Light Responsive Patents (Class 362/4)
  • Patent number: 11892750
    Abstract: First and second LED arrays can include respective first and second pluralities of light-emitting areas that are separated by respective first and second boundaries. The first and second boundaries can be arranged in slightly different patterns. At least one lens can collimate light from the first LED array to form first illumination, collimate light from the second LED array to form second illumination, and illuminate the scene with the first and second illuminations. The first boundaries can form first dark bands in the first illumination. The second boundaries can form second dark bands in the second illumination, which can be slightly offset from the first dark bands at the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Nicola Bettina Pfeffer, Arjen Gerben Van der Sijde, Charles André Schrama
  • Patent number: 11875626
    Abstract: A method for identifying counterfeit coins, comprising receiving surface image data and edge image data of the coin at a processor. Identifying a plurality of defects using the processor. Comparing each of the plurality of defects to a database of known authentic coin image data defects to determine whether the coin is authentic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Inventor: Christopher J. Rourk
  • Patent number: 11731279
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes by a robotic system: sending, by an automatic tuning controller, driving commands to actuators of the robotic system, performing, for each of the actuators, one or more measurements of an actual pose of the respective actuator in response to the driving commands, generating, for each of the actuators, one or more configuration parameters for the respective actuator based on the one or more measurements, and storing the configuration parameters for the actuators in a data store of the robotic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dean N. Reading, Sergio Perdices-Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 9420675
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a driver circuit for a flash tube. The driver circuit comprises a first and a second output for an electronic flash tube, a capacitor, an inductor and a switch. The inductor and the switch being connected in series with the first and a second output across the capacitor. A component which only allows current flow in one direction connected across the first and the second output and the inductor, with a polarity opposite to a direction of energy supply from the capacitor to the first output. The driver circuit further comprises a controller for controlling the switch. The controller comprises receiving means for receiving parameters related to desired flash characteristics. The controller being configured to control said switch based on said parameters to obtain said desired flash characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: PROFOTO AB
    Inventor: Anders Otterberg
  • Patent number: 9091905
    Abstract: A system comprising a flashlight and continuous light reflector arm for fixing to a photographic apparatus, a flashlight, a continuous light unit, or to film or video cameras. Flash units are often mounted centrally onto a camera causing the flash to come from the same direction from which the photograph is taken. The system allows targeted illumination from a direction different from that from which the photograph is taken, does not require complicated measures with regard to flash control, manages with comparatively little light power and does not further influence the center of gravity of the camera. The system is composed of camera and flashlight or continuous light unit, including a fixing arm fixed to the photographic apparatus by a fixing means and includes means for fixing a reflection element, wherein the reflector arm is designed such that the reflection means is positioned laterally alongside the photographic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventor: Wolfgang-Peter Geller
  • Publication number: 20150109754
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a strobe device including: a strobe main body; a light emitter rotatably coupled to the strobe main body; a variable mechanism capable of changing an illumination direction angle of the light emitter; and a driver-that drives the variable mechanism. The driver includes: a detector that detects that abnormal force is applied to the variable mechanism and a detection responsive controller that controls the driver based on the abnormal force detected by the detector. This can achieve the strobe device that can prevent the light emitter from colliding with an obstacle and prevent the driver from being damaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Takenaka, Kazuhiko Ooyama, Yoshimi Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20140085534
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for spectrum synthesis for use in a flash unit, wherein the spectrum synthesis includes combining a plurality of emissive light sources in order to provide a combine output beam and producing the output spectrum for the combined output beam at least based on a reference spectrum. The reference spectrum can be obtained by sensing the spectrum of ambient light or selected from a plurality of stored spectra. The flash unit has at least two emissive light sources and each of the light sources can be adjusted relative to each other so that the outputs from the light sources can mimic a selected illumination scenario. It is possible to use a mixture of quantum dots to tailor each light source so that the combined spectra from different light sources can reasonably mimic a number of frequently used illumination scenario.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Core Wireless Licensing S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: JOHAN BERGQUIST
  • Publication number: 20140022757
    Abstract: A light-emitting apparatus which is capable of, even when an environmental temperature changes, stably reducing collision noise, vibration noise, and so on generated when the light-emitting apparatus moves from a retracted position to a light-emitting position. A movable portion has a first stopper portion coming into abutment with a first elastic member when the movable portion moves from the retracted position to the light-emitting position, and a second stopper portion coming into abutment with a second elastic member with a higher elastic coefficient than the first elastic member when the movable portion moves from the retracted position to the light-emitting position. When the movable portion moves from the retracted position to the light-emitting position, the first stopper portion comes into abutment with the first elastic member, deforming the first elastic member by a predetermined amount, and then the second stopper portion comes into abutment with the second elastic member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Takashi FURUTA
  • Patent number: 8624895
    Abstract: A digitally controlled lighting system where aspects have a central media server connected to remote media servers. The connection may have separate networks for control versus media. Automatic synchronization of the contents of the media servers may be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Reese, Mark A. Hunt
  • Publication number: 20130271944
    Abstract: A mechanism which makes it possible to space-efficiently arrange electrical components and a circuit board in a light emitting device. The light emitting device includes a light emission section and a circuit board disposed in a manner extending in a direction intersecting with an emission surface of the light emission section. A first flash circuit including a booster circuit, a second flash circuit including a high voltage circuit for causing the light emission section to emit light, and a third flash circuit including a control circuit for a digital system are mounted on the circuit board, and the third flash circuit is disposed at a location more remote from the light emission section than the first flash circuit and the second flash circuit are.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kimwei LEW
  • Patent number: 8459811
    Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus comprises a light source capable of illuminating a target scene and an adjustable light filter coupled with the light source, the adjustable light filter adapted to display a filter image, the filter image created to spatially filter the illumination based at least in part on at least one parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Sakari Tapio Alenius, Markku Kalevi Vehvilainen, Radu Ciprian Bilcu
  • Patent number: 8280558
    Abstract: A computerized method for controlling one or more a lights in an area. The method may include establishing an electronic profile of lighting conditions in an area to be controlled and then controlling lighting conditions in the area based on the profile. For example, the profile could be created by determining a respective influence on artificial light of each switch within the area to be controlled. This information could be used to turn on the appropriate switches that best match a set point for a light level in the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: ESI Ventures, LLC
    Inventor: Michael L. Picco
  • Patent number: 8157396
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed. The apparatus includes a shaft operable to be held by an entity and a housing extending from one end of the shaft and operable to allow multiple deterrents to be emitted there from. The housing includes a rotation member coupled to a rim portion of the housing and operable to rotate along a track portion within the rim portion. The apparatus further includes a transparent material coupled to the rotation member and operable to allow a deterrent to travel there through. The housing includes a light source coupled to the transparent material and operable to emit a light. Further, the apparatus includes a swivel meshed between the shaft and the housing and operable to allow the housing oscillate in an angular direction. Each deterrent is operable to obscure an image of the entity captured by filming equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventors: Wilbert Leon Smith, Jr., Keelo Lamance Jackson
  • Patent number: 8021006
    Abstract: A LED array flash for cameras includes a LED array and a controller. The LED array consists of at least one LED light source with first order lens. The LED light source may be further covered with a second order lens. Thus an oblong or round distribution pattern with uniform light intensity is emitted. The controller is used to control flash modes such as low brightness continuous lighting or high brightness pulse lighting with lighting time control so as to save power and avoid overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: E-Pin Optical Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: San-Woei Shyu, Chu-Fong Lam, Teng-Chien Yu, Yi-Fan Liao
  • Publication number: 20090296365
    Abstract: A coin illumination source comprises a geometric feature configured to surround a coin under evaluation, a plurality of illumination sources mounted within the geometric feature, and a viewing aperture through which an imaging device can capture an image of the coin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: CoinSecure, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Haddock
  • Patent number: 7510289
    Abstract: A light emitting diode comprises light-emitting elements inside a cup structure and a lens part that condenses the light from these elements. Light-emitting element placed at the center along the optical axis of the lens emits an outgoing beam of light with a narrow directional angle along this optical axis, and light-emitting element placed away from the optical axis emits an outgoing beam of light in an oblique direction. The light-emitting elements are individually turned on and off in accordance with the distance of the subject to be photographed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Takekuma
  • Publication number: 20090080175
    Abstract: A light source device which causes a sufficiently bright subject image to be obtained is provided. The light source device includes a first light-emitting diode 10-1 which generates illumination light to be applied to a subject, a second light-emitting diode 10-2 which generates illumination light with wavelength different from the illumination light generated from the first light-emitting diode 10-1, and a light-emitting diode drive control section 3 which independently controls integrated output values (light emission intensities, light emission periods) of the first light-emitting diode 10-1 and second light-emitting diode 10-2 in synchronism with image pickup timing at which the subject is photographed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Kyosuke Mizuno, Shinji Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20070285912
    Abstract: An antenna with a lighting function includes an accommodation body, a light-transmissive head, a light source, and an antenna component. The accommodation body has an accommodation space therein, and the light-transmissive head is disposed on the accommodation body and allows lights to transmit through. The light source is disposed within the light-transmissive head, and emits a light that is transmitted out of the light-transmissive head. Finally, the antenna component is accommodated within the accommodation body, for transmitting wireless signals and for lighting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: SmartAnt Telecom Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin-Lung Lin
  • Patent number: 6993255
    Abstract: An illumination system (20, 72, 110, 142) for illuminating a scene comprising: an illuminator (24, 74, 116) having a plurality of substantially contiguous independently controllable light (26, 76) providing regions each of which provides light that illuminates a different region of the scene; optics (30) that directs light from the illuminator to the scene; a range finder (22, 64, 112) that determines distances to regions of the scene; and a controller (28, 29, 118) that controls the plurality of light providing regions to provide light for illuminating the scene responsive to distances determined by the range finder (22, 64, 112).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: 3DV Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ori J. Braun, Giora Yahav
  • Patent number: 6172598
    Abstract: A vehicle motion indicator having a base; a shaft rotatably attached to the base; at least one winder having a hub attached to the shaft; a motor for rotating the shaft to rotate the winder; and switch means responsive to the brake system in the vehicle, such that: (1) when the brake system is engaged, the switch means electrically connects the motor to a power supply in the vehicle to rotate the winder, and (2) when the brake system is disengaged the switch means electrically disconnects the motor from the power supply to stop rotation of the winder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Young Lee, Jean Lee
  • Patent number: 5994844
    Abstract: A video lighthead mountable to a video camera and having a dimmer control that varies the intensity of the light output from the lighthead using pulse width modulation techniques. A photo sensor measures the intensity of light reflected from a subject in front of the lighthead. The intensity of light output from the lighthead is adjusted by control circuitry in response to changes in measured reflected light intensity to maintain a constant level of illumination. The adjustment is carried out by modifying the duty cycle of a pulse width modulation circuit. The duty cycle adjustment of the pulse width modulation is also used to compensate for supply voltage variations in order to maintain constant light output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Frezzolini ELectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Crawford, Kevin J. Crawford
  • Patent number: 5835794
    Abstract: The disclosure is concerned with an electronic flash module comprising a plurality of flash subunits to illuminate a photographed scene in flash photography. Each flash subunit comprises a flash-tube and associated charging and triggering circuits; a modeling lamp to allow a photographer to set up the lighting pattern. Each module comprises a trip circuit to synchronously trip all the triggering circuits in the module. It is preferred that the module further comprises a photosensor to activate the trip circuit upon sensing a trigger pulse sent out by a remote device. Preferably, the module comprises connection means so that two or more modules can be linked up to form a panel with a larger illuminating source area. Furthermore, it is preferred that the flash subunits can be selectively and individually disabled to allow the photographer to adjust the illuminating pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventors: Allen Kwok Wah Lo, Kenneth Quochuy Lao
  • Patent number: 5471370
    Abstract: A strobe control apparatus for a strobe-incorporated camera. A light emitter is supported in a camera body by a supporting mechanism so as to move between a retracted position and an operative position. A drive mechanism moves the light emitter between the retracted position and the operative position. A light emitter controller drives the drive mechanism to move the light emitter to the operative position, and an emission controller controls the strobe to emit strobe light when the light emitter is in the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Takami
  • Patent number: 5394063
    Abstract: A reed switch is provided between a video camera and a battery pack circuit section. A current flowing when the video camera operates is detected by the reed switch. A video light is turned on or off on the basis of the detected current value. When the power source does not reach a specified voltage, the video light is turned off. The outer light amount when photographing is converted into an electric current by a phototransistor. When the current is less than a threshold level, the video light is lit or turned on. The threshold level is varied by a variable resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Ryoji Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 5191369
    Abstract: A photographing light quantity controller for an endoscope, which is used to control the quantity of illuminating light when a photograph is to be taken through the endoscope. The photographing light quantity controller comprises a device for supplying light for illuminating an object to the endoscope, a device for detecting a quantity of light that is reflected from the object and for outputting a signal in accordance with the detected quantity of light, and a device for amplifying the signal, with the amplifying device having a plurality of amplification factors which can be selected as desired. A photographing light quantity control device is provided for controlling the quantity of illuminating light that is supplied to the endoscope when a photographing operation is conducted, on the basis of the output signal from the amplifying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Furuya, Masaaki Nakasima, Takayuki Enomoto, Tadashi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5115261
    Abstract: A photographing light quantity controller for an endoscope, which is used to control the quantity of illuminating light when a photograph is to taken through the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Noda, Katsuhiko Furuya, Tadashi Takahashi, Masaaki Nakasima
  • Patent number: 5012392
    Abstract: An automatic battery powered video light (10) is supplied power by a d.c. battery (16). A light (20) is connected between a first terminal of the battery (16) and a MOSFET switch (46), which is connected to a second terminal of the battery (16). A control circuit (24) controls the opening and closing of the MOSFET (46) to supply power to the light (20) and disconnect power from the light (20). The control circuit (24) includes a light sensor (36) for sensing ambient light and reflected radiant light from a scene (14) and a pulse modulator (40) for controlling the MOSFET switch (46). The modulator (40) adjusts pulse frequency and therefore closing time of the switch (46) when the sensor (36) senses time low light levels, and vice versa. Also provided is a dual filament light (20') wherein each filament (52, 54) is independently controlled to enhance color balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventor: Peter A. Hochstein
  • Patent number: 4959755
    Abstract: An automatic battery powered video light (10) is supplied power by a d.c. battery (16). A light (20) is connected between a first terminal of the battery (16) and a MOSFET switch (46), which is connected to a second terminal of the battery (16). A control circuit (24) controls the opening and closing of the MOSFET (46) to supply power to the light (20) and disconnect power from the light (20). The control circuit (24) includes a light sensor (36) for sensing ambient light and reflected radiant light from a scene (14) and a pulse width modulator (40) for controlling the MOSFET switch (46). The modulator (40) increases pulse width and therefore closing time of the switch (46) when the sensor (36) senses time low light levels, and vice versa. Also provided is a dual filament light (20') wherein each filament (52, 54) is independently controlled to enhance color balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Inventor: Peter A. Hochstein
  • Patent number: 4666280
    Abstract: A flash shot control device for a camera in which the angle of flash lighting is controlled in accordance with the output of a backlight detector. On assumption that a subject of principal photographic interest takes its place at the center of the field of view, when backlight is detected, the flash lighting is concentrated to the central portion of the field of view, thereby the shadows of the subject are lightened by the flash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Miyawaki, Kazuo Ikawa
  • Patent number: 4450506
    Abstract: An automatic light-quantity-control speed light which is capable of operating in a direct or an indirect illumination mode incorporates a device for indicating, prior to an exposure, whether or not light quantity control is possible in the direct illumination mode, and for indicating, subsequent to an exposure, whether or not a light quantity control operation occurred during an exposure in the indirect illumination mode. The device includes a first detecting circuit for determining whether or not the guide member determined by preset exposure factors is outside of the guide number range in which light quantity control can be effected and a second detecting circuit for detecting whether or not a light quantity control operation occurs during an exposure. A display circuit is connected to the first detecting circuit in the direct illumination mode, and is connected to the second detecting circuit in the indirect illumination mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Assignee: Nippon Kogaku K.K.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 4435156
    Abstract: A miniaturized multilamp photoflash array having a plurality of flashlamps affixed to a printed circuit on the inner surface of a circuit board with a continuous strip of switching material forming a plurality of normally closed (N/C) switches coupling the flashlamps to a common conductor and a plurality of normally open (N/O) switches coupling all but one of a plurality of flashlamps to an energizing conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventor: Boyd G. Brower
  • Patent number: 4382666
    Abstract: An indicating device of computer type electronic flash apparatus has a plurality of display members representing respective limited distance ranges for correct exposure of an object to be photographed. Each of the display members corresponds to a respective set diaphragm value. The indicating device further includes a plurality of indicating marks provided on the same plane of said display members and corresponding to respective set diaphragm values. With this device, it is possible to be aware of the proper distance range satisfactorily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1983
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shohei Ohtaki, Zenzo Nakamura, Naoki Nagase
  • Patent number: 4366529
    Abstract: An illumination device for photographing a portion of the body cavity to be examined with an endoscope having a light source using a discharge tube circuit for illuminating the portion to be examined and a mechanical shutter arranged in the optical path of illuminating light from the light source. A light quantity detecting circuit detects information on the brightness of illumination of the light source and a correct exposure time setting circuit together a correct exposure time estimating circuit receive the output from the light quantity detecting circuit. The closure of the mechanical shutter is controlled by the control operations of the correct exposure time setting circuit and correct exposure time estimating circuit. The discharge tube circuit comprises a time constant circuit, a relay circuit and a high voltage circuit. The high voltage circuit is controlled by the relay circuit to intermittently apply a voltage to start discharge until ignition takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1982
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Medos Kenkyusho
    Inventors: Nagashige Takahashi, Shinichi Harada
  • Patent number: 4336570
    Abstract: A photoflash unit having a plurality of flashlamps mounted on a printed circuit board containing circuitry for sequentially igniting the flashlamps in response to successive firing pulses applied thereto. The circuitry includes a plurality of solid-state switches capable of being activated by radiant energy generated during flashing of lamps located adjacent to respective switches. Initially, each of the switches has a resistance sufficiently high to provide an open circuit to the applied firing pulses, and after being activated by radiation, the switch undergoes chemical conversion to a conductive state over a finite time interval. The switches are prepared from compositions comprising admixtures of silver carbonate and/or silver oxide, silver-coated glass beads and a binder; the admixtures may also include electrically non-conductive particulate solids, such as titanium dioxide, and/or silver-coated metal beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1982
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Boyd G. Brower, Gary L. Houseknecht
  • Patent number: 4330821
    Abstract: A photoflash unit having a plurality of flashlamps mounted in a planar array on a printed circuit board containing circuitry for sequentially igniting the flashlamps in response to successive firing pulses applied thereto. The circuitry includes a plurality of solid state switches capable of being activated by radiant energy generated during flashing of lamps located adjacent to respective switches. Initially, each of the switches has a resistance sufficiently high to provide an open circuit to the applied firing pulses, and after being activated by radiation, the switch undergoes chemical conversion to a conductive state. The switches are prepared from compositions which include a selected proportion of silver-coated glass beads to consistently assure a predetermined low resistance after conversion and maintenance of good adherence and electrical contact with the printed circuit board circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1982
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Boyd G. Brower, John W. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 4298907
    Abstract: A flash attachment for a hand held camera having a flash head pivotally mounted on an extendable member. A main unit together with a plurality of modular auxiliary units which may be used to construct the attachment are shown. One embodiment shows a plurality of flash heads and means for firing them rapidly and sequentially while recharging in the same sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1981
    Inventor: Raymond B. Holt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4268141
    Abstract: A photo-detection adapter for an automatic strobe comprising a mounting means attachable to a barrel of a photographic lens, an external photo-detection part supported by the mounting means so as to change a detection direction for properly receiving a reflection light from a photographic object, a light conduction means for conducting the reflection light from the photographic object to a photo-detection element disposed in the strobe, and a coupling means for holding the output end of the light conduction means so as to face to the photo-detection element in the strobe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: West Electric Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryutaro Mori, Akira Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 4205907
    Abstract: A calculator device for an electronic photoflash system in which a photosensor receives light reflected back from the scene being photographed and generates an electrical signal for providing termination of the flash upon sensing a predetermined amount of light. The light received from the scene is reflected from either of two surfaces having different light reflectivities, prior to receipt by the photosensor. The pair of surfaces are carried by a slidable member and selectively positionable at the point of light reflection in accordance with the selection of indicia carried on the front side of the member, by movement of the same by the photographer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1980
    Assignee: Rollei of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter T. Quinn, Stephen Blecher
  • Patent number: 4190880
    Abstract: A photographic flash device comprising a first mechanism for varying the angle of divergence of a flashed light and a second mechanism for varying the direction of the flashed light. The first variable mechanism is provided with a first body having a light source, a second body, a first slidable molding which has an optical panel to cover the front of the light source, a second slidable molding which surrounds the first slidable molding, and detent means which control slide movement of the first slidable molding and connects the first slidable molding with the first body. The second variable mechanism changes the direction of the flashed light from the light source by rotatably connecting the moldings to an additional body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1980
    Assignee: West Electric Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Koreaki Esaki
  • Patent number: 4171572
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the actuation of a light for illuminating the work zone adjacent the operative end of a dental handpiece. The apparatus includes (a) switch for actuating a light source when a signal is transmitted to the actuating switch from the power transmitting line for the dental handpiece, (b) line for transmitting the signal to the actuating switch from the power transmitting means for the handpiece, and (c) delay shutoff switch associated with the actuating switch for maintaining the light source on for a predetermined period of time after transmission of power to the operative end of the handpiece is terminated and then causing the light source to be extinguished at the end of the predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1979
    Assignee: Star Dental Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Nash
  • Patent number: 4133631
    Abstract: Fuse elements are used with a circuit board to provide more reliable sequential firing in a flash lamp array. The circuit board includes the lamp firing circuitry along with radiation switches connected in said circuitry and the fuse elements cooperate with said radiation switches in the circuit operation. Fuse elements are deposited on the circuit pattern adjacent to the flash lamps for actuation by radiation being emitted therefrom and the activated fuse elements interrupt the circuit path by thermal action. In a preferred embodiment, the circuit board is constructed from an organic polymer and the fuse elements are deposited at circuit locations wherein the underlying substrate has a thickness less than the substrate thickness elsewhere to produce holes in the circuit board by melting or thermal decomposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1979
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Edward J. Collins, Vaughn C. Sterling
  • Patent number: 4107706
    Abstract: An exchangeable lens barrel for use in a photographic camera is provided with a light sensitive element which, when the exchangeable lens barrel has been exactly fitted to the camera, receives the light which is reflected from the light sensitive film surface after it is transmitted through the objective lens and the iris aperture of the exchangeable lens barrel. A control system for an electronic flash tube in the camera or an electronic flash device fitted to the camera comprises a lighting control circuit and includes a timing circuit which controls the lighting of the electronic flash tube. The timing circuit is connected with the light sensitive element to generate a current which is integrated by the timing circuit, and the electronic flash tube is extinguished when the integrated voltage reaches a certain predetermined level, thereby the opening of the iris aperture in the exchangeable lens barrel in transmitted to the control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1973
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1978
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ueda, Kayoshi Tsujimoto
  • Patent number: 4100590
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for effecting scene-brightness-dependent control of the duration of the flash produced by a flashbulb flash unit having at least one flashbulb. The apparatus includes a housing so configured and dimensioned that it can be pushed over and onto the flashbulb flash unit. The housing is provided with at least one controllable-transparency optical unit located to occupy the position in front of the flashbulb of the flash unit when the housing has been pushed into place over the flash unit. The housing furthermore contains an automatic scene-brightness-dependent flash-duration control circuit connected to the optical unit and operative for controlling the duration of the flash produced by the flashbulb by keeping the optical unit transparent for a scene-brightness-dependent exposure interval and then automatically rendering the optical unit non-transparent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1978
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert AG
    Inventor: Eduard Wagensonner
  • Patent number: 4078240
    Abstract: An automatic photographic flash device wherein the amount of light of the flash tube is automatically controlled in response to intensity of light from the direction of the photographic object by means of an electric circuit A flash tube part is movably installed on a main case part containing a battery and the circuit A switch is installed in the device in such a manner that when the flash tube part is moved to a position not directed at the photographic object, the switch causes the circuit to appropriately increase the amount of light discharged by the flash tube when it is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1978
    Assignee: West Electric Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Kaneko, Hisashi Ogura
  • Patent number: 4064431
    Abstract: A multiple lamp photoflash array of the FlipFlash type having flash-sequencing circuitry for causing the lamps to flash one at a time in response to firing pulses applied to the array. A radiation switch associated with the last lamp to be flashed causes a short circuit across the array's electrical terminals when the last lamp is flashed and actuates a last-flash indicator in the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1977
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Paul T. Cote
  • Patent number: 4053757
    Abstract: A flash lamp array having a plurality of flash lamps and containing sequencing circuitry having radiation-actuated switches respectively positioned near the upper portions of the lamps, the array also having radiation-actuated flash indicators which are respectively positioned near the lower portions of the lamps.The sequencing circuitry is disposed on one side of a circuit board having a plurality of windows therein. The flash lamps are mounted on the same side of the circuit board as the sequencing circuitry while the indicators are located on the other side of the board in alignment with the respective windows in the board for receiving radiation from the respective lamp being flashed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1977
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Richard Blount
  • Patent number: 4051359
    Abstract: A FlipFlash type of photoflash array having a connector at each end for connecting the array to a camera in two different orientations. The flash lamps and circuit are arranged so that in each orientation of the array an upper group of lamps, relatively farther from the camera lens than a lower group of lamps, will be flashed in sequence. The circuit permits all lamps of the array to be flashed in either of the two orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1977
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Heinz Streicher
  • Patent number: RE36582
    Abstract: A photographing light quantity controller for an endoscope, which is used to control the quantity of illuminating light when a photograph is to be taken through the endoscope. The photographing light quantity controller comprises a device for supplying light for illuminating an object to the endoscope, a device for detecting a quantity of light that is reflected from the object and for outputting a signal in accordance with the detected quantity of light, and a device for amplifying the signal, with the amplifying device having a plurality of amplification factors which can be selected as desired. A photographing light quantity control device is provided for controlling the quantity of illuminating light that is supplied to the endoscope when a photographing operation is conducted, on the basis of the output signal from the amplifying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Furuya, Masaaki Nakasima, Takayuki Enomoto, Tadashi Takahashi