Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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BACKGROUND OF THE IN~ENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of photography and,
more particularly, to photographic apparatus for exposing and processing
photographic film material.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Recent advances in so-called "self-developing" photographic
systems provide substantially automatic camera apparatus which expose a
cassette contained film unit, advance the film unit from the cassette to a
processing station where a fluid composition is distributed within the
film unit so as to initiate film development and, thereafter, at least
partially eject the film unit from the camera mechanism. Examples of
automatic camera apparatus designed for such operation are found in U.S.
Patent No. 3,760,701 entitled "Photographic Apparatus With Delayed Inter-
lock Switch" issued to Richard Paglia on August 9, 1972. The above-noted
camera includes arrangements which, upon camera actuation, automatically
sequence the camera apparatus to expose, process and eject the film
material.
In addition to providing the sequencing functions noted above,
such hand-held cameras require light-weight, compact construction of
competitive cost. Hence, all of these constraints have a major influence
upon the camera
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construction. Furthermore, due to the inherent electro-
mechanical nature of such automatic cameras, the inter-
relationship of the mechanical and electrical devices are
important considerations from both a functional and cost
point of view. Hence, it is important to provide simplified,
dependable electric control arrangements. Finally, it is
also important to provide cooperation between such electric
control arrangements and the camera film loading arrangements
so as to properly charge such cameras with a fresh film
cassette. Consequently, it is a primary object of the
present invention to provide a compact, economical photographic
apparatus for exposing and automatically advancing photographic
film units.
It is another object of the invention to provide
a photographic camera arrangements which includes a electro-
mechanical system for automatically sequencing the camera
to expose film material, subsequently advance the latter
through a processing station so as to process the film
material and to thereafter reset the camera for a further
e~posure.
A further object of the invention is to provide
a compact camera having a modular switch assembly designed
to control the automatic operation of the camera.
Still another object of the invention is to provide
a modular camera drive system which includes all camera
switching arrangements.
It is yet another object of this invention to
provide a fully automatic sequencing system which,upon
completion of film cassette loading operations, sequences
the camera to eject the cassette darkslide and, upon manual
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actuation, ~unctions to expose and process the cassette contained film units.
SUMMARY OF THE IN~ENTION
In its illustrated embodiment, the present invention briefly com-
prises photographic camera apparatus incorporating a simplified sequencing
system for operating the camera through a complete cycle including exposing,
processing and ejecting of a film unit. The camera includes shutter and
film advance mechanisms which are intercoupled so as to automatically pro-
vide for film advancement from its exposure position at the completion of
exposure operations. This arrangement is in part provided by a modular
switch assembly having a first switch element designed for initial actuation
of the camera and other switch elements which are controlled at different
times by both the shutter and the film advance mechanism. These other switch
elements being controlled by the shutter mechanism during initial stages
of the camera operation and subsequently controlled by the film advance
mechanism in later stages of the operation in accordance with camerasequenc-
ing.
According to a broad aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a modular assembly for use in a camera, said camera including means
for mounting film material in a first position for exposure, an exposure
mechanism, means when driven for advancing said film material from its said
first position to a second position, and an electronic circuit energizeable
by an electrical power source for controlling said exposure mechanism to
expose said film material and for subsequently activating said modular
assembly to drive said advancing means, said modular assembly comprising:
a motor having its input coupled to said circuit and an output drive oper-
able in accordance with energization of said motor; a switch assembly oper-
able between conductive and non-conductive states and effective in its said
conductive state for ener~izing said circuit, said switch assembly including
at least a pair of switch arrangements independently operable between con-
ductive and non-conductive states; means for coupling said motor output
drive to said film advancing means; means for operating said switch assembly
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to its said non-conducting state, said switch operating means including a
pair of independently operable switch actuating members; and means for
mounting said motor, said switch assembly, said coupling means and said
switch operating means in an operative relation as a self-supporting module
with said coupling means in operative association with said motor output
drive, and said switch operating means in operative association with said
switch assembly.
The invention will now be described in greater detail with refer-
ence to the accompanying drawings, in which:
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Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view in perspective of a
camera incorporating features of the instant invention;
Figure 2 is a side view of the camera illustrated in
Figure 1 with portions cut away to reveal a slider actuator,
the film cassette and the film advancing mechanism of the
camera;
Figure 2a is an enlarged plan view of a second switch
actuator of Figure 2 showing its open switch position;
Figure 2b is a partial side view of the camera of Figure
1 illustrating the timing gear and film counter arrangement with
the camera film loading door in its open position;
Figure 3 is an exploded view illustrating the modular
assembly of the camera which incorporates the drive mechanism
and sequencing gear of the camera as well as the switching
arrangement thereof;
Figure ~ is a perspective view of the switch block and
a portion of the assembled module of Figure 3 as viewed from
within the camera;
Figures 5a, 5b and 5c are plan views of the sequencing
gear and Portions of the slider actuator of Figures 2 and 3,
illustrating the three positions of the slider actuator;
Figures 6a, 6b and 6c, appearing on the same sheet as
Figure ~, are views in elevation of one of the switches and the
slider actuator of Figure 3 illustrating the three switch positions
associated with the different slider positions of Figures 5a, 5b
and 5c;
Figure 7 is a plan view of the shutter blade mechanism
employed in the camera of Figure 1 and illustrates a normally
latched position of the blades;
Figures 8 and 9 are views of the blade mechanism of Figure
7 illustrating the unlatched position of the shutter blades;
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Fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram illustrating
the electronic components of the camera system;
Fig. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the
sequential camera events during photographic operations; and
Fig. 12 is a block diagram illustrating camera
loading operations.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figs. l and 2 illustrate a camera 10 constructed
in accordance with the invention and comprising a housing 12
having an elongated box-like base 14 which forms a chamber
15 designed to enclose a film cassette 16. A film loading
door 18 which forms the forward portion of the base 14 is
hingedly mounted thereon as later explained with regard to
Fig. 11 to permit loading of the film cassette 16 within the
camera 12. Included within the door 18 is a film exit slot
20 through which the film material is advanced following its
exposure and initial processing. A slide mechanism 32 mounted
on the base 14 controls operation of the door 18.
A mirror 17 is mounted within the camera 10 in a
parallel relation to an inclined rear wall 24 of the camera
housing 12 so as to redirect image-carrying light rays
transmitted by a variable focus lens assembl~ 26 to the
foremost film unit 28 of the film cassette 16. An upright
forward wall portion 30 of the camera unit 10 carries the
lens assembly 26 along with a camera actuator button 34 and
with a secondary lens assembly 36 which is configured to
transmit scene light to a photocell (not shown) and a light-
integrating network as later explained in detail with regard
to Fig. 10.
Extending from the rear of the camera 10 to a
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viewing window 40 in the upright wall 30 is a viewfinder
system 42 which is utilized for viewing and scene framing.
To complete the external structural arrangement of the
camera, it should be noted that a flash socket 44 is mounted
5 on an uppermost surface 46 of the camera and is configured
for receiving and providing connection to a flash unit (not
shown) such as a flashbar arrangement which contains multiple
flash elements.
Prior to continuing with the description of the
camera, the film cassette 16 will be briefly described. As
seen in Fig. 2, the cassette 16 includes a film container 48
which retains a stack of film units 50, each of which include
a sandwich of photosensitive and image-receiving layers with
processing fluid contained within a rupturable leading edge
of the film unit so that film processing may be provided by
advancing the film unit through an exposure station such as
designated at 52 during which a compressive force is applied
to portions of the film unit by means of rollers 54 and 56.
Exemplary of such film units are those descrihed in U. S.
Patent No. 3,~15,644 issued to Edwin H. Land on December 10,
1968 and U. S. Patent No. 3,594,165 issued to Howard G. Rogers
on July 20, 1971.
For exposure purposes, the film cassette 16 includes
an opening or aperture 57 in its upper surface 58 through
which light is transmitted from the lens assembly 26 so as
to provide film exposure. HenceJ it should be noted that the
cassette structure in cooperation with the camera locates the
uppermost film unit 28 at a proper focal plane for exposure.
Additionally, the cassette container 48 includes an exit
aperture designated at 60 which permits advancement of the
uppermost film unit to the processing station 52.
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As later explained in detail with regard to Fig. 3,
the motor driven elements of the camera as well as the
switch element~ thereof are mounted in a modular assembly
or single module 96 which enhances camera packaging and
assembly. Prior to describing the modular construction,
however, those drive elements thereof which are shown in
Fig. 2 will be described. As shown therein, a motor 64 is
located within the housing 12 beneath lens assembly 26 in
driving connection with the rollers 54 and 56 by means of a
gear train designated at 66. Also coupled to the gear
train 66 is a sequencing gear 68 so as to be rotated upon
motor operation. The sequencing gear 68 carries three cam
elements designated at 70, 72 and 74. Mounted behind and
above the sequencing gear 68 as shown in Fig. 2 is a switch
actuator 110 which will be later explalned in detail with
regard to Figs. 3 and 7.
As shown in Fig. 2b, a film counter or counter
wheel 76 is mounted above the sequencing gear 68 and alongside
the actuator 110 when the camera 10 is viewed from the front.
The perimeter 78 of the film counter 76 carries indicia thereon
(See Fig. 3) which can be selectively viewed through an opening
(not shown) of the camera housing 12 to thereby visually
display the number of completed camera cycles.
Extending from one side 86 of the counter 76 is
a gear surface 84 which cooperates with the cam member 70
of the sequencing gear 68 to index the film counter through
an appropriate angular rotation responsive to one rotation
of the sequencing gear. A spring 90, shown in Fig. 3,
biases the counter 76 in a clockwise direction as shown in
Fig. 2b whereas, as later explained in detail, the sequencing
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gear 68 indexes the counter in a counterclockwise direction.
A curved rack portion 88 carried within the hub of the gear
surface 84 cooperates with a cassette pawl 92 to prevent
clockwise rotation of the counter 76. The pawl 92 being
pivotally mounted on a post 94 and extended to the top surface
58 of the film cassette 16 such that the pawl remains in
operative engagement with the film counter 76 so long as the
cassette is retained within the camera 10.
In Fig. 2b, the camera door 18 is shown in its open
position with a latch member 95 released from its catch 97.
A door pawl 196, which is coaxially mounted with the cassette
pawl 92 J iS adapted to be engaged and rotated counterclockwise
by the catch end 99 of the latch member 95 when the door is in
its open position as shown. A spring 91 shown in Fig. 3, is
commonly mounted to both pawls 92 and 196 so as to bias the
cassette pawl 92 clockwise towards the film cassette and the
door pawl 196 counterclockwise toward the camera switch as
later explained in detail with regard to Figs. 3 and 4. This
pawl 196 as later explained with regard to Fig. 6, cooperates
with the camera actuating switch to hold the latter open, and
camera power off, when the door 18 is open.
Except for the shutter blade mechanism which is
later explained in detail with regard to Fig. 7, all elements
of the camera system are driven by an electrical motor 64
which along with other elements of the drive mechanism are
located in the module 96 as illustrated in exploded fashion
in Fig. 3. As shown in that figure, the module 96 includes
a pair of spaced side mounting plates 100 and 102 for mounting
component part of the drlve assembly, which component parts
include the motor 64, the gear train 66, the sequencing gear
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68, the film counter 76 along with its spring 90, the pawl 92,
a film pick 180, a modular switch block 106, and a pair of
switch actuators designated at 108 and 110, respectively.
In the preferred embodiment, mounting plates 100
and 102 as well as many of the other elements of the module 96
are preferably formed of molded plastic, and the module is
intended to be manufactured as a self-contained modular
unit which may be assembled and tested before being installed
in camera 10. The modular concept is enhanced by the molded
construction of mounting plates 100 and 102, each of which
includes, as explained below, integrally molded or attachable
structure for mounting the movable component parts of the
module and snap-together tabs as shown at 112 and 114 which
provides locking of the side plates to each other so as to
trap all of the assembled components except for the motor
in place within the module.
The motor 62 is mounted on the right side of
module 96 as viewed in FigS. 3 and 4. For this reason,
the side plate 102 includes an outwardly extending portion
designated at.116 which partially con~orms to the motor housing
and supports the latter in a horizontal position with the
motor shaft 118 and its drive gear 120 extended through the
side plate 102 into engagement with the gear train 66. To
adequately support the motor 64, a bearing 119 extends
around the motor shaft 118 into engagement with the side
plate 102.
Drive power for the motor 64 and other portions of
the system as later explained in detail is provided by an
electrical battery (not shown) which is preferably mounted
in the bottom of the film container 48. The motor 64 is
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coupled to the battery by means of the modular switch block
106.
Prior to eompleting the description of the module
96, the switch bloek 106 will now be described with reference
to Figs. 3 and 4. The switeh bloek 106 ineludes an elongated
sheet or base member 122 whieh supports four switch
arrangements or assemblies designated from lef~ to right in
Fig. 4 as S4, S1, S2 and S3, respectively. The base member
122 is preferably an integral strueture made of plastic
insulative material which has a switch mounting and terminal
section designated at 124 and a switeh support and aligning
seetion 126 joined by side members 128 and 130 so as to
provide an opening 132 between such seetions. Extending
upwardly from the seetions 124 and 126 are a plurality of
separator elements designated at 134 whieh in cooperation
with the side members 128 and 130 effectively align and
separate the switch elements over a major portion of the
base member 122.
As shown ill Fig. 3, eaeh of the switch arrangements
Sl, S2, S3 and S4 eomprise a pair of leaf members or switch
arms constructed of resilient conductive material such as a
berrylium copper alloy. I'he upper switch arms 136 of the
switch assembly 106 are formed by stamping or the like from
a single sheet of metal having four switch arms designated at
138J 140, 142 and 144 extending from a terminal portion 146
which connects these upper switch arms in eommon to the
positive side of the battery by means of a conductive lead
shown at 148. Mounting of the upper switeh arms 136 to the
terminal support seetion 124 is provided by insertion of the
terminal portion 146 at the rear edge of the separator
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elements 134 with the switch leaves 138, 140, 142 and 144
extending between the separators 134 and beyond the end of
the base men~er 122. Like the upper switch arms 138, 140,
142 and 144, corresponding lower switch arms designated at
139, 141, 143 and 145 extend from the switch mounting section
forward of the base block, however, each of the latter are for
functional reasons as later explained in detail, shorter than
the corresponding upper arm member of each switch arrangement.
Further, it can be seen that while the lower switch arms 139
and 145 are spearate elements having terminal portions 150 and
154J the arms 141 and 143 comprise finger portions of a single
conductive sheet 147 terminating in portion 152 which connects
both these arms in common so as to functionally make switches
Sl and S2 identical. However, while the switches Sl and S2
are identical, they may be operated at different times during
the camera cycle as later explained in regard to camera
operation.
Advantageously, the terminal portions of each of the
lower switch arms is brought to the upper side 125 of the
terminal support section 124 so that all electrical connections
to the switch assemblies can be made in th.is area. In this
regard, the terminal portions 150, 152 and 154 extend from the
surface 125 around the rear edge 127 and along the bottom
surface (not shown) of the section 124 in clamping engagement
with this latter section. From the bottom surface of the
mounting section 124, the arms 139, 141, 143 and 145 extend
upwardly through the opening 132 and over the switch aligning
section 126 beneath the upper arms 138, 140, 142 and 144.
Completing the description of the switch block 106,
it should be noted that as shown in Fig. 3, the upper switch
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arm 138 of switch S4 has a downwardly offset or step portion
157 at its freely extended end while its underlying, lower
- switch arm 137 has its extended end 155 canted downward at a
slight angle. Both the upper and lower arms 140 and 141
include downward step portions designated at 158 and 160
respectively. Finally, upper arm members 142 and 144 of
switches S2 and S3 end in upwardly offset or step portions
159 and 161, the lower arms 143 and 145 remaining essentially
flat. All the switch arms are biased toward their respective
mating arm to provide normally closed switches. Further, at
least one arm member of each of the switch arrangements
carries a dimple portion designated at 156 in Fig 4 which
provides a contact point for the particular switch and in
conjunction with the formation of the switch arms insure that
contact is only made at that point.
Returning now to the overall description of the
drive module illustrated in Fig. 3, it can be seen that the
side wall 102 carries a pocket-like arrangement as at 151
which is configured for retaining the switch block 106 with
its switches Sl, S2, S3 and S4 e~ctending into operative
association with the actuators 108 and 110. Turning now to
the actuator 108, it should be noted that it includes an
elongated body portion 162 having its forward end 163
configured for connection to the camera actuator button 34.
Within the body 162 is an elongated opening 166 configured
for slideable mounting of the actuator 108 on the counter
wh,oel shaft 77 so that the slider actuator 108 is in effect
retained for slideable movement between the side walls 100
and 102. Biasing the slider toward its forwardmost location
is a spring member 166 which has one end 167 configured for
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engagement with an extended post (not shown) of the slider
and its other end 169 connected to the wall member 102.
As later explained with regard to Fig. 5, the slider
actuator 108 carries a cam follower 172 which cooperates with
the counter wheel 76. Additionally, the leading end 163 of
the slider 108 carries a switch actuator portion 174 which,
as later explained in detail with regard to Fig. 6, cooperates
with the switch block 106 to control the operation of the Sl
and S4 switch arrangements. For this operation, the switch
actuator portion 174 includes a pair of laterally extending
arms 176 and 178 which control actuation of these switches.
Also included within the module 96 is the door pawl
member 196 which is configured to cooperate with the Sl switch
arrangement as later explained in detail to hold the latter
switch in an open condition when the loading door is open.
Drive module 96 also includes a film advancing
member or pick 180 mounted alongside the slider 108 and
configured for reciprocating movement within the module 96.
The pick member 180 is preferably stamped from a thin sheet
of metal such as stainless steel and includes a first arm ]82
extending forwardly and a second arm 184 extending rearwardly.
A depending portion 186 includes a hook end 188 for engaging
a t^ailing end of the foremost film unit 28.
Access to the film cassette 16 for the film
engaging hook 188 is provided in the cassette by an elongated
slot (not shown) at the upper trailing end corner of the
film container 48. A spring member 183 biases the pick 180
rearwardly such that its hook end 188 is normally rearward
of the trailing end of the uppermost film unit 28. Forward
movement of the pick 180, resulting in advancement o~ the
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film unit 28 into the bite of the rollers 54 and 56, is
accomplished by driving engagement of the sequencing gear
cam 72 with the forward pick arm 182 during rotation of the
sequencing gear 68.
Included within the drive module is the actuator 110.
The latter includes a body portion 190, also shown in Fig. 2,
which is mounted for pivotal motion around the post 77 and
which includes a laterally extending tab 192 designed to
engage the cam 74 of the sequencing gear 68 during rotation
of the latter. A spring 197 biases the actuator 110 in a
clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 2. carried on the
actuator body 190 is an upper arm 194~ which is configured
to cooperate with a latch member 230 later explained in detail
with regard to Fig. 7, and a depending lower arm 196 which
terminates in a switch actuating surface 198. The latter
surface 198 serves to engage the switch arms 142 and 144 to
control the operation of the S2 and S3 switches.
Completing the description of the drive module,
it should be noted that the side wall 102 carries a plurality
of pivot posts designed to rotationally support the gear 68
and the gears of the gear train 66 as well as a plurality of
laterally extending members one of which is shown at 199 which
properly space the side plate 100 from the side plate 102 when
they are coupled together in their assembled condition.
The various pOSitiOIlS of the slider actuator 108 will
now be explained with regard to Fig. 5. It should be first
noted that the slider actuator 108 is designed to occupy at
different times three different positions; the forwardmost of
these positions as measured with respect to the front of the
camera housing 12 is employed for controlling film loading
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operations and particularly darkslide ejection, while the
intermediate position is the normal position of the actuator
when the camera is inactive, and the third position being
the photographic actuating positionO
Movement of the actuator 108 between its three
positions is limited by the counter wheel 76 which includes a
cam surface 212 against which the actuator cam follower 172
is biased by virtue of the previously noted actuator spring
166. The cam surface 212 includes a main portion designated
at 212 which follows a substantially uniform radius until it
terminates in an outwardly extending cam portion designated
at 214. The latter cam portion 214 extends outwardly of the
main cam radius and is utilized to drive the slider actuator
108 to its forwardmost position. In this regard, it should
be noted that the slider actuator 108 is biased forwardly by
its spring 166 so that its cam follower 172 is normally held
in engagement with the cam surface 212.
In reloading the camera 10, the operator moves the
slide mechanism 32 (shown in Fig. 1) which releases the door
to its open position (shown in Fig. 2b) and removes the film
cassette 16. Opening of the door releases the door pawl 196 as
shown in Fig. 2b to engage and open the Sl switch as shown in
Fig. 6a, and removal of the film cassette 16 releases the pawl
92 from engagement with the rack portion 88 of the counter
wheel 76 thereby allowing the latter to rotate in a clockwis~
direction under the influence of its spring 90 from -the
position shown in Fig. 5c to its start position shown in
Fig. 5a so that the camera is now ready for film loading and
darkslide ejection.
Hence, Fig. 5a shows the counter wheel 76 in its
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film loading position experienced once the film cassette has
been removed from the camera 10. In this position of the
wheel 76, the cam follower 172 is located within the cam
portion 214 and the actuator 108 is held in its most forward
position. As later explained with regard to Fig. 6, upon
insertion of a cassette and closing of the door 18, this
position of the actuator 108 actuates the drive mechanism
to eject the cassette darkslide.
During the darkslide ejection operation, the
sequencing gear 68 is driven through a single revolution which
engages the gear cam 70 with the counter wheel 76 and indexes
the latter counterclockwise to its next index position, shown
in Fig. 5b, which is the first film exposure position of the
counter. The counter 76 is held in this index position by the
film cassette pawl 92, see FigO 2b, since a cassette now is
within the camera. This movement of the counter 76 to its
first exposure position brings the cam follower 172 into
engagement with the main cam surface portion 212 which drives
or carries the actuator 108 rearwardly to its intermediate
position. In ~this position of the counter wheel 76, as shown
in Fig. 5b, the actuator 108 may be moved rearwardly by
pressure on the camera button 34. As later explained with
regard to Fig. 6, such rearward displacement of the slider
actuator 108 powers the camera through its normal photographic
cycle to expose, process and eject a film unit.
As later explained with regard to operation of the
camera, as each subsequent picture is processed, the sequencing
gear 68 indexes the counter wheel 76 through each index
position until all film units are expended, at whicn time the
counter wheel 76 is located in its final position shown in
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Fig. 5c. In this position, the cam follower 172 of the slider
actuator 108 has reached the end of the cam surface portion
212. As the counter 76 indexes into this final position, an
outer cam sur~ace shown at 216 engages a surface portion 218
of the slider actuator 108 so as to drive and hold the actua-
tor in its intermediate position thereby preventing further
rearward movement of the slider. Hence, the cam surface 216
operates to preclude further photographic actuation of the
camera and also forcibly moves the slider actuator back to its
intermediate position thereby providing an indication to the
operator that the film pack has been expended.
As previously noted, the slider actuator 108 controls
the operation of the switches Sl and S4 by means of the slider
switch portion 174 which as shown in Fig. 6 is located along~
side these switch elements with the actuator arms 176 and 178
extended laterally beneath these switches. Looking to Fig. 6a
where the slider actuator 108 is shown in its forward posltion,
responsive to removal of the film cassette 16 and hence
resetting of the counter, both actuator arms 176 and 178 are
displaced out of engagement with the Sl and S4 switches
thereby allowing the upper switch arm 157 of switch S4 and 158
of Switch Sl to drop down toward engagement with their corres-
ponding lower members 155 and 160. This tends to close both
switches Sl and S4, however, at this time the door is open,
and hence the door pawl196 prevents downward movement of t~e
switch arm 140 and closing of the Sl switch.
Once a cassette is inserted (thereby providing a
battery) and the door is closed, the Sl switch closes (upper
arm 140 is released by the door pawl) so that the camera
operates through a dark slide eject cycle as later explained.
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This cycle indexes the counter one position as depicted in
Fig. 5b which moves the slider rearwardly ~to the right in
Fig. 6) to its intermediate position as shown in Fig. 6b
wherein the rearward actuator arm 178 is in engagement
with the downwardly offset portions 157 and 158 of the upper
switch arms 138 and 140 thereby holding these switch arms
in an upward position so that the switches Sl and S4 remain
open.
When the slider actuator 108 is then manually moved
still further rearwardly (to the right as viewed in Fig. 6)
by the camera operator to the position shown .in Fig. 6c, the
forward actuator arm 176 engages and raises the depending
offs.et 160 of the lower switch arm 141 into contact with
the upper arm 140 so as to close the switch Sl thereby
initiating camera operation as later explained in detail
with regard to Fig. 11. Since switch arm 134 has no offset
portion, the latter rearward movement of the slider has no
effect on S4 which remains open.
Hence, the Sl switch includes a pair of offsets 158
and 160 spaced apart a given distance along the longitudinal
axis of.this swi.tch while the S4 switch only has a single
offset 157. The slider actuator 108 carries actuator arms
176 and 178 spaced apart approximately the same distance as
the above so that as the slider is moved parallel to the
switch axis, the Sl switch is conductive when both arms are
disengaged from, or both arms are in engagement with, the
offsets and the Sl switch is non-conductive only when the
actuator arm 178 is in engagement with the offset 158 of the
upper switch member 140 tlifting the upper switch member 140
out of switch contact) and the other actuator arm 176 is still
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not in engagement with the offset 160 of the lower switch
member 141.
In the forward position of the slider shown in Fig.
6a, both actuator arms 176 and 178 are displaced from the
offsets 158 and 160 so that the Sl switch is closed (when the
camera door is closed); the S2 switch being also closed since
its offset 157 is not engaged at this time. When the slider
108 is moved rearwardly (by the counter) to the position shown
in Fig. 6b, the actuator arm 178 engages and lifts both the
offset 157 of switch S4 and the offset 158 of switch Sl,
rendering both switches open. Then under manual pressure,
as the slider is moved still further rearwardly to the position
shown in Fig. 6c, the actuator arm 176 engages and lifts the
offset 160 of the lower switch member thereby again rendering
the Sl switch closed (the S4 switch remaining open since its
lower arm has no offset).
Turning now to Fig. 7, operation of the actuator
110 will now be explained with regard to the camera shutter
operation. As shown in this figure, the shutter system
includes a blade mechanism 219 having a pair of blade members
220 and 221 displaceably mounted in the camera for reciprocal
movement with respect to each other. Each of the blade
members 220 and 221 respectively includes a main opening
designated at 222 and 223 which when brought into coincidence
with each other over the optical axis 224 of the camera 10,
unblock the optical axis and define an aperture value for
film exposure.
Additionally, each blade member 220 and 221 carries
a secondary aperture, only one of which is shown at 231 for
providing tracking aperture values behind the photocell
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lens 36. Synchronous control over both blade members 220 and
221 is provided by connection of the blades to a walking beam
225 which is mounted in the camera body 12 for pivotal motion
around a pivot axis designated at 226.
Pivotal motion of the walking beam and subsequent
relative displacement of the blade members 220 and 221 with
respect to each other is provided by a solenoid 227 having
a plunger 228 coupled to the walking beam 225 at a point
above its pivot axis 226 so that upon energization of the
solenoid 227 and retraction of its plunger 228, the walking
beam is rotated in a counterclockwise direction thereby
displacing the blade openings 222 and 223 away from each other
and slightly beyond the position shown in Fig. 7
A spring member 229, located around the solenoid
plunger 22~3, opexates against the walking beam thereby tending
to displace the latter in a counterclockwise direction. The
latter will move the blades 220 and 221 into an open, exposure
taking position with their openings 222 and 223 in an over-
lapping arrangement when the solenoid 227 is not energized.
In the preferred arrangement, the walking beam 225
includes an extension designated at 232 which cooperates with
a latch 230 to hold the blade mechanism 219 in a closed
light-blocking condition when the camera is not in use.
For this purpose, the walking beam extension 232 partially
overlies the latch 230 as explained below and includes a
lug portion 234 which extends into the latch.
Turning now to the latch 230, it can be seen to
include an elongated body 236 which is mounted on the camera 10
for pivotal movement around an axis designated at 238 and
carries at one end an offset portion 240 which is designed
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to engage the upper arm 194 of the actuator 110 so as to hold
the latter in its open switch position (as subsequently
explained) when the latch is in its blade latching position
shown in Fi~. 7. The other end of the body 236 carries a
S c-shaped portion 244 which is configured to capture the
walking beam lug 234 under appropriate circumstances as
explained below~
The C-shaped end 244 of the latch 230 is formed by
a first member 246 which extends upwardly from the body
portion 236 into overlying relation with blade members 220
and 221. From the upright member 246, the latch member 230
is turned back on itself and ends in a hook 248; the latter
hook being configured to engage the beam lug 234 when the
shutter blades 220 and 221 are in their blocking position
and the solenoid 227 is de-energized as depicted in Fig. 7.
A spring 250 lightly biases the latch member 230 in a clock-
wise direction so that the offset portion 240 is continually
held in a follower arrangement with the upper arm 194 of
actuator 110. The actuator spring 197 (see Figs. 2a and 3)
provides a greaterJ counterclockwise, force on the latch 230,
however, the latter, in its latched position of Fig. 7 is
captured by the lug 234 of the shutter assembly.
The operation of the exposure mechanism 219 and
its cooperation with the latch 230 and the actuator 110 will
now be explained with regard to Figs~ 7 J 8 J 9 and 10.
InitiallyJ as shown in Fig. 7, the shutter blade mechanism
219 is in its closedJ latched position with tha beam lug 234
located within the hook portion 248 o~ the latch 230. In
effectJ the solenoid spring 229 urges the beam 225 in a
clockwise direction so as to force the lug 234 continually
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into the hook portion 248 of the latch. This latched position
of the blades 220 and 221 also holds the latch 230 in its
horizontal position whichJ in turn, resists the downward bias
of the actuator 110 so that the latter, by means of its lower
arm 196, holds switches S2 and S3 in an open condition.
Upon actu~tion of the solenoid 227 by operator
depression of the camera button 34Jas later explained in
detail, the plunger 228 is drawn into the solenoid as shown
in Fig. 8 thereby rotating the beam 225 slightly counter-
clockwise which displaces its lug 234 from the hoo~ portion
248 of the latch 230 thereby allowing the C-shaped end 244
of the latch to spring upwardly as shown in Figs. 8 and 9.
The latter movement of the latch completely releases the
blade mechanism 219 and also permits downward movement of
the upper arm 194 of the actuator 110 with synchronous
downward movement of its lower arm 196 (see Fig. 2b) which
releases the ends 159 and 161 of the upper leaves 142 and 144
of switch arrangements S2 and S3 into contact with the lower
leaves 143 and 145 (see Fig. 4) thereof so as to render these
switches conductive.
As later explained in detail with regard to the
circuit shown in Fig. 10, closing of the switches S2 and S3
latches camera power on and triggers the electronic control
of the camera to open and close the blade mechanism 219 (to
provide film exposure) and to subsequently energize the
motor 64. Operation of the motor 64 advances the exposed
film through the processing station 52 and from the camera 10
while it rotates sequencing gear 68 through ona revolution
which, as shown in Fig. 2a, drives the cam member 74 into
contact with the lateral arm 192 of the actuator 110 thereby
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rotating the latter counterclockwise. This counterclockwise
movement of the actuator 110 raises the switch leaves 142 and
144 to open switches S2 and S3 and turn off the camera 10.
As the actuator 110 is pivoted by the sequencing
gear 68, the latch 230 rotates in a clockwise direction, as
viewed in Fig. 8, under the urging of its spring 250 thereby
returning the latch to its blade latching position for beam
engagement. It should be noted that such rotation of the
latch 230 from its unlatch to its latch position will be
~o subsequent to the e~posure and solenoid 227 is still under
a power condition holding the blades closed and with the lug
member 234 in the position shown in Fig. 8 Consequently,
when the latch member 230 is pivoted clockwise as previously
described which cuts power to the solenoid 227 (opens switches
S2 and S3),the beam 225 is allowed to rotate slightly clockwise
under the urging of the spring 229 so that the lug 234 is
displaced to within the hook-shaped portion 248 of the latch
as shown in Fig. 7.
As noted above, the switches S2 and S3 are opened
as the cam 74 engages the actuator 110 and rotates it counter-
clockwise. This removes power from the camera system which
includes the motor 64. As the latter coasts to a stop, the
sequencing gear 68 is driven slightly further in its clockwise
direction as viewed in Fig. 2a so as to release its cam 74
from engagement with the actuator 110. This releases the
actuator to bear on the latch offset 240. The latter, however,
resists downward movement of the actuator by virtue of
engagement of the latch 230 with the beam lug 234. Conse~uently,
the latch-actuator cycle is completed and both are returned
to their starting positions shown in Fig. 7.
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Turning now to Fig. 10, wherein the camera control
system is shown in block diagram formJ it should be noted
that the switch block 106 is shown schematically to include
switches Sl, S2, S3 and S4. In this arrangement, both
switches Sl and S2 are arranged to couple the battery terminal
designated at 270 to a main power line 272 for powering up
the camera. Hence, upon closing of either switch Sl or S2,
battery power is supplied through a reset network 274 and a
flash sense inhibit network 276 to power up the camera circuit
and particularly the shutter solenoid 227. The latter is
accomplished by means of a solenoid control network 278 such
as J for example, a flip-flop network which is configured to
energize the solenoid 227 in accordance with a signal on
line 280 and de-energize the solenoid in accordance with a
signal on line 282.
As indicated, system power is transmitted through
a reset network 274. The latter is provided to preclude
recycling of the camera 10 under circumstances in which the
operator inadvertently holds the camera button 34 in its
depressed condition following a complete camera cycle. To
accomplish the latter function, the reset network is normally
arranged to transmit battery voltage from line 272 but will
preclude such transmission subsequent to the opening of the
S3 switch until power has been removed from and then reapplied
to line 272.
From the reset network 274, the battery voltage is
passed to the flash sense and inhibit network 276. Prior
to briefly describing the latter network, it should be noted
that the camera 10 is preferably designed for both ambient
and flash operetion. ~owever, since flash operation is no_
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necessary to understanding of the present invention, it will
only be briefly described here for the sake of completeness.
Preferably, the camera is designed for hybrid flash
operation as J for example, is described in U. S. Patent No.
3,896,458 such that the camera operates essentially under
the influence of a light integrator network 290 during
ambient, and both the light integrating network 290 and a
follow-focus arrangement (not shown herein) during flash
operations. In this regard, insertion of a flash array
within the flash socket 44 of Figure 1, couples the lens
assembly 26 of the camera to a follow-focus interceptor
(not shown) which engages and stops the blades 220 and 221
at a given point along their path of travel (during blade
opening) so as to select a particular maximum aperture value
in accordance with focus distance during exposure operations.
Initial control over camera operation, when the
operator has selected the artificial flash mode of operation,
by plugging in a Elash unit~ is provided by the flash sense
and inhibit network 276. This network 276 is coupled to the
flash socket 44 so as to be rendered operable only when a
flash unit (not shown) is coupled thereto and, hence, without
a flash unit in place, the network 276 is conductive or, that
is, in effect not operable such that power is transmitted
through it to the solenoid 280 upon closing of the switch Sl.
However, when a flash unit is coupled to the system but no
operable flash devices are available, the accompanying open
condition or, that is, high impedance of the flash unit is
sensed by the network 276 and the latter is automatically
rendered non-conductive. This prevents energization of the
solenoid 227 such that the camera is rendered inoperative
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J~)9Z87~L
until either the flash unit is disengaged from the camera 10
or the flash unit is replaced by an operable device.
Assuming the camera is to be used in the ambient
mode, or a suitable flash bulb is available, when the Sl
switch arrangement is closed so as to power up the camera,
including rendering the solenoid contxol network 278 in a
solenoid energizing condition, the shutter solenoid 227 pulls
in to activate the shutter mechanism 219 thereby releasing
the latch 230. Release of the latch 230 permits the latter
to spring to its open position under the driving force of the
actuator 110. As previously described with regard to Figs.
8 and 9, this movement of the actuator 110, in turn, closes
switches S2 and S3 which respectively latches power to the
network and initiates operation of a signal generator shown
at 286.
The signal generator 286 which may, for example,
take the form of a clock and decoder network, provides
appropriately timed pulses for controlling the film exposure
as explained below and for timing the energization of the
motor 94 for film advancement. Since the signal generator
286 is a timing arrangement which could receive spurious
signals if power is provided the system subsequent to rather
than before the trigger signal is provided by S3, the S2 and
S3 switch arrangements are constructed so that S2 leads S3 and
2S thereby closes prior to S3.
When the S3 switch closes, the signal generator 286
receives a trigger signal along a conductive path desi~nated
at 288 which initiates the logic operation of the generator
and a first signal designated at "a" in Fig. 11 is thereby
generated along line 282 so as to remove power from the
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shutter solenoid 227. The latter, in turn, releases the
walking beam 225 and allows the blades 220 and 221 to move
in an opening direction under the urging of the shutter
spring 229. This initiates an exposure interval during which
scene light is transmitted to the camera focal plane.
Substantially simultaneously with,or just subsequent
to, the signal "a", a signal "b" is delivered to the light
integrator 290 which begins to evaluate scene lighting.
When sufficient scene lighting has been summed by the light
integrator 290, the latter emits an exposure terminating~
command signal to line 280 which again powers up the solenoid
227 thereby closing the blades 220 and 221 to terminate the
exposure.
During the exposure interval, prior to the light
integrator network 290 initiating its command signal, the
signal generator 286 is arranged when network 276 is active
(in the flash mode) to provide a third signal designated at
~c" for firing of a flash. Hence, as shown in Fig. 12, the
signal "c" is transmitted from the signal generator 286 to a
flash firing network 292 which, in turn, initiates flash
operation. Additionally, to accommodate low scene brightness
conditions where the light integrator 290 does not receive
sufficient scene light to produce a closing signal within an
appropriate period of time, the signal generator 286 produces
an additional signal designated "d" which is also transmitted
to line 280 so as to energize the solenoid 227 and close the
shutter mechanism 219. In e~fect, the latter provides a fail-
safe signal for returning the shutter mechanism to its start
position. Finally~ the signal generator 286 provides a
signal ~e" w~lich energizes the motor 64 to effect operation
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of the film advance and processing arrangements. ~s explained
below) the ~e" signal is generated at a fixed interval
following either the integrator close command signal or the
fail-safe "e" signal. The fixed delay is employed to provide
sufficient time for closing of the blade mechanism 219.
As previously noted, energization of the motor
drives the timing gear 68 and the processing rollers 54 and
56. Revolution of the timing gear 68, in turn, indexes the
counter 76 and the pick 180, the latter thereby advancing the
just exposed film unit into the bite of the rollers 54 and 56
which spread processing ~luid within the film unit and
advances the latter from the camera 10. Subsequent to film
ejection, as the timing gear 68 is continued to be driven by
the motor 64, the switch actuator 110 is pivoted (ccw) allow-
ing the latch 230 to return to its latch position and opening
the switches S2 and S3 as shown in Fig. 2a thereby terminating
power to the camera system.
The opening of switches S2 and S3 causes de-
energization o~ both the solenoid 227 and the motor 64. Since
de-energizatidn of the shutter solenoid allows the beam 225 to
be captured by the latch member 230, the actuator 110 is
arranged to position the latch member 230 in its latching
position simultaneous with or just prior to opening of the
switches S2 and S3. Additionally, while the motor 64 is also
de-energized at this time, it continues to coast slightly so
as to drive the timing gear beyond its switch opening position~
thereby releasing the actuator 110 to control of the latch 230.
As previously indicated~ the latter is now precluded from
displacement from its latched (open switch~ position by virtue
of its engagement with the blade mechanism 219.
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lO9Z871
As the S2 switch opens, the control voltage is
removed from the reset network which then precludes further
transmission of power until Sl is again rendered conductive.
This arrangement insures that the camera will not automatically
recycle if the operator has inadvertently continued to hold
the camera button 34 in its depressed condition. Once the
operator releases the camera button 34 and the slider 108 is
permitted to return to its neutral position so as to open Sl,
the reset network 274 resets to its normally conductive
arrangement in anticipation of a further actuation of the
camera button 34.
The overall p~otographic operation of the camera
system will now be explained with regard to Fig. 11 wherein
it can be seen, as designated in block 300J that camera
actuation is initiated by depressing of the camera button 34
thereby closing Sl to power up the camera as depicted in
block 302. The latter, in turn/ energizes the solenoid as
depicted in block 304 which moves t~e shutter to its fully
close position thereby releasing the shutter latch as depicted
in block 308. ~ Release of the shutter latch closes both S2 and
S3. The closing of S3 latches power to the system as noted
in block 314, while the closing of S3 de-energizes the solenoid
to open the shutter and begin exposure as depicted in blocks
316J 318 and 320 and also initiates the light integrating
operation depicted in block 322. After a suitable time
interval in accordance with scene brightness, the integrator,
in effect, closes the shutter to terminate the exposure as
depicted in block 326. Simultaneously with the shutter close
command, the integrator activates a delay circuit designated
at 328 which, in turn, energizes the motor as noted in block
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~O~Z87~
340; the delay 328 allowing sufficient time for the blade
mechanism to close before the motor is energized.
Actuation of the motor operates both the rollers
and the sequencing gear as noted in blocks 342 and 344. The
operation of the sequencing gear, in turn, raciprocates the
pick, indexes the film counter, and operates the switch actu-
ator 110 as depicted in blocks 346, 348 and 350 respectively.
Operation o~ the pick in conjunction with the roller
operation advances and processes the exposed film unit as
depicted at block 362. Reset of the actuator 110 operates to
return the latch to the blade path and opens the S2 and S3
switches. The latter, in turn, de-energizes both the motor
and the solenoid as noted in blocks 356 and 358, respectively.
Finally, de-ener~ization of the solenoid releases the shutter
blades to control of the latch which holds them in their
closed position as depicted in block 360.
To complete the description of the camera, the film
loading operation will now be described with regard to Fig. 12.
Since many of the camera functions are identical to those
described in regard to Fig. 11, the same numerical identifica-
tion of such identical functions will be employed in Fig. 12
where possible. As noted in Fig. ~2, upon exposing and
processing the final picture, the film counter is moved to
its final position as depicted in block 372 where further
depression of the camera pushbutton is inhibited. Subsequent
opening of the camera door noted in block 376 permits rotation
of the door pawl to hold the Sl switch in its open condition
as noted in block 378. Subsequent removal of the film pack
releases the counter pawl which permits reset of the film
counter to its initial position as noted in block 382. The
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latter advances the camera pushbutton and slider actuator to
its forward position as noted in block 384 of this figure
which closes S4 as depicted in block 386.
Subse~uent insertion of a new film pack resets the
counter pawl into counter engagement. Then, upon closing of
the door as depicted at block 390, the door pawl is pivoted
out of switch engagement and the Sl switch closes as at 392.
Closing of the Sl switch, in turn, activates the camera to
energize the solenoid as shown in block 304. Then, as in the
photographic operations previously described, the energization
of the solenoid moves the shutter blade mechanism from its
latch position to its fully closed position as noted in block
306 which releases the latch and actuator 110 so as to close
the S2 and S3 switches as depicted in block 400. The latter
switch operation latches power to the system and triggers the
logic circuit into operation.
It should be explained that the S4 switch provides
a darkslide eject signal to the signal generator 286 of Fig.
10 so as to essentially bypass normal exposure operations.
That is, the S4 switch signals the generator 286 to bypass
its "b" and "c" signals and produce its ~d" and "e" signals
just subsequent to energization of the generator. Hence, when
the system releases the latch as noted at 308 in Fig. 12 to
close S2 and S3~ the signal generator 286 (due to the S4 signal)
immediately thereafter provides signals "e" and "d" which
continue to energize the solenoid and initiates energization
of the motor 64 as depicted at block 340 in Fig. 13. There-
a~ter~ with the e~ception of the counter wheel control of the
slider actuator as explained below, the camera operates in
accordance with the remainder of the cycle described with
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regard to Fig. 11 so as to operate the pick and rollers to
advance the uppermost film unit, which in this case would be
a darkslide, to index the film counter and to subsequently
reset the camera to its start position.
As previously noted with regard to Fig. 5, when the
film counter is indexed from its start position depicted in
block 402 o~ Fig. 12, it displaces the slider actuator inwardly
to its intermediate position as noted in block 404 which opens
Sl and S4. Subse~uent -to the return of the slider to its
intermediate position, which opens Sl and S4, the actuator
110 i~ returned to its initial position which resets the
shutter latch and opens S2 and S3. Opening of the latter
cuts battery power to the system and releases the shutter
blades to their latched position as noted in block 360.
It should be understood that this invention may
be practiced or embodied in still other ways without departing
from the spirit or essential character thereof. Hence, the
illustrated embodiment herein is illustrative and not
restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by
the appended claims and all variations which come within the
meaning of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.
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