US3668985A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Camera flash indicating system
Assignee: Minolta Co Ltd
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Filing: 1968-12-12
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Granted: 1972-06-13
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Expires: 1988-12-12
Abstract
Abstract A camera flash indicating signal system includes a camera view finder and a mirror located in the finder for reflecting light from a transverse path to the finder eyepiece. A convex lens, indicator element and electric lamp are spaced along the transverse path. The indicator element is located at the conjugate position of the eyepiece through the lens and the lamp is visible through a camera front window. The lamp is connected to a battery through a series connected first switch and a normally open second switch coupled to the camera shutter button for closing the second switch before shutter release. The first switch is either actuated selectively, or by a photocell controlled mechanism.
Inventors
- 👤 Seiichi Wazumi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 21:08
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B9/00; G03B9/70; G03B13/00; G03B13/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
A camera flash indicating mechanism comprising a camera including a view finder and shutter release button, an electric lamp mounted in said camera and simultaneously viewable through said finder and on the front of said camera, a battery current source, first and second switches connected in series with said electric lamp directly across said current source, said second switch being normally in an open position and being coupled to said shutter release button and actuatable to a closed position by said button before shutter release and electrically motivated control means responsive to incident light for opening and closing said first switch when said light is above and below a predetermined value respectively.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
A camera flash indicating mechanism comprising a camera including a view finder and shutter release button, an electric lamp mounted in said camera and simultaneously viewable through said finder and on the front of said camera, a battery current source, first and second switches connected in series with said electric lamp directly across said current source, said second switch being normally in an open position and being coupled to said shutter release button and actuatable to a closed position by said button before shutter release and electrically motivated control means responsive to incident light for opening and closing said first switch when said light is above and below a predetermined value respectively.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The mechanism of claim 1, said control means including a photocell and means responsive to the light incident on said photocell for opening and closing said first switch when said incident light exceeds and drops below said predetermined value respectively.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said view finder comprises a rear eyepiece and a front objective lens, said electric lamp being transversely offset from the axis of said eyepiece and objective lens, and a mirror positioned between said eyepiece and objective lens for reflecting light from said lamp to said eyepiece.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The mechanism of claim 3 including a convex lens positioned along the axis of said eyepiece as reflected by said mirror and an indicator element located at the conjugate position of the eyepiece through said convex lens.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The mechanism of claim 4 wherein said mirror is offset from the optical axis of said view finder.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
67 words
The mechanism of claim 4 including a first housing section having front and rear openings registering with said eyepiece And objective lens and a side opening registering with said mirror and a second housing extending laterally from and communicating with said side opening, said lamp, indicator element and convex lens being disposed in said second housing, said second housing having a front window registering with said lamp.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said control means comprises a current meter having a current responsive movable armature coupled to and controlling the opening and closing of said first switch and a photocell electrically coupled to the input of said meter.
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) | 1975-06-13 | 1975-12-13 | 1976-06-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-13 | 1979-12-13 | 1980-06-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-13 | 1983-12-13 | 1984-06-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |