Apparatus for providing shutter release and for indicating end of a controlled time exposure

Claim 2

In combination with a camera having shutter means actuatable between open and closed conditions for uncovering and covering respectively an exposure aperture, means for moving said shutter means between said open and closed conditions, and means for retaining said shutter means in said open condition, improved shutter release apparatus comprising: a member having a portion accessible from the exterior of the camera for manual actuation, said member being movable from a first to a second position upon actuation thereof, said member including first means for releasably retaining the shutter means in said closed condition when said member occupies said first position, and for releasing said shutter means to move to said open condition during actuation of said member toward said second position, said member including second means for releasably engaging said shutter means when said member occupies said second position, so that said member remains in said second position when said shutter means is in said open condition; and means for moving said member to said first position upon movement of said shutter means to said closed condition.

Claim 3

In combination with a camera having shutter means actuatable between open and closed conditions for uncovering and covering respectively an exposure aperture, means for moving said shutter means between said open and closed conditions, and means for retaining said shutter means in said open condition, improved shutter release apparatus comprising: a member having a portion accessible from the exterior of the camera for manual actuation, said member being movable from a first to a second position upon actuation thereof, said member including first means for releasably retaining the shutter means in said closed condition when said member occupies said first position, and for releasing said shutter means to move to said open condition during actuation of said member toward said second position, said member including second means for releasably engaging said shutter means when said member occupies said second position, so that said member remains in said second position when said shutter means is in said open condition; and means for moving said member to said first position upon movement of said shutter means to said closed condition.

Claim 4

In combination with a camera having shutter means actuatable between open and closed conditions for uncovering and covering respectively an exposure aperture, means for moving said shutter means between said open and closed conditions, and means for retaining said shutter means in said open condition, improved shutter release apparatus comprising: a member having a portion accessible from the exterior of the camera for manual actuation, said member being movable from a first to a second position upon actuation thereof, said member including first means for releasably retaining the shutter means in said closed condition when said member occupies said first position, and for releasing said shutter means to move to said open condition during actuation of said member toward said second position, said member including second means for releasably engaging said shutter means when said member occupies said second position, so that said member remains in said second position when said shutter means is in said open condition; and means for moving said member to said first position upon movement of said shutter means to said closed condition.

Claim 5

Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said member includes an elongated portion which is movable axially between said first and said second positions, said first means being disposed angularly from said portion and said second means comprising a resilient extension of said portion.

Claim 6

Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said camera includes an electronic timing circuit for providing an exposure interval related to the intensity of the scene light, said member being disposed to actuate said electronic circuit when said member is moved toward said second position.

Claim 7

In a camera having shutter control apparatus for establishing the duration of an exposure interval through an exposure aperture, the combination comprising: a first shutter blade, movable between a first and second position in relation to the exposure aperture to block and unblock the exposure aperture respectively; means urging said first shutter blade to its second position; a second shutter blade, movable between first and second positions in relation to the exposure aperture to unblock and block the exposure aperture respectively; means urging said second shutter blade to its second position; an actuatable timing circuit, including photosensitive means disposed to receive scEne light for providing an output signal at the end of the exposure interval, the length of the exposure interval being related to the intensity of scene light incident on said photosensitive means; switch means for activating said timing circuit; transducer means retaining said second shutter blade in its first position, said transducer means responsive to said signal for releasing said second shutter blade to permit movement of said second shutter blade to its second position; and a shutter actuating member, movable between a first and a second position, said member in said first position being located to retain said first shutter blade in said first position, said shutter actuating member being disposed to release said first shutter blade and actuate said switch means upon movement toward said second position, said shutter actuating member when in said second position being constructed and located to engage said second shutter blade wherein said shutter actuating member is releasably retained in said second position during the exposure interval and released to move to said first position upon movement of said second shutter blade to its second position.

Claim 8

In a camera having shutter control apparatus for establishing the duration of an exposure interval through an exposure aperture, the combination comprising: a first shutter blade, movable between a first and second position in relation to the exposure aperture to block and unblock the exposure aperture respectively; means urging said first shutter blade to its second position; a second shutter blade, movable between first and second positions in relation to the exposure aperture to unblock and block the exposure aperture respectively; means urging said second shutter blade to its second position; an actuatable timing circuit, including photosensitive means disposed to receive scEne light for providing an output signal at the end of the exposure interval, the length of the exposure interval being related to the intensity of scene light incident on said photosensitive means; switch means for activating said timing circuit; transducer means retaining said second shutter blade in its first position, said transducer means responsive to said signal for releasing said second shutter blade to permit movement of said second shutter blade to its second position; and a shutter actuating member, movable between a first and a second position, said member in said first position being located to retain said first shutter blade in said first position, said shutter actuating member being disposed to release said first shutter blade and actuate said switch means upon movement toward said second position, said shutter actuating member when in said second position being constructed and located to engage said second shutter blade wherein said shutter actuating member is releasably retained in said second position during the exposure interval and released to move to said first position upon movement of said second shutter blade to its second position.