US4298247A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Thick optical element having a variable curvature
Assignee: Quantel SA
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Filing: 1980-04-01
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Granted: 1981-11-03
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Expires: 2000-04-01
Abstract
Abstract The optical element comprises a first bimorph structure, at least one of the components of which is made from piezoelectric material and supply electrodes for the bimorph structure. The element further comprises at least one reinforcing piezoelectric bimorph structure provided with supply electrodes. The latter are respectively connected to the electrodes of the first bimorph structure. An element of the reinforcing bimorph structure is placed against a corresponding element of the first bimorph structure and fixed thereto by a layer of an elastic material. The latter has a tensile strength which is low relative to that of the elements constituting the bimorph structures of piezoelectric material.
Inventors
- 👤 Guy Michelet
- 👤 Jean-Pierre Treton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:10
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B26/00; G02B26/08; G02B26/0816
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
An optical element having a variable curvature and optical properties which vary as a function of that curvature, said element comprising a first bimorph structure which has at least one component member which is made from a piezoelectric material, first electrodes for applying a voltage to said bimorph structure to vary its curvature, at least one reinforcing piezoelectric bimorph structure, second electrodes for applying a voltage to the reinforcing bimorph structure and respectively connected to the first supply electrodes, the reinforcing bimorph structure having a component member adjacent a corresponding component member of the first bimorph structure, and a layer of elastic material which interconnects said adjacent component members and has a tensile strength which is low relative to the tensile strength of component members constituting the bimorph structures of piezoelectric material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
132 words
An optical element having a variable curvature and optical properties which vary as a function of that curvature, said element comprising a first bimorph structure which has at least one component member which is made from a piezoelectric material, first electrodes for applying a voltage to said bimorph structure to vary its curvature, at least one reinforcing piezoelectric bimorph structure, second electrodes for applying a voltage to the reinforcing bimorph structure and respectively connected to the first supply electrodes, the reinforcing bimorph structure having a component member adjacent a corresponding component member of the first bimorph structure, and a layer of elastic material which interconnects said adjacent component members and has a tensile strength which is low relative to the tensile strength of component members constituting the bimorph structures of piezoelectric material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
An element as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first bimorph structure and said reinforcing bimorph structure are identical.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
An element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ratio between the tensile strength of the material of said connecting layer and the tensile strength of the material of the piezoelectric elements is between 10 -1 and 10 -4 .
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
An element as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said material of low tensile strength is an elastomer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
An element as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said material of low tensile strength is an adhesive.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
An element as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said material of low tensile strength is a weld.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
An element as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising a plurality of reinforcing bimorph structures connected to the first bimorph structure and to each other by connecting layers of material having a tensile strength which is low relative to the tensile strength of the piezoelectric component members.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
An element as claimed in claim 7, wherein said material of low tensile strength is an elastomer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
An element as claimed in claim 7, wherein said material of low tensile strength is an adhesive.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
An element as claimed in claim 7, wherein said material of low tensile strength is a weld.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-11-02 | 1985-05-04 | 1985-11-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-11-02 | 1989-05-04 | 1989-11-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-11-02 | 1993-05-04 | 1993-11-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |