Abstract: An improved lens mount and related lens and lens barrel positioning methods are provided. In one example, a lens mount for use with a miniature camera can include a ring member having a substantially cylindrical interior surface defining a substantially cylindrical interior space. A plurality of elongate ribs are disposed on the interior surface of the ring member and are adapted to exert pressure against an external surface of a lens barrel received by the ring member. In another example, a method of positioning a lens barrel includes inserting a lens barrel into a ring member having a substantially cylindrical interior surface. Pressure can be exerted against an external surface of the lens barrel from a plurality of elongate ribs disposed on the interior surface of the ring member. The pressure can prevent rotation of the lens barrel along at least three axes of rotational freedom.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to methods, devices, systems and components configured to position an element in a lens assembly, such as a lens assembly for microlithography, in which the element to be positioned is moved from an actual position to a target position via at least one actuator, and in which at least the positioning movement of the actuator is superimposed with an oscillating movement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lens shift mechanism which enables vertical movement of a lens attached to a first member by attaching the first member to a second stationary member so as to be vertically movable with respect to the second member, including: N (an integer of three or more) attachment shafts having a plurality of ball bearings and attached to the first member; and the second member bored with N longitudinal holes located at respective positions corresponding to attachment positions of the N attachment shafts on the first member, each of the N longitudinal holes having a vertical length not shorter than a vertical travel range of the first member.

Abstract: A holding device including an object to be held by the holding device and having six first flat surfaces, a holding member having six second flat surfaces each being opposed to and parallel to a corresponding one of the first flat surfaces, wherein the holding member has three holding portions of one of a protruded shape and a recessed shape, and wherein two of the second flat surfaces define at least a portion of the protruded shape or recessed shape of the holding portions, and rolling elements each being provided between associated ones of the first and second flat surfaces. The object is supported by the holding member through the rolling elements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for aligning two optical components. Two optical components are aligned by stacking a first, a second, and a third transparent optical element between two optical components. The optical components are adjusted in the x, y, and z-axes, and rotations about the x, y, and z-axes.

Abstract: A holding system for holding an optical element. The holding system includes a ring-like inner holding member disposed at an outer periphery of the optical element, for supporting the optical element by use of at least a pair of pieces, and a ring-like outer holding member disposed at an outer periphery of the inner holding member and connected to the inner holding member at plural points. The inner holding member has at least a pair of driving units with an actuator, for supporting the optical element through the actuators.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lens barrel comprising: a lens barrel body; an extender including a rotary shaft which is parallel to the optical axis of the lens barrel body and shifted to the side of one side of the lens barrel body and a rotational member on which at least one lens is arranged, the extender arranging the lens on the optical axis of the lens barrel body according to a position where the rotational member stops rotating; a cover unit provided at the rear end of the lens barrel body and forming an extender covering space extending from the rear end of the lens barrel body toward one side and the top face of the lens barrel body and having a thickness in the direction of the optical axis of the lens barrel body; a small diameter unit provided on the cover unit; a mount unit provided at the rear end of the small diameter unit and on which is detachably mounted a camera device; and a flange back adjusting lever provided on the small diameter unit and located in a comparatively wide space formed

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a first and second movable frames provided coaxially on an optical axis of a lens, and telescopically moved in and out from a stationary main frame; a first support member engaged with the first movable frame as a first pivot orthogonal to the optical axis, and pivotally supported on the stationary main frame at one end; a second support member engaged with the first movable frame as a second pivot orthogonal to the optical axis and the first pivot, and pivotally supported on the stationary main frame at one end; a first connection member pivotally supported on or engaged with the second movable frame as a third pivot or the first movable frame as a fourth pivot; and a second connection member pivotally supported on or engaged with the second movable frame as a fifth pivot or the first movable frame as a sixth pivot, wherein arm portions of the first support member and the first connection member are engaged with each other.

Abstract: A lens barrel of the present invention is of a retractable type. After one frame is retreated from a photographing optical path, another frame moves in an optical axis direction to a position where the one frame has been disposed. The one frame is, for example, a lens frame, and the other frame is, for example, a shutter frame. The present invention can be understood as the invention of a method of switching the lens barrel to a stored state (a retracted state).

Abstract: A method for fabricating an array of aligned optical elements. In one embodiment, the optical elements include primary and secondary mirrors that are used to concentrate sunlight onto a photovoltaic cell for direct conversion of the sunlight into electricity. The array is formed using a front panel of plate glass or other transmissive material. The glass sheet is registered with a base tool. Subsequent tools are also registered with the base tool to deposit the primary and secondary mirrors for fabrication of the array.

Abstract: A buffer structure is installed at the front end of a contact type lens and includes a flexible sheathing ring, a through hole disposed on the sheathing hole and corresponding to the lens, a circular contact pad portion extended outward from a lower end of the sheathing ring, and a circular sheathing portion formed at an upper end of the sheathing ring and connected to the front end of the lens.

Abstract: A lens feed mechanism is provided and includes: a lens frame that holds a movable lens and that is supported by a fixed lens barrel so as to be capable of moving in a direction in which the movable lens is to move; a feed screw supported rotatably on an axis extending in a moving direction of the lens frame; and a connecting unit that connects the lens frame with the feed screw, the connecting unit having a rack mechanism supported rotatable on an axis extending in a direction on a plane orthogonal to the moving direction of the lens frame, the connecting unit engaging with the feed screw.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical component retaining device which includes an eyepiece lens 15 having a pair of rib portions 15b and 15c and a housing 16 having a slit portion 28 made of a tapered groove where the pair of rib portions are inserted and retains the eyepiece lens in the housing by holding the pair of rib portions in the slit portion. First to third planar surfaces 31b through 33b to be reference surfaces are arranged at three locations on one side surface of the pair of rib portions 15b and 15c in the light axis direction of the eyepiece lens 15 and convex portions 34 and 35 to be pressing portions are arranged at a plurality of locations on the other side surface of the pair of rib portions in the light axis direction.

Abstract: A lens retraction mechanism slantways retracts a lens from a shooting position to a receiving space. The lens retraction mechanism includes a base body, which includes a substrate, a guide wall disposed on the substrate and the receiving space, a lens guiding frame moveable with respect to the base body in the direction of an optical axis of the lens group, a pair of guiding shafts having one end fixed to the guiding frame, and a lens holding frame that fixes a lens group and includes a pair of slippage portions moveable with respect to the guide wall. When the lens retracts, the guiding frame draws the guiding shaft to move towards the substrate in the direction of the optical axis, and the lens holding frame moves along the guide means and also along the guiding shaft, and finally falls into the receiving space. The lens retraction mechanism retracts the lens group stably and securely.

Abstract: A supporting member for a portable digital video disk player has a rotatable member and a base for accommodating the rotatable member. The rotatable member includes a rotatable seat, at least one elastic member and at least one fastener pressing the at least one elastic member. Each of the rotatable seat and the at least one elastic member has a through hole. The base has at least one protruding element drilling through the through holes of the rotatable seat and the at least one elastic member. The rotatable seat can rotate relative to the base.

Abstract: A lens barrel for holding a lens includes a barrel body for containing the lens. A ring shaped receiving wall is formed on the barrel body, for receiving a rear face of a peripheral portion of the lens, to position the lens in an optical axis direction. Three retaining claw portions are disposed to project from the barrel body, for retaining the lens on the ring shaped receiving wall by engagement with the peripheral portion thereof. Three first through holes are formed in the barrel body, and adapted to insertion and pressure of an external adjusting rod for positioning adjustment of the lens. Second through holes are formed in the barrel body, and adapted to introduction of adhesive agent for attaching the lens on the barrel body. The retaining claw portions and the first through holes are arranged at a regular pitch on a circumference of the barrel body.

Abstract: An optical type pick-up actuator can include a lens holder having an object lens for condensing a light on an optical disc mounted at one side thereof and activated in a predetermined direction, and a plurality of yokes and magnets facing one another. A focusing coil and a tracking coil can be installed between the plurality of magnets, and disposed in a Y-axis direction to activate the lens holder by an electromagnetic force with the magnets in focusing and tracking directions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microscope objective with axially adjustable correction mounts and is applicable in connection with different cover slips and/or different immersion liquids and/or at different work temperatures. In the microscope objective according to the invention, helical springs which are uniformly distributed along the circumference and act in axial direction are fixed by a first ring which has pins in axial direction on which the helical springs are arranged. The pins engage in bore holes of a second ring. The bore holes are at least deep enough to ensure the required spring path. The two rings with the helical springs arranged therebetween on the pins form a spring retainer which ensures a movement of the parts without play and/or in a springing manner. In principle, the proposed solution can be substituted for all pressure springs in microscope objectives and other objectives and can overcome the disadvantages of using individual springs.

Abstract: An optical module has a lens holder into which a lens array with three lenses and a diaphragm, for example, is inserted. The lenses and the diaphragm are oriented by way of the geometrical shape thereof such that no further optical adjustment is required. The circuit carrier and the lens unit are adjusted via at least one permanently flexible or springy element which is disposed between the lens holder and the circuit carrier and presses the component-equipped area of the circuit carrier away from the lens holder and against at least one stop element that is in positive contact with the lens unit. In the novel optical module or optical system it is no longer necessary to take into account the thickness tolerance of the circuit carrier and possible adhesives in the tolerance chain of optical modules. The module and the system are particularly suitable interior or exterior zone applications in motor vehicles.

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.

Abstract: Improved optical alignment precision to a passive optical cavity is provided by including a combination of a weak focusing element and a translation plate in the input coupling optics. Adjustment of positions and angles of these optical elements, preferably after all other input optical elements are fixed in place, advantageously provides for high-precision optical alignment to the cavity, without requiring excessively tight fabrication tolerances. Fabrication tolerances are relaxed by making the optical power of the weak focusing element significantly less than the optical power of a strong focusing element in the input optics. The position and angles of the beam with respect to the cavity can be adjusted, as can the size of the beam at the cavity. Differential adjustment of the beam size in two orthogonal directions (e.g., tangential plane and sagittal plane) at the cavity can also be provided.

Abstract: An image entering from the left side of the figure passes through a correcting lens unit, and forms an image on an image pickup device on the right side of the figure. The correcting lens unit includes a cylindrical outer frame and a lens arranged therein, and at coupling points, coupled to one end of each of electrostrictive coils and suspended thereby. Electrostrictive coils strain in response to voltages applied from a voltage applying unit, causing displacement of electrostrictive coils. The displacement is transmitted to correcting lens unit through the coupling points, and therefore, in accordance with the displacement from electrostrictive coils, position and/or direction of correcting lens unit changes.

Abstract: An exemplary lens module includes a lens barrel (10), a lens (20) and a sleeve barrel (30). The lens barrel includes an adjusting magnet (15). The lens is mounted in the lens barrel. A part of the lens barrel is slidably mounted in the sleeve barrel, the sleeve barrel includes a positioning magnet group (33), and the positioning magnet group cooperates with the adjusting magnet to selectably position the lens barrel in at least two different positions in the sleeve barrel.

Abstract: A lens holder is so supported that the lens holder is movable along a supporting shaft in parallel to an optical axis of the object lens, and rotatable about the supporting shaft. Magnets are mounted on the lens holder. Focusing coils and tracking coils having sides facing the magnets are mounted on a base on which the supporting shaft is planted. Yokes are so provided that the yokes and the magnets respectively sandwich the focusing coils and the tracking coils. The yokes have facing portions that face respective magnetic poles of the magnets and extending portions extending in the directions away from the magnets.

Abstract: A positioning structure having a positioning projection on attaching surface is provided. The attaching surface is inclined within an acute angle with respect to a direction orthogonal to an opening and closing direction of a mold for forming the surface. The positioning projection formed on the attaching surface is molded simultaneously by the metallic molding into a truncated right circular conical shape with a tapered trapezoid section that has a tapered surface inclined within an acute angle with respect to a direction perpendicular to the attaching surface on the outer circumference, and has a tapered front end extending in the perpendicular direction. When the angle of inclination of the attaching surface with respect to the direction orthogonal to the opening and closing direction of the mold is defined as “?”, and the angle of inclination of the tapered surface with respect to the direction perpendicular to the attaching surface is defined as “?”, ???>0 is satisfied.

Abstract: A method of enhancing resolution in an electronic imaging device includes capturing an electronic image through a fisheye lens with a photodetector at a resolution native to the photodetector. A resolution is selected that is higher than the native resolution of the photodetector. The electronic image is processed to produce a new electronic image at the higher resolution. A fisheye effect caused by the fisheye lens is removed during processing.

Abstract: An imaging device comprises a first lens unit and a second lens unit. A first fixed barrel of the first lens unit movably holds a first lens frame, which holds a first lens group, in an optical-axis direction. A second fixed barrel of the second lens unit movably holds a second lens frame, which holds a second lens group, in the optical-axis direction. The first and second fixed barrels are secured in series in the optical-axis direction. The first and second lens units are adapted to be easily assembled in series in the optical-axis direction. Misalignment of the plural lens groups is prevented, and the first and second lens groups are accurately and individually moved in the optical-axis direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical pickup device comprising a light condensing means for condensing light emergent from a light source to an optical disk, a light condensing holder on which the light condensing means is mounted, a suspension holder for elastically supporting the light condensing holder, a focus coil mounted on the light condensing holder, a tracking coil mounted on the light condensing holder, and a magnetic field impression means for impressing a magnetic field upon the focus coil and the tracking coil, wherein the tracking coil is composed of a first to a third tracking coil portion combined with each other.

Abstract: An image pickup module comprises a substrate mounting an image pickup element thereon, a holder mounted on the substrate so as to cover the image pickup element, the holder including a barrel portion for supporting a light receiving lens, the barrel portion having a stopper portion at its inner circumferential surface, a lens holder holding the light receiving lens, the lens holder being screwed and fixed into the barrel portion of the holder, and a spacer interposed between the stopper portion of the holder and the lens holder, the spacer being integrally formed with a sheet-like infrared ray cut film.

Abstract: A lens apparatus is disclosed, which allows an optical adjustment of each lens unit, and facilitates the assembly and maintenance. The lens apparatus comprises a plurality of lens units constituting an image-forming optical system that forms an object image, and a plurality of lens-holding members holding the plurality of lens units, respectively. Each of the lens units and the lens-holding member holding the lens unit are unitized. The lens apparatus is formed by joining each of the plurality of lens-holding members to at least one of the other lens-holding members.

Abstract: An object is to provide an image pick up apparatus in which positioning of a lens barrel unit relative to a front cover with respect to the optical axis direction and directions perpendicular to the optical axis can be effected with high accuracy. In an image pick up apparatus including a lens barrel unit 201 having a photographing optical system, a structure 216 that holds the lens barrel unit 201 in such a way that the lens barrel unit 201 is movable in the direction of the optical axis of the photographing optical system and directions perpendicular to the optical axis and a front cover 205 that covers the front side of the image pick up apparatus, the position of the lens barrel unit 201 relative to the front cover with respect to directions perpendicular to the optical axis and with respect to the optical axis direction is determined by the front cover 205 when the front cover 205 is assembled.

Abstract: An actuator device, an optical disk device and an information playback device comprising: an objective lens for focusing a light on a recording and/or playback face of a recording medium; a lens holder for holding the objective lens; a suspension for elastically supporting the lens holder; and an actuator base for supporting the suspension. The lens holder has a portion on the opposite side in the optical axis of the objective lens with respect to the actuator base.

Abstract: When a voltage is applied between outside electrodes and a common electrode that constitute driving parts of a driving unit provided between a holder holding a lens and a lens barrel, as shown in FIG. 9, respective dielectric elastomers provided in the driving parts are slightly deformed in a direction that is crushed in an X1–X2 direction. Thus, the entire lens can be slightly moved in the direction of an arrow (X2-direction). This enables an optical axis O?—O? of the lens to coincide with or get closer to a reference optical axis.

Abstract: A lens body tube configured to support at least one lens inside an inner tube such that the at least one lens can be translated along the optical axis direction of the lens body tube includes a cam ring configured to be rotatably supported around the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube, the at least one lens being configured to be translated along the optical axis direction accompanied by the rotation of the cam ring, a plurality of cams provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cam ring, and a plurality of cam followers provided on a lens frame supporting each of the at least one lens. Each of the plurality of cam followers is engaged with a corresponding one of the plurality of cams. The plurality of cams includes at least two protruded cams. The at least two protruded cams are connected with a part of each other.

Abstract: A magnetically positioned precision holder for optical components in an optical device comprises a carrier for replaceably holding at least one optical component. The carrier is arranged in positionally adjustable fashion in a housing recess including a precision stop surface. Magnet pairs (A1/A2 and B1/B2) are oriented with identical polarity being provided in order to achieve a continuous contact pressure of the carrier (2; 3) against the stop surface (6), in such a way that the one magnet (A1, B1) is located in the recess and the corresponding magnet (A2, B2) is located in the carrier. The use of identically poled magnet pairs for movable precision holders and for precision positioning systems is also proposed.

Abstract: An objective lens unit used for an optical pickup device is made up of a plurality of lenses and has a numerical aperture (NA) not less than 0.7. The lenses (1) and (2) are secured within a cylindrically-shaped lens holder (3). The position of the lens(es) (2) other than one of the lenses secured within the lens holder is set with the position of the one lens (1) as reference.

Abstract: A lens mounting plate to which a projection lens unit is fixed is brought into contact with a sliding base. The lens mounting plate is pressed against the sliding base by the urging of a coiled spring. The pressing force is set such that the position of the projection lens unit can be held and shifted. A cover is provided with a pipe-shaped projection so as to surround the projection lens unit with a clearance corresponding to the shifting width of the projection lens unit between the pipe-shaped projection and the projection lens unit. A user shifts the position of the projection lens unit with his or her fingers laid on the pipe-shaped projection and the projection lens unit.

Abstract: For the purpose of miniaturizing a zoom lens barrel, a zoom lens of the present invention comprises one lens group which moves at the time of variable power, one diaphragm member which moves at the time of variable power, and a cam member which has a cam section for a lens group, which guides the movement of the above-mentioned lens group at the time of variable power, and a cam section for a diaphragms which guides the movement of the above-mentioned diaphragm member at the time of variable power, wherein the above-mentioned cam section for a lens group and the above-mentioned cam section for a diaphragm are coupled.

Abstract: An optical element holding apparatus provided with a holding portion for holding a flange portion of an optical element. The holding portion includes a bearing surface block having a bearing surface, which contacts the flange portion, and a bearing surface block support mechanism, which rotatably supports the bearing surface block about a tangential axis of the optical element. This structure holds the optical element with the optical element holding apparatus in a kinematical manner and maintains satisfactory imaging performance in the optical element.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a light-quantity-adjusting unit, a first lens unit disposed closer to an object than the light-quantity-adjusting unit, a second lens unit disposed closer to an image plane than the light-quantity-adjusting unit, and a drive unit for driving the first lens unit and the second lens unit in an orthogonal-to-optical-axis direction.

Abstract: An objective lens driving apparatus for an optical pickup includes a blade on which an objective lens can be mounted, a plurality of elastic support members supporting the blade and capable of elastically moving with respect to the blade, and a servo mechanism driving the blade up and down, left and right, and in a rotational direction. The elastic support members are grouped into pairs arranged to face each other with respect to a center of rotation of the blade, and distances between the elastic support members in the respective pairs are substantially identical. By lessening the difference in the amount of deformation between the elastic support members supporting the blade during tilt control, the elastic support members are less likely to move in undesired directions when vibration is applied.

Abstract: An optical pickup includes: a lens holder having an objective lens, an optical component, a radiator plate formed of a sheet metal, and a base member on which the lens holder and the optical component are mounted, the base member being formed of a synthetic resin molded body. The base member has a base plate portion in which a light passage hole is opened in such a manner as to face the objective lens, a mounting wall on which the optical component is mounted and a mounting piece of the radiator plate is secured, and an enclosure wall that is erected substantially on an opposite side to the mounting wall across the light passage hole. The surface plate portion extends toward the enclosure wall and an end of the surface plate portion is fixed to a top portion of the enclosure wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic signal switching module with connectors on a first side for connecting with a variety of devices and sources and with jacks for receiving patch cords on a second side. The switching modules include two position switches in the circuitry connecting the jacks with the connectors which allow the module to be configured as a straight-through patching module, a fully normal module with paired jacks or a half normal module with paired jacks. One alternative of the invention utilizes card edge connectors on the first side. Another aspect of the invention involves a chassis for holding a plurality of switching modules adjacent to and electronically connected with a plurality of connecting modules. The switching modules may also include designation lenses adjacent to the jacks for holding indicia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image pick-up lens, an image pick-up apparatus comprising the image pick-up lens and a producing method of the image pick-up lens, and the image pick-up lens comprising: a lens part to form an image point of an object point at predetermined distance; and a supporting part to support the lens part and integrally formed with the lens part in a tubular form extended from the periphery of the lens part along the optical axis of the lens part, and the tip end of the tubular form is included in an ideal plain surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens part, wherein the image point is located in the ideal plain surface.

Abstract: A lens holder portion 3 for holding an objective lens 5 is supported on an end side of each of four suspension wires 2 so that it is capable of moving in a focusing direction and in a tracking direction. Minute uneven faces 2a are formed in the surface of each suspension wire 2. Adhesive agent 11 which fixes each suspension wire 2 on the lens holder 3 and fixing member 4 invades into dented portions in this uneven face 2a and hardens, thereby producing an anchor effect to improve bonding strength. Consequently, in an objective lens drive unit 1 in which the lens holder 3 is supported by a plurality of suspension wires 2, bonding strength to the suspension wire 2 can be improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to an objective pivoting device (1) for pivoting an objective which is concentrically arranged in said device, about two perpendicular swiveling axes (A—A; M—M) which cross each other at a common apex in the optical axis of the objective. The inventive device comprises pivoting adjustment means (20, 21) which are respectively provided with a cable drive having three cable sections (20A–20C; 21A–21C), the first cable section (20A, 21A) extending from an adjustment axle coil (22A, 23A) to the first of the bearing elements (15, 40), the second section (20B, 21B) extending from said first bearing element to a second bearing element (15, 40) which is coaxial in relation to the first, and the third cable section (20C, 21C) returning from said second bearing element to a second coil (22B, 23B) of the adjustment axle (22C, 23C) of the pivoting adjustment means (20, 21).

Abstract: The invention provides an inexpensive and easily manufactured objective lens driving apparatus having a reinforcing rib for reinforcing a coil restraining part of a support printed board formed on a lens holder. The ends of a focusing coil and a tracking coil are wound around the support printed board and the reinforcing rib part in a bundle.

Abstract: A first lens, a first spacer ring, a second lens, a second spacer ring, and a third lens are disposed along an optical axis and from the subject side in the stated order within a holder main body. A flare stopper in the shape of a ring (a washer) is integrally formed with an inner periphery of the second spacer ring. The flare stopper is formed to protrude toward the third lens and positions a circular opening thereof close to a concave surface of the third lens, so as to cover a peripheral area of the concave surface. Accordingly, both the light toward a peripheral surface of the third lens and toward a peripheral surface of an exposure opening are blocked by the flare stopper.

Abstract: Methods and systems for effecting responses on surfaces utilizing microlens arrays including microoptical components embedded or supported by a support element and positioned from the surface at a distance essentially equal to the image distance of the microoptical component with spacer elements are disclosed. Microlens arrays can be used to manipulate incident energy or radiation having a distribution in characteristic property(s) defining an object pattern to form a corresponding image pattern on a substrate surface. The energy can be light having a pattern or a specific wavelength, intensity or polarization or coherence alignment. The image pattern can have features of order 100 nm in size or less produced from corresponding object patterns having features in the order millimeters. The size of the object pattern can be reduced by the microlens arrays described by a factor of 100 or more using a single step process to form the image patterns.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for switching a swivelable holder between two positions, e.g., for switching microscope objectives. The actuating element and swivelable holder are connected by two stretchable connection elements which serve to transmit the rotational movement and to fix the swivelable holder in the switching positions.