Method of initializing a frame counter
US4755841A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 6, 1988 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03B17/36
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A frame counter in a disposable single-use camera is initialized to a preliminary setting from a random setting, rather than from a predetermined setting as in prior art counters. According to the disclosed method, an actuator is rotated in engagement with successive teeth of the frame counter during factory prewinding of an unexposed filmstrip onto a take-up spool to rotate the counter to its preliminary setting from any other setting. After the counter is initialized to the preliminary setting, the actuator continues to rotate in the same direction during continued prewinding of the filmstrip, but it is rotated substantially within a space between two of the teeth of the counter to prevent it from engaging anyone of the teeth to rotate the counter out of the preliminary setting. Thus the counter remains initialized.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.