Pinned contact, oscillating liquid-liquid lens and imaging systems
US8729515B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 26, 2011 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/4998
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An oscillating liquid lens and imaging system and method employing the lens are provided. The liquid lens includes a substrate with a channel opening extending through the substrate. A liquid drop is disposed within the channel and is sized with a first droplet portion, including a first capillary surface, protruding away from a first substrate surface, and a second droplet portion, including a second capillary surface, protruding away from a second substrate surface. The liquid lens further includes an enclosure at least partially surrounding the substrate, and including a chamber. The liquid drop resides within the chamber, and the liquid lens includes a second liquid disposed within the chamber in direct or indirect contact with the liquid drop, and the liquid lens further includes a driver for oscillating the liquid drop within the channel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.