Automatic photographic apparatus and automatic frame dispensing machine
US5017953A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 14, 1989 |
| Grant date | May 21, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 14, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03B17/53
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A completely self contained photographic vending unit included within a weatherized containment automatically takes photographs of users in response to user inputs. The photographs are taken on a self-developing film supplied in cartridges. A film loading mechanism supplies and positions fresh cartridges into a camera body by conveying the fresh film cartridge from a storage unit to the camera location and then elevating the film cartridge into the camera through the bottom of the camera. The camera is aimed by tilting the entire camera assembly including the camera and film delivery mechanism as an integral unit. Frames or cards are selectively dispensed from one of a plurality of dispensing units through a delivery chute to be combined with the photograph to provide a personalized and customized greeting card, postcard or framed photograph. The entire vending unit operates automatically and unattended and may be used in an exterior location without an enclosing photographic booth.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.