Methods of filling a liquid-filled lens mechanism

• US 20120192991A1
• Filed: 12/30/2011
• Published: 08/02/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 02/13/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Adlens Beacon, Inc.
• Inventors: GUPTA, Amitava, Haroud, Karim, Schnell, Urban
• Granted Patent: US 8,567,946 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 141/11
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 3/14 of variable focal length
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/085 Fluid-filled lenses, e.g. electro-wetting lenses

Abstract

Methods for filling an internal volume of a liquid filled lens mechanism with fluid are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include creating a vacuum within the internal volume, de-aerating the fluid, filling the vacuum in the internal volume with the de-aerated fluid, and sealing the internal volume. In some embodiments, the methods include elevating a temperature of the fluid prior to sealing the internal volume. In some embodiments, the internal volume is formed by a structure having at least one flexible component.

Claims

1-21. -21. (canceled)

22. A method of filling an internal volume of a liquid filled lens mechanism with fluid, the method comprising:

creating a vacuum within the internal volume;

de-aerating the fluid;

filling the vacuum in the internal volume with the de-aerated fluid; and

sealing the internal volume.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein de-aerating the fluid occurs before creating a vacuum within the internal volume.

24. The method of claim 22, further comprising:

elevating a temperature of the fluid prior to sealing the internal volume.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein elevating the temperature of the fluid comprises elevating the temperature of the fluid to a range from about 45°

C. to about 90°

C.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein elevating the temperature of the fluid comprises elevating the temperature of the fluid to a range from about 65°

C. to about 80°

C.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein de-aerating the fluid occurs before elevating the temperature of the fluid.

28. The method of claim 24, wherein de-aerating the fluid occurs at the same time as elevating the temperature of the fluid.

29. The method of claim 22, wherein the fluid is silicone oil.

30. The method of claim 22, wherein the internal volume is formed by a structure having at least one flexible component.

31. The method of claim 22, wherein filling the vacuum in the internal volume comprises filling the internal volume with fluid through an inlet in the liquid filled lens mechanism.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein sealing the internal volume comprises sealing off the inlet after filling the internal volume.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein sealing the internal volume comprises removing the inlet after filling the internal volume.

34. The method of claim 22, wherein filling the vacuum in the internal volume comprises filling the internal volume with fluid through a plurality of inlets in the liquid filled lens mechanism.