Patent US4423940A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4423940A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Photographic equipment
Assignee: West Electric Co Ltd
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Filing: 1982-01-11
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Granted: 1984-01-03
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Expires: 2002-01-11
Abstract
Abstract A photographic equipment provided with a focal-length sensing means for sensing the focal length of a photographic lens mounted on a camera body and generating the electrical output signal representative of the detected focal length and a beam-angle control means responsive to the output signal from the focal-length sensing means for changing, in response to the detected focal length, the beam angle of an electronic flash unit mounted on the camera body.
Inventors
- 👤 Toshitsugu Kashihara
- 👤 Hiroshi Iwata
- 👤 Tsunemi Yoshino
- 👤 Akitoshi Morioka
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 20:40
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B15/00; G03B15/02; G03B15/03; G03B15/05; G03B2215/00; G03B2215/05; G03B2215/0514; G03B2215/0517; G03B2215/0525; G03B2215/0528
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
A photographic equipment comprising (A) a beam-angle changing means comprising (a) a projection lens positioned in front of a flash lamp of an electronic flash unit, (b) a movable hood which supports said projection lens and which is movable toward or away from said flash lamp in the direction of the optical axis of the flashed light, (c) an electric motor, and (d) a transmission means which is interposed between said movable hood and said motor for translating the rotation of said motor into the linear movement of said movable hood; (B) a focal-length sensing means which is adapted to generate an electrical output signal which is representative of the focal length of a photographic lens used; and (C) a control means responsive to said electrical output signal from said focal-length sensing means for controlling said motor, whereby said movable hood is moved toward or away from said flash lamp of said electronic flash unit so that the beam angle thereof can be varied depending upon the focal length of said photographic lens used.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
174 words
A photographic equipment comprising (A) a beam-angle changing means comprising (a) a projection lens positioned in front of a flash lamp of an electronic flash unit, (b) a movable hood which supports said projection lens and which is movable toward or away from said flash lamp in the direction of the optical axis of the flashed light, (c) an electric motor, and (d) a transmission means which is interposed between said movable hood and said motor for translating the rotation of said motor into the linear movement of said movable hood; (B) a focal-length sensing means which is adapted to generate an electrical output signal which is representative of the focal length of a photographic lens used; and (C) a control means responsive to said electrical output signal from said focal-length sensing means for controlling said motor, whereby said movable hood is moved toward or away from said flash lamp of said electronic flash unit so that the beam angle thereof can be varied depending upon the focal length of said photographic lens used.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
147 words
A photographic equipment as set forth in claim 1 further comprising said photographic lens used is a zoom lens; and said focal-length sensing means comprising a conductor pattern comprising a plurality of conductor strips, a slider which is adapted to slide over said conductor pattern for selective contact with one or more of said plurality of conductor strips thereof, and a cord for electrically interconnecting between said conductor pattern and said slider on the one hand and said electronic flash unit on the other hand, whereby as the focal length of said zoom lens is varied, said conductor pattern and said slider are moved relative to each other so that electrical digital signals representative of a varied focal length can be derived between said conductor pattern and said slider depending upon the state of electrical contact of said slider with said conductor strips of said conductor pattern.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
109 words
A photographic equipment as set forth in claim 1 further comprising said photographic lens used is a zoom lens; and said focal-length sensing means comprising a variable resistor comprising a resistor element mounted on said zoom lens, and a contact means for contact with said resistor element, and a cord for electrically interconnecting between said variable resistor and said electronic flash unit, whereby as the focal length of said zoom lens is varied, said resistor element and said contact means are moved relative to each other so that the electrical analog signal representative of a varied focal length of said zoom lens can be derived from said variable resistor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
115 words
A photographic equipment as set forth in claim 1 further comprising said photographic lens used is an interchangeable lens with a predetermined focal length; and said focal-length sensing means comprising a fixed conductor pattern formed on said interchangeable lens and comprising a plurality of conductor strips, a slider which is adapted to contact with said conductor pattern for selective contact with one or more of said plurality conductor strips thereof, and a cord for electrically interconnecting between said conductor pattern and said slider on the one hand and said electronic flash unit on the other hand, whereby said focal-length sensing means generates electrical digital signals representative of said predetermined focal length of said interchangeable lens.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
78 words
A photographic equipment as set forth in claim 1 wherein said photographic lens used is an interchangeable lens with a predetermined focal length; and said focal-length sensing means comprises a resistor mounted on said interchangeable lens, and a cord for electrically interconnecting between said resistor and said electronic flash unit, whereby said focal-length sensing means generates the electrical signal representative of a value of said resistor which in turn represents said predetermined focal length of said interchangeable lens.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
A photographic equipment as set forth in claim 1, wherein said focal-length sensing means comprises an operating means mounted on said electronic flash unit, and an electric circuit disposed within said electronic flash unit and adapted to coact with said operating means to generate various electrical signals.
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) | 1987-01-02 | 1987-07-04 | 1988-01-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-01-02 | 1991-07-04 | 1992-01-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-01-02 | 1995-07-04 | 1996-01-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |