Fluid Patents (Class 359/665)
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Patent number: 10690815Abstract: The present invention relates to a lens device (1), comprising: a transparent and elastically expandable membrane (10), an optical element (20) opposing the membrane (10), a wall member (300), wherein the optical element (10) and the membrane (10) are connected to the wall member (300) such that a volume (V) is formed, a fluid (F) residing in said volume (V), and a lens shaping member (11) attached to the membrane (10).Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2017Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: OPTOTUNE CONSUMER AGInventors: Manuel Aschwanden, Pit Gebbers
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Patent number: 10630875Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid lens control circuit, which includes a liquid lens including a plurality of individual electrodes disposed in compartmental areas at the same level and a common electrode disposed at a different level from that of the individual electrodes, a voltage control circuit configured to supply voltages to the common electrode and at least one of the individual electrodes in the liquid lens in order to control an interface in the liquid lens, and a capacitance measuring circuit configured to calculate a capacitance between the common electrode and at least one of the individual electrodes in the liquid lens using a switched capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2019Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventors: Young Seop Moon, Young Woon Kim
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Patent number: 10558031Abstract: An electrowetting optical device is provided. The electrowetting optical device includes a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid. The non-conductive fluid includes a naphthalene based compound having Formula (I), Formula (II), and/or Formula (III): where R1, R2, and R3 are individually alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, or aryloxy groups; X includes carbon, silicon, germanium, tin, lead, and combinations thereof; and Z includes oxygen, sulfur, selenium, tellurium, polonium, and combinations thereof. The conductive liquid may additionally include a transmission recovery agent having Formula (IV) and/or Formula (V): where R4 is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, or aryloxy group. The electrowetting optical device additionally includes a dielectric surface in contact with both the conductive and non-conductive liquids where the conductive and non-conductive liquids are non-miscible.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2019Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Benjamin Jean-Baptiste Francois Burger, Geraldine Malet Vasseur
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Patent number: 10520650Abstract: A tunable acoustic gradient (TAG) lens is provided including a lens casing, a refractive fluid, a controllable acoustic wave generating element (e.g., a piezoelectric vibrator) and an external reservoir configuration. An operational volume of the refractive fluid is contained in a casing cavity of the lens casing. The external reservoir configuration includes a deformable external fluid reservoir that contains a reserve volume of the refractive fluid and that is connected to the casing cavity by a flow channel. The flow channel enables the refractive fluid to flow back and forth between the casing cavity and the deformable external fluid reservoir in accordance with expansion and contraction of the refractive fluid (e.g., due to changes in temperature). The lens casing, deformable external fluid reservoir and flow channel are configured as a sealed system, with no intentional gas volume included in the sealed system.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2018Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventors: Isaiah Freerksen, Maxwell James Perkins
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Patent number: 10520753Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of multiple segments of a frustum of a cone. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Randall B Pugh, Daniel B Otts, Adam Toner, Edward R Kernick, James Daniel Riall, Sharika Snook
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Patent number: 10444491Abstract: A variable focal length optical assembly may include a deformable entry lens element, a deformable first reflective element and a deformable second reflective element. Using a controller coupled to the deformable elements, an external force such as a mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, or electromagnetic force is applied to the deformable elements to provide any number of different focal lengths. Since the deformation of the deformable elements, and consequently the changes in focal length, occur much faster than the playback frame rate, a number of sub-frames, each containing an image obtained at a different focal length, are associated with each playback frame. The availability of multiple images in the form of sub-frames permits the selection of an optimal image for inclusion in the final playback frame sequence. The availability of multiple images in the form of sub-frames at different focal lengths also permits the seamless incorporation of zoom-in and zoom-out effects.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2015Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: SAIKOU OPTICS INCORPORATEDInventor: Eric Sanford
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Patent number: 10429037Abstract: Optical devices are disclosed. In particular, optical devices including a collimated light source (140), at switchable diffuser (110), and at least one light deflecting element (120, 130) are disclosed. The electrically switchable diffuser (110), in combination with the at least light deflecting element (120, 130) can provide significant changes in the overall distribution of light at the electrically switchable diffuser (110) is switched between two or more states.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2015Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John A. Wheatley, Guanglei Du
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Patent number: 10371957Abstract: A display device according to an exemplary embodiment includes a display panel including a plurality of pixels, and a lens panel positioned at a side of the display panel in a direction in which the display panel is configured to display an image. The lens panel includes a first electrode having a plurality of recess portions, a second electrode having a plurality of openings respectively overlapping the plurality of recess portions one by one, and a lens formation layer positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode. A recess portion among the plurality of recess portions overlaps two or more pixels among the plurality of pixels, and an opening among the openings overlaps the two or more pixels among the plurality of pixels. A circumference of the opening is positioned inside a circumference of the recess portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Su Jung Huh, Beom Shik Kim, In SUn Hwang
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Patent number: 10371936Abstract: A general method is provided for electronically reconfiguring the internal structure of a solid to allow precision control of the propagation of wave energy. The method allows digital or analog control of wave energy, such as but not limited to visible light, while maintaining low losses, a multi-octave bandwidth, polarization independence, large area and a large dynamic range in power handling. Embodiments of the technique are provided for large-angle beam steering, lenses and other devices to control wave energy.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Inventor: Leo D. DiDomenico
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Patent number: 10365276Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the qualitative and/or quantitative detection of particles. In particular, the invention relates to devices for the detection of particles, comprising a reaction chamber formed within a chamber body between a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface is located opposite to the first surface, and one or more displacers, wherein the distance between the first surface and the second surface is variable via the one or more displacers at least in one or more parts of the surface area of the first surface and/or second surface. The invention also relates to corresponding methods for the detection of particles.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2017Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: ALERE TECHNOLOGIES GMBHInventors: Eugen Ermantraut, Ralf Bickel, Torsten Schulz, Thomas Ullrich, Jens Tuchscheerer
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Patent number: 10330885Abstract: A lens retaining method for retaining a lens in a lens retaining frame includes: arranging the lens in the lens retaining frame such that a lens surface of the lens is brought into contact with a protrusion of the lens retaining frame that protrudes in a radial direction; filling, after the lens has been arranged, an adhesive into a space formed between the lens surface and the protrusion, the space being partitioned in an axial direction by the lens surface and the protrusion; and curing the adhesive after the adhesive has been filled into the space.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: Takeshi Uehara
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Patent number: 10334693Abstract: A light source module including a light emitting element, a tunable-focal length lens and a controller is provided. The light emitting element is configured to emit a light beam. The tunable-focal length lens is disposed on a transmission path of the light beam. The controller is coupled to the tunable-focal length lens, and adjusts a characteristic of the tunable-focal length lens in a first status and a second status.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2018Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Lite-On Technology CorporationInventors: Yao-Chi Peng, Po-Chang Li, Ming-Hung Chien
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Patent number: 10288777Abstract: The present invention relates to transparent optical device elements comprising a deformable lens body and to a method for changing the refractive index (RI) of a deformable lens body. The deformable lens body of the invention has an improved mechanical stability, a high refractive index, an optimal degree of stiffness and sheer modulus for use as optical lens.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2016Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: poLight ASAInventor: Lars Henriksen
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Patent number: 10261470Abstract: A system and method for extending a projection boundary for a holographic display device. The system includes a display device with electroactive polymer strips attached to the bottom of the display device and two microfluidic display layers affixed to the top. The two microfluidic display layers have holographic projectors therebetween. Light is projected from the holographic projects through the second microfluidic layer and holographic objects are created where the projected light converges. A user changes the dimensions or location of a holographic object using finger gestures. The system calculates the focal length required to make the change instructed by the user and the microfluidic display layers deform to create a convex lens in the second microfluidic layer with the focal length required to make the change instructed by the user.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2017Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Sarbajit K. Rakshit
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Patent number: 10232133Abstract: Provided herein is an endoscope comprising an end portion configured to take an image; a controller configured to control the end portion and process the image input by the end portion; and a connector configured to connect the end portion and the controller, wherein the end portion is provided with at least one lens apparatus surrounding an exterior surface of the end portion, the lens apparatus being adapted to be brought to various focuses, thereby providing an effect of obtaining images from various viewpoints at a short period of time, and when used as an endoscope, obviating the need to move the multi-view and multi-focused variable lens at the end portion, making it possible to reduce the thickness of the connector that connects the end portion of the endoscope with the controller.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Sae Kwang Nam, Ki Uk Kyung, Bong Je Park, Sun Tak Park, Sung Ryul Yun
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Patent number: 10139529Abstract: A deformable lens structure includes: a deformable first layer having a first outer surface adapted to receive an incident light beam, and a first inner surface opposite the first outer surface; at least a first central portion of the first layer being transparent to the light beam; a second layer having a second inner surface facing the first inner surface and a second outer surface opposite the second inner surface, at least a second central portion of the second layer being transparent to the light beam; a shaped spacer element positioned between the first inner surface and the second inner surface, and an inner chamber containing a liquid transparent to the light beam; first and second electrostatic actuators operatively associated with the first layer and second layers and positioned at the first central portion of the first layer and at the second central portion of the second layer, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2015Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: ADAPTICA S.R.L.Inventors: Gianlugi Meneghini, Stefano Bonora, Alessandro Brunelli
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Patent number: 10126543Abstract: An electrowetting element comprises a first fluid and a second fluid substantially immiscible with the first fluid. Greater than or equal to 0.05 wt % and less than or equal to 15 wt % of the second fluid is water.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2016Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Romaric Mathieu Massard
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Patent number: 10101677Abstract: An inspection apparatus (for example a scatterometer) comprises: a substrate support for supporting a substrate and an optical system. An illumination system illuminates a target (T) with radiation. A positioning system (518) moves one or both of the optical system and the substrate support so as to position an individual target (T) relative to the optical system so that the imaging optics can use a portion of the diffracted radiation to form an image of the target structure on an image sensor (23). A liquid lens (722) is controlled (902) by feed-forward control to maintain said image stationary against vibration and/or scanning movement between the optical system and the target structure. In a second aspect, a liquid lens (1324, 1363) to correct chromatic aberration during measurements made at different wavelengths. This may improve focusing of the illumination on the target (T), and/or focusing of an image on the image sensor (23).Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Kim Gerard Feijen, Henricus Wilhelmus Maria Van Buel, Martinus Joseph Kok
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Patent number: 10085637Abstract: a contact lens that monitors the radius of curvature of cornea includes an amplification chamber, am annular membrane, a microfluidic channel, and a gas reservoir within a top and bottom lens layers of the contact lens. The annular membrane is positioned within the amplification chamber and is in fluid communication with the gas reservoir through the microfluidic channel. A working gas within the gas reservoir and a working fluid within the amplification chamber and the microfluidic channel create a fluid-gas equilibrium pressure interface. The curvature change of the cornea results the amplification chamber wall and the annular membrane to deflect, wherein the deflection results the fluid-gas equilibrium pressure interface baseline to change within the microfluidic channel. Then the baseline position change is recorded by an external imaging system to analysis sensitivity calculation of the cornea.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: SMARTLENS, INC.Inventors: Ismail Emre Araci, Murat Baday
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Patent number: 10078160Abstract: A variable liquid lens system is provided. The variable liquid lens system includes a lens barrel comprising a wall and first and second ends, wherein the first and second ends are substantially transparent, at least one liquid lens disposed in the lens barrel and contacting the wall, the at least one liquid lens comprising a droplet, and a plurality of spaces containing fluid positioned on opposite sides of the at least one liquid lens inside the lens barrel. A plurality of first holes are provided in the wall at a position corresponding to the plurality of spaces. The at least one liquid lens is configured so that a position of the at least one liquid lens within the lens barrel is adjustable by adjusting amounts of the fluid contained in the plurality of spaces via the plurality of first holes.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2014Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Eun-sung Lee, Woon-bae Kim, Seung-wan Lee, Jong-hyeon Chang, Min-seog Choi
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Patent number: 10036836Abstract: An actuation mechanism for simultaneous actuation of first and second variable focal length lenses is disclosed. Each lens comprises a distensible membrane bounding a fluid-filled cavity, the focal length varying with the degree of curvature of the membrane as it distends. The actuation mechanism comprises a hydraulic master actuator in fluid communication with a hydraulic slave actuator associated with the first lens and with a hydraulic slave actuator associated with the second lens. Each slave actuator is configured to vary the degree of distension of the membrane of its associated lens in response to operation of the master actuator, whereby the master actuator is operable to cause a variation of the degree of distension of the membranes of both the first and second lenses simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2017Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: Adlens Ltd.Inventors: Robert Edward Stevens, Alex Edginton, Julian Brandon-Jones, Roger Brian Minchin Clarke
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Patent number: 10030847Abstract: An optical diffuser for a light may comprise an optical body having a substantially flat base at one end thereof and a complex lens structure at the opposing end thereof. The complex lens may have a plurality of curved optical surfaces and may produce a beam of light having a non-uniform light intensity. The optical diffuser may be attached to a light by a holder, and the holder may be movable on the light to place the optical diffuser in front of alight source.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2015Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: Streamlight, Inc.Inventors: William D. Worman, Thomas D. Boris
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Patent number: 10018855Abstract: An accommodating contact lens comprises a variable focus optical module, which comprises an optical chamber and one or more eyelid engaging chambers coupled to the optical chamber with one or more extensions comprising channels extending between the optical chamber and the more eyelid engaging chambers. The module may comprise a self-supporting module capable of supporting itself prior to placement in a contact lens to facilitate placement prior to encapsulation in the contact lens. The module may comprise one or more optically transmissive materials, provides improved optical correction, and can be combined with soft contact lens materials such as hydrogels. In many embodiments, the module comprises a support structure extending between an upper membrane and a lower membrane in order to provide variable optical power accurately with decreased amounts distortion and improved responsiveness to eyelid induced pressure.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2014Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: ONEFOCUS TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventors: Steve B. Waite, Amitava Gupta, Urban Schnell
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Patent number: 9989676Abstract: A deformable lens structure includes: a deformable first layer having a first outer surface adapted to receive an incident light beam, and a first inner surface opposite the first outer surface; at least a first central portion of the first layer being transparent to the light beam; a second layer having a second inner surface facing the first inner surface and a second outer surface opposite the second inner surface, at least a second central portion of the second layer being transparent to the light beam; a shaped spacer element positioned between the first inner surface and the second inner surface, and an inner chamber containing a liquid transparent to the light beam; first and second electrostatic actuators operatively associated with the first layer and second layers and positioned at the first central portion of the first layer and at the second central portion of the second layer, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Adaptica S.r.l.Inventors: Gianlugi Meneghini, Stefano Bonora, Alessandro Brunelli
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Patent number: 9977216Abstract: An optical system includes a liquid lens and an adjustment structure. The liquid lens includes an optically-active region and an adjustment region that is not optically-active. The adjustment region has a volume that corresponds to an optical parameter of the optically-active region. The adjustment structure is configured to interface with the adjustment region. The adjustment structure includes a first portion having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second portion having a second coefficient of thermal expansion that differs from the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The first portion and the second portion are configured to collectively change the volume of the adjustment region throughout an operational temperature range of the optical system based on the first coefficient of thermal expansion of and the second coefficient of thermal expansion.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2016Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventor: David D. Bohn
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Patent number: 9977235Abstract: Disclosed are examples of optical/electrical devices including a variable TIR lens assembly having a transducer, an optical lens and an electrowetting cell coupled to an exterior wall of the lens. The electrowetting cell contains two immiscible liquids having different optical and electrical properties. One liquid has a high index of refraction, and the other liquid has a low index of refraction. At least one liquid is electrically conductive. A signal causes the high index of refraction and the low index of refraction liquids to assume various positions within the electrowetting cell along the exterior wall. The properties of the optical lens, e.g. its total internal reflectivity, change depending upon the position of the respective liquids along the exterior wall. The light detection characteristics of the assembly change to receive an input light beam over a range of inputs or over a range of fields of view.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2016Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: ABL IP HOLDING LLCInventors: David P. Ramer, An Mao, Jack C. Rains, Jr.
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Patent number: 9952358Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to methods for preventing the formation of an emulsion in a liquid lens. In one embodiment, the method comprises fabricating a top substrate, a bottom substrate, and a central substrate including a cavity configured to be filled by first and second liquids. The liquid lens comprising the top substrate, the bottom substrate and the central substrate is assembled, with at least one of the top substrate and the bottom substrate in the assembled liquid lens being characterized by a stabilizing feature determining that in response to an impact load on the assembled liquid lens that would cause localized pressure drops of maximum magnitude X in the absence of the stabilizing feature, the maximum magnitude of localized pressure drops within the liquid lens is smaller than X.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Raymond Miller Karam, Vijay Albuquerque, Georges Roussos, Amy Andersen, John Koons, Brian Nilsen, Rob Hobden, Tony Chobot
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Patent number: 9939626Abstract: An optical microscopic apparatus for creating a super-resolution image of an organism or biological matter, the optical microscopic apparatus includes a light source configured to provide visible light including evanescent waves, a hyper-lens unit including a front surface on which a specimen is placed, the hyper-lens unit including a multi-layered structure to convert at least part of the evanescent waves incident on the front surface into propagating waves, an objective lens for collecting visible light emitted from a rear surface of the hyper-lens unit, and an image capturing unit to capture visible light emitted from the objective lens and to create an image of the specimen.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: POSTECH Academy-Industry FoundationInventors: Junsuk Rho, Minkyung Kim
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Patent number: 9918619Abstract: A highly corrected relay system for medical endoscopes or the like is provided. The system includes a plurality of bonded lenses that are selected to provide color correction from the blue region of the spectrum through to the near infrared region of the spectrum. The system allows co-located visible and near infrared images to be resolved on a single detector.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: NOVADAQ TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: John Tesar
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Patent number: 9897793Abstract: A substrate for an electrowetting display device including a pixel electrode, a partition wall pattern and a water-repellent pattern. The pixel electrode is formed on a base substrate. The partition wall pattern is disposed along an edge of the pixel electrode to expose the pixel electrode. The water-repellent pattern is disposed at a space formed by the pixel electrode and the partition wall pattern to be extended along a lower portion of side surfaces of the partition wall pattern from an area on which the pixel electrode is formed. The water-repellent pattern exposes an upper portion of the side surfaces and an upper surface of the partition wall pattern. Thus, a manufacturing reliability of a substrate for an electrowetting display device is improved to prevent a display quality from being reduced.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2015Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Seung Bo Shim, Jin-Ho Ju, Dae Ho Kim, Sang-Il Kim, Sung-Kyun Park, Jae-Jin Lyu
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Patent number: 9874285Abstract: A platform for cultivation, maintenance, and/or analysis of one or more bio-objects includes one or more integrated bio-object microfluidics modules. Each integrated bio-object microfluidics module is configured to cultivate, maintain, analyze and/or mimic functionalities of a respective bio-object, and includes one or more on-chip pumps; a plurality of fluidic switches; and a microfluidic chip in fluid communication with the one or more on-chip pumps and the plurality of fluidic switches, having at least one chamber for accommodating the bio-object and a plurality of fluidic paths connecting the at least one chamber, the one or more on-chip pumps and the plurality of fluidic switches, and a power and control unit adapted for selectively and individually controlling the one or more on-chip pumps and the plurality of fluidic switches for performing bio-object microfluidics functions.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2013Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITYInventors: Frank E. Block, III, Philip C. Samson, Erik M. Werner, Dmitry A. Markov, Ronald S. Reiserer, Jennifer R. Mckenzie, David E. Cliffel, William J. Matloff, Frank E. Block, Jr., Joseph R. Scherrer, W. Hunter Tidwell, John P. Wikswo
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Patent number: 9869693Abstract: An acceleration sensor, a display device, a detecting system and a detecting method are provided; the acceleration sensor includes two electrodes arranged opposite to and insulated from each other, and a cavity arranged between the two electrodes; a liquid layer is arranged in the cavity, and the liquid layer occupies a portion of internal space of the cavity. A display device integrated with the acceleration sensor has advantages such as high degree of integration, compact structure and low production cost and so on.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignees: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd., Beijing BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jiuxia Yang, Zhidong Wang
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Patent number: 9823461Abstract: Provided are a fluid for an electrowetting device including a first fluid as a polar liquid, and a second fluid, as a non-polar solution, which is separated from the first fluid by an interface, wherein the first fluid includes an organic acid having an acid dissociation constant (pKa) of about 4 or less, a polar solvent, and a quaternary ammonium hydroxide compound, and an electrowetting device including the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2015Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignees: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., SNU R&DB FOUNDATIONInventors: Chilsung Choi, Woohyuk Jang, Taekdong Chung
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Patent number: 9703019Abstract: According to some aspects, an adaptive lens is provided. One such adaptive lens comprises at least one fluid-filled chamber located within an optical and/or acoustic path of the lens, and at least one elastomeric and substantially optically and/or acoustically transparent membrane, located within an optical and/or acoustic path of the lens and at least partially bounding one or more of the at least one fluid-filled chambers, wherein one or more of the at least one membranes is configured such that a shape of the membrane is altered upon receipt of an electric field. Some aspects provide a method of producing a lens comprising providing at least one chamber bounded at least in part by first and second membranes, and providing a fluid into the at least one chamber such that the fluid is located within an optical and/or acoustic path of the lens.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2013Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard CollegeInventors: Samuel Shian, Roger Diebold, David Clarke
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Patent number: 9690015Abstract: A fluid lens assembly includes: a first lens having a first lens-viewing center; a second lens having a rear concave portion that defines a rear recess and a second lens-viewing center which is aligned with the first lens-viewing center along a viewing axis; and a membrane that is stacked between the first lens and the second lens, that covers the rear recess, that has a membrane-view center, and that cooperates with the first lens to define an accommodating space therebetween for receiving a fluid layer. The membrane wraps around a periphery of the rear recess and is deformed into the rear recess such that the membrane-viewing center is kept aligned with the first lens-viewing center along the viewing axis during inflation of the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2015Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: OCEANUS INVESTMENT INC.Inventor: David Chao
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Patent number: 9645472Abstract: Techniques related to a method, apparatus, and systems for magnetic fluid shutter operation are described herein. For example, an apparatus may include an aperture of an image sensor. The apparatus may also include a ferrofluid to expose the aperture based on a propagation direction of a magnetic flux applied to the ferrofluid.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Mikko Ollila
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Patent number: 9638839Abstract: An optical zoom probe is disclosed. The optical zoom probe includes: at least one liquid lens having a focus which is configured to be adjusted according to a flow of a fluid through a flow path; and a barrel provided to form the flow path and including a narrowed first end part including a first opening through which an image is captured, the at least one liquid lens being provided inside the barrel.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Eun-sung Lee, Woon-bae Kim, Seung-wan Lee, Jong-hyeon Chang, Min-seog Choi
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Patent number: 9625622Abstract: Aspheric variable focal length lens systems and methods are described herein. One example of a system for aspheric variable focal length lens includes a first surface coupled to a second surface by a number of concentric rings that creates a void, wherein the first surface is a variable aspheric surface, an optical material within the void between the first surface and the second surface, a first actuator located at a first end of the first surface and a first end of the second surface, and a second actuator located at a second end of the first surface and a second end of the second surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2014Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Matthew E. L. Jungwirth, Matthew S. Marcus
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Patent number: 9587796Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a light source and an optical member that reflects light from the light source. The light source includes a base extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle lamp, and a surface light-emitting device provided on the base. The surface light-emitting device is structured to project a pattern on the optical member.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2014Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenji Yamada, Shinichiro Takahashi
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Patent number: 9581736Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: BLACKEYE OPTICS, LLC.Inventors: James H. Jannard, Iain A. Neil
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Patent number: 9547167Abstract: A method for fabricating an electrowetting display may include disposing an etching barrier on a substrate to delineate a first region and a second region of the substrate, the etching barrier covering the second region of the substrate; etching the first region of the substrate to form an etched first region of the substrate, wherein at least a portion of the second region of the substrate is a protrusion formed in response to the etching of the first region; removing the etching barrier; disposing a black matrix on the second region of the substrate; and forming a spacer over the black matrix disposed on the second region of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Toru Sakai, Jeroen Cornelis van der Gaag, Ivar Schram
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Patent number: 9529203Abstract: Focal plane shift elements and optical systems with focal plane shifting features for illuminating flow-paths in a fluidic processing system are disclosed. An optical system may include a light source providing an incident first light beam. The optical system may include at least one optical element configured to collect and focus the incident first light beam to produce a second light beam having different portions simultaneously focused at two or more different locations along an optical path, with each location corresponding to a different flow-path of the fluidic processing system. The focal plane shift elements and optical systems with focal plane shifting features may be particularly useful in a microfluidic system.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: CYTONOME/ST, LLCInventor: Donald Francis Perrault, Jr.
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Patent number: 9500844Abstract: A lens system for use with photoacoustic microscopy apparatus has a collimated single mode optical fiber to which a toroidal ultrasound transducer is operatively attached. The transducer is located inside a tank. A lens housing is located inside the tank adjacent the transducer and has flexible optically transmissive entrance and exit ports made of polydimethysiloxane. The lens housing is filled with cinnamaldehyde. The cinnamaldehyde can be introduced into the lens housing and withdrawn from it so as to flex its entrance and exit ports, and the tank is filled with a mixture of glycerol and water.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.Inventors: Huabei Jiang, Chaolong Song, Lei Xi
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Patent number: 9457330Abstract: An electrowetting element comprising a first fluid and a second fluid which are immiscible with each other and are switchable between a first configuration and a second configuration by changing a voltage applied to at least one of the first and second fluids, wherein less than or equal to 35 wt % of the second fluid is water and a balancing wt % of the second fluid comprises at least one non-aqueous component.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2012Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Amazon Techologies, Inc.Inventor: Romaric Massard
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Patent number: 9430690Abstract: Provided is an optical information reading device that displays, as an image, information that can be conveniently checked in setting work and in maintenance work. A decoding unit decodes image data acquired by an imaging element, and an arithmetic operation unit arithmetically operates a matching level indicating easiness of the decoding of a code, stability of the decoding, a margin of the decoding or pixel-per-cell in the decoding unit. Furthermore, a UI management unit and an image display device display, as an image, at least one of the matching level, the image data acquired by the imaging element, and an average success rate (reading success rate) of the decoding obtained by decoding a plurality of pieces of image data obtained by capturing an image of the code a plurality of times.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Keyence CorporationInventors: Hidezumi Nagata, Takuki Nakagawa, Yutaka Kamimura
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Patent number: 9395241Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-aligned spectrometer according to claim 1, comprising: a fixing device composed of light-transmittable materials, and which includes an air lens placed within the fixing device, and an optical waveguide of which at least a partial part is inserted and fixed in place within the fixing device through the first face of the fixing device.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2015Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: BBB INC.Inventor: Jaekyu Choi
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Patent number: 9364319Abstract: A lens in accordance with the present invention includes an switchable cell consisting of optical substrate with diffraction surface, elastic film in contact with the diffraction surface of the substrate, optical fluid that fills the space between the film and diffraction surface and the mean to transfer the optical fluid in and out of the space between the film and diffraction surface. The refractive index of the optical fluid matches the refractive index of the optical substrate. The switchable cell changes focus positions between refractive focus in relaxed state when the pressure at both sides of the film is the same and diffraction focus when the optical fluid is transported from the space between the film and optical substrate for the film to largely conform to the diffraction surface shape of the optical substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Inventor: Valdemar Portney
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Patent number: 9335539Abstract: A pixel device using optically active fluid contained within elastomeric materials and actuated through dielectric elastomer membrane is disclosed. The underlying mechanism of optical contrast in this display pixel is the spread and contraction of the fluid contained within a pre-stretched elastomer membrane and a substrate. The actuation mechanism for the fluid flow is a dielectric elastomer membrane coated with compliant electrodes on both sides. When both electrodes are connected to a voltage source, the oppositely charged electrodes attract each other, compressing the sandwiched elastomer membrane in the thickness direction but increasing its lateral dimension. Due to geometrical constraint, the change in the membrane lateral dimension results in the net volume change of the fluid reservoir, causing optically active fluid to move from the display cavity into the fluid reservoir or vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2013Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard CollegeInventors: Samuel Shian, David Clarke, Roger Diebold
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Patent number: 9329456Abstract: Disclosed is an underwater camera, including: a casing having an accommodation space for a camera module; a connector coupled to a first side of the casing and transferring a signal output from the camera module to a controller; a lens connected to the lens and coupled to a second side of the casing in a manner that a periphery portion of the lens is embedded in the second side of the casing; a sealing means coupled to the second side of the casing and preventing water from entering into the casing and from reaching the lens; and a valve coupled to the first side of the casing and having a hose connected to a sealed space provided between the sealing means and a surface of the second side of the casing, thereby discharging air from the sealed space and supplying an inert gas into the sealed space.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2015Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: GREEN TECH CO., LTD.Inventor: Seuk Kyung Sung
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Patent number: 9207449Abstract: An electrowetting display device includes first and second substrates facing each other and separated from each other, a cell region between the first and second substrates, the cell region including a pixel region and a reservoir region, a first fluid and a second fluid in the cell region, the first fluid being conductive and flowing according to an electrowetting principle and the second fluid being non-conductive and not mixed with the first fluid, and an electrode unit turning on and off the pixel region, the electrode unit including a pixel electrode coated with an insulating material and at least one reservoir electrode coated with the insulating material to promote flow of one of the first fluid and the second fluid into the reservoir region.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2014Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Deuk-seok Chung