Abstract: An image capture device is provided including more compact components to enable the fabrication of more compact image capture devices. In one particular embodiment, a compact shutter mechanism is provided that requires less space within the camera when the shutter is open. In another particular embodiment, a rotary to linear switch is provided to reduce the amount of real estate required by the switch on the outside housing of the image capture device.

Abstract: A camera and method for promoting consumer loyalty for film developing services is provided. A loyalty camera is provided wherein a particular tool is required to rewind the exposed film and assist in manipulating the film door latch. In one embodiment, the tool is inserted into a combined film advance/rewind mechanism to move a lever arm against a portion of the anti-reversal pawl to bias the pawl out of contact with the film advance wheel and permit film rewinding. Additionally, in some embodiments the particular tool is additionally used to move the door lever to open the film door.

Abstract: An image capture device is provided, a portion of which is insertable into an expansion slot of a handheld PC or PDA device, which is configured like a camera familiar to the user. In one embodiment, the image capture device includes a lens unit that is rotatable over about 180 ° degrees. The image capture device additionally includes an optical viewfinder rotatable with the lens unit. The image capture device advantageously includes an indicator visible from either side of the image capture device regardless of the lens position.

Abstract: A system and method for pre-loading film into a camera in non-darkroom conditions is provided. A fixture or tool is used to disengage the film metering system for pre-loading the camera with film. In one particular embodiment, the fixture is provided for simultaneously biasing the anti-reversal pawl away from the film advance wheel and disengage the release claw and striker from cams on the sprocket shaft to permit film pre-winding. The prongs of the fixture gain access to the assembled camera through a pair of holes through the front face of the camera.

Abstract: A system and method for pre-setting the counter wheel orientation in a camera pre-loaded with film is provided. Alignment indicia on the counter wheel are arranged during assembly to determine at various positions relative to the camera metering system whether the counter silk screen has been properly aligned and the counter properly preset.

Abstract: A door opening mechanism for an image capture device is provided which translates non-linear motion into a linear motion used to open or close the lens door. In one particular embodiment, rotary motion is translated to the linear up and down motion of the lens door. In another embodiment, the pendular motion of a door control grip is translated to the linear up and down motion of the lens door.

Abstract: A removable tensioned fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate comprises a plurality of spaced apart poles having a lower end inserted into holes drilled in the deck around the swimming pool and a mesh screening material stretched between such poles. A pair of support structures, each comprising a pair of spaced apart vertical poles, constitutes the outermost poles in the tensioned fence. A lower end of each of the poles is inserted into holes drilled into the deck. A pair of rigid horizontal cross bar extends between the poles in each support structure and mesh screening material is tensioned between the poles. A gate comprised of a pair of spaced apart vertical bars, a pair of spaced apart horizontal bars and mesh screening material tensioned therebetween is supported within a gate opening, defined by the innermost poles of the support structures, by a pair of spaced apart self-closing hinges mounted between one of the innermost poles of a support structure and the adjacent vertical bar of the gate.

Abstract: A foam reduction agent consisting of dibasic esters is shown and a process using a liquid contact with polystyrene foam wherein the higher boiling temperature of the dibasic esters and contact with the liquid provides a volume reduction process and less evaporation loss as well as safer transportation of the chemicals and the polystyrene in its reduced state. The resulting reduced sludge is also recyclable to superior quality raw polystyrene foam beads and the reduction agents are recoverable for future use. The resulting sludge also has unexpected beneficial uses hereto for unknown as a waterproofing agent.

Abstract: A camera and method for promoting consumer loyalty for film developing services is provided. A promotional camera including a film door latch is provided to a consumer. The latch for opening the film door is available to the consumer on the outside body of the camera, but is rendered inaccessible by a deterrent mechanism, such as an adhesive label or the like. The promotional camera is returned to a retailer for servicing including, pre-winding of the film onto a film spool prior to use. In use, after each film exposure is taken, the film advance wheel is used to rewind a single frame of film into the original film cartridge. After all pictures have been taken, the consumer returns the camera with the rewound film intact to the retailer.

Abstract: A parallax compensation system and method is provided for a camera including an independent viewfinder. For close focus pictures, the camera's taking lens is shifted towards the viewfinder. In one embodiment, for far focus pictures the camera's taking lens is moved away from the viewfinder and is not centered on the image recording medium axis. The lens shifting is accomplished by mounting the taking lens eccentrically in a lens barrel. Rotation of the lens barrel shifts the taking lens towards the independent viewfinder for close focus shots. In one embodiment, the viewfinder axis is tilted towards the taking lens to help eliminate parallax in close focus pictures.

Abstract: A non-aqueous composition cleaning system and method for a printing press recirculation system. The cleaning system comprises two powdered compositions, each composition being applied individually to the recirculation system in a two-step process. The first composition is prepared by dry blending 15-30% by weight of an alkaline cleaning agent, 15-30% by weight of a detergent salt, 15-30% by weight of an emulsifying/wetting agent, 15-30% by weight of a silicone antifoam and 0-10% by weight of a free-flowing silica additive. The second composition is prepared by dry blending 20-40% by weight of an organic acid and 60-80% by weight of a non-foaming detergent/wetting agent. The method comprises dissolving 10 to 40 grams of the first composition in 45 to 200 milliliters of water for each gallon of fountain solution and pouring the resultant solution into the printing press recirculation system. The resultant mixture is then allowed to recirculate for at least 30 minutes.

Abstract: method and apparatus for aligning an optical element in an optical sub-assembly is provided. Pivoting fine tuning plates connected to the main body of the sub-assembly are used to set the height and angle of the optical element. The optical element is connected on a pin through the optical element frame between two portions of the main body. Pivoting the fine tuning plate with a cam causes the optical element pin to cant, adjusting the position and/or angle of the optical element. In one embodiment of the present invention, a laser may be used to better align the optical element.

Abstract: A camera viewfinder reflector for directing light from an indicator outside the line-of-sight of the viewfinder into the viewfinder is provided. The reflector may be combined with an existing element of the camera assembly, such as a leaf spring, or may comprise a separate, distinct reflector component. Light from an indicator on the pc-board of the camera is reflected from a portion of the reflector that is located in the viewfinder at the periphery of the viewfinder lens assembly in fixed optical alignment with the ocular lens of the viewfinder.