Magnifier Patents (Class 359/802)
  • Patent number: 7256951
    Abstract: Provided is a light guide display with a protective layer. The light guide display includes a plurality of aligned magnifying layers providing a viewing surface. Each magnifying layer includes a plurality of light guides, each light guide having an input end, a midsection, and an output end. The plurality of input ends are aligned. The plurality of output ends are aligned. A protective layer is coupled to the aligned output ends. An appropriate method of making a light guide screen with a protective layer is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven L. Naberhuis, Huei Pei Kuo
  • Patent number: 7218463
    Abstract: A magnifying assembly includes a plate with a first side, a second side, a first end and a second end. The plate is mountable to a planar surface. A panel has a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge wherein the first and second edges are positioned opposite of each other. The panel has a centrally disposed window extending therethrough. A pair of wells extends into the third edge. A magnifying lens is mounted to a peripheral edge of the window. Each of a pair of arms has an inner end positioned within one of the wells. The outer ends of the arms are each hingedly coupled to the first end of the plate. The panel is selectively abuttable against the plate when the arms are fully extended into the wells. The magnifying lens may be selectively pivoted and extended outwardly away from the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Jerry J. Arsenault
  • Patent number: 7172305
    Abstract: A magnifier for use by people with low vision includes a large LCD display upon which an enlarged image appears. Light from an LED is directed in a first direction onto a deflection wall where it is deflected into a direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The deflected light impinges upon a diffuser that bends it so that it illuminates an object upon which the magnifier is placed. The light is then reflected by the object, through the diffuser, and onto a mirror positioned at an angle relative to the object. The mirror directs the light onto a camera lens and the lens focuses the light onto a sensor that drives the LCD display so that the image appears on the LCD screen. The camera is slideably mounted so the user can make the image larger or smaller by sliding the camera toward or away from the mirror, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Freedom Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos M. Rodriguez, Waldemar H. Tunkis, Todd Conard, Patrick Murphy, Ronald Joseph Dean, Bradley S. Davis, Michael Goldenberg
  • Patent number: 7172304
    Abstract: A box-like illuminator includes a top wall having a flat sheet of clear material through which an illuminated image is viewed. A bottom wall of the illuminator is also formed of a flat sheet of clear material and is positioned atop the object to be illuminated. Light from an LED is directed in a first, downward direction onto a deflection wall where it is deflected into a substantially horizontal plane, substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The deflected light impinges upon a horizontally-disposed diffuser that bends the light about ninety degrees so that it travels though the diffuser a first time in a first direction and illuminates the object atop which the illuminator is positioned. The light is then reflected by the object, travels upwardly through the diffuser a second time in a direction opposite to the first direction, and is viewed by the user through the clear material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Freedom Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos M. Rodriguez, Waldemar H. Tunkis, Todd Conard, Patrick Murphy, Ronald Joseph Dean, Bradley S. Davis, Michael Goldenberg
  • Patent number: 7161747
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cardholder with dimensions approximating a standardized card carried by a person, the cardholder being made of a one-piece clear plastic material and may contain a viewing portion having fresnel contour lines and at least a pair of folded edges which form at least a pair of tracks of the cardholder for slipping on and off a standardized card such as credit and debit cards and the like. A method of making the cardholder including a cardholder shaped magnetic lens is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Peter S. Yang, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7139136
    Abstract: An illuminated magnifying device comprises an elongated magnifying lens, a light source, and an elongated light pipe disposed along the magnifying lens operable to receive light emitted from the light source and direct the light outwardly from the light pipe and distribute the light substantially evenly onto an object surface to be viewed
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Menu Mate, LLC
    Inventors: Juli H. Waggoner, Robert E. Waggoner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7126769
    Abstract: A thin magnifier structure with magnetic protective jacket, including a transparent magnifying member, a magnetic jacket and a pivot member. The transparent magnifying member integrally has a magnifier and is movably clipped and hidden in the magnetic jacket. The transparent magnifying member and the magnetic jacket are pivotally connected with each other via the pivot member, whereby the transparent magnifying member can be pivoted about the pivot member out of or into the magnetic jacket. When not used, the transparent magnifying member is clipped and hidden in the magnetic jacket, whereby the magnifier is protected from being scraped by any alien article. In use, the transparent magnifying member is pivoted about the pivot member out of the magnetic jacket. At this time, a user can hold the magnetic jacket with a hand to see an object through the magnifier without contaminating the magnifier. The thin magnifier structure is also usable as a bookmark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Wu
  • Patent number: 6999248
    Abstract: A magnifying optical system, e.g. a magnifying visual aid such as a magnifying lens, a reading glass, magnifying or telescopic spectacles, contains a holding device for the magnifying element and an illuminating element which is connected to a source of energy and is embodied as at least one LED. The at least one LED is configured as a color LED, the color of which can be modified. A color control switch modifies the color of the at least one color LED is assigned to the optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: A. Schweizer GmbH Optische Fabrik
    Inventor: Alfred Schüttinger
  • Patent number: 6985311
    Abstract: A flip screen magnifying system for a cellular telephone having a base portion and a top portion including an information screen. The base and top portions are hinged such that the top portion may be folded with the screen proximate the base portion in a closed position and opened to expose the base and the screen to the user in an opened position. A thin Fresnel lens magnifying film is secured to the top portion over the information screen by a pair of cantilever springs on opposite sides of the screen. The lens is movable between a contracted position proximate the screen in the telephone closed position, and a normally biased extended position spaced away from the screen to magnify information thereon in the telephone opened position. The lens may be manually adjustable to permit change of magnification when the telephone is in the opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Bartone
  • Patent number: 6982840
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a magnifier for a menu or the like, including: the magnifier and the menu or the like; and the magnifier being disposed in a pocket associated with the menu or the like. A pair of glasses that has both upper and lower lenses of different strengths is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: John Schlief
  • Patent number: 6951403
    Abstract: A device for illuminating a generally flat surface essentially without emitting significant light beyond the surface is particularly adapted for use as a book light. The device comprises a battery-operated light source contained within a housing to which a transparent light-conductive illuminating body is mounted in close adjacency to the light source to transmit the light through the illuminating body. The device may be placed with the illuminating body over a book or other flat surface for illuminated viewing through the transparent illuminating body. The illuminating body is tapered in a wedge shape to deflect the conducted light onto the underlying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: LightWedge, LLC
    Inventor: James F. Bennett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6924950
    Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating viewing of a display indicia displayed upon a user display of a portable communication device, such as a cellular mobile station. An optical lens that exhibits a selected magnification level is positioned to overlay the user display. A mounting arm engages with the optical lens and with the portable communication device to affix the optical lens so that when the user of the communication device views the user display, the display indicia displayed thereon is magnified by the optical lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Gventer, Andreas Morr
  • Patent number: 6903882
    Abstract: A multipart handle for coupling to a magnifying lens is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the multipart handle comprises a head member comprising a first end coupleable to the lens and a second end having a cavity formed therein; a body section having a channel for receiving a material member, wherein the body section comprises a first body member having a first end and a second end and a second body member having a first end and a second end; wherein the first end of the first body member is securable within the cavity of the head member and the first end of the second body member is securable within the cavity of the head member; wherein the second end of the first body member is press-fitted to the second end of the second body member; wherein the securing together of the respective second ends of the body members maintains the material member in the channel. In a particular embodiment, a combination magnifying lens and a personalizable handle for coupling to the magnifying lens is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignees: Carson Optical, Leading Extreme Optimist Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Cameron, Gin Fai Yip
  • Patent number: 6888688
    Abstract: An optoelectronic display device comprises an organic light emitting diode microdisplay 1 and a viewing convex lens 2 arranged at a distance from the microdisplay which may be less than, equal to or greater than the focal length of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Microemissive Displays Limited
    Inventors: Jeffrey Peter Wright, David Paul Steven
  • Patent number: 6876504
    Abstract: A lens apparatus for detecting inaccuracy of machining of a finished workpiece is disclosed. After finishing the workpiece on a machine table in a machining process, remove a tool from a shaft, mount the lens apparatus under the shaft, couple a display to the machine, machine a left side of the workpiece by moving the table to align the left side of the workpiece with a reference point of a lens for determining alignment of the workpiece, initialize data shown on the display if the workpiece has been aligned, adjust the table to align a right side of the workpiece with the reference point for determining the alignment of the workpiece, determine whether there is an inaccuracy of machining of the workpiece by watching updated data on the display, remove the lens apparatus, and replace the tool with a second tool for correcting the machining process if an inaccuracy occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventors: Hsien lu Peng, Hsin Fung Peng
  • Patent number: 6847494
    Abstract: An optical magnifier is provided. One general form of one example embodiment includes two lens elements, at least two aspheric surfaces, and at least one diffractive surface. Another general form of another example embodiment includes three lens elements, and at least three aspheric surfaces. At least two of the aspheric surfaces can be simple conics. The optical magnifier, suitable for use in an electronic display system, has an apparent field of view of at least +/?10 degrees; a magnification of at least 15×; a back focal length of at least 5 mm; and an eye relief greater than the effective focal length of the optical magnifier. The lens elements can be made from plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Scott C. Cahall
  • Patent number: 6822813
    Abstract: A retractable magnifier includes a housing and a lens assembly having a lens carried in a frame. The lens assembly is movable in the housing between a retracted position and an extended position. The housing is provided with push-buttons capable of releasing the lens assembly from the retracted position. A longitudinal rack is formed in the housing. A pinion meshes the rack and has a spindle rotatably connected to the frame. The pinion further includes a helical torsion spring mounted around the spindle and placed in damping oil for urging the pinion in such a direction that the frame may be moved, in a gentle manner, to the extended position. A rocker provided with an electric prefocus lamp is pivotally connected to the housing, and adapted to be pivoted outward at a predetermined angle with the housing when the lens assembly is in the extended position. A switch is formed on the housing for turning on/off the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Concavex Plastic Works Limited
    Inventor: Shiu-fai Jim
  • Patent number: 6808208
    Abstract: A food/drink tab/check holder for making it easier for the customer to be able to read one's tab/check upon the receipt thereof. The food/drink tab/check holder includes a book having a front cover and a back cover being pivotally connected to the front cover and closable upon said front cover with the front cover having a side facing the back cover upon the book being closed and with the back cover having a side facing the front cover upon the book being closed; and also includes a tab/check member including a piece of paper being removably held within the book and having indicia displayed thereupon; and further includes an elongate magnifying member being movably attached to the book for enlarging the indicia for a user to easily view without having to use eyeglasses; and also includes a light-emitting assembly being attached to the book for providing light between the front and back covers upon the book being opened; and further includes a writing utensil being removably supported upon the book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Sandra J. Ward
  • Publication number: 20040207935
    Abstract: A retractable magnifier includes a housing and a lens assembly having a lens carried in a frame. The lens assembly is movable in the housing between a retracted position and an extended position. The housing is provided with push-buttons capable of releasing the lens assembly from the retracted position. A longitudinal rack is formed in the housing. A pinion meshes the rack and has a spindle rotatably connected to the frame. The pinion further includes a helical torsion spring mounted around the spindle and placed in damping oil for urging the pinion in such a direction that the frame may be moved, in a gentle manner, to the extended position. A rocker provided with an electric prefocus lamp is pivotally connected to the housing, and adapted to be pivoted outward at a predetermined angle with the housing when the lens assembly is in the extended position. A switch is formed on the housing for turning on/off the lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Concavex Plastic Works Limited
    Inventor: Shiu-fai Jim
  • Patent number: 6785062
    Abstract: An eye viewing device with a housing having a center opening containing a magnifying lens and a reflective surface. The housing has outwardly extending hinge flanges. A cover overlies the central opening, and includes an outer abutment surface and an inclined outwardly extending hinge body. The housing hinge flanges and cover hinge body cooperate to provide a hinge joint. The hinge flanges include end portions with hinge contact points which cooperate with a cover contact point to provide a stand for the device when the cover is rotated about the hinge joint until the cover abutment surface and housing underside are in contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventors: Stuart J. Daley, Lucinda S. Daley, Donald J. Daley
  • Publication number: 20040165283
    Abstract: An optical magnifier is provided. One general form of one example embodiment includes two lens elements, at least two aspheric surfaces, and at least one diffractive surface. Another general form of another example embodiment includes three lens elements, and at least three aspheric surfaces. At least two of the aspheric surfaces can be simple conics. The optical magnifier, suitable for use in an electronic display system, has an apparent field of view of at least +/−10 degrees; a magnification of at least 15×; a back focal length of at least 5 mm; and an eye relief greater than the effective focal length of the optical magnifier. The lens elements can be made from plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Scott C. Cahall
  • Patent number: 6775075
    Abstract: The invention discloses a magnifying assembly that may be clamped on printed sheets or pages in a book. The assembly consists of two part. One part is an elongated magnifying glass having a flat bottom and half circle shape top. The other part is a holding element that has a receiving cage at one and an extending flat section adjacent the cage. The magnifying glass is inserted into the cage to be held therein. The magnifying glass may slide in the cage to change the size of the assembly. The friction between the bottom of the magnifying glass and the holding element is increased by providing an upstanding friction knob at one end of the holding element, by providing an upstanding friction knob on a flexible element intermediate the one end and the cage and by angling the cage relative to the flat section. thereby, by pushing the magnifying glass into the cage the flat bottom of the magnifying glass will force the cage and the flat section into a straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Catherine Solich
  • Patent number: 6764192
    Abstract: A combination magnifier and illuminator comprised of a rigid rectangular housing that encloses a swing out lens retaining frame. The lens is a fresnel type which is very thin in nature that allows the entire thickness of the present invention to be less than one quarter of an inch thick. An ultra light white LED automatically turns on when the user swings out the magnifying lens allowing the user to see items such as a map or menu in low light conditions. The LED is powered by a button type battery that is housed in the circular space located at the pivot point of the swing out magnifier frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Paula McChesney
  • Patent number: 6738192
    Abstract: A booster lens may be used with a conventional or electronic microscope by positioning the booster lens on top of a specimen holder. With limited or no additional focusing, greater magnification may be achieved by augmenting the magnification possible with the optics available with the microscope itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: David H. Koizumi
  • Patent number: 6735022
    Abstract: In general, the present invention provides a viewing and inspection box having a base, a top wall, opposing side walls, and a rear wall defining an interior that is viewed through an open front of the box. An inspection light is held in proximity to the top wall and illuminates the interior of the box. An inspection apparatus, such as a magnifying glass, extends from one of the walls to extend beneath the inspection light. A display panel is maintained between the base and the rear wall at an angle relative to the base, and is further maintained below the inspection apparatus such that the inspection apparatus is positioned between the inspection light and the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Samuel G. Solitt
  • Publication number: 20040085652
    Abstract: In a magnifying observation apparatus, simple observation conditions are set for simply acquiring a plurality of observation images. A plurality of simple observation images are acquired per the plurality of simple observation conditions set, and displayed on a simple observation image display section. A desired simple observation image is selected from among the plurality of simple observation images displayed on the simple observation image display section. The observation conditions are further set as required based on the simple observation conditions set to the simple observation image selected. An observation image acquired based on the observation conditions set is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Masahiro Inomata
  • Patent number: 6721109
    Abstract: A text magnifying device including a magnifying cavity having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a pair of sides. The upper surface and lower surface are convex. A pair of elevational bars, each have an inner surface, and are attached to and extend longitudinally along the sides. V-shaped notches extend into the inner surface of the elevational bars and allow H-shaped legs to be inserted therein to raise the magnifying cavity above subject text to be read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Ricardo Uriarte
  • Patent number: 6717750
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnifying glass which is secured in a frame (20). Said magnifying glass consists of a combination of lenses (10) comprising a principal lens (11) with a secondary lens (12) forming an integral unit therewith. The secondary lens (12) is integrated into the principal lens in an eccentric position and has a higher magnification in relation to the principal lens (11). To obtain a magnifying glass which is convenient to use under all respective working conditions, the inventive lens combination (10) is rotatably mounted (18, 18′) in the frame (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventors: Klaus Knipping, Heinz-Gerd Rump
  • Patent number: 6710943
    Abstract: A hand-held gemstone viewing scope includes a slidable armature movable relative to a base and defining a viewer housing a lens. A platform is rotatably connected to a top end of the base and configured to adjustably mount a gemstone or ring in line with the lens. A gem laser inscription is determined by mounting a ring or gemstone in line with the lens, moving the armature to focus the lens on the gemstone, and rotating the platform until the gem inscription is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: David Alan Weir
  • Publication number: 20030234988
    Abstract: A hand-held electronic appliance is disclosed. The hand-held electronic appliance includes a main body, a connecting element and a magnifying device. The main body includes a display. The connecting element is coupled to the main body by a first end thereof and to the magnifying device by a second end thereof. In an operational mode, the magnifying device is switched to be positioned between the display and the user's eyes by operating the connecting element to magnify the image on the display to be observed by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Yu-Hsiang Wang
  • Publication number: 20030206354
    Abstract: A portable optical magnifying device (1), for observing specimens within a specimen-vessel having a transparent flat wall, comprises an eyepiece (4) and an objective (3), a light-path being defined therebetween. The device (1) includes a spacer (7) arranged at least partly around the objective (3) and which is adapted in use to seat the device (1) against the flat wall of the specimen vessel with the objective (3) closely adjacent but spaced therefrom, and with its optical axis normal thereto. The device (1) further includes means (9) for releasably attaching the device (1) to the flat wall, with the space (7) bearing against the flat wall of the specimen vessel. Attachment is achieved by evacuation of the space between objective lens, spacer and flat wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Barry Thomas Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6621629
    Abstract: A magnifier for use upon labels such as labels found on medication containers or the like includes a flexible generally planar sidewall having a predisposed inward resilient curvature causing the sidewall to tend to wrap inwardly upon itself. The sidewall supports an enlarged magnifying lens portion. The sidewalls may be flexed outwardly to enlarge the enclosed volume therein and facilitate insertion of a conventional container having printed information on the outer surface or a label thereof. The portion of the printed material beneath the magnifying lens portion is enlarged to facilitate easier reading thereof. In an alternate embodiment, a cylindrical sidewall is supported by the movable cap portion of a child proof container cap and further supports a magnifying lens portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventors: Denis Blumenthal, Paul S. Entin
  • Patent number: 6621646
    Abstract: An adjustable table magnifier, designed to allow users to commonly use it after focusing in accordance with their visual powers, is disclosed. This adjustable table magnifier, has a base unit, an adjustable arm unit mounted to the base unit at its lower end and having a telescopic structure to be adjustable in its length, and a lens unit mounted to the upper end of the adjustable arm unit, and used for magnifying an object. In the table magnifier, the focus length of the lens unit is adjustable by controlling the length of the arm unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Ki-Su Jung
  • Patent number: 6597523
    Abstract: A magnification device for attachment to store merchandise shelving for magnifying merchandise labeling information including an optical magnification member; a bracket for attachment to merchandise shelving; the optical magnification member being attached to the bracket. A connector is preferably provided connecting the magnification member to the bracket and preferably allows the magnification member to be moved into one of a plurality of positions to enable the magnification member to be provided into a position allowing the merchandise labeling to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventors: Paul Giampavolo, Christine Giampavolo
  • Patent number: 6574051
    Abstract: A magnifying system is provided to aid in the viewing or reading of book, papers or similar documents by those with impaired vision. A magnifying lens with approximate overall dimensions of eight by eleven inches is supported in an attractive wood or plastic frame of various designs and is supported by a series of four legs in each corner. The legs are adjustable in length by the use of a spring-based telescopic adjustment system that allows the user to adjust for different parameters such as strength of magnification, object size, level of vision impairment and the like. The legs also fold over against the frame in a manner similar to a card table to allow the invention to be carried in a case, a briefcase or just allow for easier transportation with reduced risk of damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Odie B. Powell
  • Patent number: 6549345
    Abstract: A magnification device for assisting people to read the small print on medicine vials/bottles. The device including a magnifying lens having the ability to move towards or away from the indicia on the bottle to further aid the user to focus per their particular level of eyesight. A pair of rods are coaxial disposed within a corresponding pair of channels to enable the lens to be focused by pushing or pulling the lens. The present invention is designed to be used with virtually all manufactured bottle caps. The device can either be permanently affixed to the bottle cap, and thereby be disposable with the cap; or it can be removably connected and therefore be reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Venanzio Cardarelli
  • Patent number: 6532117
    Abstract: A tableware item having a body, and a magnifier on the body. A method for using such a tableware item to read printed material such as, but not limited to, a menu or wine list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald Leon Taylor
  • Patent number: 6525887
    Abstract: A magnifying device comprises a fastening base, two elastic hoops. A magnifying lens, and a light-emitting body. The elastic hoops are fastened with the fastening base to enable the magnifying device to be worn around head with ease and speed. The magnifying lens is pivoted to the fastening base. The light-emitting body is detachably fastened with the fastening base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Gem Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Huang Tsung-Hui
  • Publication number: 20030011897
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnifying glass which is secured in a frame (20). Said magnifying glass consists of a combination of lenses (10) comprising a principal lens (11) with a secondary lens (12) forming an integral unit therewith. The secondary lens (12) is integrated into the principal lens in an eccentric position and has a higher magnification in relation to the principal lens (11). To obtain a magnifying glass which is convenient to use under all respective working conditions, the inventive lens combination (10) is rotatably mounted (18, 18′) in the frame (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Klaus Knipping, Heinz-Gerd Rump
  • Patent number: 6504652
    Abstract: A CO2 laser beam 12 is converted into a beam of uniform intensity at the position of a phase matching element 15 by an intensity converting element 14 and the phase matching element 15. Then, the uniform intensity beam irradiates a mask 17 containing an aperture variable in size via a variable-magnification projecting optical system 16. At the time of irradiation, the laser beam at the position of the phase matching element 15 is projected onto the mask 17 at a magnification factor most suited to the size of the aperture formed in the mask 17. Further, the pattern of the mask 17 is projected onto a workpiece 19. Thus, a uniform intensity distribution of the laser beam is obtained on the workpiece and high quality laser processing becomes possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koki Ichihashi, Hidehiko Karasaki, Nobuaki Furuya
  • Publication number: 20020171946
    Abstract: A hand-held gemstone viewing scope includes a slidable armature movable relative to a base and defining a viewer housing a lens. A platform is rotatably connected to a top end of the base and configured to adjustably mount a gemstone or ring in line with the lens. A gem laser inscription is determined by mounting a ring or gemstone in line with the lens, moving the armature to focus the lens on the gemstone, and rotating the platform until the gem inscription is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: David Alan Weir
  • Patent number: 6483651
    Abstract: A magnifying lens apparatus containing a magnifying lens mounted to a support housing. The apparatus contains at least one light emitting diode lamp to provide at least some illumination to an object being magnified by the magnifying lens. The LED lights may be of various colors. The lens may be pivoted or slid away from the housing to assist with viewing objects or texts. The apparatus may also include a means for retaining the lens in one position. The retaining means may be used to keep the lens from accidentally pivoting or sliding away from the housing when not in use or from pivoting or sliding into a closed position when the device is in use. The apparatus of the present invention may also include multiple magnifying lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Scott D. Maurer
  • Patent number: 6480345
    Abstract: An image magnifying/reducing optical device includes a base member having first and second surfaces which are approximately parallel to one another; and a plurality of high-refractive-index regions formed in the base member. The plurality of high-refractive-index regions continuously extending from the first surface to the second surface of the base member; and a sectional area of each of said plurality of high-refractive-index regions around the second surface being larger than that around the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ikue Kawashima, Shigeaki Nimura
  • Publication number: 20020145813
    Abstract: A hand-held, portable apparatus has been disclosed to facilitate the viewing of an object by the human eye. The apparatus provides an electronic camera unit disposed on a holder mechanism and in electrical communication with an image processor module to capture the image of an object and format the image for display on a display device also disposed on the holder mechanism. At least one user-interfaced control mechanism is also disposed on the holder mechanism and in electrical communication with the image processor module for controlling the operations of the module to regulate display of the image by the display device. In this way the viewing of an object by the human eye is facilitated by the use of camera and the image enhancing features of the image processor module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher C. Jung, Richard A. Buck
  • Patent number: 6441974
    Abstract: Disclosed is a magnifying device mounted on the handle of a shopping cart. The present invention is intended to make it easier for people to read while shopping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas A. Miranda, Jonathan C. Roche, Randolph G. Duso
  • Patent number: 6427849
    Abstract: An illuminated, magnified CD display system which allows a user to quickly and conveniently locate a specific CD in a CD rack of the system. The rack includes a viewing assembly slidably mounted on guide rods. The viewing assembly includes a magnifying lens and at least one electric light to magnify and illuminate the printed matter on the CD cases. The magnifying lens may be pivotally mounted on the viewing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Michael P. Swan
  • Publication number: 20020101656
    Abstract: A magnifier for use upon labels such as labels found on medication containers or the like includes a flexible generally planar sidewall having a predisposed inward resilient curvature causing the sidewall to tend to wrap inwardly upon itself. The sidewall supports an enlarged magnifying lens portion. The sidewalls may be flexed outwardly to enlarge the enclosed volume therein and facilitate insertion of a conventional container having printed information on the outer surface or a label thereof. The portion of the printed material beneath the magnifying lens portion is enlarged to facilitate easier reading thereof. In an alternate embodiment, a cylindrical sidewall is supported by the movable cap portion of a child proof container cap and further supports a magnifying lens portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Denis Blumenthal, Paul S. Entin
  • Publication number: 20020101667
    Abstract: A magnification device for attachment to store merchandise shelving for magnifying merchandise labeling information including an optical magnification member; a bracket for attachment to merchandise shelving; the optical magnification member being attached to the bracket. A connector is preferably provided connecting the magnification member to the bracket and preferably allows the magnification member to be moved into one of a plurality of positions to enable the magnification member to be provided into a position allowing the merchandise labeling to be displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Paul Giampavolo, Christine Giampavolo
  • Publication number: 20020097507
    Abstract: A text magnifying device including a frame portion defined by a periphery with a hollow opening disposed therein. The periphery has a gripping bar extending outwardly therefrom. A magnifying glass is disposed within the hollow opening of the frame portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Ricardo Uriarte
  • Publication number: 20020085290
    Abstract: A tableware item having a body, and a magnifier on the body. A method for using such a tableware item to read printed material such as, but not limited to, a menu or wine list.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald Leon Taylor