Patent US4401378A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4401378A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Camera having automatic focus function and automatic exposure function
Assignee: Canon Inc
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Filing: 1982-04-29
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Granted: 1983-08-30
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Expires: 2002-04-29
Abstract
Abstract A coil-like conductor is provided in combination with a rotor arranged to rotate in different directions depending upon the direction of current flow to this conductor, and the rotor is drivingly connected to open and close blade members. When a first current supply is generated, as the rotor rotates from an initial position in a direction to further close the blade members, a focus adjusting operation is initiated. Upon termination of the focus adjusting operation, the direction of current flow to the conductor is reversed. As the completion of focus adjusting is followed by a subsequent current supply, the rotor is caused to rotate in a direction to open the blade members, thus initiating an exposure operation.
Inventors
- 👤 Michio Hirohata
- 👤 Hideo Ikari
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 19:10
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B3/00; G03B3/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
163 words
A camera equipped with a focus adjusting mechanism for automatically moving a photographic lens to an in-focus position based on camera-to-object distance information and an exposure control mechanism for automatically controlling exposure based on object brightness information, comprising: (a) a coil positioned in a magnetic field, said coil exerting an electromagnetic force in different directions depending upon the direction of current flow therethrough; (b) a rotor arranged to rotate in response to the electromagnetic driving force exerted on said coil, (c) blade members connected to said rotor driven to open and close; (d) control means for controlling the operation of the focus adjusting mechanism by one cycle of operation of said rotor as said rotor is turned in a direction to close said blade members when a first current is supplied; and (e) changeover means arranged to be switched in response to termination of the operation of said focus adjusting mechanism so that the direction of current flow to said coil is reversed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
163 words
A camera equipped with a focus adjusting mechanism for automatically moving a photographic lens to an in-focus position based on camera-to-object distance information and an exposure control mechanism for automatically controlling exposure based on object brightness information, comprising: (a) a coil positioned in a magnetic field, said coil exerting an electromagnetic force in different directions depending upon the direction of current flow therethrough; (b) a rotor arranged to rotate in response to the electromagnetic driving force exerted on said coil, (c) blade members connected to said rotor driven to open and close; (d) control means for controlling the operation of the focus adjusting mechanism by one cycle of operation of said rotor as said rotor is turned in a direction to close said blade members when a first current is supplied; and (e) changeover means arranged to be switched in response to termination of the operation of said focus adjusting mechanism so that the direction of current flow to said coil is reversed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
A camera according to claim 1, further comprising (f) an arresting member for causing motion of said focus adjusting mechanism to be stopped, said arresting member being controlled by the first half cycle of motion of said rotor so that the operation of said focus adjusting mechanism is terminated and said changeover means is inverted.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
A camera according to claim 2, further comprising: (g) a latch member arranged to latch said arresting member in cooperation with said rotor when said rotor is turned by said first current supply, said latch member being urged by a stronger bias force than that acting on said rotor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A camera according to claim 3, wherein said latch member holds said rotor in the initial position, and initiates an operation of said focus adjusting mechanism.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
A camera according to claim 1, wherein a second current supply to said coil is initiated after said changeover means is inverted.
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) | 1986-08-29 | 1987-02-28 | 1987-08-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-08-29 | 1991-02-28 | 1991-08-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-08-29 | 1995-02-28 | 1995-08-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |