Patents by Inventor Robin Eddington
Robin Eddington 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).
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Patent number: 10866382Abstract: A miniature camera having an image sensor; an actuator which includes conductive components capable of conducting a pulse width modulation drive signal for driving the actuator; and a screening component located between the conductive components of the actuator and the image sensor, the screening component being electrically isolated from the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2017Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Cambridge Mechatronics LimitedInventors: James Howarth, Andrew Benjamin David Brown, Igor Gotlibovych, Robin Eddington, Ian Edward Charles Rogers, Nicholas Henry Reddall
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Publication number: 20200277941Abstract: Embodiments of the present techniques provide methods for assembling and manufacturing shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator assemblies, which may also advantageously simplify the process of, speed-up the process of and/or reduce the cost of manufacturing SMA actuator assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2018Publication date: September 3, 2020Inventors: Robin Eddington, James Howarth
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Publication number: 20200271946Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator arrangement for a movable element supporting a camera lens assembly comprises plural shape memory alloy actuator wires connected between a support structure and the movable element in an arrangement wherein the shape memory alloy actuator wires are arranged, on selective driving, to move the movable element relative to the support structure in any direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the at least one lens. At least one plain bearing bears the movable element on the support structure, allowing movement of the movable element relative to the support structure orthogonal to the optical axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2020Publication date: August 27, 2020Inventors: James Howarth, Robin Eddington, Nicholas Henry Reddall
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Publication number: 20200200154Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide an actuator that comprises segments of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wire that can be used to deliver a relatively large output stroke. In particular, two segments of SMA actuator wire may be mechanically coupled together around a corner of a static component of the actuator such that a displacement (e.g. contraction) of one segment causes a displacement (e.g. contraction) of the other segment. In this way, the displacement of each segment combines in an additive manner to generate a large output stroke that is able to move a moveable component of the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2018Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: James Howarth, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Robin Eddington
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Patent number: 10663753Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator arrangement for a movable element supporting a camera lens assembly comprises plural shape memory alloy actuator wires connected between a support structure and the movable element in an arrangement wherein the shape memory alloy actuator wires are arranged, on selective driving, to move the movable element relative to the support structure in any direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the at least one lens. At least one plain bearing bears the movable element on the support structure, allowing movement of the movable element relative to the support structure orthogonal to the optical axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2016Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITEDInventors: James Howarth, Robin Eddington, Nicholas Henry Reddall
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Publication number: 20200073140Abstract: An SMA actuator is arranged to tilt the mirror in a zoom camera to effect optical image stabilization. The actuator may comprise four angled-V SMA wires. The actuator may alternatively comprise a gimbal flexure and SMA wires. In this case there may be four SMA wires or two SMA wires and two springs. The SMA wires may be straight wires or wires hooked in a V shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2018Publication date: March 5, 2020Applicant: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITEDInventors: Robin EDDINGTON, James HOWARTH
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Publication number: 20190250366Abstract: A miniature camera having an image sensor; an actuator which includes conductive components capable of conducting a pulse width modulation drive signal for driving the actuator; and a screening component located between the conductive components of the actuator and the image sensor, the screening component being electrically isolated from the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2017Publication date: August 15, 2019Inventors: James Howarth, Andrew Benjamin David Brown, Igor Gotlibovych, Robin Eddington, Ian Edward Charles Rogers, Nicholas Henry Reddall
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Publication number: 20190086686Abstract: A camera assembly comprises a lens assembly supported on a support structure, wherein the lens assembly includes an autofocus actuator arrangement and the camera assembly includes an optical image stabilization assembly arranged to move the lens assembly in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. A flexible printed circuit tape connected between the support structure and the lens assembly and providing an electrical connection to the auto-focus actuator arrangement is bent around a corner, thereby allowing the flexible printed circuit tape to accommodate the motion of the lens assembly perpendicular to the optical axis. A crimp plate connected to the lens assembly which crimps shape memory alloy wires has features extending out of the plane of the crimp plate for reducing flexibility. At least part of the optical image stabilization assembly overlaps the lens assembly in the direction along the optical axis, thereby reducing the height of the camera assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Applicants: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITED, Hutchinson Technology IncorporatedInventors: Chee Keong LAI, James Howarth, Peter Francis Ladwig, Richard Rodger Jenneke, Robin Eddington, Stephen Matthew Bunting
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Patent number: 10175499Abstract: A camera assembly comprises a lens assembly supported on a support structure, wherein the lens assembly includes an autofocus actuator arrangement and the camera assembly includes an optical image stabilization assembly arranged to move the lens assembly in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. A flexible printed circuit tape connected between the support structure and the lens assembly and providing an electrical connection to the auto-focus actuator arrangement is bent around a corner, thereby allowing the flexible printed circuit tape to accommodate the motion of the lens assembly perpendicular to the optical axis. A crimp plate connected to the lens assembly which crimps shape memory alloy wires has features extending out of the plane of the crimp plate for reducing flexibility. At least part of the optical image stabilization assembly overlaps the lens assembly in the direction along the optical axis, thereby reducing the height of the camera assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2015Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignees: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITED, HUTCHINSON TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATEDInventors: James Howarth, Robin Eddington, Stephen Matthew Bunting, Peter Francis Ladwig, Richard Rodger Jenneke, Chee Keong Lai
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Patent number: 10092296Abstract: A hand-operable surgical clip applicator (10) including a barrel (12) having a first end (14) and a second end (16), the second end formed to accommodate a surgical clip, a crimping lever (20) pivotally connected at the second end of the barrel, and a trigger (28) co-located with the barrel, the trigger being operable to pivot the crimping lever, the pivoting movement of the crimping lever causing the surgical clip to be urged from an open position to a closed position, wherein the trigger has an operating portion on either side of the barrel.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2015Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: FEMCARE-NIKOMED LIMITEDInventors: Desmond John Miles, John Philip Briant, Adrian John Streeter, James Daniel John, Iain Grierson McDerment, Nick Harrison, Robin Eddington
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Publication number: 20180284475Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator arrangement for a movable element supporting a camera lens assembly comprises plural shape memory alloy actuator wires connected between a support structure and the movable element in an arrangement wherein the shape memory alloy actuator wires are arranged, on selective driving, to move the movable element relative to the support structure in any direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the at least one lens. At least one plain bearing bears the movable element on the support structure, allowing movement of the movable element relative to the support structure orthogonal to the optical axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2016Publication date: October 4, 2018Applicant: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITEDInventors: James HOWARTH, Robin EDDINGTON, Nicholas Henry REDDALL
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Publication number: 20170219842Abstract: A camera assembly comprises a lens assembly (20) supported on a support structure (4), wherein the lens assembly includes an autofocus actuator arrangement (24) and the camera assembly includes an optical image stabilization assembly (40) arranged to move the lens assembly in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. A flexible printed circuit tape (103) connected between the support structure (4) and the lens assembly (20) and providing an electrical connection to the auto-focus actuator arrangement (24) is bent around a corner, thereby allowing the flexible printed circuit tape (103) to accommodate the motion of the lens assembly perpendicular to the optical axis. A crimp plate (62) connected to the lens assembly which crimps shape memory alloy wires (80) has features (63) extending out of the plane of the crimp plate for reducing flexibility.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2015Publication date: August 3, 2017Applicants: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITED, HUTCHINSON TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATEDInventors: James HOWARTH, Robin EDDINGTON, Stephen Matthew BUNTING, Peter Francis LADWIG, Richard Rodger JENNEKE, Chee Keong LAI
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Patent number: 9518566Abstract: An SMA actuation apparatus moves a movable element relative to a support structure in two orthogonal directions using a total of four SMA actuator wires each connected at its ends between the movable element and the support structure and extending perpendicular to the primary axis. None of the SMA actuator wires are collinear, but the SMA actuator wires have an arrangement in which they are capable of being selectively driven to move the movable element relative to the support structure to any position in said range of movement without applying any net torque to the movable element in the plane of the two orthogonal directions around the primary axis. Accordingly, it is possible to drive movement whilst balancing the forces to limit torque around the primary axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2013Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITEDInventors: Robin Eddington, James Howarth, Andrew Benjamin David Brown
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Patent number: 9451966Abstract: A hand-operable surgical clip applicator (10) including a barrel (12) having a first end (14) and a second end (16), the second end formed to accommodate a surgical clip, a crimping lever (20) pivotally connected at the second end of the barrel, and a trigger (28) co-located with the barrel, the trigger being operable to pivot the crimping lever, the pivoting movement of the crimping lever causing the surgical clip to be urged from an open position to a closed position, wherein the trigger has an operating portion on either side of the barrel.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2009Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Femcare-Nikomed LimitedInventors: Desmond John Miles, John Philip Briant, Adrian John Streeter, James Daniel John, Iain Grierson McDerment, Nick Harrison, Robin Eddington
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Publication number: 20150265282Abstract: A hand-operable surgical clip applicator (10) including a barrel (12) having a first end (14) and a second end (16), the second end formed to accommodate a surgical clip, a crimping lever (20) pivotally connected at the second end of the barrel, and a trigger (28) co-located with the barrel, the trigger being operable to pivot the crimping lever, the pivoting movement of the crimping lever causing the surgical clip to be urged from an open position to a closed position, wherein the trigger has an operating portion on either side of the barrel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2015Publication date: September 24, 2015Applicant: Femcare-Nikomed LimitedInventors: Desmond John Miles, John Philip Briant, Adrian John Streeter, James Daniel John, Iain Grierson McDerment, Nick Harrison, Robin Eddington
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Publication number: 20150135703Abstract: An SMA actuation apparatus moves a movable element relative to a support structure in two orthogonal directions using a total of four SMA actuator wires each connected at its ends between the movable element and the support structure and extending perpendicular to the primary axis. None of the SMA actuator wires are collinear, but the SMA actuator wires have an arrangement in which they are capable of being selectively driven to move the movable element relative to the support structure to any position in said range of movement without applying any net torque to the movable element in the plane of the two orthogonal directions around the primary axis. Accordingly, it is possible to drive movement whilst balancing the forces to limit torque around the primary axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITEDInventors: Robin Eddington, James Howarth, Andrew Benjamin David Brown
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Patent number: 8575792Abstract: A stage comprising a first translation platform having a first axis of motion, and a second translation platform having a second axis of motion, a first linear drive motor for driving the first translation platform in the first axis of motion, and a second linear drive motor for driving the second translation platform in the second axis of motion, wherein each linear drive motor further comprises a coil assembly enclosing a rod stator, and wherein the coil assembly is fixed and the rod stator is movable within the coil assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Thorlabs, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey S. Brooker, Paulo Chaves, Keith Dhese, Robin Eddington
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Publication number: 20110313432Abstract: A hand-operable surgical clip applicator (10) including a barrel (12) having a first end (14) and a second end (16), the second end formed to accommodate a surgical clip, a crimping lever (20) pivotally connected at the second end of the barrel, and a trigger (28) co-located with the barrel, the trigger being operable to pivot the crimping lever, the pivoting movement of the crimping lever causing the surgical clip to be urged from an open position to a closed position, wherein the trigger has an operating portion on either side of the barrel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2009Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: FEMCARE-NIKOMED LIMITEDInventors: Desmond John Miles, John Philip Briant, Adrian John Streeter, James Daniel John, Iain Grierson McDerment, Nick Harrison, Robin Eddington
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Publication number: 20110089771Abstract: A stage comprising a first translation platform having a first axis of motion, and a second translation platform having a second axis of motion, a first linear drive motor for driving the first translation platform in the first axis of motion, and a second linear drive motor for driving the second translation platform in the second axis of motion, wherein each linear drive motor further comprises a coil assembly enclosing a rod stator, and wherein the coil assembly is fixed and the rod stator is movable within the coil assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: THORLABS, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey S. Brooker, Paulo Chaves, Keith Dhese, Robin Eddington
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Patent number: D653274Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2010Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Thorlabs, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey S. Brooker, Paulo Chaves, Keith Dhese, Robin Eddington