Two-shot molded seal integrity indicator, underwater camera, and method
AssigneeEastman Kodak Company
InventorsStephen J. Smith, Craig A. Baker, Wayne E. Stiehler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A pressure indicator of an underwater camera housing has an indicator support surrounding an opening. An elastomer facing is united with the indicator support. The facing has a free region overlaying the opening. The free region has an inner surface and an outer surface. The free region is deflectable by a relative pressure differential between the inner and outer surfaces. Excessive inward excursion of the free region can be prevented by a backup.
Claims20
A pressure indicator comprising:
- an indicator support surrounding an opening;
- an elastomer facing united with said indicator support, said facing having a free region overlaying said opening, said free region having an inner surface and an outer surface, said free region being deflectable by a relative pressure differential between said inner and outer surfaces.
An underwater housing having an internal cavity sealed water-tightly from an external environment, said housing comprising:
- a non-elastomer shell having a border portion surrounding a passage;
- an elastomer facing having a free region overlaying said passage, said free region having an inner surface in communication with said cavity and an outer surface in communication with the external environment, said free region being deflectable by a relative pressure differential between said inner and outer surfaces.
An underwater camera comprising
- a housing defining an internal cavity, said housing sealing said internal cavity water-tightly from an external environment, said housing including:
- a non-elastomer shell having a border portion surrounding a passage;
- an elastomer facing having a free region overlaying said passage, said free region having an inner surface in communication with said cavity and an outer surface in communication with the external environment, said free region being deflectable by a relative pressure differential between said inner and outer surfaces;
- and
- a camera frame assembly disposed in said internal cavity.
A underwater photographic method comprising the steps of:
- maintaining an internal cavity sealed water-tightly from an external environment;
- maintaining a free region of elastomer between said internal cavity and said external environment;
- and
- during said maintaining steps, preventing excessive excursion of said free region into said internal cavity.
A camera comprising:
- means for maintaining an internal cavity sealed water-tightly from an external environment;
- means for maintaining a free region of elastomer between said internal cavity and said external environment;
- and
- means for preventing, during said maintaining steps, excessive excursion of said free region into said internal cavity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.