Photographic Lighting Patents (Class 362/3)
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Publication number: 20030169597Abstract: A vehicle headlamp including a reflector installed so as to be tiltable by an aiming mechanism installed in the lamp body. The aiming screw of the aiming mechanism has a rearward-extending portion that extends out of the lamp body, and a crown gear is attached to an area near the end of the rearward-extending portion so as to be spaced apart from a screw supporting wall of the lamp body that supports the middle portion of the aiming screw. An expanded-out wall that functions as a screwdriver guide for supporting a screwdriver that is used to rotate the crown gear is provided above the screw supporting wall. The end of the rearward-extending portion of the aiming screw is supported by a bracket that is installed near the screw supporting wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2003Publication date: September 11, 2003Applicant: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideki Tanaka, Masayoshi Kuroda
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Patent number: 6609803Abstract: A method and apparatus for diffusing light to photograph an object. A cover is placed over an object and surrounds the object. The cover is made of translucent material that diffuses light from outside of the cover and minimizes shadows cast by the object. A lens of a camera fits through an opening proximate a top of the cover to photograph the object.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Inventor: Cynthia Lichfield
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Patent number: 6607291Abstract: Described is a filter device for reducing the light output of a flash tube, while leaving the light output of a modeling light tube unaffected, in a dual lamp photo strobe unit. The filter device is comprised of a body that is sized to fit over a flash tube in a dual light, photo strobe unit. Critically, the body fits over the flash tube only, thereby leaving the modeling light unobstructed. It its preferred embodiment, the filter device has axial symmetry. It a most preferred embodiment, the filter device has a circularly shaped base, a tubular sidewall that extends from the base to an enclosing top section. The top section critically includes an aperture through which the modeling light will project, when the filter device is placed upon a photo strobe unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2001Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: The Christmas Light Company Inc.Inventor: Michael A. Tarabula
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Patent number: 6578969Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for cutting off intensive radiation in projectors and/or illumination devices whose projection head, which projects the light, is mounted in a receptacle or holder rotatable about an azimuth axis so as to be swivelable about an additional axis arranged vertical to the azimuth axis. It comprises a cutoff mechanism which comprises a coupling member, and light-absorbing means or cutoff means, which is fixedly connected with the receptacle and which is rotatable jointly with the latter and with the projection head about the azimuth axis, wherein the light-absorbing or cutoff means are positioned in the cutoff position in front of the light outlet opening of the projection head or of an objective or in an intermediate image plane located within the projection head. The arrangement is suitable for application particularly with projection of image contents on plane, arched, or curved projection surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Carl Zeiss Jena GmbHInventors: Hagen Hinsching, Ralf Hasse, Rolf Roeder
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Patent number: 6575582Abstract: An illumination device or a flash device of a camera includes a light source, a first optical unit and a second optical unit. The first optical unit is arranged to direct light from the light source to an object, and has a lens part disposed a middle portion of the first optical unit and having such an optical power that each of both lens surfaces thereof has a positive refractive power to cause diverging light from the light source to exit in a light-collected state, and reflective surfaces disposed on both sides of the lens part and arranged to reflect light from the light source toward the object. The second optical unit is disposed on a side nearer to the object than the first optical unit and having a plurality of lens parts. An illumination angle is varied by varying a relative interval between the first optical unit and the second optical unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshiharu Tenmyo
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Patent number: 6491405Abstract: A photographic umbrella includes a skeletal frame and both a reflective inner surface and a diffusive inner surface secured in relation to the frame. The frame defines an inner concavity or recess that opens at a mouth portion. A first cover member made from fabric or other suitable material is secured to the frame, and an inner surface of the first cover member conforms generally to the shape of the inner concavity. This inner surface of the first cover member includes a highly reflective surface. A second, translucent cover member is placed in covering relation with the reflective inner surface of the first cover member so that the second cover member at least substantially covers the reflective inner surface. Thus, the second cover member diffuses light incident thereon and the reflective inner surface reflects light that passes through the second cover member.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Inventor: John E. Shirilla
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Patent number: 6450655Abstract: An illuminating and viewing unit for illuminating the interior of a vessel with source radiation and observing the vessel interior comprises a housing including a front wall facing the vessel interior. The front wall is of a material that does not transmit the source radiation, and includes one or more illumination ports individually fused into the front wall that transmit the source radiation to the vessel interior. A detection port is also individually fused into the front wall for transmitting detectable radiation along a detection path from the vessel interior to a radiation detector mounted in the housing. The optical isolation of the illumination and detection ports in the front wall prevents unwanted internal reflection of source radiation into the detection path, and allows for independent selection of port materials and configurations, while maintaining a hermetic seal between the housing and the internal contents of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: J.M. Canty IncInventors: Gary Walck, Richard Marinelli
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Patent number: 6447132Abstract: A head up display (HUD) has multiple light sources of varying intensities for projecting a high quality image under various lighting conditions. The light sources provide illumination through an electronic display (e.g. an AMLCD) in the HUD. A high brightness light source illuminates the electronic display during bright or day light conditions. A low brightness light source illuminates the electronic display during night or low light conditions. Both light sources illuminate the electronic display during intermediate lighting conditions. A light panel conducts and diffuses light from the light sources to illuminate the rear of the electronic display. An optional light mixer reduces uneven lighting of the high brightness light source. In operation, the intensities of the light sources are controlled as a function of ambient lighting conditions to optimise the projected image quality.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Joseph E. Harter, Jr.
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Patent number: 6445885Abstract: A strobe device, including: a strobe circuit board; a connecting conductor composed of a wire member; and a strobe emitting portion which includes; a) a light emitting tube, having electrode terminals on its both ends, b) a reflector for reflecting strobe light emitted by the light emitting tube toward a photographic object and c) a transmission window for covering a front surface of the reflector and for transmitting the strobe light. In the strobe device, the connecting conductor has a contact with the light emitting tube and electricity is supplied to the light emitting tube through the connecting conductor.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Konica CorporationInventors: Hiromi Nakanishi, Ken Ishida, Kiyoaki Hazama, Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Kiyoshi Kanai
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Patent number: 6442342Abstract: A one-time-use camera comprises a filmstrip and an electronic flash with a concave-shaped flash reflector having a front open end, a flash illumination-producing flash tube inside the flash reflector, and a light-transmitting flash cover-lens over the front open end of the flash reflector. The flash reflector has film identifying indicia visible from outside the camera to identify the filmstrip, which are light-reflecting to the same extent as the flash reflector in order to reflect flash illumination produced by the flash tube in concert with the flash reflector. The flash reflector is adhered to the flash tube to prevent the flash reflector from being separated from the flash tube without breaking the flash tube, whereby removal of the film identifying indicia in effect destroys the electronic flash.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1999Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: John R. Fredlund, Joseph A. Manico, Maureen E. Churan-King, William T. Matthias
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Publication number: 20020085365Abstract: A flash unit for a camera comprises a bracket, a reflecting member, two fixed members and a flash emission tube. The bracket is disposed inside the camera, and the reflecting member is disposed inside the bracket. The fixed members are integrally formed on the bracket, and the flash emission tube is fixedly disposed inside the bracket by the fixed members. By integrally forming the fixed members on the bracket, the conventional rubber band for fixing the emission tube can be replaced. Since the number of the consisting elements of the flash unit are thereby reduced, its cost can also be reduced. In addition, assembly time can also be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2002Publication date: July 4, 2002Applicant: BENO CorporationInventors: Cheng-Hsien Lu, Jih-Yung Lu
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Publication number: 20020057565Abstract: A drying agent enclosed in an organic EL element is sealed with a shape with which particulate contamination becomes less than that of a conventional shape, while still capable of showing a moisture absorption capacity similar to that of a fine powder. A light emitting device, and an electronic device, having long life and having less particulate contamination than in a device manufactured by conventional processes, are provided by using the organic EL element. The drying agent, made from a compound capable of chemically absorbing moisture, is formed as a bulk porous body or a porous film, and is formed along with the organic EL elements within a container cut off from the atmosphere. In addition, the light emitting device and the electronic device are manufactured using the organic EL elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2001Publication date: May 16, 2002Inventor: Satoshi Seo
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Patent number: 6270228Abstract: A studio lighting system includes independently positionable light holding modules, i.e., shooting table, rear cove, and dome cove, each carrying a plurality of dimmable light sources surrounded by gel holders extending the length of each light source. Gels of any type, i.e., color, neutral density, or opaque, may be inserted within the gel holder, so that the light irradiated from the light source towards the object to be photographed or digitally captured is “blocked” or “gel colored”, as desired. A desired lighting scene characterized by position and type of the gels, and intensity levels of the light sources, is recorded into the memory and can be retrieved from there for reproducing the lighting scene in further photography processes.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1999Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Astron Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bradley D. Axen, Denis H. Crawford
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Patent number: 6259572Abstract: A photographic color effects lighting filter system made up of a series of lighting filters which are designed to be placed in front of one or more lighting sources. The lighting color effects filter series is made up of groups of filters wherein each of the filter groups is composed of a plurality of filters wherein each filter within a given group provides selective absorption of light having a color corresponding to one of the primary, secondary or intermediary colors. Each of the filters within a given group has a specific effective absorption density. The effective absorption densities are calibrated so that the selected absorption densities are the same for each of the different color groups.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1996Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Rosco Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: James E. Meyer, Jr.
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Patent number: 6238060Abstract: An illumination method and apparatus for machine-vision systems, including a ring-light source (e.g., LEDs arranged in one or more circular rows), and a reflective-ring focusing element. The illumination source exhibits multidirectional ring-illumination properties which are useful for illumination of small components (which are being inspected or measured) without unwanted shadows. One embodiment provides a dark field illumination system. One embodiment of the present invention uses a strobed (or pulsed) power supply to drive the LEDs. Yet another embodiment of the present invention uses a xenon strobe ring-light source and a backplane slit in place of the row of LEDs. In one such xenon strobe embodiment, a color filter is also placed in series with the light path in order to obtain a monochromatic light.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: PPT Vision, Inc.Inventors: Charles T. Bourn, Gary A. Lebens
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Patent number: 6240255Abstract: A strobe device, including: a reflector, having a reflection surface which reflects a strobe light forwardly; a light emitting tube, having electrodes on its ends and provided inside the reflector, for emitting the strobe light; and a transmission window portion provided in a front of the light emitting tube and through which the strobe light is transmitted; in which the reflector has openings, to mount the light emitting tube from the front of the reflector, on both side portions of the reflector; and the light emitting tube is provided inside the reflector so that the electrode portions of the light emitting tube are positioned outside the openings of the reflector.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Konica CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 6234638Abstract: Apparatus for use with a light source including a ring reflector having an rim projecting outwardly from the light source for directing light from the source in a first direction, includes, a support, and a frame connected to the support and adapted to extend over the ring reflector to support a sheet of material in a position relative to the light source to redirect a substantial portion of the light from said first direction to a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Inventor: Isaac Beverly
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Patent number: 6076935Abstract: A photographic lighting dome (10) for holding and directing a light source having a housing (11) of flexible material, the housing (11) having an inner perimeter (12) surrounding a central opening (13), and an outer perimeter (14). There are a plurality of flexible support rods (20), each support rod (20) having a connecting end (24) and a releasable end (26). A central hub (18) having a plurality of support rod attachment fixtures (42) is positioned in the central opening (13) of the housing (11), where each fixture (42) is configured for receiving the connecting end (24) of one of the plurality of support rods (20). A plurality of channels (22) are formed in the housing (11), extending from the housing central opening (13) to the outer perimeter of the housing (14), each channel (22) being shaped to receive one of the plurality of support rods (20).Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1999Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Inventor: Eugene A. Kester
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Patent number: 6024461Abstract: The present invention discloses a lamphead having a multi-positional base and removably mountable reflector flashtube assembly. The lamphead base is configured to detachably mount to a flashtube assembly such that the flashtube assembly may be interchanged with a second flashtube assembly. The flashtube assembly defines an opening and an inner chamber having a reflective surface. A flashtube is mounted within the inner chamber between the reflective surface and the opening, wherein the reflective surface extends behind the flashtube, thereby increasing the intensity of the light emitted thereby. The lamphead base may be adapted for pivotable mounting on a stand to a full vertical position without interfering with the stand.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1996Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: Norman EnterprisesInventor: William Lester Norman
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Patent number: 5999749Abstract: A light projector for camera including a light emission lamp having a filament, a lamp mounting frame which holds the light emission lamp integrally therewith as well as has a pair of support shafts projecting from opposite the sides thereof with one of the support shaft having a rectangular hole defined thereto, a reflection umbrella for reflecting the light from the filament, a light projection lens disposed so that the optical axis thereof matches the optical axis of the reflection umbrella and a casing on which the reflection umbrella and the light projection lens are mounted, wherein the lamp mounting frame is held by swingably engaging the pair of support shafts and the like with a pair of sliding grooves and the like along an optical axis direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Motoaki Kobayashi, Toshifumi Nakano, Shin Kuroda
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Patent number: 5989016Abstract: A photographic flash lamp having an envelope defining a chamber, at least a portion of the envelope being transparent. A support mesh is positioned within the chamber and has a first portion out of contact with the remainder of the lamp. Suitable combustible material to produce the flash, is adhered to the first portion of the mesh to generate a flash upon ignition. An ignitor ignites the combustible material.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Warren Green
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Patent number: 5961196Abstract: A flash device includes a micro-optic array for concentrating light from the flash lamp on a radiation-absorbing dye carrier, thereby sublimating or vaporizing the dye from the radiation-absorbing dye carrier onto a receiver element, e.g. a glass plate or the like.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1996Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Michael Edgar Long, Carl Frederick Leidig
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Patent number: 5772302Abstract: A strobe device is provided, including a light source and a reflector which reflects part of the light emitted from the light source. The reflector is provided with a reflecting surface that is shaped to form virtual images of the light source behind the reflecting surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1995Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tuyoshi Ishikawa, Shinichi Kusakawa, Yuji Ogawa
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Patent number: 5450291Abstract: A lighting system for camera comprising light irradiation means which possesses plural luminous objects arranged circularly concentric to a camera lens, and cylindrical shield parts to restrain light from outside arranged between the camera and an object to be photographed.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1992Date of Patent: September 12, 1995Assignee: Ezel Inc.Inventor: Ryohei Kumagai
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Patent number: 5230556Abstract: A unit for viewing and supplying light or radiant energy to the interior of a vessel that has a front fused glass window. The light and camera-viewing means see the interior of a vessel through this fused glass window which provides a substantially corrosion-proof seal across the entire distal portion of the unit. The light and camera-viewing means are pointed into the interior of the vessel in substantially the same direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1992Date of Patent: July 27, 1993Assignee: J. M. Canty Associates Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Canty, Jon M. Venturin, Gary K. Walck
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Patent number: 5201576Abstract: A shadowless illumination system (10) according to the present invention includes a spherical chamber (14) having a chamber entrance opening (18) and a chamber exit opening (20). The inside surface (32) of the spherical chamber is coated with highly reflective flat white paint. A clear rigid plastic cylindrical tube (22) is positioned in the spherical chamber between the chamber entrance and exit openings. A circular fluorescent ring lamp (36) is positioned inside the spherical chamber to form an annulus around the tube. The lamp and the white inside surface of the spherical chamber provide shadowless illumination for articles (30) that are dropped or otherwise projected through the tube. The articles are inspected as they pass through the tube by at least two video inspection cameras (52 and 62) that view opposite sides of the articles through respective viewing openings (44 and 48). Whenever no articles are present in the image plane of a camera, the lamp provides a saturated background for the camera.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1992Date of Patent: April 13, 1993Assignee: Simco/Ramic CorporationInventor: Henry P. Squyres
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Patent number: 5188443Abstract: A shade control arrangement comprises a shade panel having inner and outer edges with an attachment clamp or attachment clips at the inner edge and additional clips at the outer edge. The outer clips can be used to hold the edge of a gelatin sheet or a perforated sheet to stretch the sheet across a source of light to which a pair of panels is connected using the inner clips or clamp. The clamp comprises inner and outer jaws which form a pocket that can be closed with a screw, at least one of the jaws being pivotally connected between the legs of a U-shaped fork that is detachably connected to the shade panel near the inner edge thereof. A flexible shaft is detachably connected to the clamp. A similarly structured clamp can be used to capture the edge of a flexible sheet that contains a plurality of parallel bend troughs so that the sheet can be bent into a variety of shapes.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1992Date of Patent: February 23, 1993Assignee: Lowel-Light Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Ross Lowell, Apiruk Pronputhsri
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Patent number: 5162906Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for observing the interior of a hot furnace. The apparatus is equipped with a camera arranged in a case whose inner surface is cooled by means of cooling water and into whose inner space cooling air is blown, the apparatus comprising: a quartz-glass plate, a heat-ray-reflecting-glass plate, a heat-ray-absorbing-glass plate, and a heat-ray-transmitting mirror arranged in order of decreasing distance to the camera in an optical path through which a ray of light entering at the front surface of the case is led to the camera; and an illuminating lamp which is provided on the front surface of the case and whose luminance can be remote-controlled. With this construction, the temperature in the camera case can be kept at 50.degree. C. or less, and damage to the camera due to the radiation heat entering through the glass window can be avoided. With this apparatus, the interior of a hot furnace can be observed over a temperature range of room temperature to 1200.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 1989Date of Patent: November 10, 1992Assignee: Shinagawa Refractories Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eiichi Yorita, Takashi Yamamura, Shingo Nonaka, Kazuo Kawano
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Patent number: 5154503Abstract: A photographic light modifier has a frame structure moveable from a closed, substantially planar, position to an open position for attachment to a light source. A pair of pivotally mounted arms are each provided with hooks or loops of a pad member which cooperate with hooks or loops fastened to the engagement surface of the light source for engaging the light modifier thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1991Date of Patent: October 13, 1992Assignee: F. J. Westcott CompanyInventor: Daniel M. Sternsher
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Patent number: 5146251Abstract: In a camera with an electronic flash unit, an end portion of a reflector of the electronic flash unit is fixed to a camera main body, and the reflector is held by a press member and a cover which covers the camera main body.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1991Date of Patent: September 8, 1992Assignee: Konica CorporationInventors: Shizuo Ishii, Masao Yokoyama
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Patent number: 5142465Abstract: A strobe pop-up apparatus in which a strobe body is moved between a retracted position and a projection position, includes rotational levers which are pivoted at one end to the sides of a front portion of the strobe body and which are pivoted at their opposite ends to supporting members, and a cam guide mechanism having cam grooves and pins fitted in the cam grooves, between the sides of a rear portion of the strobe body and the supporting members, for guiding the movement of the strobe body between the retracted position and the projected position in accordance with the rotation of the rotational lever. The cam grooves are provided, on their terminal ends adjacent to the projected position of the strobe body, with archwise cam groove portions which extend along a circle having a center on an imaginary line parallel with the rotational levers when located in the vicinity of the projected position and having a radius that is the same as the rotational movement of the rotational lever.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1989Date of Patent: August 25, 1992Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masao Sato
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Patent number: 5023755Abstract: A support system or stand is provided for lighting components, such as light source and reflector/diffusor units, in a light system, such as the type that might be used for photography. A base assembly mounts an upright column. One or more lighting component mounting assemblies can be vertically, adjustably mounted on the column, each mounting assembly including an articulated arm for mounting a lighting component. The component mounting assemblies are adapted to permit the adjustable positioning of the lighting components in several axes of movement, and are also adapted to permit swinging and rotational movements of the lighting components.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1990Date of Patent: June 11, 1991Inventor: Rex W. Rosenberg
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Patent number: 4941070Abstract: A flash device for a camera of the kind using a miniature lamp type flash tube solves all the problems resulting from the use of the straight tube type flash tube. The disclosed arrangement of the flash device not only ensures an adequate light distributing characteristic in all the vertical and lateral directions but also permits reduction in size of an electronic flash unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1989Date of Patent: July 10, 1990Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yukio Ogawa, Kazuo Ikawa, Toru Shoji, Hideo Tamamura, Hiroki Nakayama, Takashi Matsushita
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Patent number: 4813764Abstract: A device for and method of editing a reproduction to be made by using a diazo process in which the device comprises a portable body adapted to be hand held. The body has a chamber and a port that provides access from the chamber outwardly of the body. An electric light source is disposed in the chamber of the body to provide light through the port with the electric light source having sufficient illumination to expose a light sensitive diazo compound. Electrical power provides power to the electric light source such that light from the electric light source in the body is directed through the port onto the light sensitive diazo compound of any undesired portion of the reproduction prior to developing the reproduction.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1987Date of Patent: March 21, 1989Inventor: Tedd E. Morris
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Patent number: 4811923Abstract: A mount for photographic lighting equipment. The mount includes a mounting bracket and a support ring having a first axis that extends perpendicular to any given diameter of the ring. The support ring is carried by the mounting bracket, and the lighting equipment is connected to the support ring in such a way that not only is the lighting equipment rotatable relative to the mounting bracket about a second axis that extends essentially perpendicular to the first axis, but is also rotatable about the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1987Date of Patent: March 14, 1989Assignee: Bron Elektronik AGInventor: Walter Haberthur
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Patent number: 4787012Abstract: A method and apparatus for illuminating the suject being photographed by a camera by generating infrared light from an infrared light source and illuminating the subject with the infrared light. The source of infrared light is preferably mounted in or on the camera to shine on the face of a person being photographed.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1987Date of Patent: November 22, 1988Assignee: Tandy CorporationInventor: Joel C. Guskin
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Patent number: 4782428Abstract: A collapsible fluorescent tube fixture comprises a frame having a pair of spaced apart tube end supports each carrying a row of sockets, each socket being for receiving electrodes of one end of a fluorescent tube, and a scissors assembly connected between the supports for permitting the supports to move together into a storage position and to accommodate various length tubes and apart into a use position. Fluorescent tubes can be engaged between the sockets of the two supports with the supports in their use position. A boom has one end connected to the scissors assembly and an opposite end which carries an electrical ballast. The ballast is electrically connected to the sockets and may serve not only to electrically ballast the fluorescent tube but also to mechanically balance the weight of the frame. A pivot clamp connected intermediate the ends of the boom can be used to mount the boom on a tripod or other support structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1987Date of Patent: November 1, 1988Inventors: Ross Lowell, Edward Calamai, Stephen Doll, Dale Marks, Apiruk Pronputhsri, Marvin Seligman
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Patent number: 4777566Abstract: A camera light arrangement includes a light having a rectangular housing and a cylindrical crown connected to the housing. An opening connects the interior of the housing to the interior of the crown. A light bulb support is held in the housing for supporting a light bulb through the opening. The crown comprises a plurality of coaxial rings which define at least one annular slot therebetween. An octogonal accessory frame is removably engaged to the slot and carries accessories, such as opposite pairs of barn door assemblies each comprising a pair of polygonal barn doors. Two of the barn doors are in the form of elongated rectangles which are each pivotably mounted at a single point and the remaining two of the barn doors are substantially triangular in shape and are pivotably mounted at separate locations to the frame. This permits the formation of rectangular openings and slot-shaped openings for light emanating from the crown.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1987Date of Patent: October 11, 1988Assignee: Lowel-Light Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Ross Lowell, Edward Calamai, Richard Regan, Marvin Seligman
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Patent number: 4771302Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1986Date of Patent: September 13, 1988Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hisashi Hamada, Katsuhiko Yamamoto, Takeshi Yoshino, Masayoshi Hirai, Shiro Hashimoto, Michihiro Shiina, Shigenori Goto
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Patent number: 4760509Abstract: An electric light having a housing enclosed on the top and back end by a pivotable cover. The cover is hinged at the back upper corner of the housing sidewalls. A bulb and socket assembly is secured to a flange extending from the cover interior. The flange conducts heat from the bulb and socket assembly to the cover for dissipation into the atmosphere. When the cover is lifted by rotation about the hinge connection, the assembly will rotate with the cover and be readily accessible for repair or bulb replacement. For additional cooling, the cover back end is spaced from the housing to permit a flow of cooling air past the bulb and socket assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1987Date of Patent: July 26, 1988Assignee: Cool Lux Lighting Industries, Inc.Inventor: George N. Panagiotou
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Patent number: 4755912Abstract: A scanning light source system for projecting onto each area of a complete painting or other planar subject a beam of light and for moving said beam vertically and horizontally. The vertical movements comprise a succession of sweeps across the painting for the purpose of consecutively illuminating each part of the painting sufficiently strongly so that the whole may be photographically reproduced more satisfactorily than has been possible heretofore, i.e. through the use in combination of Kodak #6121 duplicating film or another gamma 1.0 film, polarizing filters, and a lens aperture of f22 or smaller. The horizontal movements position the light source for each vertical sweep. Said system enables a beam of light to be projected onto each part of the entire surface of the subject painting an angle of greater than 40.degree. and less than 80.degree., thereby enabling brush-stroke and texture detail of a painting to be accurately rendered in a photographic reproduction.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1987Date of Patent: July 5, 1988Assignee: Gamma One Conversions, Inc.Inventor: Edwin C. Evans
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Patent number: 4710005Abstract: A flash or strobe light support for a camera having a pair of members connected together to form a handle, a lower bracket for connecting the handle to the base of the camera, and an upper bracket for supporting the strobe light on the upper end of the handle.One of the handle members has a tubular end with a slot. The end of the other handle member is received in the tubular end and is connected by a pivot member to the tubular member so as to be movable to a position at right angles of the tubular member by being pivoted into the slot and locked in position by the pivot member. The strobe light can thus be moved from an upper position above the camera to a position at right angles, depending upon the position the user wants to locate the light with respect to the subject being photographed.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1986Date of Patent: December 1, 1987Inventor: Robert E. Bennett
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Patent number: 4692844Abstract: An electric lamp unit for projecting light to subjects which are being photographed features a housing having an elongated chamber with a lens at one end and a shielded vent at the other end. In the chamber is a carriage on which is mounted a socket for the light bulb and a reflector. The carriage travels in the chamber on parallel rails, one of which is adjustable by a knob outside the housing at the rear to change the location of the carriage. An upper half section of the housing is hinged as a cover section to the lower stationary section for ready access to the chamber. Abundant vent openings are provided, some of which are coincident with adjoining edges of the cover and the stationary sections.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1985Date of Patent: September 8, 1987Assignee: LTM Corporation of AmericaInventor: Jean Galerne
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Patent number: 4690637Abstract: A miniaturized multilamp photoflash array includes a printed circuit board with a common circuit extending along one edge and a plurality of contact pads along an opposite edge and a plurality of flashlamps mounted in a direction normal to the edges of the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1986Date of Patent: September 1, 1987Assignee: GTE Products CorporationInventor: Boyd G. Brower
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Patent number: 4675791Abstract: An improved strobe lamp holder is formed of a member with a semi-circular appearing, trough-like, reflective curved inner surface in the direction of the axis of the member. Covering the light emitting opening of the lamp is a light diffusing material. Covering the open ends of the trough-like curved surface is a light confining material. The holder is adapted for placement of a strobe bulb inside the trough-like curved surface, diffusive material and light confining ends is a strobe bulb. The improved strobe lamp holder is adapted to emit light rays in a predominantly rectangular pattern with the length of the rectangle oriented perpendicular to the axis of the reflecting curved surface. The improved strobe lamp holder is designed for use in centrifuge measurement of liquid production into or out of mineral cores.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1985Date of Patent: June 23, 1987Assignee: Atlantic Richfield CompanyInventor: Melvin G. Montgomery
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Patent number: 4666276Abstract: An hot shoe attachment for fitting a flash gun or the like to the hot shoe of a camera has a flanged body for fitting to the hot shoe with a locking ring screw threaded thereto for clamping it in place. Electrical contact means on the body on the attachment are resiliently urged towards and against the hot shoe when the attachment is fitted. As the locking ring is unscrewed to release the attachment, the contact means are simultaneously withdrawn from the hot shoe to avoid damage by contact therewith as the flash gun or the like is removed. Only when the locking ring is again screwed to its clamping position do the contact means again project from the body. The contact means are normally mounted in a bushing which itself has flanges engaged by the locking ring at least as the locking ring is unscrewed. Resilient urging means may be applied to the contact means, the bushing or both.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1985Date of Patent: May 19, 1987Assignee: Achiever Industries LimitedInventor: Jimmy Chan
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Patent number: 4648697Abstract: An adaptor for tripods which can be used for close up photography, low angle photography, and for supporting cameras or lights. The adaptor has first and second sliders movably clamped on a leg of a tripod. A handle is pivotably mounted to the first slider and pivots between a first position bridging the first and second sliders and a second position extending outwardly from the tripod leg. A threaded screw on the free end of the handle opposite the pivoted end can secure the free end of the handle to the second slider when the handle is in the first position. The threaded screw permits mounting of cameras or accessories when the handle is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1985Date of Patent: March 10, 1987Inventor: Michio Kawazoe
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Patent number: 4603953Abstract: In a flash device having the body part thereof arranged to be turnable relative to a fixed or stationary part which includes a mounting part for mounting the flash device on a camera so that the body part can be uplifted when the flash device is to be used and can be bent down toward the lens barrel of the camera for improved portability when the flash device is not in use, an operation member is disposed on the fixed part in such a position as to be covered by the body part when the body part is shifted to a usable position or to an unusable position thereof so that water, etc. can be prevented from entering the inside of the flash device via the operation member while the flash device is used or not used in the rain.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1984Date of Patent: August 5, 1986Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Isao Watanabe
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Patent number: 4555747Abstract: A photoflash apparatus is disclosed in which a flash unit is selectively connected to adapter units through a coupling mechanism which includes a coupling pin in a mounting structure of one unit engaged by a slide plate in a mounting structure of the other unit. The mounting structures are resiliently stressed and interengaged in a manner such as to obtain a highly reliable and tight connection. The coupling mechanism is operable by a door of a battery compartment, or alternatively through outside actuating members, and the mechanism may be locked and unlocked as desired.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1981Date of Patent: November 26, 1985Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha SunpakInventor: Yuzo Tsuruta
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Patent number: 4554621Abstract: Cube-shaped, ventilated, individual light modules housing a lamp or bulb having different predetermined characteristics are interchangeably mounted on an expandable clip surrounding an electrical socket, by sliding the module down on the clip and simultaneously establishing electrical contact between the bulb in the module and a power source and switch. The front of the module is faced with safety glass to protect the bulb and subject, and a space is provided between the module and protective safety glass which can be fitted with one or more, swing-away, wide angle adapter, diffuser, or dichroic lenses.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1984Date of Patent: November 19, 1985Assignee: Anton/Bauer, Inc.Inventor: John J. Corrigan