US3791273A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Indicator light for camera having electronic shutter
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1972-10-10
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Granted: 1974-02-12
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Expires: 1992-10-10
Abstract
Abstract An indicator for use in a camera of the type having a light responsive electronic circuit which controls the open time of a shutter in relation to scene light intensity, and determines the existence of preselected camera states and/or scene light intensity conditions. The indicator includes a lens element having a portion which is external of the viewfinder, and a lamp connected to the electronic circuit. The indicator includes a light conducting element disposed relative to the lamp and to the lens element so that light from the lamp is transmitted to a location to be observed through a viewfinder of the camera, and to the lens element which transmits the light to the external portion, so that the light transmitted from the lamp to the external portion may be observed at a position removed from the camera viewfinder.
Inventors
- 👤 D Beach
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 10:34
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B13/00; G03B13/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
In a camera having a viewfinder including lens means through which an object scene may be viewed, shutter means, and circuit means for ensing the existence of a preselected state or operability of camera functions, the improvement comprising: a light source, connected to said circuit means and being energizable thereby, for providing light during the preselected state or operability of a camera function; light receptive indicator means, contiguous to said lens means and being located to be visible external of said viewfinder, for receiving light; and light conducting means, disposed contiguous to said lens means and adjacent said light source, for conducting light from said lamp to a location observable through the viewfinder, and to said lens means so that said light becomes observable in said light receptive indicator means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
In a camera having a viewfinder including lens means through which an object scene may be viewed, shutter means, and circuit means for ensing the existence of a preselected state or operability of camera functions, the improvement comprising: a light source, connected to said circuit means and being energizable thereby, for providing light during the preselected state or operability of a camera function; light receptive indicator means, contiguous to said lens means and being located to be visible external of said viewfinder, for receiving light; and light conducting means, disposed contiguous to said lens means and adjacent said light source, for conducting light from said lamp to a location observable through the viewfinder, and to said lens means so that said light becomes observable in said light receptive indicator means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said light source is disposed adjacent one end of said light conducting means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said lens means is disposed between said light receptive indicator and said light conducting means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said light receptive indicator means iS formed as part of said lens means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said light receptive indicator means, said light conducting means and said lens means comprise a one-piece unit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
142 words
In a camera having shutter means, and light responsive circuit means for establishing an exposure interval of length related to scene light intensity, said circuit including means for determining the existence of preselected scene conditions and the state or operability of camera functions, the improvement comprising: camera viewfinder means including at least one lens element, said lens element having a peripheral portion located external of said viewfinder; a light source connected to said circuit and being energizable thereby to indicate the existence of the preselected scene light intensity condition or the state or operability of said camera functions; and light conducting means, disposed relative to said light source and said lens element, for transmitting light from said light source to a location observable through said viewfinder, and to a location for said lens element to transmit the light to said peripheral portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
142 words
In a camera having shutter means, and light responsive circuit means for establishing an exposure interval of length related to scene light intensity, said circuit including means for determining the existence of preselected scene conditions and the state or operability of camera functions, the improvement comprising: camera viewfinder means including at least one lens element, said lens element having a peripheral portion located external of said viewfinder; a light source connected to said circuit and being energizable thereby to indicate the existence of the preselected scene light intensity condition or the state or operability of said camera functions; and light conducting means, disposed relative to said light source and said lens element, for transmitting light from said light source to a location observable through said viewfinder, and to a location for said lens element to transmit the light to said peripheral portion.
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) | 1977-02-11 | 1977-08-13 | 1978-02-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-11 | 1981-08-13 | 1982-02-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-11 | 1985-08-13 | 1986-02-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |