Abstract: A rotary actuation mechanism for variable focus spectacles is disclosed. The spectacles include two variable focus lens units and a bridge therebetween. The actuation mechanism includes a rotary cam rotatably mounted on the bridge, a fingerwheel attached to the rotary cam to rotate it, a cam follower disposed in slidable contact with the peripheral surface of the rotary cam, and two elongated couplers pivotally mounted on the bridge. The peripheral surface of the rotary cam is spiral shaped to transfer the rotation of the rotary cam into a linear, or pivoting, motion of the cam follower. Each coupler has a proximate end in contact with or attached to the cam follower and a distal end coupled to a linkage anchor of a respective lens unit, to transfer the motion of the cam follower into simultaneous pivoting motions of the linkage anchors thereby adjusting the focal lengths of the lens units.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for spectacles which include two variable focus lens units. The mechanism mounts on the spectacle bridge; and includes two elongated drive levers mounted near opposite ends of the bridge, each extending toward the other end of the bridge. The free end of each driving lever is connected to its corresponding lens unit through a linkage. The driving levers are caused to rotate simultaneously, but in opposite directions, by a cam that is driven by a sliding member that slides along the bridge. By positioning the sliding member as desired, the spectacles wearer causes the cam to rotate, thereby causing the driving levers to rotate, and both lens units to change focal length.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for spectacles which include two variable focal length lens units. Each lens unit is fitted with a coupling member which extends from the lens unit into the bridge of the spectacles. A linearly-movable finger-operated slider, having a finger pad extending above the bridge, causes a cam within the bridge to rotate as it is moved, the cam being coupled to the coupling members causing them to move and the focal length of the lens units thereby to change.

Abstract: An actuating system for liquid-filled variable focus lenses of the type where the focus is adjusted by changing the spacing between a rigid lens and a distensible membrane. The actuating system involves a finger-operated positioner which drives an elongated flexible actuating member, i.e., a thin band, which is supported in a channel to prevent buckling. The band drives one or more actuating mechanisms which are located around the periphery of the lens and which provide a mechanical advantage so that the motion of the finger-operated positioner is in a comfortable range.

Abstract: A variable focal length lens whose peripheral shape can be arbitrarily specified, for use in spectacles, which includes a rigid lens to provide the wearer's distance correction, and a liquid-filled lens bounded by a stretched distensible elastomeric membrane to provide a variable near addition. The liquid, which has a fixed volume, is stored in the field of view between the elastomeric membrane and the rigid lens. Variation of the optical power of the liquid filled lens is achieved by displacement of a membrane support to which the outer periphery of the stretched elastomeric membrane is attached. The shape of the distended membrane is kept substantially spherical, despite the circumference of the membrane being non-circular, by making the free area of the membrane circular. This is accomplished by supporting the membrane on a transparent spacing member which has substantially the same refractive index as the liquid and which includes a circular opening which defines the free area of the membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus for delaying the closing of a printer paper bail so that paper positioned for the first line of printing at the top of the paper will advance in the paper path to a position where the paper bail can close on it. The apparatus mounts on a conventional paper bail assembly and has a sector cam which rotates to a position between its axis of rotation and the platen thereby restraining the closing of the paper bail. It is preferable that the sector cam contact the drive gear of the platen. When the platen rotates for feeding the paper through the paper path, frictional contact between the sector cam and the platen gear causes the sector cam to rotate to a position where the sector is no longer between its axis of rotation and the platen thereby permitting the paper bail which is under spring tension to close.

Abstract: A text preparation system involving a packaging of the elements of a word processor in a typewriter-like configuration. The system includes a detachable keyboard positioned as in a conventional typewriter with the printer set on an angle so that the user can observe the positioning of the paper as is necessary when filling in preprinted forms. An electronic memory and video display unit are provided which allow text storage and editing prior to printing. The video display is supported by an articulated arm and the position and attitude of the video display can be locked using a single clamp.