US5034822A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Video camera adaptor for film cameras
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1989-09-13
•
Granted: 1991-07-23
•
Expires: 2009-09-13
Abstract
Abstract An adaptor affixing a video camera to a film camera. The adaptor permits the transmission of the image formed on the focusing screen of the latter to reach the former in a correct left-right and up-down orientation. For this purpose, it utilizes a mirror which, in one position, transmits the image to the video camera. In the other, it permits the viewing of the image on the film camera's focusing screen with or without magnification. Nonetheless, it permits visual and manual access to the normal controls of the camera. A shield prevents the access of light not from the film camera's image to the video camera for a sharper and clearer image. The adaptor attaches to the usual coupling devices of the film camera which generally permits the affixing of photographic accessories. To permit a more compact system, the adaptor bends the light path from the image screen to the video camera through an angle greater than 90 degrees but not greater than 180 degrees. For a single lens reflex camera, this angle may amount to 130 degrees. For a view camera, the light path bends 180 degrees.
Inventors
- 👤 William M. Stevens
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 17:10
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B17/00; G03B17/48
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 77
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
A video adaptor for a film camera, said camera having a lens and, by its lens, creating an image in a substantial plane, said adaptor comprising: (A) adaptor means for, when in a particular position relative to said plane, transmitting said image to a video camera, said adaptor means including: (1) optics means for transmitting said image along a path to a particular location relative to but removed from said plane; and (2) shielding means, coupled to said optics means, for excluding light that is not from said image from said particular location; and (B) holding means, coupled to said adaptor means, for manually releasably affixing said adaptor means to said film camera with said adaptor means in said particular position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
A video adaptor for a film camera, said camera having a lens and, by its lens, creating an image in a substantial plane, said adaptor comprising: (A) adaptor means for, when in a particular position relative to said plane, transmitting said image to a video camera, said adaptor means including: (1) optics means for transmitting said image along a path to a particular location relative to but removed from said plane; and (2) shielding means, coupled to said optics means, for excluding light that is not from said image from said particular location; and (B) holding means, coupled to said adaptor means, for manually releasably affixing said adaptor means to said film camera with said adaptor means in said particular position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The adaptor of claim 1 runs said film camera includes a focusing screen and said image appears on said focusing screen.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
69 words
The adaptor of claim 2 further including viewing means, coupled to said adaptor means and having two configurations for, when in the first of said two configurations, directing said image in said plane to said video camera and, when in the second of said two configurations, directing said image to a location viewable by a human eye, said viewing means being manually switchable between said first and second configurations.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The adaptor of claim 3 wherein said optics means further transmits that image with correct left-right and up-down orientation to said particular location.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
The adaptor of claim 4 wherein said optics means, in transmitting said image along said path, bends said path as it travels from said focusing screen to said particular location through an angle greater than 90 degrees but less than or equal to 180 degrees.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
The adaptor of claim 4 wherein said viewing means includes a mirror having first and second orientations relative to said path, said viewing means, when said mirror is in said first orientation, being in said first configuration and, when said mirror is in said second orientation, being in said second configuration.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The adaptor of claim 6 further including magnifying means for, when said viewing means is in said second configuration, increasing the size of the image provided by said focusing screen as viewed by human eye.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The adaptor of claim 7 including switching means, coupled to said magnifying means, for removing said magnifying means out of the path between said focusing screen and said location where said image is viewable by a human eye.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The adaptor of claim 4 wherein said shielding means excludes substantially all light not from said focusing screen from said video camera.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The adaptor of claim 4 wherein said film camera has controls and said holding means, when affixing said adaptor means to said film camera, leaves said controls visually and manually accessible.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The adaptor of claim 4 wherein said film camera is a single lens reflex camera.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The adaptor of claim 11 wherein said optics means deflects said path of said image, when traveling from said focusing screen to said video camera, through an angle of about 130 degrees.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
46 words
The adaptor of claim 12 wherein said film camera includes accessory coupling means for attaching accessories to said film camera in the vicinity of said focusing screen and said holding means attaches to said accessory coupling means to affix said adaptor means to said film camera.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The adaptor of claim 4 wherein said film camera is a view camera.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
The adaptor of claim 4 wherein said optics means deflects said path of said image, when traveling from said focusing screen to said video camera, through an angle of about 180 degrees.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
46 words
The adaptor of claim 15 wherein said film camera includes accessory coupling means for attaching accessories to said film camera in the civinity of said focusing screen and said holding means attaches to said accessory coupling means to affix said adaptor means to said film camera.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
108 words
A video adaptor for a film camera, said camera having controls and a lens and, by its lens, creating an image in a substantial plane, said adaptor comprising: (A) adaptor means for, when in a particular position relative to said plane, transmitting said image to a video camera, said adaptor means including optics means for transmitting said image along a path to a particular location relative to but removed from said plane; and (B) holding means, coupled to said adaptor means, for manually releasably affixing said adaptor means to said film camera with said adaptor means in said particular position, with said controls remaining visually and manually accessible.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
108 words
A video adaptor for a film camera, said camera having controls and a lens and, by its lens, creating an image in a substantial plane, said adaptor comprising: (A) adaptor means for, when in a particular position relative to said plane, transmitting said image to a video camera, said adaptor means including optics means for transmitting said image along a path to a particular location relative to but removed from said plane; and (B) holding means, coupled to said adaptor means, for manually releasably affixing said adaptor means to said film camera with said adaptor means in said particular position, with said controls remaining visually and manually accessible.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
The adaptor of claim 17 runs said film camera includes a focusing screen and said image appears on said focusing screen.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
69 words
The adaptor of claim 18 further including viewing means, coupled to said adaptor means and having two configurations for, when in the first of said two configurations, directing said image in said plane to said video camera and, when in the second of said two configurations, directing said image to a location viewable by a human eye, said viewing means being manually switchable between said first and second configurations.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
The adaptor of claim 19 wherein said optics means further transmits that image with correct left-right and up-down orientation to said particular location.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
45 words
The adaptor of claim 20 wherein said optics means, in transmitting said image along said path, bends said path as it travels from said focusing screen to said particular location through an angle greater than 90 degrees but less than or equal to 180 degrees.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
51 words
The adaptor of claim 20 wherein said viewing means includes a mirror having first and second orientations relative to said path, said viewing means, when said mirror is in said first orientation, being in said first configuration and, when said mirror is in said second orientation, being in said second configuration.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
35 words
The adaptor of claim 22 further including magnifying means for, when said viewing means is in said second configuration, increasing the size of the image provided by said focusing screen as viewed by human eye.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
38 words
The adaptor of claim 23 including switching means, coupled to said magnifying means, for removing said magnifying means out of the path between said focusing screen and said location where said image is viewable by a human eye.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
15 words
The adaptor of claim 20 wherein said film camera is a single lens reflex camera.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
32 words
The adaptor of claim 25 wherein said optics means deflects said path of said image, when traveling from said focusing screen to said video camera, through an angle of about 130 degrees.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
46 words
The adaptor of claim 26 wherein said film camera includes accessory coupling means for attaching accessories to said film camera in the vicinity of said focusing screen and said holding means attaches to said accessory coupling means to affix said adaptor means to said film camera.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
13 words
The adaptor of claim 20 wherein said film camera is a view camera.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
32 words
The adaptor of claim 28 wherein said optics means deflects said path of said image, when traveling from said focusing screen to said video camera, through an angle of about 180 degrees.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
46 words
The adaptor of claim 29 wherein said film camera includes accessory coupling means for attaching accessories to said film camera in the vicinity of said focusing screen and said holding means attaches to said accessory coupling means to affix said adaptor means to said film camera.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
162 words
A video adaptor for a film camera, said camera having a lens and, by its lens, creating a real image in a substantial plane, said adaptor comprising: (A) adaptor means for, when in a particular position relative to said plane, transmitting said image to a video camera, said adaptor means including optics means for transmitting said image along a path to a particular location relative to but removed from said plane; (B) holding means, coupled to said adaptor means, for manually releasably affixing said adaptor means to said film camera with said adaptor means in said particular position; and (C) viewing means, coupled to said adaptor means and having two configurations, for, when in the first of said two configurations, directing said image in said plane to said video camera and, when in the second of said two configurations, directing said image to a location viewable by a human eye, said viewing means being manually switchable between said first and second configurations.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
162 words
A video adaptor for a film camera, said camera having a lens and, by its lens, creating a real image in a substantial plane, said adaptor comprising: (A) adaptor means for, when in a particular position relative to said plane, transmitting said image to a video camera, said adaptor means including optics means for transmitting said image along a path to a particular location relative to but removed from said plane; (B) holding means, coupled to said adaptor means, for manually releasably affixing said adaptor means to said film camera with said adaptor means in said particular position; and (C) viewing means, coupled to said adaptor means and having two configurations, for, when in the first of said two configurations, directing said image in said plane to said video camera and, when in the second of said two configurations, directing said image to a location viewable by a human eye, said viewing means being manually switchable between said first and second configurations.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
The adaptor of claim 31 runs said film camera includes a focusing screen and said image appears on said focusing screen.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
23 words
The adaptor of claim 32 wherein said optics means further transmits that image with correct left-right and up-down orientation to said particular location.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
45 words
The adaptor of claim 33 wherein said optics means, in transmitting said image along said path, bends said path as it travels from said focusing screen to said particular location through an angle greater than 90 degrees but less than or equal to 180 degrees.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
23 words
The adaptor of claim 33 wherein said optics means further transmits that image with correct left-right and up-down orientation to said particular location.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
35 words
The adaptor of claim 35 further including magnifying means for, when said viewing means is in said second configuration, increasing the size of the image provided by said focusing screen as viewed by human eye.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
38 words
The adaptor of claim 36 including switching means, coupled to said magnifying means, for removing said magnifying means out of the path between said focusing screen and said location where said image is viewable by a human eye.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
15 words
The adaptor of claim 33 wherein said film camera is a single lens reflex camera.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
32 words
The adaptor of claim 38 wherein said optics means deflects said path of said image, when traveling from said focusing screen to said video camera, through an angle of about 130 degrees.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
46 words
The adaptor of claim 39 wherein said film camera includes accessory coupling means for attaching accessories to said film camera in the vicinity of said focusing screen and said holding means attaches to said accessory coupling means to affix said adaptor means to said film camera.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
13 words
The adaptor of claim 33 wherein said film camera is a view camera
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
32 words
The adaptor of claim 41 wherein said optics means deflects said path of said image, when traveling from said focusing screen to said video camera, through an angle of about 180 degrees.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
46 words
The adaptor of claim 42 wherein said film camera includes accessory coupling means for attaching accessories to said film camera in the vicinity of said focusing screen and said holding means attaches to said accessory coupling means to affix said adaptor means to said film camera.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of transmitting an image formed in a substantial plane by the lens of a film camera comprising: (A) placing an adaptor means in a particular position relative to said plane; (B) releasably affixing said adaptor means to said film camera with said adaptor means in said particular position; (C) transmitting said image from said plane through optics means forming a part of said adaptor means to the lens of a video camera; and (D) shielding light that is not from said image from said lens of said video camera.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of transmitting an image formed in a substantial plane by the lens of a film camera comprising: (A) placing an adaptor means in a particular position relative to said plane; (B) releasably affixing said adaptor means to said film camera with said adaptor means in said particular position; (C) transmitting said image from said plane through optics means forming a part of said adaptor means to the lens of a video camera; and (D) shielding light that is not from said image from said lens of said video camera.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 44 wherein said image formed in said plane is formed on a focusing screen and further including the step of viewing said image on said focusing screen.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 45 wherein said image is transmitted through said optics means to said lens of said video camera with correct left-right and up-down orientation.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 46 wherein the path of said image, when transmitted from said plane through said optics means to said lens of said video camera, is deflected through an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 45 including selectively magnifying said image on said focusing screen prior to viewing it.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 44 including shielding substantially all light not from said image in said plane from said lens of said video camera.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 45 wherein said film camera includes controls and further including the steps of viewing and manipulating said controls.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 45 wherein the path of said image, when transmitted from said plane through said optics means to said lens of said video camera, is deflected through an angle of about 130 degrees.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 51 wherein said film camera includes coupling means for holding accessories to said film camera in the vicinity of said focusing screen and the affixing of said adaptor means to said film camera is accomplished by attaching said adaptor means to said coupling means.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 45 wherein the path of said image, when transmitted from said plane through said optics means to said lens of said video camera, is deflected through an angle of about 180 degrees.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 53 wherein said film camera includes coupling means for holding accessories to said film camera in the vicinity of said focusing screen and the affixing of said adaptor means to said film camera is accomplished by attaching said adaptor means to said coupling means.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of transmitting an image formed in a substantial plane by the lens of a film camera having controls comprising: (A) placing an adapator means in a particular position relative to said plane; (B) releasably affixing said adaptor means to said film camera with said adaptor means in said particular position; (C) transmitting said image from said plane through optics means forming part of said adaptor means to the lens of a video camera; and (D) with said adaptor means affixed to said film camera, viewing and manipulating said controls.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of transmitting an image formed in a substantial plane by the lens of a film camera having controls comprising: (A) placing an adapator means in a particular position relative to said plane; (B) releasably affixing said adaptor means to said film camera with said adaptor means in said particular position; (C) transmitting said image from said plane through optics means forming part of said adaptor means to the lens of a video camera; and (D) with said adaptor means affixed to said film camera, viewing and manipulating said controls.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 55 wherein said image formed in said plane is formed on a focusing screen and further including the step of viewing said image on said focusing screen.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 56 wherein said image is transmitted through said optics means to said lens of said video camera with correct left-right and up-down orientation.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 57 wherein the path of said image, when transmitted from said plane through said optics means to said lens of said video camera, is deflected through an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 56 including selectively magnifying said image on said focusing screen prior to viewing it.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 56 wherein the path of said image, when transmitted from said plane through said optics means to said lens of said video camera is deflected through an angle of about 130 degrees.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 60 wherein said film camera includes coupling means for holding accessories to said film camera in the vicinity of said focusing screen and the affixing of said adaptor means to said film camera is accomplished by attaching said adaptor means to said coupling means.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 60 wherein the path of said image, when transmitted from said plane through said optics means to said lens of said video camera, is deflected through an angle of about 180 degrees.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 62 wherein said film camera includes coupling means for holding accessories to said camera and the affixing of said adaptor means to said film camera is accomplished by attaching said adaptor means to said coupling means.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
104 words
A method of transmitting an image formed in a substantial plane by the lens of a film camera having controls comprising: (A) placing an adapator means in a particular position relative to said plane; (B) releasably affixing said adaptor means to said film camera with said adaptor means in said particular position; (C) transmitting said image from said plane through optics means forming part of said adaptor means to the lens of a video camera; (D) selectively diverting said image from said video camera to a separate location directly viewable by a human eye; and (E) selectively returning said image to said video camera.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
104 words
A method of transmitting an image formed in a substantial plane by the lens of a film camera having controls comprising: (A) placing an adapator means in a particular position relative to said plane; (B) releasably affixing said adaptor means to said film camera with said adaptor means in said particular position; (C) transmitting said image from said plane through optics means forming part of said adaptor means to the lens of a video camera; (D) selectively diverting said image from said video camera to a separate location directly viewable by a human eye; and (E) selectively returning said image to said video camera.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 64 wherein said image is transmitted through said optics means to said lens of said video camera with correct left-right and up-down orientation.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 65 wherein the path of said image, when transmitted from said plane through said optics means to said lens of said video camera, is deflected through an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 64 including selectively magnifying said image on said focusing screen prior to viewing it.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 64 wherein the path of said image, when transmitted from said plane through said optics means to said lens of said video camera is deflected through an angle of about 130 degrees.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 68 wherein said film camera includes coupling means for holding accessories to said film camera in the vicinity of said focusing screen and the affixing of said adaptor means to said film camera is accomplished by attaching said adaptor means to said coupling means.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 64 wherein the path of said image, when transmitted from said plane through said optics means to said lens of said video camera is deflected through an angle of about 180 degrees.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 70 wherein said film camera includes coupling means for holding accessories to said film camera in the vicinity of said focusing screen and the affixing of said adaptor means to said film camera is accomplished by attaching said adaptor means to said coupling means.
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) | 1994-07-22 | 1995-01-21 | 1995-07-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-07-22 | 1999-01-21 | 1999-07-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-07-22 | 2003-01-21 | 2003-07-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |