Abstract: A multi-beam type rangefinding method and device uses three LEDs arranged along a line perpendicular to a base line, and a PSD for receiving light reflected from three measurement regions of a photographic scene. In the gain determining procedure, a selected LED emits light at least once. In the rangefinding procedure, it emits light a plurality of times. Light reflected from an object is received by the PSD which outputs two channel signals. The two channel signals are amplified by two gain control amplifiers which are adjusted to have the same gain. The gain is adjusted to be an optimum value for the two channel output signal levels. Upon changing the gain, light projection by a selected LED is stopped until the output of each gain control amplifier becomes stable. If one of the two channel output signals saturates during the rangefinding procedure, the light projection/measurement is repeated at the same gain after a lapse of predetermined delay time.

Abstract: A CPU writes in a RAM various data obtained in a rangefinding procedure, e.g. offset values, gain values, data actually measured using a series of rangefinding LEDs, corresponding distance data obtained from each of the measurement data, and the optimum distance data used for setting a taking lens. When specifying an inspection mode, a microcomputer reads these written data out of the RAM to indicate them on an LCD numerically. Light emitting diode displays output the write data as light signals in intermittent light emission. To correct an error in the mounting position of the rangefinding LEDs, correction data are generated and written beforehand in an erasable ROM.

Abstract: A range finding device having a light projector and a light receiver. The light projector has a mirror for reflecting toward a subject near-infrared light emitted laterally from an IRED. The mirror has a reflection surface extending farther in a direction perpendicular to the base line direction than in the base line direction. According to the embodiment of this invention, for a light source unit, a base plate holding a plurality of IREDs is packaged in a transparent plastic package. The base plate is formed with arms extending out of the package. The light source unit is fixed on the camera body by the arms. The light receiver also uses a base plate with the similar arms.

Abstract: A range finding device having a plurality of LEDs for projecting toward a scene to be photographed a plurality of spot beams of light disposed in a horizontal line, and a PSD for receiving light reflected from the object. Two channel signals from the PSD are amplified by gain control amplifiers and converted into digital signals. The two channel digital signals are obtained for each LED, and the ratio between the two digital signals is used for calculating a distance datum. Of a plurality of distance data obtained for respective LEDs, an optimum one is selected. For the calculation of a distance datum, there is used a microcomputer which controls an image taking sequence. The gain of the gain control amplifier is automatically adjusted by the measured data obtained in accordance with pulsed light emitted during the initial period of driving the LED. Digital signals obtained prior to the light emission of the LED are used for calculating an offset correction value.

Abstract: To seal a cable junction, an insert is placed between two branch cables of the junction, which is then enclosed by a heat shrinkable envelope. The insert has at least one insert part having a block of heat fusible material attached by one or more flanges of heat conductive material to the branch cables. The block lies between the branch cables at least partially inside the envelope. Then, when the envelope is heated to cause it to shrink, the block fuses, thus forming a seal. For most sizes of branch cables, two insert parts may be used, but three or more may be used for large branch cables. The flange preferably has a tongue extending into the block to assist heat conduction.

Abstract: A pre-winding control device of a camera includes a sensor for detecting a predetermined length of a flimstrip, a film drive device for pre-winding the film strip before exposures and for rewinding the film strip after exposures, and a pulse generator for generating pulses, one for every advancement of a predetermined length of the film strip. The control device is characterized by a detector for detecting time intervals at which the pulses are generated, a time interval setting circuit for setting an interruption time interval based on the time intervals for which the film drive device is allowed to be left interrupted, and a disabling circuit for disabling the film drive device when the sensor detects no pulse for at least the interruption time interval. The interruption time interval is given as an average of a predetermined number of the time intervals multiplied by a coefficient between 2 and 5.

Abstract: A self-timing shutter release control device comprises a self-timing shutter release setting device for setting the number of repetitions of self-timing shutter releases, a controller for continuously repeatedly operating a shutter drive system and a power-driven film advancing system in accordance with the number of repetitions of shutter releases set by the setting device, and a display controller for displaying the set number on a display member. The self-timing shutter setting device includes an externally operable member which is operated as many times as the desired number of repetitions of self-timing shutter releases to set the number of repetitions of self-timing shutter releases in the self-timing shutter release setting device.

Abstract: An optical fiber distribution apparatus of the type in which optical feeder cables are connected to optical distribution cables through connectors. The optical fiber distribution apparatus includes a frame having a front portion; a plurality of distribution panels each having a free front edge; pivoting mechanisms for pivotally mounting respective distribution panels to the frame with regular vertical intervals for pivotable movement about a horizontal axis: and locking mechanisms for releasably locking each of the distribution panels selectively at one of both a normal position, where each distribution panel is parallel to the other with the free edge thereof positioned substantially not higher than the rotation axis thereof, and a raised position, where the free front edge of each distribution panel is raised above the rotation axis thereof for accessing to a distribution panel just below.

Abstract: A battery check system for a device which can be supplied with power either from a battery pack or from a D.C. plug adapted to be connected to an A.C. source by way of an AC/DC converter is provided with a large current load check mode for checking the supply voltage under a large load condition and a small current load check mode for checking the supply voltage under a small load. There is provided a mode switching means for setting the mode of the battery check system to the large current load check mode when said device is to be supplied with power from the battery pack and to the small current load check mode when said device is to be supplied with power through the D.C. plug.

Abstract: A camera of the type in which a taking lens is orientable relative to the camera body comprises a lens holder, a light-impervious member connecting the lens holder and camera body for allowing at least an axial movement of the taking lens, and a supporting member attached to the lens holder for detachably connecting a flash unit.

Abstract: A display device for a camera has a display panel with a digital display unit having seven display segments disposed in a figure-eight shape. The digital display unit displays the number of exposed frames or other exposure information, and in addition, a portion of display segments is utilized for display or for indicating an alarm condition of the camera. In order to clearly recognize the display or alarm of the camera conditions, a character or symbol representative of the display content or alarm content is disposed near a display segment used for both numerical display, and camera condition display or alarm. A display of the film winding state is performed by flashing the laterally elongated display segments positioned between patterns formed sideways of the digital display unit and symbolizing a film supply section and a film winding section.

Abstract: A camera having a provision for multiple exposures comprises an exposure mode setting member for selectively setting the camera operation either to an ordinary-exposure mode or to a multiple-exposure mode, a switch member which is rendered operative only when the exposure mode setting member selects the multiple-exposure mode and a one-frame film advance mechanism actuated by the operation of the switch member. This camera further comprises a data recording device for recording data such as the date on a film once every frame and a mark recording device for recording the same number of marks as there have been multiple exposures upon every exposure.

Abstract: A reflex camera having a reflex mirror and a light-blocking plate which are pivotally mounted for swinging movement so as to move between a viewing position and a photographing position. The reflex camera has a driving mechanism including an electric motor for causing the swing-up and -down movement of the reflex mirror and the light-blocking plate between the above-mentioned two positions, and a position-detecting device to detect the moved positions of the reflex mirror and the light blocking plate so as to control the speed of rotation of the electric motor according to the detected positions, thereby to prevent shocks and vibrations on the reflex mirror and the light-blocking plate.

Abstract: A film wind-up apparatus is incorporated in an interchangeable film magazine adapted to receive a film which has a backing paper including a leading end portion. The winding device automatically winds up the leading end portion only after the magazine is attached to a camera having a winding motor, film is loaded in the film magazine, the back cover of the magazine is closed, and a light-shielding plate is removed. Upon completion of the winding operation, a photosensitive portion of the film faces the exposure aperture, and a camera so equipped is ready to make exposures.

Abstract: A film wind-up control apparatus of a camera in which a film is transported in zigzag direction passing around at least a guide roller located before an exposure station, is adapted to advance the film a predetermined length of the film when an exposure is made in a predetermined period of time and an extra length in addition to the predetermined length after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, so as to advance that part of the film which was previously positioned around the guide roller, beyond the exposure station. The apparatus is also adapted to indicate the number of possible exposures with one decrement every other occurrence of the extra length of film advance. In this way, film that has become permanently curled around the guide roller never comes to rest in the exposure station; but at the same time, the count of remaining frames is kept accurate.