Underwater, Waterproof, Or Water-resistant Camera Patents (Class 396/25)
  • Patent number: 7599614
    Abstract: Camera apparatuses, systems and methods are provided having particular application with marine propulsion mechanisms. In one aspect, a camera apparatus can include a housing that can have an external airfoil configuration. The camera apparatus can be mounted on a marine propulsion mechanism, such as a marine outboard engine, and can be used to see images of and monitor the engine. A water intake on the outboard engine can be particularly viewed and monitored, even during operation of the engine with a boat at high speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Mark R. Droubie
  • Publication number: 20090245766
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Naoki Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20090245767
    Abstract: A lens assembly is provided and includes: a plurality of lenses including a first lens located nearest to an object side of the lens assembly and a second lens located adjacent to the first lens; and a lens frame having a hollow part which includes an opening on each of an object side and an image forming side of the lens assembly and into which the plurality of lenses are inserted with their optical axes aligned. Liquid is sealed in a part between the first lens and the second lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Yuya Sakai, Koichi Kato
  • Publication number: 20090195667
    Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, the camera system for a weapon includes a camera subsystem, a mounting mechanism adapted to mount to the weapon, a bushing located between the camera subsystem and the mounting mechanism and adapted to reduce the propagation of undesirable motion and vibrations from the weapon to the camera subsystem, and an end cap connected to the bushing and selectively fastenable to the proximal end of the camera subsystem. The camera subsystem preferably has a distal end and a proximal end and including an image sensor located at the distal end and a memory device connected to the image sensor and accessed from the proximal end. The end cap preferably facilitates a waterproof seal of the memory device when fastened to the camera subsystem and allows access to the memory device when not fastened to the camera subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald Charles Schofield, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090092385
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Airmar Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Cullen, Stephen G. Boucher
  • Patent number: 7512326
    Abstract: Artificial foliage is described for use in camouflaging underwater structures, and/or for serving as cover vegetation which attracts aquatic life. A preferred version of the artificial foliage includes an elongated stem having shoots (e.g., leaves and/or branches) extending therefrom, a ballast weight connected to one of the stem ends, and a float and/or tensioning line connected to the opposite stem end for supporting the stem at least partially upright in the water above the ballast. The ballast may take a variety of forms, such as a conventional fishing sinker, sinkable structures such as bait traps or anchors, or an underwater camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventors: John T. Eldredge, Charles L. Eldredge, Michael J. Laqua
  • Patent number: 7495703
    Abstract: A surveillance camera comprising a camera mounted in a housing, a trim ring and dome assembly, a flexible member and a clamping member. The housing and the trim ring and dome assembly have first and second surfaces. One of the first surface of the housing and the first surface of the trim ring and dome assembly has an indentation, and the flexible member is positioned in the indentation. The clamping member can be tightened and is shaped to contact the second surface of the housing and the second surface of the assembly such that when the clamping member is tightened the clamping member causes the housing and the assembly to compress the flexible member so that the flexible member provides a seal between the housing and the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Pelco, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Arbuckle
  • Patent number: 7477839
    Abstract: A waterproof housing is provided with an engaging member that can engage with rotary members provided respectively on a plurality of cameras. The rotary members can be rotated from the outside of the waterproof housing. Accordingly, the plurality of cameras can be stored and operated selectively in a single waterproof housing. For example, the engaging member can be configured in such a manner that a plurality of multiple recessed portions are provided concentrically so that each one of the plurality of rotary members can be fitted to any one of the recessed portion out of the multiple recessed portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Olympus Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Funahashi, Shinichi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20090010629
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: David J. Vondracek
  • Publication number: 20080317451
    Abstract: The Traveling Camera Apparatus for Surfing is embodied to film and photograph a surfer in motion on a breaking wave. The Traveling Camera Apparatus for Surfing is intended to have a full range of motion with functionality in 6 degrees of freedom and with the ability to operate in and out of the water. The advent for such an apparatus is motivated by the advance of the surfing photography/videography industry. The economic feasibility of the invention is spawned by the advent of wavepools equipped with breaking wave making devices that impart to creating breaking waves for surfing in a controlled environment. In such a wavepool a surfer may travel an entire length of the wavepool as permitted by the propagation of the breaking wave. The Traveling Camera Apparatus for Surfing shall be designed to follow along side the subject and create a multitude of images not possible if the camera were stationary in the wavepool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Justin Enjo
  • Patent number: 7460770
    Abstract: An underwater housing for containing a monitoring device includes a tubular housing body having a front end formed with an inward flange. The inward flange has a rear side surface formed with an annular groove defined by a groove-defining wall. A transparent plate is disposed fixedly within the housing body, and is located behind and adjacent to the inward flange. An annular water seal is disposed within the annular groove and in contact with the inward flange and an outer peripheral portion of the front side surface of the transparent plate so as to establish a watertight seal between the transparent plate and the housing body. An annular cover is disposed fixedly and fittingly within the inward flange, and has a rear end in contact with the front side surface of the transparent plate and in proximity to the water seal for covering the water seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: National Applied Research Laboratories National Center for High-Performance Computing
    Inventors: Kuen-Yu Huang, Yao-Tsung Wang, Po-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 7454128
    Abstract: An exterior vehicle camera is disclosed for monitoring an operating area of a vehicle comprising a camera housing with a camera module having a camera electronics, and camera optics carried within the housing. A recording opening is formed in the camera housing facing toward a recording direction. A transparent recording window covers the recording opening, and is disposed adjacent a recording end of the camera optics. The camera housing and the recording window are formed from plastic materials having sufficiently identical thermal characteristics so that formation of condensation is reduced within the housing at the recording window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Jochen Bauer, Martin Ell
  • Patent number: 7426339
    Abstract: A waterproof housing for storing a camera with a lens barrel includes, a cylindrical lens barrel storage section for storing the lens barrel portion with a through hole communicating the outside and inside of the waterproof housing; and a rotatable cylindrical operation ring supported on an outer periphery of the cylindrical lens barrel storage section and provided to enclose an outer periphery of a rotary ring on the stored lens barrel for rotating the same. The waterproof housing also includes a transmitting member in the hole on an outer wall of the cylindrical lens barrel storage section connected to the rotary ring for directly transmitting rotation of the operation ring thereto, and a waterproof member between the outside of the cylindrical lens barrel storage section and an inner periphery of the operation ring for waterproof between the interior and the exterior of the cylindrical lens barrel storage section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuo Takanashi
  • Patent number: 7426338
    Abstract: The present invention provides a switch mechanism usable underwater including a rear cover serving as an exterior member, two shaft members being displaceable in a shaft direction and fitting into two shaft holes having the same cross-sectional area provided in the rear cover, an O-ring watertightly maintaining the shaft member and the shaft hole, and a lever member being engaged with the two shaft members in a manner to be capable of pressing-down or pulling-up the shaft member, and being configured to balance water pressure applied to one shaft member with that applied to the other shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Olympus Imaging Corp.
    Inventors: Naoki Matsumoto, Ikko Mori, Tsuyoshi Hirabayashi
  • Patent number: 7418198
    Abstract: An underwater housing includes a housing body for containing an electronic device, a seal cap for sealing a rear end opening of the housing body, and a spacer member for dividing a space between the housing body and the seal cap into a cable chamber and an accommodating chamber. The seal cap includes an annular front cap element connected fixedly and sealingly to the housing body, and a rear cap element disposed fixedly and fittingly within the rear end of the front cap element. The rear cap element has a hole permitting an electrical cable to sealingly extend therethrough. The spacer member includes a spacer body disposed sealingly in said seal cap, and a plurality of conductive terminals extending sealingly through the spacer body and interconnecting electrically the electronic device and the electrical cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: National Applied Research Laboratories National Center for High Center for High-Performance Computing
    Inventors: Paul Juan, Kuen-Yu Huang
  • Publication number: 20080192114
    Abstract: A wearable, waterproof or water-resistant digital camera. The camera may be combined with a sport or athletic device such as swimming or diving mask or goggles. The frame for the goggles may also provide a waterproof housing that has internal compartments for camera-related elements or components. One or more compartments may be openable to afford user access as for changing a battery or memory card. One or more compartments may be permanently sealed, which minimizes risk of the water leaking in. “Access” to the permanently sealed compartment can then be achieved by use of a separate, external control or operating unit such a one using wireless technology. In one presently preferred form, the frame may have sides that are located adjacent to the temples of the user, which lowers and redistributes the weight of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Kent D. Pearson, Melanie A. Pearson
  • Publication number: 20080170843
    Abstract: An accessory device mountable to an accessory shoe of an image-pickup apparatus includes a contact member electrically connecting with the accessory shoe, a lock mechanism allowing a lock operation for fixing the accessory device to the accessory shoe and an unlock operation for releasing the fix of the accessory device, a drip-proof member contacting the image-pickup apparatus to form a drip-proof space around the contact member and the accessory shoe. In response to the lock operation, the drip-proof member is moved to a first position where the drip-proof member is allowed to be brought into contact with the image-pickup apparatus. In response to the unlock operation, the drip-proof member is moved to a second position where the drip-proof member is retracted from the first position. The drip-proof member has a shape such that a length of a rear-end-side portion is longer than that of the front-end-side portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenichirou Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20080170154
    Abstract: A head removable camera includes a signal input/output cable having a distal end, a housing including a rear end to which the signal input/output cable is connected and a front end formed with an opening, an image pickup device housed in the housing, a lens unit housed in the housing so as to be disposed in front of the image pickup device, a first cap attached to the opening of the housing front end and including a front glass fitted therein, and a second cap in which a predetermined conversion lens is fitted, the second cap being attached to the opening of the housing front end instead of the first cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Yamada, Takeshi Yoshida, Ken Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20080131106
    Abstract: A camera mounting system for enabling a person to take pictures or videos hands-free in a wet environment with a water-proof camera is disclosed. The camera is of the type having preferably an electric one or two-position switch actuator. A water-proof actuation cable is connected at one end to a shutter actuation connector that is interconnected to the camera actuator. The other end of the actuation cable terminates in a mouth-actuated shutter control, such as a bite or tongue switch. A head mounting means, such as a helmet, is included for mounting the camera thereon, and has an inside surface, an outside surface, and an aperture therethrough. A longitudinal axis of the aperture is generally either vertical or horizontal when the helmet is worn by an upright person looking forward. As such, the orientation of the person's head can be used to judge the orientation of the camera mounted on such a helmet, the camera being mounted to take normally landscape or portrait oriented photos or videos.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Scott Alden Bruce
  • Publication number: 20080075442
    Abstract: A small-diameter positioning tube is formed in an external wall surface of a housing (upper case and lower case) that is a constructional element of a camera body via a stepped part. When the camera body is attached to a mounting base using screws, a positioning tube is fitted into an opening, and the stepped part is caused to abut on an outer peripheral edge of an upper surface of the opening. In this state, the screws are fastened so that the fastening force of the screws can be received by an abutting part between the stepped part and the opening. If the invention is constructed in this way, the fastening force of the screws does not directly act on the lens holding member that is received and fixed inside the housing, even if the camera body is firmly attached to the mounting base by the fastening force of the screws, any distortion caused in the lens holding member or a lens can be relieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Tatsumaro Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20070292118
    Abstract: A housing may include a first portion that includes a window configured to allow a lens to capture images viewed through the window, and a first mating surface. The housing may include a second portion that includes a second mating surface adapted to mate with the first mating surface to form a watertight seal, at least one button to provide a signal to a terminal supported in the second portion, and a receiving surface on an inner surface of the second portion adapted to receive an insert, where the insert is adapted to be removeably coupled to the receiving surface on a first side and to receive the terminal via a second side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventor: Eva Matilda TRÃFF
  • Patent number: 7263284
    Abstract: A protective housing assembly for a camera has a carrier member securable to a support, a tubular protective member detachably secured at a rear end to the carrier member, and a front end cap detachably secured to a front end of the tubular protective member, the front end cap having a transparent window. The carrier member has a camera mounting member which enables a camera to be detachably secured thereto whereby the camera is located within the tubular protective member and oriented to receive light from the exterior through the transparent window of the front end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventors: Ron Pakalns, Vito Cappelli
  • Patent number: 7066662
    Abstract: An enclosure for a wildlife surveillance system includes a base configured to support at least a portion of the surveillance system, and a cover coupled to the base. In addition, the enclosure includes a means for minimizing light generated by the surveillance system within the enclosure from interacting with the surveillance system. The means can be a foam insert disposed intermediate the surveillance system and an inside surface of the cover to minimize light reflected from the inside surface from interacting with the surveillance system. The enclosure can also include a cable having first and second opposed ends, and the base includes at least one cavity supported by the base and configured to receive at least one of the first and second opposed ends of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Non Typical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Cuddeback, Steven S. Heinold
  • Patent number: 7060921
    Abstract: The index finger of the right hand of the user is applied to a front surface of a fixed knob, the thumb of the right hand is applied to a rear surface of a movable knob, and the movable knob is slid by the thumb forwardly toward the fixed knob. When the movable knob is slid, a locking member moves forwardly in unison with the movable knob away from engaging surfaces of walls, whereupon opposite ends of the locking member disengage from the engaging surfaces of the walls. A buckle is now swingable out of a cavity about a pivot shaft. Then, the user grips the fixed knob and the movable knob and lifts the free end of the buckle to erect the buckle, and thereafter opens a front case member and a rear case member away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Kubo
  • Patent number: 7050712
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Shimamura
  • Patent number: 6996338
    Abstract: A lens protection mechanism, comprising: a rotating transparent disc; and at least one counter rotating object whose rotation substantially cancels out angular momentum caused by the rotation of the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Spintech Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel Sherwin
  • Patent number: 6987527
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Philip Kossin
  • Patent number: 6909845
    Abstract: The invention is a camera line support device, adapted for use in an ice fishing hole. The camera line support device includes a cylindrical sleeve member having an inner surface, an outer surface, an open top end and an open bottom end. A sleeve support member is secured to the sleeve member's outer surface adjacent the open top end thereof. A protruding tab member extends from the cylindrical sleeve member, the tab member having a slot therein adapted to accept a video camera cable line therein, with the cable line extending through the cylindrical sleeve member. A stop on the cable line contacts the protruding tab member to suspend the video camera at a selected depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: Marvin V. Schillinger
  • Patent number: 6795110
    Abstract: A digital electronic camera is hermetically sealed in a housing, typically inexpensive clear plastic. Digital electrical signals for downloading image information from the camera are converted to radio or, more preferably, infrared optical signals. These signals are communicated through the radiation-transparent housing to an external radio transceiver or infrared adapter connected to a personal computer. The bi-directional pc-to-camera communication is typically completely opaque to the picture-capturing pc and to its operating software. Electrical operation of the digital camera's shutter circuit is through the sealed housing by manually moving a magnet relative to an internal sensor, typically a Hall-effect sensor or a reed switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Philip Kossin
  • Publication number: 20040165873
    Abstract: An enclosure for a wildlife surveillance system includes a base configured to support at least a portion of the surveillance system, and a cover coupled to the base. In addition, the enclosure includes a means for minimizing light generated by the surveillance system within the enclosure from interacting with the surveillance system. The means can be a foam insert disposed intermediate the surveillance system and an inside surface of the cover to minimize light reflected from the inside surface from interacting with the surveillance system. The enclosure can also include a cable having first and second opposed ends, and the base includes at least one cavity supported by the base and configured to receive at least one of the first and second opposed ends of the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Mark J. Cuddeback, Steven S. Heinold
  • Patent number: 6751409
    Abstract: The exterior case of an electronic appliance is integrally molded by two-color molding or insert molding with a hard resin and a soft resin. A front case part and a back case part of the exterior case is formed of the hard resin, and a connecting part between the front case part and the back case part is formed of the soft resin. The front case part and the back case part are assembled into a case-like shape by bending the connecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wataru Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6744980
    Abstract: An enclosure for a wildlife surveillance system includes a base configured to house the surveillance system, and a cover coupled to the base. In addition, the enclosure includes a locking assembly that secures the enclosure to a mounting structure. The locking assembly prevents removal of the enclosure from the mounting structure without opening the cover of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a cable having first and second opposed ends, and the base includes at least one cavity supported by the base and configured to receive at least one of the first and second opposed ends of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Non Typical Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J Cuddeback, Steven S. Heinold
  • Patent number: 6738570
    Abstract: A lens apparatus or optical instrument having a lens apparatus including a holding member that holds and moves a lens or a lens group in an optical axis direction, the holding member having a vent providing ventilation between the interior and the exterior of the lens apparatus, a water-repellent microporous member that covers the vent, and an appearance member disposed on the holding member, with a clearance provided between the appearance member and the holding member, so as to shield the water-repellent microporous member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuru Shinohara, Jun Sugita, Shigeki Satoh
  • Patent number: 6731867
    Abstract: A lens protecting mechanism (104), comprising: a transparent disc (122) having a rim (118); a plurality of wheels that engage and support the rim; and at least one motor, coupled to at least one of said wheels to apply rotational force to said disc (122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Spintech Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel Sherwin
  • Patent number: 6728480
    Abstract: A casing for encasing equipment installed outdoors, such as a monitoring camera, includes a bottom having a drain hole formed through the bottom. The drain hole includes a first part and a second part having a larger inner diameter than the first part. The second part is open at an underside of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Elmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruo Maeda, Kenichi Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20040076415
    Abstract: A watertight universal housing (1) which allows video cameras, or other electronic devices, to be operated under-water. The term “universal” is intended to indicate the housing's suitability for use with a range of different video cameras or other electronic devices. The watertight universal housing has a sealable internal cavity (3) which is adapted to receive a remotely controllable electronic device (4), a programmable controller (6): and an electromagnetic signal transmitter (5) in the housing which is controlled by the programmable controller. The programmable controller is designed to receive a command to control the remotely controllable electronic device from a command providing device (8). The controller then causes the electromagnetic signal transmitter to selectively transmit electromagnetic signals corresponding to that command to the remotely controllable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Robert J. Da Silva
  • Patent number: 6707761
    Abstract: A real-time, three dimensional, acoustical camera and a real-time, range-gated, intensified, electro-optical camera have substantially overlapping fields of view for co-registered imaging of underwater objects at close ranges. The system is typically mounted in an unmanned underwater vehicle but may be used in other fixed or mobile configurations. The coupled fields of view are steerable in an arc around at least one axis over a large field of regard with a servo-controlled rotating mirror system, while the vehicle or the target is moving or hovering. An automated target recognition system uses the multi-modality images to provide enhanced target recognition and/or autonomous operation in unmanned missions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information & Electronic Systems Integration INC
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Erikson
  • Patent number: 6643456
    Abstract: The invention provides an environmental shroud (190, 290, 390) and a camera assembly (10, 20, 30) including the shroud. The environmental shroud (190, 290, 390) absorbs and dissipates heat energy that is not reflected and heat energy that is generated by the contents of the camera housing so that the camera housing temperature does not exceed the maximum rated temperature. In one embodiment, the camera assembly includes a camera housing (130) having a mounting cap (140) attached to sidewalls (126) to which is attached an optical surface (135), the camera housing enclosing a camera system; and an environmental shroud (190) attached to the camera housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch, GmbH
    Inventors: Christopher J. Ryan, Theodore L. Jones
  • Patent number: 6597865
    Abstract: By pushing down a shutter release operation member (9), that is mounted on a front of a waterproof case of a waterproof type lens-fitted photo film unit, a release lever (70) is caused to rotate through a rotary shaft (71) that is put through a front wall of the waterproof case. Thereby, the release lever directly pushes an arresting member (59) through an opening (19c) provided on a front side of a unit body (3), releasing a shutter drive member (51) as having been arrested in a cocked position by the arresting member (59), and thus causing a shutter blade (45) to make an open-close movement. The waterproof case consists of a pair of case members that are put on the unit body from its front and rear sides, and are joined to each other by engagement. An elastic waterproof ring is force-fitted in a gap of the joint between the case members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Negishi, Hirofumi Katsura
  • Publication number: 20030128973
    Abstract: A lens apparatus or optical instrument having a lens apparatus including a holding member that holds and moves a lens or a lens group in an optical axis direction, the holding member having a vent providing ventilation between the interior and the exterior of the lens apparatus, a water-repellent microporous member that covers the vent, and an appearance member disposed on the holding member, with a clearance provided between the appearance member and the holding member, so as to shield the water-repellent microporous member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuru Shinohara, Jun Sugita, Shigeki Satoh
  • Patent number: 6574433
    Abstract: An apparatus for placing a camera therein for use underwater includes a waterproof housing, a door, and a flat panel that is disposed at one end of the housing, the flat panel being transparent and extending throughout the one end. The camera includes a viewing lens that is adapted for placement adjacent the flat panel. A CD or cassette tape player provides a source of sound that is played through a pair of speakers for simultaneous recording of sound and images on a videocamera. A push button waterproof switch is attached to a cable, the cable is adapted for placement over a record button of the videocamera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Frank Stuempfl
  • Patent number: 6567614
    Abstract: A camera casing of the present invention is an integral two-color molded product whose case main body (32) consists of a transparent rigid resin layer (32a) and an opaque rigid resin layer (32b). Essential parts of the camera are exposed through the transparent resin layer (32a), so the camera may be operated from outside the casing. The casing is collected and melted as a whole without discriminating between the transparent rigid resin and the opaque rigid resin, to be recycled as a material for the opaque resin layer (32b) when the case main body is newly formed by two-color injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Negishi, Keiji Uchiyama, Mitsuro Kamata, Toshio Sata
  • Patent number: 6516145
    Abstract: A waterproof camera includes a camera body having an actuation member that actuates an internal mechanism when pressed. A waterproof case is arranged to contain the camera body in a watertight fashion, with an opening arranged to face the actuation member and a stepped portion around the opening on an inside wall of the waterproof case. A resilient operation member having a button portion exposed to the outside through the opening has a mounting portion which fits on the stepped portion around the opening. The operation member can be resiliently deformed to press the actuation member when the button portion is depressed. A supporting member pushes the mounting portion against the stepped portion from inside the waterproof case, so as to secure the operation member. In one embodiment, the supporting member is fixed on the camera body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiji Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 6507700
    Abstract: A waterproof camera has a waterproofing camera case (front and rear cases) and a lens barrel secured within the camera case. Within the lens barrel, there is formed a lens-containing space communicating to a front opening thereof. A group of lenses for wide-angle imaging are arranged in the space. A front lens of the lenses is placed to cover the opening, so that the front lens serves in common as a sealing member. An annular protrusion of tip of the lens barrel is caulked inside by thermal welding. An O-ring is inserted between an outer cylindrical surface of the front lens and an inner wall cylindrical surface of the lens barrel. Another O-ring is inserted between an outer cylindrical surface of tip of the lens barrel and an inner cylindrical surface of tip of the front case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironobu Takekuma, Masami Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6505005
    Abstract: To provide a camera in which the parts can be easily assembled, with appearance parts such as a window for a range-measuring unit fixed without being deformed, and which has preferably a-fine impression, the present invention proposes a camera comprising exterior parts for covering essential parts of a camera body, a first appearance part attached to the exterior parts, and a second appearance part attached to the exterior parts. The first appearance part is. arranged on the exterior parts and the second appearance part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keita Takahashi, Hiroyuki Ando, Nobuyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6483991
    Abstract: A tablet shaped catalyst is disposed on an upper portion inside a waterproof housing. The catalyst, which is comprised of palladium, accelerates a chemical reaction for combining hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The catalyst begins accelerating the chemical reaction just after contacting with hydrogen gas. By disposing said catalyst on an upper position inside the waterproof housing, hydrogen gas, lighter than the air, is effectively removed. This chemical reaction causes to generate water, so it is preferable to provide a water absorbent by the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Uchiyama, Kenji Negishi, Yukito Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6466741
    Abstract: A waterproof camera includes a camera body having an actuation member that actuates an internal mechanism when pressed. A waterproof case is arranged to contain the camera body in a watertight fashion, with an opening arranged to face the actuation member and a stepped portion around the opening on an inside wall of the waterproof case. A resilient operation member having a button portion exposed to the outside through the opening has a mounting portion which fits on the stepped portion around the opening. The operation member can be resiliently deformed to press the actuation member when the button portion is depressed. A supporting member pushes the mounting portion against the stepped portion from inside the waterproof case, so as to secure the operation member. In one embodiment, the supporting member is fixed on the camera body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiji Uchiyama
  • Publication number: 20020094198
    Abstract: A waterproof camera includes a camera body having an actuation member that actuates an internal mechanism when pressed. A waterproof case is arranged to contain the camera body in a watertight fashion, with an opening arranged to face the actuation member and a stepped portion around the opening on an inside wall of the waterproof case. A resilient operation member having a button portion exposed to the outside through the opening has a mounting portion which fits on the stepped portion around the opening. The operation member can be resiliently deformed to press the actuation member when the button portion is depressed. A supporting member pushes the mounting portion against the stepped portion from inside the waterproof case, so as to secure the operation member. In one embodiment, the supporting member is fixed on the camera body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiji Uchiyama
  • Publication number: 20020094199
    Abstract: A waterproof camera includes a camera body having an actuation member that actuates an internal mechanism when pressed. A waterproof case is arranged to contain the camera body in a watertight fashion, with an opening arranged to face the actuation member and a stepped portion around the opening on an inside wall of the waterproof case. A resilient operation member having a button portion exposed to the outside through the opening has a mounting portion which fits on the stepped portion around the opening. The operation member can be resiliently deformed to press the actuation member when the button portion is depressed. A supporting member pushes the mounting portion against the stepped portion from inside the waterproof case, so as to secure the operation member. In one embodiment, the supporting member is fixed on the camera body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiji Uchiyama
  • Publication number: 20020085841
    Abstract: In a camera to which the present invention is applied, a camera body having a pop-up ST unit attached thereto is sandwiched between front and back covers. A plugged rubber arranged inside the back cover is pressed by a front cover rib provided on the front cover in the state in which the front and back covers are joined to each other, whereby the front and back covers are kept liquid-tight to each other. Moreover, an ST rubber arranged on the periphery of the ST body is pressed by the front cover rib in the state in which the ST body is sandwiched between the front and back covers, whereby the front cover, the back cover, and the ST body are kept liquid-tight to one another. Simultaneously, the ST rubber is pressed by a cover rib provided on the back cover, whereby the back cover and the ST body are kept liquid-tight to each other. Thus, the water-proofing function can be secured among the three members, that is, the front cover, the back cover, and the ST body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Matsuoto, Toshifumi Nakano, Takashi Muroi