Patents by Inventor Minoru Matsuzaki

Minoru Matsuzaki has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5805936
    Abstract: A camera according to the present invention has an arrangement that a film is discharged to a side toward a subject after a picture has been taken, the instant camera comprising a grip portion formed on a right portion of a camera body when viewed in a normal photography state and from a position of a photographer operating the camera, an optical system disposed on a left portion of the camera body when viewed from the said position of the photographer and including at least a photographing lens, and a film cartridge loading portion which is capable of loading a film cartridge into a position between the grip portion of the camera body and the optical system in such a manner that an exposure surface of the film accommodated in the film cartridge faces the optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Matsuzaki, Kazunori Mizokami, Yuta Sato, Yoshitaka Naito, Fumio Tomikawa, Masaharu Hamada
  • Patent number: 5742860
    Abstract: A camera according to the present invention has an arrangement that a film is discharged to a side toward a subject after a picture has been taken, the instant camera comprising a grip portion formed on a right portion of a camera body when viewed in a normal photography state and from a position of a photographer operating the camera, an optical system disposed on a left portion of the camera body when viewed from the said position of the photographer and including at least a photographing lens, and a film cartridge loading portion which is capable of loading a film cartridge into a position between the grip portion of the camera body and the optical system in such a manner that an exposure surface of the film accommodated in the film cartridge faces the optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Minoru Matsuzaki, Kazunori Mizokami, Yuta Sato, Yoshitaka Naito, Fumio Tomikawa, Masaharu Hamada
  • Patent number: 5740484
    Abstract: A camera capable of recording information uses a film cartridge that includes a spool for rolling a film that includes a data recording portion. A pair of elastic flanges having annular lips peripheries thereon are provided on the spool for nipping successive convolution of the film. The film is propelled out of the cartridge by rotating the spool in a predetermined direction. The camera further comprises a feeding member for winding the film fully when the cartridge is loaded into the camera and rewinding the film into the cartridge in response to the completion of a film exposure. A recording means is also provided in the camera. The rewinding means serially records the information onto the recording portion of the film when the film is rewinding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Miyazaki, Minoru Matsuzaki, Yasuo Asakura, Akira Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5696997
    Abstract: A camera according to the present invention has an arrangement that a film is discharged to a side toward a subject after a picture has been taken, the instant camera comprising a grip portion formed on a right portion of a camera body when viewed in a normal photography state and from a position of a photographer operating the camera an optical system disposed on a left portion of the camera body when viewed from the said position of the photographer and including at least a photographing lens, and a film cartridge loading portion which is capable of loading a film cartridge into a position between the grip portion of the camera body and the optical system in such a manner that an exposure surface of the film accommodated in the film cartridge faces the optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Matsuzaki, Kazunori Mizokami, Yuta Sato, Yoshitaka Naito, Fumio Tomikawa, Masaharu Hamada
  • Patent number: 5687411
    Abstract: A camera according to the present invention has an arrangement that a film is discharged to a side toward a subject after a picture has been taken, the instant camera comprising a grip portion formed on a right portion of a camera body when viewed in a normal photography state and from a position of a photographer operating the camera, an optical system disposed on a left portion of the camera body when viewed from the said position of the photographer and including at least a photographing lens, and a film cartridge loading portion which is capable of loading a film cartridge into a position between the grip portion of the camera body and the optical system in such a manner that an exposure surface of the film accommodated in the film cartridge faces the optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Matsuzaki, Kazunori Mizokami, Yuta Sato, Yoshitaka Naito, Fumio Tomikawa, Masaharu Hamada
  • Patent number: 5619292
    Abstract: A camera using films each having a development processing solution in a solution accommodating bag includes rollers feeding photographed film outside of the camera or into an accommodating chamber, a piezoelectric press member held between an electrode and an elastic member also serving as an electrode presses photographed film and spreads development processing solution in the solution bag over an entire exposing portion. A piezoelectric member vibrated by AC voltages applied to the electrode and elastic member reduces a frictional force of the film caused by the press member. The processing solution is heated by vibrating the press member to generate heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Matsuzaki, Yuta Sato, Sumio Kawai, Hiroyuki Takizawa, Masaharu Hamada, Tomoki Funakubo
  • Patent number: 5469237
    Abstract: A data printing apparatus of this invention controls the emission timing or the emission interval of a light-emitting means on the basis of a signal according to traveling of a sheet film along a traveling path so as to print data free from blurring of characters or a variation in interval between characters on the sheet film having no perforations. After an exposure operation is ended, the apparatus feeds the sheet film from an exposure position along a spool wall. Light corresponding to digital numerals representing a date is emitted by light-emitting elements, and the date to be printed by the light-emitting elements is focused on the sheet film by an optical system. The date on the sheet film is printed during traveling of the sheet film along the spool wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Itoh, Yuta Sato, Minoru Matsuzaki, Masaharu Hamada, Yuji Imai
  • Patent number: 5371561
    Abstract: A data printing apparatus of this invention controls the emission timing or the emission interval of a light-emitting means on the basis of a signal according to traveling of a sheet film along a traveling path so as to print data free from blurring of characters or a variation in interval between characters on the sheet film having no perforations. After an exposure operation is ended, the apparatus feeds the sheet film from an exposure position along a spool wall. Light corresponding to digital numerals representing a date is emitted by light-emitting elements, and the date to be printed by the light-emitting elements is focused on the sheet film by an optical system. The date on the sheet film is printed during traveling of the sheet film along the spool wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuta Sato, Minoru Matsuzaki, Masaharu Hamada, Junichi Itoh, Yuji Imai
  • Patent number: 5093681
    Abstract: A flash apparatus which is detachably mounted on a camera main body is operated in a light emission mode of an open control scheme, in which the light emission amount of the light-emitting portion is controlled by a preset guide number, and in a light emission mode of an automatic control scheme, in which the light emission amount of the light-emitting portion is controlled by a metering result obtained by metering light reflected by an object to be photographed. The flash apparatus includes one of the following switches a bounce state detection switch which is turned on when the light emission axis of the light-emitting portion is inclined with respect to the optical axis of a photographing lens, an OFF-camera detection switch which is turned on when the flash apparatus is to be used while it is detached from the camera main body, and a converter mounting detection switch which is turned on when a converter is mounted on the photographing lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Matsuzaki, Masaki Tokui
  • Patent number: 5030981
    Abstract: An automatic focusing camera includes a sensor for detecting an amount and a direction of difference between an image forming position of light from an object being photographed and a film surface to drive a taking lens in response to the measured outputs and focus determining capability which gives a decision of in-focus when the amount of difference is less than a first automatic focusing threshold. A focusing operation is achieved such that, comparing the amount of difference determined by the sensor with a second automatic focusing threshold of a standard value which is larger than the first automatic focusing threshold, when the amount is less than the second threshold and a direction of difference last measured and that presently measured are the same, a taking lens driving is continued to complete a focusing operation and when the directions are different from each other, the measurement is resumed after the next driving of the taking lens even when the amount is less than the second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Matsuzaki, Junichi Itoh, Youji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 4873543
    Abstract: An automatic focusing camera includes a sensor for detecting an amount and a direction of difference between an image forming position of light from an object being photographed and a film surface to drive a taking lens in response to the measured outputs and focus determining capability which gives a decision of in-focus when the amount of difference is less than a first automatic focusing threshold. A focusing operation is achieved such that, comparing the amount of difference determined by the sensor with a second automatic focusing threshold of a standard value which is larger than the first automatic focusing threshold, when the amount is less than the second threshold and a direction of difference last measured and that presently measured are the same, a taking lens driving is continued to complete a focusing operation and when the directions are different from each other, the measurement is resumed after the next driving of the taking lens even when the amount is less than the second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Matsuzaki, Junichi Itoh, Youji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 4853733
    Abstract: A program rewritable camera includes camera elements for conducting camera operation, a control circuit for controlling said camera elements in response to coded control orders, a first memory for storing said control orders and an input circuit for enabling part or all of the contents stored in said first memory to rewrite by a peripheral device disposed outside the camera body. Connecting the peripheral device to the camera, camera functions desired by a photographer can be transferred to and stored in said first memory from the peripheral device in which various camera functions have been stored, through said input circuit to put the camera into action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Company Limited
    Inventors: Youji Watanabe, Minoru Matsuzaki, Junichi Itoh
  • Patent number: 4816858
    Abstract: An automatic focusing camera, after determining composition of an object being photographed within a range finding frame disposed at the center of a finder, repeats operations of detecting a range difference between an image forming position and a predetermined focusing position of the object and of storing the detected range difference, before a shutter release button is half-depressed, and, after being half-depressed, drives a taking lens in accordance with a range difference based on the latest information stored immediately before the half-depression to stop the taking lens at the predetermined focusing position, thereby enabling the lens setting without a time lag even when the object being photographed is in a low brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youji Watanabe, Minoru Matsuzaki, Junichi Itoh
  • Patent number: 4743931
    Abstract: Apparatus for delivering distance information of a camera includes counter means which counts a relative distance corresponding to a movement of a taking lens. The counter means is reset when the taking lens reaches a reference position located at infinity. Using stored data (absolute distance factors) which is specific to a taking lens and the count in the counter means, an absolute distance is derived.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Matsuzaki, Youji Watanabe, Junichi Itoh, Masato Miyazawa, Toru Komatsu
  • Patent number: 4508443
    Abstract: A lens barrel is capable of selectively establishing a power focus mode in which an internally housed motor moves a taking lens to a position of any desired focal length, a single "auto-focus" mode in which the taking lens is moved to a position which is in focus to a stationary object being photographed, and a sequence "auto-focus" mode in which the taking lens is continuously moved in focus to a moving object being photographed. Any one of these modes is suitably selected by a mode changing switch. A movement of the taking lens in each mode is initiated by an operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Matsuzaki, Akihiko Hachimoto, Takashi Inoue, Hitoshi Shirai, Akira Watanabe, Ikuo Tofukuji
  • Patent number: 4421396
    Abstract: A focussing apparatus for a camera is provided including a focussing light source for directing focussing light toward an object being photographed, and an in-focus detector circuit for receiving the focussing light as reflected by the object to determine a focussing condition. A light source control circuit is provided which deenergizes the focussing light source in response to an in-focus detection signal fed from the in-focus detector circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1983
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Minoru Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 4392815
    Abstract: A burner for a bottom fired, ingot heating furnace producing faster and more even heating with lower fuel consumption is disclosed. The burner includes a plurality, preferably three, upstanding nozzles having nozzle ports directed at essentially a right angle to a radial line extending from the burner center. This orientation imparts a circular swirling action of the combustion gases which produces faster and more even heating of ingots contained within the furnace. The nozzle is arranged with a nozzle cap which shields the entire nozzle top from debris falling from the furnace roof resulting in a greatly extended service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Assignee: Kawasaki Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Matsuzaki, Toshiei Kawauchi, Tsugio Murakami, Hideo Kishira
  • Patent number: 4344309
    Abstract: The present invention is a process wherein: the process includes a method during slabbing, in which, recesses in the thicknesswise direction are formed on a pair of opposite surfaces at each end of the top and bottom of said steel ingot, subsequently, the central portions which have not been rolled, are rolled to the depth of said recesses, then, recesses in the widthwise direction are formed at the same end as described above, next, the central portions, which have not been rolled, are rolled to the depth of said recess in the widthwise direction; and, when the thicknesswise reduction value is .DELTA.H.sub.T and the widthwise reduction value is .DELTA.H.sub.W in said thicknesswise and widthwise reduction rollings, .DELTA.H.sub.W /.DELTA.Ht is regulated to 0.40.about.0.65 in a region where the material has a comparatively large thickness and the side profile of the material presents a double barrelling, and .DELTA.H.sub.W /.DELTA.H.sub.T is regulated to 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1982
    Assignee: Kawasaki Steel Corporation
    Inventor: Minoru Matsuzaki