Animatronic eye with an electromagnetic drive and fluid suspension and with video capability
US8715033B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 2009 |
| Grant date | May 6, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y80/00
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An animatronic eye with fluid suspension, electromagnetic drive, and video capability. The eye assembly includes a spherical, hollow outer shell that contains a suspension liquid. An inner sphere is positioned in the outer shell in the suspension liquid to be centrally floated at a distance away from the shell wall. The inner sphere includes painted portions providing a sclera and iris and includes an unpainted rear portion and front portion or pupil. The shell, liquid, and inner sphere are have matching indices of refraction such that interfaces between the components are not readily observed. A camera is provided adjacent a rear portion of the outer shell to receive light passing through the shell, liquid, and inner sphere. A drive assembly is provided including permanent magnets on the inner sphere that are driven by electromagnetic coils on the outer shell to provide frictionless yaw and pitch movements simulating eye movements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.