Abstract: The energy storage and transmission capabilities of a capacitance-type electroacoustical transducer are increased and the cost of producing such a transducer can be decreased by employing a thin, dielectric coating material between the electrically conductive diaphragm and backplate of said transducer, and by locating the electrically conductive diaphragm support layer on what would otherwise be an exposed outer diaphragm surface to protect same from physical as well as environmental damage.

Abstract: A method and device for significantly improving the efficiency and sensitivity of an electroacoustical transducer. A relatively inelastic vibratile diaphragm is preformed to the shape of a mating backplate prior to the time it is actually mated to said backplate. By such preforming, the efficiency and sensitivity reducing effects from a wrinkled transducer diaphragm are minimized in that said wrinkles move to a diaphragm region where they have no effect on transducer sensitivity when the backplate is subsequently mated to said diaphragm.

Abstract: An echo-type range finding system is rendered unresponsive to spurious signals and electronic noise, and has its object distance determining accuracy improved by rejecting signals that do not persist for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The desired groove shape in a backplate of a combination transmitting and receiving, capacitance type, electrostatic transducer are more consistently reproduceable in a die forming operation by utilizing an open ended grooved configuration so that groove shape deforming lubricating fluid, necessary in said die forming operation, and air, can escape from between the die tool and the transducer backplate through said open ended grooves as said grooves are die formed on said backplate.

Abstract: A film unit ejection and processing system for instant cameras having a spread roller pressure nip through which an exposed film unit is passed from the camera interior for processing and discharge to the camera exterior. The system includes an opaque feed web to frictionally engage each film unit and having a flight portion extending through the pressure nip to an end secured to a tray supported for reciprocation on the camera exterior. The tray carries guide rollers to support the feed web in a loop configuration so that the end of the web opposite from the tray connected end may be secured to the camera body without interference with film unit feeding by frictional engagement with the web flight portion extending from the pressure nip. The tray further operates a spring biased pick arrangement by which each film unit is advanced to present its leading edge at the pressure nip.

Abstract: A method and device for significantly improving the efficiency and sensitivity of an electroacoustical transducer. A relatively inelastic vibratile diaphragm is preformed to the shape of a mating backplate prior to the time it is actually mated to said backplate. By such preforming, the efficiency and sensitivity reducing effects from a wrinkled transducer diaphragm are minimized in that said wrinkles move to a diaphragm region where they have no effect on transducer sensitivity when the backplate is subsequently mated to said diaphragm.

Abstract: A manually positionable lens movement limiting stop is provided that limits the manual movement of a variable focus lens in a photographic camera to within its normal focusing range wherein said camera has a manual and automatic focus control system and wherein said lens must be moved outside of its said normal focusing range for proper automatic focus control system operation.

Abstract: A quick release adapter for connecting a cable release or self-timer to a camera and applying a shutter operating force to the shutter button of the camera. The force transmitting mechanism includes an overtravel spring to minimize malfunctions that might occur because of differences in tolerances between cameras, adapters and accessories. The adapter comprises a housing embracing the lensboard of the camera and being detachably connectable to the camera by means of a cam operated latch.