| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080218873 | FLUIDIC OPTICAL DEVICES - A fluidic optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080231963 | FLUIDIC OPTICAL DEVICES - A fluidic optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080285143 | FLUIDIC LENS WITH MANUALLY-ADJUSTABLE FOCUS - A fluidic lens may have a transparent window member, a transparent distensible membrane, an inner ring between the window member and membrane, and a top ring disposed such that the membrane is between the piston ring and the inner ring. A layer of liquid may be stored between the window member, the inner ring and the membrane. The top ring may be adapted to apply a liquid displacement force to the membrane in a direction perpendicular to a plane of an aperture of the inner ring to cause a change in a radius of curvature of the membrane. The membrane may be pre-tensioned prior to assembly with the other components. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20090052049 | FLUIDIC OPTICAL DEVICES - A fluidic optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090174195 | Shape-Memory Alloy Actuator and Latches Including Same - An SMA actuator includes an SMA element having a first end, a second end, and a central portion therebetween, the SMA element being oriented so that the first and second ends are adjacent one another and attached to one of an anchor interface or payload interface, and so that the central portion of the SMA element is attached to the other of the anchor interface or the payload interface. An electrical shorting device electrically connects the first and second ends, whereby electrical potential may be provided between a first point located between the first end and the central portion and a second point located between the second end and the central portion, thereby causing the SMA element to activate reducing the length of the SMA element. Related latches are disclosed including such actuator, or other simplified or more complex actuators. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20100128357 | FLUIDIC STABILIZED FOCUS DEVICE - A fluidic stabilized focus device comprises a fluidic lens core and a first yoke. The fluidic lens core includes a support ring, a first surface that includes an elastic membrane, a second surface, and a volume of fluid enclosed within the boundaries of the first and second surfaces and support ring. The first yoke has an annular portion configured to engage the first surface. Engagement of the first surface by the first yoke results in a displacement of the fluid and a change in optical properties of the device. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100128358 | FLUIDIC VIEWFINDER DEVICE - A fluidic viewfinder device may include a support member having an opening forming an aperture and a fluidic lens disposed at least partially in communication with the aperture and support member. The fluidic lens may comprise a first optical surface and a second optical surface, one or more of which includes an elastic membrane. A fluid may be enclosed in at least a portion of the fluidic lens. The optical properties of the fluidic lens may be changed by displacement of the fluid, e.g., due to movement of a slide member or a rotating yoke. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100208357 | FLUIDIC LENS WITH REDUCED OPTICAL ABERRATION - A fluidic lens device capable of providing variable focal power with reduced optical aberration is disclosed. The device includes a lens member and an actuator. The lens member comprises one or more elastic optical surfaces, a compliant support member in communication with the optical surfaces, and a fluid-filled chamber. The optical surfaces have a high value of elastic modulus, reducing coma and other aberrations associated gravity and acceleration. The support member may provide a compliant fluid seal and allow the edges of the optical surfaces to pivot, reducing spherical and other aberrations. One or more piezoelectric ring-bender actuators may provide the force required for compressing the support ring and deflecting the optical surfaces. The actuators may be configured to provide the fluidic lens device with reduced sensitivity to changes in temperature. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100232031 | FLUIDIC LENS WITH MANUALLY-ADJUSTABLE FOCUS - A fluidic lens may have a transparent window member, a transparent distensible membrane, an inner ring between the window member and membrane, and a top ring disposed such that the membrane is between the piston ring and the inner ring. A layer of liquid may be stored between the window member, the inner ring and the membrane. The top ring may be adapted to apply a liquid displacement force to the membrane in a direction perpendicular to a plane of an aperture of the inner ring to cause a change in a radius of curvature of the membrane. The membrane may be pre-tensioned prior to assembly with the other components. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20110007161 | FLUIDIC OPTICAL DEVICES - A variable focal length lens sensor system for use with UAVs is disclosed. A variable focal length lens camera for use with cell phones. One or more static optical components and one or more are within a housing. The variable focal length lens includes a sidewall and first and second optical surfaces defining an aperture. One or more of the optical surfaces are at least partially elastic. One or more lens fluids are disposed between the aperture and sidewall. An actuator is configured to apply a force to a portion of the variable focal length lens. The applied force results in a change in focal length of the variable focal length lens. The combination of static optical components and variable focal length lenses are capable of providing variable zoom and focus. An image sensor is optically coupled to the variable focal length lens for capturing images. Control electronics are configured to control the fluidic lens and sensor. | 01-13-2011 |
