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 Title: |
US5835185:
Spring-hinged frame for eyeware
[ Derwent Title ]
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| Country: |
US United States of America
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| Inventor: |
Kallman, William R.; Portland, OR 97219
Dorfman, Leonard M.; Tigard, OR 97224
Ahern, John F.; Beaverton, OR 97005
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| Assignee: |
None
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| Published / Filed: |
1998-11-10
/ 1996-12-09
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| Application Number: |
US1996000762231
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| IPC Code: |
Advanced:
G02C 5/00;
G02C 5/14;
G02C 5/22;
G02C 7/10;
IPC-7:
G02C 1/00;
G02C 5/16;
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| ECLA Code: |
G02C5/14F; G02C5/00; G02C5/22D8; G02C7/10A; S02C200/22;
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| U.S. Class: |
Current:
351/113;
351/158;
Original:
351/113;
351/158;
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| Field of Search: |
351/113,115,111,122,158,118,119,41
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| Priority Number: |
| 1996-12-09 |
US1996000762231 |
| 1996-05-15 |
US1996000647646 |
| 1993-09-10 |
US1993000120033 |
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| Abstract: |
A power and control system for micro-electronics is described, as for lightweight, battery-powered electrochromic (EC) eyewear. Preferably such system includes a primary, lithium-type cell and a secondary, sealed lead acid-type cell in a hybrid, power-sharing configuration capable of supplying the low-energy, high-current (pulse) drain requirements of microelectronics, e.g. a switchable EC lens. A switch-mode power supply controller manages the power-sharing load on the hybrid battery system such that the secondary cell is charged by the primary cell. The system is capable of meeting short-term pulse drain requirements of switching EC lenses from clear to fully darkened at an acceptably fast rate and long-term operating life requirements of approximately 1500 cycles. The invented lead acid-type battery preferably is elongate, of uniform, right-rectangular cross section and provides over 20 mA-hours' capacity and the invented lithium-type battery preferably also is elongate, of uniform, right-rectanglular cross section and provides over 180 mA-hours' capacity, all in a tiny volume compatible with one or more volume-restricted spaces. Preferably, the lithium-type and lead acid-type batteries are of approximately equal form factor and volume, for symmetric placement thereof in a void within either temple. The temples are hingedly connected with the eyewear's front piece via a unique leaf spring that biases the former into one of two orientations relative to the latter. Dual like-cell battery configurations also are disclosed, along with a flexible circuit defining one or more frame-mounted transmissivity switches. A microcontroller is described that fits within a tiny void formed in the eyewear's bridge. Finally an external, battery-powered battery charger case and circuit are described for use with EC eyewear powered by dual lead acid batteries.
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| Attorney, Agent or Firm: |
Stein, Irwin M. ;
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| Primary / Asst. Examiners: |
Dang, Hung X.;
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| Maintenance Status: |
E1 Expired Check current status
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| INPADOC Legal Status: |
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| Related Applications: |
| Application Number |
Filed |
Patent |
Pub. Date |
Title |
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| US1996000647646 | 1996-05-15 |
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| US1993000120033 | 1993-09-10 |
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| Parent Case: |
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/647,646, filed May 15, 1996 now abandoned, which is a continuation of of application Ser. No. 08/120,033, filed Sep. 10, 1993 now abandoned.
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| Family: |
None
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First Claim:
Show all 13 claims |
We claim:
1. An eyeglass frame having a front piece including a pair of lens rims, a corner block connected to and projecting rearwardly from each of said lens rims; a temple piece for connection to each of said corner blocks; each of said temple pieces having a front region with an end for connection to said corner block and a rear region having an ear piece; pivot means for pivotally connecting said end of said front region of said temple piece to said corner block; said front region of said temple piece having a top wall, a bottom wall spaced from said top wall, an inner side wall and an outer side wall spaced from said inner side wall, said side walls extending between said top wall and said bottom wall to form a hollow chamber in said temple piece for receiving a battery; a portion of said outer side wall forming a leaf spring, said leaf spring having a free terminal end flexible relative to said outer side wall; cam means on said corner block for contacting said free terminal end of said leaf spring when said temple piece is pivoted about said pivot means relative to said corner block; whereby said temple piece is pivotable between a folded position substantially adjacent to said front piece, a normal open position at a substantially 90° angle to said front piece and an overextended open position relative to said front piece at an angle in excess of 90°, wherein said free terminal end of said leaf spring contacts said cam means on said corner block when said temple piece is pivoted relative to said corner block to bias said temple piece into said normal open position from said overextended open position.
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| Background / Summary: |
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| Drawing Descriptions: |
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| Description: |
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| Forward References: |
Show 26 U.S. patent(s) that reference this one
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