Body Structure Or Housing Patents (Class 396/535)
  • Patent number: 8787749
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes an exterior cover including a strap attachment portion, a circuit board on which an electric element that generates heat is mounted, and a chassis member to which the circuit board is fixed and through which the heat generated by the electric element is transferred. The chassis member is formed of a metallic material, and the chassis member includes a reinforcing portion arranged to overlap the strap attachment portion to reinforce the strap attachment portion. The reinforcing portion is disposed to be exposed inside the strap attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shuichi Matsuzawa
  • Patent number: 8759135
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a camera module includes, disposing a first member on the image sensor, the first member includes a first non-conductor, a first metal film covering the first non-conductor, and a first insulation film covering the first metal film, disposing a second member on or above the first member, the second member includes a second non-conductor, a second metal film covering the second non-conductor, and a second insulation film covering the second metal film, and applying a predetermined voltage between the first member and the second member or between the image sensor and the second member, thereby breaking at least parts of the first insulation film and the second insulation film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Manabu Yamada
  • Patent number: 8743277
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes an operation member movable from an initial position with respect to an apparatus body, a first elastic member configured to be deformed from a first state to a second state when the operation member is moved from the initial position and to restore the operation member to the initial position with a force produced to return from the second state to the first state, a second elastic member configured to be held by the first elastic member when the first elastic member is in the first state, and a contact portion configured not to come into contact with the second elastic member when the operation member is at the initial position and to come into contact with the second elastic member when the operation member is moved from the initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shuichi Matsuzawa, Takazumi Seo
  • Patent number: 8734031
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are described for protecting camera components on a surface and/or within an internal portion of a portable electronic device. In one aspect, an electronic device might comprise a camera mount, which might comprise a camera barrel assembly configured to have a camera affixed thereto, the camera barrel assembly being rotatably coupled with one of a front panel, a rear panel, or a chassis of the electronic device. The camera mount may further comprise a set of cantilever springs affixed to one of the front panel, the rear panel, or the chassis and biased against the camera barrel assembly to provide rotational friction on the camera barrel assembly. The set of cantilever springs might have sufficient compliance to allow the camera to retract into a body of the portable electronic device upon encountering an external force, which may include an impact force or a dropping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Qwest Communications International Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Mack, James Yurchenco, Matthew Robert Adams, Adam Vollmer
  • Patent number: 8724983
    Abstract: A flash structure for the camera function of a handheld electronic device having at least a camera module as well as an image sensor and a camera lens contained in the camera module, comprising an outer cover, an annular reflector, at least a light diffuser, and one or a plurality of fixed light-emitting elements which are light emitting diodes or electronic flashes to provide continuous or intermittent supplemental light source. The center of the annular reflector passes through the camera lens and is formed on the motherboard of the handheld electronic device, and is arranged with a through-slot. The one or the plurality of light-emitting elements are embedded in the through-slot of the annular reflector, arranged around the camera lens, and electrically connected to the motherboard. The light diffuser is disposed outside the annular reflector, outside the light-emitting element and positioned around the camera lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Yang-Shan Yeh, Chi-Wei Tao
  • Patent number: 8717494
    Abstract: An optical reading device is described having an image sensor having a sensor array of pixels which are exposed to an image; a printed circuit board (PCB) for carrying the image sensor; a lens assembly for focusing light on the sensor array; a lens retainer for retaining the lens; a support assembly integral with the lens retainer, the support assembly having a containment section for containing the image sensor; and a thermally and electrically conductive elastomeric gasket disposed between the containment section and the image sensor and for contacting the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Colleen P. Gannon
  • Patent number: 8712233
    Abstract: An electronic device may have a conductive housing. A dielectric structure may be mounted in the conductive housing to form an antenna window. An electrical component such as a camera, light sensor, or other device may press against a conductive foam structure. A printed circuit may have conductive traces that form an antenna ground and antenna resonating element. The printed circuit may be wrapped around a support structure. The electrical component, the conductive foam structure, and the printed circuit wrapped around the support structure may be compressed between a display cover layer and the antenna window. A camera window may be attached to a camera window trim using multiple adhesives. The trim may have a curved exterior surface that matches a curved housing surface. A flexible printed circuit cable may have a folded portion. A band structure may surround the folded portion to form a service loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Gibbs, Carl R. Peterson, Erik A. Uttermann, Conor P. Lenahan, John P. Ternus, Justin R. Wodrich, Elvis M. Kibiti, Derek Wright
  • Patent number: 8704961
    Abstract: A display element and electronic element module according to the present invention is described, in which a lens is formed as part of a translucent support substrate having a display disposed thereon, the lens being formed on a part other than where the display is disposed, where an electronic element is disposed for the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Okita, Hidekazu Takata, Masato Imanishi, Kazuya Fujita
  • Patent number: 8684613
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for camera integration with cover glass and for processing cover glass to provide a camera window for an electronic device are disclosed. A camera window can be integrated into the cover glass. The apparatus, systems and methods are especially suitable for cover glasses, or displays (e.g., LCD displays), assembled in small form factor electronic devices such as handheld electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones, media players, personal digital assistants, remote controls, etc.). The apparatus, systems and methods can also be used for cover glasses or displays for other relatively larger form factor electronic devices (e.g., portable computers, tablet computers, displays, monitors, televisions, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas J. Weber
  • Patent number: 8687112
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an adjustment device and method thereof which are applied for adjusting a photosensitive element. The adjustment device comprises a first platform, a second platform, a third platform and a cover. The first platform comprises a curved surface body and a positioning elastic element. The second platform, having a recess corresponding to each curved surface body and having a loading support portion, is arranged on a side of the first platform. The third platform is arranged on the other side of the first platform, and when the third platform, moves in an axial direction, the first and second platform moves together with the third platform. The cover compresses the photosensitive element against the second platform. When the inclination of photosensitive element is adjusted by the adjustment device, each curve surface body and each recess keep in contact due to the expansion of each positioning elastic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Altek Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Tsung Hsin, Ching-Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 8668395
    Abstract: A material imaging apparatus includes a base, support pillar and imaging camera divided into a camera base and a camera neck. The camera is mounted via a first shaft on the pillar so as to be pivotable between a right horizontal position where an imaging lens is located on a base right side and a left horizontal position where the lens is located on base left side. The camera neck is mounted via a second shaft on the camera base so as to be rotatable between a downwardly vertical position where when the camera assumes the right or left horizontal position, the lens is directed to the base placement surface side and lens optical axis is substantially vertical to the base placement surface, and an upwardly vertical position where the lens is directed to a side opposite the base placement surface and the optical axis assumes a substantially vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Elmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Mameda, Hiroyuki Furusawa, Shinsuke Ikeno
  • Patent number: 8651753
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus (100) includes an outer shell (1) including a first case (11) and a second case (12) joined to the first case (11) and formed with a spherical inner surface, a camera body (2) arranged inside the outer shell (1) and configured to move relative to the outer shell (1), a first driver (26A) and a second driver (26B) provided in the camera body (2) and configured to drive the camera body (2) with the first and second drivers (26A, 26B) contacting an inner surface of the outer shell (1), and a drive controller (62) configured to control the first and second drivers (26A, 26B) such that the first driver (26A) contacts only the first case (11) and that the second driver (26B) contacts only the second case (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Hironori Honsho
  • Patent number: 8649673
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which is improved in space efficiency for an optical system element, thereby reducing the apparatus size when a lens barrel is retracted. An image pickup apparatus includes a zoom lens barrel that moves between a retracted position and a shooting position in an optical axis direction to thereby change a photographing magnification. A prism bends an optical beam incident from a lens group of the lens barrel. A diaphragm-shutter element is capable of moving along the direction of the second optical axis together with a stepping motor for actuating the diaphragm-shutter element. The stepping motor is disposed, at least when the lens group is in the retracted position, at a position where the stepping motor overlaps the prism in parallel with the second optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taro Murakami, Takumi Uehara
  • Patent number: 8646994
    Abstract: A thermoplastic composition for use in a compact camera module is provided. The thermoplastic composition contains a liquid crystalline polymer and a plurality of fibers. The volume average length of the fibers in the thermoplastic composition is selectively controlled according to the present invention so that it is within a certain range, such as from about 80 to about 250 micrometers. The fibers also have a narrow length distribution. That is, at least about 70% by volume of the fibers have a length within a certain range. Through the use of a liquid crystalline polymer and fibers of a certain weight average length and narrow length distribution, the present inventors have discovered that the resulting thermoplastic composition is able to achieve a desirable combination of strength and surface smoothness, which enables it to be uniquely suited for a compact camera module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Young Shin Kim, Xinyu Zhao
  • Patent number: 8633934
    Abstract: Animation creation is described, for example, to enable children to create, record and play back stories. In an embodiment, one or more children are able to create animation components such as characters and backgrounds using a multi-touch panel display together with an image capture device. For example, a graphical user interface is provided at the multi-touch panel display to enable the animation components to be edited. In an example, children narrate a story while manipulating animation components using the multi-touch display panel and the sound and visual display is recorded. In embodiments image analysis is carried out automatically and used to autonomously modify story components during a narration. In examples, various types of handheld view-finding frames are provided for use with the image capture device. In embodiments saved stories can be restored from memory and retold from any point with different manipulations and narration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Xiang Cao, John Helmes, Abigail J. Sellen, Sian Elizabeth Lindley
  • Patent number: 8625982
    Abstract: A housing assembly includes a housing, a camera bezel and a retaining structure. The housing includes a plurality of latching elements. The retaining structure is fixed to the camera bezel, the retaining structure including a plurality of retaining elements corresponding to the latching elements. Each retaining element is bent to latch with one of the latching elements so the camera bezel is fixed to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Zhi-Yun Wang
  • Publication number: 20140002792
    Abstract: A housing is disclosed for optically aligning and securing a camera to an aperture formed through a tubular barrel of a scope. The housing has a first attachment portion sized and configured to be removably secured to at least a portion of the tubular barrel and a second attachment portion having a first surface, a second surface and an aperture formed therethrough. The first surface is secured to the first attachment portion and the second surface is sized and configured to removably retain a camera, such that the camera is in optical alignment with both the aperture formed through the second attachment portion and the aperture formed through the tubular barrel of the scope. A combination housing and camera, a method of attaching the housing to the scope, and a kit containing the necessary items is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Paul A. Filar
  • Patent number: 8606098
    Abstract: An electronic device of reduced thickness includes a housing with a front cover and a back cover, a circuit board accommodated in the housing, a flexible circuit board electrically connected to the circuit board, a first camera module, and a second camera module. The flexible circuit board strip is folded to create a substantially U-shaped portion defining a first receiving space facing the front cover and a second receiving space separated from the first receiving space. The first camera module comprising a first lens module received in the first receiving space and electrically connected to the flexible circuit board strip. The second camera module includes a second lens module received in the second receiving space and electrically connected to the flexible circuit board strip. The second camera module is juxtaposed alongside of the first camera module and invertedly oriented with respect to the first camera module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Man-Zhong Wang
  • Patent number: 8605373
    Abstract: An FPC (3) includes a first bending portion (31) having an outer periphery thereof directed from an attachment portion (36) toward an upstream end (3F), and bent in such a direction as to face the attachment portion (36); a second bending portion (32) which is bent from the attachment portion (36) toward a center axis (Z1) at a specified position closer to a downstream end (3B) than the first bending portion (31), and guided to a positioning portion (11); and a third bending portion (33) which is bent toward the camera body at a specified position closer to the downstream end (3B) than the positioning portion (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Advanced Layers, Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Mitani
  • Publication number: 20130294760
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus (100) includes a case (12) formed with an opening (12a) and having an inner spherical zone surface, and a camera body (2) configured to be movable inside the case (12) and to shoot an image of an object outside the case (12) through the opening (12a). A shooting range (S) of the camera body (2) is limited within the opening (12a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Hironori HONSHO, Hideyuki Hashi
  • Patent number: 8554069
    Abstract: An imaging unit includes a housing having an opening on one of opposite sides in a direction of thickness thereof; an imaging optical system provided in the housing and includes an incident surface and an exit-side prism, wherein object-emanated light being incident on said incident surface and traveling in a lengthwise direction of said housing is reflected by said exit-side prism toward said opening; an image sensor, installed in the housing, with an imaging surface facing the other of the opposite sides of the housing toward an exit surface of the exit-side prism; a spacer projecting from the housing or a fixed member, the spacer contacting the image sensor to create a clearance between the exit surface and the imaging surface; and a cover fixed to the housing to close the opening and press the image sensor so as to come in contact with the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Isao Okuda
  • Patent number: 8542308
    Abstract: Provided is a digital photographing apparatus that includes a lens unit frame having an opening through which light enters from a forward direction, and having a lens unit to be disposed inside the frame, or having a lens barrel comprising a lens unit to be disposed inside the frame; and a lens unit base disposed at a rear of the frame so as to be coupled to the frame, wherein the frame comprises a first opening through which a printed circuit board (PCB) emerges from the inside of the frame to the outside of the frame, and wherein the frame and the lens unit base are disposed to form a gap therebetween, thereby forming a second opening corresponding to the gap through which a PCB emerges from the inside of the frame to the outside of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidemasa Ozawa, Young-ho Yu, Ju-myoung Chae
  • Patent number: 8538255
    Abstract: Cameras with an easy mounting decoration ring assembly are disclosed. A disclosed example camera includes a body; a barrel disposed in the body; a cover coupled to the body and including a through hole for externally exposing the barrel, and a recess unit extending along a circumferential direction by a predetermined length outside the through hole; and a decoration ring formed in a ring shape, coupled to the through hole of the cover to surround the barrel, and including a protrusion unit protruding toward the cover and inserted into the recess unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-wook Kim
  • Patent number: 8538254
    Abstract: A camera unit (1) of a camera device includes: a lens unit (2) having a size according to zoom magnification; a tilt chassis (3) that rotatably supports the lens unit (2) in a tilt direction; and a pan chassis (4) that rotatably supports the lens unit (2) in a pan direction through the tilt chassis (3). The tilt chassis (3) has a plurality of attaching positions to the pan chassis (4). Additionally, the tilt chassis (3) is attached to the pan chassis (4) at an attaching position of the plurality of attaching positions according to the size of the lens unit (2). As a result of this, cost, time, and labor required for development of the chassis can be reduced, and development efficiency of the chassis is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kazushige Tamura, Yoshihito Urashima, Yuuya Jikihara
  • Patent number: 8537273
    Abstract: When a digital camera detects that it has been placed in a demo dock, it resets internal settings to demo defaults and may launch a point-of-purchase dock demo to attract attention. When a customer removes the camera from the demo dock, an interactive demo may begin. The demo may instruct the customer how to interact with the demo or end it. Once ended, the camera reverts to normal operation until replaced in the demo dock. Methods of using the dock and digital camera are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Dan L. Dalton, Wilfred F. Brake
  • Patent number: 8531595
    Abstract: A camera body allows the mounting of a lens unit configured to form an optical image of a subject, and includes a body mount, an imaging element, a capacitor, and a housing member. The body mount allows a lens unit to be mounted. The imaging element includes a light receiving face arranged to receive light passing through the lens unit, and converts an optical image of the subject into an electrical signal. The capacitor is disposed in close proximity to an outer peripheral portion of the imaging element, and stores electrical charges. The housing member accommodates the imaging element and the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Dai Shintani
  • Patent number: 8532479
    Abstract: An electronic appliance which can be a camera device includes a resin case containing electronic components for taking a camera images, and a metal shield member attachable to the inside of the case. The shield member is provided with two staking holes, and three staking tabs which protrude inwardly are provided around each of the staking holes. The case is provided with a boss in a position corresponding to each of the staking holes. When the shield member is attached to the case, each boss is pushed into the staking hole and fastened by the three deformed staking tabs, so that the shield member is fixed to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Masami Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8532480
    Abstract: A cover part for an electronic device, an electronic device and a method. The cover structure (2) for an electronic device provides a cavity (3) into which an electronic part of the electronic device (1) may be arranged. The cover structure (2) includes an enclosing structure (5), which is tubular in shape and at least one end (6a, 6b) of which enclosing structure (5) is open, the end (6a, 6b) including a receiving structure (7a, 7b) for fitting an end element (8a, 8b), which closes the end, into the enclosing structure (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Lite-On Mobile Oyj
    Inventors: Joni Hietala, Juho Jalava, Anu Laine
  • Publication number: 20130223836
    Abstract: An electronic device may have a conductive housing. A dielectric structure may be mounted in the conductive housing to form an antenna window. An electrical component such as a camera, light sensor, or other device may press against a conductive foam structure. A printed circuit may have conductive traces that form an antenna ground and antenna resonating element. The printed circuit may be wrapped around a support structure. The electrical component, the conductive foam structure, and the printed circuit wrapped around the support structure may be compressed between a display cover layer and the antenna window. A camera window may be attached to a camera window trim using multiple adhesives. The trim may have a curved exterior surface that matches a curved housing surface. A flexible printed circuit cable may have a folded portion. A band structure may surround the folded portion to form a service loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Kevin D. Gibbs, Carl R. Peterson, Erik A. Uttermann, Conor P. Lenahan, John P. Ternus, Justin R. Wodrich, Elvis M. Kibiti, Derek Wright
  • Patent number: 8503877
    Abstract: A main body component of a video camera includes a main frame. The main frame has a upper wall and a lower wall. The upper wall has an upper wall main body disposed opposite the lower wall, and projections that protrude from the upper wall main body on the opposite side from the lower wall. The rear wall is molded integrally with the upper wall and the lower wall, and links the upper wall and the lower wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Tachiki
  • Patent number: 8494359
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus having a protection ring which protects a supporting device coupling section such that it is difficult for a user to touch the supporting device coupling section is provided. A supporting device can be coupled to a camera body, and the camera body includes a supporting device coupling section and a protection ring. The supporting device coupling section has a screw hole to which the supporting device can be coupled, and a supporting device coupling surface which is formed and exposed around the entrance of the screw hole. The protection ring includes a return spring which restricts the position of the protection ring, a return spring stopper which supports the return spring, and a supporting device contact surface which protrudes outward of the exposed surface formed around the entrance of the screw hole of the supporting device coupling section, in a direction toward a housing outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Ogasawara, Makoto Iyoda, Yoshikazu Yamano, Tomonori Mizutani, Yasuhiro Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 8493504
    Abstract: A camera module according to one embodiment of this invention has a sensor substrate, a lens holder, and a shield being fixed to the lens holder. The lens holder is composed of a tubular portion including a lens and a top board having an opening. The lens holder is fixed by a second adhesive provided more inside than an edge of the sensor substrate. The shield has a tubular portion and a top board. The tubular portion is composed of a small-diameter portion, a step portion, and a large-diameter portion. The shield is disposed so that the step portion is in contact with a portion between the edge of the sensor substrate and the second adhesive, and, at the same time, the top board of the lens holder is located in an opening formed in the top board of the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masaru Kobayashi, Tatsuhiko Hagihara
  • Publication number: 20130177302
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for camera integration with cover glass and for processing cover glass to provide a camera window for an electronic device are disclosed. A camera window can be integrated into the cover glass. The apparatus, systems and methods are especially suitable for cover glasses, or displays (e.g., LCD displays), assembled in small form factor electronic devices such as handheld electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones, media players, personal digital assistants, remote controls, etc.). The apparatus, systems and methods can also be used for cover glasses or displays for other relatively larger form factor electronic devices (e.g., portable computers, tablet computers, displays, monitors, televisions, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Douglas J. Weber
  • Patent number: 8483558
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which is capable of suppressing by efficiently dissipating heat generated by an electronic device through transmission of the heat to a heat dissipating member without adding a new member to the image pickup apparatus. A CPU 2 generates heat during operation. An aluminum electrolytic capacitor 12 stores electric energy. A lens barrel 6, a battery compartment 25, and a tripod mounting screw 20 are thermally coupled to the aluminum electrolytic capacitor 12. A heat conductive member 1 is disposed between the CPU 2 and the aluminum electrolytic capacitor 12, for thermally coupling the CPU 2 and the aluminum electrolytic capacitor 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Aiba
  • Patent number: 8467675
    Abstract: A camera module includes an image sensor, a lens assembly mounted on the image sensor, and a shell defining a receiving space. The image sensor and the lens assembly are accommodated in the receiving space. The lens assembly is fixedly engaged in the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei Chen, Li-Zong Gong, Tang-Hong Zhang
  • Patent number: 8456569
    Abstract: A camera body includes a camera body connector and a recess to which an imaging unit including an optical system, an image pickup device, and an imaging unit connector is detachably attached to be placed therein. The recess includes a back wall, an upper wall, and a side wall to be opened to a lower side, a front side, and a lateral side of the camera body. The camera body has a guide mechanism to control a position of the camera body connector in relation to a position of the imaging unit connector. The imaging unit has a rear surface on which at least two guiding grooves provided to be extended between opposite edges of the imaging unit and an engagement plate section are formed. The imaging unit has a biasing member to bias the imaging unit toward the back wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryota Kaga, Junichi Shinohara, Shu Kambe, Takashi Tada
  • Patent number: 8457487
    Abstract: A camera assembly includes a camera module, a dustproof cover and a sealing ring. The dustproof cover is assembled in front of the camera module. The sealing ring is hermetically sandwiched between the dustproof cover and the camera module. The camera module, the sealing ring and the dustproof cover cooperatively define a closed chamber. A portable electronic device using the camera assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bo Zhang, Ming-Fu Luo
  • Patent number: 8439579
    Abstract: A single-reflex camera includes a mirror box, and a focus detecting unit. The mirror box further includes a first opening on a side of the image-pickup optical system, which the light flux that has passed the image-pickup optical system enters, and a bottom plate arranged between the mirror and the focus detecting unit, the bottom plate including a plate-shaped front part that extends so as to approach to an optical axis of the image-pickup optical system from the first opening. Part of the condenser lens is located on a side of the optical axis of the image-pickup optical system with respect to a line that is made by extending, parallel to the optical axis of the image-pickup optical system, an end of the first opening on a side of the bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keisuke Morita
  • Patent number: 8428455
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an image sensor unit, a retaining member configured to retain the image sensor unit on a photographer side and to retain an optical member on an object side, a first sealing member configured, when the image sensor unit is mounted on the retaining member, to form a closely sealed space by sealing between the image sensor unit and the retaining member, the first sealing member being provided on the photographer side of the retaining member, and a second sealing member configured, when the optical member is mounted on the retaining member, to form a closely sealed space by sealing between the optical member and the retaining member, the second sealing member being provided on the object side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Asai, Masanori Sakai
  • Patent number: 8406618
    Abstract: A camera according to the present invention includes a camera body where an image pickup mechanism is mounted, and a strobe unit is provided in the camera body. A wiring board to which a lead wire to be electrically connected to the strobe unit is connected, and a capacitor connected to the wiring board to feed power to the strobe unit are incorporated in the camera body. The wiring board and the capacitor are provided in a vertically movable manner in the camera body, and a cantilever portion for biasing the wiring board and the capacitor downward, and a lower projection portion for receiving movement of the wiring board and the capacitor due to a biasing force of the cantilever portion are provided in the camera body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daizo Kobayashi, Tomochika Teranaka
  • Publication number: 20130051786
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes an exterior cover including a strap attachment portion, a circuit board on which an electric element that generates heat is mounted, and a chassis member to which the circuit board is fixed and through which the heat generated by the electric element is transferred. The chassis member is formed of a metallic material, and the chassis member includes a reinforcing portion arranged to overlap the strap attachment portion to reinforce the strap attachment portion. The reinforcing portion is disposed to be exposed inside the strap attachment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shuichi Matsuzawa
  • Publication number: 20130051785
    Abstract: An electronic device may have a housing. A camera window assembly may be mounted in a hole within the housing. The housing may be formed from a structure such as a planar glass member. The hole in which the camera window assembly is formed may be circular. A mating circular trim member in the camera window assembly may be mounted in the hole. A flange structure on the trim member may help retain the trim member within the housing. A shelf portion of the trim member may receive a ring of adhesive. The camera window assembly may have a clear disk-shaped lens with planar opposing front and rear surfaces that is mounted on the shelf portion using the adhesive. An elastomeric ring may be compressed between sidewall portions of the trim member and the lens to help retain the lens within the camera window assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Pope, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Tang Yew Tan, David A. Pakula
  • Publication number: 20130045002
    Abstract: A camera assembly includes a camera module, a dustproof cover and a sealing ring. The dustproof cover is assembled in front of the camera module. The sealing ring is hermetically sandwiched between the dustproof cover and the camera module. The camera module, the sealing ring and the dustproof cover cooperatively define a closed chamber. A portable electronic device using the camera assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: BO ZHANG, MING-FU LUO
  • Publication number: 20130044999
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: David H. Wessner
  • Publication number: 20130039642
    Abstract: A housing assembly includes a housing, a camera bezel and a retaining structure. The housing includes a plurality of latching elements. The retaining structure is fixed to the camera bezel, the retaining structure including a plurality of retaining elements corresponding to the latching elements. Each retaining element is bent to latch with one of the latching elements so the camera bezel is fixed to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicants: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhi-Yun WANG
  • Patent number: 8369703
    Abstract: There is provided a moving picture camera. The moving picture camera includes a case having an internal space, a frame supporting a camera module in the internal space, a printed circuit board on which circuit devices are mounted, the circuit devices receiving and processing a moving picture signal captured by the camera module, and an electrostatic transfer gasket interposed between the frame and the printed circuit board and transferring static electricity from the frame to the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8368806
    Abstract: A camera body allows the mounting of a lens unit configured to form an optical image of a subject, and includes a body mount, an imaging element, a capacitor, and a housing member. The body mount allows a lens unit to be mounted. The imaging element includes a light receiving face arranged to receive light passing through the lens unit, and converts an optical image of the subject into an electrical signal. The capacitor is disposed above the imaging element and more to the imaging element side than the body mount in a direction of the light passing through the lens unit. The housing member accommodates the imaging element and the capacitor. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the light receiving face, at least part of the capacitor is disposed within a region bounded by the outer edge of the body mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Dai Shintani
  • Patent number: 8369702
    Abstract: Electronic devices are provided that have components. Outer and inner component mounting members may engage each other with threads. Openings in the outer and inner members may be configured to engage component sidewalls and alignment tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Emery Sanford
  • Patent number: 8364032
    Abstract: A portable device has a rear facing camera assembly and a front facing display assembly that includes at least a protective cover layer, a display stack that includes a plurality of display components arranged in a plurality of interconnected layers, the display stack providing an imaging service, and a flat support chassis arranged to provide support for the display stack. In the described embodiment, a protective cover can wrap around and protect at least the rear portion of the portable device without adversely affecting an image capture process carried out by the rear facing camera assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Chong Yip Chow, Hongqin Zhang, Shizhe Shen, Michael DiVincent
  • Patent number: 8360666
    Abstract: A camera module includes a lens assembly and a baseboard assembly mounted on the lens assembly. The lens assembly includes a lens, a barrel receiving the lens, and a support receiving the barrel. The baseboard assembly includes a circuit board and an image sensor on the circuit board. The support defines a clamping recess at an outer surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Yuan Lin