US3645181A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Camera with automatic exposure time determination
Assignee: Voigtlander AG
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Filing: 1969-07-22
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Granted: 1972-02-29
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Expires: 1989-07-22
Abstract
Abstract A camera which enables the operator to select an exposure aperture while providing automatically an exposure time influenced at least in part by the selected aperture. An indicating element, such as a lamp, indicates when a given exposure time is reached. A scale of exposure times is available to the operator to be moved with respect to a scale of apertures so as to situate in line with the selected aperture that exposure time of the exposure time scale which corresponds to the given exposure time when the indicating lamp becomes illuminated. This will locate in line with the several apertures of the aperture scale several exposure times which form with these apertures different pairs of exposure times and apertures which may be selectively used instead of the previously selected aperture and the given exposure time which corresponds thereto. Thus, even though the operator is normally unaware of the particular exposure time which corresponds to the selected aperture, it becomes possible for the operator to provide a selected exposure time as well as a selected aperture, if desired.
Inventors
- 👤 Wilhelm Reiche
- 👤 Dieter Mehlitz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 12:20
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B7/00; G03B7/08; G03B7/081; G03B7/083
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
235 words
In a camera, manually operable aperture-setting means for providing in the camera a selected exposure aperture, exposure time setting means influenced at least in part by said aperturesetting means for automatically setting the exposure time at a value which with the selected aperture will provide a suitable exposure, indicating means for indicating when a given exposure time is provided by said exposure time setting means, said aperture-setting means including a scale of apertures, and an exposure time scale coacting with said aperture scale for setting in line with the selected aperture the given exposure time on the exposure time scale, so as to provide pairs of apertures and exposure times all of which will provide proper exposures, thus enabling the operator to change from the selected aperture to another aperture which will provide through the automatic exposure time setting means a selected exposure time which forms a pair with the newly selected aperture, said exposure time scale being operatively connected with said exposure time setting means for influencing the latter, said exposure time scale having a starting position influencing the exposure time setting means according to the given exposure time and said exposure time scale being movable to another position where it indicates for a given aperture setting the particular exposure time automatically provided by said exposure time setting means, so that thereafter a newly selected pair of apertures and exposure times may be provided.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
235 words
In a camera, manually operable aperture-setting means for providing in the camera a selected exposure aperture, exposure time setting means influenced at least in part by said aperturesetting means for automatically setting the exposure time at a value which with the selected aperture will provide a suitable exposure, indicating means for indicating when a given exposure time is provided by said exposure time setting means, said aperture-setting means including a scale of apertures, and an exposure time scale coacting with said aperture scale for setting in line with the selected aperture the given exposure time on the exposure time scale, so as to provide pairs of apertures and exposure times all of which will provide proper exposures, thus enabling the operator to change from the selected aperture to another aperture which will provide through the automatic exposure time setting means a selected exposure time which forms a pair with the newly selected aperture, said exposure time scale being operatively connected with said exposure time setting means for influencing the latter, said exposure time scale having a starting position influencing the exposure time setting means according to the given exposure time and said exposure time scale being movable to another position where it indicates for a given aperture setting the particular exposure time automatically provided by said exposure time setting means, so that thereafter a newly selected pair of apertures and exposure times may be provided.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The combination of claim 1 and wherein a spring means urges said exposure time scale to said starting position thereof, and said scale being movable away from its starting position in opposition to said spring means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
149 words
The combination of claim 1 and wherein said exposure time setting means includes a photosensitive element responding to the lighting conditions, a gray wedge movable with respect to said element for influencing the latter and operatively connected to said exposure time scale to be moved thereby, said gray wedge having a range of varying density and having at one end a density influencing said element according to the starting position of said scale, said range of variable density having a region of the same density as the density at the one end of the gray wedge which is operative when said exposure time scale is in its starting position, and said region of said variable density part of said gray wedge providing when influencing said photosensitive element an exposure time equal to said given exposure time which corresponds to that of said starting position of said exposure time scale.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-02-28 | 1975-08-30 | 1976-02-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-28 | 1979-08-30 | 1980-02-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-28 | 1983-08-30 | 1984-02-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |