Abstract: Methods and apparatus for peeling a laminate containing image media wherein the leading edge portion of the laminate is struck by beater blades to initially separate the leading edge portion of one layer from the laminate. The separated leading edge portion is then transported into a nip defined by a peel surface and a lower peel roll after which the leading edge portion is bent about the peel surface by a folder driven by a linkage mechanism. While the leading edge portion of the laminate is bent, one layer is held by a vacuum device while the remainder of the laminate returns to its path of travel under its own resiliency. The separated layer is then peeled from the laminate by take-away rolls while guided by the peel surface. The remainder of the laminate is guided by a deflector roll to move along the path at a predetermined angle while the layer is being peeled. In one method, the layer is peeled at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the laminate.

Abstract: A data card illumination arrangement for use within a compact identification card camera system and for providing uniform indirect illumination over the entire information bearing surface of a data card. The arrangement includes a pair of illumination assemblies subtended by a pair of side reflector elements. Each of the illumination assemblies includes a strobe tube, a U-shaped channel member having a comb filter portion, and a planar reflector. One of the assemblies is located adjacent and parallel to the upper surface of the data card while the other is located adjacent and parallel to the lower surface of the data card. Illumination provided by each of the strobe tubes is directed away from the data card. The planar reflectors redirect the illumination toward the data card. This redirected illumination passes through the comb filter portions of the channel members to facilitate uniform indirect illumination of the data card.

Abstract: An improved photographic apparatus for coupling together separate film and print sheet elements of a self-developing film unit and facilitating the presentment of the coupled sheets to the entry of a processing device. The improvements include a displacing device for lifting a flap on a print leader to provide better access, for a coupling tab on the film sheet, to a tab receiving slot on the print leader; a pod cover device for covering a free trailing end of the pod to block the inadvertent insertion of the tab thereunder which would prevent accomplishment of the sheet coupling function; and a print hold back device responsive to movement of a cassette, holding a film sheet, along a portion of the apparatus for moving a hold back finger from a position blocking the path of travel of a print sheet toward the processor to an unblocking position.

Abstract: An exposure control system for photographic apparatus is provided with an inertial member, the inertia characteristic of which may be selectively presented for movement in correspondence with the shutter blade elements of the exposure control system. The inertial member is arranged to move in correspondence with the shutter blade elements to control the rate of movement of the shutter blade elements toward their maximum aperture defining position. Conversely, return movement of the shutter blade elements toward their closed position operates to disengage the inertial member therefrom so as to allow the shutter blade elements to be quickly closed without the influence of the inertia characteristic. The inertial member is thereafter automatically returned to its initial position in readiness for subsequent movement in correspondence with the shutter blade elements upon the next photographic cycle.