Abstract: A photographic camera is provided with a display including organic electroluminescent material energizable in patterns representing camera information. The patterns are defined by electrically isolated illumination elements that are controlled to emit light by selectively applying a voltage to the elements forming the desired pattern. The material may be chosen to emit light in different colors representing levels of concern associated with camera conditions. Certain features provide a display having an in-line array of alpha-numeric character generators comprising a matrix of closely spaced illumination elements and a control for energizing selected combinations of the elements to emit light collectively defining alpha-numeric characters. Display brightness can be adjusted by changing the applied power as a function of the ambient light conditions to enhance viewability of the display.

Abstract: A cartridge (1) for a processing chemical (3), such as a photographic developer or the like, comprises a main body (2) having an outlet (4, 5, 6, 7) by way of which the chemical may be introduced into and removed from the main body. The outlet is adapted for connection to a processing apparatus (8, 9, 10) to permit the chemical to be transferred between the apparatus and the cartridge. The main body of the cartridge incorporates a tube (6), one end of which is located externally of the main body. The tube extends through the interior of the main body so that its other end is disposed adjacent a region of the main body which is opposite that part of the main body where the outlet is formed. The cartridge is designed to be mounted on a processing apparatus with its outlet directed downwardly so that the tube stands substantially vertically. The processing chemical may be pumped out of the cartridge and back into the cartridge via the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for actuating and testing a camera (426) of a type including a shutter trigger button (438) and externally accessible features (476, 508, 526, 530) for moving film within the camera. The apparatus may include a support frame (12); a nest (74) supported by the frame, the nest having a base (410) and walls (420, 422, 424) for guiding a camera into position on the base; a device (664-668) associated with the nest for depressing the trigger button to actuate and test a shutter mechanism of a camera; and camera drive mechanism (584-604) associated with the nest for engaging and operating the device for moving to drive exposed film from the exposed film chamber to the unexposed film chamber and then drive exposed film from the unexposed film chamber along the film guide track and out of the camera.

Abstract: Apparatus (90) is disclosed for opening a camera of a type including a front cover part (12) and a back cover part (14), each of the front cover part and the back cover part having a top wall (34, 42) and a bottom wall (36, 44) and first and second opposite end walls (38, 40; 46, 48); and a plurality of cooperating fastener pairs extending between the cover parts. There may be a first cooperating fastener pair (54, 60) extending between the top walls; a second cooperating fastener pair (56, 62) extending between the bottom walls; a third cooperating fastener pair (72, 74, 75) extending between the first end walls; and a fourth cooperating fastener pair (72, 74, 76) extending between the second end walls.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading optical code on a moving web of photographic film includes a first frame (84); a pair of parallel tracks (132, 134) supported by the fast frame; a pair of carriage members (138, 140) mounted for movement along the tracks; a pair of oppositely facing edge guides (148, 156, 158) each supported by one of the carriage members, each edge guide including a serpentine contact surface (160) with a central portion (162) for engaging an edge surface of a moving web; and a mechanism (106-120) for moving the carriage members back and forth along the tracks; and a pair of flexures (122, 124) for resiliently engaging the mechanism for moving with the carriage members, to resiliently load the edges of the web.

Abstract: A method and device for counting and characterizing defects on a photographic support includes inspecting the support with an optical density measuring device. The defects present on the support are then detected, counted and then characterized.

Abstract: To determine the orientation of a set of recorded images, the recorded images are scanned. The scanning operation obtains information regarding at least one scene characteristic distributed asymmetrically in the separate recorded images. Probability estimates of orientation of each of the recorded images for which at least one scene characteristic is obtained are determined as a function of asymmetry in distribution of the scene characteristic. Probability of orientation for the set of recorded images is determined from the probability estimates of orientation of each of the recorded images in the set.

Abstract: A camera uses an organic thin film of electroluminescent material to expose photographic film, in predetermined positions outside scene frames, to patches of light in three complementary colors, either additive or subtractive. According to one feature, the patches are exposed in predetermined locations interspersed with film perforations or located in a known relationship with the exposed frames, permitting a printer to establish the orientation of film relative to the camera during the exposure. The patches also confirm that a picture was taken.

Abstract: A lenticular print (13) having image bundles (19), and method and apparatus for aligning and centering image bundles (19) in the print (13) under lenticules in a lenticular overlay (11). On the print are provided one or more two-dimensional fiducial indicia (17) containing one or more angular or linear alignment elements (18, 29, 45) disposed at about two lenticules widths apart.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for loading a photographic camera (426) of a type including an external housing (428, 478) having a movable closure (484) giving access to a film guide track (566) within the camera; an externally accessible device (476, 508, 526, 530) for moving film within the camera; a counterwheel (500), operatively connected to the means for moving, for counting a number of frames exposed during use of the camera, the counterwheel having a feature (676, 676a, 676b, 676c) optically detectable when illuminated; and a window (501) in the housing for external viewing of the feature.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus (e.g. camera) includes a laser emitter which emits a beam of laser radiation towards a scene to be recorded. A movement detector detects when the image recording apparatus is being moved at or above a predetermined magnitude such that blurred images may be recorded. A controller controls an output level of laser radiation from the laser emitter. The controller enables the laser emitter to emit laser radiation when the movement detector detects movement of the image recording apparatus at or above the predetermined magnitude and disables the laser emitter from emitting laser radiation when the movement detector detects movement of the image recording apparatus below the predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A photographic camera (426) is disclosed which may include an external housing (428, 478) having a movable closure (484) giving access to a film guide track (566) within the camera, the guide track extending between an unexposed film chamber (562) and an exposed film chamber (564), a rotatable sprocket (530) for driving film along the guide track, and a driven gear (508) operatively connected to rotate the sprocket. The camera is characterized by a coupling (476) accessible externally of the housing and operatively connected to the driven gear, the driven gear and the coupling being mounted for axial movement in the housing; an anti-backup gear (514) mounted for rotation and axial movement with the driven gear; and a device (516-525) for preventing reverse rotation of the driven gear in a first axial position of the coupling and for allowing rotation of the driven gear in either direction in a second axial position of the coupling.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally attaching includes a thermally conductive support body (36; 86) with an edge surface (38; 88), a heater cartridge (42), a pneumatically expandable elastomeric element (44-54; 92-102), pinch plates (64, 66; 112, 114) for holding the elastomeric element in place; and passages (60, 62; 108, 110) for pressurizing the heated elastomeric element into contact with an element (24, 26) to be thermally attached to a mounting surface (85).

Abstract: A film camera including an electronic display is provided with a driver for presenting moveable markers to frame and edit the electronically displayed image. Electronic manipulation of the markers provides for zooming and cropping the image, as well as changing the image format and horizontal or vertical orientation. The control then records editing data on the film in a predetermined position relative to the exposed scene image. The camera includes an input for selecting a print format from a predetermined set of print formats, each having a predetermined size and aspect ratio, and the control limits the frame formats to those that are consistent with the selected print format.

Abstract: A photographic camera including a metering linkage and an exposure initiation member provided with extensions that interact to: a) block the linkage from energizing a film winding motor in one position of the member; and, b) release the linkage to energize the motor in another position of the member. The first or blocking position corresponds to depression of the member to initiate an exposure. The second or releasing position corresponds to the return of the member to its undepressed condition after initiating the exposure. The exposure initiation member includes a first tab and the metering linkage includes a second tab. In the depressed position of the member, the first and second tabs respectively engage each other, blocking movement of the linkage and thereby preventing energization of the motor. In the non-depressed position of the member, the first and second tabs respectively clear each other, releasing the linkage and energizing the motor.

Abstract: A mechanism and method used by photographic systems to determine when film has been completely rewound into a film cartridge so that other operations involving the film cartridge can occur, for example, aligning a visual indicator with an appropriate visual exposure icon visible on exterior of a film cartridge. Preferably, the mechanism and method of the present invention are for use in photographic systems that accept film cartridges having a radial bar code contained on a data disk and means for aligning a visual indicator with an appropriate visual icon. The mechanism and method are characterized in that during rewinding of the film, sensing the leading edge of the film causes the number of film spool rotations to be counted. After a predetermined number of rotations have occurred, it is presumed that the film is completely rewound on the film spool and, as a result, a predetermined parking sequence can be initiated.

Abstract: A photographic camera is provided with an orientation detector including first and second elements that move relative to one another under the influence of gravity, and a signal device that responds to magnetic fields between the first and second elements to represent camera orientation. One of the elements is magnetized and the other is a Hall-effect sensor that responds to magnetic fields to produce an electrical output indicative of camera orientation. The signal device includes a recording mechanism responsive to the electrical signal for recording the camera orientation on the film.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a variable angular velocity coupling between an input shaft (52, 78) and an output shaft (71, 138) includes a fixed frame (72, 74, 76); a first hearing (80) for mounting the input shaft for rotation relative to the fixed frame; a second bearing (140) for mounting the output shaft for rotation relative to the fixed frame; a pair of conjugate cams (48, 50; 82, 84) mounted to the fixed frame, concentric with the input shaft: a first cam follower (54, 60; 114, 118) pivotably supported (64, 66; 90, 92, 98, 100, 102, 104) by the input shaft for engaging a first of the cams; a second cam follower (56, 58; 116, 120) pivotably supported by the input shaft for engaging a second of the cams; a first link (68, 122) extended between the first and second cam followers to cause the followers to move in tandem in response to rotation of the input shaft relative to the cams: an radially extended output arm (70, 136) supported by the output shaft; and a second link (72, 74; 132, 134) extended between at

Abstract: An image capture apparatus is operable in a hand-held condition and in a stabilized non-hand-held condition. The image capture apparatus includes means for automatically determining which condition the image capture apparatus is to be operated in and means for preventing operation of the image capture apparatus in the stabilized non-hand-held condition when it is to be operated in the hand-held condition. In preferred embodiments of the invention, at least one slower shutter speed or one longer focal length is prevented from being used when the image capture apparatus is to be operated in the hand-held condition. As such, the recordation of poor quality images is prevented because camera conditions which can lead to "camera shake" defects are locked out when the camera is to be operated in the hand-held condition.

Abstract: A multiple-chamber pump (10, 52, 78) for dispensing precise volumes of fluids. The pump is especially suited for dispensing volumes in the microliter range. At least three chambers (18, 20, 22) comprising preferably spherical segments are sequentially connected by conduits (24, 26, 28, 30) and are closed by a diaphragm member (14) which is movable into or out of the chambers by application of pressure or vacuum on one side of the diaphragm to draw liquid into the chambers and then to expel the liquid from the chambers, either forward or backward according to an operating sequence. Control means are provided for alternating and sequencing the application of pressure and vacuum such that metered volumes of liquid (50) are pumped from chamber to chamber. Tiny, precisely controlled drops of liquid can be dispensed. A plurality of ganged pumps (94) also can be provided in a single pump body (96) to meter independently a plurality of fluids (100, 102, 104) simultaneously.