US4573779A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable size circular aperture camera
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1983-12-30
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Granted: 1986-03-04
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Expires: 2003-12-30
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus is disclosed for exposing circular patterns of light on a photosensitive surface by providing, spaced from the surface, a lengthwise variable light source focusable on the photosensitive surface and rotatable relative to the surface about an axis of rotation passing through the center of the photosensitive surface and the light source. In a modification, the axis of rotation passes through the center of the photosensitive surface and through a point radially offset from the light source.
Inventors
- 👤 Guy A. Deighton
- 👤 Gerry W. Moore
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 13:42
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03F; G03F7/00; G03F7/20; H; H05; H05K; H05K3/00; H05K3/0002
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
61 words
A method of exposing variably sized circular apertures on a photo sensitive surface including the steps of: providing a variable length linear light source spaced away from the photosensitive surface; and simultaneously causing relative rotation about an axis of rotation passing through the center of the photosensitive surface and through the light source between the photosensitive surface and the light source.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
61 words
A method of exposing variably sized circular apertures on a photo sensitive surface including the steps of: providing a variable length linear light source spaced away from the photosensitive surface; and simultaneously causing relative rotation about an axis of rotation passing through the center of the photosensitive surface and through the light source between the photosensitive surface and the light source.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
65 words
A method of exposing variably sized annular apertures on a photosensitive surface including the steps of: providing a variable length linear light source spaced away from the photosensitive surface; and simultaneously causing relative rotation between the photosensitive surface and the light source about an axis of rotation passing through the center of the photosensitive surface and through a point radially offset from the light source.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
65 words
A method of exposing variably sized annular apertures on a photosensitive surface including the steps of: providing a variable length linear light source spaced away from the photosensitive surface; and simultaneously causing relative rotation between the photosensitive surface and the light source about an axis of rotation passing through the center of the photosensitive surface and through a point radially offset from the light source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
72 words
Apparatus for exposing a photosensitive surface to light for forming round patterns of exposure characterized by: holder means for supporting the surface to be exposed; a linear light source with means for focusing light on said holder means; and motive means for causing simultaneously with light source operation relative rotational movement between said holder means and said light source about an axis of rotation passing through the center of said holder means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
72 words
Apparatus for exposing a photosensitive surface to light for forming round patterns of exposure characterized by: holder means for supporting the surface to be exposed; a linear light source with means for focusing light on said holder means; and motive means for causing simultaneously with light source operation relative rotational movement between said holder means and said light source about an axis of rotation passing through the center of said holder means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the linear light source is variable in the length dimension.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the axis of rotation passes through the light source.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the axis of rotation passes through a point linearly offset from the light source.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the means for simultaneously causing relative rotational movement comprises: a rotating stage, supporting the linear light source, and operatively connected to the output shaft of a motor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the linear light source comprises: a lamp; a first cover means for covering one end of the lamp and fixedly attached to said rotating support; and a second means for covering slidably mounted in said rotating support for covering incrementally varying linear portions of said lamp.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said means for focusing comprises a reducing lens interposed between said holder means and said linear light source.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said linear light source includes means for varying the length dimension of the light source comprising: a pair of incrementally adjustable cover means located on either end of said linear light source for uncovering incrementally variable portions of said light source.
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) | 1989-03-03 | 1989-09-02 | 1990-03-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-03-03 | 1993-09-02 | 1994-03-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-03-03 | 1997-09-02 | 1998-03-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |