US3601019A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Camera mechanism for automatic exposure by ambient or flash illumination
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-09-24
•
Granted: 1971-08-24
•
Expires: 1989-09-24
Abstract
Abstract Camera shutter control device having a photoresponsive element detecting brightness of a field of exposure and control elements responsive thereto for programming or setting the camera for automatic control of flash and flashless exposures as a function of the brightness detected. The control device sets the camera for flashless exposures if the brightness is above a predetermined value and for flash exposures if the brightness is below this level. A lock automatically locks the control device to preclude taking of an exposure by flash photography, even if the brightness calls for use of a flash, in the event that the camera flash unit is not operative for whatever reason. A manual release will release this lock so that flashless exposures can be taken as timed exposures.
Inventors
- 👤 Kiyoshi Kitai
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 18:19
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B9/00; G03B9/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
In a camera, a brightness-sensing device for automatically taking flashless exposures when the brightness of a field of exposure and objects therein are above a given value and for automatically taking flash exposures when said brightness is below said given value comprising light-responsive means to sense the brightness of a field of exposure and objects therein being photographed, means responsive to said brightness-sensing means controlling the taking of an exposure as a flashless exposure when the brightness sensed is above a given value and means controlling the taking of a flash exposure when said brightness is below said given value, changeover means cooperative with the two last-mentioned means for changing from a mode of operation for taking of flashless exposure to a mode for taking flash exposures, a flash unit in said device for taking flash exposures, lock means automatically locking said device to preclude taking of flash exposures when said flash unit is unable to effect a flash, and manual means to render said lock means ineffective selectively to enable taking of flashless exposure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
175 words
In a camera, a brightness-sensing device for automatically taking flashless exposures when the brightness of a field of exposure and objects therein are above a given value and for automatically taking flash exposures when said brightness is below said given value comprising light-responsive means to sense the brightness of a field of exposure and objects therein being photographed, means responsive to said brightness-sensing means controlling the taking of an exposure as a flashless exposure when the brightness sensed is above a given value and means controlling the taking of a flash exposure when said brightness is below said given value, changeover means cooperative with the two last-mentioned means for changing from a mode of operation for taking of flashless exposure to a mode for taking flash exposures, a flash unit in said device for taking flash exposures, lock means automatically locking said device to preclude taking of flash exposures when said flash unit is unable to effect a flash, and manual means to render said lock means ineffective selectively to enable taking of flashless exposure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
In a camera according to claim 1, in which said lock means effectively locks said changeover means in a condition in which flash exposures cannot be taken.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
In a camera according to claim 1, in which said manual means is operable to a plurality of positions, one of said positions is a position in which said manual means has no effect on said lock means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
In a camera according to claim 1, in which said brightness-sensing device includes a circuit in which said flash unit and said manual means are connected.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
US3374718A
Cited
US3426661A
Cited
US3504602A
Cited
US3433138A
Cited
US3504604A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-08-23 | 1975-02-22 | 1975-08-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-23 | 1979-02-22 | 1979-08-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-23 | 1983-02-22 | 1983-08-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |