US3792650A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Camera focus indicia system
Assignee: Bell and Howell Co
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Filing: 1972-07-31
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Granted: 1974-02-19
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Expires: 1992-07-31
Abstract
Abstract A camera system having means for registering the focal condition of the lens system of the camera. The system includes a camera lens shiftable between multiple focus positions and a view finder for viewing the subject image sensed by the lens system. Focus indicia are arranged to be illuminated in the view finder, and masking means are provided to mask the illumination selected focus indicia in response to the focal condition of said lens system.
Inventors
- 👤 A Mueller
- 👤 D Irkfetz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 13:41
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B13/00; G03B13/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
199 words
In a camera system, a primary lens system having a plurality of focusing positions to create a plurality of focus conditions; a movable lens barrel incorporated in said primary lens system and shiftable between first and second focus positions to create first and second focus conditions, respectively, for said lens system; a viewfinder system for viewing a scene image corresponding to a scene image transmitted by said lens system; light transmission means optically coupled to said viewfinder; first and second focus condition indicia positioned within said viewfinder system and arranged to be illuminated by said light transmission means and visable within said viewfinder to create visual focusing indicia within said viewfinder; and masking means comprising a movable flag pivotally mounted in the light path of said light transmission means and linked to said lens barrel by connecting means which responds to the movement of said barrel by moving said flag into selected positions which mask the illumination of one of said focus condition indicia and permit the light transmitted by said light transmission means to illuminate the other focus condition indicia, so that the focus condition indicia illuminated within said viewfinder represents the focus position of said lens barrel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
199 words
In a camera system, a primary lens system having a plurality of focusing positions to create a plurality of focus conditions; a movable lens barrel incorporated in said primary lens system and shiftable between first and second focus positions to create first and second focus conditions, respectively, for said lens system; a viewfinder system for viewing a scene image corresponding to a scene image transmitted by said lens system; light transmission means optically coupled to said viewfinder; first and second focus condition indicia positioned within said viewfinder system and arranged to be illuminated by said light transmission means and visable within said viewfinder to create visual focusing indicia within said viewfinder; and masking means comprising a movable flag pivotally mounted in the light path of said light transmission means and linked to said lens barrel by connecting means which responds to the movement of said barrel by moving said flag into selected positions which mask the illumination of one of said focus condition indicia and permit the light transmitted by said light transmission means to illuminate the other focus condition indicia, so that the focus condition indicia illuminated within said viewfinder represents the focus position of said lens barrel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The camera system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said movable lens barrel is axially shiftable and further wherein said connecting means comprises a sliding pin spring-biased into engagement with said lens barrel and coupled to said movable flag.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
68 words
The camera system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said light transmission means comprises a pair of angled mirrors optically arranged to reflect light from said primary lens system through said view finder to illuminate said focus condition indicia and further wherein said flag is pivotally mounted adjacent one of said mirrors to block out a selected portion of the reflected light directed toward said focus condition indicia.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The camera system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said connecting means comprises a crank arm linked to said lens barrel and coupled to said pivoted flag.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
The camera system in accordance with claim 4 wherein said focus condition indicia are provided on a transparent member arranged transversely across said view finder and further wherein said movable flag swings transversely across the field of view of said view finder to selectively mask the illumination of said focus condition indicia in response to the movement of said lens barrel.
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) | 1977-02-18 | 1977-08-20 | 1978-02-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-18 | 1981-08-20 | 1982-02-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-18 | 1985-08-20 | 1986-02-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |