US 7,515,350 B2
Lens of variable focal length
Bruno Berge, Lyons (France); Jérôme Peseux, Solaize (France); and Frédéric Laune, Villefontaine (France)
Assigned to Varioptic S.A., Lyons (France)
Filed on Nov. 22, 2005, as Appl. No. 11/284,125.
Claims priority of application No. 04 52747 (FR), filed on Nov. 24, 2004.
Prior Publication US 2006/0126190 A1, Jun. 15, 2006
Int. Cl. G02B 3/12 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 359—666  [359/665] 35 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A variable focal length lens assembly having an optical axis, comprising:
two transparent members that at least partially face each other and are arranged parallel to one another and that delimit at least in part an internal volume containing two non-miscible liquids that have different optical indices and define an interface;
a wall partially surrounding one of the transparent members and partially delimiting the internal volume, the wall comprising a non-linear portion capable of deforming in response to a change in pressure of the liquids in such a way as to substantially maintain the optical properties of the lens assembly;
a cap connected to a first one of the transparent members;
a body connected to a second one of the transparent members; and
an intermediate piece, connected to the body or forming a single piece with the body, and comprising an opening defining a conical or cylindrical surface adapted to receive an interface between the two liquids.