US5260738A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Camera device and method for supplying a reduced level of energy to a charging device while energy is supplied to a secondary device
Assignee: Canon Inc
•
Filing: 1991-11-12
•
Granted: 1993-11-09
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Expires: 2011-11-12
Abstract
Abstract A still camera having at least one motor or a recording circuit, in addition to a flash device. The flash device includes a charging circuit for accumulating charge. The charging circuit can carry out a charging operation while the motor or the recording circuit is actuated but the charging current is reduced to some extent, so as not to demand an excessive current from a battery power supply and to prevent excessive audible oscillator noise, while minimizing the total charging period. The invention is particularly advantageous in electronic still cameras.
Inventors
- 👤 Yoichi Yamagishi
- 👤 Hirokazu Takahashi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 21:05
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/21; H04N1/2104; H04N1/2112; H04N1/2129; G; G03; G03B; G03B15/00; G03B15/02; G03B15/03; G03B15/05; H04N1/215; G03B2215/00; G03B2215/05; H04N2101/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S358/00; Y10S358/906
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
A camera for taking still pictures, comprising: a flash device for illuminating a scene; a source of electrical energy; an accumulating device arranged to receive energy from said source and to supply energy to said flash device; and a secondary device arranged to receive energy from said source; characterized by control means for supplying a reduced, but not a zero, level of energy to said charging device while energy is being supplied to said secondary device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
76 words
A camera for taking still pictures, comprising: a flash device for illuminating a scene; a source of electrical energy; an accumulating device arranged to receive energy from said source and to supply energy to said flash device; and a secondary device arranged to receive energy from said source; characterized by control means for supplying a reduced, but not a zero, level of energy to said charging device while energy is being supplied to said secondary device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A camera according to claim 1, wherein said control means allows rapid charging of said accumulating device when said secondary device is not being operated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A camera according to claim 1, wherein said secondary device is a voice recording circuit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A camera according to claim 3, wherein said voice recording circuit has a plurality of selectable settings.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A camera according to claim 4, wherein said control means supplies a variable level of current to said charging means in response to said selected settings.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
A camera according to claim 1, wherein said secondary device is a motor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
A camera according to claim 6, wherein said motor drives a lens.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
A camera according to claim 1, wherein said power source is a battery.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
A camera according to claim 1, wherein said secondary device includes a plurality of motors and the charging current varies dependently upon the number of motors being operated.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
A camera according to claim 1, having electronic means for storing an image electronically.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
63 words
A method of charging a charging device of a flash device in a still camera having a secondary powered device comprising the steps of: supplying energy to the secondary powered device when the secondary powered device requires energy; and supplying a reduced, but not a zero, level of energy to said charging device while energy is being supplied to said secondary powered device.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
63 words
A method of charging a charging device of a flash device in a still camera having a secondary powered device comprising the steps of: supplying energy to the secondary powered device when the secondary powered device requires energy; and supplying a reduced, but not a zero, level of energy to said charging device while energy is being supplied to said secondary powered device.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein current is rapidly supplied to said charging device while current is not required by said secondary powered device.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-11-08 | 1997-05-10 | 1997-11-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-11-08 | 2001-05-10 | 2001-11-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-11-08 | 2005-05-10 | 2005-11-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |