Abstract: In a camera having a focal plane shutter, a light-intercepting device for preventing light from passing through the clearance between the shutter curtain and the camera body to strike the film comprises at least one pair of resilient, opaque, planar light-intercepting members each having a rectilinear edge portion at one end thereof. These members are supported either by the camera body or by a support frame separable from the camera body so that they are inclined relative to the shutter curtain with the rectilinear edge portions being parallel to the direction of movement of the shutter curtain and making line contact with one side of the shutter curtain near the opposite edges thereof. An additional pair of identical light-intercepting members may be provided for making line contact with the other side of the shutter curtain.

Abstract: Photographic apparatus for use with film units of the self-developing type including at least one photosensitive layer and a light transmitting layer. A preferred form of the apparatus includes a pair of rollers mounted adjacent an exit opening for advancing an exposed film unit through the exit opening while simultaneously spreading a processing composition across the photosensitive layer. A coil of opaque material is mounted adjacent the exit opening in position to be engaged and uncoiled by the leading edge of the film unit as it passes through the exit opening. The coil progressively covers portions of the light transmitting layer adjacent to those portions of the film unit which have been treated with the processing composition, thereby preventing further exposure of untreated portions of the photosensitive layer by ambient light which would otherwise be transmitted lengthwise by the light transmitting layer.

Abstract: A sound motion-picture system employing a film handling cassette within which the film is retained throughout all photographic and audio operations. The film handling cassette includes both an audio station and an exposure-projection station, and the camera and viewer apparatus includes a pair of drive arrangements for progressively advancing incremental sections of such film across the exposure-projection station and for substantially uniformly advancing the film strip through the audio station. To isolate these different film motions, the drive arrangements cooperate with the cassette to provide a free loop of film extending exteriorly of the cassette. A sensing element monitors the loop of film and adjusts one of the drives so as to retain the loop within predetermined limits. In the camera, the audio drive is coupled to the start switch so as to displace the audio drive into a standby position when the camera is not being operated.

Abstract: A reproduction camera having a movable table which at two adjacent corners is guided in two vertical guides on the frame of the camera and moved by an endless cord which is passed over cord pulleys arranged above and below said guides, the endless cord being further passed over a winding drum and connected to the said movable table in such manner that the two connecting points are moved in the same direction when the cord is moved, whereby a very exact translatory movement of the table is obtained by a very simple mechanism which is easy to manufacture and to operate.

Abstract: A thin insulative film is applied to be in direct contact with a surface carrying an electrostatic image which has a potential sufficient for adherence by induction of toner to the insulative film but insufficient to discharge when in contact with or upon separation of the toned insulative film. When the surface is photoconductive, it is exposed before or after contact with the insulative film to a pattern of discharging radiation to form an electrostatic image thereon. As one form of image development, toner is applied to the insulative film while in direct contact with the imaged surface. Thereafter, the toner image may be transferred to a support member. Toning and toner transfer is repeated without further charge and without further exposure.

Abstract: Photographic apparatus for use with film units of the self-developing type. The apparatus includes a coil of opaque sheet material mounted adjacent an exit slot of the apparatus in position to be engaged by a leading edge of an exposed film unit as it is being advanced to the exterior of the apparatus by a pair of pressure-applying members. The sheet material is uncoiled by the advancing film unit so as to progressively cover, in lighttight relation, portions of the film unit which have been treated with a processing composition so as to prevent further exposure of untreated portions of the film unit by ambient light being transmitted lengthwise along the film unit. After the sheet material has been completely uncoiled, it is adapted to return towards its coiled configuration where it cooperates with other structure for releasably retaining the film unit in engagement with the apparatus after the latter has moved out of engagement with the pressure-applying members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing photographic sheet material, in which the edge of the sheet is attached to a rod having an aerofoil cross-section. Upon passing the rod through processing liquid the liquid flows over the leading edge of the rod and produces turbulence on the face of the sheet which is lying in the plane of the aerofoil. In a reel comprising spaced rods the sheets may overlap and the turbulence will keep them separated. Sheet film may be attached at opposed edges to such rods placed back-to-back. Inner and outer concentric reels may be used, and such reels may carry roll film. A trough for use with developer reels has a longitudinal slot for rapid drainage. In another embodiment a closed tank having an air inlet and a longitudinal air outlet slot controls ambient conditions. In a further embodiment a pair of slotted end discs carry photographic sheet material without supporting rods.

Abstract: Apparatus for viewing the underside of vehicles, having a horizontal frame, in which a pair of mirrors are located in periscope fashion. A second frame member is hinged to the first so as to be foldable with respect to it from a closed position overlying the first frame to a second position extending vertically above one of the mirrors. The second frame is box-like and is open at each end to provide a viewing tower. Means to transport the apparatus is provided, and as well as lights to illuminate the object viewed.

Abstract: An electrophotographic copying machine having a cleaning blade with a cleaning surface coated with a material having a friction coefficient less than 0.8 with respect to the surface of the photosensitive member of the machine, the blade having a tensile elasticity of 0.01 to 10 Kg/mm.sup.2 and the cleaning surface thereof facing the direction of advance of the photosensitive member.

Abstract: A photocopying machine including a device for reorientating an original circulating through the machine for multiple copying. The device consists of a row of microswitches extending transversely to the direction of travel of the original, each microswitch being arranged, when contacted by the sheet before another sheet, to apply a brake to the sheet at a location behind it until the sheet has been reorientated sufficiently to contact other microswitches.

Abstract: An exposure value storage device for use in a photographic camera includes a metering circuit, a storage circuit for storing the output of the metering circuit, and a control circuit for controlling exposure in accordance with a storage value stored in the storage circuit. A storage switch is provided for electrically disconnecting the metering and storage circuits to cause the storing function of the storage circuit. The metering and storage circuits may be supplied with power from a power source through a power switch. The power switch may be movable between two positions for opening and closing the power switch. The storage switch may be actuated by a member movable between two positions for closing and opening the storage switch electrically to connect and disconnect the metering and storage circuits. The first-named member, when in the first of its two positions, prevents movement of said another member from its first position to its second position.

Abstract: A special effects lens including a longitudinal housing of substantially triangular shape in transverse section having a spherical lens snap-fitted into one end thereof and held in place by cutouts formed in the sides of the housing. The housing is also provided with transverse slits for the insertion of colored inserts which are mounted at the apices of the housing adjacent the spherical lens to increase the variety of patterns and images produced. In addition, the viewing end of the lens may be provided with a camera adapter ring so that the lens may be mounted on a camera.