Micro Bellows

 

Micro Bellows

for folding cameras

Micro-Bellows-01-anim-550w

      In 1978 Kodak had a line of cameras that required an even number of mirrors (0, 2, etc.),  Steve Hines, in the Kodak Research Laboratories, proposed a folding camera with a 2-mirror support, covered with a heavily textured black rubber membrane to lay flat against the back when closed, and to expand around the open mirror support when open. 

Micro-Bellows-02-500w

      Above is a highly enlarged drawing of the rubber covering with a peak-to-peak spacing of 2-3mm.  The surface had undulations in every direction so that it could expand equally in all directions.  There is a similar stretchy material in the clothing industry, called “popcorn fabric”.


 

      This is the subject of U.S. Patent 4,279,492 assigned to Eastman Kodak.  This is an example of engineering that companies might expect on a contract consulting basis.  Please contact Steve Hines at:

 

HinesLab 

USA
ph. 818-507-5812

email: [email protected]