Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/02/16
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]United States patent 4,037,238 (the '238 Patent) by Ludwig Leitz and Walter Mandler, assigned to Ernst Leitz G.m.b.H., filed 9/5/1975, claiming priority from German patent DE2445289, filed 9/21/1974. This is an improvement patent on a type of point and shoot camera using "Instamatic" type film cartridges, yet having a zoom lens that is internal to the camera. Prior cameras of this type required attaching external lenses to achieve different focal lengths. This invention achieves internal focusing, so that the external dimensions of the camera do not change, and allows continuous variation of focal length. Also disclosed and claimed is a method for focusing the camera. In other words, this is for a Leica zoom Instamatic camera. I wonder what it would have cost! What else would you like to know? By the way, 1952 US Patent number 2,618,201 is far more interesting. That is an invention by August Brohl and Ludwig Leitz of an improvement to the bayonet mount, used subsequently for the M camera, wherein the invention is the addition of alignment indicators on the body and the lens. In other words, this is a patent on the red dots on the lens and body to help align the bayonet lugs. As disclosed, the bayonet mount itself was known and thus already in the public domain by 1951. Could this be the legendary M mount patent? If so, then I have no idea why someone did not make a competing bayonet lens for the M cameras until 1999. If someone could point me to any other M mount patents I would be grateful. >>> David Almy <dalmy@mindspring.com> 2/16/2000 4:49:05 AM >>> Robert, So, for free, tell us what it says! I got the same headache Martin did and, as usual, still didn't have a clue. Thanks, David W. Almy Annapolis - -------------------------- Robert Rose wrote: > > Hey, I read this stuff for a living. It is written this way so that we can charge lots of money to the uninitiated. > > Seriously, once you get the hang of it, it does make some sense. > > Bob > > >>> Martin Howard <howard.390@osu.edu> 2/12/2000 10:58:14 PM >>> > peter zimmerman jotted down the following: > > > > But patent # 4,037,238 is very interesting, particularly when you > > see the names of the inventors! > > > > On a web site with readable content, on a web page thereof describing > aforementioned patent, means on said web site for searching said contents, > the impression of: > > a. a manner of writing said patent text, said manner defining an > excruciatingly annoying reading experience, said experience leading to > incomprehension thereof said patent test; and > > b. said incomprehension accompanied by headache. > > M. > > -- > Martin Howard | > Visiting Scholar, CSEL, OSU | What boots up must come down. > email: howard.390@osu.edu | > www: http://mvhoward.i.am/ +--------------------------------------- > > _____________________________________________________________ > If you haven't already, visit Andrew Nemeth's excellent website http://nemeng.com/leica/ where he maintains several areas of interest to subscribers of this list. If you can, give him some input for his FAQ. > > _____________________________________________________________ > Who will win the Oscars? Spout off on our Entertainment list! > http://www.topica.com/lists/showbiztalk > > _____________________________________________________________ > If you haven't already, visit Andrew Nemeth's excellent website http://nemeng.com/leica/ where he maintains several areas of interest to subscribers of this list. If you can, give him some input for his FAQ. > > _____________________________________________________________ > Who will win the Oscars? Spout off on our Entertainment list! > http://www.topica.com/lists/showbiztalk _____________________________________________________________ If you haven't already, visit Andrew Nemeth's excellent website http://nemeng.com/leica/ where he maintains several areas of interest to subscribers of this list. If you can, give him some input for his FAQ. _____________________________________________________________ Who will win the Oscars? Spout off on our Entertainment list! http://www.topica.com/lists/showbiztalk