Patents by Inventor Iain Neil

Iain Neil has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20140300973
    Abstract: An anamorphic objective lens comprising, along an optical axis and in order from an object space to an image space: at least a negative (?) first spherical power lens group; an anamorphic lens group and a positive (+) second spherical lens group wherein an aperture stop is located before, after or preferably within the spherical power second lens group. Both spherical lens groups contain spherical refractive optical surfaces and the anamorphic lens group contains cylindrical and plano optical surfaces with at least one cylindrical surface oriented at substantially 90 degrees about at least one other cylindrical surface. The negative first spherical power lens group may provide focusing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Cooke Optics Limited
    Inventor: Iain A. Neil
  • Publication number: 20140285883
    Abstract: Liquid lens cells are used in a compound variable power optical system that forms an intermediate image between the object and the final image. A first variable power optical component is located between the object and an intermediate real image. The first variable power optical component varies power to change the magnification of the intermediate real image. A second variable power optical component is located between the intermediate real image and the final image. The second variable power optical component varies power to change the magnification of the final image. At least one of the first and second variable power optical components is stationary on the optical axis and comprises at least two liquids with different refractive properties and at least one variable shape contact surface between the two liquids, with variations in the shape of the contact surface producing a change of optical power in the optical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: BLACKEYE OPTICS, LLC.
    Inventors: JAMES H. JANNARD, IAIN A. NEIL
  • Publication number: 20140254025
    Abstract: A high performance zoom lens system suitable for use with a camera is disclosed. The zoom lens systems includes a movable lens group and a variable power stationary lens group employing liquid optics to provide optical performance over the zoom focal length range at focus distances from close to infinity. The system also provides relatively high quality imaging capability over a wide range of focal lengths and zoom settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: BLACKEYE OPTICS, LLC.
    Inventors: James H. Jannard, Iain A. Neil
  • Publication number: 20140211312
    Abstract: A lens system suitable for use with a camera is disclosed. The lens system employs liquid optics to provide stabilization of an image. A liquid lens cell provides stabilization of the image. A second liquid lens cell may provide stabilization in another direction. A third liquid lens cell may liquid lens cells may provide compensation for changes in the focus position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: BLACKEYE OPTICS, LLC.
    Inventors: James H. Jannard, Iain A. Neil
  • Patent number: 8773766
    Abstract: A high performance zoom lens system suitable for use with a camera is disclosed. The zoom lens systems employs redirection of the radiation axis, liquid optics and a movable lens group to provide optical performance over the zoom focal length range at focus distances from close to infinity. The system also provides compensation for undesirable thermally induced effects by adjustments of the zoom group and the variably shaped optical surface in the liquid lens cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Blackeye Optics, LLC
    Inventors: James H. Jannard, Iain A. Neil
  • Patent number: 8687281
    Abstract: A lens system suitable for use with a camera is disclosed. The lens system employs liquid optics to provide stabilization of an image. A pair of liquid lens cells provides stabilization of the image. A second pair of liquid lens cells may provide stabilization in another direction. The two pairs of liquid cells may provide stabilization in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Blackeye Optics, LLC
    Inventors: James H. Jannard, Iain Neil
  • Patent number: 8638496
    Abstract: Liquid lens cells are used in a compound variable power optical system that forms an intermediate image between the object and the final image. A first variable power optical component is located between the object and an intermediate real image. The first variable power optical component varies power to change the magnification of the intermediate real image. A second variable power optical component is located between the intermediate real image and the final image. The second variable power optical component varies power to change the magnification of the final image. At least one of the first and second variable power optical components is stationary on the optical axis and comprises at least two liquids with different refractive properties and at least one variable shape contact surface between the two liquids, with variations in the shape of the contact surface producing a change of optical power in the optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Blackeye Optics, LLC
    Inventors: James H Jannard, Iain A Neil
  • Publication number: 20130250160
    Abstract: A zoom lens comprising, along an optical axis and in order from an object space to an image space: first lens group with negative power; an aperture stop; a second lens group with positive power; a third lens group with positive power; and a fourth lens group. The second and third lens groups and the aperture stop are axially movable for zooming. At least one lens element in the first lens group is moveable to provide for focusing. The aperture stop moves during zooming and has a clear aperture that changes size during zooming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Iain A. Neil
  • Patent number: 8508864
    Abstract: A high performance fixed focal length optical imaging system for example for a cine camera is operable to receive radiation from an object space and deliver the received radiation through the optical system so as to form an image at an image surface in an image space. The imaging system has the advantage of providing high relative illumination and high contrast at elevated spatial frequencies even when using a fast aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: ACM Projektentwicklung GmbH
    Inventor: Iain A. Neil
  • Patent number: 8503074
    Abstract: A multi-wavelength band imaging system including a beam splitter is provided, allowing image capturing means adapted to specific wavelength bands to be used such as from visible to near infrared, intermediate infrared and far infrared. The system may have a field of view of substantially (360) degrees about an optical axis of the system and may fit into a golf ball sized housing. The imaging system includes a first convex mirror and a second concave mirror. Some embodiments for imaging single or close wavelength bands and not requiring a beam splitter are equally provided. Also provided is a self-righting housing for an imaging system, for example as described above, which self-rights under the action of gravity, thereby disposing the imaging system in an appropriate orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: DSAM London LLP
    Inventors: David W. Samuelson, Iain A. Neil
  • Publication number: 20120281295
    Abstract: Liquid lens cells are used in a variable power optical system. In one embodiment, a stop is located between a first lens group comprising at least a first liquid lens cell and a second lens group comprising at least a second liquid lens cell. In one embodiment, a liquid lens cell controls an incident angle of light rays on an image surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: BLACKEYE OPTICS, LLC.
    Inventors: JAMES H. JANNARD, IAIN A. NEIL
  • Patent number: 8169709
    Abstract: A high performance zoom lens system suitable for use with a camera is disclosed. The zoom lens systems employs liquid optics and a movable lens group to provide optical performance over the zoom focal length range at focus distances from close to infinity. The system also provides compensation for undesirable thermally induced effects by adjustments of the zoom group and the variably shaped optical surface in the liquid lens cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Blackeye Optics, LLC
    Inventors: James H. Jannard, Iain A. Neil
  • Patent number: 8154805
    Abstract: Liquid lens cells are used in a variable power optical system. In one embodiment, a stop is located between a first lens group comprising at least a first liquid lens cell and a second lens group comprising at least a second liquid lens cell. In one embodiment, a liquid lens cell controls an incident angle of light rays on an image surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Blackeye Optics, LLC
    Inventors: James H Jannard, Iain A Neil
  • Publication number: 20120038812
    Abstract: A three-mirror anastigmatic with at least one non-rotationally symmetric mirror is disclosed. The at least one non-rotationally symmetric mirror may be an electroformed mirror shell having a non-rotationally symmetric reflective surface formed by a correspondingly shaped mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Iain A. Neil
  • Publication number: 20110102913
    Abstract: A high performance fixed focal length optical imaging system for example for a cine camera is operable to receive radiation from an object space and deliver the received radiation through the optical system so as to form an image at an image surface in an image space. The imaging system has the advantage of providing high relative illumination and high contrast at elevated spatial frequencies even when using a fast aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Iain A. Neil
  • Publication number: 20110085244
    Abstract: A high performance zoom lens system suitable for use with a camera is disclosed. The zoom lens systems employs liquid optics and a movable lens group to provide optical performance over the zoom focal length range at focus distances from close to infinity. The system also provides compensation for undesirable thermally induced effects by adjustments of the zoom group and the variably shaped optical surface in the liquid lens cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: BLACKEYE OPTICS, LLC
    Inventors: James H. Jannard, Iain Neil
  • Patent number: 7920783
    Abstract: A camera assembly, preferably a cinematographic camera assembly, comprises a camera housing and a plurality of interchangeable lenses which can be attached to the camera housing for capturing an image. Each lens has a body and a lens system comprising at least one lens element that is movable relative to the lens body to alter the focus distance of the lens, the lens having a focal length that differs from the focal length of the each other lenses. Each lens has a focus scale on one of the lens system and the lens body that comprises a plurality of focus distance marks, and a focus index mark on the other of the lens system and the lens body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: ACM Projektentwicklung GmbH
    Inventor: Iain A. Neil
  • Patent number: 7880978
    Abstract: A high performance fixed focal length optical imaging system for example for a cine camera is operable to receive radiation from an object space and deliver the received radiation through the optical system so as to form an image at an image surface in an image space. The imaging system has the advantage of providing high relative illumination and high contrast at elevated spatial frequencies even when using a fast aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: ACM Projektentwicklung GmbH
    Inventor: Iain A. Neil
  • Patent number: 7855838
    Abstract: A high performance zoom lens system suitable for use with a camera is disclosed. The zoom lens systems employs liquid optics and a movable lens group to provide optical performance over the zoom focal length range at focus distances from close to infinity. The system also provides compensation for undesirable thermally induced effects by adjustments of the zoom group and the variably shaped optical surface in the liquid lens cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Blackeye Optics, LLC
    Inventors: James H. Jannard, Iain A. Neil
  • Publication number: 20100259817
    Abstract: Liquid lens cells are used in a compound variable power optical system that forms an intermediate image between the object and the final image. A first variable power optical component is located between the object and an intermediate real image. The first variable power optical component varies power to change the magnification of the intermediate real image. A second variable power optical component is located between the intermediate real image and the final image. The second variable power optical component varies power to change the magnification of the final image. At least one of the first and second variable power optical components is stationary on the optical axis and comprises at least two liquids with different refractive properties and at least one variable shape contact surface between the two liquids, with variations in the shape of the contact surface producing a change of optical power in the optical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: BLACKEYE OPTICS, LLC.
    Inventors: JAMES H. JANNARD, IAIN A. NEIL