Abstract: A method of positioning an image sensor relative to a mounting body wherein the lens mount assembly comprises a substantially planar mounting surface disposed substantially parallel to a lens mount reference surface. The method comprises the steps of: constraining the mounting body in a predetermined position; identifying a predetermined distance from the lens mount reference surface to define a mounting position, the predetermined distance being measured along an axis substantially perpendicular to the lens mount reference surface toward the mounting surface; applying an adhesive to the mounting surface; applying the image sensor to the adhesive such that the image sensor is positioned at the mounting position; and curing the adhesive to securely mount the image sensor to the mounting surface at the mounting position.

Abstract: A sensor package assembly for use with an optical assembly includes an optics base mechanism for supporting the optical assembly in relation to an optical axis, an image sensor mounted on a lead frame, and a sensor mounting frame for locating and supporting the image sensor in relation to the optical axis. The optics base mechanism has at least three optics-related locator features, and the sensor mounting frame also has at least three frame-related locator features. By fastening the optics base mechanism and the sensor mounting frame together with the image sensor interposed therebetween such that the optics-related locator features are oriented in opposed relation to the frame-related locator features with the lead frame pinched therebetween, the tilt of the image sensor is controlled relative to the optical axis.

Abstract: A base assembly for supporting a digital camera includes a weighted plate having a frictional surface for contacting a supporting surface and constraining the camera relative to a horizontal orientation; a pivoting member having an extension for connecting to the camera and a pivot axis about which the camera can swivel relative to the base assembly; and a frictional pad molded upon a sheet metal spring positioned between the weighted plate and the pivoting member. The base assembly includes means for urging the pivoting member against the frictional pad so as to provide sufficient friction between the frictional pad and the pivoting member to constrain rotational motion of the camera in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: An optical assembly includes a lens assembly having a lens barrel for supporting a lens along an optical axis, an optical base having an opening aligned with the optical axis, and a plurality of ramps and a corresponding plurality of reference locators circumferentially arranged around the lens assembly and the opening in the optical base in order to slide against one another. A retaining element biases the lens assembly against the optical base with the ramps and the reference locators likewise biased therebetween against each other. Consequently, the ramps and reference locators provide an arrangement for focusing the lens assembly. The optical assembly also includes a factory focus tab attached to the lens assembly and accessible during the manufacturing operation for focusing the lens assembly by moving the ramps against the reference locators, and a focus adjuster assembly accessible during user focus for focusing the lens assembly by moving the ramps against the reference locators.

Abstract: In a camera, a pressure plate is urged against a film frame to hold the film frame in the focal plane of a picture-taking lens during exposure. A resiliently flexible strip, mounted on a loading door of the camera, is normally disposed in a storage plane. An actuating pin, which engages the flexible strip when the loading door is closed, connects the strip to camera mechanism, such as a shutter release. The actuating pin operates, in response to movement of the shutter release, to partially bow an intermediate portion of the strip from the storage plane by sliding a first portion of the strip in the storage plane toward a second, stationary portion of the strip. Bowing of the strip moves the intermediate portion toward the exposure plane to urge the pressure plate against the film frame before exposure and establishes a resilient force in the bowed portion for returning the strip to the storage plane after exposure.