US3969736A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Photographic camera and flash lamp selection system
Assignee: Polaroid Corp
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Filing: 1973-12-26
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Granted: 1976-07-13
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Expires: 1993-12-26
Abstract
Abstract A photographic camera and multi-flash arrangement therefor in which a multiplicity of linearly arrayed flash lamps mounted in a cartridge, wherein one or more of said lamps may be inoperative, may be automatically and sequentially sampled and the operative ones of said lamps automatically selected for effecting a photograhic exposure.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter G. Lehmann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 04:35
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B15/00; G03B15/02; G03B15/03; G03B15/04; G03B15/0452; G03B15/0457
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
205 words
A photographic camera operable to produce an artificially illuminated photographic exposure in conjunction with an array of flashlamps of the kind having an individual terminal for each lamp in the array and a common terminal connected to all of the lamps in the array, said camera comprising, means for releasably receiving such an array and comprising a set of mutually insulated camera terminals for contacting the terminals of the array, said set including a first common camera terminal adapted to engage the common terminal of the array; means for initiating a photographic exposure cycle; first and second power supply terminals adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy; a second common camera terminal; first switching means connected to said exposure cycle initiating means and operable thereby to sequentially connect all of said set of camera terminals except said first common terminal to said second common terminal during each exposure cycle; second switching means operable to open and close a circuit path connecting said first common terminal, said second common terminal, and said power supply terminals in series; and means for detecting the ignition of a lamp in an array received in said camera for operating said second switching means to open said path.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
205 words
A photographic camera operable to produce an artificially illuminated photographic exposure in conjunction with an array of flashlamps of the kind having an individual terminal for each lamp in the array and a common terminal connected to all of the lamps in the array, said camera comprising, means for releasably receiving such an array and comprising a set of mutually insulated camera terminals for contacting the terminals of the array, said set including a first common camera terminal adapted to engage the common terminal of the array; means for initiating a photographic exposure cycle; first and second power supply terminals adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy; a second common camera terminal; first switching means connected to said exposure cycle initiating means and operable thereby to sequentially connect all of said set of camera terminals except said first common terminal to said second common terminal during each exposure cycle; second switching means operable to open and close a circuit path connecting said first common terminal, said second common terminal, and said power supply terminals in series; and means for detecting the ignition of a lamp in an array received in said camera for operating said second switching means to open said path.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for resetting said first switching means to an initial state in which none of said set of camera terminals is connected to said second common terminals, and means responsive to the operation of said exposure initiating means for operating said second switching means to to close said path.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
The invention as delineated in claim 1 wherein said first switching means includes a shaft rotatably secured to said camera and conductive means connected to said shaft and extending radially therefrom to sequentially engage said terminals of said set, except said first common terminal, in respsonse to the rotation of said shaft.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention as recited in claim 3 further including motor means connected to said shaft for effecting the rotation thereof and means for securing said shaft in an initial position corresponding to said initial condition.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
The invention pursuant to claim 4 wherein said initial position securing means includes a ratchet wheel connected to said shaft and rotatable therewith and pawl means movable from a position engaging and restraining said ratchet wheel to a position out of engagement therewith in response to actuation of said initiating means whereby said shaft may be rotated by said motor means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
The invention as defined in claim 5, further including means for automatically returning said pawl means into engagement with said ratchet wheel subsequent to the actuation of said initiating means to releasably secure said shaft and said ratchet wheel in said initial position upon their return thereto.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention according to claim 1, wherein said second switching means comprises an electromechanical switch mechanically resettable by said photographic exposure cycle initiating means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention pursuant to claim 1, wherein said second switching means includes an electronic switch serially connected in circuit with said power supply terminals and said common terminals.
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) | 1979-07-13 | 1980-01-12 | 1980-07-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-07-13 | 1984-01-12 | 1984-07-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-07-13 | 1988-01-12 | 1988-07-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |