Abstract: An improved flasher wherein power input to the charging circuit thereof is automatically cut-off when the device is ready to flash including a two-way switching member and an electromagnet which cooperate to form a relay for controlling current feed to the flasher circuit high-voltage capacitor as a function of the condition of charge thereof, the electromagnet being concomitantly controlled by a charge indicator as a corresponding function of the voltage present thereon.

Abstract: A camera system has a self-contained flash unit where the supply of current from a battery to the flash unit charging capacitor is discontinued immediately after the level of charge on the capacitor reaches a predetermined full charge level and charging of the capacitor is controlled as a function of existing light conditions. The shutter release member is movable from a rest position through an intermediate position to a fully depressed position. A pivotally mounted holder member which is movable in response to the movement of the shutter release member carries an electromagnet and a pivotally mounted magnet armature which moves into and out of contact with the electromagnet in response to the energization and deenergization of the electromagnet to latch and release the shutter.

Abstract: An improved electronic flasher for a camera having automatic power cut-off means for automatically cutting the power input to the charging circuit thereof when the device is ready to flash is provided with means for producing a flash sufficiently luminescent for picture taking for a finite period of time after power input thereto has been cut-off. The improved flasher includes a two-way switching means, an electromagnet and a charge indicating means, for instance, a glow lamp, which provides the operator with a positive indication when the device is suitably charged to provide a satisfactory flash. The switching means and electromagnet cooperate to form a relay for controlling current feed to a flasher circuit high-voltage capacitor as a function of the condition of charge thereof, the electromagnet being concomitantly controlled by the charge indicating means as a corresponding function of the voltage present thereon.

Abstract: A novel gear arrangement is provided for coordinately performing two or more functions such as winding a film load within a camera, resetting the shutter thereof and setting the flash cube assembly therein. To effect these functions, an internal gear is provided having an internal annular area provided with gear teeth and an internal annular area free from gear teeth. Operatively connected to the internal gear are a plurality of planetary gears, each having an annular external area of gear teeth and an external annular area free of gear teeth, the respective gear teeth areas being in meshing engagement and the respective areas free of gear teeth being in facing relation. The internal gear is provided with a partially milled or corrugated exterior edge mounted through the camera housing. Rotatably connected to the planetary gears is a planetary carrier provided with at least one, and preferably two, sets of function driving gear teeth.

Abstract: A cover plate is provided which is especially suited to an instant picture type camera employing mirror image deflection for picture taking. However, this cover plate is suited to any still camera having a substantially planar contiguously grouped optical element arrangement. The cover plate is longitudinally slidably mounted in the camera housing relative to the normal viewing position of the camera, and is reciprocally movable between a first position overlying the optical elements mounted in the camera housing and a second position vertically distal thereto.

Abstract: A shutter type flash camera is provided with novel means for synchronously setting the shutter drive thereof as the camera film transport mechanism is set to a next unexposed frame, while a flash cube mounting is simultaneously rotated to a next sequential position. The film transport mechanism includes an external gear rotatably mounted on the camera housing. In mesh therewith is a second gear having external and internal gearing. The mesh between the first and second gears occurs between the external gearing of both. Eccentrically mounted within the second gear is a smaller external third gear which meshes with the internal gearing of the second gear. A crescent shaped space is defined between the second and third gears. As the first gear mounted on the film transport mechanism is rotated counterclockwise, the second and third gears are correspondingly rotated in a clockwise position. Mounted on the underside surface of the second gear are a plurality of cams in relative spaced relationship.

Abstract: The rear cover for a film camera pivotably connected at one end to the camera housing and connectable at its other end to the housing is provided with a lock for releasably connecting the connectable end of the rear cover to the camera housing. The lock comprises a bias integrally connected to the film viewing window secured in the rear cover of the camera and a latch cooperating with the bias for releasably connecting the connectable end of the rear cover to the camera housing. In a second aspect of the invention, a second bias is provided which is integrally connected to the film viewing window and releasably secures a battery cell to the rear cover of the camera. In a third aspect of the invention, a structure for securing a battery cell to the rear cover of the camera is provided which is integrally connected to the film viewing window located therein.

Abstract: A camera is provided with a camera shutter including two substantially planar plates longitudinally arranged and set in tandem. The plates are provided with exposure clearances and are longitudinally movable into successive overlying positions for aligning the exposure clearances thereof. Means are provided whereby the plates are longitudinally displaced by a rocker lever, the plates being respectively pivotally connected to opposed arms of the rocker lever for displacement, respectively, thereof.