W. Haking Enterprises, Ltd.

Klaus Raschke

An electrically operated camera is operated automatically from between far-focus and near-focus lens settings responsively to ambient light sensings. The far-focus lens setting is less than infinity. Under strong lighting conditions, the aperture is automatically set between a range of values, the largest of which is no greater than the hyperfocal aperture value corresponding to the far-focus setting of the lens, thereby setting the outer boundary of the depth of field at infinity. In weak light, a flash system is automatically enabled, the lens is set to a near-focus position, and the aperture is automatically set at its maximum value. Timed energization of a single electrically operated solenoid is used to establish all settings in both modes. An additional macrofocus setting is provided for setting the lens at a focusing distance much shorter than the near-focus setting, and the aperture is automatically set at its minimum value in flash mode, or over a range of values according to ambient sensings when bright lighting conditions prevail.

Automatic focus and exposure controlled camera

A delayed shutter actuation system for cameras providing from pre-flash or ambient light sensings automatic focusing control, automatic aperture control, or both, features a spring-energized shutter slide member coupled to a velocity limiter over an initial portion of the release stroke. A spring-driven focus control member, or a spring-driven exposure control member, or both, are coupled through movable regulator members to the shutter slide through lost motion couplings so that their respective movement rates are governed by the velocity limiter until they are locked in proper position by electrically controlled locks controlled responsively to such sensings. During a terminal portion of the motion of the shutter slide the velocity limiter automatically disengages to allow an unimpeded motion of the slide to actuate the shutter. In the preferred form of the invention exposure control is secured by using a variable-aperture impulse shutter and a stroke-control cam positioned as a rebound limiter and rotatingly oriented responsively to motion of the exposure control member.

Shutter release mechanism for automatic cameras

A camera shutter cocking system employs a specially configured cam driven synchronously with a film-engaging sprocket to actuate a shutter cocking lever from a released to a shutter cocking condition by means of a cam follower mounted on the cocking lever. The cam preferably has two lobes, each configured to maintain the shutter cocking load on an electric motor drive system generally constant throughout substantially the entire film advancing operation. Excessive terminal overspeed of the motor drive system is thereby suppressed. A one-way clutch between the cam and the sprocket disengages the shutter cocking system from the motor drive during rewind and traps the cocking lever in a released position, thus preventing multiple double exposure of the film if the shutter release button is accidentally held down by the user during this operation.

Growing community of inventors

Schaumburg, IL, United States of America

Klaus Raschke