Abstract: A digital camera module includes an image capture device, a lens unit, a housing for receiving the lens unit and positioning the lens unit with respect to the image capture device, and a focus mechanism disposed on the outside of the housing and operative to move the lens unit along an axis when the lens unit is rotated about the axis. In one embodiment, the focus mechanism includes a ramp formed on the housing and a complementary ramp formed on the lens unit. In another embodiment, the focus mechanism includes a thread set formed on the outside of the housing for engaging a complementary thread set on a sleeve of the lens unit. In still another embodiment, the focus mechanism includes an inclined groove and a groove follower. The external adjustment mechanism prevents the image capture device from being contaminated by particulates generated during focusing.

Abstract: A camera module includes an integral motor for rotating a lens unit of the camera module within a housing of the camera module. The housing includes a plurality of electromagnetic coils that function as a stator of the motor. The lens unit includes a plurality of ferrite elements and functions as a rotor of the motor. Rotation of the lens unit within the housing causes focal adjustment, such that the motor can be used as a component of an auto-focus system. A method for assembling the camera module is also disclosed.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a mechanism for controlling the movements of the plates in a multiple plate mold. The mold is secured to a press in an injection molding system having a support plate and top clamp plate. The mechanism includes a member pivotally mounted to the outside of the mold and an arm attaching the press support plate to the member. In a preferred embodiment, two guides are attached to the press top clamp plate and middle moving plate of a three plate mold. The guides travel in curved channels formed in the member to determine the relative positions of the plates.

Abstract: Disclosed are longitudinally slidable gates for the longitudinally extending outlet ports of arcuately walled irrigation pipes, the gates being of the general type wherein a gasketed inner-plate cooperates with and is longitudinally co-movable with an outer cover member slidably disposed at the pipe outside surface. The gate concept disclosed herein includes a boss attached to and extending radially outwardly from the inner-plate and longitudinally guided by the pipe water outlet port, the gate cover member being afforded vertically movable relationship to the inner-plate and resiliently urged theretoward and to the intervening pipe wall with disjointed separable spring means to accommodate the pipe wall given finite-thickness. Preferably, the boss includes a transverse bridge defining a boss longitudinal bore to accommodate therealong an inexpensive, reliable and rugged leaf spring, which might be desireably independently formed of reinforced resinous material.