US3654844A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Reflex camera apparatus
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1970-06-04
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Granted: 1972-04-11
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Expires: 1990-06-04
Abstract
Abstract A flexible mirror in a reflex camera is normally positioned in the optical path of the camera lens to reflect a scene image to the viewfinder, and is displaced from the optical path to permit the scene image to be formed in the exposure plane by being moved into a non-viewing position when the shutter is released, wherein the mirror is in a rolled configuration.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert W Hampton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 17:10
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B19/00; G03B19/02; G03B19/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
In a single lens reflex camera having an exposure plane, an objective lens for transmitting light along an optical path to the exposure plane, a viewfinder, and a mirror for alternatively transmitting light to the viewfinder or the exposure plane, the improvement wherein: the mirror is made of a flexible material and has a first position wherein said mirror is displaced from the optical path and said mirror is in a rolled configuration, and a second position wherein said mirror is interposed between the objective lens and the exposure plane for reflecting light from the optical path to the viewfinder; and the camera includes: means for holding said mirror in a rolled configuration when said mirror is in said first position; and means for moving said mirror between said first and second positions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
133 words
In a single lens reflex camera having an exposure plane, an objective lens for transmitting light along an optical path to the exposure plane, a viewfinder, and a mirror for alternatively transmitting light to the viewfinder or the exposure plane, the improvement wherein: the mirror is made of a flexible material and has a first position wherein said mirror is displaced from the optical path and said mirror is in a rolled configuration, and a second position wherein said mirror is interposed between the objective lens and the exposure plane for reflecting light from the optical path to the viewfinder; and the camera includes: means for holding said mirror in a rolled configuration when said mirror is in said first position; and means for moving said mirror between said first and second positions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention according to claim 1 wherein said mirror is in a planar condition when said mirror is in said second position, and the improvement further comprises means for releasably holding said mirror in said second position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
146 words
A single lens reflex camera comprising: an exposure plane; a viewfinder; an objective for transmitting light along an optical path to form an image in said exposure plane; a mirror made of a flexible material having first and second ends, said mirror having a first position in which said mirror is in a planar configuration and is disposed in said optical path to reflect light passing through said objective to said viewfinder, and said mirror having a second position in which said mirror is displaced from the optical path and said mirror is in a rolled configuration; a first rotatable roller coupled to said first mirror end; a second rotatable roller coupled to said second mirror end; means for rotating said first roller to put said mirror into said first position; and means for rotating said second roller to roll said mirror into said second position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
146 words
A single lens reflex camera comprising: an exposure plane; a viewfinder; an objective for transmitting light along an optical path to form an image in said exposure plane; a mirror made of a flexible material having first and second ends, said mirror having a first position in which said mirror is in a planar configuration and is disposed in said optical path to reflect light passing through said objective to said viewfinder, and said mirror having a second position in which said mirror is displaced from the optical path and said mirror is in a rolled configuration; a first rotatable roller coupled to said first mirror end; a second rotatable roller coupled to said second mirror end; means for rotating said first roller to put said mirror into said first position; and means for rotating said second roller to roll said mirror into said second position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
A camera according to claim 3 further comprising: means actuatable for making an exposure; and meAns for actuating said second roller rotating means in response to actuation of said exposure making means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
A camera according to claim 4 further comprising: means for actuating said first roller rotating means in response to the making of an exposure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
84 words
A single lens reflex camera comprising: an exposure plane; an objective for transmitting light along an optical path to form an image in said exposure plane; a viewfinder displaced from said optical path; a mirror made of a flexible material having a viewing position in said optical path for reflecting light passing through said objective to said viewfinder, and a non-viewing position wherein said mirror is in a rolled configuration; and means for moving said mirror between said viewing position and said non-viewing position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
84 words
A single lens reflex camera comprising: an exposure plane; an objective for transmitting light along an optical path to form an image in said exposure plane; a viewfinder displaced from said optical path; a mirror made of a flexible material having a viewing position in said optical path for reflecting light passing through said objective to said viewfinder, and a non-viewing position wherein said mirror is in a rolled configuration; and means for moving said mirror between said viewing position and said non-viewing position.
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) | 1975-04-11 | 1975-10-11 | 1976-04-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-11 | 1979-10-11 | 1980-04-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-11 | 1983-10-11 | 1984-04-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |