Patents by Inventor Shigeru Kondoh

Shigeru Kondoh 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).

  • Publication number: 20040033070
    Abstract: A zoom lens for a camera having a between-the-lens shutter includes a motor for moving the lens along an optical axis in forward and rearward directions. A switch is operable by an operator to control operation of the motor for moving the lens from an initial position on the axis to a final stationary position that establishes the focal length of the lens. Control apparatus is responsive to the setting of the switch for operating the motor such that movement of the lens from its initial position to its final position always ends after the lens travels to its final position in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako, Saburo Sugawara
  • Patent number: 6094535
    Abstract: A zoom lens for a camera having a between-the-lens shutter includes a motor for moving the lens along an optical axis in forward and rearward directions. A switch is operable by an operator to control operation of the motor for moving the lens from an initial position on the axis to a final stationary position that establishes the focal length of the lens. Control apparatus is responsive to the setting of the switch for operating the motor such that movement of the lens from its initial position to its final position always ends after the lens travels to its final position in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako
  • Patent number: 5966551
    Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well as into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako
  • Patent number: 5897227
    Abstract: A zoom lens for a camera having a between-the-lens shutter includes a motor for moving the lens along an optical axis in forward and rearward directions. A switch is operable by an operator to control operation of the motor for moving the lens from an initial position on the axis to a final stationary position that establishes the focal length of the lens. Control apparatus is responsive to the setting of the switch for operating the motor such that movement of the lens from its initial position to its final position always ends after the lens travels to its final position in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako, Saburo Sugawara
  • Patent number: 5740476
    Abstract: A zoom lens for a camera having a between-the-lens shutter includes a motor for moving the lens along an optical axis in forward and rearward directions. A switch is operable by an operator to control operation of the motor for moving the lens from an initial position on the axis to a final stationary position that establishes the focal length of the lens. Control apparatus is responsive to the setting of the switch for operating the motor such that movement of the lens from its initial position to its final position always ends after the lens travels to its final position in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako
  • Patent number: 5713051
    Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well a into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako
  • Patent number: 5673099
    Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well a into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako, Saburo Sugawara, Susao Nakamura, Hirofumi Matsuo, Katsuhiko Nomura, Etsuro Nishio, Haruo Ishii
  • Patent number: 5598240
    Abstract: A zoom lens for a camera having a between-the-lens shutter includes a motor for moving the lens along an optical axis in forward and rearward directions. A switch is operable by an operator to control operation of the motor for moving the lens from an initial position on the axis to a final stationary position that establishes the focal length of the lens. Control apparatus is responsive to the setting of the switch for operating the motor such that movement of the lens from its initial position to its final position always ends after the lens travels to its final position in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako, Saburo Sugawara
  • Patent number: 5583596
    Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well a into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako, Saburo Sugawara, Susao Nakamura, Hirofumi Matsuo, Katsuhiko Nomura, Etsuro Nishio, Haruo Ishii
  • Patent number: 5475456
    Abstract: A zoom lens for a camera having a between-the-lens shutter includes a motor for moving the lens along an optical axis in forward and rearward directions. A switch is operable by an operator to control operation of the motor for moving the lens from an initial position on the axis to a final stationary position that establishes the focal length of the lens. Control apparatus is responsive to the setting of the switch for operating the motor such that movement of the lens from its initial position to its final position always ends after the lens travels to its final position in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Oukubo, Norio Numako
  • Patent number: 5465131
    Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well a into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako, Hirofumi Matsuo
  • Patent number: 5424796
    Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well a into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Asabi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeru Kondoh
  • Patent number: 5321462
    Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well a into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or closeup photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako
  • Patent number: 5280317
    Abstract: A zoom lens for a camera having a between-the-lens shutter includes a motor for moving the lens along an optical axis in forward and rearward directions. A switch is operable by an operator to control operation of the motor for moving the lens from an initial position on the axis to a final stationary position that establishes the focal length of the lens. Control apparatus is responsive to the setting of the switch for operating the motor such that movement of the lens from its initial position to its final position always ends after the lens travels to its final position in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako, Saburo Sugawara
  • Patent number: 5276475
    Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well a into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako, Saburo Sugawara, Susao Nakamura, Hirofumi Matsuo, Katsuhiko Nomura, Etsuro Nishio, Haruo Ishii
  • Patent number: 5264885
    Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well a into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (Pl) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako, Saburo Sugawara, Susao Nakamura, Hirofumi Matsuo, Katsuhiko Nomura, Etsuro Nishio, Haruo Ishii
  • Patent number: 5214462
    Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well a into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Susao Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5162831
    Abstract: A zoom lens for a camera having a between-the-lens shutter includes a motor for moving the lens along an optical axis in forward and rearward directions. A switch is operable by an operator to control operation of the motor for moving the lens from an initial position on the axis to a final stationary position that establishes the focal length of the lens. Control apparatus is responsive to the setting of the switch for operating the motor such that movement of the lens from its initial position to its final position always ends after the lens travels to its final position in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako, Saburo Sugawara
  • Patent number: 5157429
    Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well a into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge 4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako, Saburo Sugawara, Susao Nakamura, Hirofumi Matsuo, Katsuhiko Nomura, Etsuro Nishio, Haruo Ishii
  • Patent number: 5150145
    Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well as into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako, Saburo Sugawara, Susao Nakamura, Hirofumi Matsuo, Katsuhiko Nomura, Etsuro Nishio, Haruo Ishii