Abstract:
A digital camera for wild game animals includes a camera having automatic flash, focus, aperture and shutter speed and film advance functions. The camera is mounted within a camera housing adapted for outdoor installation and protection from adverse weather conditions. An electronic control circuit mounted within the camera housing is operably connected to the camera and includes a memory device and a microprocessor for storing and performing a set of programmable functions. The camera is activated by a passive infrared sensor detecting body heat of the animal or group of animals. An electromechanical device mounted within the camera housing selectively inserts an optical lens filter, such as day optical filter and a night optical filter, into an optical path of the camera in accordance with light intensity and/or a signal from a user or timer.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/701,353, filed Feb. 5, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,243,380, issued Aug. 14, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to a game camera having an electromechanical device for switching an optical lens filter, and more particularly to a game camera having an electromechanical device for selectively inserting the optical lens filter into an optical path of the camera. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Surveillance cameras for photographing game animals and other wildlife have become popular as the technology of such cameras has improved. These advanced cameras utilize a relatively inexpensive fully automatic camera which provides automatic focus, flash, aperture and shutter speed and film advance functions. Such cameras are mounted along trails, salt licks, feeders and in other areas known to be frequented by game animals and other wildlife. By using these cameras, wildlife agencies may identify species within the area of study and determine the density and health of the population. Wildlife agencies are not the only purchasers of game cameras and they are also popular with sportsmen hunters who use game cameras to identify trophy animals within the study area. Especially popular with deer hunters, a hunter may use several game cameras to determine the location and routines of large bucks. The surveillance camera is mounted along a trail or watering hole and is left for several days or several weeks until the person returns and unloads the film for processing. 
         [0006]    These cameras are designed to take a photograph upon sensing an animal within a preselected target area. Sensors for some cameras include photoelectric eyes which sense an interruption in a light beam between emitters and reflectors. Other types of sensors used are infrared sensors which sense the body heat of an animal. The sensitivity of an infrared receiver may be selected so as to trigger the game camera shutter release only upon receiving an infrared intensity above a given threshold, such as a level associated with a large game animal such as a trophy deer instead of the local skunk passing through. Moreover, the game camera is left out in the field during daylight and nighttime conditions and necessitates day/night enable capabilities. 
         [0007]    It is therefore desirable to provide a game camera having an electromechanical device for selective and/or automated switching an optical lens filter for day/night operations. 
         [0008]    It is further desirable to provide a game camera having an electromechanical device for selective switching between at least one optical lens filter, such as between a day and night optical lens filter, between a first position and a second position in order to selectively insert the optical lens filter into an optical path of the camera. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In general, in a first aspect, the claimed invention relates to a digital game scouting camera for taking an image of an animal or group of animals. The camera is enclosed in a camera housing, and an electronic control circuit is mounted within the camera housing and operably connected to the camera. The camera housing may be constructed as a main body and a removable cover, each being weatherproof and from an impact resistant plastic. The camera also includes various system resources, such as a memory device and a microprocessor for storing and performing a set of programmable functions. In addition, the camera may include a passive infrared sensor that detects body heat of the animal or group of animals to be photographed. An electromechanical device is also enclosed within the camera housing for selectively inserting an optical lens filter, such as day optical filter and a night optical filter, into an optical path of the camera in accordance with light intensity and/or a signal from a user or timer. 
         [0010]    The electromechanical device includes an optical lens filter, a primary magnet and a support element having a secondary magnet. The support element is pivotally secured to the electromechanical device about a pivot axis, and utilizing the magnetic fields generated by the electromechanical device, the primary magnet opposes the secondary magnet to pivot the support element about the pivot axis to selectively insert the optical lens filter into the optical path of the camera. The primary magnet may be an electromagnet, and the secondary magnet may be a permanent magnet. The electromagnet can be constructed from an electromagnetically inductive coil wound around a bobbin, with the bobbin having an axial channel with an armature disposed therein. The axial channel of the bobbin may be aligned substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis of the support element. Further, the armature may be formed by a pair of pole pieces constructed of a ferromagnetic metal or a ferromagnetic compound directing the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet towards the permanent magnet. 
         [0011]    The support element of the electromechanical device may be constructed as a body having opposing trunnions. The trunnions are axially spaced and coaxially aligned along the pivot axis and can be rotatably engaged with a device housing enclosing the electromechanical device. The permanent magnet can be retained within an internal cavity of the body, intermediate of the opposing trunnions. Additionally, the pivot axis may be generally aligned intermediate of the magnetic poles of the permanent magnet. 
         [0012]    The electromechanical device can be enclosed within a device housing having a housing coverplate. The device housing and the housing coverplate can each include an optical path aperture axially aligned along the optical path of the camera. The device housing can be constructed as a two-part device housing having a first housing part and a second housing part. The support element can be further constructed to include a cantilevered filter arm engaged with the optical lens filter. The optical filter can be slidably disposed and secured within a pocket of the filter arm or can be secured between at least one tab and a shoulder of an outer periphery of the filter arm. Alternatively, the optical lens filter can be disposed and secured within a filter bracket that is slidably mounted within the device housing. The filter bracket is engaged with the filter arm for selectively moving the optical lens filter. Additionally, the support element can include a limiting arm projecting in a direction opposing the filter arm. The limiting arm can be disposed intermediate of upturned arms of a generally U-shaped stopping element to limit the movement of the support element. Alternatively, a pair of stopping elements could be disposed at opposing sides of the device housing for engaging the filter arm. 
         [0013]    In general, in a second aspect, the claimed invention relates to an electromechanical device for selectively inserting an optical lens filter into an optical path of a digital camera. The electromechanical device includes a device housing having a housing coverplate removably attached, each of which may include an optical path aperture. In addition, the electromechanical device includes an electromagnet constructed from an electromagnetically inductive coil wound around a bobbin. The bobbin has an axial channel with a generally U-shaped armature disposed therein. The electromechanical device further includes a support element having a body and a cantilevered filter arm. The body has a magnet and opposing trunnions axially spaced and coaxially aligned along an axis. The electromechanical device further includes at least one optical lens filter. The opposing magnetic fields generated in the electromechanical device by the electromagnet and the magnet pivot the support element about the axis to selectively move the optical lens filter. 
         [0014]    Moreover, the axial channel of the bobbin may be aligned substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis. The generally U-shaped armature can be constructed from a pair of pole pieces, which direct the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet towards the magnet, which can be a permanent magnet. The opposing trunnions of the support element may be rotatably engaged with the device housing and the housing coverplate. In addition, the electromechanical device can include at least one stopping element disposed within the device housing for limiting the movement of the support element. The support element could also have a limiting arm projecting in a direction opposing the cantilevered filter arm, with the limiting arm engaged with the stopping element. The optical lens filter can be retained by the filter arm along an outer periphery having at least one tab and a shoulder or a pocket into which said optical lens filter is slidably disposed and secured. The optical lens filter may alternatively be retained by a filter bracket that is engaged with the filter arm. The filter bracket includes an optical path aperture and a generally arcuate channel having a shaft of the filter arm disposed therein. The filter bracket may be slidably engaged with the device housing for selectively moving the optical lens filter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example of a game camera in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the game camera having an electromechanical device for switching an optical lens filter disclosed herein; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an example of an electromechanical device secured to the game camera shown in  FIG. 1  with the cover removed; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an example of an electromechanical device for switching an optical lens filter in a camera in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the game camera having an electromechanical device for switching an optical lens filter disclosed herein; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a partial exploded view of the electromechanical device shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the electromechanical device shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the electromechanical device shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view along line  7 - 7  of the electromechanical device shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the electromechanical device of  FIG. 6  with the housing coverplate removed and an optical lens filter in a first position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the electromechanical device of  FIG. 8  with the optical lens filter in a second position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an example of the electromechanical device for switching an optical lens filter in a camera in accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the game camera having an electromechanical device for switching an optical lens filter disclosed herein; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a partial exploded view of the electromechanical device shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the electromechanical device shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is a top view of the electromechanical device shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view along line  14 - 14  of the electromechanical device shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  is a top view of the electromechanical device of  FIG. 13  with the housing coverplate removed and an optical lens filter in a first position; 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  is a top view of the electromechanical device of  FIG. 15  with the optical lens filter in a second position; 
           [0031]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an example of an electromechanical device for switching an optical lens filter in a camera in accordance with yet another illustrative embodiment of the game camera having an electromechanical device for switching an optical lens filter disclosed herein; 
           [0032]      FIG. 18  is a partial exploded view of the electromechanical device shown in  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 19  is an exploded view of the electromechanical device shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 20  is a top view of the electromechanical device shown in  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view along line  21 - 21  of the electromechanical device shown in  FIG. 20 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 22  is a top view of the electromechanical device of  FIG. 20  with the housing coverplate removed and an optical lens filter in a first position; 
           [0037]      FIG. 23  is a top view of the electromechanical device of  FIG. 22  with the optical lens filter in a second position; 
           [0038]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of an example of an electromechanical device for switching an optical lens filter in a camera in accordance with yet another illustrative embodiment of the game camera having an electromechanical device for switching an optical lens filter disclosed herein; 
           [0039]      FIG. 25  is a partial exploded view of the electromechanical device shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 26  is another partial exploded view of the electromechanical device shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 27  is an exploded view of the electromechanical device shown in  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 28  is a top view of the electromechanical device shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional view along line  29 - 29  of the electromechanical device shown in  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 30  is a top view of the electromechanical device of  FIG. 28  with the housing coverplate removed and an optical lens filter in a first position; and 
           [0045]      FIG. 31  is a top view of the electromechanical device of  FIG. 30  with the optical lens filter in a second position. 
       
    
    
       [0046]    Other advantages and features will be apparent from the following description, and from the claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0047]    The devices and methods discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific manners in which to make and use this invention and are not to be interpreted as limiting in scope. 
         [0048]    While the devices and methods have been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be noted that many modifications may be made in the construction and the arrangement of the structural and function details disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It is understood that the devices and methods are not limited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes of exemplification. 
         [0049]    The description of the invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of this invention. In the description, relative terms such as “front,” “rear,” “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “forwardly,” “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawings under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or the method to be operated in a particular orientation. Terms, such as “connected,” “connecting,” “attached,” “attaching,” “join” and “joining” are used interchangeably and refer to one structure or surface being secured to another structure or surface or integrally fabricated in one piece. 
         [0050]    Referring to the figures of the drawings, wherein like numerals of reference designate like elements throughout the several views, and initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a camera  100  having a camera housing  102  containing elements as hereinafter disclosed. The game camera  100  is constructed for placement along a game trail or other place where game animals or other wildlife are likely to pass. The camera housing  102  is designed and constructed to withstand the adverse weather conditions normally encountered by outdoor sportsmen and attaches to a support structure, such as by bolting to a tree, post or the like. The camera housing  102  may be constructed from an impact resistant plastic and has a main body  104  with a removable cover  106 . The main body  104  holds the components and electronics for operation of the game camera  100 . In particular, an electronic control circuit (not shown) mounted within the camera housing  102  is operably connected to the camera  100  and includes various known system resources, such as by way of example, a memory device and a microprocessor for storing and performing a set of programmable functions. The camera  100  may be activated by a passive infrared sensor that detects body heat of the animal or group of animals to be photographed. An electromechanical device  10  is also mounted within the camera housing  102  for selectively inserting an optical lens filter  34 , such as a day optical filter and a night optical filter, into an optical path  36  of the camera  100  in accordance with light intensity and/or a signal from a user or timer. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 3 through 9  exemplify an embodiment of the electromechanical device  10  for switching an optical lens filter  34  for the game camera  100 . The device  10  is at least partially enclosed in a device housing  12  having a housing coverplate  14 . The device housing  12  is secured within the camera housing  102 , such as by way of a mounting bracket  16  with screws (not shown) engaged through mounting apertures  18 . The electromechanical device  10  includes a support element  20  pivotally secured to the device housing  12 . The support element  20  include a main body  22  and a cantilevered filter arm  24  rotatably mounted within the device housing  12 . The main body  22  has an internal cavity  26  housing a magnetic field source, namely a permanent magnet  28 , and opposing trunnions  30  aligned along a pivot axis  32 . For example, the trunnions  30  may be respectively rotatably mounted to the device housing  12  and an aperture  31  in the coverplate  14 . The filter arm  24  may include or be engaged with an optical lens filter  34 . The optical lens filter  34  may be any type of known filter that is inserted into an optical path  36  of the camera  100 , such as day optical filter and a night optical filter that are selectively inserted into the optical path  36  in accordance with light intensity and/or a signal from a user or timer. 
         [0052]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 through 9 , the filter arm  24  may extend externally of the device housing  12  and overhang into the optical path  36  of the camera  100 . The filter arm  24  can include a pocket  38  into which the optical lens filter  34  may be slidably disposed and secured. The support element  20  may also include a limiting arm  40  projecting from the main body  22  in a direction opposing the filter arm  32 . The limiting arm  40  is engaged with a generally U-shaped stopping element  42 , and in particular the limiting arm  40  is positioned intermediate of the upturned arms forming the stopping element  42 . 
         [0053]    Also enclosed within the device housing  12  is an electromagnet formed by an electromagnetically inductive coil  44  (e.g., a conductive copper wire) wound around a bobbin  46 . The bobbin  46  includes an axial channel  48  in substantially perpendicular alignment with the pivot axis  32  formed by the trunnions  30  of the support element  20 , and an armature  50  is disposed with the axial channel  48  of the bobbin  46 . The armature  50  may be generally U-shaped, constructed from a pair of opposing pole pieces  52   a/b  composed of highly magnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic metal (e.g., iron) or a ferromagnetic compound (e.g., a ferrite). The pole pieces  52   a/b  are engaged within and extend out of the axial channel  48  of the bobbin  46  in order to direct the magnetic field produced by the electromagnet towards the magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet  28 . The pole pieces  52   a/b  are generally in parallel alignment along a polar orientation with the permanent magnet  28  enclosed within the support element  20 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 ,  8  and  9 , the pole piece  52   a  may also be disposed within an axial channel  54  of the stopping element  42 . In addition, a pair of substantially parallel coil pins  64  is disposed within a pair of coil pin apertures (not shown) in the bobbin  46  to complete the electromagnet. 
         [0054]    During operation when an electric current is provided to the electromechanical device  10 , a magnetic field is produced by the coil  44  causing the armature  50  to direct the magnetic field along the length of the pole pieces  52   a/b  to the poles of the permanent magnet  32  enclosed within the support element  20 . For example as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , when the electromechanical device  10  directs the electrical current to the pole piece  52   a , the polarity of the magnetic field at the pole piece  52   a  opposes the polarity of the magnetic field at one pole of the permanent magnet  28 , while the polarity of the magnetic field at the pole piece  52   b  attracts the polarity of the magnetic field at the other end of the permanent magnet  28 , causing the support element  20  to pivot about the axis  32 . 
         [0055]    When the electric current is reversed thereby reversing the polarity of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet, the polarity of the magnetic field at the pole pieces  52   a/b  can be reversed in order to move the cantilevered filter arm  24  from a first position shown in  FIG. 8  to a second position shown in  FIG. 9 . The opposing trunnions  30  of the support element  20  act as the points of rotation for the cantilevered filter arm  24  when moving between the positions illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9  enabling the optical filter  34  to be selectively inserted into the optical path  36  of the game camera  100  according to the polarity of the magnetic field generated by the electromechanical device  10 . The limiting arm  40  of the support element  20  and the stopping element  42  limits the movement of the cantilevered filter arm  24  when moving between the positions illustrated in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 . 
         [0056]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10 through 16  illustrating an alternative structural embodiment of the claimed invention, the electromechanical device  10  is enclosed within the device housing  12  using the housing coverplate  14 . The device housing  12  and the housing coverplate  14  each have an optical path aperture  54   a/b  axially aligned along the optical path  36  of the game camera  100 . The support element  20  is pivotally secured to the device housing  12  and the aperture  31  in the coverplate  14  using the opposing trunnions  30  projecting from the main body  22 . Similar to above, the main body  22  has the magnetic field source, e.g., the permanent magnet  28 , retained within the cavity  26 . The cantilevered filter arm  24  has the optical lens filter  34  that is selectively inserted into the optical path  36  of the camera  100 . As illustrated in this example, the filter arm  24  is disposed within the device housing  12  and, when moved into position, overhangs the optical lens filter  34  into the optical path apertures  54   a/b  of the device housing  12  and the coverplate  14 , into the optical path  36  of the camera  100 . The optical lens filter  34  may be removably secured to the filter arm  24  along an outer periphery  58  of the filter  34  sandwiched between tabs  60  and a shoulder  62 . 
         [0057]    Similar to the example structural embodiment discussed above, the electromechanical device  10  is constructed of the electromagnetically inductive coil  44  wound around the bobbin  46  to form the electromagnet. The generally U-shaped armature  50  is constructed about the optical path aperture  54   a  in the device housing  12  from opposing pole pieces  52   a/b . One end of each of the pole pieces  52   a/b  is disposed within the axial channel  48  of the bobbin  46 . The axial channel  48  is substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis  32  formed by the trunnions  30  of the support element  20 , and the pole pieces  52   a/b  extend out of the axial channel  48  of the bobbin  46  directing the electromagnetic field towards the permanent magnet  28  retained in the main body  22  of the support element  20 . 
         [0058]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , according to the polarity of the magnetic field generated by the electromechanical device  10  along the length of the pole pieces  52   a/b  to a pole of the permanent magnet  32  disposed within the support element  20 , the support element  20  rotates about the trunnions  30  along the pivot axis  32 , thereby moving the cantilevered filter arm  24  from the first position shown in  FIG. 15  to the second position shown in  FIG. 16 . In lieu of the projecting limiting arm  40  engaged with the generally U-shaped stopping element  42  discussed above, a pair of stopping elements  56   a/b  disposed at opposing sides of the device housing  12  limit the movement of the support element  20 . When the first position illustrated in  FIG. 15  is reached, the outer periphery  58  of the cantilevered filter arm  24  engages the stopping element  56   a  halting the rotation of the support element  20 . When the polarity of the magnetic field generated by the coil  44  of the electromagnet is reversed, the support element  20  pivots about the trunnions  30  moving the filter arm  24  into the second position illustrated in  FIG. 16  where the opposing side of the outer periphery  58  of the cantilevered filter arm  24  contacts the stopping element  56   b . In this position, the optical lens filter  34  is no longer aligned with the optical path  36  of the camera  100 . 
         [0059]    Turning now to  FIGS. 17 through 23  illustrating yet another structural embodiment, the electromechanical device  10  again utilizes electric current from the electromagnet to selectively move the optical lens filter  34  into and out of the optical path  36  of the camera  100 . The coil  44 , the bobbin  46  and the armature  50  are disposed within the device housing  12  and enclosed with the housing coverplate  14 . Similar to the structural embodiment of the electromechanical device  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 10 through 16 , the device housing  12  and the housing coverplate exemplified in  FIGS. 17 through 23  each has an optical path aperture  54   a/b  axially aligned along the optical path  36  of the game camera  100 . Trunnions  30  pivotally secure the support element  20  between the device housing  12  and the aperture  31  in the coverplate  14 . The main body  22  includes the cavity  26  retaining the magnetic field source, e.g., the permanent magnet  28 . The cantilevered filter arm  24  has the optical lens filter  34  that is selectively inserted into the optical path  36  of the camera  100 . The optical lens filter  34  is removably secured to the filter arm  24  along an outer periphery  58  of the filter  34  sandwiched between tabs  60  and a shoulder  62 . 
         [0060]    When an electric current is generated by the electromagnet, the cantilevered filter arm  24  moves from the position illustrated in  FIG. 22  to the position illustrated in  FIG. 23 . By controlling the polarity of the magnetic field generated along the pole pieces  52   a/b  directed to the permanent magnet  32 , the support element  20  selectively pivots about axis  32  moving the optical lens filter  34  into the optical path  36  of the camera  100  as shown in  FIG. 22  or to the position shown in  FIG. 23  where the optical lens filter  34  is not in the optical path  36  of the camera  100 . When the position illustrated in  FIG. 22  is reached, the outer periphery  58  of the cantilevered filter arm  24  contacts the stopping element  56   a , and when the electric current is reversed, the support element  20  pivots about the trunnions  30  moving the filter arm  24  into the position illustrated in  FIG. 23  where the opposing side of the outer periphery  58  of the cantilevered filter arm  24  contacts the stopping element  56   b  preventing further movement of the support element  20  in that direction. 
         [0061]    Turning now to  FIGS. 24 through 31  illustrating still yet another structural embodiment, the electromechanical device  10  again utilizes electric current from the electromagnet to selectively move the optical lens filter  34  into and out of the optical path  36  of the camera  100 . In this example, the coil  44 , the bobbin  46  and the armature  50  are disposed within a two-part device housing  12  having a first housing part  12   a  and a second housing part  12   b . The housing coverplate  14  is removably securable to the second housing part  12   b , and the first housing part  12   a  is removably connected to the second housing part  12   b . Further, each of the first housing part  12   a  and the second housing part  12   b  include a trunnion support  66  rotatably coupled with the trunnions  30  of the support element  20 . The first housing part  12   a  also may include a receptacle  68  with the support element  20  disposed therein. The second housing part  12   b  and the housing coverplate  14  each has an optical path aperture  54   a/b  axially aligned along the optical path  36  of the game camera  100 . In addition, the second housing part  12   b  includes an arcuate channel  70 . 
         [0062]    In this embodiment, the main body  22  includes the cavity  26  retaining the magnetic field source, e.g., the permanent magnet  28 . The cantilevered filter arm  24  includes an elongated, protruding shaft  72 , which is disposed within the arcuate channel  70  of the second housing part  12   b . The shaft  72  of the filter arm  24  is engaged with the optical lens filter  34  that is selectively inserted into the optical path  36  of the camera  100 . The optical lens filter  34  is retained by a filter bracket  74  that is slidably joined to the second housing part  12   b . As exemplified, the filter bracket  74  has an optical path aperture  76 , with the optical lens filter  34  is removably secured to along an outer periphery  58  of the filter  34  sandwiched between tabs  60 . The filter bracket  74  also includes an overturned side  75  engaged within a linear channel  78  of the second housing part  12   b , along with a shaft aperture  80  that is engaged with the shaft  72  of the filter arm  24 . 
         [0063]    When an electric current is generated by the electromagnet, the filter arm  24  rotates from the position illustrated in  FIG. 30  to the position illustrated in  FIG. 31 . By controlling the polarity of the magnetic field generated along the pole pieces  52   a/b  directed to the permanent magnet  32 , the support element  20  selectively pivots about axis  32 . When the support element  20  pivots, the shaft  72  of the filter arm  24  engages the shaft aperture  80  causing the filter bracket  74  to slide within the second housing part  12   b , thereby moving the optical lens filter  34  into the optical path  36  of the camera  100  as shown in  FIG. 30  or to the position shown in  FIG. 31  where the optical lens filter  34  is not in the optical path  36  of the camera  100 . When the position illustrated in  FIG. 30  is reached, the shaft  72  of the filter arm  24  contacts a terminal end of the arcuate channel  70 , and when the electric current is reversed, the support element  20  pivots about the trunnions  30  moving the filter arm  24  into the position illustrated in  FIG. 31  where the shaft  74  contacts the opposing terminal end of the arcuate channel  70  preventing further movement of the support element  20  in that direction. 
         [0064]    Whereas, the devices and methods have been described in relation to the drawings and claims, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention.