Abstract: A control system for an optical assembly having a fluid optical cell coupled to a hydraulic drive system includes a detector system that detects a line-of-sight of a user based on electromagnetic energy reflected from an eye of a user. The control system additionally includes a controller configured to determine a distance to an observed object based on the detected line-of-sight. The control system is also configured to control the hydraulic drive system to modify hydraulic pressure applied to the fluid optical cell such that the fluid optical cell is focused on the observed object.

Abstract: Eyewear referred to herein as Lnzwear includes fluid-filled optical cell(s) providing variable focal length, variable cylindrical lens power, and/or variable astigmatic angle, with all three variables being independently controllable by the user in real time. Lnzwear is analog in nature, has tall and wide fields of view, and omits from its lenses any lines or zones producing aberrations. Visual, verbal, and/or tactile control inputs can be provided by the user. Lnzwear does not require prescription optics and is preferably configured so that it can be mass produced. Multiple embodiments are disclosed to satisfy the needs of presbyopes with (or without) astigmatism around the world. Also disclosed is a control system and method that permit an optical system having a fluid optical cell to be auto-focused.

Abstract: Eyewear referred to herein as Lnzwear includes fluid-filled optical cell(s) providing variable focal length, variable cylindrical lens power, and/or variable astigmatic angle, with all three variables being independently controllable by the user in real time. Lnzwear is analog in nature, has tall and wide fields of view, and omits from its lenses any lines or zones producing aberrations. Visual, verbal, and/or tactile control inputs can be provided by the user. Lnzwear does not require prescription optics and is preferably configured so that it can be mass produced. Multiple embodiments are disclosed to satisfy the needs of presbyopes with (or without) astigmatism around the world.

Abstract: Eyewear referred to herein as Lnzwear includes fluid-filled optical cell(s) providing variable focal length, variable cylindrical lens power, and/or variable astigmatic angle, with all three variables being independently controllable by the user in real time. Lnzwear is analog in nature, has tall and wide fields of view, and omits from its lenses any lines or zones producing aberrations. Visual, verbal, and/or tactile control inputs can be provided by the user. Lnzwear does not require prescription optics and is preferably configured so that it can be mass produced. Multiple embodiments are disclosed to satisfy the needs of presbyopes with (or without) astigmatism around the world.

Abstract: A lens arrangement has a corrective or prescription lens. The prescription lens is adjacent to a fluid cell. The fluid cell has a flexible membrane and a base. Fluid is pumped into or out of the fluid cell in order to vary the corrective power of the entire lens arrangement. The prescription lens is coupled to the base so as to pivotally couple an edge portion of the flexible membrane therebetween and to allow the edge portion to flex with minimum distortion. The prescription lens, which may have a cylindrical surface, is rotatably coupled to the base to allow the cylinder axis to be adjusted to a proper position. The prescription lens is removably coupled to the base to allow the lens to be exchanged for a lens with a different corrective power.

Abstract: A lens arrangement has a corrective or prescription lens. The prescription lens is adjacent to a fluid cell. The fluid cell has a flexible membrane and a base. Fluid is pumped into or out of the fluid cell in order to vary the corrective power of the entire lens arrangement. The prescription lens is coupled to the base so as to pivotally couple an edge portion of the flexible membrane therebetween and to allow the edge portion to flex with minimum distortion. The prescription lens, which may have a cylindrical surface, is rotatably coupled to the base to allow the cylinder axis to be adjusted to a proper position. The prescription lens is removably coupled to the base to allow the lens to be exchanged for a lens with a different corrective power.

Abstract: A flexible boundary fluid lens cell is disclosed. The fluid lens cell has a membrane edge retention arrangement which retains flexible lens membranes so the membranes may freely change slope about the membrane edge portions in response to varying fluid pressure within the lens cell, thereby precluding optical aberrations due to fixed membrane boundaries. The edge portions are clamped between lips in a frame an a ring that is interposed between two membranes. The flexible boundary fluid lens cell is particularly useful in eyewear to compensate for the eye's loss of accommodation. Eyewear incorporating the flexible boundary fluid lens cell are capable of continuously variable focal power so that the lens may be adjusted to focus on objects at varying distances. In addition, certain systems and system components are disclosed for application of the lens cell to eyewear.

Abstract: A pitching machine and control system which will pitch any baseball pitch desired on command with all parameters of each pitch chosen before the pitch of the ball. The system measures and counteracts the effects of the prevailing weather upon the ball then delivers the ball to the chosen point in the target zone. The parameters of the pitch are: orientation of the seams of the ball with respect to the access of spin, orientation of the access of spin with respect to the direction of travel, location of the release point with respect to the center of the machine (including both height and width), velocity of the ball, magnitude of the spin of the ball, and initial direction of the ball. The target parameters which are also selected before pitch are the target location with respect to the release point of the ball. Internal settings of the machine are adjusted to satisfy the pitch, and target parameters and the prevailing weather. Pitch and target parameters can be stored and played back to control the system.

Abstract: Weight monitoring apparatus supports and agitates a fluid collection bag to mix a received flow of fluid with a fluid contained within the bag while simultaneously monitoring the increasing weight of the bag. When a predetermined weight of the bag and its contents is achieved, the inflow of fluid is automatically interrupted.