The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 08, 1996
Filed:
May. 22, 1995
John Adolphi, Eden Prairie, MN (US);
Jeffrey J Kipp, Minneapolis, MN (US);
Michael Surma, Golden Valley, MN (US);
Gerald A Jensen, Plymouth, MN (US);
Jerry Lindenfelser, Brooklyn Park, MN (US);
Lifetouch Portrait Studios, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
A special effects carrier for use in a photographic camera for taking portraits of individuals or groups. The wheel-shaped special effects carrier contains masks which produce various special effects. One of the masks included on the carrier produces no special effects so that the carrier can be used whether or not a special effect is desired. The carrier is located a fixed distance behind the objective element of the zoom lens so that the photographer is able to focus the camera without having to compensate for the changing focal length of the zoom lens. The carrier is connected to a CPU which drives a motor to rotate the carrier. An optical sensor reads bar codes on the carrier and relays information to the CPU thereby allowing the CPU to position the masks for use and freeing the photographer of that task.