Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an automatic disc loader and unloader is integrated into an optical disc recorder having a labeling facility. In one embodiment, a supply stack of discs is positioned generally directly above an extended delivery tray of the system. Thus, a relatively small footprint is required. Also in the preferred embodiment, a disc take-up facility is located below the extended tray, so as not to extend substantially beyond the recorder/labeler with the tray in its extended condition. The loading of discs into the tray and the unloading of discs from the tray may be accomplished by a coordinated mechanism driven by a single motor.

Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary label printer and methods for printing labels on optical media. According to one exemplary method, an optical medium is inserted into a printing device having a mechanism for rotating the optical medium. The optical medium is rotated with a rotation mechanism. Further, a print head is moved over the optical medium and ink is ejected onto the medium while the medium is rotating to create a label on the medium.

Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary label printer and methods for printing labels on optical media. According to one exemplary method, an optical medium is inserted into a printing device having a mechanism for rotating the optical medium. The optical medium is rotated with a rotation mechanism. Further, a print head is moved over the optical medium and ink is ejected onto the medium while the medium is rotating to create a label on the medium.

Abstract: A method and system for individually labelling a recording medium at the time that digital information is recorded thereon is provided. The method provides for transferring at least a portion of the digital information in the form of a digital data stream to the medium from a storage location. Title information is extracted from the data stream and used to create a visual label that is placed on the recording medium. The title information on the recording medium uniquely identifies the digital information that is recorded on the medium. In an exemplary embodiment, the system of the invention will use a controller to receive a portion of the digital data stream stored in the storage location. A recorder is in communication with the controller for receiving the data stream from the controller and for recording the data stream on the recording medium.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrical connector network for coordinately controlling multiple electrical appliances connected to the network. The network comprises a control outlet connected to an electrical power inlet, at least one slave outlet, and means responsive to current flow to the control outlet for selectively connecting the slave outlets to the power inlet, whereby power is available at the slave outlets only when current flows through the control outlet. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a current transformer for sensing current to the control outlet, the transformer producing a secondary current which is conditioned by an amplifier to drive a power triac, actuating a relay controlling power to the slave outlets. The connector network may be embodied in various structures, including extension cords, power strips, wall outlets or electrical appliances.

Abstract: A lead screw driven by a motor has a drive nut threadably connected to the lead screw for reciprocation therealong. The drive nut is rotationally restrained thereby limiting its movement along the axis of the lead screw. Three disk members each having an opening through their centers are positioned on the lead screw. The two outer disk members each have at least a pair of bearing members, such as ball bearings, positioned along a diameter of the disk on adjacent sides of the opening. A keeper member is positioned on the lead screw to sandwich the three disk members between the drive nut and the keeper member. Indexing members are positioned on the drive nut and the keeper member to maintain the diameters of the two outer disks, having the bearings mounted therein, orthogonal with respect to each other.

Abstract: The exposure of film which changes its transmissivity as a function of the quantum of light to which it is subjected is controlled by sensing the intensity of the light transmitted through the film. From the sensed light the change in the light transmissivity of the film is determined and when that change has reached the desired level the exposure of the film is terminated. The exposure is instantaneously controlled and terminated only after the desired exposure level has been reached irrespective of the time required.

Abstract: A diazo film developer which has a developing chamber that is kept at a temperature above the dew point for the film. Feed rollers disposed adjacent an intake opening of the chamber are maintained at a temperature above the dew point and advance film to be developed to the chamber. Exit rollers at an outlet opening for the chamber withdraw developed film from the chamber. The rollers are sealed with respect to the chamber to prevent the escape of aqueous ammonia vapors. The portion of the exit rollers disposed outside the chamber is subjected to a relatively low temperature airstream to cool the rollers below the dew point for the aqueous ammonia vapor. The exit rollers are continuously rotated so that aqueous ammonia vapor can condense on surface portions of the rollers disposed interiorly of the chamber. The condensate is then transported by the rotating rollers to the exterior of the chamber and the cooled airflow removes, e.g. evaporates the condensate before it is re-introduced into the chamber.

Abstract: A microfiche recorder in which a platen is rectilinearly moved over a reference plate having an optical aperture through which images are projected onto film on the platen. A supply of recording film is stored on the platen for movement therewith to prevent film twisting and distortion. The platen moves slidably over the reference plate and vacuum ports in the platen retain the film section being exposed to the platen. When the platen is in its home or starting position, a reciprocating clamp grasps an edge of the exposed film, the vacuum is released and a predetermined length of film is drawn from the platen to thereby automatically reload the platen with fresh film for exposure. As soon as the exposed film section has been fully withdrawn from the platen, a cutter severs it from the remaining film.