Patents by Inventor Robert E. Gottschalk

Robert E. Gottschalk has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4510529
    Abstract: A camera device for electronic cinematography uses the same lens assembly for a television camera and its monitor as is used with a viewfinder eyepiece assembly, so that the scene in the viewfinder eyepiece assembly is the same as that presented to the television camera and depicted on its monitor. The light from the lens assembly may be reflected by a full mirror into only the viewfinder, or through a partial mirror to both the viewfinder and the television camera. The viewfinder and the television monitor are secured together to move as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: Panavision, Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert E. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 4437126
    Abstract: A camera device for electronic cinematography uses the same lens assembly for a television camera and its monitor as is used with a viewfinder eyepiece assembly, so that the scene in the viewfinder eyepiece assembly is the same as that presented to the television camera and depicted on its monitor. The light from the lens assembly may be reflected by a full mirror into only the viewfinder, or through a partial mirror to both the viewfinder and the television camera. The viewfinder and the television monitor are secured together to move as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Assignee: Panavision, Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert E. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 4420231
    Abstract: Motion picture camera apparatus uses a 35 mm prime lens assembly for a 16 mm motion picture camera. Between the prime lens assembly and the motion picture camera there is positioned a pair of fixed parallel mirrors mounted at an angle to the axis of the prime lens assembly. The light from the prime lens assembly may be reflected by a full mirror into a viewfinder, or through a partial mirror to both the viewfinder and the motion picture camera. A relay lens is positioned in the light path from the prime lens assembly to the motion picture camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1983
    Assignee: Panavision, Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert E. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 4418994
    Abstract: A film magazine for a motion picture camera contains apparatus for maintaining the tension in the film strip from the supply reel and in the film strip to the takeup reel, within predetermined limits, to permit start-and-stop operations of the camera while minimizing danger of damage to the film. The supply reel is connected to an eddy current brake, and a takeup reel is powered by a motor responsive to a tension control device. The eddy current brake on the supply reel provides braking torque of relatively high magnitude when the supply reel is large in diameter, and the braking torque reduces gradually to a minimum as the diameter reduces.Tension in the film strip leading to the takeup reel is controlled by a tension measuring device which acts to vary the power delivered to the motor driving the takeup reel, to obtain uniform winding tightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: Panavision, Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert E. Gottschalk, Carl F. Fazekas
  • Patent number: 4362366
    Abstract: An improved focal length extender of the anamorphic type is disclosed for use in combination with a conventional primary lens. The lens system of the present invention comprises two portions. A first portion is positioned in front of the conventional lens, and a second portion of the lens system of the present invention is placed between the conventional lens and the film plane. The first and second portions cooperate together and with the conventional lens system to provide increased focal length while at the same time providing relatively reduced mass and bulk at increased optical speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1982
    Assignee: Panavision, Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert E. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 4327562
    Abstract: A flexible coupling device for accommodating both parallel misalignment and axial misalignment employs an elastomeric sleeve between the driving member and driven member. One of the members has radially projecting axially extending fins received within internal recesses provided in the elastomeric sleeve. The elastomeric sleeve has a series of external bulbous projections each received within a pocket provided in said other member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1982
    Assignee: Panavision, Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert E. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 4298255
    Abstract: An insert body is interposed between a film magazine and a motion picture camera, and is provided with a cavity containing a light source. An elongated opening in the body transmits light to preflash motion picture film passing from the film magazine into the motion picture camera. Controls on the quantity and quality of light are provided. In one form of control, a translucent cylindrical rod extends into the light source cavity and has an end face exposed to the light source. The translucent rod has an opaque lateral surface interrupted on one side by an axially extending light transmitting window. In another form of control, a window in the side of the translucent rod receives light from the light source. In a third form of control a cylindrical shell with opposed parallel windows takes the place of the translucent rod. In all cases, the translucent rod or shell has a head portion accessible exteriorly of the body for turning it to change the amount of light passing through the elongated opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1981
    Assignee: Panavision, Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert E. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 4298149
    Abstract: A two-part harness for a motion picture or television cameraman has an upper part for engagement of the cameraman's shoulders and upper back, and a lower part engaging the cameraman's hips. The harness is used to support the weight of the camera and associated apparatus positioned in front of the cameraman, but the harness functions to place most of the vertical load on the hips and most of the horizntal load on the shoulders and upper back. The two parts of the harness are connected for vertical adjustment by the cameraman while wearing the harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1981
    Assignee: Panavision, Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert E. Gottschalk, Felipe Navarro
  • Patent number: 4246766
    Abstract: A flexible coupling member is constructed from a length of elastomeric cylindrical tubing. The opposite ends of the tubing are closed by axially spaced ribs positioned at right angles, and the outer surfaces of the flexible coupling between the ribs are bounded by smooth warped surfaces. The interior of the coupling may be hollow or solid. If hollow, a check valve may be provided in one of the end ribs or on one of the smooth warped surfaces, to control internal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1981
    Assignee: Panavision, Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert E. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 4174157
    Abstract: A motion picture camera employs a mounting plate supported within the camera housing by means of sound-insulating connectors. All of the sound-generating moving parts are supported solely on the mounting plate. The lens, however, is mounted directly on the camera housing and is out of contact with the support plate and is thus prevented from radiating sound generated within the camera housing. The sound-insulating connectors which support the mounting plate within the camera housing are adjustable, to adjust the position of the camera "movement" with respect to the axis of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1979
    Assignee: Panavision, Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert E. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 4158490
    Abstract: A body-mounted support device for a motion picture camera or television camera employs a pair of articulated arm assemblies serially connected and attached to a body harness and positioned to support a gimbal device. A camera support tube is mounted upright to turn on the gimbal device and carries a camera on its upper end, and a battery at its lower end. Two-axis horizontal adjustments are provided for the camera at the top of the support tube. Pneumatic cushion means associated with the articulated arm assemblies dampen unwanted movements of the motion picture camera. Tilt adjustments near a belt portion of the body harness serve to position the camera support tube at the desired position in space in front of the cameraman. Provision is made for right hand or left hand mounting of the arm assemblies. An emergency release mechanism is provided to disconnect the entire device from the body harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1979
    Assignee: Panavision, Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert E. Gottschalk, Felipe Navarro, Carl F. Fazekas
  • Patent number: 4158488
    Abstract: A body-mounted support device for a motion picture camera employs a pair of serially connected articulated arm assemblies attached to a body harness and positioned to support a gimbal device. A camera support tube is mounted on the gimbal device and carries a motion picture camera on its upper end, and a battery and, optionally, the camera motor, at its lower end. Pneumatic cushion means associated with the articulated arm assemblies dampen unwanted movements of the motion picture camera. An emergency release mechanism is provided to disconnect the entire device from the body harness. Telescoping parts of the camera support tube permit the camera to be operated from a very low elevation with respect to the floor. The battery carrier at the lower end of the support tube has a portion which may be swung to one side so that gravity may bring the camera support tube into vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1979
    Assignee: Panavision, Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert E. Gottschalk, Felipe Navarro, Carl F. Fazekas
  • Patent number: 4158489
    Abstract: A body-mounted support device for a motion picture or television camera employs a pair of articulated arm assemblies attached to a body harness and positioned to support a gimbal device. A camera support tube is mounted on the gimbal device and carries the motion picture or television camera on its upper end, and a battery at its lower end. Pneumatic cushion means associated with the articulated arm assemblies dampen unwanted movements of the motion picture camera. An emergency release mechanism is provided to disconnect the entire device from the body harness. Telescoping parts of the camera support tube permit the camera to be operated from a very low elevation with respect to the floor as well as allowing vertical adjustment of the center of gravity of all of the parts supported upon the gimbal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1979
    Assignee: Panavision, Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert E. Gottschalk, Felipe Navarro, Carl F. Fazekas
  • Patent number: 4121886
    Abstract: A motion picture camera employs a mounting plate supported within the camera housing by means of sound-insulating connectors. All of the sounds-generating moving parts are supported solely on the mounting plate and all are out of contact with the camera housing. The lens, however, is mounted directly on the camera housing and is out of contact with the support plate and is thus prevented from radiating sound generated within the camera housing. An insulated double door assembly is mounted on the camera housing for access to the interior of the housing. Means accessible exteriorly of the outer door are provided for releasably locking the inner door with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1978
    Assignee: Panavision, Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert E. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 4118720
    Abstract: A motion picture camera is mounted upon a gear head for tilting movement, and the camera is provided with a viewfinder eyepiece device mounted to pivot about a horizontal axis. A link is pivotally connected at one end to the viewfinder eyepiece device and is pivotally connected at the other end to a nontilting portion of the gear head, whereby movement of the viewfinder eyepiece device is minimized during tilting movement of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1978
    Assignee: Panavision, Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert E. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 4101916
    Abstract: To facilitate viewing of scenes photographed by a motion picture camera under dim lighting conditions, a viewing system for aiming and focusing the motion picture camera incorporates a ground glass plate and a beam splitter with the light from a scene photographed being, in turn, reflected from a conventional rotating camera shutter, through the ground glass plate and then reflected from one side of a beam splitter and then through an optical system to an eyepiece. A solid state lamp such as red light emitting diodes are disposed on the other side of the beam splitter with the red light being transmitted through the beam splitter onto the ground glass plate which has a set of lines defined by metal strips from which the red light is reflected back onto the beam splitter and to the eyepiece, such set of lines defining the boundary within which the scenes are required to be located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1978
    Assignee: Panavision, Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert E. Gottschalk, Albert L. Mayer
  • Patent number: 4082436
    Abstract: A motion picture camera has a plurality of openings where a film cartridge may be selectively mounted, the film passing through the selected opening into engagement with the film drive apparatus of the camera and back to the cartridge. The various openings provide for better balance with various support arrangements for the camera, such as on the shoulder or on a tripod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1978
    Inventor: Robert E. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 4040587
    Abstract: A camera cradle tilt mechanism for professional motion picture photography employs a flexible toothed belt having its ends fixed to an arcuate undersurface of the camera cradle. The toothed belt passes around a pinion gear so that turning of the pinion gear controls the tilting position of the camera cradle. The pinion gear is adjustably mounted to take up any slack in the belt which develops because of wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1977
    Assignee: Robert E. Gottschalk
    Inventors: Robert E. Gottschalk, Albert K. Saiki
  • Patent number: 4015113
    Abstract: Apparatus for varying the intensity without changing the color quality of light derived from an artificial light source includes an arcuate row of pivotally mounted cylinders. Each cylinder has at least two surface areas of different reflectivity so that orientation of each cylinder provides a selectively variable composite reflectivity for all cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1977
    Inventor: Robert E. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: RE32138
    Abstract: A motion picture camera has a plurality of openings where a film .[.cartridge.]. .Iadd.magazine .Iaddend.may be selectively mounted, the film passing through the selected opening into engagement with the film drive apparatus of the camera and back to the .[.cartridge.]. .Iadd.magazine.Iaddend.. The various openings provide for better balance with various support arrangements for the camera, such as on the shoulder or on a tripod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Assignee: Panavision, Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert E. Gottschalk