Abstract: A system and method for automatically focusing a camera is disclosed wher the outputs of a conventional spatial image correlator are sensed to develop a distance signal corresponding to object distance. The position of the camera lens is sensed to develop a focus signal indicative of lens position. The ratio of the distance signal to the focus signal is determined and compared to a predetermined value. When that ratio varies from the predetermined value, the lens is automatically re-positioned until correspondence occurs between the predetermined value and the ratio of the focus signal to the distance signal.

Abstract: An automatic focus adjusting device for use with an optical instrument hag a focusable objective lens which is adjusted by optical and electronic components of the instrument, such components determining the distance of an object by comparing images of separate scanning and reference optical systems. The device of the present invention has a low-reduction filter screen placed across part of each light path of the two optical systems. The filters provide an overriding apparent contrast to low-contrast object fields to cause the system to adopt a pre-set focus distance, but do not interfere with normal automatic focusing where object field contrast is adequate for normal system operation. Manual adjustment of the filter spacing varies the pre-set, low-contrast focus to any desired object distance setting. Five to ten percent light reduction in the screened part of each filter is adequate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reflex rangefinder system for a camera having a pair of li reflecting members mounted to reflect light rays from the scene in the viewfinder system. The members are dichroically coated with different complementary colors such that the dual image formed when the objective lens is out of focus have different colors to enhance the distinction for easy focusing.

Abstract: A film loop size control is described for use in a camera in which the film s advanced intermittently past an image recording station by a first drive means and advanced continuously past a sound recording station by a second drive means. A detector which senses the size of the film loop between the image recording station and the sound recording station causes a control means to actuate only the second drive means whenever the detector senses a slack film loop when the film is stationary. The second drive means then advances the film past the sound recording station to remove the slack from the film loop. When the detector senses an absence of slack in the film, the control means de-actuates the second drive means. A switch is included which is adapted to be actuated when the film slack has been reduced for actuating both the first and the second drive means for advancing the film past the image recording station and the sound recording station.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in an automatic focusing system for use with an ptical instrument having a focusable objective which is adjustable in response to optical and electronic components of the system for determining object distance of a remote subject by comparing images of scanning and reference optical systems. The scanner of the optical system is driven oscillatably across an angle to detect a subject between infinity and the minimum focus condition of the objective lens. The present invention relates to improvements in an automatic focusing system for use with an optical instrument having a focusable objective. More particularly, the improvement relates to optically correcting the images transmitted via the optical system to overcome problems of asymmetry of image position and/or intensity.

Abstract: An aperture assembly is described for use in a motion picture camera, parularly a camera using film cartridges and requiring an aperture assembly with a very thin profile. The aperture assembly includes a thin metal base plate to provide strength for the assembly and for alignment of aperture components thereon. The aperture components include a thin molded aperture piece and a pair of thin molded cartridge alignment shoulders, all mounted on one side of the base plate. The base plate and the aperture piece both have aligned exposure windows through which the film is exposed and aligned slits for receiving a shuttle tooth for advancing the film. Each of the cartridge alignment shoulders has an internal groove communicating with a slit in the base plate for receiving a shuttle foot. A shuttle and a side tension member for use with the aperture assembly are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit for automatically intermittently sensing adequate ient light conditions and adjusting a cine camera iris for same. The circuit includes an astable multi-vibrator for intermittent switching of power to a Cds cell. Under low light conditions the resistance of the cell becomes great enough to stop the oscillations of the multi-vibrator.

Abstract: An automatic rangefinding optical system for a camera includes optics conted for movement subject to the operative zooming main lens. The rangefinding system has an automatic focusing device which generates a pulse when separate objective images from two optical system paths coincide. Zooming the rangefinder along the two optical system paths gives more precise automatic focusing of the subject by optically modifying the objective images according to the zoom position of the main lens.

Abstract: A rangefinder mechanism is shown in which the scanning mirror has been reced with a movable scanning optic. The automatic rangefinder system includes a pair of optical paths one a reference path and the other a scanned path which are led to impinge upon a photosensitive surface for comparison purposes. The output of the photosensitive surface is used to adjust the main lens of the camera. Disposed in front of the movable optic is another optical movable relative thereto to coordinate with the position of the main lens of the camera as feedback and adjust the rangefinder system.

Abstract: For use in a sound motion picture camera adapted to handle both sound and lent film and having a driven capstan at the sound station thereof, the capstan drive motor is used to power a driven component of an automatic focusing system by which a focusable objective lens can be focused automatically on a remote subject. By a control switch, associated with the camera operation control member, either manual or automatic focusing modes can be selected, the automatic mode being further selectable as being continuous during film transport operation or limited to a period before film transport operation begins.

Abstract: A pinch roller actuating device for a sound motion picture camera including portion connected to a rotatable pinch roller to maintain the roller out of and in engagement with a capstan responsive to a movable camera actuating member having a limiting stop which defines the maximum displacement of the actuating member. A spring member is provided to move the pinch roller into engagement with the capstan after the actuating member is displaced beyond its mid-point. A bracket is arranged to prevent movement by the spring when the stopper engages the connecting portion, and instantly engages the pinch roller with the capstan by being suddenly moved by the spring member when the connection between the stopper and the connecting portion is released.

Abstract: To eliminate the recording of undesirable sounds which can occur upon stang a sound motion picture camera in which sound is recorded simultaneously as the picture is recorded, a circuit shorting switch is installed in parallel with the sound recording head, and a film transport motor control switch is arranged to function opposite to the circuit shorting switch but in cooperation with that switch to stabilize the amplifier before film movement begins.

Abstract: For driving exposure control vanes in photographic equipment in response to ariations in the quantity of light, a moving magnet type instrument has a magnet which is positioned proximate a fixed field coil wound on a two piece frame. The magnet is formed as a unitary component of magnetic material and plastic material interlocked against separation, and is arranged for displacement in bearings in the frame proximate which a magnet biassing material is arranged to urge the magnet into a position whereby the supported vane is maintained at a relatively constant spacing with respect to a fixed camera component.

Abstract: Disclosed for a sound motion picture camera is an improved shuttle speed trol device including a film loop sensor sensitive to slight variations in the film loop for causing the speed of the shuttle to be changed by a simple brake device utilizing powers of the drive motor whereby less force is required for sensing the size of the film loop to maintain picture-sound synchronization.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motion picture camera adapted to expose silent film and so film and having a control mechanism control the rate of film transport by intermittent and constant transporting devices to maintain a standard film transport speed. A high frequency differential transformer couples a power source and control circuitry including a rectifier circuit so that rectified output voltage of the transformer adjusts the intermittent mechanism responsive to the film loop size as detected by a film loop sensor arranged between the transporting devices. The output voltage varies from zero to some value when the loop sensor actuator is displaced from a position corresponding to an orientation when the film loop is of a standard size to modify the intermittent film transporting device to feed film at a rate to re-establish the film loop at the standard size.

Abstract: Disclosed for a sound motion picture camera is an improved shuttle speed trol device including a film loop sensor sensitive to slight variations in the film loop for causing the speed of the shuttle to be changed by a simple brake device utilizing powers of the drive motor whereby less force is required for sensing the size of the film loop to maintain picture-sound synchronization.