WO1998011458A1 - Improvements in or relating to variable focus lenses - Google Patents

Improvements in or relating to variable focus lenses Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1998011458A1
WO1998011458A1 PCT/GB1997/002427 GB9702427W WO9811458A1 WO 1998011458 A1 WO1998011458 A1 WO 1998011458A1 GB 9702427 W GB9702427 W GB 9702427W WO 9811458 A1 WO9811458 A1 WO 9811458A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
rings
variable focus
focus lens
ring
cavity
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1997/002427
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Joshua David Silver
Original Assignee
Joshua David Silver
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB9619198.6A external-priority patent/GB9619198D0/en
Priority to EEP199900091A priority Critical patent/EE9900091A/en
Priority to PL97332325A priority patent/PL332325A1/en
Priority to SK323-99A priority patent/SK285638B6/en
Priority to EA199900289A priority patent/EA002927B1/en
Priority to NZ335150A priority patent/NZ335150A/en
Priority to AU41293/97A priority patent/AU4129397A/en
Priority to DE69729944T priority patent/DE69729944T2/en
Priority to CA002265723A priority patent/CA2265723C/en
Priority to APAP/P/1999/001485A priority patent/AP1012A/en
Application filed by Joshua David Silver filed Critical Joshua David Silver
Priority to BR9711792-7A priority patent/BR9711792A/en
Priority to JP51335598A priority patent/JP4163751B2/en
Priority to IL128950A priority patent/IL128950A/en
Priority to HU0000443A priority patent/HUP0000443A3/en
Priority to AT97939072T priority patent/ATE271695T1/en
Priority to GB9905770A priority patent/GB2333858B/en
Priority to US09/254,848 priority patent/US6188525B1/en
Priority to EP97939072A priority patent/EP0927370B1/en
Publication of WO1998011458A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998011458A1/en
Priority to NO991237A priority patent/NO991237L/en
Priority to IS4999A priority patent/IS4999A/en
Priority to BG103324A priority patent/BG103324A/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B3/00—Simple or compound lenses
    • G02B3/12—Fluid-filled or evacuated lenses
    • G02B3/14—Fluid-filled or evacuated lenses of variable focal length

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of fabricating a variable focus lens and to the variable focus lens so constructed.
  • variable focus lens in which one or more transparent flexible membranes are tensioned to define a cavity therebetween in which a transparent fluid is received. Adjustment of the pressure and/or volume of the fluid in the cavity causes variations in the shape of the membranes, and the structure defines a lens of variable focal length.
  • the present invention seeks to provide a new method of fabricating a variable focus lens and to provide a new structure for such a lens.
  • a method of fabricating a variable focus lens comprising the steps of interengaging first and second rings to engage a first transparent, flexible membrane and to retain said first flexible membrane across the first ring, interengaging a third ring with said first and second rings to engage a second transparent, flexible membrane and to retain said second flexible membrane across the first ring, whereby the first and second flexible membranes define a cavity therebetween, and holding said first, second and third rings together such that said first and second flexible membranes are each tensioned across said first ring.
  • a method of an embodiment of the invention enables a variable focus lens to be assembled quickly and easily.
  • a transparent fluid is to be sealed within the cavity defined between the two flexible membranes.
  • a duct is provided through said rings, which duct is in communication with said cavity.
  • the duct may be formed from pre-formed bores in said first, second and third rings. However, in a preferred embodiment, said duct is drilled, or otherwise formed, through said rings.
  • said first ring receives said second and third rings therein and defines the periphery of a peripheral, annular frame for the lens, which annular frame is defined by said first, second and third rings.
  • This annular frame may readily be supported within lens apertures provided in spectacles, for example.
  • peripheral shape of the peripheral annular frame and hence of the individual rings, may be chosen as is required.
  • the annular frame may have a circular, oval, elliptical, or other closed curve, peripheral shape.
  • Any method for holding the first, second and third rings together to retain the flexible membranes under tension may be used.
  • the method further comprises turning, crimping or otherwise deforming the first ring so that the second and third rings are retained within said first ring.
  • said annular frame may be retained within the frame of a pair of spectacles.
  • the frame of the spectacles may act to hold the first, second and third rings together.
  • any other retaining means may additionally and/or alternatively be provided to secure the first, second and third rings in their interengaged position.
  • variable focus lens having a cavity containing a transparent fluid defined between first and second transparent, flexible membranes, wherein each of said first and second flexible membranes is tensioned across and held by a peripheral annular frame, and wherein said annular frame is formed from first, second and third interengaged rings, said first ring receiving the second and third rings therein and defining the periphery of said annular frame.
  • a variable focus lens of an embodiment of the invention is simple and relatively inexpensive to assemble. Furthermore, the lens may be supported readily within the lens aperture in a pair of spectacles, for example.
  • peripheral shape of the peripheral annular frame and hence of the individual rings, may be chosen as is required.
  • the annular frame may have a circular, oval, elliptical, or other closed curve, peripheral shape.
  • Any method for holding the first, second and third rings together to retain the flexible membranes under tension may be used.
  • the annular frame is arranged to be retained within the frame of a pair of spectacles.
  • the frame of the spectacles may act to hold the first, second and third rings together.
  • any other retaining means may additionally and/or alternatively be provided to secure the first, second and third rings in their interengaged position.
  • the interengagements between said rings cause the periphery of an appropriate flexible membrane to change direction more than once. This aids in sealing the periphery of the cavity.
  • the lens from a single flexible membrane web appropriately arranged to define two flexible membranes.
  • two separate flexible membranes are provided with the periphery of the first flexible membrane being held by the interengagement of the first and second rings, and the periphery of the second flexible membrane being held by the interengagement of the second and third rings. This provides a simple, yet effective sealed structure for the cavity.
  • Each of said first and second membranes has a continuous periphery which is held by the respective rings so that it is bent to change direction more than once.
  • each of two adjacent rings has a complementary annular step therein for interengaging the two rings, said interengaged steps also guiding an interposed flexible membrane around two direction changes.
  • each of said first and second flexible membranes is of high grade Mylar.
  • the first, second and third rings may be of any suitable material.
  • each of the rings is of a material which is sufficiently rigid to positively interengage with the adjacent ring and to ensure that two interengaged rings can maintain the flexible membrane under tension.
  • the material of the rings is also required to be lightweight to facilitate the incorporation of lenses of the invention in spectacles.
  • the rings may be made, for example, of a high impact resistant plastics material, or of aluminium, or of titanium.
  • the transparent fluid retained within the cavity may be any suitable fluid.
  • the fluid is a silicone oil, for example, an oil of the silicone 703 type.
  • the lens is additionally provided with two spaced, substantially parallel sheets of transparent polycarbonate between which the cavity defined by the flexible membranes is arranged.
  • the polycarbonate sheets provide protection to the flexible membranes and are readily tinted, for example, if required.
  • the annular frame may also be received between the polycarbonate sheets if required.
  • Figure 1 shows an axial section of a portion of a variable focus lens of the invention during construction thereof
  • Figure 2 shows a section similar to that of Figure 1 but showing the completed lens.
  • the lens described and illustrated herein may be utilised in an optical apparatus constructed and arranged to be adjusted as described and claimed in international application No. WO 96/38744.
  • the lens shown in Figure 2 comprises first and second transparent, flexible membranes 2 which are tensioned and which define therebetween a cavity 30 in which a transparent fluid 4, such as silicone oil, is contained.
  • a transparent fluid 4 such as silicone oil
  • the membranes 2 are of Mylar, for example, 23 ⁇ m Type D Mylar.
  • the membranes 2 are held in tension by way of a peripheral annular frame 6.
  • the frame 6 defines the periphery of the lens, and of the cavity 30, and is arranged to hold the flexible membranes 2 under tension.
  • the frame 6 is also arranged to seal the lens.
  • the annular frame 6 is formed by interengaging first, second and third rings 8, 10, 12 of aluminium.
  • the first ring 8 has a radially extending flange 14 which is stepped as indicated at 16.
  • the first ring 8 also has an axially extending rim 18.
  • the second ring 10 has a radially outwardly projecting portion 20 defining a first step 22 which cooperates with the step 16 of the first ring 8 and a second step 24 which cooperates with a step 26 of the third ring 12.
  • the third ring 12 has a recess 28 arranged radially outwardly therein.
  • a first membrane 2 which is circular
  • first membrane 2 which is circular
  • first membrane 2 is positioned to extend within the first ring 8 such that its periphery extends along the radial flange 14 thereof.
  • the second ring 10 is then supported within the first ring 8 such that the complementary steps 16 and 22 thereof interengage.
  • This interengagement positions the second ring 10 relative to the first ring 8.
  • the interengagement also bends the peripheral circumference of the first membrane 2 through two different directions as is clearly shown in Figure 1 .
  • a second circular membrane 2 is then positioned across the first ring 8 such that its periphery extends along the upper radially extending surface of the second ring 10. Thereafter, the third ring 12 is positioned such that the steps 24 in position within the first ring 8, and to bend the periphery of the second membrane 2 through two directions.
  • the tolerances of the three rings 8, 10, 12 are chosen such that even when the arrangement is in the interengaged position shown in Figure 1 , the two membranes 2 are firmly held by the interengaged rings.
  • each circular membrane 2 can be cut to be generally circular and to have a diameter which is somewhat larger than is required. In its turn, each membrane 2 is positioned as described above and held by the interengagement of the corresponding ring 10, 12. Any excess material of the membrane 2 can then be trimmed simply using a knife with the rings 10, 12 acting as guides.
  • the retention of the membranes 2 is achieved by crimping and deforming the first ring 8.
  • the upstanding, axially extending, free end of the limb 18 of the first ring 8 is bent over to be received within the recess 28 of the third ring 12.
  • a duct 34 is drilled through the frame 6 into the cavity 30.
  • the cavity 30 can then be filled with the transparent fluid 4 through the duct 34.
  • 703 silicone oil as the fluid the resultant lens achieves a focal length range of at least -6 to +10 dioptres, and the range -10 to +10 dioptres should be achievable.
  • Fluid may be introduced into the cavity 30 by way of the duct 34 and retained therein by use, for example, of ducts, plugs and sealing means as described in International application No. WO 96/38744.
  • the lens is pre-filled at this stage with the fluid 4 and an appropriate material is provided in the duct 34 to seal the cavity 30.
  • the material sealing the duct 34 is preferably penetrable by a syringe, for example, so that the pressure of the fluid 4 within the cavity 30 can be adjusted.
  • the two axially outer surfaces of the lens are each protected by a sheet 36 of a polycarbonate.
  • Each polycarbonate sheet 36 may be about Vi millimetre thick. It will be appreciated that these sheets 36 are arranged to extend substantially parallel to each other.
  • the circumferential periphery of each of the sheets 36 may be fixed to the annular frame 6 in any appropriate manner.
  • the sheets 36 may be adhered to the frame 6.
  • a plastics material frame (not shown) of a pair of spectacles may be arranged to receive the annular frame 6 in a manner to retain the sheets 36 against the annular frame 6 in the position of Figure 2.

Abstract

A variable focus lens comprises first and second transparent, flexible membranes (2) which are tensioned and which define a cavity (30) in which a transparent, silicone oil (4) is sealed. Adjustment of the pressure or volume of the oil in the cavity changes the focal length of the lens. To fabricate the lens, the periphery of each membrane (2) is engaged between two rings (8, 10; 10, 12) of a set of three interengaging rings (8, 10, 12). The interengaged rings are crimped together to tension the membranes (2) and seal the cavity (30).

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO VARIABLE FOCUS LENSES
The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a variable focus lens and to the variable focus lens so constructed.
It is known to provide a variable focus lens in which one or more transparent flexible membranes are tensioned to define a cavity therebetween in which a transparent fluid is received. Adjustment of the pressure and/or volume of the fluid in the cavity causes variations in the shape of the membranes, and the structure defines a lens of variable focal length.
However, whilst it is known to use such a construction to provide a variable focus lens, no current proposals for fabricating such a lens provide a lightweight structure which can easily be incorporated into spectacles, for example.
The present invention seeks to provide a new method of fabricating a variable focus lens and to provide a new structure for such a lens.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of fabricating a variable focus lens comprising the steps of interengaging first and second rings to engage a first transparent, flexible membrane and to retain said first flexible membrane across the first ring, interengaging a third ring with said first and second rings to engage a second transparent, flexible membrane and to retain said second flexible membrane across the first ring, whereby the first and second flexible membranes define a cavity therebetween, and holding said first, second and third rings together such that said first and second flexible membranes are each tensioned across said first ring.
A method of an embodiment of the invention enables a variable focus lens to be assembled quickly and easily.
A transparent fluid is to be sealed within the cavity defined between the two flexible membranes. In an embodiment, a duct is provided through said rings, which duct is in communication with said cavity. The duct may be formed from pre-formed bores in said first, second and third rings. However, in a preferred embodiment, said duct is drilled, or otherwise formed, through said rings.
In an embodiment said first ring receives said second and third rings therein and defines the periphery of a peripheral, annular frame for the lens, which annular frame is defined by said first, second and third rings. This annular frame may readily be supported within lens apertures provided in spectacles, for example.
The peripheral shape of the peripheral annular frame, and hence of the individual rings, may be chosen as is required. For example, the annular frame may have a circular, oval, elliptical, or other closed curve, peripheral shape.
Any method for holding the first, second and third rings together to retain the flexible membranes under tension may be used.
In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises turning, crimping or otherwise deforming the first ring so that the second and third rings are retained within said first ring.
Additionally and/or alternatively, said annular frame may be retained within the frame of a pair of spectacles. In this case, the frame of the spectacles may act to hold the first, second and third rings together. Of course, any other retaining means may additionally and/or alternatively be provided to secure the first, second and third rings in their interengaged position.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a variable focus lens having a cavity containing a transparent fluid defined between first and second transparent, flexible membranes, wherein each of said first and second flexible membranes is tensioned across and held by a peripheral annular frame, and wherein said annular frame is formed from first, second and third interengaged rings, said first ring receiving the second and third rings therein and defining the periphery of said annular frame. A variable focus lens of an embodiment of the invention is simple and relatively inexpensive to assemble. Furthermore, the lens may be supported readily within the lens aperture in a pair of spectacles, for example.
The peripheral shape of the peripheral annular frame, and hence of the individual rings, may be chosen as is required. For example, the annular frame may have a circular, oval, elliptical, or other closed curve, peripheral shape.
Any method for holding the first, second and third rings together to retain the flexible membranes under tension may be used.
In an embodiment, the annular frame is arranged to be retained within the frame of a pair of spectacles. In this case, the frame of the spectacles may act to hold the first, second and third rings together. Of course, any other retaining means may additionally and/or alternatively be provided to secure the first, second and third rings in their interengaged position.
It is important that the transparent fluid within said cavity cannot leak. Accordingly, it is preferred that the interengagements between said rings cause the periphery of an appropriate flexible membrane to change direction more than once. This aids in sealing the periphery of the cavity.
It would be possible to construct the lens from a single flexible membrane web appropriately arranged to define two flexible membranes. However, in a preferred embodiment, two separate flexible membranes are provided with the periphery of the first flexible membrane being held by the interengagement of the first and second rings, and the periphery of the second flexible membrane being held by the interengagement of the second and third rings. This provides a simple, yet effective sealed structure for the cavity.
Each of said first and second membranes has a continuous periphery which is held by the respective rings so that it is bent to change direction more than once. Preferably, each of two adjacent rings has a complementary annular step therein for interengaging the two rings, said interengaged steps also guiding an interposed flexible membrane around two direction changes.
In a preferred embodiment, each of said first and second flexible membranes is of high grade Mylar.
The first, second and third rings may be of any suitable material. Preferably, each of the rings is of a material which is sufficiently rigid to positively interengage with the adjacent ring and to ensure that two interengaged rings can maintain the flexible membrane under tension. The material of the rings is also required to be lightweight to facilitate the incorporation of lenses of the invention in spectacles. Thus, the rings may be made, for example, of a high impact resistant plastics material, or of aluminium, or of titanium.
The transparent fluid retained within the cavity may be any suitable fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid is a silicone oil, for example, an oil of the silicone 703 type.
In a preferred embodiment, the lens is additionally provided with two spaced, substantially parallel sheets of transparent polycarbonate between which the cavity defined by the flexible membranes is arranged. The polycarbonate sheets provide protection to the flexible membranes and are readily tinted, for example, if required. The annular frame may also be received between the polycarbonate sheets if required.
Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an axial section of a portion of a variable focus lens of the invention during construction thereof, and
Figure 2 shows a section similar to that of Figure 1 but showing the completed lens. The lens described and illustrated herein may be utilised in an optical apparatus constructed and arranged to be adjusted as described and claimed in international application No. WO 96/38744.
The lens shown in Figure 2 comprises first and second transparent, flexible membranes 2 which are tensioned and which define therebetween a cavity 30 in which a transparent fluid 4, such as silicone oil, is contained. In the embodiment illustrated the membranes 2 are of Mylar, for example, 23μm Type D Mylar.
The membranes 2 are held in tension by way of a peripheral annular frame 6. The frame 6 defines the periphery of the lens, and of the cavity 30, and is arranged to hold the flexible membranes 2 under tension. The frame 6 is also arranged to seal the lens.
As can be seen from Figure 1 , the annular frame 6 is formed by interengaging first, second and third rings 8, 10, 12 of aluminium. In this respect, the first ring 8 has a radially extending flange 14 which is stepped as indicated at 16. The first ring 8 also has an axially extending rim 18. The second ring 10 has a radially outwardly projecting portion 20 defining a first step 22 which cooperates with the step 16 of the first ring 8 and a second step 24 which cooperates with a step 26 of the third ring 12. The third ring 12 has a recess 28 arranged radially outwardly therein.
Where the completed lens is to have a generally circular periphery, for example, a first membrane 2, which is circular, is positioned to extend within the first ring 8 such that its periphery extends along the radial flange 14 thereof. The second ring 10 is then supported within the first ring 8 such that the complementary steps 16 and 22 thereof interengage. This interengagement positions the second ring 10 relative to the first ring 8. The interengagement also bends the peripheral circumference of the first membrane 2 through two different directions as is clearly shown in Figure 1 .
A second circular membrane 2 is then positioned across the first ring 8 such that its periphery extends along the upper radially extending surface of the second ring 10. Thereafter, the third ring 12 is positioned such that the steps 24 in position within the first ring 8, and to bend the periphery of the second membrane 2 through two directions. The tolerances of the three rings 8, 10, 12 are chosen such that even when the arrangement is in the interengaged position shown in Figure 1 , the two membranes 2 are firmly held by the interengaged rings.
The construction has the considerable advantage that the circular membranes 2 do not have to be produced to close tolerances. Each circular membrane 2 can be cut to be generally circular and to have a diameter which is somewhat larger than is required. In its turn, each membrane 2 is positioned as described above and held by the interengagement of the corresponding ring 10, 12. Any excess material of the membrane 2 can then be trimmed simply using a knife with the rings 10, 12 acting as guides.
To complete the construction of the lens it is necessary to ensure that the three rings 8, 10, 12 are secured together such that the peripheries of the membranes 2 are firmly retained to seal the lens and to prevent any leakage from the cavity 30 defined between the two membranes 2. In the embodiment illustrated, the retention of the membranes 2 is achieved by crimping and deforming the first ring 8. In this respect, the upstanding, axially extending, free end of the limb 18 of the first ring 8 is bent over to be received within the recess 28 of the third ring 12. Any excess material deformed from the ring 8 during this crimping operation is received within an annular space 32 which is defined between the radially outwardly peripheries of the second and third rings 10 and 12, and the inner periphery of the limb 18 of the first ring 8.
Once the lens has been constructed, as shown in Figure 1 , and with the outer ring 8 deformed to secure the structure, a duct 34 is drilled through the frame 6 into the cavity 30. The cavity 30 can then be filled with the transparent fluid 4 through the duct 34. With 703 silicone oil as the fluid the resultant lens achieves a focal length range of at least -6 to +10 dioptres, and the range -10 to +10 dioptres should be achievable.
Fluid may be introduced into the cavity 30 by way of the duct 34 and retained therein by use, for example, of ducts, plugs and sealing means as described in International application No. WO 96/38744. In an embodiment, the lens is pre-filled at this stage with the fluid 4 and an appropriate material is provided in the duct 34 to seal the cavity 30. However, the material sealing the duct 34 is preferably penetrable by a syringe, for example, so that the pressure of the fluid 4 within the cavity 30 can be adjusted.
In the embodiment shown, the two axially outer surfaces of the lens are each protected by a sheet 36 of a polycarbonate. Each polycarbonate sheet 36, for example, may be about Vi millimetre thick. It will be appreciated that these sheets 36 are arranged to extend substantially parallel to each other. The circumferential periphery of each of the sheets 36 may be fixed to the annular frame 6 in any appropriate manner. For example, the sheets 36 may be adhered to the frame 6. Additionally and/or alternatively, a plastics material frame (not shown) of a pair of spectacles, for example, may be arranged to receive the annular frame 6 in a manner to retain the sheets 36 against the annular frame 6 in the position of Figure 2.
It will be appreciated that alterations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described and illustrated herein within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method of fabricating a variable focus lens comprising the steps of interengaging first and second rings to engage a first transparent, flexible membrane and to retain said first flexible membrane across the first ring, interengaging a third ring with said first and second rings to engage a second transparent, flexible membrane and to retain said second flexible membrane across the first ring, whereby the first and second flexible membranes define a cavity therebetween, and holding said first, second and third rings together such that said first and second flexible membranes are each tensioned across said first ring.
2. A method as claimed in Claim 1 , further comprising the steps of providing a duct through said rings, which duct is in communication with said cavity and filling a transparent fluid into said cavity through said duct.
3. A method as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said duct is formed through said rings.
4. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said first ring receives said second and third rings therein and defines the periphery of a peripheral, annular frame for the lens, which annular frame is defined by said first, second and third rings.
5. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising the step of turning, crimping or otherwise deforming the first ring so that the second and third rings are retained within said first ring.
6. A variable focus lens having a cavity containing a transparent fluid defined between first and second transparent, flexible membranes, wherein each of said first and second flexible membranes is tensioned across and held by a peripheral annular frame, and wherein said annular frame is formed from first, second and third interengaged rings, said first ring receiving the second and third rings therein and defining the periphery of said annular frame.
7. A variable focus lens as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the annular frame has a closed curve, peripheral shape.
8. A variable focus lens as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7, wherein said first, second and third rings are held together to retain the flexible membranes under tension and to seal said cavity.
9. A variable focus lens as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 8, wherein the interengagements between said rings cause the periphery of an appropriate flexible membrane to change direction more than once.
10. A variable focus lens as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 9, wherein two separate flexible membranes are provided, with the periphery of the first flexible membrane being held by the interengagement of the first and second rings, and the periphery of the second flexible membrane being held by the interengagement of the second and third rings.
11. A variable focus lens as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 10, wherein each of said first and second flexible membranes is of high grade Mylar.
12. A variable focus lens as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 11 , wherein each of the rings is of a material which is sufficiently rigid to positively interengage with the adjacent ring and to ensure that two interengaged rings can maintain the flexible membrane under tension.
13. A variable focus lens as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the rings are made of one of a high impact resistant plastics material, aluminium, or titanium.
14. A variable focus lens as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 13, wherein the transparent fluid retained within the cavity is a silicone oil.
15. A variable focus lens as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 14, wherein the lens is additionally provided with two spaced, substantially parallel sheets of transparent polycarbonate between which the cavity defined by the flexible membranes is arranged.
16. A variable focus lens made by a method as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 5.
17. A pair of spectacles having a pair of lens apertures, and a respective variable focus lens as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 16 supported within each lens aperture.
18. A method of fabricating a variable focus lens substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
19. A variable focus lens substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
PCT/GB1997/002427 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Improvements in or relating to variable focus lenses WO1998011458A1 (en)

Priority Applications (20)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BR9711792-7A BR9711792A (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Process of making a variable focus lens, respective variable focus lens and pair of glasses having a pair of lens openings.
JP51335598A JP4163751B2 (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Improvements in or related to variable focus lenses
PL97332325A PL332325A1 (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Zoom lens and method of making same
EA199900289A EA002927B1 (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Improvements in or relating to variable focus lenses
NZ335150A NZ335150A (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Ring structure to hold membranes of variable focus liquid lens
AU41293/97A AU4129397A (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Improvements in or relating to variable focus lenses
DE69729944T DE69729944T2 (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 IMPROVEMENT IN OR RELATED TO LENSES WITH CHANGING FUEL RANGE
CA002265723A CA2265723C (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Improvements in or relating to variable focus lenses
IL128950A IL128950A (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Improvements in or relating to variable focus lense
EEP199900091A EE9900091A (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Adjustable focal length lens and method of manufacture and spectacles
EP97939072A EP0927370B1 (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Improvements in or relating to variable focus lenses
SK323-99A SK285638B6 (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Process for the production of variable focus lens, variable focus lens and spectacles comprising such a lens
APAP/P/1999/001485A AP1012A (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Improvements in or ralated to variable focus lenses.
HU0000443A HUP0000443A3 (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Variable focus lens and method for the production thereof
AT97939072T ATE271695T1 (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 IMPROVEMENT IN OR RELATING TO VARIABLE FOCAL LENSES
GB9905770A GB2333858B (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Improvements in or relating to variable focus lenses
US09/254,848 US6188525B1 (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Variable focus lenses
IS4999A IS4999A (en) 1996-09-13 1999-03-12 Improvements to or in conjunction with adjustable focal length lenses
NO991237A NO991237L (en) 1996-09-13 1999-03-12 Enhancements to or relating to focus variable lenses
BG103324A BG103324A (en) 1996-09-13 1999-04-13 Alternating focussing lens

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9619198.6 1996-09-13
GBGB9619198.6A GB9619198D0 (en) 1996-06-25 1996-09-13 Improvements in or relating to variable focus lenses

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998011458A1 true WO1998011458A1 (en) 1998-03-19

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ID=10799926

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1997/002427 WO1998011458A1 (en) 1996-09-13 1997-09-09 Improvements in or relating to variable focus lenses

Country Status (25)

Country Link
US (1) US6188525B1 (en)
EP (1) EP0927370B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4163751B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100517518B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1208633C (en)
AP (1) AP1012A (en)
AT (1) ATE271695T1 (en)
AU (1) AU4129397A (en)
BG (1) BG103324A (en)
BR (1) BR9711792A (en)
CA (1) CA2265723C (en)
DE (1) DE69729944T2 (en)
EA (1) EA002927B1 (en)
EE (1) EE9900091A (en)
HU (1) HUP0000443A3 (en)
IL (1) IL128950A (en)
IS (1) IS4999A (en)
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US7789013B2 (en) 1998-03-19 2010-09-07 Joshua David Silver Variable focus optical devices
WO1999047948A1 (en) * 1998-03-19 1999-09-23 Joshua David Silver Improvements in variable focus optical devices
US6618208B1 (en) 1998-03-19 2003-09-09 Joshua David Silver Variable focus optical devices
US7423811B2 (en) 1998-03-19 2008-09-09 Joshua David Silver Variable focus optical devices
US7594726B2 (en) 1998-03-19 2009-09-29 Joshua David Silver Variable focus optical devices
US7085065B2 (en) 2001-01-02 2006-08-01 Silver Joshua D Variable focus optical apparatus
US8446677B2 (en) 2008-03-04 2013-05-21 Adlens Ltd. Valve device for a variable focus lens
ES2332761A1 (en) * 2008-03-11 2010-02-11 Universidad Autonoma De Madrid Flexible membrane for a variable optical lens (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
WO2013144592A1 (en) 2012-03-27 2013-10-03 Adlens Limited Improvements in or relating to deformable membrane assemblies
WO2013143630A1 (en) 2012-03-27 2013-10-03 Adlens Limited Improvements in or relating to deformable membrane assemblies
US9810923B2 (en) 2012-03-27 2017-11-07 Adlens Ltd. Deformable membrane assemblies
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US10823981B2 (en) 2012-03-27 2020-11-03 Adlens Ltd. Deformable non-round membrane assemblies
CN105122122A (en) * 2013-01-30 2015-12-02 万福克斯科技有限责任公司 Manufacturing process of an accommodating soft contact lens

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