Abstract: The present invention relates to a device in connection with safety belts for vehicles for detachable fastening of a safety belt at least to one of its fastening points and substantially comprises a semi rigid anchoring part comprising preferably a wire and enclosed by at least one covering and which at one terminal end has a fastening fitting intended to be fastened to a fixed part of the vehicle, and a coupling part supported by the anchoring part and fastened to the other terminal end of said anchoring part. Said coupling part is intended to be used in connection with the detachable fastening of the safety belt. The anchoring part comprises a loop of said wire, both parts of which extend along each other inside the coverings of the anchoring part. Said other end of the anchoring part extends into the coupling part, which with a stress-absorbing portion extends into the loop, the two terminal ends of which are fastened to the fastening fitting at said one end of the anchoring part.

Abstract: A seat headrest for a vehicle includes a reinforcement means in communication with an energy shock absorbing means. The reinforcement means include a plurality of rectangular hollow segments. The segments of the reinforcement means cooperate with the energy absorbing means in the absorption of shock to the headrest.

Abstract: In the method of mining mineral deposits with hydraulic extraction a seam to be mined is divided into long pillars along the strike, and each pillar is subdivided with extraction workings and breakthroughs into benches defining short working faces, whereafter a single hydromonitor mounted in an extraction working is operated for stoping in the two adjacent benches, in the direction of the gravity flow of the slurry therealong. In accordance with the invention, boundary or run-around entries are driven, and communicated with the extraction workings via cut breakthroughs, whereafter these cut breakthroughs are expanded up to the sole of the seam, whereby at the stoping of the extraction cut in the two adjacent benches in the direction of the sloping of the extraction and boundary entries the main stream of the slurry is removed from the stope through the boundary working.

Abstract: The mining machine consists of a main frame having a front portion and a rearwardly extending portion, and cutter heads disposed for movement across the front portion for dislodging mineral. A conveyor system is provided which extends across of the front of the main frame and along the rearwardly extending portion thereof for carrying dislodge mineral from the mine face. Forward roof support jacks, which are attached to the main frame for unitary movement therewith, provide temporary roof support as the entry is being formed. Rear roof support jacks, disposed behind the forward roof support jacks, also provide temporary roof support. Sumping cylinders, which are disposed generally parallel to the mine floor, connect the rear roof support jacks to the main frame and are used for moving the mining machine. The sumping cylinders are connected to the main frame with a universal joint connection to permit free movement of each sumping cylinder around its point of connection to the main frame.

Abstract: A coal plough which is movable to and fro in a mine working alongside a coal face, has floor-level cutters mounted on a carrier. The carrier is pivotable in a vertical plane about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the coal face. The carrier is pivotable between a working position, in which it bears against a first stop, and a non-working position, in which it bears against a second stop. The cutters bear against the floor of the working when the carrier is in the working position and are lifted clear of the floor when the carrier is in the non-working position. The first stop defines the level of cut of the cutters, and the second stop limits the upward pivotal movement of the carrier. The first and second stops are provided on the plough.

Abstract: A dynamic/friction brake blending control system in which a brake pipe pressure responsive control valve device provides a friction brake pressure that is connected to the vehicle brake cylinders via a blending relay valve device having a self-lapping piston valve assembly spring biased to a brake application position in which the friction brake pressure from the control valve device is relayed unmodulated to the brake cylinders in the absence of dynamic brake effort on the vehicle. A control piston of the piston valve assembly is subject to the friction brake pressure from the control valve, while a friction brake feedback piston is subject to the friction brake pressure connected from the blending relay valve to the brake cylinders. These pistons act on the piston assembly in opposite directions and have equal effective pressure areas.

Abstract: A dual system brake control valve for an automotive vehicle includes a main body having a pair of cylinder bores, a pair of inlets communicating with the cylinder bores each and a pair of outlets communicating with the cylinder bores each, the inlets being connected to a master cylinder for a dual system; a pair of stepped pistons slidably fitted into the cylinder bores, and each having bores communicating with the inlet and outlet, the stepped pistons each receiving a rightward pushing force due to the fluid pressure at the inlet, and a leftward pushing force due to the fluid pressure at the outlet; a spring guide contacting with the stepped pistons; a prestressed spring for pushing rightward the stepped pistons through the spring guide; and a pair of valves arranged in the bores of the stepped pistons, and put in the opened and closed conditions in response to the difference between the leftward pushing force to the stepped pistons each and the sum of the rightward pushing force and the tension force of the

Abstract: A deceleration detecting type proportioning valve for a vehicle arranged in combination with a deceleration detecting valve. Under a no load or light load condition of the vehicle, when deceleration caused by a braking operation reaches a preset value, a deceleration detecting valve is closed. Following this, the proportioning valve which is by-pass connected to the deceleration detecting valve performs proportioning control to provide a controlled hydraulic brake pressure for each rear wheel cylinder to prevent locking of rear wheels. Under a maximum or heavy load condition, even when the deceleration detecting valve closes, the proportioning valve serves to open the hydraulic brake pressure passage to ensure communication between a master cylinder and the rear wheel cylinder to effect increase in hydraulic brake pressure for the latter to the same degree as front wheel cylinders so that insufficiency in the braking force on the rear wheels can be prevented.

Abstract: A quick service valve is proposed for providing continuous quick service in connection with the operation of a direct release triple valve preferably also provided with an emergency portion having a sensitivity valve for providing a bleed of fluid pressure from a quick action chamber to follow the pressure reductions in a brake pipe, the apparatus having a reference pressure input path connected to the quick service chamber, a brake pipe pressure signal input path, a pressure responsive member responsive to a predetermined difference between the brake pipe pressure and the reference pressure to operate a valve to initiate a restricted discharge from the brake pipe to cause a reduction of the reference pressure and consequent reclosure of the valve. The operation is repetitive during continuing reduction of brake pipe pressure at sufficient rate.

Abstract: This improved cartridge-type pivotal pin and bushing joint comprises a cylindrical pin having a large, hollow metal cylinder concentrically disposed thereon intermediate the extremities thereof and a plurality of preloaded, spaced, dry, self-lubricated cylindrical bushings between the pin and cylinder at least adjacent the extremities of the cylinder. Dry, self-lubricated annular thrust bearings are concentrically mounted on the pin adjacent the extremities of the cylinder and thrust-controlling annular retainers are immovably press-fitted on the pin axially exterior to and abutting the thrust bearings so as to compressibly preload the same. The retainers have rounded or chamfered edges to facilitate press-fitting and seal-receiving annular grooves radially outwardly of the outer radial extremity of the thrust bearings, the open end of each of the grooves being disposed towards the end of the cylinder. Resilient seals are disposed in the grooves to sealingly engaged end portions of the cylinder.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting rollers to be received in tracks on a drawer includes a vertical wing and a horizontal wing integral with and projecting laterally from the lower edge of the vertical wing. At least two rollers are journaled on the vertical wing with one roller disposed adjacent each end of the vertical wing. A slot is formed transversely in the horizontal wing and a screw coacts with two flanges on the vertical wing, one on each side of the slot, whereby the screw may selectively move the flanges toward and away from each other thereby to change the width of the slot and adjust the relative positions of the rollers.

Abstract: An in-hole, fluid driven motor has a stator and a rotor to drive a bore hole drilling bit. The bit is connected to the rotor by a drive shaft rotatable in a bearing housing connected to the stator, and drilling fluid flows through the drive shaft and exits through the bit. Radial and thrust bearings include a first bearing which transmits thrust from the housing to the bit, while drilling, and a second bearing which transmits thrust to the housing from the shaft, when the bit is off the bottom of the hole. An adjustable lock nut is connected to the drive shaft and a ported cap which connects the drive shaft to a connecting rod coupled with the rotor, and permits alternate unloading of the first and second bearings and the elimination of increased bearing tolerances as wear occurs.

Abstract: A bearing structure for a cam shaft has a first journal-receiving cavity of a semi-circular cross section provided in an upper face of a cylinder head, and a second journal-receiving cavity of a semi-circular section provided in a lower face of a bearing cap. The bearing cap is mounted on the cylinder head with the two faces joining together. A groove is provided in at least one of the two joining faces to extend across that face and to communicate at one end thereof with the internal space of the cylinder head so as to collect or intercept oil leaking out through a clearance left between the two adjacent faces.

Abstract: A centering ring for a rolling bearing assembly comprising an outer ring, an inner ring and at least two rows of rolling elements in the annular space between the rings and a retainer having pockets for the rolling elements. The centering ring is of T-shaped cross section and preferably made of sheet metal and the outer surface of the bar of the T conforms to the shape of the outer raceway and the vertical leg of the T is connected to the retainer. The centering ring may also be provided with grooves or be knurled to retain lubricant and the inner face of the T-shaped bar is preferably conical and outwardly divergent from the vertical leg to aid in the distribution of lubricant to the rolling elements.

Abstract: A housing for a two-way radio is formed of front and rear covers, left and right sides, a base plate, and a top control panel and cover. Certain pieces are provided with corresponding mating surfaces to aid in assembly, and the pieces are held together by screws and nuts. Selected pieces may be substituted to permit variations in internal structure and to provide different configurations without the need to change all of the other pieces.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance cabinet provided with an improved foam stop and insulation element at a front edge portion of the cabinet. The element may be formed of a rigid polyurethane foam to provide improved insulation characteristics around the front edge portion by providing in combination the rigid foam insulation with the foamed-in-place insulation.

Abstract: A portable, prefabricated panel adapted to be connected with a plurality of similar panels to form a wall or partition structure. The panel is electrically prewired and includes electrical power blocks disposed adjacent the opposite lower corners of the panel, which power blocks are connected by electrical cables which extend internally of the panel. When two or more panels are connected together, electrical power is transmitted between each adjacent pair of panels by a flexible electrical connector which plugs into the power blocks of the adjacent panels. The panel also has electrical sockets integrally associated therewith, which sockets are preferably associated with the power blocks. The power blocks are symmetrical so that the same electrical connections can be made on either side of the panel. A channel-like raceway extends along the bottom edge of the panel for permitting the hidden storage of communication cables.

Abstract: A converter plug with improved self-locking terminals that are adapted to interlock with the terminals on a standard electric plug when the prongs of the latter are inserted into openings in the converter plug and the standard plug is rotated through an angle with respect to the converter plug for causing its prongs to interlock with the converter plug. Novel means is provided in the converter plug to prevent the displacement of the electrodes therein when the electrodes on the standard plug are inserted into openings in the converter plug and the standard plug is rotated with respect to the converter plug for causing its terminals to interlock with the terminals in the converter plug.

Abstract: A hermaphroditic splice terminal comprises a forward resilient contact portion having a pair of laterally squeezable tines projecting from a base which is connected to a narrow assembly neck. The rearward portion of the terminal has a pair of flanged clasping ears located between core and insulation crimp wings securing the terminal to a lead wire. The terminal is substantially flat with the clasping ears and crimp wings projecting laterally in opposite directions to avoid interference when the terminal is coupled to an identical terminal. The tines of each terminal incorporate latch and stop shoulders which cooperate with the flanged clasping ears of the other terminal to lock the terminals in the coupled position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for electrically interconnecting two printed circuit boards or the like where the conductive pads are on extremely close spacing. More particularly, the invention includes a plurality of resilient connectors embedded in an elastomeric material with opposing ends thereof being exposed on opposite surfaces of the elastomeric body to provide contact points.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for effecting perforation of a well casing with a casing gun while maintaining pressure in the well bore at a lower level than the pressure in the surrounding reservoir at the point of perforation. Before production tubing is run into the well, the casing gun is deposited in the bore below the desired production level. After the tubing is installed, borehole pressure is reduced to the desired level by swabbing the tubing and an automatic coupling and decoupling pickup tool is lowered on a wireline through the tubing and attached, mechanically and electrically, to the casing gun. The casing gun is then raised to the production level, as measured by locating the casing collars. When the gun is properly located, it is activated through an electrical cable carried along with the wireline. The casing gun perforates the well casing and surrounding formation, and is then decoupled from the wireline to be left in the well.

Abstract: A connector for one or more wires includes a casing, a cavity within the casing, an opening in the casing providing a path leading into the cavity for the insertion of a wire, a wire gripping member secured to one side of the casing within the cavity for automatically engaging a wire inserted into the cavity through the opening. The wire gripping member is normally inwardly inclined away from the cavity opening across the path of a wire being inserted through the opening, and is resiliently yieldable to swing toward and away from the opening across the path of the inserted wire. The gripping member has a free end and a secured end about which the gripping member swings. A V-shaped slot having converging sharp edge portions for cutting the insulation of an insulated wire extends inwardly from the free end of the gripping member. A narrow slot having blunt edges for gripping the bare wire forms an extension of the V-shaped slot toward the secured end of the gripping member and terminates short thereof.

Abstract: The invention comprises an assembled electrical lamp socket construction having novel integral sealing means for the tower end derived from axial installation of a split plug wedging compressively within an outer socket shell and against insulation of wiring passing therethrough to retain electrical circuit contact assemblies in the tower. The plug is inserted with interengaging tapered surfaces in the tower end of the socket shell producing snap-in fit for the circumferential compressive engagement of the plug with the shell and a second interference compressive fit for the mating surfaces of the split plug halves. Apertures for insulated electric wires are formed in the mating surfaces with circumferential protrusions that encapsulate and compressively penetrate the wire insulation to form a seal thereabout.

Abstract: A connector module for loadbreak operation having an insulating housing and a switch insert. The insert includes a container with a major portion of uniform diameter and a configuration such that the diameter does not increase from its outer end to its inner end, to permit the insert to be installed in the finished housing. Inside the container is a snuffer-contact assembly which has a bore lined with an ablative material. A bore contact having a gas port is attached to a snuffer tube of the assembly and has fixed to it a piston adapter for driving the snuffer-contact assembly toward the open end of the container tube in response to gas generated by arcing inside the bore. Resilient sliding contact means are fixed to the piston and press against the inside wall of the container tube to establish continuous electrical contact with it even while the piston is moving.

Abstract: A fused electrical connector of one-piece construction is attached to an electric cable having a conductor core and an insulation jacket. The connector has a ring-shaped contact portion at one end, a U-shaped frame portion having parallel legs attached to the contact portion and a transverse leg longitudinally spaced therefrom, and a crimp barrel projecting from the transverse leg which attaches the connector to the insulation jacket of the electric cable. The connector further includes a cantilevered fuse tongue integrally attached to the contact portion and projecting into the space defined by the U-shaped frame portion. The fuse tongue has a crimp barrel at its free end attaching the fuse tongue to the conductor core of the electric cable.

Abstract: The tube socket is especially adapted for use with a longitudinal extending cathode ray tube of the type having one or more high voltage pins and a plurality of relatively low voltage pins. The socket provides structure for spark gap grounding of the high voltage pin or pins, with or without spark gap grounding of the low voltage pins, the latter spark gap protection being essentially conventional. The structure is inexpensive and easy to mold and assemble as compared with prior art socket structures performing the same or equivalent functions.

Abstract: In certain applications, such as solderless cable connectors, a set screw is used to provide the connection between two or more current conductors. The set screw should be tightened to no more than a predetermined tightening torque. This is automatically accomplished by providing a section along the length of the set screw that is weakened to a predetermined extent, which causes the screw to break at the section upon attainment of the predetermined tightening torque. Both portions of the separated screw include means for being engaged for tightening or loosening the screw.

Abstract: The "eye-piece" for a non-Gallilean afocal infra-red telescope comprises a front element which is meniscus with a convex back surface of greater radius of curvature than its concave front surface but which has a thickness such that it is of positive power, and a back element of positive power with a convex front surface and a convex or concave back surface. Such an "eye-piece" can be used in combination with a variety of objective lens systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a "warm light reflector", which reflects infrared radiation and absorbs visible light. More specifically, a reflecting layer of, for example, gold carries a double layer of PbS, which is constructed of one smooth layer and of one fine-flocked layer of agglomerates.The disclosed warm light reflector finds particular application in infrared measurement technology, preferably in a passive infrared alarm generator.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a scanning device which scans an object having a flat reflection surface and an inclined reflection surface with an inclination relative to the flat reflection surface such as, for example, a mask and a wafer to be used in manufacturing IC, LSI, etc., with light beam, and detects only the reflected light from the inclined reflection surface with a light detector. In order to make it possible to detect only the reflected light from the inclined reflection surface with the light detector, a telecentric lens is used as the scanning lens in this scanning device, and the original point of deflection of the above-mentioned light beam coincides with the center of the pupil of this telecentric lens. In addition, a filter is disposed on the pupil surface to intercept light from the flat reflection surface.

Abstract: A lens system is disclosed herein having a pair of telescoping tubes coaxially related to each other so that their central axes are coextensive. A selected one of the tubes carries a collimating lens while the other tube carries a reticle and a diffusing glass. A locking set screw fixes the pair of tubes in an optically correct relationship to each other. A mounting flange is threadably attached to the end of the lens tube opposite to its end in telescoping or sliding relationship with the reticle tube so that the lens unit may be detachable carried on a selected camera lens or camera.

Abstract: An electro-optical light wave modulator is a waveguide constituted by a thin electro-optic material layer on which conductive clads are deposited and supported by a substrate. The refractive index of the thin layer is larger than that of air and that of the substrate material, so that vertical guiding is inherently ensured.The conductive clads form a divergent arrangement which opens towards a light input. At the device inlet, the distance between the conductive clads is large enough for guiding one or several light wave modes. At the device outlet, the corresponding distance is too small for guiding any mode when no difference of voltage is applied to the clads. When the voltage difference between the two clads reaches a certain value, the resulting electric field enable the device outlet to guide one or several modes, depending on such a voltage value. By varying the voltage difference, it is possible to modulate light which is outgoing from the device outlet.

Abstract: A laser-to-fiber coupler is constructed by an optical waveguide arranged between a semiconductor laser and a transmitting optical fiber through which an optical beam emanating from the laser is transmitted in order to reduce the amount of a reflection beam from the optical fiber, which is injected into the active layer of the semiconductor laser.The waveguide is made by an optical fiber of which at least one of core radius or numerical aperture (N.A.) is smaller than those of the transmitting optical fiber.

Abstract: A portable device for coupling optical fibers consisting of an insulative block so designed as to allow a number of optical fibers to come together, a piezoelectric generating means secured to the block and connected to the piezoelectric generator so that optical fibers will be brought together at a point between the electrodes. Electricity generated causes an arc across the electrodes which generates sufficient heat to join the optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical cable is constructed using a core of high tensile strength steel wires around which is disposed a radial system of chambers in the form of a helix retaining the optical conductors so that they are movable radially thereby protecting the optical conductors from tensile, compression and flexural stresses.

Abstract: An optical cable comprises an extruded elongate body of rubber or plastics material having at least one bore extending lengthwise in the body, and, embedded in the extruded elongate body and arranged side-by-side with the bore or bores, at least one separate elongate reinforcing member, at least one substantially flat flexible support member, e.g. a flexible tape or a pair of overlying flexible tapes, is housed loosely in the bore or in at least one of the bores and, viewed in transverse cross section, the tape or at least one of the tapes is corrugated so that it has a plurality of troughs extending along its length, at least two optical bundles or optical fibers are secured in at least two of the troughs.

Abstract: A laser for the production and radiation of monochromatic light to a first polarizer arranged in the beam path of a resonator of the laser and operative to pass one of two light beam components linearly polarized perpendicularly to one another and to deflect the other linearly polarized component out of the resonator onto a photodetector for detecting that reflected part of the radiated light. A second polarizer is arranged in the direction of radiation of the light beam, behind a decoupling mirror of the resonator, and is operative to convert linearly-polarized light into circularly-polarized light. Adjacent the second polarizer in the direction of radiation is a collimator consisting of an optical system for widening the transmission beam to a remote reflector and narrowing the reflected beam received from the remote reflector back into the second polarizer and the resonator from which it is deviated onto the photodetector.

Abstract: A lens barrel containing at least first and second movable lens groups and an operating member for shifting the movable lens groups along the optical axis includes a helicoid cylinder interposed between a first movable lens frame which supports the first movable lens group, and a fixed cylinder or a member whose movement relative to the fixed cylinder along the optical axis is prevented, whereby a shock externally imparted to the first movable lens frame is transmitted through the helicoid cylinder only to the fixed cylinder.

Abstract: The method consists in forming a first insulating plate coated with an electrode, in depositing at the periphery of the plate a wall formed of a first material which is chemically inert with respect to the film and fusible at a first temperature, in passing through the wall a filler tube of a second material having a higher melting point than the wall, in forming a second transparent insulating plate coated with a semitransparent electrode, in sealing the tube in the wall and the first and second plates on the wall by heating the cell elements to a temperature at least equal to the first temperature and lower than the melting point of the second material, then in allowing the cell elements to cool.

Abstract: A layer of a solid state compound including at least one compound selected from the group of fluorine and lead which compound prominently changes its light absorption factor when an electric field is applied thereto, thereby becoming black during the application of the electric field. Therefore, the solid state compound layer provided with at least an electrode on one face thereof can be used as a display device or a recorder.

Abstract: An electrochromic display device comprising a first electrode composed of a substrate and a patterned conductive film formed thereon, an electrochromic material layer formed to cover the entire surface of the conductive film, a counter electrode disposed a predetermined distance apart from the first electrode, and an electrolyte disposed between these two electrodes.

Abstract: A soft contact lens provided with a front surface whose cross section describes the curve whose equation, in polar coordinates, is .rho.=R+kR(1-cos .theta.)/(1+cos .theta.) where R is the radius of curvature of a spherical lens of power equal at least approximately to the most hyperopic (or least myopic) power meridian of the ametropia plus about one-half of any presbyopic addition required by the patient, and k is a constant of eccentricity which may vary with the hydrophilic properties of the lens material and is determined for each material such that the visual acuity for distance and near vision is 20/20 or better with the aforesaid R value. The value of k lies within the range 0.005 to 0.1.

Abstract: When used for projecting or editing motion picture film the optical rectification apparatus produces a stationary image of a frame of a moving film and a succession of superimposed stationary images from successive frames of the moving film. The apparatus employs an optically transmissive hollow cylindrical prism having a cylindrical external surface and an internal surface consisting of a number of facets. Light from the moving film is passed outwardly through the wall of the rotating prism and through a stationary plano-concave cylindrical lens positioned with its concave surface adjacent the external surface of the prism, but spaced slightly from it. The prism is connected to the same shaft as the film sprocket wheel resulting in an isotransport system in which the prism rotates in synchronism with movement of the film to deviate the light through an angle sufficient at each instant to compensate for the angular deviation of the light caused by movement of the film.

Abstract: A film strip feed shuttle mechanism in which a film engaging claw is supported laterally of an elongated, transversely arcuate body member adapted to be driven by a single compound cam for both longitudinal reciprocation and oscillatory rotation on an axis established by bearing blocks in radially opposite quadrants at opposite ends of the body. The shuttle is supported by tension springs retaining the body member against the bearing blocks and compound driving cam.

Abstract: A slide projector is juxtaposed with a slide magazine in a housing. One of the projector and magazine is movably mounted so that each slide may be aligned with where it may be loaded into the projector and unloaded back into the magazine. At the loading station a pair of pivotable, opposed toggles operated by an eccentric device frictionally rollingly grip and release two opposite edges of the slide with reversibly driven rollers. In a disclosed elaboration, a plurality of slide magazines are disposed on a spider, which may be rotated to bring any selected magazine into juxtaposition with the projector. In the elaborated version shown, the slide projector is laterally movably mounted for temporary retraction during indexing of the spider.

Abstract: A camera comprises an exposure meter having a pointer deflected to a position dependent upon the brightness level of an object to be photographed, a scanning mechanism actuated by a camera release to scan the position of the deflected pointer with the scanning result being introduced to a lens aperture mechanism, an automatic focus adjusting device actuated by the camera release to control the focusing of an objective lens in accordance with a photoelectrically sensed distance from the camera to the object, and a control mechanism. Since the photoelectric elements in measuring the object distance have a relatively long time lag, the control mechanism functions upon actuation of the camera release to defer the actuation of the scanning mechanism and the autofocusing device, pending completion of the detection of the object distance. In this manner, an exposure setting accurately corresponding to the prevailing lighting conditions is obtained.

Abstract: A photographic camera for use in conjunction with a flash device is provided with a warning apparatus which provides a warning signal when a selected shutter speed is beyond a shutter speed range synchronizable with the light emission from the flash device. The warning apparatus comprises a circuit for providing a signal indicating that the selected shutter speed is faster than a limit shutter speed, beyond which the shutter cannot be synchronized with the flash. A charge detection circuit detects the completion of charging of the flash device. A warning indication that the selected shutter speed is faster than the limit shutter speed is provided only upon completion of charging of the flash device, thereby conserving battery power.

Abstract: A photographic camera of the type having distinct ambient and flash exposure modes of operation is provided with a low power consuming, low scene brightness detecting and indicating apparatus by which a visual signal is displayed in the camera's viewfinder to alert the camera user of the presence of a low scene brightness condition requiring that the camera be used in its flash exposure mode of operation with an artificial light source to illuminate the scene.

Abstract: A miniature camera probe including an elongate housing; a fiber optic faceplate proximate a first end of the elongate housing; an aperture in the housing at one face of the fiber optic faceplate; a film holder in the housing at the other face of the fiber optic faceplate; a shutter in the elongate housing for controlling illumination of the faceplate through the aperture; a fiber optic light source extending in the elongate housing from the face of the fiber optic faceplate proximate the aperture to the other end of the elongate housing; and a shutter actuating device extending from the shutter to the other end of the elongate housing.

Abstract: A camera wherein a front housing which contains a photographing optical system, an exposure device, etc. is connected by a foldable connecting device such as a bellows or the like to a rear housing which contains a photosensitive material to be exposed to light, a view finder optical system, etc. During photographing, the foldable connecting device is stretched to adjust the distance between the front and rear housings to a distance suitable for photographing. When the camera is not in use, the connecting device is contracted to being the front and rear housings very close to each other. An electrical wiring arrangement of a flexible material is either provided on the surface of the bellows or formed together with the bellows as an integral part of the bellows when it is formed in such a way as to be stretchable and contractable together with the bellows, the wiring service to electrically connect the components disposed in the front housing to those disposed in the rear housing.