Magnetic repulsion actuator for underwater camera

• US 7,385,645 B2
• Filed: 02/01/2005
• Issued: 06/10/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/02/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Paul Boon
• Original Assignee: Paul Boon
• Inventors: Boon, Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Ometz; David
• Assistant Examiner(s): Khan; Usman
• Application Number:
  US10/906,044
• Publication Number:
  US 20050168567A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,225 Days
• Field of Search: 348/81, 348/373
• US Class Current: 348/373
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/08 Waterproof bodies or housings
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 25/041 having a generally flat operating member depressible at different locations to operate different controls
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 36/0073 actuated by relative movement between two magnets

Abstract

An improved means for magnetically operating push buttons and other controls on cameras in underwater housings is disclosed. The magnetic force of repulsion is employed to transmit motion through the case wall without electrical connection to the camera or sliding or twisting or flexible seals.

Claims

1. A push-button actuator for incorporation into an underwater case for photographic and/or electronic equipment comprising:

a) a magnet within the air-space of the case and movably supported in a location and orientation near or in contact with or attached to a push-button on the photographic and/or electronic equipment such that motion in the direction of the magnet'"'"'s North-South axis can actuate said push-button;

b) a magnet external to the air-space of the case, movably supported in such a way that it may be deflected relative to the magnet within the case such that magnetic repulsive forces deflect the magnet within the case;

c) a nonmagnetic waterproof separation between the magnet within the air-space of the case and the magnet external to the airspace of the case such that the waterproof nature of the case is maintained while repulsion between the magnets is allowed.

2. The invention of claim 1 in which the underwater case is manufactured incorporating channels or cavities for the sliding support of one or both magnets.

3. The invention of claim 1 in which the underwater case is manufactured incorporating rigid or flexible or stretching elements to allow the desired motion of both or one magnet and/or for the protection of the magnet outside of the air-space of the case from corrosion or accidental operation.

4. The invention of claim 1 in which two or more internal magnets which operate two or more functions of the photographic and/or electronic equipment are operated by one external magnet incorporated in a stylus or a sliding means.