Westinghouse Electric Corporation

William E Shoupp

Walter V Bratkowski

Dirk J Boomgaard

The 'f' stop of a camera having a fixed shutter speed is automatically set by a galvanometer type control component that is energized by a mechanically powered electric generator which constitutes an integral part of the camera. The shutter is tripped in predetermined time-delayed sequence relative to tripping of the generator and the latter is automatically recocked along with the shutter when the film is advanced. Precise and reliable dynamic regulation and setting of the 'f ' stop as the picture is being taken is thus achieved without the aid of a battery.

Automatic film-exposure control system and electrical power supply means

A compact electric generator that is powered by a tensioned spring and adapted to serve as an integral and permanent source of electric energy for a photographic camera or other apparatus. The generator includes a permanent magnet, a pole piece and a reciprocally-movable armature that define a magnetic circuit. The permanent magnet is also movable with respect to the pole piece and armature and is so oriented, when the generator is cocked, that the field strength of the magnetic circuit is sufficient to permit the pole piece to magnetically 'capture' the armature and hold it in a predetermined position against the action of the tensioned spring. The generator is tripped by displacing the permanent magnet and thus weakening the field strength of the magnetic circuit. This permits the tensioned spring to overcome the magnetic 'lock' on the armature and rapidly propel the latter away from the pole piece. The resultant sudden change in the flux density of the magnetic circuit induces a voltage pulse in an associated wire coil.

Mechanically-powered electric generator for instant-photographic camera

An electrical component, such as a photoflash lamp that is associated with a photographic camera, is energized by an electric current produced by a compact mechanically-driven electric generator that is located within the camera and coupled to the shutter-actuating mechanism. The generator employs a spring-driven keeper that changes the reluctance of a magnetic circuit and causes an associated wire coil to produce a voltage pulse that is synchronized relative to the opening of the camera aperture. The generator is compact enough to fit inside 'Instamatic' type cameras and provides a simple, reliable and inexpensive substitute for the batteries now employed in such cameras. The small size and reliability of the generator adapt it for use in other types of devices and systems that require a passive easily-triggered electrical power source.

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Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

William E Shoupp