US3682540A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Projection optical printing apparatus
Assignee: Berkey Photo Inc
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Filing: 1969-03-10
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Granted: 1972-08-08
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Expires: 1989-03-10
Abstract
Abstract Projection optical printing apparatus which may be employed for variable enlargement and reduction of a projected image to which light sensitive material is exposed. The optical system of this apparatus comprises, in succession along the optical axis a light beam path, the following optical elements including an apertured support for a film print, e.g., a projector head film gate. This film print bears an image to be recorded with this support extending in a print plane transversely of and substantially normal to the optical axis with the latter extending substantially through the center of the support aperture. This film print support is followed by a printing lens substantially axially aligned with the optical axis, and, thereafter, a transversely extending support for light sensitive material, e.g., a camera film gate, through the center of which the optical axis extends and located at a plane of printing reproductions by the printing lens. Suitable mechanism is provided to translate along the optical axis one or more of these units, i.e., the light sensitive material support, the printing lens and the film print support relative to the others thereof. An improved light source sub-assembly is embodied in such apparatus at a position preceding the film print support or projector film gate. This light source sub-assembly includes a source of light rays to which the light sensitive material responds for recording thereon a replica of the projected image, and means providing in a transverse plane an in-focus image of the light source preceding the film print plane, such as that at the location of the source of light rays or thereafter as may be effected by focusing lens means in a focal plane at the second principal focus of the latter. This light source sub-assembly also includes a mechanically adjustable light valve in the light source image plane which embodies light-blocking and masking transverse means having opposed edges located at substantially equal distances on opposite sides of the optical axis to define an intervening light-passing space. The portions of this light valve means which have the opposed edges are simultaneously movable both directionally toward and away from the optical axis and in extent at equal increments of continuous motion for infinite variability of the intervening light-passing space. For automatic adjustment of the opening of the light source valve a servomotor system may be provided advantageously which includes light valve control means automatically to adjust the opening in the latter in response to adjustment of the camera gate along the optical axis. A sophisticated version of this servomotor system for the printer which includes the pair of projector heads may embody a first output signal generator, such as a potentiometer, which is manipulated by adjustment of the camera gate along the optical axis, light valve opening adjustment mechanism, a second output signal generator, such as another potentiometer, manipulated by the light valve adjustment mechanism, and electrical circuit means connected to the output signal generators for combining the output signals thereof to produce a circuit output signal, with the means which automatically adjusts the opening of the light valve responding to the circuit output signal. A third Output signal generator, such as still another potentiometer, is manipulated by the independently adjustable transfer lens between the projector heads and the output signal therefrom is combined in the circuit means with the other output signals to provide the circuit output signal which dictates the adjustment of the light valve opening.
Inventors
- 👤 John W Oxberry
- 👤 Werner K Bender
- 👤 Stanislaw A Policht
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 09:59
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B27/00; G03B27/32; G03B27/46; G03B27/475
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
278 words
In projection optical printing apparatus for variable enlargement and reduction of a projected image in exposing light sensitive material to the latter, optical system comprising, in succession along the optical axis of a light beam path, an apertured support for a film print that bears an image to be recorded with this support extending in a print plane transversely of and substantially normal to the optical axis with the latter extending substantially through the center of the support aperture, a printing lens substantially axially aligned with the optical axis, and a transversely extending support for light sensitive material through the center of which the optical axis extends and located at a plane of printing reproductions by said printing lens; and means to translate along the optical axis one or more oF said light sensitive material support, said printing lens and said film print support relative to the others thereof; wherein the improvement comprises as a light source subassembly preceding said film print support a. a source of light rays to which the light sensitive material responds for recording thereon a replica of the projected image, b. means providing in a transverse plane an in-focus image of the light source preceding said film print plane, and c. a mechanically adjustable light valve in said light source image plane comprising light-blocking and masking transverse means having opposed edges located at substantially equal distances on opposite sides of said optical axis to define an intervening light-passing space with said light valve means being simultaneously movable both directionally toward and away from said optical axis and in extent at equal increments of continuous motion for infinite variability of said intervening light-passing space.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
278 words
In projection optical printing apparatus for variable enlargement and reduction of a projected image in exposing light sensitive material to the latter, optical system comprising, in succession along the optical axis of a light beam path, an apertured support for a film print that bears an image to be recorded with this support extending in a print plane transversely of and substantially normal to the optical axis with the latter extending substantially through the center of the support aperture, a printing lens substantially axially aligned with the optical axis, and a transversely extending support for light sensitive material through the center of which the optical axis extends and located at a plane of printing reproductions by said printing lens; and means to translate along the optical axis one or more oF said light sensitive material support, said printing lens and said film print support relative to the others thereof; wherein the improvement comprises as a light source subassembly preceding said film print support a. a source of light rays to which the light sensitive material responds for recording thereon a replica of the projected image, b. means providing in a transverse plane an in-focus image of the light source preceding said film print plane, and c. a mechanically adjustable light valve in said light source image plane comprising light-blocking and masking transverse means having opposed edges located at substantially equal distances on opposite sides of said optical axis to define an intervening light-passing space with said light valve means being simultaneously movable both directionally toward and away from said optical axis and in extent at equal increments of continuous motion for infinite variability of said intervening light-passing space.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
456 words
In a projection optical printer which comprises, in succession along the optical axis of a light beam path, a light source sub-assembly; a projector head having a transversely arranged gate located at a relatively fixed position along the optical axis and provided with a projecting aperture, through the center of which the optical axis extends, for translation of an image bearing strip film along a certain transverse path past said aperture, with field collector lens means immediately preceding said gate for concentration in the latter of the light rays emanating from the light source sub-assembly; a printing lens movably translatable along said optical axis; and a transversely arranged camera gate translatable along said optical axis with the translation of the latter being correlated to the translation of said printing lens, said camera gate being provided with a printing aperture, through the center of which the optical axis extends, for translation of a raw stock strip film along a certain transverse path that is substantially parallel to the image film path and past said printing aperture for exposure to the image bearing beam projected through the printing lens from the projector gate aperture; wherein the improvement comprises, as optical elements of said light source sub-assembly that have fixed positions along the optical axis relative to each other; a. a source of light rays to which the raw stock film responds for recording thereon a replica of images borne by said strip film at the projector head gate, b. a succeeding condenser or transfer lens assembly having its first principal focus located at said source of light rays, c. an adjustable light valve in the remote focal plane at the second principal focus of said transfer lens for providing an in-focus image in said focal plane of unmasked portions of said light rays source when energized with said light valve being in the form of a pair of light-blocking and masking vanes having opposed, spaced apart edges arranged in said focal plane and located at substantially equal distances to opposite sides of said optical axis, d. means for moving said light valve vanes simultaneously both directionally toward and away from said optical axis and in extent in equal increments of continuous motion for progressive approach and retrogressive retraction of said opposed edges toward and away from each other with substantial maintenance of the equality of their spacings to opposite sides of said optical axis for adjusting with infinite variation the space intervening said opposed edges to effect the required change in the quantity of light passed through the intervening space with maintenance of substantial equal distribution of the light along this space, and e. at least one achromat collector means closely flanking one side of said light valve.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
456 words
In a projection optical printer which comprises, in succession along the optical axis of a light beam path, a light source sub-assembly; a projector head having a transversely arranged gate located at a relatively fixed position along the optical axis and provided with a projecting aperture, through the center of which the optical axis extends, for translation of an image bearing strip film along a certain transverse path past said aperture, with field collector lens means immediately preceding said gate for concentration in the latter of the light rays emanating from the light source sub-assembly; a printing lens movably translatable along said optical axis; and a transversely arranged camera gate translatable along said optical axis with the translation of the latter being correlated to the translation of said printing lens, said camera gate being provided with a printing aperture, through the center of which the optical axis extends, for translation of a raw stock strip film along a certain transverse path that is substantially parallel to the image film path and past said printing aperture for exposure to the image bearing beam projected through the printing lens from the projector gate aperture; wherein the improvement comprises, as optical elements of said light source sub-assembly that have fixed positions along the optical axis relative to each other; a. a source of light rays to which the raw stock film responds for recording thereon a replica of images borne by said strip film at the projector head gate, b. a succeeding condenser or transfer lens assembly having its first principal focus located at said source of light rays, c. an adjustable light valve in the remote focal plane at the second principal focus of said transfer lens for providing an in-focus image in said focal plane of unmasked portions of said light rays source when energized with said light valve being in the form of a pair of light-blocking and masking vanes having opposed, spaced apart edges arranged in said focal plane and located at substantially equal distances to opposite sides of said optical axis, d. means for moving said light valve vanes simultaneously both directionally toward and away from said optical axis and in extent in equal increments of continuous motion for progressive approach and retrogressive retraction of said opposed edges toward and away from each other with substantial maintenance of the equality of their spacings to opposite sides of said optical axis for adjusting with infinite variation the space intervening said opposed edges to effect the required change in the quantity of light passed through the intervening space with maintenance of substantial equal distribution of the light along this space, and e. at least one achromat collector means closely flanking one side of said light valve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
The projection optical printer of claim 2 in which a dichroic mirror intervenes said condenser and the combination of said light valve and its flanking field lens for turNing the optical axis through an angle of less than 180* and for transmitting therethrough out of the optical system undesirable heat rays.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The projection optical printer of claim 2 in which a diffuser in the form of a plano translucent sheet having a finely ground surface is located beyond said light valve and precedes and achromat collector means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
104 words
The projection optical printer of claim 2 in which means are provided to move said light valve vanes simultaneously, said vane moving means comprising a driven rotary cam means provided with a contoured track and follower means urged to continuous contact of the latter, means to rotate said cam in a manner which rotatably translates said track with the advancing point of contact thereof by said follower means progressing linearly in radial degrees, and means connecting said follower means to said movable light valve vanes in a manner simultaneously to advance and retract the opposed edges of the latter relative to said optical axis.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
190 words
The projection optical printer of claim 5 in which said light valve includes a symmetrical parallelogram mechanism comprising a pair of opposed and substantially parallel side bar members and a pair of opposed and substantially parallel end bar members that are spaced apart in the direction of the longitudinal dimensions of said side bar members and are pivotally connected at longitudinally spaced points to the latter whereby rotation of one of said end bar members in one direction causes said side bar members progressively to approach each other and when rotated in the opposite direction causes said side bar members retrogressively to retract from each other, said side bar members respectively carrying one of said light valve vanes for the simultaneous motion of the opposed edges of the latter toward and away from each other; said connecting means includes means to rotate one of said end bar members in one direction when said follower means is advanced in one direction by contact with said cam track and to rotate it in the opposite direction when said follower means is retracted in the opposite direction by contact with said cam track.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
147 words
The projection optical printer of claim 6 in which said follower means is in the form of a pivotally mounted biased arm carrying a follower held in contact of said cam track by the biasing of said pivoted arm whereby the latter is swung back and forth by the rotation of said cam means; and said connecting means is in the form of slide means carried by said follower arm for swing therewith an a sine bar connected to said rotatable parallelogram end bar member for swing of the latter thereby with said sine bar having a generally radiating guide surface constrained toward contact of said slide means whereby when said pivoted follower arm is swung back and forth by rotation of said cam means said slide means glides back and forth along said guide surface of said sine bar to rotate the latter back and forth.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
152 words
The projection optical printer of claim 2 in which the optical system includes an additional projector head to serve as an aerial image projector interposed between said light valve and the first-mentioned projector head with the latter serving as a master projector, said aerial image projector including a similar apertured gate for translation therepast of an additional image bearing strip film which may serve as a matte, additional field collector lens means immediately preceding said aerial image projector gate beyond said light source sub-assembly; common means supporting in succession at fixed positions relative to each other along the optical axis said light source sub-assembly, said additional field collector means and said aerial image projector gate with said common means being adjustably translatable along said optical axis; and an imaging transfer lens assembly interposed between the gates of said aerial image and master projector heads which is independently translatable along said optical axis.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
192 words
The projeCtion optical printer of claim 8 in which said light source sub-assembly, said condenser, said adjustable light valve with its flanking field lens, said aerial image projector, said axially adjustable imaging transfer lens assembly, and said master projector with its associated field collector means together constitute a primary projecting section; said optical system including an oblique light transmitting and reflective mirror means interposed between and optically axially aligned with said primary projecting section and said printing lens; and a secondary projecting section functionally similar to said primary projecting section having its optical axis directed toward and intercepted by the oblique reflective surface of said interposed mirror means for additive assembly thereat of the projected image outputs of said primary and secondary projecting sections; and in which is inserted in each of the light source sub-assemblies of the projecting sections, between the source of light rays and condenser thereof, a swingable dichroic filter, whereby change of the angle of incidence with respect to the optical path of at least one of the dichroic filters by swing thereof the light outputs of the two light ray sources can be color corrected for identicalness.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
135 words
The projection optical printer of claim 9 in which operator-controlled drive mechanism is provided for translating at will in correlated manner said printing lens and camera gate along the optical axis thereof; and there is also provided operator-controlled means for translating said imaging transfer lens assembly in each of said projecting sections independently along the optical axis relative to said common means which supports said light source sub-assembly and said aerial image projector in this projecting section, and also relative to said camera gate and printing lens; whereby in each of said projecting sections adjustment of the position of said imaging transfer lens assembly thereof along the optical axis will maintain in focus at the gate of said master projector thereof any image borne by the film translated through said aerial image projector gate thereof.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
69 words
The projection optical printer of claim 2 in which is provided position control means operatively connected to said axially translatable printing lens and camera gate and to said means for moving said light valve vanes simultaneously toward and away from each other, said position control means being adapted to provide said light valve vane moving means with a control input proportional to printing lens and camera gate axial translation.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
116 words
The projection optical printer of claim 11 wherein said position control means comprises printing lens and camera gate translation apparatus for effecting said translation along the optical axis, a first signal generator operatively connected thereto and producing an output signal proportional to optical axis translation of said printing lens and camera gate, a second signal generator operatively connected to said light valve vane moving means and producing an output signal proportional to the simultaneous movement of said vanes, circuit means connected to said signal generators and combining said output signals to produce a circuit output signal and means responding to the circuit output signal for generating said control input to said light valve vane moving means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
The projection optical printer of claim 12 wherein said circuit means comprises a network which subtractively combines said second signal generator output signal with said first signal generator output signal to produce said circuit output signal.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
70 words
The projection optical printer of claim 12 in which is further provided a manual controller for said circuit output signal, said position control means including also a third signal generator operatively connected to said manual controller and producing an output signal proportional to the controller setting, said circuit means being connected also to said third signal generator for combining all signal generator output signals to produce said circuit output signal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
54 words
The projection optical printer or claim 12 wherein said means responding to said circuit output signal comprises an electric motor and a mechanism driven thereby to provide said control input, said motor driven mechanism including first and second output members coupled respectively to said light valve vane moving means and said second signal generator.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
102 words
The projection optical printer claimed in claim 15 wherein said light valve vane moving means comprises a driven rotary cam having a contoured track coupled to said first output member for drive thereby, follower means urged to continuous contact with said track, and means connecting said follower means to said movable light valve vanes, said cam being rotated by said first output shaft in a manner which rotatably translates said track with the advancing point of contact thereof of said follower means progressing linearly in radial degrees whereby said movable light valve vanes are advanced and retracted linearly relative to each other.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
112 words
The projection optical printer of claim 12 wherein the optical system includes an additional projector head to serve as an aerial image projector interposed between said light valve and the first-mentioned projector head with the latter serving as a master projector, and an imaging transfer lens assembly interposed between said aerial image and master projector heads, said position control means including further imaging transfer lens translation apparatus and another signal generator operatively connected thereto and producing an output signal proportional to transfer lens translation along the optical axis, said circuit means being connected also to said last-mentioned signal generator for combining all signal generator output signals to produce said circuit output signal.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
350 words
The projection optical printer of claim 9 in which is provided, in association with said printing lens and camera gate, translation apparatus operatively connected thereto to effect axial translation thereof, a first signal generator operatively connected to said axial translation apparatus for producing an output signal proportional to the axial translation of said printing lens and camera gate; position control means adapted to provide said light valve moving means of said primary projecting section with a control input proportional to printing lens and camera gate axial translation, a second signal generator operatively connected to said light valve vane moving means for producing a second output signal proportional to the simultaneous movement of said vanes; additional translation apparatus operatively connected to said imaging transfer lens located in said primary projecting section to effect axial translation of this imaging lens, a third signal generator operatively connected to said imaging transfer lens translation apparatus for producing a third output signal proportional to the axial translation of this imaging lens; a manual controller for said primary projecting section, a fourth signal generator operatively connected to said manual controller for producing a fourth output signal proportional to the controller setting; circuit means connected to said signal generators and combining said output signals to produce a summed circuit output signal for generating said control input to said light valve moving means; and functionally similar light valve vane control means, imaging transfer lens translation apparatus and manual controller respectively having operatively connected thereto functionally similar second, third and fourth signal generators associated with said secondary projecting section, an additional secondary projecting section first signal generator operatively connected to said printing lens and camera gate translation apparatus for producing another first output signal that is proportional to the axial translation of said printing lens and camera gate, and second circuit means connected to said Secondary projecting section first, second, third and fourth signal generators and combining said output signals of these four signal generators to produce a summed circuit output signal for generating the control input to the light valve moving means embodied in said secondary projecting section.
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) | 1975-08-08 | 1976-02-07 | 1976-08-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-08 | 1980-02-07 | 1980-08-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-08 | 1984-02-07 | 1984-08-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |