US4034385A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Camera with a single automatically or manually operable memory switch
Assignee: Pentax Corp
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Filing: 1976-05-03
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Granted: 1977-07-05
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Expires: 1996-05-03
Abstract
Abstract A camera which has only a single memory switch capable of being either automatically or manually operated. This single memory switch is connected between a memory capacitor and a light-responsive structure for storing in the memory capacitor at least part of the information required in connection with film exposure. A switch-control structure cooperates with the single switch for controlling the latter to have either an open or a closed position, the switch having its open position when the information from the light-responsive structure is stored in the capacitor. This switch-control structure is capable of being operated either by an automatic structure or a manually operable structure in such a way that either the operator can control the switch to have its open position or the switch can have its open position in response to automatic operation.
Inventors
- 👤 Akihiro Arai
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 01:04
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B19/00; G03B19/02; G03B19/12; G03B7/00; G03B7/08; G03B7/081; G03B7/083; G03B7/089
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
216 words
In a single lens reflex camera having a mirror movable between a viewing position extending across an optical axis of the camera and an exposure position displaced beyond the optical axis, light-responsive circuit means for providing an electrical quantity corresponding at least in part to lighting conditions, capacitor means for storing said electrical quantity, a single switch connected between said light-responsive circuit means and said capacitor means for transmitting said quantity from said light-responsive circuit means to said capacitor means when said switch is in a closed position and for placing said capacitor means in a condition storing said electrical quantity when said switch is in an open position, switch-control means cooperating with said switch for controlling the latter to have one or the other of said positions, and a pair of operating means cooperating with said switch-control means for operating the latter to have the switch in its open position before the mirror moves from its viewing to its exposure position, one of said operating means being an automatic operating means for automatically operating said switch control means to determine the position of said switch automatically and the other of said operating means being a manual operating means accessible to the operator of the camera for manipulation for manually determining the position of said switch.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
216 words
In a single lens reflex camera having a mirror movable between a viewing position extending across an optical axis of the camera and an exposure position displaced beyond the optical axis, light-responsive circuit means for providing an electrical quantity corresponding at least in part to lighting conditions, capacitor means for storing said electrical quantity, a single switch connected between said light-responsive circuit means and said capacitor means for transmitting said quantity from said light-responsive circuit means to said capacitor means when said switch is in a closed position and for placing said capacitor means in a condition storing said electrical quantity when said switch is in an open position, switch-control means cooperating with said switch for controlling the latter to have one or the other of said positions, and a pair of operating means cooperating with said switch-control means for operating the latter to have the switch in its open position before the mirror moves from its viewing to its exposure position, one of said operating means being an automatic operating means for automatically operating said switch control means to determine the position of said switch automatically and the other of said operating means being a manual operating means accessible to the operator of the camera for manipulation for manually determining the position of said switch.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
The combination of claim 1 and wherein a diaphragm-control means has a cooperative relationship with respect to said switch-control means according to which the latter operates said diaphragm-control means to control a diaphragm of the camera in a given time sequence with respect to control of said switch by said switch-control means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The combination of claim 2 and wherein said switch-control means cooperates with said switch for controlling the latter to have said open position thereof prior to operating said diaphragm-control means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The combination of claim 1 and wherein said automatic operating means cooperates with said mirror for moving the latter from said viewing to said exposure position thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
The combination of claim 1 and wherein said switch is a normally open switch capable of automatically assuming said open position when not acted upon by said switch-control means, the latter acting only to hold said switch in said closed position thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The combination of claim 1 and wherein said switch-control means includes a lever turnable with respect to said switch by either one of said pair of operating means to have said switch in said open position thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The combination of claim 6 and wherein said manual operating means has a portion movable along a predetermined path and said lever carrying a projection situated in said path to be engaged by said manual operating means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The combination of claim 6 and wherein said automatic operating means includes a second lever having a projection for engaging and turning said first-mentioned lever.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
157 words
The combination of claim 1 and wherein said switch is a normally open switch capable of having said open position thereof when not engaged by said switch-control means, the latter being in the form of a lever turnable away from said switch to enable the latter to assume said open position thereof, said automatic operating means including a second lever having a projection for engaging said first-mentioned lever to turn the latter upon turning of said second lever for having said switch assume said open position thereof, a mirror-operating mechanism also being acted upon by said second lever for moving said mirror from said viewing to said exposure position thereof, and said first-mentioned lever having a projection while said manual operating means has a portion movable along a predetermined path in which the latter projection is located for engaging the latter projection to turn said first-mentioned lever manually to have said switch assume said open position thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The combination of claim 9 and wherein a diaphragm-control means for regulating a diaphragm of the camera is also operated on by said first-mentioned lever.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
The combination of claim 10 and wherein said first-mentioned lever operates on said diaphragm-control means subsequently to turning away from said switch so that the latter assumes said open position prior to regulation of the diaphragm by said diaphragm-control. means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3887932A
Cited
US3906517A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-07-04 | 1981-01-03 | 1981-07-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-07-04 | 1985-01-03 | 1985-07-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-07-04 | 1989-01-03 | 1989-07-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |