Patent US3733981A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3733981A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Lens protective system for deep sea camera
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1972-07-17
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Granted: 1973-05-22
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Expires: 1992-07-17
Abstract
Abstract A lens arrangement for a camera useful in deep sea photography. An optical coupling fluid is provided between a protective window and the lens which absorps the pressure to protect the lens thereby permitting the use of thinner lens materials.
Inventors
- 👤 C Buchanan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:17
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B17/00; G03B17/02; G03B17/08; G02; G02B; G02B23/00; G02B23/16; G02B23/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
A system for protecting the optical lens of a camera used in a high pressure medium; which comprises, a caMera useful for high pressure photography, an optical lens for admitting optical images into said camera, a protective window overlying said optical lens and spaced therefrom to provide a spacing therebetween, support means to which said optical lens and said protective window are secured, an accumulator for maintaining equal pressure on said optical lens, a passage through said support means communicating between the spacing between said protective window and said optical lens and said accumulator, and an optical clear fluid filling said spacing between said protective window and said optical lens and said accumulator.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
113 words
A system for protecting the optical lens of a camera used in a high pressure medium; which comprises, a caMera useful for high pressure photography, an optical lens for admitting optical images into said camera, a protective window overlying said optical lens and spaced therefrom to provide a spacing therebetween, support means to which said optical lens and said protective window are secured, an accumulator for maintaining equal pressure on said optical lens, a passage through said support means communicating between the spacing between said protective window and said optical lens and said accumulator, and an optical clear fluid filling said spacing between said protective window and said optical lens and said accumulator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system as claimed in claim 1; wherein, said protective window is made of a material having an index of refraction substantially that of the high pressure medium within which the camera is to be used.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system as claimed in claim 2; wherein, said accumulator maintains a fluid pressure in the spacing between said protective window and said camera lens of about one atmosphere.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as claimed in claim 1; wherein, the optically clear fluid is water and the pressure medium is water.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as claimed in claim 4; wherein, said camera, lens and protective window are assembled as an integral unit.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-21 | 1976-11-20 | 1977-05-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-21 | 1980-11-20 | 1981-05-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-21 | 1984-11-20 | 1985-05-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |