Abstract: A programmable viewing system for processing and viewing cassette contained photographic film strips including a chassis defined by a centrally disposed vertical plate-like casting on which all internal viewer components cooperable mechanically and/or optically with the cassette are mounted together with a cassette well by which the cassette may be registered with such viewer components. A programming cam disc is rotatably carried by the casting for controlling both electrical switches for controlling an electronics logic system as well as shiftable viewer component positioning members, one on each side of the casting. The programming cam disc further controls cassette ejection. The program cam disc, together with contacts in the cassette, also control the film processing cycle during which the film is transported between spools and processing fluid is applied to the film strip.

Abstract: An arrangement for trapping foreign particles such as dust in advance of deposition of processing fluid on a moving run of film strip contained within a multi-purpose film cassette includes at least a pair of longitudinally spaced depending blades forming a recess or channel transverse to the longitudinal axis of the film for collecting dust particles sufficiently large to interfere with the application of processing fluid to the film. Smaller particles which project above the surface of the emulsion on the film strip less than the thickness of the processing fluid coating are permitted to pass through the processing unit without interference to a doctoring surface by which the processing fluid is applied.

Abstract: A doctoring surface conformation for applicator nozzle structures in photographic film cassette contained processors by which a coating of processing fluid may be deposited on a moving run of an exposed film strip. The doctoring surface conformation is configured to present a plurality of relatively small entrance channels at the upstream or entrance end thereof and a single exit channel at the downstream or exit end thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the doctoring surface conformation is defined by a plurality of first inclined surfaces extending from the vicinity of the trailing edge of the fluid applicator nozzle and converging in the direction of film strip movement towards the surface of the film.

Abstract: A programmable viewing system for processing and viewing cassette contained photographic film strips, in which the film is driven through forward and rewind advancement for film development operations and then automatically projected and again rewound, includes an electronic switching arrangement for de-energizing the system drive motor at the termination of the development rewind to prevent cinching or stressing of the film strip on the spool while developing fluid reacts with the exposed emulsion. Then the motor is automatically turned on again after completion of the fluid reaction period.

Abstract: A programmable viewing system for processing and viewing cassette contained photographic film strips including a chassis defined by a centrally disposed vertical plate-like casting on which all internal viewer components cooperable mechanically and/or optically with the cassette are mounted together with a cassette well by which the cassette may be registered with such viewer components. A programming cam disc is rotatably carried by the casting for controlling both electrical switches for controlling an electronics logic system as well as shiftable viewer component positioning members, one on each side of the casting. The programming cam disc further controls cassette ejection. The spools of the cassette are driven by an electric motor through a clutch.

Abstract: A multipurpose motion picture film cassette is provided of the type wherein rewinding the film strip after exposure results in attachment of a pull strip to the film strip and subsequent advancement of the pull strip, as rewinding continues, to effect the removal of a tear tab closure which releases film processing fluid from an initially sealed storage reservoir. The pull strip is initially supported and constrained to an essentially S-shaped tortuous path having at least two turning points about which the pull strip passes when being advanced by the film strip. The pull strip is supported at each of its turning points by a cylindrical roller which in turn is supported by an arcuate surface having a radius of curvature substantially equal to that of the outer surface of the roller. The arcuate surfaces are arranged and sized such that they support the rollers for relative rotation therewith when the pull strip is advanced thereby.

Abstract: A cassette well structure for viewing apparatus adapted to receive a cassette for processing and projecting a photographic film strip contained in the cassette. The cassette well is defined on one side by a wall surface formed in a chassis support member on which cassette cooperative viewer components are mounted, the wall surface extending between flange formations defining well floor and end walls against which an inclined plate is secured to provide and opened top well enclosure. Cassette insertion causes the bottom wall thereof to upwardly engage biased members which operate to urge the cassette against a downwardly facing lip at the upper edge of the wall surface. Laterally acting spring means supported on the plate member loads the cassette against the same surface. Cassette ejection means moves the upper cassette portion free of the lip for ejection by the upwardly biased members.

Abstract: A programmable viewing system for processing and viewing cassette contained photographic film strips including a chassis defined by a centrally disposed vertical plate-like casting on which all internal viewer components cooperable mechanically and/or optically with the cassette are mounted together with a cassette well by which the cassette may be registered with such viewer components. A programming cam disc is rotatably carried by the casting for controlling both electrical switches for controlling an electronics logic system as well as shiftable viewer component positioning members, one on each side of the casting. The programming cam disc further controls cassette ejection.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing and viewing cassette contained film strips automatically in response to the condition of a cassette containing the film strip in accordance with programmed operational modes determined by an electro-mechanical logic system. The logic system enables the use of a single unidirectional electric motor for driving all viewer apparatus components including a programming cam disc between "off", "project" and "process/rewind" positions. A power switch organization brings about energization of the motor upon cassette insertion as well as movement of the logic disc to the off position upon a combination of cassette ejection and rotation of the camming disc to the off position. Motor operation in the process mode is controlled by an electronics system controlled by a combination of the programming disc position and the conductive or non-conductive state of cassette contained contacts which correspond respectively to the unprocessed or processed state of the film strip in the cassette.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for retaining a slideably displaceable valve member in its initial position prior to displacement of the valve to a final position responsive to film movement in a multipurpose film cassette of the type containing a film strip for exposure, processing and viewing without removal from the cassette. A leaf spring member forming a part of the valve member is configured to engage a ramped wall in the cassette housing. The spring force and friction between the spring member and the ramped wall tend to retain the slide valve positively in position until the valve is engaged by the film strip and moved to its final position wherein it seals off the processing fluid nozzle upon termination of the processing mode of operation of the cassette.

Abstract: A container for photographic processing composition being releasably sealed by a novel seal provided by a flexible web releasably bonded to a plurality of lips surrounding an aperture in the container. The novel seal is such that, owing to its relatively small area of bonding between the web and the lips, it assures proper separation of the web from the lips when a pulling force is exerted on it. The seal formed by the bonding of the web to the plurality of lips is such that it withstands rupture that might result from excessive internal pressure in the composition when subjected to shock forces.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for positively retaining a slidably displaceable valve member in its stored position prior to initiation of the processing cycle in a multi-purpose film cassette of the type containing a photographic film strip for exposure, processing and viewing without removal from the cassette. A latching arm forming a part of the valve member is configured to prevent displacement of the valve member at all times prior to the movement of the pressure plate to the position it occupies during high speed continuous advancement of the film. Movement of the pressure plate to this position results in release of the latching arm and accordingly permits displacement of the valve member to its final position where it serves to seal off the processing fluid nozzle.

Abstract: A system for controlling development conditions under which an exposed film strip is processed with a compact multi-purpose film handling cartridge. The film cartridge which is adapted to be mounted in a motion picture camera and projector employing the system of the invention and including motor drive means contains a strip of film, a processing station, film advance means engaging said drive means when the cartridge is mounted in said camera or projector, and an applicator containing development chemicals positioned in said processing station to be brought into operable relationship with the film strip when said processing station is rendered operable, thereby they are expressed onto the film strip from the applicator while said film strip is being advanced.

Abstract: A processing fluid receptacle of a photographic processing fluid applicator for use in a photographic film cassette capable of processing latent images on exposed film without requiring removal of the film from the cassette. The receptacle has an aperture which is initially releasably sealed by a web comprising two sections angularly disposed relative to each other with one section folded over the other. One section serves to seal the aperture, the arrangement being such that when a pulling force is exerted on the other section, the web is peeled off the receptacle in such a way that separation initially takes place along one margin of the aperture only.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for positively retaining a slidably displaceable valve member in its stored position prior to initiation of the processing cycle in a multi-purpose film cassette of the type containing a photographic film strip for exposure, processing and viewing without removal from the cassette. A latching arm forming a part of the valve member is configured to prevent displacement of the valve member at all times prior to the movement of the pressure plate to the position it occupies during high speed continuous advancement of the film. The pressure plate is in operative engagement with the latching arm and movement of the pressure plate to this position results in positive displacement of the latching arm by the pressure plate to a position where the latching arm is no longer operable to prevent displacement of the valve. The valve is then free to be displaced to its final position where it serves to seal off the processing fluid nozzle.

Abstract: A film strip heating method and apparatus for use in photographic systems of the type in which a film strip, contained in a multi-purpose cassette during exposure, processing and projection, is processed by insertion of the cassette in a viewer operative to release a cassette-contained supply of processing fluid, and in which localized heating of the film strip is effected during the processing operation to enhance the diffusion transfer developing process. Heating and temperature sensing components located in the cassette are connected with a control circuit in the viewer automatically upon insertion of the cassette in the viewer.

Abstract: Apparatus for facilitating the achievement of locking engagement between the film strip contained in a film cassette of the type in which the film may be exposed, processed and projected without removal from the cassette, and a pull-strip for removing a tear-tab closure initially sealing a supply of processing fluid within the cassette. The supply end of the film strip contains a bottle-shaped aperture through which a tapered latching tongue provided at the free end of the pull-strip passes upon initiation of rewind after exposure. The supply reel hub is provided with a latching tongue receiving surface lying below the film receiving surface of the hub which, upon continued advancement of the film strip, receives and supports the latching tongue to fold it back upon itself.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new and improved apparatus for aligning and bonding a pre-perforated flexible repair tape to the side edge portion of an elongated strip, such as motion picture film, having damaged sprocket feed hole perforations located therealong. Film to be repaired is fed continuously from a supply reel to a repair station comprising a grooved pressure roller cooperating with a sprocket roller specifically designed to more precisely align the preformed feed holes of the tape with the damaged feed hole locations of the film, and to bond the tape and film together in the aligned condition, the laminated tape and film thereafter being directed over an exit ramp to a storage reel for collection.

Abstract: A film handling cassette and apparatus configured for operation of the same through any one of several processing cycles and subsequent projection of the film retained within the cassette. The cassette includes structure indicative of the processing cycle required for the particular film retained within the cassette, and the apparatus includes a sensor configured to cooperate with the indicative structure and to program the apparatus responsive thereto so as to operate the cassette through a selected processing cycle which conforms to the required cycle. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette includes a rib-like tactile discontinuity carried on the cassette surface which in conjunction with a complementary indent of the apparatus prevents loading of the cassette except when it is oriented in one special relation to the apparatus, and the rib length or, more particularly, the location of the end of the rib is made to be indicative of the required processing program.

Abstract: A device for cleaning foreign material from at least one surface of a sheet including at least one low durometer sheet cleaning roller having a tacky peripheral surface. The surface of the sheet to be cleaned is biased against and moved generally tangentially across the tacky peripheral surface of the cleaning roller with rolling contact therebetween so that foreign material on the surface of the sheet will be adhered to the tacky surface of the cleaning roller. The tacky surface of the cleaning roller is in turn cleaned by bringing into rolling contact therewith a surface on a roller cleaning member (which surface may be provided by the adhesive on a length of tape) having a higher surface tack than the cleaning roller. In one embodiment of the device the roller cleaning member is periodically passed over the cleaning roller by the operator of the device, whereas other embodiments automatically pass the roller cleaning member over the cleaning roller during each cycle of the device to clean a sheet.

Abstract: A processor for multi-purpose film cassettes of the type containing photographic film during exposure, processing and projection, the processor having a nozzle plate slideable from an initial processing position in which a nozzle opening therein is aligned with a discharge opening in an initially sealed processing fluid reservoir to a projection position in which the nozzle plate seals the reservoir discharge opening. A pressure pad supported by spring means biases the film toward the nozzle plate during processing and is cooperable with the nozzle plate to effect a separation of the nozzle plate and pressure pad to allow unobstructed passage of the film strip during projection subsequent to processing.

Abstract: A mechanism for conditioning a film cassette for plural film handling modes. The mechanism is effective to condition the film cassette for particular film handling modes by controlling the entry of light into the cassette and controlling the status of the film guides and the film pressure plate at the film gate area.

Abstract: A system for initiating operating mode change in a film handling apparatus in response to cessation of film movement incident to an end-of-film condition.

Abstract: A film handling system to with which a film cartridge is commonly usable in each step of exposure, processing (developing) and projection of the film housed therein, wherein a safety means which advances the above mentioned film cartridge through each step in which it is used in a prescribed sequence is provided. Further an electric circuit which controls the above mentioned handling system in such manner as to activate said system according to the output of the safety means is provided so that such erroneous handling as occurs when processing or projecting unexposed film by mistake or by projecting unprocessed film can be automatically prevented.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a layer of processing fluid on an exposed film strip contained with the processing fluid and fluid depositing means in a multipurpose film cassette of the type in which the film strip is exposed, processed and viewed by projection without removal from the cassette. The processing fluid is doctored onto the emulsion side of the exposed film strip during rewinding movement of the strip under an applicator nozzle opening. The film strip is supported under a biasing force toward the nozzle approximating in magnitude the hydrodynamic force developed by doctoring the processing fluid against the other side of the film strip thus to achieve a net balance of forces on opposite sides of the film strip so that foreign particles such as dust and the like will pass the doctoring surface without deleterious accumulation of such particles thereon.

Abstract: A cleaning fabric having a contact surface against which the surface of a photographic film can be rubbed to remove foreign particles from the film. The fabric is a laminate comprising a non-woven wiping layer of soft fine intersecting bonded fibers defining the contact surface. The fibers in the wiping layer are randomly spaced and disposed to provide openings in the wiping layer for receiving foreign particles, and the wiping layer is compacted in a direction normal to the contact surface so that few ends or loops of the fibers project past the wiping surface, thereby restricting shearing or tearing loose of the fibers by the edges of a passing photographic film. An open non-woven lofty backing layer is adhered to the surface of the wiping layer opposite the contact surface.

Abstract: A control system for a cinematographic film cassette processor/projector unit. The control system includes a function programmer comprising an operating cycle selector responsive to a processed/unprocessed indicator on the cassette to program the control system for either a processed-film operating cycle or an unprocessed-film operating cycle and a logic unit for programming the sequence and execution of the plural operational modes of the apparatus during an operating cycle. The control system further includes a reel drive control circuit having plural speed and direction drive control modes programmed by the function programmer, a mode change actuator circiut responsive to cessation of film movement to actuate a change in the operational mode of the processor/projector by changing the logic state of the logic disc assembly, and a manually-actuatable replay circuit.

Abstract: A system for processing a strip of motion picture film with a multi-purpose film handling cartridge adapted for use in film-exposing, processing and projection operations. Responsive to varying rates of travel of the film strip across a processing station provided in the cartridge as it is being transported between the paired spools to which respective ends of the film strip are attached, a variable-speed driving mechanism mounted externally of the cartridge controls the speed of the spool to establish a constant rate of travel of the film strip across the processing station at any particular instance even though the winding diameters of the film strip on the spools are ever being varied, so that a uniform application of a coating of processing fluid is effected along the length of the exposed film strip without the necessity of providing any particular constant speed device within the cartridge.