IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,940,483
Granted Patent B2
US 7,940,483 · App. 12/150,283 · Granted May 10, 2011

Focusing device and focusing method

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,940,483
App. No.
12/150,283
Granted
May 10, 2011
Kind
B2
Abstract

A focusing device is provided. The focusing device has a changing focal length along a physical parameter thereof. The focusing device could be annular or in a shape of a disk. The annular focusing device has a width thereof changing with a periphery thereof, and the disk-shaped focusing device has a thickness, wherein the thickness of the disk-shaped focusing device is changing with an angular position thereof.

Claims (9)

1. A focusing device having a changing focal length along a path of light, the focusing device comprising a ring having a periphery, a rotating axis and a width gradually and continuously changing around the periphery, wherein the width has a direction perpendicular to that of the rotating axis, and the light penetrates the ring through the direction of the width.

2. A focusing device according to claim 1 , wherein the focusing device has a center, and is rotatable around the center.

3. A focusing device according to claim 1 , wherein the focusing device has an outer surface having a first position and a second position, and a step is formed between the first position and the second position.

4. A focusing device according to claim 3 , wherein the first position is relatively higher than the second position.

5. A focusing method, comprising steps of:

providing a focus device located on a path of a light, wherein the focus device includes a ring having a periphery, a width and a rotating axis perpendicular to the path of the light, and the width is gradually and continuously changing around the periphery and has a direction perpendicular to that of the rotating axis; and

rotating the ring around the rotating axis so as to change a focus length of the focus device on the path, wherein the light penetrates the ring through the direction of the width.

6. A focusing method according to claim 5 , wherein an image is formed by the lens, and a position of forming the image is changed when the width of the lens is changed.

7. A focusing method according to claim 5 , wherein a focal length of the lens is changed when the width of the lens is changed.

Assignments (1)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 2, 2019
From: MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.
To: BROOKS AUTOMATION, INC.; BIOSTORAGE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Reel/Frame 049669/0578 →