Lens Movable In Its Plane Patents (Class 359/813)
  • Patent number: 9341799
    Abstract: The fiber optic assembly can include two fiber optic breadboards hinged to one another along a coinciding hinge axis. Each one of the fiber optic breadboards can have a flat body having two faces and lateral edges, one of which running alongside the hinge axis, and can have a tessellation of tray locations each having a tray attachment. The fiber optic assembly can also include a plurality of fiber optic trays each having a body having a base attachable to at least one of said tray attachments, the body having a size and shape associated to one of a single one of said tray locations and a plurality of adjacent ones of said tray locations on one of said at least one fiber optic breadboards, and having a structure by which an optical fiber having a critical radius of curvature can be confined within at least one optical fiber path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: GENiA PHOTONiCS iNC.
    Inventors: Johannes Sander Boelen, Francois-Xavier Bertrand, Bryan Burgoyne, Alexandre Dupuis, Isabelle Gelinas
  • Patent number: 9306699
    Abstract: An input section for a wavelength-selective switch array includes a plurality of optical ports. The plurality of optical ports includes a first sub-plurality of optical ports having a plurality of first port optical axes, a second sub-plurality of optical ports having a plurality of second port optical axes, and a plurality of optical power elements. Each one of the plurality of optical power elements is disposed at an end of a respective one of each of the plurality of optical ports. The plurality of optical power elements further includes a first sub-plurality of optical power elements including a plurality of first optical power element optical axes displaced relative to the plurality of first port optical axes and a second sub-plurality of optical power elements including a plurality of second optical power element optical axes displaced relative to the plurality of second port optical axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Santec Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuki Sakurai
  • Patent number: 9244245
    Abstract: Auto-centering is for an optical element mounted in a cavity of the barrel. A first surface of the optical element engages a seat provided in the cavity. A retaining ring is threaded on the barrel, through complementary barrel and ring threads. The retaining ring engages a peripheral region of a second surface of the optical element, thereby securing the optical element between the seat and the retaining ring. The profile of the barrel threads and the spatial profile of the peripheral region of the second surface are selected in view of an auto-centering condition whereby any decentering of the retaining ring and a corresponding tilt of the retaining ring have counterbalancing effects on the centering of the optical element. Optical assemblies and a mounting method are used with the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: INSTITUT NATIONAL D'OPTIQUE
    Inventors: Frédéric Lamontagne, Nichola Desnoyers
  • Patent number: 9182580
    Abstract: An optical probe system includes a sample plate for holding a target device comprising an integrated circuit, and a rotational stage that includes a plurality of ports configured to receive and hold a plurality of optical objective systems that can collect reflected or emitted light from the integrated circuit. At least one of the ports includes a centering plate mounted on the rotational stage and configured to conduct a translational movement on the rotational stage. The port also includes a gimbal plate mounted on the centering plate and that can be tilted relative to the centering plate. A first optical objective system that is mounted on the gimbal plate can be centered by the center plate and aligned by the gimbal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: CheckPoint Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E Clawges, David J Morgan, Guoqing Xiao
  • Patent number: 9042043
    Abstract: A lens holder driving device includes a lens holder in which a lens assembly is mounted, a driving coil fixed to the lens holder at outside circumference thereof, an outer yoke including an outer hollow cylindrical portion and an ring-shaped end portion disposed an upper end of the outer hollow cylindrical portion, a magnet disposed to an inner wall surface of the outer hollow cylindrical portion so as to be opposite to the driving coil, an elastic member supporting the lens holder in a direction of an optical axis shiftably, and a base disposed at a lower side of the lens holder. The lens holder driving device includes a contact area reduction arrangement reducing a contact area between the ring-shaped end portion of the outer yoke and an upper end portion of the lens holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Atsushi Kirii
  • Publication number: 20150138541
    Abstract: An objective lens switching mechanism holds a plurality of objective lenses respectively disposed on each of the plurality of lens mounts, moves the plurality of objective lenses between a first position on the lens mounts and a second position above the lens mounts by a rotating mechanism and moves the plurality of objective lenses from the second position above the lens mounts to another second position above the lens mounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Hideki NUKADA, Makoto TAYA, Masaki SHIMIZU, Takamasa FUKUDA, Riki OGAWA
  • Publication number: 20150070789
    Abstract: A replacement apparatus for an optical element mounted between two adjacent optical elements in a lithography objective has a holder for the optical element to be replaced, which holder can be moved into the lithography objective through a lateral opening in a housing of the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Jens Kugler, Franz Sorg, Andreas Wurmbrand, Thomas Schletterer, Thomas Ittner
  • Publication number: 20150029604
    Abstract: A universal adjustable lens adapter and rig system for smartphones, or similar electronic devices, that is modular in nature. The universal adjustable lens adapter includes a clamp mount assembly, a lens mount assembly, and a handle assembly. The clamp mount assembly provides a means for securing a smartphone, while the lens mount assembly provides a means for securing a camera lens. The clamp mount assembly includes a spring loaded first clamp and a fixed second clamp mounted to a clamp base and between which the smartphone is secured. Both the clamp mount assembly and the lens mount assembly are slidably connected to the handle assembly, such that the camera lens of any smartphone can be properly aligned with the camera lens attached to the lens mount assembly. Additionally, the handle assembly provides a means for manipulating and stabilizing the smartphone while taking pictures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Vadym Chalenko
  • Patent number: 8928878
    Abstract: An adjusting device adjusts a reticle unit of a telescopic sight and has a rotatable setting cap and a transmission unit for converting the turning movement of the setting cap into an adjusting movement of the reticle. The turning range of the setting cap is two revolutions and arranged on the adjusting device there are two sets of scale values assigned to at least one line scale. A first set of scale values indicate adjustment values that belong to the first revolution of the setting cap and a second set of scale values indicate adjustment values that belong to the second revolution. An index ring that bears the scale values and can be turned with the setting cap or a diaphragm ring that partially covers at least one index ring is adjustable in height during the transition from the first revolution to the second revolution of the setting cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Steiner-Optik GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Jaeschke, Gerd Lottes
  • Publication number: 20140362280
    Abstract: A driving member, a linear driving device using the driving member, a camera device and an electronic device are provided. The driving member (10) includes a deformable thin plate (16) having a flexible thin plate (12) capable of expanding and contracting itself under the applied voltage and an elastic thin plate (14) having at least one side thereof rigidly fixed to the flexible thin plate (12) and a driving shaft (30) having its one axial end rigidly fixed to the deformable thin plate (16) and being capable of undergoing displacements that are operatively associated with the deformation of the deformable thin plate (16), wherein the driving shaft (30) has the lateral side portion (32) of the one axial end thereof rigidly fixed to the corresponding inner side portion of a through hole formed on the deformable thin plate (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: New Shicoh Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi TADA, Manabu SHIRAKI
  • Patent number: 8902520
    Abstract: An optical device includes a soft polymer film having a first and second surface. A first compliant electrode is connected to the first surface and a second compliant electrode is connected to the second surface. A rigid optical element is connected on the first and/or second surface or integrated into the polymer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Optotune AG
    Inventor: Manuel Aschwanden
  • Patent number: 8902519
    Abstract: A replacement apparatus for an optical element mounted between two adjacent optical elements in a lithography objective has a holder for the optical element to be replaced, which holder can be moved into the lithography objective through a lateral opening in a housing of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Kugler, Franz Sorg, Andreas Wurmbrand, Thomas Schletterer, Thomas Ittner
  • Patent number: 8896944
    Abstract: A lens barrel includes: a lens frame including at least one lens; a lens adjusting frame to which the lens frame is attached; and a fixed frame to which the lens adjusting frame is attached. The lens adjusting frame is attached to the fixed frame such that a position or a tilt angle of the lens adjusting frame is adjustable. The lens frame is attached to the lens adjusting frame such that the lens frame is detachable from the lens adjusting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Rikiya Ejima
  • Patent number: 8879007
    Abstract: A projector includes: a display device which modulates illumination light; a projection lens which projects modulation light produced by the display device; and a holding device which has a holder member supporting the display device, a frame member supporting the projection lens and functions as a base capable of supporting the holder member, and an expanding and contracting member disposed between the frame member and the display device, wherein a temperature coefficient for the expansion and contraction of the expanding and contracting member in the direction of the optical axis of the projection lens corresponds to a temperature coefficient for the increase and decrease of the focal distance of the projection lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Hayashi, Kunihisa Nakamura, Takeshi Utagawa
  • Patent number: 8879175
    Abstract: A digital camera for wild game animals includes a camera having automatic flash, focus, aperture and shutter speed and film advance functions. The camera is mounted within a camera housing adapted for outdoor installation and protection from adverse weather conditions. An electronic control circuit mounted within the camera housing is operably connected to the camera and includes a memory device and a microprocessor for storing and performing a set of programmable functions. The camera is activated by a passive infrared sensor detecting body heat of the animal or group of animals. An electromechanical device mounted within the camera housing selectively inserts an optical lens filter, such as day optical filter and a night optical filter, into an optical path of the camera in accordance with light intensity and/or a signal from a user or timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Benning Qian
  • Patent number: 8854748
    Abstract: In a lens barrel including an image pickup optical system containing plural lens groups and a barrel member for holding the image pickup optical system and conducting protruding and retracting, the lens frame holding a prescribed lens group of the image pickup optical system is swung so that the prescribed lens group is moved to a position where the optical axis is different from those of other lens groups at the time of the retraction, and in the process of changing from the protruded state to retracted state, the lens frame is swung by engagement with a cam-shaped portion of a first engagement member, and is then engaged with a second engagement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Konica Minolta, Inc.
    Inventor: Shigeo Homme
  • Publication number: 20140285900
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a head assembly for a laser processing system, preferably a fiber laser processing system. An assembly system allows a secure and a slidingly focusing displacement of a focusing lens assembly relative to a beam path in a laser processing system. The assembly system provides easy replacement of desired focusing lens assemblies. Adaptive modifications are operative to provide computerized processor control of the focusing displacement and detection of an installed optical assembly and position thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: IPG Photonics Corporation
    Inventors: Yuri Grapov, Michael Digiantommaso
  • Patent number: 8817397
    Abstract: In a lens actuator according to an exemplary embodiment, wires that connect a holder and a base of a movable unit have diameters of 30 ?m or more and less than 70 ?m, and the wires have longitudinal elastic moduli of 100 GPa or more and less than 500 GPa. The wire is flexible even if a small amount of currents are passed through a plurality of OIS coils, and the lens actuator suitable to electric power saving can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kimiya Ikushima, Hidekazu Tanaka, Hiroyuki Togawa, Tatsuya Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8810920
    Abstract: A lens barrel (3) comprises a drive frame (30) and a first lens frame (50). The first lens frame (50) has first to third cam followers (54a to 54c) that are respectively inserted into first to third outer cam grooves (34a to 34c), and first and second auxiliary pins (55a and 55b) disposed so as to be able to come into contact with first and second auxiliary grooves (35a and 35b). When viewed in the Y axis direction, the first and second auxiliary pins (55a and 55b) are disposed between the first to third cam followers (54a to 54c) in the peripheral direction. The positions of the first and second auxiliary pins (55a and 55b) are offset from the positions of the first to third cam followers (54a to 54c) in the Y axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Iwasaki, Keiji Sakamoto, Eiji Nagasaki, Kenji Sasaki, Fumio Shinano
  • Publication number: 20140211064
    Abstract: A lens system for a camera, includes: an image formation optical system including a movable lens group and a correction lens group; a drive section driving the correction lens group; a lens position acquisition section acquiring a lens position of the movable lens group; a specification section specifying a partial image of a part of region in an image; a storage section storing a data table; and a control section, in accordance with the lens position of the movable lens group acquired by the lens position acquisition section, on the basis of the data table, acquiring a position for the correction lens group that improves optical performance of the partial image specified by the specification section and then controlling the drive section such as to move the correction lens group to the acquired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi SASAKI, Atsushi MISAWA
  • Patent number: 8780469
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus enabling construction of a small bending optical system with high magnification. A first lens group is movably disposed toward an object on a first optical axis. A second lens group is movably disposed radially inward of the first lens group. The second lens group comprises a drive frame drivingly controlled along the first optical axis and a lens holding frame for holding the second lens group. A prism is disposed on the first optical axis, for bending light incident on the prism to thereby guide the light along a second optical axis. The prism is retracted along the second optical axis in a non-shooting state. In the non-shooting state, the second lens group is retracted and accommodated in a space defined by the drive frame and the lens holding frame and a space occupied by the prism in a shooting state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Harushige Yamamoto, Kazushige Ichino
  • Patent number: 8773762
    Abstract: A lens barrel having an insertable/removable optical element includes an advancing/retracting member, an anti-shake frame supported by the advancing/retracting member, an insertable/removable frame holding the insertable/removable optical element and supported by the anti-shake frame, an anti-shake drive mechanism, and a removal drive mechanism which moves the insertable/removable frame between the insertion and the removed positions. The anti-shake drive mechanism includes first and second anti-shake drive actuators positioned on the opposite side of the insertion position from the removed position and are respectively positioned on opposite sides of a straight line connecting a center of the insertable/removable optical element at the insertion position and at the removed position. Directions of driving forces produced by the first and second anti-shake drive actuators are at right angles to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Shinya Suzuka
  • Patent number: 8773784
    Abstract: Different rotational interfaces between individual optical components and their mounts are compared based on a sensitivity of optical system performance to misalignment of the optical component to an alignment axis of the optical mount within a clearance space. The rotational interfaces at which the sensitivity of the optical system performance to the misalignment of the optical component approaches a minimum are incorporated into the optical design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Moondog Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott C. Cahall
  • Publication number: 20140177079
    Abstract: A lens module include a first lens, a second lens, and a distance maintenance member disposed between the first lens and the second lens, the distance maintenance member having a hole for adjusting an amount of light. An inner circumferential surface of the hole includes a plurality of inclined surfaces that are respectively inclined at predetermined angles with respect to an optical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Duck Hun KIM
  • Patent number: 8752985
    Abstract: A gobo support assembly, for a stage lighting fixture, has a disk-shaped gobo; a gobo support having a first seat for housing the gobo; and a gobo carrier wheel rotating about an axis and having a second seat for housing the gobo support; the gobo carrier wheel and the gobo support being connectable in sliding manner in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis, and being locked mutually by a reversible click-on locking mechanism to hold the gobo support in a given position inside the second seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Clay Paky S.p.A.
    Inventor: Pasquale Quadri
  • Patent number: 8749899
    Abstract: An environment viewing enabling system for enabling viewing of an environment through a partition. The system enables clear and magnified viewing of the environment therethrough at controllably moveable locations thereof about the partition. The system may constitute a single hand-held exterior housing, for convenience of maneuverability and viewing. The system may include the exterior housing and an interior housing, one of which may be comprised of magnetic material, while the other is comprised of a metallic material, enabling magnetic attraction between the housings. The interior housing may be buoyant, enabling it to float to the top of a liquid environment if it becomes separated during use. The interior housing may include a lens, for enabling a longer field of view of the specimens within the environment. The system may include lighting, for illuminating the specimens within the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Albert Peachee
  • Patent number: 8743474
    Abstract: A lens apparatus includes an optical system, a lens barrel, and a weight. The optical system includes a movable lens unit. The lens barrel houses the optical system and includes a fixed barrel and a cam barrel. The fixed barrel supports the movable lens unit to be forwardly and backwardly movable along the optical axis of the optical system. The cam barrel is engaged with the movable lens unit, is supported by the fixed barrel to be rotatable around the optical axis, and is configured to forwardly and backwardly move the movable lens unit in accordance with the rotation of the cam barrel. The weight is engaged with the cam barrel and forwardly and backwardly moves along the optical axis in a direction opposite to a moving direction of the movable lens unit in accordance with the rotation of the cam barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Satoki Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 8730595
    Abstract: An optical image stabilizer includes a base member, a movable member that is disposed at the base member and moves along a plane orthogonal to an optical axis, a movable-member driving portion that is disposed at the base member and the movable member, and moves the movable member in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis, and a regulator that regulates a movement of the movable member along the plane orthogonal to the optical axis. The regulator regulates the movement of the movable member with two movement paths, which are a linear movement path along which the movable member moves in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis and a rotation path along which the movable member rotates around a point on the linear movement path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Nidec Copal Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Shikama, Takuya Machida, Haruhiko Mandai, Hiroyuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8717691
    Abstract: A lens barrel includes a lens group including a fixed lens including one or more lenses and an adjustment lens including one or more lenses, and a lens frame to hold the lens group, including an adjustment lens frame to hold the adjustment lens and an aligning mechanism to hold the adjustment lens frame movably in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens group relative to the lens frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Terahara, Takehide Ohno
  • Patent number: 8711497
    Abstract: A lens driving device includes a base member, a movable member that is disposed at the base member and moves in a plane that is orthogonal to an optical axis, a first driving portion that moves the movable member in a direction that is orthogonal to the optical axis in accordance with image shake, a lens frame that is mounted to the movable member and moves in a direction of the optical axis, a second driving portion that moves the lens frame in the direction of the optical axis and includes a first magnet that is secured to the movable member and a first coil that is secured to the lens frame, and a Hall element that is disposed so as to oppose the first magnet in the direction of the optical axis and detects a change in a magnetic field of the first magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Nidec Copal Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Machida, Kazuo Shikama, Haruhiko Mandai, Yusuke Ehara, Nobuaki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8693114
    Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a lens structure, which includes a mounting seat, a sliding carriage, a lens cover, and at least one elastic member, wherein the mounting seat has a first through-hole formed thereon and defines two operating positions, the sliding carriage slidably coupled to the mounting seat and having a second through-hole formed thereon, wherein the second through-hole corresponds to the first through-hole in one operating position, the lens cover arranged on the sliding carriage and having a plurality of heat-dissipating holes formed thereon in correspondence with the second through-hole, one end of the elastic member fixed to the mounting seat, and the other end of the elastic member fixed to the sliding carriage, wherein the sliding carriage is urged to move a predetermined distance form one operating position, the elastic member provides resilient force to drive the sliding carriage to another operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Azurewave Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ching-Wei Liu
  • Patent number: 8687278
    Abstract: An opto-mechanical switch produces different optical paths from two optical path sections out of a plurality of optical path sections that are oriented in different spatial directions. The switch has an optical component on which one end of each optical path section impinges, and which is adapted to be moved linearly in a direction of movement at right angles to the optical path sections between different switching positions, in which it selectively couples different optical path sections optically with each other. Further provided is a measuring system for the analysis of fluids, having such an opto-mechanical switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignees: Buerkert Werke GmbH, Karlsruher Institut fuer Technologie
    Inventors: Marko Brammer, Timo Mappes
  • Patent number: 8682153
    Abstract: An image capturing system and a lens module thereof are provided. The lens module includes a first barrel, a second barrel, a lens, a swing lever and a connecting shift. The first barrel has a bump. The second barrel is disposed inside the first barrel. The swing lever has a first end and a second end. The lens is disposed at the first end. The connecting shift connects the swing lever and the second barrel. The swing lever is rotated around the connecting shift. The bump is used for pushing the second end of the swing lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ability Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Ta Chien
  • Publication number: 20140071545
    Abstract: A control device includes: a controller that outputs control, signals pertaining to at least two directions, respectively, based on predetermined gains in a normal operation mode, and outputs control signals based on gains set with respect to the two directions, respectively, in a learning operation mode; a controlled amount calculating unit that receives the control signals and outputs signals pertaining to drive parameters with respect to at least two motors, respectively, wherein the controlled amount calculating unit includes: a characteristic difference calculating unit that calculates characteristic differences between at least the two motors based on the control signals; and a gain compensator that corrects controlled amount pertaining to drive parameters of at least the two motors according to the calculated characteristic differences of at least the two motors, and outputs the signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Jun Sumioka
  • Patent number: 8670196
    Abstract: A lens barrel includes a first lens holding member holding a first lens group, a second lens holding member holding a second lens group and an adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the position of the first lens holding member relative to the second lens holding member. On a first plane of the second lens holding member, provided are at least three positioning parts abutting on the first lens holding member at positions surrounding the second lens group, and a sheet member attached to the first plane at a position surrounding the three positioning parts. The sheet member is pressed against the first lens holding member in the photographing optical axis direction while surrounding the first lens group throughout, between the adjustment mechanism and the first plane when viewed in the photographing optical axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehide Ohno, Naho Shono
  • Publication number: 20140063627
    Abstract: An adjusting device for an optical system has a first slider for a first optical element, which is arranged displaceably along an axial direction, a second slider for a second optical element, which is arranged displaceably along the axial direction, a control cam contour fixed in relation to the axial direction, a coupler between the first slider, the second slider and the cam contour, and a force element to exert force between the first slider and the second slider, so that the coupler is in contact with the first slider at a first point, is in contact with the second slider at a second point and is in contact with the control cam contour at a third point, the coupler including a first lever arm formed between the first and third points, and the coupler including a second lever arm formed between the second and third points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Roland Mueller, Rupert Demleitner
  • Patent number: 8662681
    Abstract: The image projection apparatus projects an image onto a projection surface through a projection optical system including a focus element (104) movable in an optical axis direction. The apparatus includes a shift mechanism that moves the projection optical system in a shift direction including a directional component orthogonal to the optical axis direction so as to move a position of the projected image on the projection surface, a shift position detector that detects a shift position of the projection optical system moved by the shift mechanism, a temperature detector that detects a temperature, and a controller that moves the focus element. The controller moves the focus element depending on the temperature detected by the temperature detector and on the shift position detected by the shift position detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yusuke Ishida
  • Patent number: 8654461
    Abstract: According to example embodiments, a lens positioning unit includes a fixed structure, a monolithic flexure hinge structure, any one of upper and lower portions of which is provided with a lens mount on which a lens is mounted and the other portion of which is secured to the fixed structure, and an input unit rotatably coupled to the fixed structure, the input unit serving to convert rotational motion into vertical translational motion so as to transmit the vertical translational motion to the upper or lower portion of the monolithic flexure hinge structure provided with the lens mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Hyun Park, In Bae Jang
  • Patent number: 8638508
    Abstract: A lens barrel includes a holder configured to hold a lens, a fixing unit configured to fix the holder, an intermediate unit arranged between the fixing unit and the holder, a first fixing member configured to fix the intermediate unit and the holder, a second fixing member configured to fix the fixing unit and the intermediate unit, a first tilter configured to tilt an optical axis of the lens around a first straight line that is unparallel to the optical axis of the lens, by changing a tilt of the holder relative to the intermediate unit, and a second tilter configured to tilt the optical axis of the lens around a second straight line that is unparallel to the optical axis of the lens and the first straight line, by changing a tilt of the intermediate unit relative to the fixing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Jyunpei Honma
  • Patent number: 8634148
    Abstract: A lens drive device may include a movable body holding a lens and movable in an optical axis direction of the lens, a fixed body movably holding the movable body, a drive mechanism for driving the movable body, and a board on which an imaging element is mounted and which is fixed on an opposite-to-object side of the fixed body. An opposite-to-object side end face of the fixed body is formed with a plurality of projections which are abutted with a mounting face of the board on which the imaging element is mounted for correcting inclination of an optical axis of the lens with respect to the imaging element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Nidec Sankyo Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Sue, Yuji Shingu, Syusuke Imai
  • Patent number: 8632191
    Abstract: A projector includes: an electro-optic device which modulates light emitted from a light source; a projection lens which projects the light modulated by the electro-optic device; and a lens shift mechanism which shifts the projection lens in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the projection lens, wherein the lens shift mechanism includes a shift unit which supports the projection lens and shifts the projection lens in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, a guide unit which guides the shift of the shift unit, and a drive unit which moves the shift unit, and the drive unit includes a rotation section as a rotated part which has a first bevel gear rotating around a center axis extending in the same direction as that of the optical axis, and a transmission section which has a second bevel gear engaging with the first bevel gear and transmits the rotation of the rotation section to the shift unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 8625022
    Abstract: An image blur correction apparatus includes: a fixed member; a first driven unit pivotally supported by the fixed member around a first support shaft extending in a direction parallel to an optical axis direction; a second driven unit holding a lens or an imaging device and pivotally supported by the first driven unit around a second support shaft extending in the direction parallel to the optical axis direction; a first actuator that pivots the first and second driven units around the first support shaft; and a second actuator that pivots the second driven unit around the second support shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuyuki Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20140002912
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lens drive device including a base, a lens frame holding a lens and provided to be movable with respect to the base in an optical axis direction of the lens, a light bending portion for bending incident light on the lens, a driving unit for moving the lens frame, and a position detection unit for detecting a position of the lens frame. The position detection unit includes a reflection portion provided to one of the base and the lens frame and including a reflection surface inclined with respect to the optical axis of the lens, and a photoreflector provided to the other of the base and the lens frame and including a light projecting portion applying light to the reflection surface and a light receiving portion receiving light reflected on the reflection surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Takuma Ishikawa, Hiroki Ito, Yohsuke Ikeda, Takafumi Ishikawa, Hiroyuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8615143
    Abstract: Introduced is an optical arrangement for varying an imaging ratio and/or a refractive power including at least one optical axis, having at least two optical elements, which can be pivoted into and/or pivoted to and/or switched into and/or switched to the optical path, which encompass in each case a refractive power and an optical axis and the optical axes of which can in each case be made to be substantially congruent with the optical axis of the arrangement or are substantially congruent with the optical axis of the arrangement. The optical path between the optical elements, which can be pivoted into and/or pivoted to and/or switched into and/or switched to, undergoes at least one change in direction and/or vergence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Future Optics GBR
    Inventor: Tatiana Maiorova
  • Patent number: 8611028
    Abstract: A lens barrel 111 according to the present invention includes: a lens group 220 which moves along an optical axis direction 300; and a lens holding frame 224 holding a lens group 220. A guide hole 406 is provided in the lens holding frame 224, the guide hole 406 being penetrated by a main shaft 440 having a circular cross section. A cross section of the guide hole 406 taken orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the main shaft 440 includes at least two linear portions 406a, and the main shaft 440 is in contact with the two linear portions 406a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Koichiro Hirabayashi, Kazuo Shibukawa, Fumio Shinano, Shinichi Iwasaki, Masahiro Nakano, Akio Konishi, Takumi Kuwahara
  • Patent number: 8605372
    Abstract: A voice coil motor includes a case, a moving barrel, magnetic elements, a lower plate, an elastic plate, a first and a second coil assemblies. The case includes an upper plate and a sidewall extending downward from peripheral edges of the upper plate. The upper plate and the sidewall cooperatively define a receiving room. The moving barrel is received in the receiving room. The magnetic elements are received in the receiving room and surround the moving barrel. The lower plate is positioned on one end of the sidewall The elastic plate is connected between the upper plate and the moving barrel or between the lower plate and the moving barrel. The first coil assembly includes pairs of coils. Each pair of the coils is opposite to each other and attached on the moving barrel. The second coil assembly is annular shaped and sleeved over the moving barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsiang-Chieh Yu
  • Publication number: 20130301146
    Abstract: A lens apparatus includes a lens housing, driven member that is driven in a first direction. A lens barrel body that includes a lens, is separated from the driven member upon receiving an impact including a component of a second direction and can move. A drive section drives the driven member in the first direction. When the lens housing receives an impact including a component of the first direction, the drive member and the driven member are separated apart, and the driven member and the lens barrel body move together in the first direction, and when the lens housing receives an impact including the component of the second direction, the drive member prevents the driven member from moving in the second direction, the driven member and the lens barrel body are separated apart, and the lens barrel body moves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Koji OKANO, Junya HARADA
  • Patent number: 8582205
    Abstract: The lens barrel has an image blur correction function for correcting an image blur, including: a movable member movable in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis while holding a lens and a driving magnet; and a fixed member for positioning the movable member in an optical axis direction and holding a driving coil and a magnetic member, in which: the driving magnet and the magnetic member constitute a driving portion for moving the movable member in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis; and in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis, a width of the magnetic member in a direction orthogonal to a direction of driving the movable member is larger than a width of the driving magnet in the direction orthogonal to the direction of driving the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoki Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8567962
    Abstract: A projector includes: an electro-optic device which modulates light emitted from a light source; a projection lens which projects the light modulated by the electro-optic device; and a lens shift mechanism which shifts the projection lens in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the projection lens, wherein the lens shift mechanism includes a shift unit which supports the projection lens and shifts the projection lens in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, a guide unit which guides the shift of the shift unit, and a drive unit which moves the shift unit, and the drive unit includes a rotation section as a rotated part which has a first bevel gear rotating around a center axis extending in the same direction as that of the optical axis, and a transmission section which has a second bevel gear engaging with the first bevel gear and transmits the rotation of the rotation section to the shift unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Wakabayashi
  • Publication number: 20130279029
    Abstract: A replacement apparatus for an optical element mounted between two adjacent optical elements in a lithography objective has a holder for the optical element to be replaced, which holder can be moved into the lithography objective through a lateral opening in a housing of the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Jens Kugler, Franz Sorg, Andreas Wurmbrand, Thomas Schletterer, Thomas Ittner