Abstract: A reversible vibratory motor includes a driving member responsive to a first frequency of vibration for driving a driven member in a first direction, and responsive to a second frequency of vibration for driving the driven member in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A multifunction electromagnetic actuator particularly suited for use in controlling exposure and focus in a photographic camera, includes a permanent magnet mounted between and spaced slightly from two substantially parallel plates of ferromagnetic material, to form a pair of magnetic gaps. First and second planar armatures comprising flat coils carried by sheets of insulating material are respectively mounted in the first and second magnetic gaps for movement in response to current applied to their respective coils. The resulting electromagnetic actuator is a compact powerful actuator capable of independently controlling two functions.In a photographic camera, the first armature of the multifunction actuator is coupled to a shutter to control exposure, and the second armature is coupled to a moveable lens element to control focus.

Abstract: Film related information is applied to a film container in the form of oriented macroscopic magnetic fields having strength sufficient to deflect a mechanical magnetic sensor. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the metal end cap of a standard 35 mm film can is magnetized to encode film related information. The information is sensed in a simple mechanical camera by a sensing magnet mounted for movement in response to the orientation of the magnetic field directly above the end cap, and a trapping mechanism for trapping the sensing magnet and mechanically amplifying the information contained in the orientation of the sensing magnet. In an electronic camera, the orientation of the magnetic field is sensed by a pair of magneto-electric sensors oriented to sense orthogonal components of the magnetic field.

Abstract: A digital controller in a photographic camera comprises a microcomputer and one or more digital computer controlled input and output transducers such as scene light measuring means, subject distance measuring means, and means for controlling aperture size, shutter time, or focus adjustment. The microcomputer receives inputs from the input transducers and controls the output transducers in response thereto according to a control program stored in a computer memory. The controller includes a programable memory containing custom control constants to custom tailor the operating program for the specific apparatus in which it resides.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a high precision photographic camera is produced by first making the photographic camera, then operating the camera under known operating conditions using a nominal control program.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator of the type having an armature positioned for movement in a magnetic gap is characterized by the armature being sufficiently compliant so as to allow the armature to contact the sides of the gap, and easily conform to the shape of the gap. The magnetic gap is substantially coextensive with the armature, for providing mechanical support to the armature.In one embodiment of the invention, the compliant armature is employed in a reciprocating actuator for a photographic shutter/aperture. In another embodiment, the invention is employed in a rotary DC motor of the pancake type. In a still further embodiment, the invention is employed in a rotary DC motor of the cup or basket type.

Abstract: An integrated electromechanical control mechanism in a photographic camera is fabricated on a ferromagnetic mechanism plate having an electrically insulating coating. An electronic control circuit, electrical conductors, and a planar electromechanical transducer are carried by the mechanism plate. The planar electromechanical transducer includes a magnet mounted on the mechanism plate to form a magnetic gap therewith, and a planar armature mounted on the mechanism plate for movement in the gap in response to an electrical current applied to the armature. The electrical conductors connect the control circuit with the armature of the electromechanical transducer. The ferromagnetic mechanism plate provides a unitary mechanical support for the electrical and mechanical components of the mechanism, and a magnetic flux return path for the electromechanical actuator.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator of the type having a flat armature positioned for movement in a magnetic gap is characterized by the armature being sufficiently compliant so as to allow the armature to contact the sides of the gap, and easily conform to the shape of the gap. The magnetic gap is substantially coextensive with the armature, for supporting the armature in a direction generally perpendicular to its plane.In one embodiment of the invention, the compliant armature is employed in a reciprocating actuator for a photographic shutter/aperture. In another embodiment, the invention is employed in a rotary DC motor.

Abstract: An exposure regulating element for a photographic camera is formed from a one piece sheet of light weight, non-magnetic, electrically conductive metal to provide a light regulating blade, a flexure hinge for urging the blade toward an initial aperture covering position and a conductor coil which cooperates with a permanent magnet for generating a force to move the blade away from the initial position. In a preferred embodiment a pair of exposure regulating elements each providing integral light regulating, flexure hinge and conductor coil means move in opposite directions to cover and uncover an exposure operation.

Abstract: A piezoelectric flexure mode device comprises: a sheet of polymeric piezoelectric material, poled in a direction parallel with the thickness of the sheet; a relatively thin electrode, being less than about 1% of the total thickness of the device, bonded to one side of the sheet; and a relatively thick electrode, being between about 2% and about 35% of the total thickness of the device, bonded to the other side of the sheet. The second electrode is of a thickness sufficient to substantially maximize a figure of merit, called Deflection Bandwidth Product, representing the deflection of the device times the first resonant frequency of the device, thereby providing a flexure mode device capable of large rapid deflections.

Abstract: In optical apparatus such as a photographic camera having a pivotally mounted element moveable between a first position and a second position, an actuating mechanism includes a bistable toggle device which urges the element toward the first position when the element is nearer the first position, and toward the second position when nearer that position, and an electromagnetic motor, connected to the element, that moves the element in response to an applied pulse of electrical energy toward the second position when the element is in the first position and toward the first position when the element is in the second position.

Abstract: To control an electromagnetic actuator of the type having an armature movable in a magnetic field and means for urging the armature toward a rest position, a series of electrical pulses are applied to the actuator by a control circuit, the frequency of the pulses being above the cutoff frequency of the actuator, the position of the actuator being controlled by the duty cycle of the pulses. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator controls a shutter/aperture, the aperture size being determined by the duty cycle of the pulses, and the shutter time being controlled by the number of pulses applied to the actuator.An actuator controlled by the control circuit is of the type having a planar coil on an armature, mounted for movement in the plane of the coil in a magnetic field. To reduce friction and simplify construction, the armature is mounted on a flexure spring which urges the armature toward its initial position and also serves as a conductor to provide current to the armature.

Abstract: An autofocus camera includes an electronic flash and a piezoelectric focus motor that are both powered by a moderately high voltage power supply. The camera includes an automatic focus detector that senses a scene and produces a focus signal representing the required focus adjustment for the scene. A focus motor drive circuit responsive to the focus signal supplies a controlled amount of power from the power supply to the piezoelectric focus motor to drive a movable lens element to effect the required focus adjustment.

Abstract: Video information is commonly recorded on a master record device such as a video disc by focussing a modulated recording beam on the master disc and rotating the disc relative to the focussed recording beam. During exposure, the recording beam travels across the rotating master disc so that a spiral track of video information is recorded. Because of the extremely small depth of focus, typically less than a micron, focus maintenance is simplified if the master disc recording surface is optically flat. This requirement has led to the use of a relatively expensive master video disc comprised of optically polished glass, quartz or other rigid material. In accordance with the present invention, a method of recording video information on a master disc is provided which permits the use of an inexpensive flexible master disc comprised of ESTAR or other similar material, and yet which enables an extremely small depth of focus to be accurately maintained.

Abstract: In certain types of printing applications (for example optical or magnetic contact printing) wherein it is desired to transfer imagery from a master device to a replicate device, providing and maintaining close contact between the master device and the replicate device poses certain problems. These problems become even more acute if the surfaces to be contacted are of large area. In accordance with the present invention, close contact over even large areas is obtained between a master device and a replicate device by forming a thin and uniform liquid layer between the master and replicate devices, thus producing a vacuum effect which serves to tightly press the master and replicate devices together.

Abstract: An exposure control device is disclosed a preferred form of which includes a shutter which is openable to permit scene light to pass through a camera aperture, an electronic circuit for producing a signal which varies with the level of scene illumination, and piezoelectric devices such as bimorphs for providing electrical energy to the circuit when mechanically actuated and for controlling the condition of the shutter in response to the signal from the electronic circuit to automatically establish the exposure period.

Abstract: A shutter control device is disclosed which includes a shutter which is openable to permit scene light to pass through a camera aperture, an electronic circuit for controlling the shutter to automatically establish exposure duration in accordance with the level of scene illumination, piezoelectric means such as a bimorph for providing electrical power to the circuit when stressed, and means for repeatedly stressing the piezoelectric means during each exposure cycle.

Abstract: A camera is disclosed which includes a shutter blade magnetically latchable in an open position to permit scene light to pass through a camera aperture, flexible piezoelectric energy converter, such as a Bimorph element, movable upon being subjected to an applied voltage to push the shutter blade away from the magnet, and a light responsive electronic circuit for applying a voltage to the piezoelectric converter after an exposure duration in accordance with the level of scene illumination.

Abstract: A mirror-type light beam deflector or steerer utilizes a hinged mounting linkage to couple a beam deflecting mirror to a mirror driving apparatus. In a preferred form, flexible hinges are employed to avoid any introduction of play or looseness between the mirror and mirror driver.