Light Seal Patents (Class 396/513)
  • Patent number: 10301864
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a refrigerator includes a housing, a door rotatably installed at the housing using a hinge, and a door driving system to open or close the housing using the door. The door driving system includes a motor to output power to open or close the door, a sun gear linked with the motor, a planetary gear linked with the sun gear, and provided to be rotated about an axis thereof and to revolve, an internal gear linked with the planetary gear and configured to transfer power generated by the motor to the hinge, and a carrier configured to be rotated linked with the planetary gear and selectively support the planetary gear to be rotated about the axis thereof. When the planetary gear is rotated about the axis thereof, the power of the motor is transferred to the internal gear and thus the door is automatically opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshio Yasaka, Kentaro Kan
  • Patent number: 7949383
    Abstract: An imaging box assembly is provided for capturing an image of a sample. The imaging box assembly includes a body having an interior cavity for receiving the sample, and having a front portion defining an opening into the cavity. The body further includes a view port enabling viewing of the sample contained in the interior cavity. A door is mounted to the body that is movable between an opened condition, enabling access to the interior cavity through the cavity opening, and a closed condition, positioning a door rear portion substantially adjacent the body front portion to prevent access through the cavity opening. The box assembly further includes a moveable stage disposed in the cavity interior that supports the sample. The moveable stage is adapted to selectively position the sample at a selected one of a plurality of positions relative to the view hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Xenogen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Cable, Michael Bo Nelson, Bradley W. Rice, David N Sprague
  • Patent number: 7471335
    Abstract: An imaging unit to be inserted into a camera body from a predetermined direction, thus to constitute a digital camera in combination with the camera body, is provided. The imaging unit is provided with an image pickup unit including an imaging device that obtains an object image, an imaging device driver that drives the imaging device, an image processor that processes an output signal of the imaging device; a casing for accommodating the image pickup unit, the imaging device driver and the image processor, and a lid attached to the casing so as to slide between a closed position where the lid covers a receiving surface of the image pickup unit, and an open position where the lid does not cover the receiving surface of the image pickup unit. In this structure, the lid is moved to the open position by a force exerted for inserting the imaging unit into the camera body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeo Enomoto
  • Patent number: 7251415
    Abstract: A method of loading a film assembly comprising a first film container (13) which may be a conventional film cassette and an additional film container (15, 102, 202, 302, 402, 502) having a length of film wound in one of the containers and extending to the other, comprises the steps of: (a) providing a coiled length of film which may be a bulk roll (52) and attaching a free end to a film winding tool (34); (b) rotating the film winding tool (34) to wind the film into a coil about the tool (34); (c) before or after step (b), enclosing the coil in the additional film container (15, 102, 202, 302, 402, 502) so that the film extends through a film slot thereof, and removing the film winding tool (34). The invention also resides in a film container for use in the method, and in an assembly so formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Foster Assets Corporation
    Inventor: Yet Chan
  • Patent number: 6901279
    Abstract: An improved imaging apparatus is disclosed that allows a user to perform numerous imaging operations. The imaging apparatus may include one or more improvements to imaging box design to improve illumination control within the imaging box, such as improved door seal arrangements, improved door closing mechanisms, and improved light seals. The present invention may also include one or more improvements to imaging apparatus design to facilitate image capture, such as: an automated filter select device, a moveable stage, automated focus control, f-stop adjustment and stage height, and improved internal illumination for capturing photographic images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Xenogen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Cable, Michael Bo Nelson, Bradley W. Rice, Christopher A. Rasco, David N Sprague, David G. Nilson, Rick Dalgetty
  • Patent number: 6863454
    Abstract: A combination of a camera body with a lens, shutter and shutter operating control with an attachable, removeable film cartridge having an unexposed film spool region and an exposed film spool region and a bridging portion between those regions. An opening in the cartridge permits light from the lens to pass through the opening to the film at the bridging portion. A door closes the opening of the cartridge and the door is openable with the cartridge installed in or attached to the camera body. Cooperating elements on the camera body and the cartridge open the door or close the door with the door being openable when the cartridge is fully engaged with the camera body. There is a detented connection of the film cartridge in the camera body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ginfax Development Limited
    Inventor: Ching Miao Wilson Wang
  • Patent number: 6814505
    Abstract: An image recording material magazine is provided that has a constitution such that a roll-form image recording material rotatably provided within a casing is drawn out through a slot provided along its whole length in the longitudinal direction with a resilient plate having a force pressing it so as to close the slot and with a cloth member abutting against the plate, the plate being fixed to a support part, which is provided within the magazine in the vicinity of the slot, at an angle that allows a force pressing the material in its thickness direction to be generated when the material is drawn out. The plate is formed from a polyolefin based resin plastic sheet having a water absorption of 0.01 wt % or less, has its surface embossed, and has its tip portion formed with a curved surface so that the embossed surface abuts against the image recording material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Hara, Makoto Kawamura
  • Patent number: 6785467
    Abstract: Provided is a film package assembly to be used within a camera such that conventional winding and rewinding components are eliminated. Provided is a film package assembly which includes a new light-tight film canister device, a roll of film and a film take-up cartridge. The film package assembly being designed so as to be loadable within a camera in non-darkroom or lighted conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: West Bend Film Co.
    Inventors: Terry D. White, Kevin M. Gerrits
  • Patent number: 6773173
    Abstract: A camera comprises a camera body with a lens and shutter operating control and film cartridge removable from the camera body having an unexposed film spool region and an exposed film spool region and a bridging portion between those regions. An opening in the cartridge permits light from the lens to pass through the opening to the film at the bridging portion. A door closes the opening of the cartridge and the door is openable with the cartridge installed in or attached to the camera body. Cooperating elements on the camera body and the cartridge open the door or close the door with the door being openable when the cartridge is fully engaged with the camera body. There is a detented connection of the film cartridge in the camera body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Ginfax Development Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching Miao Wilson Wang
  • Patent number: 6763184
    Abstract: A film assembly comprises a pair of film containers (13, 15) with a length of film extending therebetween with a major part of the film wound in one of the containers, with a backing sheet (17) of flexible material secured to each container to extend therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Foster Assets Corporation
    Inventor: Yet Chan
  • Publication number: 20040131350
    Abstract: A camera comprises a camera body with a lens and shutter operating control and film cartridge removable from the camera body having an unexposed film spool region and an exposed film spool region and a bridging portion between those regions. An opening in the cartridge permits light from the lens to pass through the opening to the film at the bridging portion. A door closes the opening of the cartridge and the door is openable with the cartridge installed in or attached to the camera body. Cooperating elements on the ca amera body and the cartridge open the door or close the door with the door being openable when the cartridge is fully engaged with the camera body. There is a detented connection of the film cartridge in the camera body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Ching Miao Wilson Wang
  • Patent number: 6751407
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing film into a detachable film cassette assembly including a film clip adapted to receive a film cartridge, a winding housing attached to the film clip, and first and second film covers. The method includes coupling the film cartridge to the film clip, inserting the film clip into the first film cover, inserting the second film cover over the film clip, and engaging the first and second film covers to at least partially enclose the film clip between the winding housing and the film cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Hi-Lite Camera Company Limited
    Inventors: Ivan W. K. Shum, Roland Walter Kohl
  • Patent number: 6736555
    Abstract: A cartridge shell includes a film take-up unit for containing a cassette shell with a rotatable spool and a film supply unit for containing a roll of photo filmstrip one end of which is secured to the spool. Inside the film supply unit, light shielding members are provided in order to prevent an unexposed photo film roll from being exposed. Each of the film take-up unit and the film supply unit has a bridge, and the both bridges are movably fitted into each other. When the photo film cartridge is not used, both of the bridges are completely overlapped each other so that the cartridge shell becomes small in size for convenience of portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Takatori
  • Patent number: 6659381
    Abstract: A light-shielding cloth to be fitted to a photographic film cartridge at its slit through which a film is draw out, which does not produce defects in photographic images, particularly defects in enlarged photographic images, is prepared by subjecting a cloth to raising treatment and has fiber wastes remaining on its surface cloth in a of 30 pieces per 1 cm2 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Tsurumaki, Akio Imai
  • Patent number: 6652166
    Abstract: A photographic film cartridge includes a light-shielding cloth. The light-shielding cloth is subjected to napping with a coarse napping machine and then napping with a fine napping machine. The napping machines have napper rollers including a pile roller and a counter roller. The rotational speed of the pile roller of the fine napping machine is higher than that of the pile roller of the coarse napping machine, and the rotational speed of the counter roller of the coarse napping machine is higher than that of the counter roller of the fine napping machine. The napping is carried out so that the cloth thickness obtained by the fine napping machine is less than the cloth thickness obtained by the coarse napping machine. A further napping is carried out using the fine napping machine so that the cloth thickness is greater than that obtained by the coarse napping machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Kawasaki, Kazunori Mizuno
  • Patent number: 6645691
    Abstract: Disclosed is a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material in the shape of a light-shielded light-sensitive material roll, which has a characteristic curve drawn in orthogonal coordinates of logarithm of light exposure (x-axis) and optical density (y-axis) using equal unit lengths for the both axes, on which gamma is 5.0 or more for the optical density range of 0.3-3.0. There is provided a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material in the shape of a light-shielded light-sensitive material roll suffering from little influence on photographic properties after long term storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shoji Yasuda
  • Publication number: 20030192973
    Abstract: There is provided a light-shielding cloth that includes a base fabric and an adhesive provided as a coating on the reverse side of the base fabric, the adhesive containing carbon black. There is also provided a light-shielding container for a light-sensitive material, the container having a slit-shaped opening through which the light-sensitive material is inserted into and taken out of the container, and the light-shielding cloth being bonded to the opening. There is also provided a recording material container that uses an adhesive containing a hydrogenated tackifying resin as a tackifying resin component. There is also provided a cloth that includes a base fabric and an adhesive provided as a coating on the reverse side of the base fabric, the adhesive containing a hydrogenated tackifying resin as a tackifying resin component, and a light-shielding container for a light-sensitive material, the container having a slit-shaped opening to which this cloth is bonded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicants: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD., ARON EVER-GRIP LTD., SEIREN Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoru Turumaki, Masazumi Tomoda, Toshihiro Kondou, Yuichi Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20030099474
    Abstract: A cartridge shell includes a film take-up unit for containing a cassette shell with a rotatable spool and a film supply unit for containing a roll of photo filmstrip one end of which is secured to the spool. Inside the film supply unit, light shielding members are provided in order to prevent an unexposed photo film roll from being exposed. Each of the film take-up unit and the film supply unit has a bridge, and the both bridges are movably fitted into each other. When the photo film cartridge is not used, both of the bridges are completely overlapped each other so that the cartridge shell becomes small in size for convenience of portability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Takatori
  • Patent number: 6535696
    Abstract: A method of pre-exposing photographic film with latent images comprises the steps of: providing a film container (18) having a housing defining a film slot therein and a film-winding tool (46) opening; providing a roll of unexposed film; securing a leading end of the film to a film-winding tool (46) arranged on the opposite side of an exposure opening from said roll of unexposed film and enclosing the film leading end and winding tool end (46) in the container (18) with the tool extending from the film-winding tool opening; enclosing the film container and roll of film in a light-tight enclosure (12, 14); sequentially exposing the film to a series of images directed onto the film, and advancing the film by rotating the film-winding tool (46) between each exposure; withdrawing the film-winding tool (46) from the container (18) and closing said opening therein; and opening the enclosure and removing the film container (18) having the pre-exposed film loaded therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Yet Chan
  • Patent number: 6533474
    Abstract: A method of cutting fibrous material having a semi-rigid base and a fibrous pile in which the fibers in the immediate vicinity of the cut are removed prior to the cut being made. The fibers are removed by the application of heat at a temperature hot enough to vaporize the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Malcolm P. Hart, Michael J. Lewis, Robert D. Green
  • Patent number: 6529687
    Abstract: An APS single use camera has a cover with an aperture that provides access to the film sensor and the light lock door driver via a tool adapted to be received into the aperture. The tool is used to open the light lock door and push the film sensor out of the film path so as to enable film from the APS film cassette to be scrolled into the film path. The structure permits pre-loading of film outside of a darkroom, and such a method is disclosed. The camera also employs a brake that prevents the film sensor from sensing for the presence or absence of film except during a brief sensing interval that occurs during a film advance operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Concord Camera Corp.
    Inventor: Yeung Chi Ping
  • Patent number: 6529690
    Abstract: A camera uses a film cartridge having a light-shielding door for opening/closing a film inlet and outlet opening. A cartridge chamber accommodates the film cartridge. A cartridge chamber lid is provided at the opening of the cartridge chamber. A first driving mechanism drives the cartridge chamber lid. A second driving mechanism drives the light-shielding door. A control section controls the second driving mechanism to maintain the light-shielding door in an opened state when it is not possible to take out the film cartridge from the cartridge chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Miyazaki, Yasuo Tambara
  • Patent number: 6481904
    Abstract: A light-shielding packaging for a roll of continuous photosensitive web includes a tubular core having on each end a light-shielding flange disc; and a roll of a continuous photosensitive web wound on the core, which has a diameter identical to a diameter of the flange disc. The photosensitive web has at its leading end a light-shielding leader sheet which has a length larger than circumferential length of the flange disc and a width larger than a width of the photosensitive web, whereby each side portion of the leader sheet extends beyond the periphery of the flange disc to reach the outer surface of the flange disc. An adapter of rigid resin is provided which includes a hollow cylinder member having at its one end a flange member and which is attached to the core by inserting the cylinder member into the tubular core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masafumi Fukugawa, Norihiro Kadota, Masahiro Enomoto
  • Patent number: 6466745
    Abstract: An apparatus using a film cartridge having an IC memory unit. The IC memory unit is arranged beneath a side of a cartridge shell of the film cartridge, and a positioning hole is formed on the side of the cartridge shell. In order to read/write information from/to the IC memory unit, an arm of a contact unit is rotated towards the cartridge shell, so that a positioning pin provided at the arm end engages the positioning hole to position the cartridge shell, and contact pins provided at the arm end are brought into contact with terminals of the IC memory unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 6450709
    Abstract: In a film back adapted to be interchangeably mounted on a camera body, a light-shielding curtain member is installed to cover an aperture. The curtain member is moved by an operating member between first and second positions. At the first position, the aperture is fully covered by the curtain member, while at the second position, the aperture is uncovered. When the film back is mounted on the camera body, a safety lock member prevents detachment of the film back from the camera body in case the curtain member is at the second position, i.e., in case the aperture is uncovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hisashi Tatamiya
  • Patent number: 6447176
    Abstract: Provided is a film package assembly to be used within a camera such that conventional winding and rewinding components are eliminated. Provided is a film package assembly which includes a new light-tight film canister device, a roll of film and a film take-up cartridge. The film package assembly being designed so as to be loadable within a camera in non-darkroom or lighted conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: West Bend Film Company, LLC
    Inventors: Terry D. White, Kevin M. Gerrits
  • Patent number: 6427050
    Abstract: A photograph film container (2, 102, 202) has a housing (4, 104, 204) defining an elongate film slot through which, in use, the film may extend, and an aperture (13, 15; 113, 115; 213, 215) for insertion of a film-winding tool (42), the aperture (13, 15; 113, 115; 213, 215) being closed by a resiliently biased movable shutter plate (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Yet Chan
  • Patent number: 6417913
    Abstract: A digital camera loaded with a removable memory card storing image files and a print order file, in a wireless mode, sends the files to a computer via a handy phone set, and prepares a directory information file in which the files are virtually positioned in a preselected layer, so that the directory structure of the memory card can be reconstructed. The camera then accesses the handy phone set to send the files to the computer. The computer reconstructs the original directory structure and file names based on the directory information file and then prints out the image data of the image files in accordance with the print order file. The computer produces prints in the same manner as when directly reading the image data from the memory card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6402396
    Abstract: A film back exchangeable camera has a camera body and a film back that can be attached to and detached from the camera body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masakatsu Hori
  • Patent number: 6331082
    Abstract: The camera of this invention preferably includes a combined film advance/rewind mechanism for advancing film from a film cassette to a film path and to a film spool and for rewinding film into the cassette after the film has been exposed within the film path. The combined film advance mechanism preferably thrusts film from the film cassette in order to begin the loading process and then pulls the film to wind it around the film spool after the film has been thrusted to the film spool. Preferably, the combined film advance/rewind mechanism is manually operated and can be operated either to advance film or rewind film. Further the combined film advance/rewind mechanism preferably has an interlock that prevents thrusting of the film when the combined film advance/rewind mechanism is in a rewind position and rewinding film the combined film advance/rewind mechanism is in an advance position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Concord Camera Corp.
    Inventor: Wilfried Bittner
  • Patent number: 6299089
    Abstract: A light tight cartridge for a roll of web material (32) comprises a can (40), which contains the roll of web material (32). A first protrusion (52) on the can (40) rotatably supports the roll of web material (32). A cover (42) fits over the can (40) in a light tight fashion. A second protrusion (52) rotatably supports the roll of web material (32). In one embodiment, light blocking material is provided at a slot (44) in the can (40) and at a cover extension (48) to prevent light leaks into the cartridge (30). In another embodiment of the invention, the cover (42) is ultrasonically welded to the can (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Corby, Thomas D. Jensen, John A. Kappler
  • Publication number: 20010024575
    Abstract: A light-shielding packaging for a roll of continuous photosensitive web is composed of a tubular core having on each end a light-shielding flange disc; a roll of a continuous photosensitive web wound on the core, which has a diameter identical to a diameter of the flange disc [the photosensitive web has at its leading end a light-shielding leader sheet which has a length larger than circumferential length of the flange disc and a width larger than a width of the photosensitive web, whereby each side portion of the leader sheet extends beyond the periphery of the flange disc to reach the outer surface of the flange disc]; and an adapter of rigid resin which is composed of a hollow cylinder member having at its one end a flange member and which is attached to the core by inserting the cylinder member into the tubular core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: Masafumi Fukugawa, Norihiro Kadota, Masahiro Enomoto
  • Patent number: 6280103
    Abstract: The camera of this invention includes a parking mechanism that ensures a visual exposure indicator of an APS film cassette is in the parked position prior to removing the film cassette from the camera. The camera may include a rotatable wheel that rotates in order to move the film between a film cassette compartment, a film exposing area and a film spool. In a preferred embodiment, the parking mechanism includes a pin that engages the rotatable wheel after the film has been rewound into the film cassette and the wheel has been rotated sufficient distance to ensure that the visual exposure indicator moves to the parked position. When the pin engages the rotatable wheel, the pin prevents further rotation of the rotatable wheel. This indicates to the camera user that the visual exposure indicator is in the park position. The wheel may include a cam slot into which the pin travels as the film is being rewound into the film cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Concord Camera Corp.
    Inventors: Arthur Zawodny, Wilfried Bittner, Franco Yik Kai Chung
  • Patent number: 6210048
    Abstract: A camera has at least one motor, a spindle gear (i.e. a gear having a spindle) for rewinding and thrusting a film, a cam that rotates together with the spindle gear when the spindle gear is rotated in a film-rewinding direction and that remains at rest when the spindle gear is rotated in a film-thrusting direction, a direction-limiting mechanism for permitting the spindle gear to rotate in the film-rewinding direction only when the motor is rotating in a forward direction, and a transmission mechanism that comes into contact with the cam when the motor is rotating in a reverse direction and that, when the cam is in one of predetermined rotation positions, engages with and thereby transmits a driving force of the motor to a corresponding one of driven members provided one for each of the predetermined rotation positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Tanaka, Junichi Tanii, Ikushi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6192201
    Abstract: An apparatus using a film cartridge having an IC memory unit. The IC memory unit is arranged beneath a side of a cartridge shell of the film cartridge, and a positioning hole is formed on the side of the cartridge shell. In order to read/write information from/to the IC memory unit, an arm of a contact unit is rotated towards the cartridge shell, so that a positioning pin provided at the arm end engages the positioning hole to position the cartridge shell, and contact pins provided at the arm end are brought into contact with terminals of the IC memory unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 6141506
    Abstract: A camera or an apparatus adapted to use a film cartridge, or a unit applicable to the camera or the apparatus, includes a first member for opening a cover of a loading chamber provided for loading the camera or the apparatus with the film cartridge, a second member arranged to output a signal for causing the first member to act by an operation performed from outside, and a third member arranged to cause the first member to act by an operation performed from outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazushige Ichino
  • Patent number: 6139203
    Abstract: The invention refers to a device (30) for opening and closing a film cartridge closure (311) of a film cartridge (31), with which opening and closing of the film cartridge closure can be made possible independently of active drive or power transfer elements, such as a motor and linkage. According to the present invention, this is achieved in that a stationary film cartridge holder has a shaft, for opening and closing the film cartridge closure (311), which is mounted so as to displace through a displacement travel (L) in the axial direction; and means (4, 5) are provided with which the shaft (1) is positively guided in such a way that a displacement through the displacement travel (L) results in a rotation of the shaft through 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Bernd Philipps
  • Patent number: 6085037
    Abstract: An APS camera having various mechanical features that simplify film pre-loading, especially in single use APS cameras, is disclosed. The disclosed camera employs the film advance mechanism to open and close the APS film cassette's light lock door, and also employs a film sensor to disable the film advance mechanism from operating the light lock door when film is present in a film path of the camera. Camera size is kept to a minimum by a feature that defines a battery compartment within a film spool of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Concord Camera Corp.
    Inventors: Arthur Zawodny, Bill Yung Wai Lam, Eli Shoer, Franco Yik Kai Chung
  • Patent number: 6074107
    Abstract: A camera system has a film cartridge provided with a first shaft around which an unexposed film is wound, a second shaft for taking up an exposed film and a movable third shaft which causes a portion of the film which has been sent out from the first shaft to be folded back in a U-turn way so that the portion of the film is allowed to be taken up around the second shaft, and a camera capable of being loaded with the film cartridge and provided with a moving mechanism for moving, when the film cartridge has been loaded, the third shaft of the film cartridge so as to make an exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daisuke Sahori, Takayuki Tsuboi
  • Patent number: 6049679
    Abstract: A camera includes an closure having a frame with a pair of opposed tracks. The frame defines a passage for the cartridge and placements for open and closed active light lock states. The closure has a door with a pair of opposed margins in slideable engagement with the tracks. The door is slideable along the tracks from a closed position, to a locking position, and then to an open position. The closure has a driver having an active light lock key. The driver is movable relative to the frame from a first position in which the key is in a placement for the open state and a second position wherein the key is in a placement for the closed state. The sliding of the door from the closed position to the locking position moves the driver from the first position to the second position. Sliding of the door from the locking position to the open position retains the driver in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Anthony DiRisio
  • Patent number: 6035127
    Abstract: The single-use camera has a main body in which is housed the film cartridge and around which a cover member is formed. On the main body of the camera is a closure and a spring which are used to close the light-shield cover in the film gate of the cartridge when the cover is opened to remove the film cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsufumi Takaba, Masami Fujita, Shuri Mizoguchi, Masaru Yamazaki, Osamu Shibazaki, Hitoshi Ohkubo
  • Patent number: 6012857
    Abstract: A camera comprising a chamber for a film cassette having a film spool inside the cassette that is windingly rotated to progressively wind an exposed filmstrip into the cassette and a light lock that is to be closed after the exposed filmstrip is completely wound into the cassette, a rotatable film winder for windingly rotating the film spool, a film sensor urged against the exposed filmstrip before the exposed filmstrip is completely wound into the cassette to sense the presence of the exposed filmstrip, and a closing mechanism movable to close the light lock when the exposed filmstrip is completely wound into the cassette, is characterized in that the film winder has an urging component that urges the film sensor against the exposed filmstrip only when the film winder is rotated, whereby the film sensor is not urged against the exposed filmstrip when the film winder is stationary. Thus, the film sensor will not distort the filmstrip during exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jude A. Sangregory, Anthony DiRisio, Thomas E. Dussinger
  • Patent number: 6011924
    Abstract: A camera comprising a chamber for a film cassette having a film spool inside the cassette that is windingly rotated to progressively wind an exposed filmstrip into the cassette and a light lock that is to be closed after the exposed filmstrip is completely wound into the cassette, a rotatable film winder for windingly rotating the film spool, and a closing mechanism operated to close the light lock, is characterized in that the film winder has a single, distinct, dual-function part configured on the film winder to engage the film spool in order to windingly rotate the film spool and to engage the closing mechanism to operate the closing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jude A. Sangregory, Anthony DiRisio
  • Patent number: 5988893
    Abstract: A camera having a camera housing (1, 2), a film cassette chamber (38) arranged in the camera housing for receiving a film cassette (25) for strip-like, photosensitive film (26), a film opening (31) of the film cassette (25) being closable in a lightproof manner by a sealing member (33), which can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position, furthermore a drive device displaceably arranged in the camera housing for adjusting the sealing member (33) of the film cassette (25) inserted in the film cassette chamber (38) from the open position into the closed position, a film transportation device and a locking device arranged in the camera housing for locking the film transportation device when the sealing member (33) of the film cassette (25) is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: AGFA Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rolf Schroder, Paul Kopf
  • Patent number: 5971311
    Abstract: A photo film cassette contains photo film wound in a roll form, and includes a passage port which has first and second walls between which the photo film is passed. The light-trapping fabric includes a base fabric having first and second surfaces. Pile threads are disposed to protrude from the first surface of the base fabric, for preventing ambient light from entry into the photo film cassette between the first and second walls. In the course of manufacturing the photo film cassette, before attaching the light-trapping fabric, the pile threads are previously bent in a position thereof. The light-trapping fabric is pressed against the first or second wall with a pressing roller, for attaching the second surface to the passage port. An extent of bending the pile threads is enlarged by the pressing roller during the attachment to impart a V-shape to the pile threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignees: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., Seiren Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Fujii, Masazumj Tomoda
  • Patent number: 5966554
    Abstract: An apparatus adapted to a film cartridge provided with an opening-and-closing cover comprises an operating portion which operates the opening-and-closing cover of the film cartridge by rotating, a driving portion which rotates the operating portion, and an elastic portion which is disposed at the driving portion and urges the operating portion selectively in a direction in which the driving portion rotates the operating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shosuke Haraguchi
  • Patent number: 5963747
    Abstract: The invention relates to a photographic recording or reproducing device, preferably a camera, with a transportation device for the frame-by-frame transportation of a film along a film transportation path and with a film measuring device with an engagement member rotatable about an axis for engaging in perforation holes of a peripheral perforation of the film, the film transportation device being locked when the film reaches a position during its transportation which is provided for the recording or reproduction of an image, and the engagement member comprising an advancing engagement element in relation to its rotational movement and a trailing support element and being adjustable transversely to the film transportation path as a function of the abutment of the support element upon a surface extending parallel to the film transportation path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: AGFA Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rolf Schroder, Claus Steiner
  • Patent number: 5923905
    Abstract: A camera for use with a film cartridge having a spool rotatable in a film winding direction to wind an exposed filmstrip into the cartridge and a light lock movable to be closed after the exposed filmstrip has been wound into the cartridge, comprising a film winder rotatable in engagement with the spool in the film winding direction to rotate the spool in the same direction, and a closing actuator rotatable in engagement with the light lock to close the light lock and including a film sensor for sensing the presence and absence of the exposed filmstrip to determine whether the exposed filmstrip has been wound into the cartridge, is characterized in that the film winder and the closing actuator are mutually coupled when the film sensor senses the presence of the exposed filmstrip, to prevent the film sensor substantially from applying any pressure against the exposed filmstrip, and when the film sensor senses the absence of the exposed filmstrip, to rotate the closing actuator to close the light lock when the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Solomon
  • Patent number: 5908131
    Abstract: A locking device for use in a processing device for processing photosensitive material such as photographic film has a light-shield cover that can be unlocked without moving a knob plate. The knob plate has an engaging member for locking the light-shield cover. An unlocking mechanism is provided to unlock the light-shield cover without moving the knob plate. The unlocking mechanism has a pushing head, and an unlocking lever having a tip engageable with the engaging member and adapted to be pushed by the pushing head. By moving the unlocking lever with the pushing head until its tip disengages from the engaging member, the engaging member can pass through a cutout, so that the light-shield cover can be unlocked and opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Takuji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5907734
    Abstract: A film door restraint and camera used with a film door having a tappet movable between latched and unlatched positions, a film cartridge having a filmstrip and an active light lock movable between open and closed states, and a cartridge spool driver movable in first and second directions of rotation to rotate a spool of said cartridge. The film door restraint has a toggle, a rotational member, and a follower. The toggle is coupled to the active light lock and is capable of tripping between an open position, in which the active light lock is open, and a closed position, in which the active light lock is closed. The toggle is tripped by the tappet when the toggle is in the open position and the tappet is moved from the latched position to the unlatched position. The rotational member is joined to the spool driver for rotation with the spool driver. The rotational member defines primary and secondary guideways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Stanchus, Anthony DiRisio, Robert L. Kuhn, Jr., Michael L. Wirt