Abstract: A camera comprises a film cartridge receiving chamber for receiving a film cartridge with a filmstrip having a film leader, a film passageway for the filmstrip, and a sprocket movable from outside to inside the film passageway to engage the filmstrip. A film slit is formed between the cartridge receiving chamber and the film passageway to permit the film leader to be longitudinally inserted through the film slit into the film passageway when the sprocket is outside the film passageway. A rear cover is located over the film passageway. A rear door independent of the rear cover is supported for closing to cover the cartridge receiving chamber and to move the sprocket from outside to inside the film passageway to engage the filmstrip, after the film leader is longitudinally inserted through the film slit into the film passageway.

Abstract: A film spool comprising a hub that has a central cavity beginning with an end opening at one end of the hub, and a split spline forming a pair of spline pieces fixed inside the central cavity, is characterized in that one of the spline pieces extends closer to the end opening than the other.

Abstract: A magnetically retained, electrical connection system for making secure, temporary electrical contact between a first coupling surface of a portable appliance, e.g. a rechargeable battery powered photographic camera, and a second coupling surface of a base or recharging unit for passing electrical signals therebetween when the coupling surfaces are brought into contact. The connection system comprises electrical contacts positioned in relation to magnetic circuit closing latch components on the coupling surfaces of the portable appliance and base unit adapted to close electrical and magnetic circuits when contacted under pressure. The latch is latched in response to a first push movement of the coupling surfaces toward one another, thereby closing the electrical and magnetic circuits, and unlatched to break the electrical and magnetic circuits when the appliance, positioned with respect to the second unit, is subjected to a second push movement of the coupling surfaces toward one another.

Abstract: A photographic film cartridge has one or more resistive elements formed on the exterior surface of the cartridge with associated visual indicator elements to indicate exposure status of film in the cartridge. The camera is provided with a drive circuit to change the resistance values of the resistive elements to provide an electrically sensed indication of the film exposure status when next the cartridge is placed in the camera. Provision can be made for both full exposure and mid-roll interrupt indications. At the same time, the heat generated by the resistive element during its change in resistance value is useful to change a characteristic of the associated visual indicator to provide a visual indication of the exposure status of the film in the cartridge.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device component package comprises an optical element having a plano surface with a pattern of electrical conductors thereon, a photoelectric die having an optically active portion and die bond pads, and a printed circuit board having a pattern of electrical conductors thereon and further having an aperture for receiving the die. The die is attached to the plano surface of the optical element such that the die bond pads are electrically connected to corresponding electrical conductors of the optical element. The circuit board is attached to the plano surface of the optical element and the electrical conductors of the circuit board are electrically connected to corresponding conductors of the optical element. A protective means affixed to the die, the plano surface of the optical element, and a portion of the circuit board protects the device package. The die can be (1) an emitter or detector die for camera autofocus applications; or (2) a photometer die for exposure control applications.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device component package comprises an optical element having a plano surface with a pattern of electrical conductors thereon, a photoelectric die having an optically active portion and die bond pads, and a printed circuit board having a pattern of electrical conductors thereon and further having an aperture for receiving the die. The die is attached to the plano surface of the optical element such that the die bond pads are electrically connected to corresponding electrical conductors of the optical elements. The circuit board is attached to the plano surface of the optical element and the electrical conductors of the circuit board are electrically connected to corresponding conductors of the optical element. A protective means affixed to the die, the plano surface of the optical element, and a portion of the circuit board protects the device package. The die can be (1) an emitter or detector die for camera autofocus applications; or (2) a photometer die for exposure control applications.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device component package comprises an optical element having a plano surface with a pattern of electrical conductors thereon, a photoelectric die having an optically active portion and die bond pads, and a printed circuit board having a pattern of electrical conductors thereon and further having an aperture for receiving the die. The die is attached to the plano surface of the optical element such that the die bond pads are electrically connected to corresponding electrical conductors of the optical elements. The circuit board is attached to the plano surface of the optical element and the electrical conductors of the circuit board are electrically connected to corresponding conductors of the optical element. A protective means affixed to the die, the plano surface of the optical element, and a portion of the circuit board protects the device package. The die can be (1) an emitter or detector die for camera autofocus applications; or (2) a photometer die for exposure control applications.