US3739701A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Novel photographic camera film processing means
Assignee: Polaroid Corp
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Filing: 1971-12-20
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Granted: 1973-06-19
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Expires: 1991-12-20
Abstract
Abstract The present invention envisions a reflex camera having a specular surface within the optical path to the film plane. An operator mechanism positions a viewing surface closely proximate the film plane for focusing purposes and in a subsequent exposure mode positions a reflective surface within the optical path in a position causing a coincidence of a focal plane with the film plane. The camera includes a processing station, having a pair of processing rolls, and a support for locating a film-advancing apparatus for engaging and moving the film unit, subsequent to exposure, from its exposure position into the bite of said processing rolls. The processing rolls are initially releasably retained in predetermined spaced relation to facilitate the reception of the exposed film unit for processing. Thereafter, the releasable retaining means is disengaged to allow the processing rolls to resiliently close on the film unit. The releasable retaining means is further disabled to prevent it from securing the rollers in spaced relation as a result of their being urged apart, as by a high spot on the film unit.
Inventors
- 👤 I Erlichman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 16:31
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B19/00; G03B19/02; G03B19/12; G03B17/00; G03B17/28; G03B17/32; G03B17/34; G03B17/42
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
In a photographic camera of the self-developing type and having an exposure station, a processing station, and means for advancing an exposed film unit from said exposure station to said processing station; the combination including: a plurality of film-processing members; means in initial engagement with and for supporting at least one of said processing members in predetermined spaced relation to another of said processing members when said supporting means is in a first position; means connected to said film unit advancing means to move said supporting means to a second position to disengage said supporting means upon advancement of said film unit to said processing station whereby said processing members may exert a predetermined pressure on said film unit; and means for preventing said supporting means from engaging said one of said processing members by releasably securing said supporting means in said second position for a predetermined time interval.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
In a photographic camera of the self-developing type and having an exposure station, a processing station, and means for advancing an exposed film unit from said exposure station to said processing station; the combination including: a plurality of film-processing members; means in initial engagement with and for supporting at least one of said processing members in predetermined spaced relation to another of said processing members when said supporting means is in a first position; means connected to said film unit advancing means to move said supporting means to a second position to disengage said supporting means upon advancement of said film unit to said processing station whereby said processing members may exert a predetermined pressure on said film unit; and means for preventing said supporting means from engaging said one of said processing members by releasably securing said supporting means in said second position for a predetermined time interval.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention as delineated in claim 1, wherein said engaging preventing means is connected to said film unit advancing means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The invention according to claim 2, wherein said engaging preventing means includes first spring means adapted to engage a portion of said film unit means a predetermined time after said film unit commences advancing to said processing station.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
The invention as stated in claim 3, wherein said one of said processing members is resiliently mounted with respect to said another of said processing members to exert a continuous pressure on a predetermined portion of said film unit whilst accommodating variations in thickness thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention as set forth in claim 4, wherein said engaging preventing means includes means for preventing movement of said disengaging means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention as recited in claim 5, further including means for disabling said engaging preventing means a predetermined time interval after said film unit reaches said processing station.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention as described in claim 6, wherein said disabling means includes means for dIsengaging said first spring means from said film unit advancing means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention in conformance with claim 7, wherein said disabling means includes means adapted to engage said first spring means a predetermined time interval after said film unit has reached said processing station.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention of claim 8, further including means for returning said disengaging means to an initial position upon disabling said engaging preventing means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
48 words
The invention pursuant to claim 9, wherein said supporting means includes a link adapted to engage a portion of said resiliently mounted processing member and releasably secure same, said link being rotatable to a position whereat said portion of said resiliently mounted processing member will be released therefrom.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
The invention as set forth in claim 10, wherein said film unit advancing means includes an arm adapted to engage a portion of said link and pivot same to a position whereat said resiliently mounted processing member will be released.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
67 words
The invention in accordance with claim 11, wherein said camera includes support means, said arm is connected at one end portion to said support means by second spring means so as to be returnable to an initial position and said link is pivotally connected to said support means and biased by third spring means toward a position whereat it will releasably engage said resiliently mounted processing member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
45 words
The invention as set out in claim 12, wherein said film-advancing means further includes: cam means; cam follower means in engagement with said arm and in releasable engagement with said cam means; said cam follower means being adapted to releasably engage said first spring means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention as set forth in claim 13, wherein said disabling means includes second cam means and second cam follower means in engagement with said second cam means and adapted to releasably engage said first spring means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
120 words
Film-processing apparatus for use with a photographic camera adapted to expose a film unit, including: a processing station; a plurality of film-processing members positioned proximate said processing station; means movable between first and second positions for releasably securing at least one of said plurality of film-processing members in predetermined spaced relation to another of said film-processing members when said releasably securing means is in said first position; means for resiliently positioning said at least one of said processing members with respect to said another of said processing members upon movement of said releasably securing means to said second position; and means for disabling said releasably securing means for a predetermined time interval by releasably securing same in said second position.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
120 words
Film-processing apparatus for use with a photographic camera adapted to expose a film unit, including: a processing station; a plurality of film-processing members positioned proximate said processing station; means movable between first and second positions for releasably securing at least one of said plurality of film-processing members in predetermined spaced relation to another of said film-processing members when said releasably securing means is in said first position; means for resiliently positioning said at least one of said processing members with respect to said another of said processing members upon movement of said releasably securing means to said second position; and means for disabling said releasably securing means for a predetermined time interval by releasably securing same in said second position.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
74 words
The invention pursuant to claim 15, further including means for advancing said film unit from an initial position to said processing station and wherein said releasably securing means includes means in engagement with said advancing means whereby advance of said advancing means to advance said film unit to said processing station will effect movement of said releasably securing means to said second position whereat said one of said processing members will be released therefrom.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention in conformance with claim 16, further including means for disengaging said releasably maintaining means from said releasably securing means whereby the latter may return to said first position.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
75 words
The invention pursuant to claim 18, further including: first cam means; first cam follower means in releasable engagement with both said first cam means and said releasably maintaining means and movable from a first position whereat said releasably securing means is in its first position to a second position whereat said releasably securing means is disabled; and means for releasably retaining said first cam follower means in its second position for a predetermined time interval.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
50 words
The invention as stated in claim 19, wherein said first cam follower releasably retaining means includes spring means adapted to engage said first cam follower as it moves from its first position to its second position to thereby prevent the return of said first cam follower to its first position.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
65 words
The invention as delineated in claim 20, further including: second cam means and second cam follower means in engagement with said second cam means and adapted to engage said spring means and remove same from the path of said first cam follower means, whereby said first cam follower means will be able to return to its first position upon disengagement from said first cam means.
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) | 1976-06-18 | 1976-12-18 | 1977-06-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-18 | 1980-12-18 | 1981-06-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-18 | 1984-12-18 | 1985-06-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |