a computer during a polishing cycle. The polishing system includes a polishing spindle assembly that holds and rotates a polishing tool that is contacted under pressure with a surface of the mold pin. A torque sensor is associated with the polishing spindle assembly to sense a torque on the polishing tool during the polishing cycle. The polishing system further includes a feedback control system that dynamically adjusts the position of the polishing spindle assembly in response to the torque sensed by the torque sensor to maintain a substantially constant torque on the polishing tool during the polishing cycle.

Abstract: An optical lens cell, especially useful in projection televisions, includes a tubular optic support structure having an interior with a longitudinal central axis and a first optic support surface extending around the longitudinal central axis. The first optic support surface receives a first optic having an outer circumferential edge and a first mounting surface portion adjacent the circumferential edge. The mounting surface portion of the first optic extends transverse to the longitudinal central axis. A plurality of raised surface members are provided on the optic support surface. At least one resilient member extends transverse to the longitudinal central axis and is configured to contact the mounting surface portion of the first optic when the first optic is positioned adjacent the optic support surface.

Abstract: A projection television lens cell and system including a tubular optic support structure having an interior with a longitudinal central axis. A first annular support surface extends around the longitudinal central axis for receiving a first optic having an outer circumferential edge. The first annular support surface includes at least a first resilient member configured to contact the outer circumferential edge of the first optic and to be moved in a radially outward direction by the first optic relative to the longitudinal central axis. The resilient member assists in preventing substantial movement of remaining portions of the tubular optic support structure, for example, during assembly and any heat induced thermal expansion of the optic in use.

Abstract: A lens assembly especially adapted for mounting in an environment subject to variable temperatures, such as a projection television set, including an automatic thermal focus adjustment. A lens mount is formed from a material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and carries at least one lens. A focus mount is coupled to the lens mount and is formed from a material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion. Adjustment and locking structure couples the lens mount to the focus mount and allows the lens mount to be axially adjusted relative to the focus mount and then locked in position. In use, the relative axial positions of the lens mount and focus mount automatically change to move the lens in response to a temperature change in the environment of use and after being locked in position with the adjustment and locking structure.