Abstract: A lens barrel includes a fixed frame, a plurality of lens groups disposed inside the fixed frame movably along an optical axis relative to the fixed frame, at least three lens holding frames holding at least one lens group, a cam frame having bottomed can grooves coupled with the inner circumference of the fixed frame through cams, bottomed can grooves crossing each other coupled with the lens holding frames through cams and a bottomed cam groove which is discontinued at one end surface and continued on another end surface, a key regulating rotation of the lens holding frames about an optical axis relative to the fixed frame as well as reinforcing the strength of the lens barrel, a cam mechanism between the cam frame and the lens holding frames for moving the lens holding frames along the optical axis by rotation of the cam frame about the optical axis relative to the fixed frame, an internal gear on the inner circumference of the cam frame, a pinion gear transmitting drive force from a drive source to the in

Abstract: Because the keys located on the first rotating barrel have essentially the same inner diameter as the second rotating barrel, no unnecessary space is formed inside the first rotating barrel and the second rotating barrel. In addition, although the inner diameter of the keys of the first rotating barrel and the inner diameter of the second rotating barrel are essentially the same, because the keys engage with the straight advancement grooves on the second rotating barrel, the first rotating barrel and the second rotating barrel do not interfere with each other. Moreover, because the keys that are thinner than the second rotating barrel overlap with the second rotating barrel, said keys being inside the second rotating barrel, the thickness of the keys does not affect the outer diameter of the lens barrel at all.

Abstract: A zoom lens barrel includes at least two lens groups, a linear movement guide tube for guiding a linear movement of the lens groups along the optical axis and a cam tube for reciprocating the lens groups along the optical axis. The guide tube has a guiding portion formed on a film side end portion of the guide tube and extends in parallel with a film surface.

Abstract: A focus adjustment mechanism upon assembly of an AF compact camera includes a shutter having a focusing lens frame which is screw-engaged therein, and a ring-shaped connecting member with an arm to be engaged with an AF driving lever of the shutter and to be fixed to the lens frame. The lens frame is provided with a cylindrical engagement surface to which the ring-shaped connecting member is engaged from the front end thereof and a plurality of engaging portions to be engaged with an adjuster for rotation of the lens frame. The adjuster comprises a plurality of corresponding engaging portions to rotate the lens frame.

Abstract: A lens barrel capable of shortening its full length includes a photo-taking optical system with a rear unit lens and a front unit lens, a rear unit lens holding cylinder holding the rear unit lens, a front unit lens holding cylinder holding the front unit lens and movable in the direction of an optical axis relative to the rear unit lens between a photographing position for making the photo-taking optical system capable of photographing with the rear unit lens and a full length shortening position for shortening the full length of the lens barrel in the direction of the optical axis and a fixing member for fixing the front unit lens holding cylinder in one of the aforementioned positions relative to the rear unit lens holding cylinder.

Abstract: Because the keys located on the first rotating barrel have essentially the same inner diameter as the second rotating barrel, no unnecessary space is formed inside the first rotating barrel and the second rotating barrel. In addition, although the inner diameter of the keys of the first rotating barrel and the inner diameter of the second rotating barrel are essentially the same, because the keys engage with the straight advancement grooves on the second rotating barrel, the first rotating barrel and the second rotating barrel do not interfere with each other. Moreover, because the keys that are thinner than the second rotating barrel overlap with the second rotating barrel, said the keys being inside the second rotating barrel, the thickness of the keys does not affect the outer diameter of the lens barrel at all.

Abstract: A lens barrel comprising a first member formed with a guide groove, and a second member having a main protrusion inserted into the guide groove and moving relative to the first member along the guide grove by moving the main protrusion within the guide groove. The lens barrel further comprises a displacement protrusion provided in a position, different from a position provided with the main protrusion, on the second member in a direction perpendicular to the guide groove. The displacement protrusion is inserted into the guide groove and contacts one side surface of the guide groove, thereby removing a play between the main protrusion and the guide groove.

Abstract: A lens position adjusting mechanism comprising a molded lens, a lens barrel holding the lens, an end cam integrally formed on the outer circumference of the ring portion of the lens and having a cam profile that varies in the direction of an optical axis as the lens rotates, a ring portion formed of the lens barrel, a cam follower formed on the inner circumference of the ring portion and engaged with the end cam, a plurality of projections integrally formed on the outer circumference of the ring portion of the lens, whereby the projections are engaged with the inner circumference of the lens barrel to position the lens in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. The position of the lens relative to the lens barrel in the direction of the optical axis is adjusted by turning the lens about the optical axis relative to the lens barrel.

Abstract: An optical member moving device includes an optical member, a cam member, a cam follower arranged to move the optical member according to the guidance of the cam member, and an elastic member arranged at the cam follower to bias the position of the cam follower to the cam member by urging the cam follower in the direction of movement of the optical member. The optical member moving device can also include an optical member, a holding member arranged to hold the optical member, a driving force transmitting part arranged to move the holding member while causing the holding member to rotate, and a guide part which is arranged to receive a force from the holding member and is fixedly disposed in part on one side of an optical axis opposite to another side on which the driving force transmitting part is located across the optical axis.

Abstract: A lens barrel is disclosed that includes: an outer barrel provided on an inner periphery thereof with a first thread and at least one linear guide groove intersecting the first thread and extending in a direction of an optical axis of the lens barrel; a middle barrel provided on an outer periphery thereof with a second thread meshing with the first thread; an inner barrel positioned inside the middle barrel, the inner barrel being provided with at least one follower which engages with the at least one linear guide groove, so that the inner barrel is guided along the optical axis without rotating about the optical axis with respect to the outer barrel; and a recess formed at a front end of each of the at least one linear guide groove on the inner periphery of the outer barrel, the recess having a width dimension to enable rotational movement of the at least one follower into the at least one linear guide groove during initial meshing of the middle barrel with the outer barrel.

Abstract: An infrared energy detection system having an infrared detector and a cooling system including a fluid coolant for cooling the infrared detector. An optical system is provided for directing infrared energy from a target to the detector though an optical system. The optical system includes a housing having a plurality of stops, each one of the stops corresponding to one of a plurality of fields of view of the optical system. A first lens is fixed within the housing. A second lens is slidably mounted within the housing and engageable by the plurality of stops. The second lens has a first resting position when engaging a first one of the stops. A fluid actuator system is provided for sliding the second lens away from the first stop to a second resting position when engaging the second stop.

Abstract: In a zoom lens system in which the movement locus of a focusing lens unit is defined by synthesizing a focus cam and a zoom compensation cam, when the sensitivity of movement of an image point in association with the movement, in the direction of the optical axis, of the focusing lens unit in a closest in-focus state is larger than that in an infinity in-focus state, the ratio of the amount of rotation for focusing upon focusing from the infinity position to the closest distance position to the amount of rotation for zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end in the focus cam is set to fall within a predetermined range, so that the sensitivity of movement of an image point in association with the movement, in the direction of rotation, of the focusing lens unit satisfies a specific condition.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is provided with a main operation member arranged to permit both a rectilinear operation and a rotational operation, a subordinate operation member arranged to be operated to vary an operating force required for operating the main operation member to a greater extent for the rectilinear operation than for the rotational operation, a first optical adjustment mechanism arranged to perform a first optical adjusting action in association with the rectilinear operation of the main operation member, and a second optical adjustment mechanism arranged to perform a second optical adjusting action in association with the rotational operation of the main operation member.

Abstract: In a zoom lens system in which the movement locus of a focusing lens unit is defined by synthesizing a focus cam and a zoom compensation cam, and the sensitivity of movement of an image point in association with the movement, in the direction of the optical axis, of the focusing lens unit in infinity and closest in-focus states does not vary so much, the ratio of the amount of rotation for focusing upon focusing from the infinity position to the closest distance position to the amount of rotation for zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end in the focus cam is set to fall within a predetermined range, so that the sensitivity of movement of an image point in association with the movement, in the direction of rotation, of the focusing lens unit satisfies a specific condition.

Abstract: In a zoom lens system in which the movement locus of a focusing lens unit is defined by synthesizing a focus cam and a zoom compensation cam, when the sensitivity of movement of an image point in association with the movement, in the direction of the optical axis, of the focusing lens unit in a closest in-focus state is larger than that in an infinity in-focus state, the ratio of the amount of rotation for focusing upon focusing from the infinity position to the closest distance position to the amount of rotation for zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end in the focus cam is set to fall within a predetermined range, so that the sensitivity of movement of an image point in association with the movement, in the direction of rotation, of the focusing lens unit satisfies a specific condition.

Abstract: There is provided a zoom lens of an inner focusing system which is capable of an auto-focusing operation and a manual focusing operation with a high precision.A zoom lens system in which a movement locus of a focusing lens unit is defined by synthesizing a focus cam and a zoom compensation cam is arranged such that a ratio of an amount of rotation for focusing from infinity to closest to an amount of rotation for zooming from wide angle to telephoto in the focus cam is set within a predetermined range so that, when the sensitivity of a movement of an imaging point with respect to a movement of the focusing lens unit in the direction of the optical axis in the closest in-focus state is larger than that in the infinity in-focus state, the sensitivity of the movement of the imaging point with respect to the movement of the focusing lens unit in the rotational direction satisfies specific conditions.

Abstract: A lens assembly includes a third lens group frame having an end face extending in an optical-axis direction and provided with an end-face cam having displacement along a peripheral direction, for retaining a third group of lenses, a second lens group frame having a cam follower abutted against the end-face cam for retaining a second group of lenses, a second lens group spring for biasing the second lens group frame toward the third lens group frame, rotational regulator for regulating rotation of one of the third lens group frame and the second lens group frame around an optical axis, and a rotator for rotating the other of the third lens group frame and the second lens group frame around an optical axis when zoom operation is performed, wherein the end-face cam and a cam follower are operated by relative angular movement of the third lens group frame and the second lens group frame, around the optical axis at the time the zoom operation is performed to modify spacing therebetween in the optical-axis directio

Abstract: A lens barrel comprises a lens unit movable in an optical-axis direction of the lens barrel, and a lens holding drum, having a sliding portion protruded in the optical-axis direction at its end portion, for holding the lens unit. The lens barrel also comprises a fixed drum having the same diameter as that of the lens holding drum and provided with a guiding portion at its end portion, for accommodating the sliding portion and rectilinearly guiding the sliding portion in the optical-axis direction, and a driving mechanism for driving the lens unit with action upon the lens holding drum.

Abstract: A lens barrel for a zoom lens having front and rear lens groups has a rotary barrel which is rotatable about the optical axis and moves the front lens group in the direction of the optical axis in response to its rotation. A focusing cam groove formed on the inner surface of the rotary barrel guides the rear lens group to focus the zoom lens in response to rotation of the rotary barrel, and a zooming can groove formed on the inner surface of the rotary barrel in parallel to the focusing cam groove guides the rear lens group to zoom the zoom lens in response to rotation of the rotary barrel.

Abstract: A zoom lens barrel comprises a holding drum for holding a stop mechanism and a lens unit, a driving mechanism for making the holding drum move back and forth in an optical-axis direction to adjust a focal length of an optical system, and a stop compensating mechanism for compensating an aperture diameter of the stop mechanism by rotating the holding drum about the optical axis, corresponding to the movement of the holding drum in the optical-axis direction. The holding drum has a rotation permitting portion for enabling a portion for holding the lens unit make a rotational motion about the optical axis with respect to a portion for holding the stop mechanism.

Abstract: A light beam line projecting device having a combination of two or more lenses which magnify in only one dimension; i.e., cylindrical and plano-cylindrical lenses, which are arranged so that the lenses' physical proximity to one another can be manipulated in order to dictate the angle of light emitted from the lens system. The axes of curvature of the respective lenses are maintained in the same plane by a lens holder comprising a stationary lens holder which houses one of the lenses, a sliding lens holder which houses the other lens, and a rotating adjustment ring which provides both the outside housing for the system and the means of adjustment of the proximity of the lenses relative to each other. The sliding lens holder has projections that slide longitudinally in grooves in the stationary lens holder and projection that slide circumferentially in grooves in the rotating adjustment ring.

Abstract: A lens assembly includes a third lens group frame having an end face extending in an optical-axis direction provided with an end-face cam having displacement along a peripheral direction, for retaining a third group of lenses, a second lens group frame having a cam follower abutted against the end-face cam for retaining a second group of lenses, a second lens group spring for biasing the second lens group frame toward the third lens group frame, a rotational regulating for regulator rotation of one of the third lens group frame and the second lens group frame around an optical axis, and rotator for rotating the other of the third lens group frame and the second lens group frame around an optical axis when zoom operation is performed, wherein the end-face cam and a cam follower are operated by relative angular movement of the third lens group frame and the second lens group frame, around the optical axis at the time the zoom operation is performed to modify spacing therebetween in the optical-axis direction.

Abstract: A working force quantity imparting member disposed between a fixed member and an operation member moving relative to the fixed member imparts a working force quantity to the operation member. This working force imparting member includes an elastic portion, fixed to one of the fixed member and the operation member, for biasing both of the fixed member and the operation member in such directions to get away from each other and a thin-film portion formed on a surface, contiguous to the other member, of the elastic portion and exhibiting a high slidableness.

Abstract: In a lens barrel having at least two joinable cylinders made of plastic, a sink mark is hard to be formed in the two cylinders and the compactness of the lens barrel and low cost are maintained while the construction is not complex and the number of parts is not increased. The leakage of light is prevented even when a joint is shallow.

Abstract: A zoom lens assembly includes a stationary lens barrel and a rotatable cam ring which is supported on the stationary lens barrel for movement in the direction of the optical axis while being rotated, and which includes at least two cam grooves. The zoom lens include first and third lens groups which are both moveable by one of the two cam grooves in the direction of the optical axis. A second lens group movable, by a second of the two cam grooves in the direction of the optical axis is also provided, as well as a focusing mechanism, for moving the second lens group to a position which is determined by focal length data derived from actual positions of the first, second, and third lens groups and object distance data detected by an object distance measuring device. A method of controlling focusing of the zoom lens includes correcting an amount of deviation from focus caused by a zooming operation, by moving the focusing lens group.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a collapsible lens mount having several telescoping segments includes, for each movable segment, a transducer that expands and contracts responsive to a wave pulse and a drive shaft coupled to the transducer. By varying the wave pulse conditions, the expansion and contraction are made to occur at different rates. A coupling member on each segment frictionally engages the drive shaft and transmits movement of the drive shaft during relatively slow drive shaft movements to the lens segment. The apparatus may also include a lens hood driven by the transducer and drive shaft apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: A zoom lens apparatus having a first pair of substantially parallel guide rods. A pair of carriage assemblies are mounted to the first pair of parallel guide rods each having lens element. A pair of lead screws are provided for driving the carriage assemblies. The screws are each mounted to the apparatus by a bearing block assembly such that the longitudinal axis of the lead screw is substantially parallel to the first pair of guide rods. The bearing block constrains the movement of the first lead screw along the longitudinal axis. A zero constraint threaded drive coupling is provided with each lead screw for moving the carriage along the guide rods. A motor is provided for rotating each of the drive screws.

Abstract: A zoom-lens structure for a camera is disclosed which comprises at least an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, a fastening ring and a lens mount assembly. The outer cylinder has a plurality of straight grooves for engaging with a plurality of projected keys, respectively, provided on a fastening ring so as to allow the fastening ring to be movably mounted outside the inner cylinder. The lens mount assembly includes a first lens mount and a second lens mount, and the fastening ring has at least two first positioning pieces to be engaged with positioning grooves provided on the second lens mount so as to limit the second lens mount from rotating. At least two second positioning pieces are provided on the first lens mount which are also engaged with the positioning grooves and are thus controlled by the second lens mount from being able to rotate. This arrangement controls the entire lens mount assembly to move back and forth along an optical axis to provide a zoom lens function.

Abstract: An improved zoom lens mechanism is disclosed which allows the outer diameter of the zooming assembly to be reduced.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus includes two moving members and an intermediate member contacting both of the two moving members. The intermediate member is selectively linked and non-linked to the two moving members to change an operation resistance to the movement of the moving members.

Abstract: A supporting mechanism rotatably supports a rotatable ring on a cylindrical member in a lens barrel and includes a frictional member which is made from a member separate from the rotatable ring and the cylindrical member. The frictional member is provided on one of the rotatable ring and the stationary cylindrical member so as to come into sliding contact with the other of the stationary cylindrical member and the rotatable ring in a thrust direction.

Abstract: A lens barrel comprises a number of main body ribs formed integral with a camera main body and projecting therefrom in the direction of the optical axis, first and second lens barrels provided between and movable along a pair of the main body ribs, and a cam ring mounted on the periphery of the main body ribs, the first and the second lens barrels and rotatable with respect to the camera main body around the optical axis. The cam ring has a first cam groove having an opening portion and a second cam groove having a recess. First and second cam followers of the first and second lens barrels are engaged with the first and second cam grooves, respectively. When the cam ring is rotated in a direction A or B, the first and second cam followers are moved forward or backward along the first and second cam grooves. As a result, the first and second lens barrels are moved forward or backward in the direction of the optical axis along the pair of the main body ribs.

Abstract: An actuator apparatus for driving a focus adjusting lens of a focus adjusting mechanism of an endoscope comprises a moving member put in slidable frictional engagement with a base of the endoscope, the moving member having coupling means for coupling with the movable portion within the endoscope, a piezoelectric element coupled to the moving member, the piezoelectric element and the moving member alone constituting a body of the actuator apparatus, and actuator control circuit for causing quick deformation in the piezoelectric element, enabling the piezoelectric element to apply an impulse force to the moving member, thereby moving the moving member against a frictional engagement force acting between the base and the moving member.

Abstract: In a lens barrel for use in a camera, the inner wall of a fixed barrel and the outer wall of a rotatable barrel are shaped in a first helicoid engagement and the inner wall of the rotatable barrel and the outer wall of a lens holding-barrel are shaped in a second helicoid engagement, wherein a pitch of the second helicoid engagement is substantially equal to that of the first helicoid engagement. One end of a flexible print circuit is connected with an electrical device on the lens holding-barrel, the middle portion of it is extended backward between the outer wall of the lens holding-barrel and the inner wall of the rotatable barrel and is turned around the back end of the rotatable barrel so as to be further extended forward between the outer wall of the rotatable barrel and the inner wall of the fixed barrel, and the other end of it is passed a through hole provided on the fixed barrel and is extended to the camera body.

Abstract: A lens advancing mechanism which includes a stationary barrel having a linear guide groove arranged parallel to an optical axis, a ring rotatably coupled on the outer circumferential surface of the fixed barrel and a lens supporting member having a guide portion which is received in the linear guide groove. The ring has at least one lead groove formed on its inner surface and the guide portion has at least one protrusion which is received in the lead groove of the ring. When the ring is rotated, the lens supporting member is moved along the linear guide groove.

Abstract: An optical apparatus (2) has a first optical element (4, 4a) and a second optical element (5, 5a). The first optical element (4, 4a) is disposed in the same optical path (3) as the second optical element (5, 5a). A first optical assembly (6a, 6b, 8, 8a, 10, 10a, 20, 22, 24, 70, 72) is disposed between the first optical element (4, 4a) and the second optical element (5, 5a) along the optical path (3). The optical apparatus (2) has pneumatic adjusting means (40, 42) for pneumatically adjusting the position of the first optical assembly (6a, 6b, 8, 8a, 10, 10a, 20, 22, 24, 70, 72) along the optical path 3 such that the focal length of the optical apparatus (2) is changed.

Abstract: A lens barrel including a fixed drum, a rotary drum rotatably fitted in the fixed drum and a lens drum, disposed in the rotary drum, for accommodating lens. The lens drum is movable in the optical-axis direction of the lens with a rotation of the rotary drum. The lens barrel has an adjusting drum disposed in a subject-side position between the fixed drum and the rotary drum. The adjusting drum thread-engages with the fixed drum. The adjusting drum is, when rotated, moved in the optical-axis direction. With this movement, the rotary drum and the lens drum also move in the optical-axis direction, thus adjusting a relative position of the rotary drum with respect to the fixed drum.

Abstract: When moving frames are incorporated in a fixed frame and a cam ring, the lens barrel according to this invention is ready for fitting cam followers of the moving frames in the fixed frame or a plurality of moving cain grooves disposed on the cam ring irrespective of the number of moving frames to be incorporated, thus inserting the cam followers in the moving cam grooves by way of a single assembling cam groove. Accordingly, an assembling work of the moving frames in the fixed frame and the cam ring will be greatly facilitated and in an arrangement for which the moving cam grooves are provided on the cam ring, since the cam grooves may be bottomed cam grooves, a high rigidity cam ring will be realized. The lens barrel is further provided with a barrier closing assembly for selectively covering and uncovering an object end of the lens barrel.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes a lens group mounted in a cam barrel mechanism which includes a fixed barrel with a cam barrel rotationally mounted thereon. The lens group has a pin which projects through an axially extending clearance slot in the fixed barrel and a compliant feature on the pin removes the clearance between the pin and the slanted cam slot in the cam barrel so that as the cam barrel is rotated the lens group translates axially within the fixed barrel. The fixed barrel has an endcap with array of centering orifices mounted thereon and a beveled surface which is engaged by an outboard edge of the cam barrel. The cam barrel is urged against the endcap by a wave washer disposed between the cam barrel and a base. Radially disposed with respect to the cam barrel are a pair of spaced lugs and a bowed sheet spring which engages the cam barrel to urge the cam barrel against the lugs. The wave washer and bowed sheet spring positively locate the cam barrel with zero clearance.

Abstract: Focus adjustment assemblies for projection television are provided. Locking systems are also provided which lock the barrels of the projection television in position immediately after focusing and which have a reduced risk of warping the barrels.

Abstract: A thumb actuated system for adjusting the magnification of a variable power (zoom) scope mounted on a rifle without removing the rifle from the shooting position. The magnification adjustment system, which is removably securable to the ocular end of the scope housing proximate the rotatably adjustable zoom lens arrangement, includes a multipositional lever assembly which may be easily manipulated by the thumb of a shooter's trigger hand while in the shooting position, a gearing system for producing a rotational force in response to the thumb actuated movement of the multipositional lever assembly and a belt system for applying the rotational force provided by the gearing system to the rotatably adjustable zoom lens arrangement, thereby adjusting the magnification of the variable power scope.

Abstract: A zoom lens assembly for a camera includes front and rear lens assemblies and a cam assembly mounted in a cylindrical lens barrel. Rotation of the cam assembly results in axial movement of the lens assemblies and change of the focal length. The cam assembly includes discrete front and rear sections respectively defining front lens and rear lens cam surfaces. The sections are attached together with the lens assemblies captured internally. Integral projections on the front lens assembly engage the front lens cam surface and axial grooves in the barrel. Integral projections on the rear lens assembly engage the rear lens cam surface and axial grooves in the front lens assembly. A coil spring urges the lens assemblies apart and against the cam surfaces.

Abstract: A focusing mechanism for telescopes, microscopes and the like uses a tensioned strap circumscribing a pair of wheels in a generally S-shape whereby rotation of the wheels moves the eye piece of the scope to proper focus location.

Abstract: A zoom lens barrel having a movable lens barrel which is movable in an optical axis direction, and an opening in which the movable lens barrel is movable in the optical axis direction. The zoom lens barrel further includes a moving frame to which the movable lens barrel is secured to move in the optical axis direction together with the movable lens barrel, and an intermediary member which is positioned between the movable lens barrel and the moving frame. The movable lens barrel is secured to the moving frame through the intermediary member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved zoom lens fixing mechanism comprising a fixing sleeve, a cam sleeve, a front lens holder, a rear lens holder, a back cover, and four rollers, in which the fixing sleeve has a cam slot and three long slots and the cam sleeve has a long slot and three cam slots. The front lens holder has three screw holes and the rear lens holder has one screw hole. During the assembling, or fixing, of the improved zoom lens of the present invention, the rollers are first affixed into respective screw holes. The rollers affixed to the front lens holder are placed into the long slots on the fixing sleeve and the cam slots on the cam sleeve, which also sleeves around the fixing sleeve. Whereas, the roller affixed to the rear lens holder is placed into the cam slot on the fixing sleeve and the long slot on the cam sleeve.

Abstract: A variable focus camera system for a borescope or endoscope has a camera or imager disposed within an imager sleeve and a braid and bladder assembly attached between the distal end of the imager sleeve and a lens assembly. A controlled pressure is applied through a pressure conduit into a confined volume defined by the imager sleeve, the braid and bladder assembly, and the lens assembly. The braid and bladder assembly expands axially but not radially, when pressure is applied, and changes the relative position of the imager and lens between a far focus and a near focus position.

Abstract: A zooming mechanism for a zoom lens comprises a zooming frame disposed for translation back and forth with respect to a stationary member in the direction of an optical axis and carrying a focus lens group in a manner to permit its focus adjustment; a drive for translating the zooming frame in the direction of the optical axis, a carrier frame for carrying another zoom lens group and supported within the zooming frame by a support member located therein for translation back and forth in the direction of the optical axis, a device for deriving a rotational drive in association with the translation of the zooming frame in the direction of the optical axis, and a device responsive to the rotational drive to cause a non-linear movement of the carrier frame. A rotational drive is derived in association with the translation of the zooming frame in the direction of the optical axis, and utilized by said non-linear moving device to cause a non-linear movement of the carrier frame to achieve a zooming operation.

Abstract: A zoom lens barrel having a movable lens barrel which is movable in an optical axis direction, and an opening in which the movable lens barrel is movable in the optical axis direction. The zoom lens barrel further includes a moving frame to which the movable lens barrel is secured to move in the optical axis direction together with the movable lens barrel, and an intermediary member which is positioned between the movable lens barrel and the moving frame. The movable lens barrel is secured to the moving frame through the intermediary member.