Abstract: An automatic rangefinding camera uses a light source, such as an electronic flash, to direct light toward an object to be photographed. The quantity of such light reflected by the object to be photographed is converted into an electrical signal that can be translated by a converter into ranging information. Included on the camera is a switch which, when moved to the OFF position, disables the exposure flash and simultaneously moves a filter in front of the flash tube so that invisible radiation is used for auto-ranging. When lighting conditions are such that the exposure flash is required, movement of the switch to the ON position energizes the exposure flash and at the same time moves the filter out of the light path, thus uncovering the flash tube.

Abstract: A unitary socket for an electrical component comprises two plastic body members that are outsert molded to conductor straps which grip lead members of the electrical component and also provide hinge elements that connect the two body members. The body members are molded in coplanar relation to each other; and the hinge elements are then folded to bring the body members into confronting abutment. Additionally, the conductor straps also provide clip elements for holding the body members in the latter relation to one another. One of the body members defines at least one component collar with guide holes in its base for guiding the leads of an electrical component into gripping engagement with the respective conductor straps in the second body member. This mode of construction allows the socket to be formed as a unitary structure without the need for complicated molding dies, or flexible plastic elements.

Abstract: A focusing device for use with photographic cameras and the like. This invention uses a light source such as an electronic flash to direct light toward an object to be photographed. When the amount of flash light reflected by the subject reaches a predetermined level, a quench circuit is activated which terminates the light emanating from the light source. A timer measures the elapsed time between the depression of the body release and the generation of the quench signal. Converter means translate the measured time interval into a range signal that is functionally related to the distance between the focusing device and the subject. The range signal may then be used to adjust a camera component such as a lens or may be used to control visual indicia that present readings to the operator indicative of range.

Abstract: A camera is used in combination with a photographic flash device and a delay mechanism for controlling the time when the camera shutter will open. A flash device on a camera generates a preliminary flash in synchronism with the depression of the camera's body release to induce the eyes of the subject to blink. A delay period is also initiated in the camera's controls to delay opening of the shutter. The duration of this delay is such that an exposure is not likely to be made until the refractory period after the evoked involuntary blink has been completed. At the end of this delay period, the shutter is allowed to open and a second flash may be generated to provide supplementary illumination. The camera may be an auto-ranging camera wherein camera-to-subject distance is determined electronically prior to opening of the shutter by sensing light from the preliminary flash, which has been reflected by the subject back to a sensor in the camera.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the intensity of light reflected from a scene along an optical path includes a photoelectric cell, an optical lens and a light-attenuating device that has a gradation of opacity along one dimension that extends generally transversely to the optical path. The device may be moved transversely of the optical path to vary the average amount of light impinging upon the cell. The cell has a gradation of sensitivity to light along a dimension that extends generally transversely of the optical path. The sensitivity varies along the cell dimension and the cell is so disposed so as to be correspondingly more sensitive to light that has passed through more opaque portions of the light attenuating device and less sensitive to light that has passed through less opaque portions of the light attenuating device. The apparatus may be incorporated in a photographic camera and may be coupled to the camera's exposure control mechanism.

Abstract: A stacking device for stacking random size sheets. The stacker is adapted to receive a steady or intermittent flow of sheets of varying lengths, widths, and thicknesses randomly discharged from a transport system. The sheets are received in any of a number of pockets which are formed by adjacent flexible webs; each of these webs is secured at one end to the peripheral edge of a disc. As the leading edge of the sheet enters the pockets, the curved configuration of the webs in conjunction with the pinching effect of the webs acts to decelerate each sheet. The carrier delivers the inserted sheets to a stripping station where the previously-inserted sheets are removed and deposited on a stacking platform.

Abstract: Apparatus for concentrating radiant energy such as solar radiation, collected over a large area, to a smaller area for more efficient conversion of the radiant energy to a more useful form of energy. Fluorescent material in a thin film form is optically bonded by an adhesive or viscous, transparent medium to a massive slab of transparent material such as glass or plastic. Energy conversion devices, such as photovoltaic cells, are disposed around the edges of the slab.

Abstract: A synchronous stacking device for receiving and stacking documents fed to it in a random spaced apart relationship by a delivery mechanism. Documents move from the delivery mechanism through a movable guide track having first and second positions, toward a rotating carrier for insertion into one of a plurality of equally spaced document-accepting pockets which are interspersed with document non-accepting segments. The carrier delivers the inserted documents to a stripping station when the previously inserted documents are removed and deposited on a stacking platform. Comparator means are provided for sensing the orientation of the carrier relative to a document in the delivery mechanism and moving the guide means to the second position whenever the orientation of the carrier would result in the document encountering a non-accepting segment of the carrier and would not allow the document to enter a document-accepting pocket if the guide means were to remain in the first position.

Abstract: The mechanism for adjusting an axis of a mirror or other optical element comprises three major parts; i.e., a rotational mount, a mirror normal mount and a mirror plane mount. Relative motion of the rotational and normal mounts about a mutual cylindrical axis provides adjustment of the scanner axis in a plane containing the scanner axis and in a direction normal to the mirror. In a similar fashion, relative motion of the normal and plane mounts about a second mutual cylindrical axis provides adjustment of the scanner axis in a plane containing the scanner axis and in a direction parallel to the mirror surface. Careful control of the relative motions mentioned above allows for the independent adjustment of the scanner axis in the mirror plane and mirror normal plane about the center of the scanner mirror.

Abstract: A continuous web handling device includes two web storage structures, both of which can receive and discharge web material. A selector mechanism including a rotatable web guide turret directs the web material into a selected one of said structures and simultaneously directs the material previously stored in the other of said structures to be delivered therefrom.