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.

Abstract: To provide a digital camera which is thinner than conventional when a lens barrel is collapsed, and is improved in suppression of degradation of image quality due to dust or the like introduced into the lens barrel. A lens barrel has: an optical-member advancement/retraction mechanism that retracts any of plural optical members from an optical axis for picture taking when the lens barrel is collapsed, and advances the optical member, which is retracted when the lens barrel is collapsed, onto the optical axis for picture taking when the lens barrel is extended; and a cleaning member that cleans at least either of the optical member or one, which is adjacent to the optical member, of the plural optical members and a solid-state image pickup section as a result of retracting or advancing the optical member by the optical-member retraction/advancement mechanism.

Abstract: Adjustment of the illumination range to a liquid crystal panel of a liquid crystal projector requires time in fixing upon adjustment and accordingly it is an object to make the adjustment effectively. In an adjustment mechanism of the illumination range of illumination means to the liquid crystal panel in an optical engine unit of the liquid projector, the spring property is provided in a lens holder for holding a lens and the lens is temporarily held by friction of the spring portion to the optical engine case after adjustment. Then, the adhesion processing is made to complete the adjustment.

Abstract: A device for controlling the projection lens shift in a projector is provided, and includes a projection lens module which enlarges and projects an incident light on a screen, a sliding bracket which supports the projection lens module, a fixed bracket which slidably supports the sliding bracket, a shift unit positioned between the fixed bracket and the sliding bracket selectively to slide the sliding bracket up and down according to its rotating direction, and an elastic unit provided at a lower part of the projection lens module elastically to support the projection lens module.

Abstract: An objective lens driving apparatus is used for accurately positioning an abject to focus a light spot on an optical recording medium. A lens holder holds the objective lens and has a bearing hole through which a shaft extends in a direction parallel to the optical axis so that the lens holder is rotatably supported on the shaft. Two magnets are supported on the lens holder so that the shaft is between the magnets. A base has two magnetic members disposed such that each of the two magnets exerts an attraction force on a corresponding one of the two magnetic members to urge the lens holder in a direction of the optical axis and in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. A first coil set of first focusing and tracking coils and a second coil set of focusing and tracking coils are mounted to the two magnetic members.

Abstract: A method of making a high reflectivity micro mirror. A first step involves providing a monolithic bulk crystal silicon having an anisotropic body with a crystalline plane. A second step involves applying chemical agents to selectively remove a portion of the body overlying the crystalline plane to expose a portion of the crystalline plane. Crystalline planes that are present in monolithic bulk crystal silicon have an inherent smoothness which is on an atomic level. The underlying teaching of the present invention is that, instead of attempting to polish or otherwise smooth the surface of the silicon, one should merely expose all or a selected portion of the crystalline plane and use the exposed portion of the crystalline plane as a mirror surface.

Abstract: An optical pick-up allows a lens to be supported at high dimensional accuracy for a high-density recording medium, and suppresses resonance for a high-speed access. The optical pick-up includes a supporting shaft, and a lens holder which fits on a supporting shaft rotatably, wherein the supporting shaft is formed of ceramics containing zirconia, and wherein the lens holder is formed of a liquid crystal resin composition. The optical-pickup includes a lens holder having a shaft hole which fits on a rotating shaft and a plurality of object lens holes, wherein the lens holder is a molded product of a resin composition of a liquid crystal resin or a polyphenylene ether resin mixed with a fibrous filler. The molded product has flexural elastic modulus of 10 GPa or more. The lens holder includes a bearing part formed vertically to a lens receiving surface with an excellent inner diameter roundness and excellent mechanical strength.

Abstract: A projector includes a super-high pressure mercury lamp a spatial light-modulator that modulates a light from the super-high mercury lamp based on an image signal, a projection lens that projects the light modulated, and an optical filter that is used to insert a prism group in the optical path and to remove the prism group that is inserted in the optical path, and a position fixing part that makes a relative-angle between each spatial light-modulator and the prism group constant.

Abstract: A scanning pattern generator and a method for microlithographic multi-beam writing of high precision patterns on a photosensitive substrate (11), the system comprising a light source (1), preferably a laser, for generating at least two light beams, a computer-controlled light modulator (4), a deflector for scanning the beams on the substrate and an objective lens (10) to contract the at least one light beam from the light source before it reaches the substrate, wherein at least the objective lens is arranged on a carrier (22) being movable relative to the substrate (11) and the light source (1). Hereby, the carrier defines a movable optical path relative to the remaining, stationary optical path. Further, the system comprises means for altering the stationary optical path in order to maintain telecentricity for the beams as they impinge on the photosensitive substrate during the movement of the carrier and the movable optical path.

Abstract: A lens held by a lens holding member is to be centered easily correctly. To this end, a guide pin 21 is inserted into a guide hole 22 for positioning the lens holding member 3 with respect to the main body unit of the lens barrel 2 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 4 and for mounting the lens holding member for movement in a direction along the optical axis. If, in this state, each of adjustment pins 26, rotationally mounted on at least three sites on the outer peripheral surface of the main body unit of the lens barrel 2, is rotated, an offset portion 29 of the adjustment pin, offset relative to the center of rotation of the adjustment pin, is rotated, as the offset portion is engaged in an engagement hole 32 of the lens holding member 3, so that the lens holding member 3 on each site is displaced in the direction along the optical axis to adjust the tilt of the lens 4 held by the lens holding member 3.

Abstract: In an apparatus for positioning an optical element in a structure, particularly in an objective housing of a projection objective for microlithography, the optical element is connected to the structure via fastening elements. The position of the optical element is set by means of adjusting fasteners. The fastening elements are arranged in such a way and the adjusting fasteners can be actuated in such a way that the optical element can be tilted about three mutually independent axes and can additionally be displaced in a translatory fashion in one axial direction.

Abstract: A system and method for fixing a projection lens 102 and adjusting the position of a projection lens 102 is provided, which is compact and has a high precision. The projection lens 102 is positioned on a base plate 104. The position of the projection lens can be adjusted by providing possibilities for horizontal and vertical shift in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the projection lens 102. This is performed by actuating three points of the base plate 104. Furthermore, by providing further shifting means at the three points of the base plate 104, tilting of the projection lens can be performed, thus providing Scheimpflug correction. In this way, motion of the projection lens in five degrees of freedom is provided by actuating three points at a base plate 104 whereon a projection lens 102 can be easily mounted and removed.

Abstract: In order to provide a positioning device for the exact positioning of a first optical component relative to a second optical component, with which optical components may be positioned relative to one another in an exact and permanent manner and which allows, in addition, relatively simple adjustment, it is suggested that the positioning device comprise a first fixing element and at least one second fixing element which are guided relative to one another by a guide means such that they can be moved towards one another essentially only in a clamping direction and that the positioning device have at least one support element arranged between them, the position of which relative to the fixing elements can be adjusted in at least one direction transversely to the clamping direction and can be fixed between the fixing elements by way of clamping and that the optical components be held on different ones of the elements adjustable relative to one another.

Abstract: This invention relates to an objective lens driving device which moves an objective lens; an optical pickup device, comprising this objective lens driving device, which condenses a light beam onto the information recording surface of an optical disc; and an optical information recording and/or reproduction device, comprising this optical pickup device, which drives in rotation an optical disc and moves the optical pickup device to record and/or reproduce information signals onto or from the information recording surface. Two printed coil boards, with a first printed coil with a first shape formed on at least one face and a second printed coil with a second shape formed on the other face, are provided in parallel in an objective lens driving device of this invention, and a moveable portion on which an objective lens is provided is connected with the two printed coil boards; also, a magnet is positioned between the two printed coil boards provided in parallel.

Abstract: An optical component and an image pick-up device that uses the optical component is disclosed. The optical component is capable of driving an optical lens element that is mounted within a first aperture of the optical component. The optical component includes a frame which includes the first aperture. Flexible supports attach the frame to a fixed structure so that the frame may be moved axially, or moved axially as well as rotated, while being held at a fixed radial position along an axis. The optical component includes a base having a second aperture therein that is substantially aligned with the first aperture. First and second electrodes are positioned on the frame and the base, respectively, and a voltage source is provided for generating an electric field between the electrodes, so as to cause the frame to move axially with respect to the base.

Abstract: A transmission device for a 2D image display module includes rods in the box, a transmission element slidably mounted around the rods, a motor in the box and having a disk rotatably connected to a motor shaft, a driving rod eccentrically formed on top of the disk and a driving board provided with a slot defined to receive therein the driving rod, wherein distal ends of the transmission element are securely connected to the driving board, and a securing member securely connected to the transmission element to be adapted to connect to either the backboard or the lens. Rotation of the driving rod is able to drive the driving board to move, which drives the lens to move opposite to the driving board so that the image is revealed as a result of relative movement between the backboard and the lens.

Abstract: An apparatus to drive a blade on which an objective lens is mounted including a first electromagnetic unit to generate a first electromagnetic force and a second electromagnetic unit to generate a second electromagnetic force such that when the first and second magnitudes are the same, the blade is driven in a focus direction, and when the magnitudes are different, the blade is driven in a tilt direction. Accordingly, a tilt error can be actively controlled so that a laser beam is incident on a disk in a precise direction therefore improving the qualities of recording and reproducing data. In addition, tilt control is performed by using a focus adjustment mechanism so that an additional mechanism to control tilt is not required. As a result, the size and weight of the apparatus to drive the objective lens of the optical pickup are reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a support stand. The support stand includes at least one H-beam set between a light source of an exposure machine and an operating machine of that to support an optical axis of the exposure machine, at least one supporting element set on a first part of the H-beam, a signal emitter set on a second part of the H-beam, and a signal receiver, receiving a signal sent from the signal emitter, set on a third part of the H-beam. The signal emitter and the signal receiver are used for detecting an optical axis shift.

Abstract: An actuator for an optical pickup apparatus includes an actuator base member having a pair of yoke portions rising up from a base portion as well as a pair of magnets respectively secured to inner side surfaces of the yoke portions, a yoke member having a pair of yokes rising up from a baseplate portion. The yokes are respectively inserted in a pair of insertion holes of the base portion, and the baseplate portion is superposed on the base portion. The yokes are bonded to the base portion by an adhesive, and the baseplate portion is secured to the base portion by a fixing member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a projection lens shifting mechanism having: a driving apparatus, a first supporting apparatus, a transmitting apparatus, a movable plate and a second supporting apparatus. The transmitting apparatus is driven by the driving apparatus for changing a direction of the torque transmitted by the driving apparatus. The movable plate, on which a projection lens is mounted, is in contact with the transmitting apparatus to be driven by the transmitting apparatus to translate in a perpendicular direction with respect to the central axis of the driving apparatus, whereby providing a user-friendly interface, that is, when it is operated manually, a direction that the user applies force against the driving apparatus is consistent with that the movable plate translates. Furthermore, after two above mechanisms are combined, the projection lens can be positioned in any position of a two-dimensional plane.

Abstract: A lens held by a lens holding member is centered easily and correctly by a mechanism in which a guide pin is inserted into a guide hole for positioning the lens holding member with respect to the main body unit of the lens barrel in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens and for mounting the lens holding member for movement in a direction along the optical axis. Adjustment pins are rotationally mounted on at least three sites on the outer peripheral surface of the main body unit of the lens barrel. If each adjustment pin is rotated, an offset portion of the adjustment pin which is relative to the center of rotation of the adjustment pin, is rotated, as the offset portion is engaged in an engagement hole of the lens holding member. In this way the lens holding member on each site is displaced in the direction along the optical axis to adjust the tilt of the lens held by the lens holding member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a two-piece apparatus for holding and aligning the MEMS deformable mirror. The two-piece apparatus comprises a holding plate for fixedly holding an adaptive optics element in an overall optical system and a base spatially fixed with respect to the optical system and adapted for mounting and containing the holding plate. The invention further relates to a means for configuring the holding plate through adjustments to each of a number of off-set pads touching each of three orthogonal plane surfaces on the base, wherein through the adjustments the orientation of the holding plate, and the adaptive optics element attached thereto, can be aligned with respect to the optical system with six degrees of freedom when aligning the plane surface of the optical element. The mounting system thus described also enables an operator to repeatedly remove and restore the adaptive element in the optical system without the need to realign the system once that element has been aligned.

Abstract: An objective lens driving apparatus includes a lens holder 1 that holds an objective lens 2, and a stationary base 9 that supports the lens holder 1 by a support shaft 3 parallel to an optical axis of the objective lens 2. A stationary yoke 11 and the magnet 8 are mounted to the stationary base 9. A focusing coil 4 and the tracking coils 5a and 5b are mounted to the lens holder 1. The interaction between the current in the focusing coil 4 and the magnetic field caused by the magnet 8 generates an electromagnetic force that moves the lens holder 1 along the support shaft 3. The interaction between the current in the tracking coils 5a and 5b and the magnetic field caused by the magnet 8 generates an electromagnetic force that rotates the lens holder 1 about the support shaft 3.

Abstract: A method and system are described aimed at substantially increasing the lifetime of sensitive optical elements subjected to high power laser radiation. The lifetime enhancement is accomplished by spatially distributing the laser beam spots both globally and locally according to algorithms that are custom tailored to the subject element as well as the system and application needs. The methods of the invention are particularly well-suited to non-linear crystals used to convert radiation from high repetition rate, diode-pumped laser systems into the UV spectral range, where lifetime requirements are particularly challenging. The methods of the invention further enable effective utilization of available experimental data characterizing the element's performance in combination with a stored library of preferred spot scanning patterns that may be executed on the surface of the element according to the selected algorithm.

Abstract: An objective lens driving apparatus includes a lens holder 1 that holds an objective lens 2, and a stationary base 9 that supports the lens holder 1 by a support shaft 3 parallel to an optical axis of the objective lens 2. A stationary yoke 11 and the magnet 8 are mounted to the stationary base 9. A focusing coil 4 and the tracking coils 5a and 5b are mounted to the lens holder 1. The interaction between the current in the focusing coil 4 and the magnetic field caused by the magnet 8 generates an electromagnetic force that moves the lens holder 1 along the support shaft 3. The interaction between the current in the tracking coils 5a and 5b and the magnetic field caused by the magnet 8 generates an electromagnetic force that rotates the lens holder 1 about the support shaft 3.

Abstract: An optical deflector comprises an aspheric deflecting lens (1, 13) of positive optical power. The deflecting lens (1, 13) has a first relatively short focal length giving rise to a first focal point (3) and a second relatively long focal length giving rise to a second focal point (5). Thus, a divergent beam (7) of light substantially at one of the first and second focal points is focussed by the lens at the other of the first and second focal points. Means (19), such as an electric motor, is provided for rotating the lens about an axis substantially coincident with one of the first and second focal points.

Abstract: A rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism comprises a housing, a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a restricting member and a resilient element. The housing has a curved inner wall, a first positioning portion and a limiting member. The first rotating member is rotatably disposed in the housing and has a second positioning portion. The second rotating member is rotatably disposed on the first rotating member. The restricting member abuts the limiting member and has a curved outer edge, a first end and a second end. The profile of the curved outer edge approximately corresponds to that of the curved inner wall. The first end is rotatably connected to the first rotating member. The resilient element is connected to the housing and first rotating member. The first rotating member rotates within a predetermined angle by means of the resilient element, first positioning portion and second positioning portion.

Abstract: Optical-element mountings are disclosed for holding an optical element relative to an optical column of an optical system. The optical element can have mounting protrusions extending therefrom or lack such features. An exemplary embodiment of a mounting has a respective holding device mounted to each mounting protrusion. Each holding device has a first spring-loaded support member providing rigid support of the element in a gravity direction and flexible support in tangential, radial, and tilt directions. Each holding device also can include a second spring-loaded support member providing rigid support of the element in tangential directions and flexible support in the gravity and radial directions. Another embodiment includes multiple holding devices at respective locations relative to a mounting surface of the element. Each holding device includes a respective linking unit extending from the optical column to a respective bonding member attached to a bonding location on the mounting surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to an objective lens driving device which moves an objective lens; an optical pickup device, comprising this objective lens driving device, which condenses a light beam onto the information recording surface of an optical disc; and an optical information recording and/or reproduction device, comprising this optical pickup device, which drives in rotation an optical disc and moves the optical pickup device to record and/or reproduce information signals onto or from the information recording surface. Two printed coil boards, with a first printed coil with a first shape formed on at least one face and a second printed coil with a second shape formed on the other face, are provided in parallel in an objective lens driving device of this invention, and a moveable portion on which an objective lens is provided is connected with the two printed coil boards; also, a magnet is positioned between the two printed coil boards provided in parallel.

Abstract: This invention discloses a position detecting apparatus that can suppress the decrease of position detection accuracy. The position detecting apparatus includes a position sensor outputting position detecting signals which have different phases respectively that change periodically according to the movement of an object, and a phase converting unit generating phase converted signals which have different phases respectively by giving predetermined phase differences to the plurality of position detecting signals. In addition, the position detecting apparatus further includes a first calculating unit obtaining first position data corresponding to a position of the object based on the plurality of position detecting signals, and a second calculating unit obtaining second position data corresponding to a position of the object based on the plurality of phase converted signals.

Abstract: A switching mechanism in an optical device for switching an optical component between defined positions. A retainer plate, which captures the optical component in a housing, includes detents for maintaining the optical component in a defined position, as well as a mechanical interference portion between detents for resisting the movement of the optical component between defined positions.

Abstract: In a lens actuator for use with an optical recording and reproducing apparatus in accordance with a plurality of different multiplied response numeric values to record or reproduce to or from an optical recording medium, the lens actuator actuates an objective lens to control focusing and tracking and includes a fixed magnetic circuit including a magnet as a magnetic flux generating source and a back yoke, a support structure that is elastically displaceable depending on a thrust generated amount; and a movable part including a holder fixing the objective lens and a solenoid coil capable of generating a focusing thrust and a tracking thrust in accordance with current values, respectively. And in the lens actuator, a resonance frequency around a tangential axis is set to be different from spindle rotation frequencies corresponding to the plurality of multiplied response numeric values.

Abstract: A device for mounting an optical element (1), for example for a lens element in a lens, especially in an exposure lens (2) in micro lithography, is provided with the following features: the optical element (1) is provided in its edge zone with support points (8, 9, 10). Counterbearing points (11) are disposed opposite the support points (8, 9, 10) of the optical element (1) in an outer mounting (3). Bearing members (12) are disposed between the support points (8, 9, 10) and the counterbearing points (11). The bearing members (12) are provided with spherical surfaces directed toward the support points (8, 9, 10).

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to further improve a lens barrel moving mechanism of a liquid crystal projector and to provide a lens moving mechanism which has simple structure and is capable of achieving the smooth and high precision movement of a lens barrel, and a liquid crystal projector employing the lens moving mechanism. The present invention provides a lens moving mechanism for moving a lens retaining member 20, which retains a lens barrel 15 provided therein with a projection lens for projecting light with image information, in the directions of Z axis and X axis. The lens moving mechanism comprises first and second guiding mechanisms 23, 23, 24, 24 including a track member, a movable member, and a plurality of rolling members arranged between a rolling member running surface of the track member and a rolling member running surface of the movable member, whereby the lens barrel 15 is guided by the first and the second guiding mechanisms 23, 23, 24, 24 in the directions of Z axis and X axis.

Abstract: A coil substrate used for a lens driving apparatus is provided in a drive device for an optical disc. The coil substrate includes a tracking coil and a pair of focus coils disposed on a substantially rectangular substrate. The pair of the focus coils is disposed on the both sides of the tracking coil in the direction of the longer side of the substrate. The tracking coil and the focus coils may be substantially aligned in the direction of the longer side of the substrate, or may have the substantially equal lengths in the direction of the shorter side of the substrate. Thereby, the lengths of the coils in the direction of shorter side of the coil substrate can be made smaller. Thus, the coil substrate and the magnet can be reduced in size, and the miniaturization of the entire lens driving apparatus can be achieved.

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.

Abstract: Modern optoelectronic components have very tight coupling tolerances. Small misalignments of a strong lens that occur during the alignment and bonding process seriously degrade optical coupling. A weak lens is actively mounted using a flexure to correct misalignments of the strong lens. Since the weak lens does not exert as much steering force on a beam for a similar movement as the strong lens, misalignments that may occur during weak lens positioning and bonding do not appreciably degrade coupling.

Abstract: In the case of a mounting apparatus, an optical element having an inner mount and an outer mount, in particular a lens in a projection lens system for semiconductor lithography, the inner mount is connected to the outer mount via three circumferentially distributed articulations. Manipulators, whereby said inner mount is displaceable, act on the articulations. The articulations comprise a mechanism which transforms a radial movement into an axial movement.

Abstract: A composite optical component and its manufacturing method are disclosed. A holding member or an optical functional device is subjected to elastic deformation, with both of them fixed together, and the optical functional device is subjected to plastic deformation by heating to reduce stress between two components in such a way that the holding member and optical functional device will be slide-fitted with each other; sliding resistance between the optical functional device and enclosure per “b” in longitudinal direction of the optical component will be F≦a/b×S×E; or the optical functional device and holding member will be slide-fit by formation of one integral body in the mold, thereby preventing thermal distortion and distortion of the optical functional device due to recovery of elastic deformation of a reinforcing member, with the result that manufacturing costs can be reduced while a high degree of straightness and high surface precision are maintained.

Abstract: An objective lens driver includes a movable body, a base, a supporting portion, a first multipolar magnet and a second multipolar magnet. The movable body includes an objective lens, a lens holder, and a coil substrate. The coil substrate includes a focusing coil and a tracking coil. The supporting portion allows the movable body to move in a focusing direction and a tracking direction with respect to the base. The focusing direction is parallel to the optical axis of the objective lens, while the tracking direction is perpendicular to the focusing direction. The first and second multipolar magnets sandwich the coil substrate between them. The focusing and tracking coils are arranged as two flat coils on two mutually parallel separate planes so as to overlap with each other at least partially in a direction that is perpendicular to the focusing and tracking directions.

Abstract: An objective lens unit has a reinforcing frame portions formed along an outer peripheral surface of each of a pair of tracking coils by applying an epoxy resin adhesive to portions between a lens holder and the outer peripheral surface of each of the tracking coils. Reinforcing core portions are formed by filling the epoxy resin adhesive into a central hole of each of the tracking coils, and a reinforcing connecting portion is formed by filling the epoxy resin adhesive into a gap defined by the lens holder, each of the tracking coils, and a focusing coil.

Abstract: An objective lens holding apparatus includes an upper supporting portion and a bottom supporting portion not parallel with each other. The upper supporting portion and the bottom supporting portion have respectively one end connecting to an objective lens holder and another end connecting to a supporting arm anchor dock. The objective lens is mounted to the objective lens holder and is prevented from incurring an inclined angle while the objective lens is yawing. The elastic supporting arm anchor dock can keep the high resonant frequency within a desired range to enhance the stability of the optical pick-up head during reading and writing operations.

Abstract: In order to provide a positioning device for the exact positioning of a first optical component relative to a second optical component, with which optical components may be positioned relative to one another in an exact and permanent manner and which allows, in addition, relatively simple adjustment, it is suggested that the positioning device comprise a first fixing element and at least one second fixing element which are guided relative to one another by a guide means such that they can be moved towards one another essentially only in a clamping direction and that the positioning device have at least one support element arranged between them, the position of which relative to the fixing elements can be adjusted in at least one direction transversely to the clamping direction and can be fixed between the fixing elements by way of clamping and that the optical components be held on different ones of the elements adjustable relative to one another.

Abstract: A body of a lens frame, which is a lens barrel of the present invention, consists of an inner frame for holding a lens, an intermediate frame in which an adjusting screw is screwed, and an outer frame in which an adjusting screw is screwed. The frames are connected to one another by parallel springs. In the case of this lens frame, the inner frame is displaced in the direction of X-axis or a horizontal axis by screwing the adjusting screw thereinto in the direction of the horizontal axis and screwing another adjusting screw thereinto by the direction of a vertical axis. Thus, the inner frame is displaced in Y-direction through the intermediate frames. Consequently, the translation of the position of the optical axis of the lens is performed without inclination of the intermediate frame. Hence, the adjustment of the position of the optical axis is easily achieved. Moreover, this lens frame achieves a reduction in the cost of components thereof.

Abstract: A camera frame assembly has an extendable lens module having a lens base, a traveler, a front lens element, and a barrel cap. The lens base defines an optical axis. The traveler moves along the optical axis between first and second positions, relative to the lens base. The traveler has a front lens seat. A front lens element is disposed in the front lens seat. A barrel cap is snapped on the traveler. The barrel cap retains the front lens element in the traveler in alignment with the optical axis. The barrel cap can be snapped off for replacement by a new or renewed barrel cap. When the barrel cap is off, the front lens element is released and can be replaced or can be held in place for reuse.

Abstract: A driving device includes a first member, an annular second member arranged outside the first member, an annular first plate for connecting the first and second members to each other, and an annular second plate for connecting the first and second members to each other. The first and second members are moved relative to each other by supplying or exhausting a fluid into or from a space surrounded by the first and second members and the first and second plates. Also, at least one of (i) an inner diameter a1 of a portion of the second member at which the second member is connected to the first plate is different from an inner diameter a2 of a portion of the second member at which the second member is connected to the second plate and (ii) an outer diameter b1 of a portion of the first member at which the first member is connected to the first plate is different from an outer diameter b2 of a portion of the first member at which the first member is connected to the second plate.

Abstract: A hood for a digital image-collecting lens includes a base member having a recess defined in a bottom of the base member and to receive an image sensor that has a coupling crystal contained in the image sensor. A through hole is defined in the base member and communicating with the recess and longitudinally and straightly aligns with the coupling crystal. A lens seat is longitudinally and secured in the through hole in the base member and includes a through hole longitudinally and centrally defined in the lens seat. The through hole in the lens seat receives a camera lens of the digital image-collecting lens. At least one annular slot is longitudinally defined between an inner periphery of the through hole in the lens seat and an outer periphery of the lens seat, and longitudinally extending to corresponds to the camera lens.

Abstract: An external helicoid thread is provided which includes a helicoid thread having a first ridge whose both flanks are formed at a first flank angle, and a helicoid thread having a second ridge whose both flanks are formed at a second flank angle which is different from the first flank angle. An internal helicoid thread is kept in screwed-state engagement with the external helicoid threads. And in a lens barrel obtained using a connection based on such internal and external helicoid threads, the connection provided by these helicoid threads can remain secured even if a sudden outside force is applied to the lens barrel.

Abstract: A body of a lens frame, which is a lens barrel of the present invention, consists of an inner frame for holding a lens, an intermediate frame in which an adjusting screw is screwed, and an outer frame in which an adjusting screw is screwed. The frames are connected to one another by parallel springs. In the case of this lens frame, the inner frame is displaced in the direction of X-axis or a horizontal axis by screwing the adjusting screw thereinto in the direction of the horizontal axis and screwing another adjusting screw thereinto by the direction of a vertical axis. Thus, the inner frame is displaced in Y-direction through the intermediate frames. Consequently, the translation of the position of the optical axis of the lens is performed without inclination of the intermediate frame. Hence, the adjustment of the position of the optical axis is easily achieved. Moreover, this lens frame achieves a reduction in the cost of components thereof.

Abstract: A movable enclosure contains optical components, such as an objective lens, a semiconductor laser, a mirror, and a photodetector. The movable enclosure is supported by a fixed member via a plurality of wires that are positioned in parallel. This construction allows the movable enclosure to move in a tracking direction and a focusing direction. The plurality of wires are insulated from one another to be also used as power-supplying lines and signal lines for the semiconductor laser and the photodetector.