US3714873A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Shutter control apparatus for photographic cameras
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1972-01-24
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Granted: 1973-02-06
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Expires: 1992-01-24
Abstract
Abstract In a camera having a photoelectric timing circuit for determining shutter speed in accordance with the level of scene illumination, a shutter mechanism including a mechanical override control is provided for establishing a maximum predetermined shutter speed for flash exposures. The shutter mechanism includes an opening blade actuatable to initiate an exposure interval and a closing blade actuatable under the control of the timing circuit to terminate the exposure interval, and the override control includes a member actuatable to permit the opening shutter blade to close after a predetermined time. The override control member is adapted for actuation in response to insertion of a flashlamp unit into a recepticle on the camera and/or in response to actuation of a member accessible from the exterior of the camera.
Inventors
- 👤 P Ernisse
- 👤 R Reynolds
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 20:39
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B7/00; G03B7/08; G03B7/081; G03B7/083; G03B9/00; G03B9/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 25
Claim 1
Independent Claim
366 words
In a camera adapted to expose film to object scene illumination through an exposure aperture, exposure control apparatus comprising: a. photosensitive means adapted to receive illumination from an object scene for varying an electrical parameter as a function of the level of scene illumination incident thereon; b. a first shutter blade movable from a first position covering the exposure aperture, to a second position uncovering the exposure aperture; c. means for actuating said first shutter blade to uncover the exposure aperture to initiate an exposure interval; d. return means for returning said first shutter blade to its firSt position to cover the exposure aperture a predetermined period of time after initiation of the exposure interval; e. latch means for engaging said first shutter blade when it uncovers the exposure aperture to prevent it from being returned by said return means to cover the exposure aperture, said latch means being actuatable to release said first shutter blade to cover the exposure aperture; f. control means actuatable to disable said latch means to permit the exposure time to be established by said return means; g. a second shutter blade movable from a first position uncovering the exposure aperture to a second position covering the aperture; h. means for controlling movement of said second shutter blade from the first to the second position; i. a voltage-sensitive trigger circuit coupled with said means for controlling movement of said second shutter blade and adapted to switch from a first state to a second state to actuate said means to release said second shutter blade for movement from its first to its second position when an input voltage reaches a predetermined level; j. activatable time-delay circuit means including said photosensitive means and connected with the input of said trigger circuit for producing a voltage at the trigger circuit input that changes from a first predetermined level when said circuit means is initially activated to said second predetermined level over a period of time that is a function of the level of illumination on said photoresponsive means; and k. means for activating said time-delay circuit means in a timed relation to the actuation of said first shutter blade to uncover the exposure aperture.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
366 words
In a camera adapted to expose film to object scene illumination through an exposure aperture, exposure control apparatus comprising: a. photosensitive means adapted to receive illumination from an object scene for varying an electrical parameter as a function of the level of scene illumination incident thereon; b. a first shutter blade movable from a first position covering the exposure aperture, to a second position uncovering the exposure aperture; c. means for actuating said first shutter blade to uncover the exposure aperture to initiate an exposure interval; d. return means for returning said first shutter blade to its firSt position to cover the exposure aperture a predetermined period of time after initiation of the exposure interval; e. latch means for engaging said first shutter blade when it uncovers the exposure aperture to prevent it from being returned by said return means to cover the exposure aperture, said latch means being actuatable to release said first shutter blade to cover the exposure aperture; f. control means actuatable to disable said latch means to permit the exposure time to be established by said return means; g. a second shutter blade movable from a first position uncovering the exposure aperture to a second position covering the aperture; h. means for controlling movement of said second shutter blade from the first to the second position; i. a voltage-sensitive trigger circuit coupled with said means for controlling movement of said second shutter blade and adapted to switch from a first state to a second state to actuate said means to release said second shutter blade for movement from its first to its second position when an input voltage reaches a predetermined level; j. activatable time-delay circuit means including said photosensitive means and connected with the input of said trigger circuit for producing a voltage at the trigger circuit input that changes from a first predetermined level when said circuit means is initially activated to said second predetermined level over a period of time that is a function of the level of illumination on said photoresponsive means; and k. means for activating said time-delay circuit means in a timed relation to the actuation of said first shutter blade to uncover the exposure aperture.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
366 words
In a camera adapted to expose film to object scene illumination through an exposure aperture, exposure control apparatus comprising: a. photosensitive means adapted to receive illumination from an object scene for varying an electrical parameter as a function of the level of scene illumination incident thereon; b. a first shutter blade movable from a first position covering the exposure aperture, to a second position uncovering the exposure aperture; c. means for actuating said first shutter blade to uncover the exposure aperture to initiate an exposure interval; d. return means for returning said first shutter blade to its firSt position to cover the exposure aperture a predetermined period of time after initiation of the exposure interval; e. latch means for engaging said first shutter blade when it uncovers the exposure aperture to prevent it from being returned by said return means to cover the exposure aperture, said latch means being actuatable to release said first shutter blade to cover the exposure aperture; f. control means actuatable to disable said latch means to permit the exposure time to be established by said return means; g. a second shutter blade movable from a first position uncovering the exposure aperture to a second position covering the aperture; h. means for controlling movement of said second shutter blade from the first to the second position; i. a voltage-sensitive trigger circuit coupled with said means for controlling movement of said second shutter blade and adapted to switch from a first state to a second state to actuate said means to release said second shutter blade for movement from its first to its second position when an input voltage reaches a predetermined level; j. activatable time-delay circuit means including said photosensitive means and connected with the input of said trigger circuit for producing a voltage at the trigger circuit input that changes from a first predetermined level when said circuit means is initially activated to said second predetermined level over a period of time that is a function of the level of illumination on said photoresponsive means; and k. means for activating said time-delay circuit means in a timed relation to the actuation of said first shutter blade to uncover the exposure aperture.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
366 words
In a camera adapted to expose film to object scene illumination through an exposure aperture, exposure control apparatus comprising: a. photosensitive means adapted to receive illumination from an object scene for varying an electrical parameter as a function of the level of scene illumination incident thereon; b. a first shutter blade movable from a first position covering the exposure aperture, to a second position uncovering the exposure aperture; c. means for actuating said first shutter blade to uncover the exposure aperture to initiate an exposure interval; d. return means for returning said first shutter blade to its firSt position to cover the exposure aperture a predetermined period of time after initiation of the exposure interval; e. latch means for engaging said first shutter blade when it uncovers the exposure aperture to prevent it from being returned by said return means to cover the exposure aperture, said latch means being actuatable to release said first shutter blade to cover the exposure aperture; f. control means actuatable to disable said latch means to permit the exposure time to be established by said return means; g. a second shutter blade movable from a first position uncovering the exposure aperture to a second position covering the aperture; h. means for controlling movement of said second shutter blade from the first to the second position; i. a voltage-sensitive trigger circuit coupled with said means for controlling movement of said second shutter blade and adapted to switch from a first state to a second state to actuate said means to release said second shutter blade for movement from its first to its second position when an input voltage reaches a predetermined level; j. activatable time-delay circuit means including said photosensitive means and connected with the input of said trigger circuit for producing a voltage at the trigger circuit input that changes from a first predetermined level when said circuit means is initially activated to said second predetermined level over a period of time that is a function of the level of illumination on said photoresponsive means; and k. means for activating said time-delay circuit means in a timed relation to the actuation of said first shutter blade to uncover the exposure aperture.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
205 words
In a camera adapted to expose film to scene illumination through an exposure aperture, exposure control apparatus comprising: a. photosensitive means adapted to receive scene illumination from an object scene for providing a first signal indicative of scene illumination incident thereon; b. activatable, time-delay circuit means responsive to the first signal for producing a second control signal a period of time after activation thereof; c. a first shutter blade movable between an aperture covering position and an aperture uncovering position; d. actuatable means for moving said first shutter blade to its aperture uncovering position to initiate an exposure interval; e. first latch means for releasably retaining said first shutter blade when it is moved to its aperture uncovering position; f. a second shutter blade movable between an aperture uncovering position and an aperture covering position; g. second latch means for releasably retaining said second shutter blade in its aperture uncovering position; h. means responsive to the second control signal for effecting the release of said second shutter blade by said second latch means; and i. means for disabling said first latch means so that said first shutter blade will return to its closed position a predetermined period of time after initiation of an exposure interval.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
205 words
In a camera adapted to expose film to scene illumination through an exposure aperture, exposure control apparatus comprising: a. photosensitive means adapted to receive scene illumination from an object scene for providing a first signal indicative of scene illumination incident thereon; b. activatable, time-delay circuit means responsive to the first signal for producing a second control signal a period of time after activation thereof; c. a first shutter blade movable between an aperture covering position and an aperture uncovering position; d. actuatable means for moving said first shutter blade to its aperture uncovering position to initiate an exposure interval; e. first latch means for releasably retaining said first shutter blade when it is moved to its aperture uncovering position; f. a second shutter blade movable between an aperture uncovering position and an aperture covering position; g. second latch means for releasably retaining said second shutter blade in its aperture uncovering position; h. means responsive to the second control signal for effecting the release of said second shutter blade by said second latch means; and i. means for disabling said first latch means so that said first shutter blade will return to its closed position a predetermined period of time after initiation of an exposure interval.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
234 words
In a camera adapted to expose film through an exposure aperture to ambient light conditions and to illumination derived from a photoflash device, said camera comprising: a. photoelectric circuit means for producing a control signal a period of time after actuation thereof; b. a first shutter blade movable from a first position covering the exposure aperture to a second position uncovering the exposure aperture; c. means for disposing said first shutter blade to its second position; d. means for actuating said circuit means to initiate an exposure interval; e. a second shutter blade movable from a first position uncovering the aperture to a second position covering the aperture; f. transducer means responsive to the control signal for actuating said second shutter blade to move from its first position to its second position to terminate the exposure interval; and g. means for receiving a flashlamP device; the improvement comprising; h. sensing means for detecting the presence of a flashlamp device in said receiving means; i. latch means for releasably latching said first shutter blade in its second position; j. means for disabling said latch means when said sensing means detects the presence of a flashlamp device in said receiving means; and k. means for returning said first shutter blade to cover the exposure aperture a predetermined period of time after initiation of an exposure interval when said latch means is disabled by said disabling means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
234 words
In a camera adapted to expose film through an exposure aperture to ambient light conditions and to illumination derived from a photoflash device, said camera comprising: a. photoelectric circuit means for producing a control signal a period of time after actuation thereof; b. a first shutter blade movable from a first position covering the exposure aperture to a second position uncovering the exposure aperture; c. means for disposing said first shutter blade to its second position; d. means for actuating said circuit means to initiate an exposure interval; e. a second shutter blade movable from a first position uncovering the aperture to a second position covering the aperture; f. transducer means responsive to the control signal for actuating said second shutter blade to move from its first position to its second position to terminate the exposure interval; and g. means for receiving a flashlamP device; the improvement comprising; h. sensing means for detecting the presence of a flashlamp device in said receiving means; i. latch means for releasably latching said first shutter blade in its second position; j. means for disabling said latch means when said sensing means detects the presence of a flashlamp device in said receiving means; and k. means for returning said first shutter blade to cover the exposure aperture a predetermined period of time after initiation of an exposure interval when said latch means is disabled by said disabling means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
63 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said disabling means comprises a first control member movable from a first position wherein it disables said latch means for latching said first shutter blade in its aperture uncovering position, said first control member movable to a second position wherein it enables said latch means to latch said first shutter blade in its aperture uncovering position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
72 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said sensing means comprises a second control member for sensing the presence of a flashlamp device in said receiving means, said second control member movable from a first position to a second position in response to sensing the flashlamp device in said receiving means, said second control member in its second position disposing said first control member in its first position disabling said latch means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said second control member is moved from its first position to its second position in response to actuation of means accessible from the exterior of the camera.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said accessible means comprises a manually operable member received in a slot in the camera, said manually operable member operable to dispose said second control member to its second position to thereby position said first control member to its first position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
53 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein there is further included means for testing the energy level of a camera energy source, said means comprising an indicator means and switch means coupled to the camera energy source, said switch accessible from the exterior of the camera and actuatable for energizing said indicator means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
186 words
In a camera having means defining an exposure aperture, an improved exposure control apparatus for providing an exposure interval related to scene illumination intensity, said apparatus comprising: a first shutter blade movable from an exposure aperture blocking position to an exposure aperture unblocking position; means for moving said first shutter blade to said aperture unblocking position; means for urging said first shutter blade for movement from said exposure aperture unblocking position to said exposure aperture blocking position in a predetermined time interval; first means for retaining said first shutter blade in said exposure aperture unblocking position; a second shutter blade movable from an exposure aperture unblocking position to an exposure aperture blocking position; second means for releasably retaining said second shutter blade in said exposure aperture unblocking position for a time interval related to scene illumination intensity; means for moving said second shutter blade to said exposure aperture blocking position upon release by said second retaining means; and means for disabling said first retaining means so that said urging means moves said first shutter blade to said exposure aperture blocking position after said predetermined time interval.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
186 words
In a camera having means defining an exposure aperture, an improved exposure control apparatus for providing an exposure interval related to scene illumination intensity, said apparatus comprising: a first shutter blade movable from an exposure aperture blocking position to an exposure aperture unblocking position; means for moving said first shutter blade to said aperture unblocking position; means for urging said first shutter blade for movement from said exposure aperture unblocking position to said exposure aperture blocking position in a predetermined time interval; first means for retaining said first shutter blade in said exposure aperture unblocking position; a second shutter blade movable from an exposure aperture unblocking position to an exposure aperture blocking position; second means for releasably retaining said second shutter blade in said exposure aperture unblocking position for a time interval related to scene illumination intensity; means for moving said second shutter blade to said exposure aperture blocking position upon release by said second retaining means; and means for disabling said first retaining means so that said urging means moves said first shutter blade to said exposure aperture blocking position after said predetermined time interval.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
51 words
Exposure control apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein said disabling means includes a control member which is operative in a first position for disabling said first retaining means and for retaining said second shutter blade in said aperture unblocking position after said second retaining means releases said second shutter blade.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
55 words
Exposure control apparatus as recited in claim 10 further including Means for moving said control member to a second position wherein said control member enables said first retaining means and releases said second shutter blade to permit said second shutter blade to move to said aperture blocking position upon release by said second retaining means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
134 words
In a camera having an exposure aperture, exposure control apparatus including a first shutter blade movable to an exposure aperture unblocking position, latch means for retaining the first shutter blade in the aperture unblocking position, a second shutter blade retained in an aperture unblocking position and movable to the aperture blocking position after a period of time established by photosensitive timing circuit means, and means for receiving a flash lamp unit, the improvement comprising: means for sensing the presence of the flash lamp unit in the receiving means; means responsive to said sensing of said flash lamp unit in said receiving means for disabling said latch means; and means for moving said first shutter blade to the aperture blocking position a predetermined time after movement of the first shutter blade to aperture unblocking position.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
134 words
In a camera having an exposure aperture, exposure control apparatus including a first shutter blade movable to an exposure aperture unblocking position, latch means for retaining the first shutter blade in the aperture unblocking position, a second shutter blade retained in an aperture unblocking position and movable to the aperture blocking position after a period of time established by photosensitive timing circuit means, and means for receiving a flash lamp unit, the improvement comprising: means for sensing the presence of the flash lamp unit in the receiving means; means responsive to said sensing of said flash lamp unit in said receiving means for disabling said latch means; and means for moving said first shutter blade to the aperture blocking position a predetermined time after movement of the first shutter blade to aperture unblocking position.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
255 words
In combination with a camera including means for receiving a potential source, an electronic circuit for controlling a time interval for a photographic exposure in relation to scene illumination intensity, comprising; means for connecting a received potential source to said circuit; photosensitive means exposed to scene illumination and having a parameter variable with the variations in the intensity of the scene illumination; resistance means in series circuit with the said photosensitive means, said series combination being connectable across said potential source, said resistance means and photosensitive means defining a junction therebetween for providing a potential related to the value of said resistance means and said parameter of said photosensitive means; trigger circuit means having an input and an output, said input being coupled to said junction, said trigger circuit means being activatable between a conductive and nonconductive state in accordance with the potential at said junction; capacitive means connectable to said photosensitive means, said capacitive means being chargeable through said photosensitive means by said potential source; first switch means actuatable for connecting said capacitor means to said input; transducer means connectable to said trigger circuit output and energizable by said output when said trigger circuit is in said conducting state; and second switch means for providing an energizing path for said transducer means from said potential source upon activation of the electronic circuit, said second switch means actuatable for connecting said transducer to said output for transferring energizing control of said transducer to said trigger circuit means prior to the end of the time interval.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
255 words
In combination with a camera including means for receiving a potential source, an electronic circuit for controlling a time interval for a photographic exposure in relation to scene illumination intensity, comprising; means for connecting a received potential source to said circuit; photosensitive means exposed to scene illumination and having a parameter variable with the variations in the intensity of the scene illumination; resistance means in series circuit with the said photosensitive means, said series combination being connectable across said potential source, said resistance means and photosensitive means defining a junction therebetween for providing a potential related to the value of said resistance means and said parameter of said photosensitive means; trigger circuit means having an input and an output, said input being coupled to said junction, said trigger circuit means being activatable between a conductive and nonconductive state in accordance with the potential at said junction; capacitive means connectable to said photosensitive means, said capacitive means being chargeable through said photosensitive means by said potential source; first switch means actuatable for connecting said capacitor means to said input; transducer means connectable to said trigger circuit output and energizable by said output when said trigger circuit is in said conducting state; and second switch means for providing an energizing path for said transducer means from said potential source upon activation of the electronic circuit, said second switch means actuatable for connecting said transducer to said output for transferring energizing control of said transducer to said trigger circuit means prior to the end of the time interval.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
Exposure control apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein said resistor means comprises a variable resistor.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
26 words
Exposure control apparatus as recited in claim 14 including warning means coupled to said trigger circuit means and energizable depending upon the potential of said junction.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
28 words
Exposure control apparatus as recited in claim 15 wherein said warning means is connectable in parallel with said transducer means and energizable when said transducer means is energized.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
Exposure control apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein said first and second switches are actuated substantially simultaneously.
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) | 1976-02-06 | 1976-08-07 | 1977-02-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-02-06 | 1980-08-07 | 1981-02-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-02-06 | 1984-08-07 | 1985-02-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |