Patent US5056902A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5056902A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Magnetically coupled lens actuator
Assignee: Smith and Nephew Inc
•
Filing: 1990-04-25
•
Granted: 1991-10-15
•
Expires: 2010-04-25
Abstract
Abstract A lens surrounded by a protective chamber is focused by utilizing a magnetic field to adjust the position of the lens within the chamber. By using a magnetic field to adjust the lens position, it is not necessary to pass a mechanical device through the surface of the chamber, thereby allowing the chamber to be completely sealed to prevent contaminants from contacting the lens.
Inventors
- 👤 Randal B. Chinnock
- 👤 Norman J. Dionne
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 19:59
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/00064; A61B1/00066; A61B1/00163; A61B1/00188; A61B34/00; A61B34/70; A61B34/73; G; G02; G02B; G02B7/00; G02B7/02; G02B7/04; G02B7/08; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S359/00; Y10S359/903
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 72
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
An apparatus for adjusting the position of a lens, comprising: a sealed chamber surrounding said lens, said chamber including a window to permit light to enter said chamber and said lens; an actuator held inside said chamber, said actuator being movable with respect to said chamber, said actuator being arranged to cause motion of said lens when said actuator is moved, said actuator having a plurality of projections that extend radially toward an inner surface of said chamber to provide a spacing between said actuator and said inner surface that is less at said projections than in a region of said actuator disposed between said projections; and an element held outside said chamber and ferromagnetically coupled to at least some of said projections of said actuator through a surface of said chamber, said element being movable relative to said chamber to cause movement of said actuator to thereby adjust the position of said lens.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
154 words
An apparatus for adjusting the position of a lens, comprising: a sealed chamber surrounding said lens, said chamber including a window to permit light to enter said chamber and said lens; an actuator held inside said chamber, said actuator being movable with respect to said chamber, said actuator being arranged to cause motion of said lens when said actuator is moved, said actuator having a plurality of projections that extend radially toward an inner surface of said chamber to provide a spacing between said actuator and said inner surface that is less at said projections than in a region of said actuator disposed between said projections; and an element held outside said chamber and ferromagnetically coupled to at least some of said projections of said actuator through a surface of said chamber, said element being movable relative to said chamber to cause movement of said actuator to thereby adjust the position of said lens.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said actuator or said element comprises a magnet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said actuator or said element define a closed flux path.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said projections define part of said flux path and are in sliding contact with said inner surface of said chamber.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
153 words
An apparatus for adjusting the position of a lens, comprising: a sealed chamber surrounding said lens, said chamber including a window to permit light to enter said chamber and said lens; an actuator held inside said chamber, said actuator being movable with respect to said chamber, said actuator being arranged to cause motion of said lens when said actuator is moved; an element comprising a magnet held outside said chamber and ferromagnetically coupled to said actuator through a surface of said chamber, said element being movable relative to said chamber to cause movement of said actuator to thereby adjust the position of said lens; said actuator comprising projections which define part of a closed flux path between said actuator and said element, said projections being in sliding contact with an inner surface of said chamber; and two ferromagnetic washers, respectively positioned adjacent the poles of said magnet and respectively aligned with said projections.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
153 words
An apparatus for adjusting the position of a lens, comprising: a sealed chamber surrounding said lens, said chamber including a window to permit light to enter said chamber and said lens; an actuator held inside said chamber, said actuator being movable with respect to said chamber, said actuator being arranged to cause motion of said lens when said actuator is moved; an element comprising a magnet held outside said chamber and ferromagnetically coupled to said actuator through a surface of said chamber, said element being movable relative to said chamber to cause movement of said actuator to thereby adjust the position of said lens; said actuator comprising projections which define part of a closed flux path between said actuator and said element, said projections being in sliding contact with an inner surface of said chamber; and two ferromagnetic washers, respectively positioned adjacent the poles of said magnet and respectively aligned with said projections.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said washers are configured to conduct flux radially.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said element comprises a magnet and a magnet support secured to said magnet, said magnet support including a stabilization member to restrict movement of said magnet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said chamber is cylindrical.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said cylindrical chamber is sealed at each of its ends by a window through which said light may pass.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the curved surface of said cylindrical chamber is continuous and free of apertures through which debris or other contaminants could pass.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus further comprises a medical device.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said chamber is sealed such that motion cannot be transmitted mechanically through the wall of said chamber.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the surface of said chamber is continuous and free of apertures through which debris or other contaminants could pass.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said element is configured to be moved in a direction parallel to an axis of said chamber.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said magnet is ring-shaped.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said magnet comprises a permanent magnet.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said chamber is non-magnetic.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said actuator is ferromagnetic.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said actuator comprises a magnet.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said lens is configured to move along an optical axis on which said lens lies.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
187 words
An apparatus for adjusting the position of a lens along an optical axis on which the lens lies, comprising: a cylindrical chamber surrounding said lens, said chamber being sealed in a manner that prevents motion from being transmitted mechanically through the wall of said chamber, said chamber including a window to permit light to enter said chamber and pass through said lens; a ferromagnetic actuator held inside said chamber and supporting said lens, said actuator being movable with respect to said chamber to thereby cause motion of said lens, said actuator having a plurality of projections that extend radially toward an inner surface of said chamber to provide a spacing between said actuator and said inner surface that is less at said projections than in a region of said actuator disposed between said projections; and a ring-shaped magnet surrounding said chamber and ferromagnetically coupled to at least some of said projections of said actuator via a surface of said chamber, said magnet being movable relative to said chamber to cause movement of said ferromagnetic actuator to thereby adjust the focus of said light passing through said lens.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
187 words
An apparatus for adjusting the position of a lens along an optical axis on which the lens lies, comprising: a cylindrical chamber surrounding said lens, said chamber being sealed in a manner that prevents motion from being transmitted mechanically through the wall of said chamber, said chamber including a window to permit light to enter said chamber and pass through said lens; a ferromagnetic actuator held inside said chamber and supporting said lens, said actuator being movable with respect to said chamber to thereby cause motion of said lens, said actuator having a plurality of projections that extend radially toward an inner surface of said chamber to provide a spacing between said actuator and said inner surface that is less at said projections than in a region of said actuator disposed between said projections; and a ring-shaped magnet surrounding said chamber and ferromagnetically coupled to at least some of said projections of said actuator via a surface of said chamber, said magnet being movable relative to said chamber to cause movement of said ferromagnetic actuator to thereby adjust the focus of said light passing through said lens.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
160 words
An endoscope coupler for coupling an endoscope to a viewing device, said coupler comprising: a lens; a sealed chamber surrounding said lens, said chamber including a window to permit light to enter said chamber and said lens; an actuator held inside said chamber, said actuator being movable with respect to said chamber, said actuator being arranged to cause motion of said lens when said actuator is moved, said actuator having a plurality of projections that extend radially toward an inner surface of said chamber to provide a spacing between said actuator and said inner surface that is less at said projections than in a region of said actuator disposed between said projections; and an element held outside said chamber and ferromagnetically coupled to at least some of said projections of said actuator through a surface of said chamber, said element being movable relative to said chamber to cause movement of said actuator to thereby adjust the position of said lens.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
160 words
An endoscope coupler for coupling an endoscope to a viewing device, said coupler comprising: a lens; a sealed chamber surrounding said lens, said chamber including a window to permit light to enter said chamber and said lens; an actuator held inside said chamber, said actuator being movable with respect to said chamber, said actuator being arranged to cause motion of said lens when said actuator is moved, said actuator having a plurality of projections that extend radially toward an inner surface of said chamber to provide a spacing between said actuator and said inner surface that is less at said projections than in a region of said actuator disposed between said projections; and an element held outside said chamber and ferromagnetically coupled to at least some of said projections of said actuator through a surface of said chamber, said element being movable relative to said chamber to cause movement of said actuator to thereby adjust the position of said lens.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said actuator or said element comprises a magnet.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said actuator defines a closed flux path.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said projections define part of said flux path and are in sliding contact with said inner surface of said chamber.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
160 words
An endoscope coupler for coupling an endoscope to a viewing device, said coupler comprising: a lens; a sealed chamber surrounding said lens, said chamber including a window to permit light to enter said chamber and said lens; an actuator held inside said chamber, said actuator being movable with respect to said chamber, said actuator being arranged to cause motion of said lens when said actuator is moved; an element comprising a magnet held outside said chamber and ferromagnetically coupled to said actuator through a surface of said chamber, said element being movable relative to said chamber to cause movement of said actuator to thereby adjust the position of said lens; said actuator comprising projections which define part of a closed flux path between said actuator and said element, said projections being in sliding contact with an inner surface of said chamber; and two ferromagnetic washers, respectively positioned adjacent to the poles of said magnet and respectively aligned with said projections.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
160 words
An endoscope coupler for coupling an endoscope to a viewing device, said coupler comprising: a lens; a sealed chamber surrounding said lens, said chamber including a window to permit light to enter said chamber and said lens; an actuator held inside said chamber, said actuator being movable with respect to said chamber, said actuator being arranged to cause motion of said lens when said actuator is moved; an element comprising a magnet held outside said chamber and ferromagnetically coupled to said actuator through a surface of said chamber, said element being movable relative to said chamber to cause movement of said actuator to thereby adjust the position of said lens; said actuator comprising projections which define part of a closed flux path between said actuator and said element, said projections being in sliding contact with an inner surface of said chamber; and two ferromagnetic washers, respectively positioned adjacent to the poles of said magnet and respectively aligned with said projections.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said washers are configured to conduct flux radially.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said element comprises a magnet and a magnet support secured to said magnet, said magnet support including a stabilization member to restrict movement of said magnet.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said chamber is cylindrical.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 29 wherein said cylindrical chamber is sealed at each of its ends by a window through which said light may pass.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the curved surface of said cylindrical chamber is continuous and free of apertures through which debris or other contaminants could pass.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said chamber is sealed such that motion cannot be transmitted mechanically through the wall of said chamber.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the surface of said chamber is continuous and free of apertures through which debris or other contaminants could pass.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said element is configured to be moved in a direction parallel to an axis of said chamber.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said magnet is ring-shaped.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said magnet comprises a permanent magnet.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said chamber is non-magnetic.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said actuator is ferromagnetic.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said actuator comprises a magnet.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said lens is configured to move along an optical axis on which said lens lies.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
139 words
A method for moving a focusing lens having a chamber surrounding said lens, said chamber including a window to permit light to enter said chamber and said lens, said method comprising providing an actuator positioned inside said chamber and arranged to cause motion of said lens when said actuator is moved, said actuator having a plurality of projections that extend radially toward an inner surface of said chamber to provide a spacing between said actuator and said inner surface that is less at said projections than in a region of said actuator disposed between said projection, and moving an element that is ferromagnetically coupled to at least some of said projections of said actuator and positioned outside said chamber to cause said actuator to move thereby adjusting the position of said lens to adjust the focus of the light.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
139 words
A method for moving a focusing lens having a chamber surrounding said lens, said chamber including a window to permit light to enter said chamber and said lens, said method comprising providing an actuator positioned inside said chamber and arranged to cause motion of said lens when said actuator is moved, said actuator having a plurality of projections that extend radially toward an inner surface of said chamber to provide a spacing between said actuator and said inner surface that is less at said projections than in a region of said actuator disposed between said projection, and moving an element that is ferromagnetically coupled to at least some of said projections of said actuator and positioned outside said chamber to cause said actuator to move thereby adjusting the position of said lens to adjust the focus of the light.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said actuator or said element comprises a magnet.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said actuator and said element define a closed flux path.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 43 wherein said projections define part of said flux path and are in sliding contact with said inner surface of said chamber.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
141 words
A method for focusing a lens having a chamber surrounding said lens, said chamber including a window to permit light to enter said chamber and said lens, said method comprising providing an actuator positioned outside said chamber and arranged to cause motion of said lens when said actuator is moved, said actuator comprising projections that are in sliding contact with an inner surface of said chamber, and moving an element that is ferromagnetically coupled to said actuator through a closed flux path that includes said projections and positioned outside said chamber to cause said actuator to move thereby adjusting the position of said lens to adjust the focus of the light, said element comprising a magnet and wherein a ferromagnetic washer is positioned adjacent to each of the poles of said magnet, such that said washers are aligned with said projections.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
141 words
A method for focusing a lens having a chamber surrounding said lens, said chamber including a window to permit light to enter said chamber and said lens, said method comprising providing an actuator positioned outside said chamber and arranged to cause motion of said lens when said actuator is moved, said actuator comprising projections that are in sliding contact with an inner surface of said chamber, and moving an element that is ferromagnetically coupled to said actuator through a closed flux path that includes said projections and positioned outside said chamber to cause said actuator to move thereby adjusting the position of said lens to adjust the focus of the light, said element comprising a magnet and wherein a ferromagnetic washer is positioned adjacent to each of the poles of said magnet, such that said washers are aligned with said projections.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 45 wherein said washers conduct flux radially.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said element comprises a magnet and a magnet support secured to said magnet, said magnet support including a stabilization member to restrict movement of said magnet.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said chamber is cylindrical.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 48 wherein said cylindrical chamber is sealed at each of its ends by a window through which said light may pass.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 48 wherein the curved surface of said cylindrical chamber is continuous and free of apertures through which debris or other contaminants could pass.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said lens is used to focus light from an endoscope.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said chamber is sealed such that motion cannot be transmitted mechanically through the wall of said chamber.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 41 wherein the surface of said chamber is continuous and free of apertures through which debris or other contaminants could pass.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said element can be moved in a direction parallel to an axis of said chamber.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 45 wherein said magnet is ring-shaped.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said magnet comprises a permanent magnet.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said chamber is non-magnetic.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 42 wherein said actuator is ferromagnetic.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said actuator comprises a magnet.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 41 wherein said lens moves along an optical axis on which said lens lies.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
155 words
A method for focusing light transmitted from an endoscope to a viewing apparatus such as a camera, the light passing through a lens having a chamber surrounding said lens, said chamber including a window to permit light to enter said chamber and said lens, said method comprising providing an actuator positioned inside said chamber and arranged to cause motion of said lens when said actuator is moved, said actuator having a plurality of projections that extend radially toward an inner surface of said chamber to provide a spacing between said actuator and said inner surface that is less at said projections than in a region of said actuator disposed between said projections, and moving an element that is ferromagnetically coupled to at least some of said projections of said actuator and positioned outside said chamber to cause said actuator to move thereby adjusting the position of said lens to adjust the focus of the light.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
155 words
A method for focusing light transmitted from an endoscope to a viewing apparatus such as a camera, the light passing through a lens having a chamber surrounding said lens, said chamber including a window to permit light to enter said chamber and said lens, said method comprising providing an actuator positioned inside said chamber and arranged to cause motion of said lens when said actuator is moved, said actuator having a plurality of projections that extend radially toward an inner surface of said chamber to provide a spacing between said actuator and said inner surface that is less at said projections than in a region of said actuator disposed between said projections, and moving an element that is ferromagnetically coupled to at least some of said projections of said actuator and positioned outside said chamber to cause said actuator to move thereby adjusting the position of said lens to adjust the focus of the light.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said actuator further comprises second radially extending projections each one of which is axially spaced from one of the first mentioned projections, said second projections being in sliding contact with said inner surface of said chamber.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 62 wherein said second projections each has an axial extent that exceeds an axial extent of each of said first mentioned projections.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 62 wherein said second projections provide a spacing between said actuator and said inner surface of said chamber that is less at said second projections than in regions of said actuator disposed between said second projections and said first mentioned projections.
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| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-10-14 | 1995-04-15 | 1995-10-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-10-14 | 1999-04-15 | 1999-10-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-10-14 | 2003-04-15 | 2003-10-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |