Patent · US Expired

Optical apparatus for changing focus and focal length

US5333024A · kind A · utility

14Cited by
14References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 1, 1993
Grant dateJul 26, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 1, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B7/10
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Optical apparatus having first and second lens groups moveable along an optical axis, and a cam and follower mechanism for communicating relative axial displacement to the second lens group in response to axial movement of the first lens group for changing the focal length of the optical system. The cam and follower mechanism is characterized by a plurality of cam steps each having first or dwell surfaces for maintaining the relative axial displacement constant in response to axial movement of the first lens group, to accommodate focusing between at least two focus positions at a fixed focal length, and second or ramp surfaces for changing the relative axial displacement in response to axial movement of the first lens group, for changing the focal length of the apparatus.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.