Mechanically-powered electric generator for instant-photographic camera and other apparatus

A mechanically-powered generator for producing a pulse of electrical energy, said generator being of the recockable type and comprising the combination of;

• a permanent magnet and a pole piece that are movable relative to one another and constitute parts of a magnetic circuit,
• an armature that is movable toward and away from said pole piece and also constitutes part of said magnetic circuit, said armature being magnetically attracted to said pole piece and in magnetically captured relationship therewith when the electric generator is cocked and ready for use,
• a winding of insulated wire disposed is inductive relationship with said magnetic circuit and oriented to generate a voltage pulse in response to a change in the flux density of the magnetic circuit produced by the movement of said armature relative to said pole piece,
• means for tripping the cocked electric generator comprising means for displacing said permanent magnet and pole piece relative to one another a sufficient distance to effect a concomitant decrease in the field strength of the magnetic circuit, and
• means for controllably storing mechanical energy and, in response to the actuation and operation of said tripping means, converting the stored mechanical energy into a force that acts on said armature and is so oriented and of such magnitude that the weakened magnetic attractive force on the armature is overcome and the position of said armature relative to the pole piece is thereby rapidly shifted and causes a voltage pulse to be generated by the wire winding.