Underwater, Waterproof, Or Water-resistant Camera Patents (Class 396/25)
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Publication number: 20130236166Abstract: In a waterproof case for a camera, a case body which accommodates a lens barrel includes a fixed cylindrical member detachably attached to a camera body, a rotating cylindrical member relatively rotatably connected to a front opening of the fixed cylindrical member, and a movable cylindrical member which is accommodated in the rotating cylindrical member and which can reciprocate. A first seal is provided on a bonding portion of the fixed cylindrical member and the camera body, a second seal is provided on a bonding portion of the fixed cylindrical member and the rotating cylindrical member, and a third seal is provided on a bonding portion between the rotating cylindrical member and the movable cylindrical member. An engaging surface which contacts with an outer surface of the zoom ring of the lens barrel is provided on an inner surface of the rotating cylindrical member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Yukio Enomoto, Hiromasa Yamagishi
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Patent number: 8532475Abstract: Disclosed herein is a camera module, including: a lens barrel having a plurality of lenses embedded therein to collect images of external subjects; a housing receiving the lens barrel; a sealing member provided between the lens barrel and the housing to seal a space therebetween; and a bonding part performing bonding treatment on a space between the lens barrel and the sealing member.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yong Gu Kim, Sang Jin Lee
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Publication number: 20130223827Abstract: A waterproof case used for a camera includes a case body accommodating the lens barrel, the case body includes a fixed cylindrical member detachably attached to the camera body, and a rotating cylindrical member rotatably connected to a front opening of the fixed cylindrical member coaxially with the fixed cylindrical member, a front opening of the rotating cylindrical member closed with a transparent plate, a first seal portion is provided on a bonding portion of the fixed cylindrical member to the camera body, a second seal portion provided on a bonding portion between the fixed cylindrical member and the rotating cylindrical member, and an inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylindrical member is provided with an engaging surface which comes into contact with an outer peripheral surface of the zoom ring of the lens barrel and which rotates the zoom ring integrally with the rotating cylindrical member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
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Publication number: 20130215253Abstract: An underwater interchangeable lens mount system with a lens mount integrated within an underwater housing for a motion picture camera. The lens mount includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The interchangeable lens mount is embedded in a watertight housing which provides more flexibility in using other types of lens mounts and avoids distortion in underwater photography due to a lens port. The interchangeable lens mount is designed to mount a submersible lens specifically designed for under water use. The interchangeable lens mount is adaptable to change with a wide variety of submersible lenses and acts as a camera's entire lens mount normally contained within a watertight housing. Two interchangeable lens mounts and two submersible lenses allow the motion picture cameras to make stereoscopic configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2012Publication date: August 22, 2013Inventor: Pawel Achtel
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Patent number: 8515269Abstract: A towable directed-view underwater camera carrier device for use while fishing includes a main body having a pair of outwardly projecting horizontal fins, an outward projecting vertical fin, a hydrodynamic bulbous nosecone at least one outward projecting guide fin for receiving a tow line, and a cavity for securely positioning a rear facing camera.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Inventors: Robert Bradley Londeree, Robert Douglas Londeree
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Publication number: 20130209079Abstract: A camera system includes a body defining a cavity therein, and a camera attached to the body within the cavity and including a lens. The camera system also includes a shape memory alloy transitionable between a first state and a second state in response to a thermal activation signal, and a wiper configured for wiping debris from the lens. The wiper is attached to the camera and is actuatable by the shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy transitions between the first state and the second state to actuate the wiper so that the wiper contacts and translates across the lens and thereby wipes debris from the lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicants: DYNALLOY, INC., GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, DYNALLOY, INC.
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Publication number: 20130188941Abstract: Disclosed is an underwater camera housing capable of receiving and holding a camera having an electronic viewfinder and a proximity sensor. The housing carries an element to optionally allow or substantially prevent the operation of the proximity sensor. In one embodiment the mechanism to optionally allow or substantially prevent the operation of the proximity sensor includes a material substantially non-reflective to electromagnetic waves emitted for receipt by the proximity sensor. In a second embodiment the mechanism to optionally allow or substantially prevent the operation of the proximity sensor includes a substantially reflective device able to reflect sufficient electromagnetic waves emitted for receipt by the proximity sensor away from the proximity sensor so as to substantially prevent operation of the proximity sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2013Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: NAUTICAM INTERNATIONAL LIMITEDInventor: Nauticam International Limited
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Publication number: 20130136436Abstract: A camera cover and camera capable of mitigating water drop and dirt adhesion and of ensuring image clarity are provided. A dome section of the camera cover includes, on its outer surface, a hydrophilic coating made of an inorganic material whose main component is a silicon compound. The thickness of the hydrophilic coating is 0.01 to 1 ?m. Surface roughness Ra of the hydrophilic coating is 0.06 ?m or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2012Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventor: PANASONIC CORPORATION
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Patent number: 8437630Abstract: A camera housing for underwater use comprising a turbulence-reducing design, a recess for mounting a camera, attachment means, and stabilizing outer shell and keel design.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2012Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Inventor: David Howard Wessner
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Patent number: 8399873Abstract: A waterproof sensing device including a base, a rear cover, a sensing module, and a lens is provided. The rear cover is selectively rotatably disposed on the base, wherein the rear cover has a side wall to enclose an accommodation space. The sensing module is disposed in the accommodation space. The lens covers the rear cover on the edge of the side wall of the rear cover and seals the accommodation space. A waterproof treatment is disposed between the lens and the edge of the side wall, such that moisture is prevented from intruding into the accommodation space to cause damage, no matter where the sensing device is disposed.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Emcom Technology Inc.Inventor: Chu-Li Wang
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Publication number: 20130051779Abstract: A towable directed-view underwater camera carrier device for use while fishing includes a main body having a pair of outwardly projecting horizontal fins, an outward projecting vertical fin, a hydrodynamic bulbous nosecone at least one outward projecting guide fin for receiving a tow line, and a cavity for securely positioning a rear facing camera.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Robert Bradley Londeree, Robert Douglas Londeree
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Publication number: 20130044999Abstract: A camera housing for underwater use comprising a turbulence-reducing design, a recess for mounting a camera, attachment means, and stabilizing outer shell and keel design.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Inventor: David H. Wessner
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Patent number: 8378210Abstract: A waterproof case for an electronic device includes a case portion configured to house an electronic device including a touch panel display, and an operation mechanism provided to the case portion and configured to operate the touch panel display of the electronic device, which is housed in the case portion, from an outside of the case portion. In the waterproof case, the operation mechanism includes a push button, a return spring configured to energize the push button toward the outside of the case portion, a moving lever configured to move in a pressing direction when the push button is pressed toward an inside of the case portion, and an operation lever configured to rotate in a direction approximately orthogonal to the pressing direction so as to bring a contact portion into contact with a predetermined region of the touch panel display when being pressed by the moving lever.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Maki Taguchi
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Publication number: 20130016960Abstract: A waterproof camera including an image capturing module, a shell and a plurality of control buttons. The image capturing module is provided for capturing an image, and further includes a lens, which is a prism type lens installed in the camera. The shell is provided for sealing and covering the whole camera, and includes a window component made of a transparent material and installed correspondingly to a position of image capturing module. The control buttons are arranged on the shell for controlling an operation of the camera and the control buttons are sealed with the shell to achieve the waterproof effect of the camera.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: ALTEK CORPORATIONInventor: Te-Wei Yang
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Patent number: 8319830Abstract: An ice fishing camera support device generally comprises a base portion that rotatably supports an indexed wheel. The support base generally comprises a circular top portion and downward-protruding side wall extending from the outer peripheral section of the top portion. A plurality of gripping teeth extend from the bottom surface of the side wall. The gripping teeth may be embedded into the ice surface to prevent the camera support device from sliding on the ice surface. The indexed wheel is centrally supported within the recessed section and may be freely rotated with respect to the support base. The support base and the indexed wheel comprise a slotted section which extends from their centers through their peripheral edges. An underwater camera cable is inserted into the slot, and the indexed wheel may be rotated with respect to the support base to precisely determine the angular orientation of the underwater camera.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Inventors: Paul G. Rahmer, Vall Iliev
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Patent number: 8265469Abstract: An operating mechanism for an underwater camera housing includes a shaft adapted to allow in use the shaft to pass through the wall of the underwater camera housing. A sealing element on the shaft allow in use the shaft to be sealed to the underwater camera housing in a substantially waterproof manner. A first pressure device is mounted on the shaft and positioned in use outside the underwater camera housing, and a second pressure device is associated with the shaft and positioned in use within the underwater camera housing. A torque adjustment element is provided between the first pressure device and the second pressure device such that in normal use any feel of resistance to movement of the second pressure device is increased when felt on the first pressure device.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Nauticam International LimitedInventor: Yuk Shing Lai
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Patent number: 8244118Abstract: A control system for an underwater camera housing, including a pin assembly within the housing wall. The pin has a clamp ring and a set of O-rings at an end of the pin. The pin is received into a well in the housing. A spring is received into a bushing also positioned within the well, with the pin inserted into the center of the spring, and the spring compressed against the seat of the bushing by the clamp ring. The pin is depress-able to contact a control button of the housed camera. The control system additionally includes a knob rotatably attached to the housing's exterior. The knob has a boss magnet to move a worker magnet positioned on the housing's interior. The knob is rotatable to move the boss magnet, and so move the worker magnet, to control functions of the housed camera.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventor: Gregg M. Stansbury
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Patent number: 8224167Abstract: An adjustment device including an enhanced underwater viewfinder having, in use, a substantially watertight body and including a plurality of prisms within the body, at least one of the prisms being moveable by element of a control mechanism operable from a position exterior of the body.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Nauticam International LimitedInventor: Yuk Shing Lai
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Patent number: 8204368Abstract: The device includes a lens port (1) for underwater photography attachable in use to housing. The port (1) has a control element which includes a knob (2) operable externally of the port (1) to engage and disengage a ring forming part of a camera lens positioned, in use, within the port (1). The construction will operate even if there is some misalignment between the port (1) and the lens during insertion of the lens into the port (1).Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Nauticam International LimitedInventor: Yuk Shing Lai
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Patent number: 8200074Abstract: An underwater camera apparatus for use in obtaining photograph images of underwater structures is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of a sealed box having a defined interior space with a transparent front face. A lens adaptor is mounted in an opening on the rear face of the box and a camera having a lens is mounted onto the lens adaptor. The box is provided with a removable cap plate allowable sealable access to the interior space of the box. The removable cap plate is used to fill the box with clear water to assist in making the apparatus buoyant neutral in an underwater environment.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2011Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Inventor: Paige Melancon
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Publication number: 20120134657Abstract: The invention relates to a floating periscope in particular for an underwater vehicle, comprising a floating container (5) having an elongate shape, one end of which is adapted to project above the water level and having means (6) for filming the environment, supported by a stabilized platform (8) which is in turn supported by gimbal suspension means (11), characterized in that the stabilized platform (8) is combined with at least one stabilizing rod (9) extending along the longitudinal axis of the container (5) and one end of which is combined with means forming a counterweight (10) for position stabilization.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: DCNSInventors: Patrick Louvet, Julie Aujoulat
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Patent number: 8150248Abstract: A camera mount is configured to attach a camera to a sports board. A camera is secured to the mount, which is secured to a sports board. The mount can secure to the sports board via an attachment device such as an embedded plug. The mount can be placed at the front or rear of the sports board. Furthermore, the mount can be configured to face either forwards or backwards to capture images and/or video from different viewpoints while participating in the board activity. Moreover, the mount includes a pivoting joint to allow a user to rotate the camera either upward or downward and then secure the camera at a fixed angle to capture images and/or video from different angles.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Woodman Labs, Inc.Inventor: Nicholas D. Woodman
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Publication number: 20110311210Abstract: An operating mechanism for an underwater camera housing includes a shaft adapted to allow in use the shaft to pass through the wall of the underwater camera housing. A sealing element on the shaft allow in use the shaft to be sealed to the underwater camera housing in a substantially waterproof manner. A first pressure device is mounted on the shaft and positioned in use outside the underwater camera housing, and a second pressure device is associated with the shaft and positioned in use within the underwater camera housing. A torque adjustment element is provided between the first pressure device and the second pressure device such that in normal use any feel of resistance to movement of the second pressure device is increased when felt on the first pressure device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: NAUTICAM INTERNATIONAL LIMITEDInventor: Yuk Shing LAI
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Patent number: 8027576Abstract: The invention comprises a method of and apparatus for coupling a lens port to a housing for an underwater camera. The method comprises the steps of providing an inwardly castellated ring and a co-operating outwardly castellated ring, the rings comprising part of or being positioned one on the housing and the other on the lens port. At least one of the rings is rotatable and the outwardly castellated ring can be passed through the inwardly castellated ring. Rotating at least one ring holds the outward castellations against the inward castellations to thereby hold the lens port to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Nauticam International LimitedInventor: Yuk Shing Lai
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Patent number: 8014656Abstract: A camera mount is configured to attach a camera to a sports board. A camera is secured to the mount, which is secured to a sports board. The mount can secure to the sports board via an attachment device such as an embedded plug. The mount can be placed at the front or rear of the sports board. Furthermore, the mount can be configured to face either forwards or backwards to capture images and/or video from different viewpoints while participating in the board activity. Moreover, the mount includes a pivoting joint to allow a user to rotate the camera either upward or downward and then secure the camera at a fixed angle to capture images and/or video from different angles.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Woodman LabsInventor: Nicholas D. Woodman
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Patent number: 7957640Abstract: A positioning device for a reference surface within a lens port having a longitudinal axis, where a reference surface element able to be extended substantially transversely across the port and withdrawn from the extended position are provided. A transverse movement element to effect such extension and withdrawal of the reference surface are provided and the transverse movement element is operable from a position external of the lens port. The device further includes a camera or camera housing with a reference element of this type associated therewith. The invention finds particular use in the field of underwater photography.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Nauticam International LimitedInventor: Yuk Shing Lai
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Publication number: 20110110653Abstract: A control system for an underwater camera housing, including a pin assembly within the housing wall. The pin has a clamp ring and a set of O-rings at an end of the pin. The pin is received into a well in the housing. A spring is received into a bushing also positioned within the well, with the pin inserted into the center of the spring, and the spring compressed against the seat of the bushing by the clamp ring. The pin is depress-able to contact a control button of the housed camera. The control system additionally includes a knob rotatably attached to the housing's exterior. The knob has a boss magnet to move a worker magnet positioned on the housing's interior. The knob is rotatable to move the boss magnet, and so move the worker magnet, to control functions of the housed camera.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 12, 2011Inventor: Gregg M. Stansbury
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Patent number: 7920163Abstract: A hermetically sealed digital electronic camera that is designed to operate both on land and underwater to great depths, and method of making same. The present invention is a camera which is hermetically sealed by being totally encapsulated, preferably by being cast in plastic, with no seals, holes, joints, penetrating pins, wires or other objects. Wireless means are used for communicating information, electrical power and control signals. The invention is impervious to atmospheric contamination and absolutely incapable of leaking under water to great depths and pressures. In an alternate embodiment camera optics are not encapsulated but are immersed in water when the encapsulated digital camera is placed in water.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Tessera International, Inc.Inventor: Philip Kossin
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Publication number: 20110064395Abstract: A combined structure of waterproof lens and waterproof camera for rapid and simple assembly and disassembly; it comprising: waterproof lens and waterproof camera; in particular: the locking portions, such as internal thread and groove, are arranged onto the hollow wall of a socket end of the waterproof lens, while snapping portions, such as external thread and retaining clip, are arranged around an embedding end of the waterproof camera; based on this structural design, the waterproof lens and waterproof camera can be combined easily by the matched locking portions and snapping portions, thus realizing rapid separation for subsequent efficient repair, maintenance and replacement.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2009Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventors: Sheng Jung CHANG, Liang-Chi Lin
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Patent number: 7894714Abstract: Taking lenses 11—4, 11—3, and 11—2 are housed in a lens frame 12. Then, the O-ring 13 is fitted into a groove 11—1a provided on the periphery of the taking lens 11—1, and the taking lens 11—1 is housed in the lens frame 12. Subsequently, an anterior surface 14b of a lens holder 14 in a screwing direction (directions of arrows P and P?) comes into contact with a wall surface 12b of the lens frame 12. Then, the lens holder 14 is gradually screwed into the lens frame 12. Thereby, a deformable portion 12c of the lens frame 12 on an O-ring 13 side of the wall surface 12b is deformed in such a direction (directions of arrows Q and Q?) as to press the O-ring 13.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Fujinon CorporationInventor: Naoki Sasaki
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Patent number: 7889982Abstract: The method and apparatus for a submersible electronic device provides an electronic device such as, for example, a digital camera (100), PDA, computer, or the like, which may comprise a user interface, a body (101), and an electronic assembly disposed within the body, the device being characterized in that the housing is completely filled with a perfluorocarbon (PFC) liquid, or a hydrofluoroether (HFE), or a perfluoropolyether (PFPE), or an aqueous coolant composition comprising a mixture of an alkylene glycol (such as propylene glycol), de-ionized water, and a corrosion inhibitor (such as benzotriazole). A method of introducing any of the aforementioned liquids into the device includes submersion into the liquid inside a vacuum chamber (150) so that air pockets are removed to provide total liquid dispersion into device cavities, and the like. The device is then sealed and removed from the chamber (150).Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Inventor: David J. Vondracek
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Patent number: 7889981Abstract: A weather-sealing structure of a lens barrel includes an inner annular member and an outer annular member which are concentrically arranged to be movable relative to each other, and a water-repellent ring made of synthetic leather which is impregnated with a water repellent, one of two sides of the water-repellent ring being fixed to one of an inner peripheral surface of the outer annular member and an outer peripheral surface of the inner annular member. The other of the two sides of the water-repellent ring includes a hair-implanted surface including a large number of hairs which is in contact with the other of the inner peripheral surface of the outer annular member and the outer peripheral surface of the inner annular member to be slidable thereon.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2008Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Hoya CorporationInventors: Makoto Ilkawa, Takahiro Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20110001834Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera device for outdoor photography and a method to capture wildlife photographs. The camera device comprises: a four sided block; a solar panel on the top side of the block, where the solar panel supplies power to the camera device; a camera lens on each side of the block; a sensor on each side of the block, where the sensor detects motion and activates the camera lens associated with said sensor; and a programming panel on each side of the block, where the programming panel may program the functionality of each camera and sensor. The camera device also includes adequate memory and a processor, where the memory stores photographs taken by each camera and the processor executes commands related to the functionality of each camera and sensor of the camera device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2009Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventors: STEPHANIE HERRELL, JASON HERRELL
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Publication number: 20100303455Abstract: An adjustment device including an enhanced underwater viewfinder having, in use, a substantially watertight body and including a plurality of prisms within the body, at least one of the prisms being moveable by element of a control mechanism operable from a position exterior of the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventor: YUK SHING LAI
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Patent number: 7835634Abstract: Embodiments of a dust-proof and water-proof enclosure for a camera. The enclosure includes first and second housings joined along a diagonal plane with a sealing element positioned on the diagonal plane between the two housings. An optical assembly is secured to at least one optoelectronic housing, and the optoelectronic housing is secured to a sidewall of the first housing. At least one electrical connector is secured to the sidewall of the second housing that is opposite the sidewall of the first housing to which the optoelectronic housing is secured when the first and second housing are joined.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Microscan Systems, Inc.Inventors: Cynthia Berend, Michael Philip Greenberg, Thomas J. Driscoll
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Patent number: 7831137Abstract: An image apparatus (10) for providing an adjusted image (474) of a scene (12) that includes an photo-emissive object (18) includes an apparatus frame (228), a capturing system (232), and a control system (236). The capturing system (232) captures a raw captured image (466) of the scene (12). The control system (236) identifies a captured photo-emissive object (418) in the raw captured image (466). Further, the control system (236) can perform a different level of image compensation on the captured photo-emissive object (418) than on other portions of the captured image (466). Stated in another fashion, the control system (236) can perform a first level of white balance correction on at a first region (482A) of the captured image (466) and can perform a second level of white balance correction on a second region (482B) of the captured image (466). With this design, the control system (236) can provide the adjusted image (474) having a more uniform and acceptable white balance correction.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2006Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Mark Takita
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Patent number: 7826729Abstract: An underwater camera assembly including a through hull housing having a passage extending therethrough. A flexible camera insert is positioned within the passage of the through hull housing and has a first end with a viewing window secured thereto, and a first sealing region for sealing the passage in a water tight manner.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Airmar Technology CorporationInventors: Robert M. Cullen, Stephen G. Boucher
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Patent number: 7760994Abstract: An image capturing apparatus (210) for capturing an image (214) of a scene (12) that is within a fluid (16) includes an apparatus frame (228), a capturing system (230), and a control system (236). The capturing system (230) captures the image (214). The control system (236) adjusts a color content of the captured image (214) based on at least one of a separation distance (SDist) between the image capturing apparatus (210) and a subject (20) of the scene (12); an apparatus depth (AD) of the image capturing apparatus (210) below a fluid surface (21); a subject depth (SDep) of the subject (20) below the fluid surface (21); or a fluid type of the fluid (16). Additionally, the image capturing apparatus (210) can include a depth sensor (234) that provides an apparatus depth signal that corresponds to the apparatus depth (AD) of the image capturing apparatus (210).Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Mark Takita
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Patent number: 7756405Abstract: An interchangeable lens selectively mountable to a first-type camera body and a second-type camera body, the first-type camera body including a first mount ring to which the interchangeable lens is mountable, the second-type camera body including a second mount ring to which the interchangeable lens is mountable, an outer diameter of the second mount ring being smaller than an outer diameter of the first mount ring. The interchangeable lens includes an annular packing made of a resilient material. An inner peripheral surface of the annular packing is positioned radially outside the second mount ring when the interchangeable lens is mounted to the second-type camera body. The inner peripheral surface of the annular packing is positioned radially inside an outer peripheral surface of the first mount ring when the interchangeable lens is mounted to the first-type camera body.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Hoya CorporationInventor: Makoto Iikawa
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Patent number: 7751136Abstract: In the lens assembly, ventilation channels 15b1, 15c1, 15d1, and 15e1 passing between an object-side opening 15—1 and an image-side opening 15—2 of a barrel 15 are formed by processing inner surfaces 15b, 15c, and 15d of the barrel 15 and a surface 15e of the barrel 15. Thereby, when a taking lens 11 of a first group having an O-ring 16 fitted thereto is mounted into the barrel 15, air in the barrel 15 is pushed out from the image-side opening 15—2 of the barrel 15 through the ventilation channels 15b1, 15c1, 15d1, and 15e1.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Fujinon CorporationInventor: Naoki Sasaki
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Patent number: 7751696Abstract: A camera according to the present invention has a housing that has a first hole and a second hole, a microphone, a loudspeaker, and a waterproof sheet that covers the microphone and the loudspeaker, and allows air-vibration to be transmitted. The microphone is arranged in the housing, in accordance with a position of the first hole. The loudspeaker is arranged in the housing, in accordance with a position of the second hole. The loudspeaker and the microphone are adjacent to each other, and the waterproof sheet is constructed as one-piece sheet.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2005Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Hoya CorporationInventor: Hisashi Tatamiya
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Publication number: 20100142936Abstract: The invention comprises a method of and apparatus for coupling a lens port to a housing for an underwater camera. The method comprises the steps of providing an inwardly castellated ring and a co-operating outwardly castellated ring, the rings comprising part of or being positioned one on the housing and the other on the lens port. At least one of the rings is rotatable and the outwardly castellated ring can be passed through the inwardly castellated ring. Rotating at least one ring holds the outward castellations against the inward castellations to thereby hold the lens port to the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventor: Yuk Shing LAI
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Publication number: 20100135647Abstract: The device includes a lens port (1) for underwater photography attachable in use to housing. The port (1) has a control element which includes a knob (2) operable externally of the port (1) to engage and disengage a ring forming part of a camera lens positioned, in use, within the port (1). The construction will operate even if there is some misalignment between the port (1) and the lens during insertion of the lens into the port (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2009Publication date: June 3, 2010Inventor: Yuk Shing LAI
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Patent number: 7702226Abstract: An apparatus includes a planar member having a first planar surface, a hollow body having first and second end openings, and a window. The planar member is configured to receive a device mounted on the first planar surface and surrounded by at least a track of a first material having a first hardness affixed to the first planar surface. The hollow body has a sharp edge at the second end along a planar section of the hollow body. The hollow body comprises a second material with a second hardness equal to or greater than the first hardness. The window encloses the hollow body first end forming an enclosure interior region configured to surround the device. The window provides the transmission of light into or out of the interior region. The hollow body second end is urged against the first material to form a hermetically sealed enclosure around the device.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Siimpel CorporationInventor: Roman C. Gutierrez
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Patent number: 7660057Abstract: Areas 11—1a, being in contact with an O-ring 13, of an outer peripheral surface of a taking lens 11—1 and an area 12a, being in contact with the O-ring 13, of an inner surface of a lens frame 12 are formed in taper shapes having slopes with respect to an optical axis of the taking lens 11—1 in a section taken along a plane including the optical axis. The O-ring 13 is disposed in contact with the areas 11—1a and 12a, which are formed in the taper shapes, of both of the outer peripheral surface of the taking lens 11—1 and the inner surface of the lens frame 12. Also, the O-ring 13 is pressed in directions of arrows P and P? by the outer peripheral surface of the taking lens 11—1 and the inner surface of the lens frame 12.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Fujinon CorporationInventors: Naoki Sasaki, Takeshi Yamada
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Patent number: 7627235Abstract: An environmental protection system features a clear spinning curved volumetric enclosure to shed and throw off environmental contaminants such as rain, fog and dust that would affect a sensor image. The described design is especially suitable for cameras with extremely wide fields of view, such as panoramic or immersive cameras. Alternate forms of volumetric enclosures are described for different lens arrangements in compound camera systems. In all of these embodiments it is possible to keep the cover and the mechanism spinning it invisible to the cameras. An additional modification of the shape of the volumetric enclosure is described that prevents any accumulation of liquid drops within the fields of view of the sensors within the spinning volumetric enclosure. Alternate forms of construction with air and magnetic bearings are described for smoother and quieter operation of the spinning enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Immersive Media CompanyInventors: David McCutchen, Craig Adkins
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Patent number: 7620303Abstract: An ice fishing underwater camera holder is disclosed which is used for holding the camera at a desired depth and rotating the camera to the desired viewing area. The camera holder comprises a disk for setting over a hole in the ice. The disk having a slot for passing a cable through and for holding the cable by use of a plurality of cleats aligned on the top of the disk for winding the cable between the cleats. To adjust the length of the cable, the cable can be removed from the cleats and the length of cable passing through the slot adjusted before winding the cable through the cleats. The cable has a camera on one end to view fish or other objects below the ice. To turn the camera to a desired position for viewing the disk is rotated thus turning the cable to align the camera.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Reel Sport Creations, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence D. Waddell, James P. Loe, D. Michael Lillquist, Steven J. Lundeen
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Patent number: 7616880Abstract: There is disclosed an adapter ring for rotation of a photographing lens barrel, the adapter ring being fitted into an outer periphery of the photographing lens barrel, the adapter ring being rotated through engaging with a ratchet wheel having a plurality of pawls which ratchet wheel rotates in conjunction with a dial disposed in a waterproof protector. This adapter ring has: a plurality of first projecting portions arranged in a predetermined angle range around an optical axis in the outer periphery to engage with the pawls of the ratchet wheel; and a plurality of second projecting portions which are the same plurality of projecting portions as the plurality of first projecting portions, the second projecting portions being arranged in a predetermined angle range but out of the predetermined angle range of the plurality of the first projecting portions.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2006Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Olympus Imaging Corp.Inventors: Hideo Shirako, Shinichi Watanabe
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Patent number: 7613386Abstract: A waterproof case for containing a portable device including at least one operation part offset in a direction perpendicular to an inserting direction of the portable device into the case body of the waterproof case, includes at least one operation part that operatively cooperates with the at least one operation part of the portable device, and a moving and holding device that moves the portable device in a direction perpendicular to the inserting direction of the portable device after the portable device is inserted into the case body and that holds the portable device in a moved position so as to operatively cooperate the at least one operation part of the portable device with the at least one operation part of the case body.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Shimamura
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Patent number: 7609322Abstract: An imaging apparatus having an opening of a front casing caulked with a pressure member. An O-ring is used for caulking the front casing and is designed to have an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first lens, and an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the pressure member. When the pressure member is screw fitted, the O-ring is compressed. Thus, a clearance formed by the edge portion of the first lens and the inner wall surface of the pressure member is caulked by the deformation of the O-ring occurring when the O-ring is pressed.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Kyocera CorporationInventor: Hideki Takada