Abstract: A microfiche editing device for copying images contained in several microfiche frames on a first microfiche simultaneously onto a second at least partly unexposed microfiche; the device includes an array of illuminating means which can be selectively brought into use each to project light through a selected frame on the first microfiche so as to expose frames of the second microfiche placed in contact with the first microfiche; the illuminating means may include either a hinged mirror arrangement or a fibre optic arrangement which feed light into a collimating array of cells each of which correspond to a microfiche frame of the first microfiche.

Abstract: A microfiche or microfilm camera in which a main suction platen having preferably several vacuum chambers each connected to a group of slots formed in a flat film receiving plate of the main suction platen wherein the main platen is moved from a film pick-up station to possibly a main filming station but certainly to a titling station at which a further suction platen may be provided to hold a portion of the film while a title is recorded on the film by means of a titling lens. The main platen can release the film at the titling station while the further platen continues to hold the film until titling is completed when the further platen releases the film to a disposal station.

Abstract: A microfiche or microfilm editing device in which a microfilm or microfiche to be edited is supported on a frame arranged to be driven in an `x` and `y` axis directions according to a program, the movements being relative to a copy axis. Also movable in relation to the copy axis is a microfiche holding means arranged to be driven by actuators in a similar fashion to the first microfiche or microfilm and according to a further program. In order to illuminate the image to be transferred to the first film to the second film a light source condenser and at least one light transfer block is arranged to project light along the copy axis. Several light transfer blocks may be mounted on a rotatable turret so that different blocks may be provided for different microfiche or microfilm standards.

Abstract: A record copying platen suitable for copying records such as a book where part of the record is of a different thickness to the other part, the platen consisting of two separable platen members each constrained to lie next to each other in parallel planes, the distance between the planes being variable; in one embodiment the platen members are linked by a parallel link arrangement, one of the links being pivotally mounted to a base and in which the pivot can be moved along that link so as to enable the device to balance with more weight on one platen member than the other; a second embodiment has a resilient arrangement to urge the platen members upwards, and a further resilient means for assisting the upward bias of the platen members and the further resilient means has an adjustment for adjusting the tension in the means so that different weights of record can be accommodated and the platen members urged upwards into a copying plane; a third embodiment has a hydraulic arrangement for urging the platen membe

Abstract: A microform editing and recording device for transmitting a microimage from a first microimage bearing film to a second microform film carried in a microform camera having a stepping arrangement for moving the second film so that the microform image selected from the first microform film can be located in a predetermined frame position on the second film; arrangements are provided for moving the first film with respect to the camera in a frame which is fixedly supported in a housing of the editing and recording device; in one embodiment the frame holding the first film is hinged to the housing and an adaptor can be provided for converting the frame from a microfiche holder to a microfilm holder; in a second embodiment the editing and recording device is brought into use by means of a hinged edit mirror so that the camera can be converted from a conventional microform copying camera to a microform editing and recording camera; in a third embodiment a viewing device is provided to enable the first microform fil

Abstract: Copying apparatus for copying a selected frame from one of a plurality of rolls of microfilm, contained in the apparatus, onto a selected position on a microfiche; the rolls of microfilm are carried on an X and Y axis moveable carriage which is moveable in relation to a camera lens, and the microfiche is also moveable in the X and Y axis relative to the lens; detectors may be provided on the carriage for detecting the position of the selected frame of microfilm and electrical means are provided to hold the selected film in the lens axis for transfer to the microfiche; suitable programming can select a sequence of microfilm images to be recorded in a set sequence on the microfiche.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling information which includes the facility of receiving the information either on a microform film, a conventional document platen or from a computer input; the information is then recorded by a camera onto a microform film, preferably a microfiche, and the recorded microform is then passed to an electronic scanner and displayed via a store on a first display, meanwhile the recorded film is preferably stored in a photographic store; the information on the first display, which is preferably in a slave unit whereas the camera and scanner are preferably in a terminal unit, is then checked by an operator and a reply is generated at a keyboard preferably in the slave unit, which reply is displayed on a second display and is fed back to the camera for recording on microform film and transmitted either in the form of a computer output or as a microform film which is preferably a microfiche; the transmitted microform film may be the same microform film received in the first place updated with the

Abstract: Apparatus and method for updating microform information recorded in a sequence on photographic film emulsion, including taking a desired portion of the emulsion carrying an image and bonding it to a primary base material either in the same sequence but with gaps left in the sequence or in a different sequence. The emulsion is bonded into sunken areas in the base material, the sunken areas either being formed by indented portions in the base material or by applying an apertured frame surrounding a flat base material.

Abstract: A device for transferring exposed microfiches from a cassette to a developing unit in which a stack of microfiches is released from the cassette into a reception chamber within a light proof casing of the device from which chamber microfiches are extracted singly and fed to an ejection opening in the exterior of the casing which is connected to the developer and into which the microfiches are fed from the ejection opening.

Abstract: A microfiche or microfilm editing device in which a microfilm or microfiche to be edited is supported on a frame arranged to be driven in an x and y axis directions according to a program, the movements being relative to a copy axis. Also movable in relation to the copy axis is a microfiche holding means arranged to be driven by actuators in a similar fashion to the first microfiche or microfilm and according to a further program. In order to illuminate the image to be transferred to the first film to the second film a light source condenser and at least one light transfer block is arranged to project light along the copy axis. Several light transfer blocks may be mounted on a rotatable turret so that different blocks may be provided for different microfiche or microfilm standards.The editing device is arranged so that microfiches can be updated according to a set program or alternatively microfilm can be changed to microfiche or microfiches and one standard can be changed to microfiches of another standard.

Abstract: A cassette which can be readily mounted in a microfilm or microfiche camera adapted to store unexposed film and the film when exposed; a suction platen within the cassette adapted to hold the film at a filming station and/or a titling station within the camera. One cassette is provided to hold roll film which may be driven by a friction drive arrangement on the camera by a stepping mechanism within the cassette. Another cassette is provided to hold unexposed and exposed microfiche laminae and may be arranged to be driven in a similar fashion to the roll film cassette. A further cassette has an arrangement whereby moving of roll film is achieved by the suction platen. The camera is preferably arranged to carry several cassettes of either type and of different film widths.

Abstract: A photographic film reader mountable on a person's head provides X and Y axis movement for a film lamina, illumination for one or more portions of the film and an image magnifier for the illuminated portions.

Abstract: A photographic duplicating apparatus comprising a curved film holder for holding a master film and a copy film in close proximity to a preferably elongate tubular light source mounted at the center of curvature of the holder, a shutter which preferably consists of an inner and outer tube mounted coaxially one within the other in the axis of the light source. Preferably a series of units are provided each with an outer tube and holder which rotate sequentially about the inner tube and light source.

Abstract: Microfiche or microfilm cameras which are provided with a variable format masking assembly and a facility to change the reduction ratio. In two constructions of the camera the head of the camera remains fixed with relation to the base. In one construction the photographing lens is movable in the head along the optical axis for change of reduction ratio and in this construction a mirror is provided in the head between the lens and copying table. In a second construction the copying table is movable into a well in the camera base and lighting may be provided into the well. In order to use microfiche film more economically various new microfiche layouts are devised as being suitable for these cameras.

Abstract: A camera for selectively filming at least two separate types of input images through at least one first and second object lens. Each first object lens is mounted on a part rotatable support which is in turn mounted on a rotatable lens carrier. Also mounted on the support are optical deflectors arranged to direct the image of a second object on to the film. In an alternative embodiment the second object lenses and deflectors are mounted on separate slides.

Abstract: A film carriage mechanism and method of moving a film lamina such as a microfiche film lamina. In the mechanism preferably mounted in a microfiche camera a film carrier is mounted for movement in an `X` direction and a `Y` direction in relation to one or more stations which include a filming station and preferably a titling station and a film release station. The carrier has a first platen for holding preferably by suction means a first lamina and a second platen for holding by a similar means a second or follow-up lamina, each platen is provided with additional `X` and `Y` movement within the carrier and suitable suction and movement programming is provided to move the lamina from an initial pick up station to the filming station. At the filming station a particular time saving pattern of movement is suitably provided.

Abstract: A positioning mechanism primarily but not exclusively for positioning a microfiche film held in a movable frame relative to a camera lens or to pick-up, transfer, titling and release stations where a high degree of accuracy is required, comprising one or more camways formed helically around a cylindrical roller, a cam follower on the frame engaging one of the camways which frame is then driven to a location on the camway by rotating the roller, at the location a depression in the camway formed either as a hole or ramp acts as a stop for the follower, the stopping surface of the depression is provided along the length of the camway so that if the follower which is in contact with both sides of the camway or the camway itself becomes worn at the sides the location position is not subjected to wear and the accuracy of the location of the follower in the depression is not affected.

Abstract: An apparatus for photocopying a document on a surface including a camera having a lens directed at the surface and a pair of illumination housings adjacent opposite edges of the surface for illuminating the surface with diffused light. The illumination housings are of sufficient height to reduce the amount of external light which shines on the surface.