Reflex camera

Claim 2

A hand-held photographic camera comprising: housing means for supporting a supply of photographic film units for sequential exposure at an exposure station, said supply representing an occupied space having given sides and volume; means for effecting the sequential exposure of said film units at said exposure station; processing means mounted within said housing means adjacent one said side of said supply of film units occupied space and driveable to process individual ones of said film units following the said exposure thereof; motor means mounted within said housing means adjacent a said side of said supply of film units occupied space opposite said one side for providing a drive output; and drive means supported within said housing means along a said side of said supply of film units occupied space adjacent said one side and connected between said motor means drive output and said processing means for driving said processing means from said motor means.

Claim 3

A hand-held photographic camera comprising: housing means for supporting a supply of photographic film units for sequential exposure at an exposure station, said supply representing an occupied space having given sides and volume; means for effecting the sequential exposure of said film units at said exposure station; processing means mounted within said housing means adjacent one said side of said supply of film units occupied space and driveable to process individual ones of said film units following the said exposure thereof; motor means mounted within said housing means adjacent a said side of said supply of film units occupied space opposite said one side for providing a drive output; and drive means supported within said housing means along a said side of said supply of film units occupied space adjacent said one side and connected between said motor means drive output and said processing means for driving said processing means from said motor means.

Claim 4

A hand-held photographic camera comprising: housing means for supporting a supply of photographic film units for sequential exposure at an exposure station, said supply representing an occupied space having given sides and volume; means for effecting the sequential exposure of said film units at said exposure station; processing means mounted within said housing means adjacent one said side of said supply of film units occupied space and driveable to process individual ones of said film units following the said exposure thereof; motor means mounted within said housing means adjacent a said side of said supply of film units occupied space opposite said one side for providing a drive output; and drive means supported within said housing means along a said side of said supply of film units occupied space adjacent said one side and connected between said motor means drive output and said processing means for driving said processing means from said motor means.

Claim 5

A hand-held photographic camera comprising: housing means for supporting a quantity of photographic film units for sequential exposure at an exposure station, said housing means being articulated to fold from a fully functional erected configuration to a compact configuration approximating the shape of a thin parallelepiped with narrow side and end walls; means for effecting the sequential exposure of said film units at said exposure station; processing means mounted within said housing means adjacent one side of said film units and actuable to process individual ones of said film units following the said exposure thereof; motor means mounted within said housing means adjacent a side of said film units opposite said one side for providing a drive output; drive means supported within said housing means along a side of said film units adjacent said one side and connectable between said motor means drive output and said processing means for actuating said processing means from said motor means; and wherein after said housing means is folded said motor means lies adjacent one narrow end wall of said compact configuration and remains connectable through said drive means extending along a narrow side wall of said compact configuration to said processing means.

Claim 6

A hand-held photographic camera comprising: housing means for supporting a quantity of photographic film units for sequential exposure at an exposure station, said housing means being articulated to fold from a fully functional erected configuration to a compact configuration approximating the shape of a thin parallelepiped with narrow side and end walls; means for effecting the sequential exposure of said film units at said exposure station; processing means mounted within said housing means adjacent one side of said film units and actuable to process individual ones of said film units following the said exposure thereof; motor means mounted within said housing means adjacent a side of said film units opposite said one side for providing a drive output; drive means supported within said housing means along a side of said film units adjacent said one side and connectable between said motor means drive output and said processing means for actuating said processing means from said motor means; and wherein after said housing means is folded said motor means lies adjacent one narrow end wall of said compact configuration and remains connectable through said drive means extending along a narrow side wall of said compact configuration to said processing means.

Claim 7

A hand-held photographic camera comprising: housing means having components articulated to fold from an operational erected configuration to a compact configuration approximating the shape of a thin parallelepiped with narrow sidewalls, said components including base means for supporting a quantity of photographic film units for sequential exposure at an exposure station; means for effecting the sequential exposure of said film units at said exposure station; processing means mounted within said housing means and having an operational position adjacent one side of said quantity of film units, said processing means being actuable to process individual ones of said film units following the said exposure thereof; motor means mounted within said housing means upon said base means adjacent a side of said film units opposite said one side for providing a drive output; and drive means mounted within said housing means and positioned along a side of said base means extending along another side of said film units adjacent said one side, so that said drive means extends along a said thin sidewall of said parallelepiped shape, said drive means being driveable from said motor means drive output and operative to actuate said processing means when driven.

Claim 8

A hand-held photographic camera comprising: housing means having components articulated to fold from an operational erected configuration to a compact configuration approximating the shape of a thin parallelepiped with narrow sidewalls, said components including base means for supporting a quantity of photographic film units for sequential exposure at an exposure station; means for effecting the sequential exposure of said film units at said exposure station; processing means mounted within said housing means and having an operational position adjacent one side of said quantity of film units, said processing means being actuable to process individual ones of said film units following the said exposure thereof; motor means mounted within said housing means upon said base means adjacent a side of said film units opposite said one side for providing a drive output; and drive means mounted within said housing means and positioned along a side of said base means extending along another side of said film units adjacent said one side, so that said drive means extends along a said thin sidewall of said parallelepiped shape, said drive means being driveable from said motor means drive output and operative to actuate said processing means when driven.

Claim 9

The hand-held photographic camera of claim 3 in which said base means is configured such that said quantity of film units constitute, when supported therewithin, a substantial portion of the space defined therewithin.

Claim 10

The hand-held photographic camera of claim 1 wherein: said housing means is articulated to fold from an operational erected configuration to a compact configuration approximating the shape of a thin parallelepiped with narrow side walls; and said drive means is supported within said housing such that it extends along a said narrow side wall of said shape.

Claim 11

A hand-held photographic camera comprising: housing means for supporting a quantity of photographic film units for sequential exposure at an exposure station; means for effecting the sequential exposure of said film units at said exposure station; processing means mounted within said housing means adjacent one side of said film units and driveable at a predetermined rate to process individual ones of said film units following the said exposure thereof; motor means mounted within said housing means adjacent a side of said film units opposite said one side for providing a drive output; and drive means supported within said housing means along a side of said film units adjacent said one side said drive means including a thin elongate gear train having an input connected with said motor means drive output and having one branch of selected output reduction ratio for driving said processing means at said predetermined rate and having another branch the output of which has a reduction ratio substantially greater than said select output reduction ratio, and kinematic drive means coupled in driven relationship with said gear train other branch output for providing a select control of instrumentalities within said camera.

Claim 12

A hand-held photographic camera comprising: housing means for supporting a quantity of photographic film units for sequential exposure at an exposure station; means for effecting the sequential exposure of said film units at said exposure station; processing means mounted within said housing means adjacent one side of said film units and driveable at a predetermined rate to process individual ones of said film units following the said exposure thereof; motor means mounted within said housing means adjacent a side of said film units opposite said one side for providing a drive output; and drive means supported within said housing means along a side of said film units adjacent said one side said drive means including a thin elongate gear train having an input connected with said motor means drive output and having one branch of selected output reduction ratio for driving said processing means at said predetermined rate and having another branch the output of which has a reduction ratio substantially greater than said select output reduction ratio, and kinematic drive means coupled in driven relationship with said gear train other branch output for providing a select control of instrumentalities within said camera.

Claim 13

The hand-held photographic camera of claim 1 in which said drive means includes a thin, elongate gear train connected between said motor means drive output and said processing means.

Claim 14

Photographic apparatus for exposing and processing photosensitive film units comprising: exposure instrumentation means for focusing and exposing the image of a photographic subject upon a said film unit, said instrumentation means including a mechanism movable under spring bias from a cocked position into a terminal position; means for processing a said film unit at a predetermined rate following the said exposure thereof; a motor; reduction gearing means coupled to be driven from said motor, said gearing means having one branch of select output reduction ratio for rotatably driving said processing means at said predetermined rate and having another branch the output of which has a reduction ratio substantially greater than said one branch select ratio; kinematic drive means coupled in driven relationship with said reduction gearing means other branch output for selectively moving said exposure instrumentation means mechanism against said spring bias into said cocked position; and control means for selectively actuating said exposure instrumentation means and said motor during a photographic cycle thereof.

Claim 15

Photographic apparatus for exposing and processing photosensitive film units comprising: exposure instrumentation means for focusing and exposing the image of a photographic subject upon a said film unit, said instrumentation means including a mechanism movable under spring bias from a cocked position into a terminal position; means for processing a said film unit at a predetermined rate following the said exposure thereof; a motor; reduction gearing means coupled to be driven from said motor, said gearing means having one branch of select output reduction ratio for rotatably driving said processing means at said predetermined rate and having another branch the output of which has a reduction ratio substantially greater than said one branch select ratio; kinematic drive means coupled in driven relationship with said reduction gearing means other branch output for selectively moving said exposure instrumentation means mechanism against said spring bias into said cocked position; and control means for selectively actuating said exposure instrumentation means and said motor during a photographic cycle thereof.

Claim 16

The photographic apparatus of claim 8 in which said kinematic means is operative to selectively retain said exposure instrumentation means mechanism in said cocked position.

Claim 17

The photographic apparatus of claim 8 in which said kinematic means is operative to retain said exposure instrumentation means mechanism in said cocked position and to release said mechanism for movement under said spring bias in response to select rotation of said reduction gearing means other branch output.

Claim 18

The photographic apparatus of claim 8 in which said kinematic drive means is operative to commence said movement of said exposure instrumentation means mechanism against said spring bias into said cocked position subsequent to the said processing of a said film unit.

Claim 19

The photographic apparatus of claim 8 in which said kinematic drive means includes: cam means coupled for co-rotation with said other reduction gearing means branch output; and kinematic linkage means engageable with said exposure instrumentation means and said cam means for transmitting force therebetween.

Claim 20

The photographic apparatus of claim 12 in which: said cam means is formed having a periphery with a high dwell portion; and said kinematic linkage means includes a follower surface contactable with said cam means high dwell portion to selectively retain said exposure instrumentation means mechanism in said cocked position.

Claim 21

The photographic apparatus of Claim 12 in which: said cam means is formed having a periphery defining a high dwell portion in juxtaposition with a sudden return portion; and said kinematic linkage means is contactable with said periphery, is operative to retain said exposure instrumentation means mechanism in said cocked position when in contact with said high dwell portion, and is operative to release said mechanism for movement under said spring bias when in operative association with said sudden return portion.

Claim 22

The photographic apparatus of claim 12 in which: said cam means is formed having a periphery defining a low dwell portion and a rising profile portion; and said kinematic linkage means is operatively associated with said low dwell portion when a said processing of a said film unit commences and is subsequently contactable with said rising profile portion during a said photographic cycle to effect said movement of said exposure instrumentation means mechanism against said spring bias into said cocked position.

Claim 23

The photographic apparatus of claim 15 in which said reduction gearing means other branch is configured to provide an output having a period of rotation selected as one revolution for each said photographic cycle.

Claim 24

A reflex camera comprising in combination: optical path means having a viewing mode configuration and an exposure mode configuration for imaging a scene to be photographed at a focal plane; operator means movable during a photographic cycle between terminal positions for causing said optical path means to be converted between said viewing mode and said exposure mode configurations; means for biasing said operator means into a said terminal position providing said exposure mode configuration; motor means for providing a drive output of given rotational velocity; reduction means having an input coupled with said motor means for providing an output stage having a predetermined period of rotation when said drive output is at said given velocity; cam means coupled for corresponding rotation with said reduction means output stage and having a periphery defining a predetermined rising profile portion and a sudden return portion; means defining a kinematic linkage connected with said operator means and having a follower surface contactable in driven relationship with said cam means periphery, said linkage being movable to drive said operator means against said bias toward said terminal position providing said viewing mode configuration when said follower surface is driven from said rising profile portion and movable to effect said operator means movement under said bias when said sudden return portion is moved before said follower surface; means for effecting the exposure of photosensitive material when said operator means is in a terminal position providing said exposure mode configuration; and control means for actuating said motor means to cause selective rotation of said reduction means output stage.

Claim 25

A reflex camera comprising in combination: optical path means having a viewing mode configuration and an exposure mode configuration for imaging a scene to be photographed at a focal plane; operator means movable during a photographic cycle between terminal positions for causing said optical path means to be converted between said viewing mode and said exposure mode configurations; means for biasing said operator means into a said terminal position providing said exposure mode configuration; motor means for providing a drive output of given rotational velocity; reduction means having an input coupled with said motor means for providing an output stage having a predetermined period of rotation when said drive output is at said given velocity; cam means coupled for corresponding rotation with said reduction means output stage and having a periphery defining a predetermined rising profile portion and a sudden return portion; means defining a kinematic linkage connected with said operator means and having a follower surface contactable in driven relationship with said cam means periphery, said linkage being movable to drive said operator means against said bias toward said terminal position providing said viewing mode configuration when said follower surface is driven from said rising profile portion and movable to effect said operator means movement under said bias when said sudden return portion is moved before said follower surface; means for effecting the exposure of photosensitive material when said operator means is in a terminal position providing said exposure mode configuration; and control means for actuating said motor means to cause selective rotation of said reduction means output stage.

Claim 26

The reflex camera of claim 17 in which said reduction means output stage period of rotation is selected as one revolution for each said photographic cycle.

Claim 27

The reflex camera of claim 17 in which said cam means periphery is configured to define a low dwell portion intermediate said sudden return portion and said rising profile portion, said low dwell portion being shaped to remain out of contact with said kinematic linkage follower surface, whereby said movement of said operator means fully into said terminal position providing said exposure mode configuration is assured.

Claim 28

The reflex camera of claim 17 in which: said kinematic linkage means connection with said operator means includes a lost motion linkage; and said cam means periphery rising profile portion is configured to drive said kinematic linkage from said follower surface an additional predetermined distance after said operator means is driven into said terminal position providing said viewing mode configuration, wheReby seating of said operator means at said terminal position is assured.

Claim 29

The reflex camera of claim 20 in which said control means includes switch means actuable in response to said kinematic linkage movement for selectively energizing said motor means so as to derive sufficient rotation at said output stage to move said follower surface an additional predetermined distance.

Claim 30

The reflex camera of claim 17 further comprising housing means for supporting photographic film units for sequential exposure at said focal plane when said optical path is in said exposure mode configuration, said housing means being configured to support said motor means adjacent one side of said film units and support said reduction means along a side of said film units adjacent said one side.

Claim 31

The reflex camera of claim 22 wherein said reduction means is configured as an elongate gear train extending from said input along said adjacent side of said film units.

Claim 32

The reflex camera of claim 23 wherein said kinematic linkage includes an elongate ram supported within said housing means and translationally movable along said elongate gear train, said ram being configured to support said follower surface at one end thereof and connectable in force transferring relationship with said operator means.

Claim 33

The reflex camera of claim 17 in which said control means is operative to effect first and second energizations of said motor means during a photographic cycle, said first energization being of duration sufficient to effect movement of said cam means sudden return portion before said follower surface.

Claim 34

The reflex camera of claim 25 in which said reduction means is operative to driveably move said cam means rising profile portion against said kinematic linkage follower surface when said control means effects said second motor means energization.

Claim 35

The reflex camera of claim 26 in which said reduction means output stage period of rotation is selected as one revolution for each said photographic cycle.

Claim 36

The reflex camera of claim 17 in which: said cam means periphery is configured to define a high dwell portion intermediate said rising profile portion and said sudden return portion; and said kinematic linkage is operative to selectively retain said operator assembly in said terminal position providing said optical path means viewing mode configuration.

Claim 37

The reflex camera of claim 28 in which: said reduction means is configured as an elongate gear train extending from said input; and said kinematic linkage includes an elongate ram supported within said housing and translationally movable along said elongate gear train, said ram being configured to support said follower surface at one end thereof and connectable in force transferring relationship with said operator means.

Claim 38

A folding reflex camera comprising, in combination: housing means for supporting photographic film units for sequential exposure at an exposure station; operator means movable between a position adjacent said exposure station providing a viewing mode orientation of said camera and an erect position for providing an exposure operational mode; means for biasing said operator means to move toward said exposure mode erect position; motor means mounted within said housing means adjacent one side of said film units for providing a drive output of given rotational velocity; processing means mounted within said housing means adjacent a side of said film units opposite said one side for processing individual ones of said film units following the said exposure thereof; reduction means drivably connected between said motor means and said processing means for driving said processing means and including an intermediate output stage having a predetermined period of rotation when said motor means drive output is at said given velocity; kinematic drive means operative between said intermediate output stage and said operator means for retaining said oPerator means in said position adjacent said exposure station and responsive to select rotation of said intermediate stage for releasing said operator means for movement by said biasing means into said erect position and for driving said operator means to said position adjacent said exposure station subsequent to an exposure of a said film unit; means for effecting the exposure of a said photographic film unit when said operator means is in said erect position; and control means for selectively actuating said motor means to drive said reduction means.

Claim 39

A folding reflex camera comprising, in combination: housing means for supporting photographic film units for sequential exposure at an exposure station; operator means movable between a position adjacent said exposure station providing a viewing mode orientation of said camera and an erect position for providing an exposure operational mode; means for biasing said operator means to move toward said exposure mode erect position; motor means mounted within said housing means adjacent one side of said film units for providing a drive output of given rotational velocity; processing means mounted within said housing means adjacent a side of said film units opposite said one side for processing individual ones of said film units following the said exposure thereof; reduction means drivably connected between said motor means and said processing means for driving said processing means and including an intermediate output stage having a predetermined period of rotation when said motor means drive output is at said given velocity; kinematic drive means operative between said intermediate output stage and said operator means for retaining said oPerator means in said position adjacent said exposure station and responsive to select rotation of said intermediate stage for releasing said operator means for movement by said biasing means into said erect position and for driving said operator means to said position adjacent said exposure station subsequent to an exposure of a said film unit; means for effecting the exposure of a said photographic film unit when said operator means is in said erect position; and control means for selectively actuating said motor means to drive said reduction means.

Claim 40

The folding reflex camera of claim 30 in which said operator means is pivotally mounted upon said housing means at a location near to said motor means mounting.

Claim 41

The folding reflex camera of claim 30 in which said reduction means output stage period of rotation is selected as one revolution for each said photographic cycle.

Claim 42

The folding reflex camera of claim 30 in which said reduction means is present as an elongate gear train connected in driven relationship with said motor means drive output, said gear train being configured having one circuit branch of select output reduction ratio for driving said processing means at a predetermined rate, and another circuit branch for providing said intermediate output stage and having a reduction ratio selected to derive said predetermined period of rotation.

Claim 43

The folding reflex camera of claim 33 in which said elongate gear train is positioned within said housing means along a side of said film units adjacent said one side.

Claim 44

The folding reflex camera of claim 33 wherein said kinematic drive means includes: cam means coupled for co-rotation with said intermediate output stage; and an elongate ram supported within said housing means, connectable in force transferring relationship with said operator means and having a follower surface contactable in driven relationship with said cam means.

Claim 45

The folding reflex camera of claim 35 in which said reduction means intermediate output stage period of rotation is selected as one revolution for each said photographic cycle.

Claim 46

The folding reflex camera of claim 35 in which: said cam means is configured having a periphery defining a predetermined rising profile portion and a sudden return portion; and said ram is operative to release said operator means for movement under said bias when said follower surface is operatively associated with said sudden return portion, and is further operative to urge said operator means into said position adjacent said exposure station when said follower surface is driven from said rising profile portion.

Claim 47

The folding reflex camera of claim 37 wherein said elongate gear train other circuit branch is configured having an output of reduction ratio substantially greater than said one circuit branch reduction ratio.

Claim 48

A reflex camera comprising in combination: means for imaging a scene to be photographed at an exposure station; an operator assembly having a cocked position adjacent said exposure station for operating said camera in a viewing mode and movable during a photographic cycle from said cocked position to an erect position for operating said camera in an exposure mode; spring means for urging said operator assembly to move toward said erect position; a motor; gear reduction means coupled in driven relationship with said motor for providing a rotational output stage having a predetermined period of rotation during a said photographic cycle; cam means rotatable in correspondence with said gear reduction output stage and having a periphery with an initial high dwell portion in juxtaposition with a sudden return portion and the terminus of a rising profile portion; means defining a kinematic linkage having a follower surface contactable with said cam means periphery for retaining said operator assembly in said cocked viewing mode position when said follower surface is in contact with said high dwell porTion, for releasing said operator assembly to move toward said erect position when said sudden return portion is operatively associated with said follower surface, and for returning said operator assembly to said cocked position when said rising profile portion is moved across said follower surface; switch means actuable in conjunction with the movement of said follower surface from or into said high dwell portion; control means for selectively energizing said motor and responsive to the said actuation of said switch means for terminating the said energization of said motor; and means for effecting the exposure of photosensitive material at said exposure station when said operator assembly is in said erect position.

Claim 49

A reflex camera comprising in combination: means for imaging a scene to be photographed at an exposure station; an operator assembly having a cocked position adjacent said exposure station for operating said camera in a viewing mode and movable during a photographic cycle from said cocked position to an erect position for operating said camera in an exposure mode; spring means for urging said operator assembly to move toward said erect position; a motor; gear reduction means coupled in driven relationship with said motor for providing a rotational output stage having a predetermined period of rotation during a said photographic cycle; cam means rotatable in correspondence with said gear reduction output stage and having a periphery with an initial high dwell portion in juxtaposition with a sudden return portion and the terminus of a rising profile portion; means defining a kinematic linkage having a follower surface contactable with said cam means periphery for retaining said operator assembly in said cocked viewing mode position when said follower surface is in contact with said high dwell porTion, for releasing said operator assembly to move toward said erect position when said sudden return portion is operatively associated with said follower surface, and for returning said operator assembly to said cocked position when said rising profile portion is moved across said follower surface; switch means actuable in conjunction with the movement of said follower surface from or into said high dwell portion; control means for selectively energizing said motor and responsive to the said actuation of said switch means for terminating the said energization of said motor; and means for effecting the exposure of photosensitive material at said exposure station when said operator assembly is in said erect position.

Claim 50

The reflex camera of claim 39 in which said gear reduction means output stage period of rotation is selected as one revolution for each said photographic cycle.

Claim 51

The reflex camera of claim 39 wherein said gear reduction means is configured as an elongate gear train.

Claim 52

The reflex camera of claim 39 wherein said kinematic linkage includes an elongate ram translationally movable along said elongate gear train, said ram being configured to support said follower surface at one end thereof and connectable in force transferring relationship with said operator assembly.

Claim 53

The reflex camera of claim 42 in which said kinematic linkage is connected with said operator assembly through a lost motion linkage; and said cam means periphery rising profile portion is configured to drive said ram from said follower surface an additional predetermined distance after said operator assembly is driven into said cocked position providing said viewing mode, whereby seating of said assembly at said position is assured.