Optical: systems and elements – Lens – With support
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-08
2001-11-27
Mack, Ricky (Department: 2873)
Optical: systems and elements
Lens
With support
C359S823000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06324021
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
(Not Applicable)
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Acute focus is necessary in order to achieve the maximum resolution of optical devices used to enhance human vision, such as monoculars, binoculars, telescopes, and microscopes. In practice, acute focus is achieved by a step-wise method, frequently known as “rocking” . During the rocking method, a focusing mechanism is moved in one direction until an image comes into focus, and then beyond the point of focus to the point where the image begins to degrade. The direction of focus is then reversed, and the process is repeated until the operator has established that the best possible image has been achieved. The nature of rocking can cause the components of an optical device to experience backlash, which can be defined as the play resulting from loose connections between mechanical elements in the optical device. Backlash can be particularly problematic in the focusing mechanism of an optical device. Current focusing devices which employ screw threads or rack and pinion gears are particularly susceptible to backlash.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the subject invention to provide an optical focusing system which enables superior speed in focusing.
It is a further object of the subject invention to provide an optical focusing system with a reduced amount of backlash.
It is another object of the subject invention to have a focusing system which is designed to reduce or eliminate slippage in the slideable components of the system.
According to these an other objects of the invention, the present invention relates to a focusing system for optical devices, including monoculars, binoculars, telescopes, and microscopes. According to one aspect of the present invention, the optical focusing system includes an objective lens assembly, and an eyepiece lens assembly mounted in axial alignment with respect to the objective lens assembly. The system also includes a lens mount for receiving the eyepiece lens assembly. The eyepiece lens assembly can slidably mount into the lens mount, and the lens mount can be adapted to allow linear movement of the eyepiece lens assembly with respect to the objective lens assembly, within a predetermined distance.
The system also includes a spindle, which can be rotatably mounted in the eyepiece lens assembly and extend through the lens mount. A knob portion for rotating the spindle can be fixedly attached to the spindle. The knob portion can be manually operable. The system can also have linkage which transmits rotational movement of the spindle, causing linear movement of the eyepiece lens assembly with respect to the objective lens assembly. Rotation of the spindle can selectively vary the distance between the eyepiece lens assembly and the objective lens to select the desired plane of focus. The linkage can include a longitudinally disposed cord which is fixedly and tautly attached to opposite ends of the lens mount. The cord can be wound around the spindle at least one revolution. Rotational movement of the spindle causes the spindle to move along the length of the cord.
According to another embodiment of the invention, an optical focusing system having focusing structure includes a spindle engageable by an operator which is rotatable around a spindle axle, and a sled. The spindle axle can be attached to a support member. A cord member can adjustably engage the spindle, and be attached at each end of the sled. The sled can slide along the support member. In addition, an eye piece assembly can be attached to the sled and moveable with the sled, as the sled is adjusted by rotation of the spindle. The cord member can be wrapped around the spindle at least one revolution, however, the invention is not limited in that regard. In addition, the cord member can be composed at least partially of aramid, or at least partially of metal.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3604795 (1971-09-01), Crandall
patent: 3634008 (1972-01-01), Plummer
patent: 3717400 (1973-02-01), Schutrum et al.
patent: 4580891 (1986-04-01), Fukunaga et al.
patent: 4614424 (1986-09-01), Endo et al.
patent: 4854672 (1989-08-01), Daikoku
patent: 6919013 (1999-07-01), Savoie
patent: 6-201970-A (1994-07-01), None
Mack Ricky
Senterfitt Ankerman
LandOfFree
Focusing system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Focusing system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Focusing system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2577774