Abstract: In a lens module assembly method, a lens holder is placed in a receiver. The lens holder has a nest. A lens element is deposited in the lens holder. During the depositing, the lens element seats in the nest, if the lens element is in a forward-facing orientation. Entry of the lens element into the nest is interrupted, if the lens element is in a rearward-facing orientation.

Abstract: A camera assembly has a mount defining an optical axis. The mount has opposed first and second stops. A rocker pivots between the stops. An over-center mechanism biases the rocker toward the nearer stop. A lens turret has primary and secondary openings. The lens turret rotates with the rocker between a first configuration and a second configuration upon pivoting of the rocker between first and second positions. The rocker is movable in a direction parallel to the optical axis, independent of the lens turret in both configurations.

Abstract: A camera with a built-in electronic flash has a spring-driven high energy lever that is pivoted for initiating shutter opening and for translating a switch closing member to close a normally open shutter-flash synchronization switch. When the switch reopens, it translates the switch closing member in reverse. Then, during film winding a metering cam is rotated to pivot the high energy lever in reverse. The switch closing member is adapted to be pivoted temporarily of the way of the high energy lever to allow the high energy lever to be returned past the switch closing member to an original or home position.

Abstract: A cartridge is disposed in a chamber of a cartridge receiving apparatus. An actuating member on the apparatus is moveable a first increment to initiate an apparatus operation and moveable a second increment. A latch is positioned to prevent the actuating member from being moved the second increment after it is moved the first increment. The actuating member is moved the second increment only when the cartridge is at least partially removed from the chamber. The cartridge receiving apparatus may further include a prevention member to prevent the chamber from receiving an exposed filmstrip.

Abstract: A film door restraint and camera used with a film door having a tappet movable between latched and unlatched positions, a film cartridge having a filmstrip and an active light lock movable between open and closed states, and a cartridge spool driver movable in first and second directions of rotation to rotate a spool of said cartridge. The film door restraint has a toggle, a rotational member, and a follower. The toggle is coupled to the active light lock and is capable of tripping between an open position, in which the active light lock is open, and a closed position, in which the active light lock is closed. The toggle is tripped by the tappet when the toggle is in the open position and the tappet is moved from the latched position to the unlatched position. The rotational member is joined to the spool driver for rotation with the spool driver. The rotational member defines primary and secondary guideways.

Abstract: A film cassette comprises light blocking means supported for rotation to a light blocking position for preventing ambient light from entering the cassette interior and to a non-blocking position. The light blocking means has a cavity configured for permitting a driver element to rotate in the cavity initially without rotating the light blocking means out of its light blocking position and then into driving engagement with the light blocking means to allow the driver element to rotate the light blocking means from its light blocking position to its non-blocking position. A locking pawl protrudes into the cavity to secure the light blocking means in its light blocking position and is adapted to be displaced from the cavity to release the light blocking means when the driver element is rotated initially in the cavity without rotating the light blocking means out of its light blocking position.

Abstract: A slide changing apparatus is disclosed for use in a projection apparatus wherein photographic slides can be projected onto a screen or viewed on a video monitor. The slide changing mechanism includes a lever having a displaceable part which engages a slide and transfers the photographic slide from a projection position to a slide tray wherein slides are accommodated. A microprocessor controls the operation of a driving apparatus which is connected to the lever and actuates the lever. If a slide becomes jammed during movement between the projection position and the slide tray the displaceable part of the lever becomes displaced from its original position. The displacement of the displaceable part is detected by an optical switch and the optical switch outputs a signal to the microprocessor to stop the motor before damage to the jammed slide can occur.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for positioning film media (30, 50) in alignment with a video imager includes a frame having a window (28), a primary gate (12) mounted on the frame for holding film media in a first plane, a secondary gate (13) mounted on the frame for holding film media in a second plane, and a sensor (14) for detecting the presence or absence of film media whereby the video imager is caused to move with respect to the primary and secondary gates to focus on the film media. A carrier (61) comprising a base (80) and cover (81) is provided with a channel (83) for filmstrips (50). The base and cover snap together for the removal and insertion of filmstrips. A plurality of notches (78) are associated with each frame (76) for accurate positioning of the filmstrip.