Abstract: An automatically operated vacuum feed system for cameras is disclosed. Such system includes an opaque, flexible transport belt that is secured between rollers situated at opposite sides of the platen of the camera. A manifold is secured to a vacuum pick-up bar that is adhesively joined to the transport belt, and a central bore and depending channels are defined in the bar.The channels are aligned with openings passing through the belt so that suction forces can be introduced to the underside of the belt to cause photosensitive materials to adhere thereto. The pick-up bar is suspended between a pair of C-shaped tracks that is secured inboard of a pair of side frames for a rigid belt frame. Lift links join the tracks to the side frames, and a lift motor periodically elevates the tracks, thus lifting the manifold and the belt.A reversible motor, a drive sprocket, idlers, and an endless chain are situated outboard of one of the side frames.

Abstract: This specification discloses a sheet material receiving device provided near the lower part of the sheet material discharging portion of an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus or a copying apparatus to receive sheet materials discharged from the image forming apparatus. The sheet material receiving device is provided with a first guide member against which the leading end of each discharged sheet bears and by which the sheet is directed downwardly, and a second guide member opposed to the first guide member and forming a sheet receiving space, and has a gripping portion for holding down the sheet material received in the sheet receiving space, or the first guide member is openable.

Abstract: A photographic paper handling apparatus for handling a photographic paper in a continuous form having a plurality of images sequentially printed thereon in the longitudinal direction thereof is provided with a cutting-perforating section and a folding section. In the cutting-perforating section, the photographic paper which is transported along a photographic paper transport passage is cut into pieces each including a series of images printed in accordance with the order placed by each individual customer, and a perforation is provided in an area of each of the cut pieces of photographic paper which is defined between each pair of adjacent images. In the folding section, each of the cut and perforated pieces of photographic paper is folded along each perforation. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent prints processed in accordance with one order from being mixed with those in accordance with another order.

Abstract: An instant photographic apparatus uses a photosensitive member in the form of a roll, of a length to receive a plurality of exposures, and an image-receiving member in the form of either a roll or a sheet. The photosensitive member is cut off to the length of a single frame of film after the exposure of its leading end. Before or after cutting off the member or members, the exposed leading end of the photosensitive member and the image-receiving member are superposed. Between the superposed members a processing liquid is distributed and spread in a uniform layer for diffusion transfer processing. During the processing, negative and positive images are produced simultaneously on the photosensitive and image-receiving members, respectively, according to the latent image previously created on the photosensitive member by exposure.

Abstract: The disadvantages derived from a conventional electrophotographic processing machine are that the length of the forward end of the master paper as cut is more than about 600 mm and this increases the amount of loss thereof, thus making the photographic processing expensive. An operation for disposing of the tip of the master paper as wasted paper every time a start switch is depressed requires much labor and renders operability poor. This also requires shifting of the position of the paper tip after cutting upper and lower rolls so that difficulty is involved in carrying out photographic processing simultaneously with such shifting. A roll paper feeding apparatus according to the invention is capable of shortening the tip of the master paper which has to be disposed of as waste at low cost without requiring discharge of the paper tip every time the paper is cut, thus helping the operator.

Abstract: A photographic printing apparatus comprising a carrier section for positioning the image frame of an original negative film strip to print said image frame, a transporter for transporting said original negative film strip, an optical detector for obtaining image information of the image frame at the carrier section, a cutter for cutting the original negative film strip into several pieces each of which has a predetermined number of frames, means for inserting each of the several pieces into a negative carrier sleeve, and a controller for controlling the transporter, the cutter and the inserting means in accordance with the image formation detected by the image information detector at the printing section. Thereby, a plurality of original negative film strips can be continuously and automatically printed without connecting and separating the original negative film strip. Furthermore, each of the serveral pieces can be continuously and automatically inserted into the negative carrier sleeves.

Abstract: A photographic paper accommodating apparatus is disposed on the downstream side of a printing section for transporting an exposed continuous photographic paper to a subsequent step. A pair of first clamping and transporting rollers are disposed on the downstream side of the printing section so as to clamp and transport the photographic paper and form a first loop of photographic paper between the printing section and the rollers. A pair of second clamping and transporting rollers are disposed on the downstream side of the first clamping and transporting rollers so as to clamp and transport the photographic paper and form a second loop of photographic paper between the first and second clamping and transporting rollers.

Abstract: A photographic paper accommodating apparatus which is disposed on the downstream side of a printing section for transporting an exposed continuous photographic paper to a subsequent step. A pair of first clamping and transporting rollers are disposed on the downstream side of the printing section so as to clamp and transport the photographic paper and form a first loop of the photographic paper between the printing section and the rollers. A pair of second clamping and transporting rollers are disposed on the downstream side of the first clamping and transporting rollers so as to clamp and transport the photographic paper and form a second loop of the photographic paper between the first and second clamping and transporting rollers.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for the restitution of high-resolution images comprising a film-holder adapted to receive a flat film coated with a photosensitive material, a light source producing a light beam, a modulator on the path of the light beam and a device for scanning said film in successive lines by means of said beam, wherein it comprises removable means adapted to receive a reel delivering continuously wound film, means for driving the film out of the reel along a film supply plane, means for applying a portion of film on the film-holder, means for transversely cutting the film, means for driving the film from the film-holder along and evacuation plane, removable means for receiving the portions of exposed, cut out film evacuated from the film-holder. A high resolution image apparatus for web film in which the web is cut into planar portions for scanning. The web of film is cut into planar portions them scanned with a modulated beam.

Abstract: In a photo printer, a web of photosensitive material is transported in proportion to a magnification ratio to a focusing plane movable along an optical axis, the web is exposed to a photo image, and the exposed web is then fed out. The printer includes a first magazine to load the web of the photosensitive material in a rolled form and to feed the web over a desired length, moving roller means for transporting the web along a path curved downwardly in a U-shape, exposure frame means composed in combination of a press pan and a mask frame and movable along the optical axis, nipping roller means provided in a pair on each of the front and rear sides of the exposure frame means and cooperated to transport the web along the focusing plane, exhaust feeding means for feeding out the exposed web, and a second magazine for receiving the exposed web from the exhaust feeding means.

Abstract: A verification apparatus for verifying a negative image on film and a positive image on photographic paper against each other. Respective transmission densities of a plurality of picture elements of the film image and respective reflection densities of a plurality of picture elements of the photographic paper image are detected, and comparison is made between the transmission density of each of the picture elements of the film image and the reflection density of the corresponding picture element of the photographic paper image, thereby making judgement as to whether or not the photographic paper image and the film image correspond to each other.

Abstract: An automatic notcher which automatically forms a notch on a developed film is provided with a faulty frame judging device and a notcher controlling circuit. The device includes out-of-focus image judging device for making judgement as to whether or not an image on the film is out of focus. The notcher controlling circuit actuates a notcher only for frames which need to be printed on the basis of the judgement made by the out-of-focus image judging device. Accordingly, any out-of-focus image on the film is automatically judged to be one which need not be printed and a notch is not therefore formed for it.

Abstract: A photographic paper accommodating apparatus is disposed between a photographic paper printing section and a developing section so as to absorb or retain the slack in a continuous photographic paper fed from the former to the latter which occurs due to a difference between the respective processing speeds at these sections. First clamping and transporting rollers are provided on the downstream side of the printing section so as to define a first photographic paper looping area between the printing section and the first clamping and transporting rollers. Second clamping and transporting rollers are provided on the downstream side of the first clamping and transporting rollers so as to define a second photographic paper looping area between the first and second clamping and transporting rollers.

Abstract: A photographic printer of the type wherein a web of photographic material is advanced to and from an exposure station and wherein individual exposure areas of the photographic material are selectively marked by a thermal marking system. The thermal marking system of the present invention includes a thermally activated marking tape and a thermal print head which selectively applies thermal energy to portions of the tape. A frictional engagement between the photographic material and tape results in a movement of the tape with the photographic media when the media is driven through the printer. In a preferred embodiment, the friction between the tape and media is selectively established by intermittently establishing an intimate contact between them.

Abstract: A storage chamber for temporally storing elongate web is provided between exposure device for imagewisely exposing the elongate web and developing device. After the amount of web in the storage chamber has reached a preset amount, the web is fed from the storage chamber to the developing device, and feeding device is stopped when development of the trailing end of the final exposed section on the web has been terminated after the feed of the web to the developing device has been started.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reader printer which handles an image of a microfilm held by an aperture card and maintained in such a manner that the microfilm center aligns with the center of card aperture. At the time of printing, the image of the microfilm is projected by scanning from a scanning start position that is same irrespective of film sizes on a photosensitive member, and the image thereon is transferred to a paper sheet which is provided by cutting the web supplied from rolled paper. The supply of the web is controlled by a first timer which starts simultaneously with start of scanning and the cutting of the web is controlled by a second timer which starts simultaneously with expiration of the first timer.

Abstract: A controller for trimming copy sheets from a material web in a copying machine is disclosed which utilizes a keypad for easy and error-free input of the widths of document margins without measuring them or converting them from one unit of measurement to another (e.g., metric to U.S. units). The keypad comprises an illuminated bar display one each for the leading and for the trailing document margin. The optical display value of the illuminated bar displays can be set, with the aid of document margin keys provided for that purpose, equal to the width of the document margins, with a digital value corresponding to the selected optical display value being generated and kept available for input to the controller.

Abstract: A roller-blind shutter (32) comprises two shutter-curtains (35,36) with accompanying shutter-rollers (33,34) adapted to be driven by stepping motors (M3,M4). The strip-material (6) is transported and positioned, along the path of travel of the said shutter-curtains, by a positioning roll (14) also driven by a stepping motor (M2). The stepping motors (M2,M3,M4) are controlled digitally by pulses from positioning devices. Prior to exposure of a section of strip by a projected picture (31), the strip-material is positioned in such a manner that its leading transverse edge (6k) is spaced by half a frame-length from the optical copying axis (OA). In order to make an exposure, the said shutter-curtains are moved consecutively in the same direction, so that the closing edges (35k,36k) thereof expose and then cover the said section of strip.

Abstract: A process camera with an automatic copy-feeder to set a copy at the specific position of a vacuum copy holder, an automatic copy feeder to load or remove the copy, an automatic exposure having mechanism to set exposing conditions, an automatic film processor. The copy feeder is automatically controlled to load and remove copies one by one relating to the condition of the copy holder at the removing position, at the loading position or at the exposing position. On the other hand, the film feeder and the exposure are automatically controlled to perforate, expose and convey a roll film. Further, the exposed film is cut and conveyed into the film processor. Each of these operations are respectively controlled to be synthetically consistent to each other.

Abstract: A mechanism for cutting film supplied in the form of a long strip into segments having a predetermined length and transporting the segments to a subsequent processing stages wherein cutting, positioning and holding of the film are performed substantially simultaneously with an apparatus having a simple construction. A film suction platen is provided having a plurality of holes formed therein. A lowered pressure is provided on the side of the platen opposite that on which film segments of a predetermined length are fed from a supply reel. A cutting mechanism is mounted alongside the platen to cut the segments after they have been fed. After the segments have been cut, and following exposure while on the film suction platen, the film suction platen is reciprocated to a take-out section which extracts the exposed film segments from the surface of the film suction platen and feeds them to the processing stage.

Abstract: In a photographic copying apparatus, a device for threading a starting end of a new copying paper roll includes drive rollers, a guide support for the advanced paper and a pivotable flap which periodically closes on the paper when the advancement is interrupted for a threading process. An opening is formed in the flap to produce a test copy for controlling the operation of the apparatus. An exposure control device loads the test copy with empirically determined amounts of light when no negative is present on a negative platform of a printing station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for simultaneously printing and developing photographs, of the type essentially comprising three main assemblies, namely, respectively:a first exposure assembly A,a second assembly B in camera obscura;a third developing assembly C,characterized in that the cutting part of the fixed knife defines on the light-sensitive paper the part exposed by the light beam issuing from the lens.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing a parallax stereogram, i.e., free vision stereogram, and particularly for the accurate registration of a plurality of film images in order to ensure stereographic reproduction. The images on a film strip are optically viewed to establish homologous points for each film frame image. In one embodiment two images are optically superimposed to establish a stereo base distance. Each film frame is marked in accordance with the homologous points or stereo base distance. The marking may be mechanical or optically generated. Each film frame is thereafter aligned or sensed while in an enlarger, the marks establishing the accurate registration of each frame. Each film frame is exposed onto a photosensitive material using a movable line grid. A lenticular screen is superimposed over the developed picture to form the stereoscopic photograph.

Abstract: A system for passing long fan-folded documents and correspondingly lengthy copy paper through a reproducing apparatus, and including a frame attachable to the reproducing apparatus and adapted to support a roll of copy paper, and further including a feed tray detachably mounted on a reproducing apparatus and having a partition plate selectively positionable in the feed tray to facilitate containment in the tray of a fan-folded document to be reproduced. The feed tray includes a bottom plate having downwardly projecting ribs to detachably mount the tray on the reproducing machine, and upwardly projecting ribs spaced from a paper discharge slot at the front side of the tray, and acting as an indexing abutment for contacting and positioning the fan-folded document in the tray. The copy paper roll supporting frame has mounted thereon a cutting wire detent stud and a pivotable cocking lever. A spring biased cutting wire has one end connected to the supporting frame and its other connected to the cocking lever.

Abstract: A camera for photographing the image on CRT monitors is disclosed that locates a magazine containing a roll of film below a vertical aperture plate and a cassette above the aperture plate to receive the exposed film so that the film exposed through the opening in the aperture plate will not sag and distort the image received from the lens due to gravity. Magnets hold a pressure plate against the aperture plate to keep the film flat and properly positioned against the aperture plate. Apparatus is provided to cut the film between the aperture plate and the cassette to allow the cassette to be removed from time to time to develop the exposed film contained therein.

Abstract: An integrated automatic device for the simultaneous printing and development of photographs, particularly color photographs, of the type comprising three separate units adjoining each other, namely a first exposure unit A, a second dark-room unit B, a third development unit C. The dark-room unit B is vertical and perpendicularly adjoins the end of the exposure unit A and the development unit C is horizontal and is located below the dark-room unit B and parallel to the exposure unit A.

Abstract: The automatic loader successively transfers individual microfiche from a stack of master microfiche in a hopper to an exposure station in a microfiche duplicator. The duplicator makes a copy of the master microfiche on film carried in the duplicator. The loader then automatically transfers the exposed microfiche to a collecting bin. The arrangement is such that while one master microfiche is being exposed, an already exposed microfiche is being removed and a new master microfiche placed in a ready position for subsequent exposure. A specially designed turntable and cooperating shuttle function in timed sequences to effect the foregoing movements.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing a photographic printing paper is provided with a cutter for severing the paper web at the end of a printing cycle. The apparatus further includes a device for returning the leading edge of the unprinted paper back from the cutter, for example, to a position where it may be printed, to reduce the amount of wasted paper.

Abstract: A print paper feeding device for photograph processing apparatus, in order to enable to smoothly and positively feed a continuous tape-shaped print paper from a printer to a processer as fitted to the operating characteristics of the printer and processer, comprising a first feeding roller means to be rotated intermittently, a second feeding roller means which can be intermittently rotated to make a first loop of the print paper of a predetermined size between it and the first feeding roller means and an image developing feeding roller means which can be continuously rotated to make a second loop of the print paper of a predetermined size between it and the second feeding roller means.

Abstract: A photographic paper cutter includes a cutting station where a guide clip is severed from the paper to drop out of the travel path, and an image frame cutter for dividing the paper into individual photographs. Prior to being severed, the guide clip assists in aligning the strip so as to be perpendicular to the conveyance direction in cooperation with a pair of guide clip sensors.

Abstract: After exposing one galley on a continuous strip of film, advance a length of blank film equal to the minimum length required for handling the film. Then begin to expose a second galley on the film. After the first galley has advanced into a cassette and the blank film is adjacent to the cutting blade, interrupt the exposing of the second galley to stop the film advance. Cut through the blank film, remove the cassette containing the first galley, and replace it with an empty cassette to receive the second galley. Reactivate exposure of the second galley. The process may be repeated between any galleys thereafter and between series of closely-spaced galleys exposed on the same strip of film. Advances of the film must be monitored for required distances and signals may be given between steps in the process.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for photographically enlarging an image by advancing unexposed light sensitive material from a roll of such material to an image receiving location, exposing the material at such location to an image, severing the exposed material from the roll and advancing the severed and exposed material through image activating or developing means and image stabilizing means, it is provided that the material is advanced to the image receiving location by feed rollers disposed downstream of such location and is supported at such location in a substantially vertical plane by such feed rollers. The material at the image receiving location is exposed to an enlargement of the image to be reproduced and the exposed material is advanced by the feed rollers from the image receiving location and severed from the roll after being advanced beyond the feed rollers.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for an electrostatic copying machine includes a fixed blade having a straight cutting edge, a rotary shaft mounted for rotation on the frame of the machine, and a rotary fixed to an carried by the rotary shaft, the rotary blade having a spirally curved cutting edge. A wrap spring clutch is capable of transmitting rotation of a continually rotating gear to the rotary shaft and rotary blade. The wrap spring clutch is prevented from operation by a control cog of a double cog member. An inclinable member operates the double cog member to release the wrap spring clutch to enable rotation of the rotary shaft and rotary blade. The double cog member has a rotation lock cog which stops the wrap spring clutch after a predetermined rotation of the rotary shaft and rotary blade.

Abstract: A copying apparatus includes a copy paper cutting device which is operated when an original document or an optical device for exposure reaches a predetermined position. The original document or the optical device is stopped when a trailing edge of a copy paper is detected. After at least the leading edge of the copy paper passes through the copy paper cutting device, the copy paper is fed out entirely from an apparatus frame without operating the copy paper cutting device. This results in that the last copy paper sheet of the roll of copy paper is not shorter than the distance between transport rollers in the copy paper passageway to prevent a copy paper jam.

Abstract: A multiple image camera sequentially exposes upon a section of a roll film a number of images of an oscilloscope that displays images of a patient subjected to a scanning device. The oscilloscope, together with a folded optical system, is mounted to move bidirectionally transversely of the film which itself is transported bidirectionally so as to enable multiple exposures of the oscilloscope in different arrays on the film. After exposure of a selected number of images, the exposed film section is cut and a previously disengaged transport mechanism drives the cut film section into a detachable cassette.

Abstract: A photographic printer includes a splice detector for detecting the presence of a splice in a photographic paper web. The splice detector is positioned upstream of the printing aperture of the printer, and provides a signal indicative of the presence of a paper splice prior to the time that the splice reaches the printing aperture. Following detection of the splice, the paper feed control of the printer advances the web a number of additional feeds sufficient to advance the splice past the printing aperture. As a result, recording of a photographic image on the portion of the print paper web containing the splice is avoided.

Abstract: A system for prestripping alignment of color separations providing automatic registration of same on stripping, includes provision for using a set of carrier-related holes in a first color separation for establishing position of the first color separation on a hole-transfer table, and then for using fiducial indicia on the first color separation to establish position of a sensor system which in turn is used in conjunction with corresponding fiducial indicia on each of the remaining color separations to establish location for corresponding carrier-related holes which are then punched in each color separation using the hole transfer table.

Abstract: Improvements are provided in and relating to an electrostatic copying apparatus including a housing, a support for supporting an original to be copied, the support being mounted on the housing and having a transparent plate for supporting the original thereon and a holding member for covering the original on the transparent plate, a system for forming a copied image disposed within the housing and having an optical system for projecting the image of the original on the transparent plate, and a system for transferring a copying paper synchronously with the scanning of the original which is effected by the relative movement of the original holder and the optical system.

Abstract: A registration control system for a copying machine adapted to copy images from an original document medium onto selected different length sheets of copy paper with the copying machine having cutter means for selectively cutting the sheets of copy paper to length, conveying means for transporting the cut sheets of copy paper along a conveying path through an exposure station with the image projected onto the sheet of copy paper in the exposure station where the registration control system includes a cutter actuator for causing the cutter means to cut the sheets of copy paper to length; a conveyor actuator for causing the conveying means to move the cut sheets of copy paper through the exposure station; and manually adjustable control means interconnecting the cutter actuator and the conveyor actuator to cause cutter actuator to operate the cutter means to cut the sheets of copy paper to manually selected lengths while causing the conveyor actuator to operate the conveying means so that each cut sheet of copy

Abstract: An electrophotographic copying apparatus equipped with an improved copy paper cutting arrangement in which a distance between an exposure position and a transfer position along a photosensitive drum is made larger than a distance between a copy paper cutting position and the transfer position so as to actuate a cutter device after termintion of the exposure through a cutter operating mechanism.

Abstract: A photographic printer has a punch marking system for placing cut and end-of-order marks on the photographic paper. The punch marking mechanism is adjustable to accommodate different widths of print paper. The punch marking mechanism includes guide rods which are positioned transverse to the path of the print paper. First and second carriage assemblies are movable along the guide path defined by the guide rods on opposite sides of the center line of the paper path. A lead screw moves both the first and second carriage assemblies along the guide path in an essentially symmetrical manner about the center line of the paper path. The punches or other marking devices are carried on the first and second carriage assemblies.

Abstract: An improved photographic printer of the type wherein photosensitive photographic material is automatically advanced through an exposure area and is marked intermediate adjacent exposures to facilitate the separation or cutting of the different exposures. The improvement consists of a marking system having elements movable in and out of the exposure area to mark the photographic material while it is in the exposure area but without obstructing the photographic material while it is being exposed. In a preferred embodiment, the marking system includes a punch carried by a rotatable eccentric member, the punch being carried in and out of the exposure area on rotation of the eccentric member. The eccentric member is biased to maintain the punch out of the exposure area and is provided with a camming surface engagable by a reciprocal member, cooperation between the reciprocal member and camming surface causing rotation of the eccentric member.

Abstract: A photographic printer has a punch marking system for placing cut and end-of-order marks on the photographic paper. The punch marking mechanism is adjustable to accommodate different widths of print paper. The punch marking mechanism includes guide rods which are positioned transverse to the path of the print paper. First and second carriage assemblies are movable along the guide path defined by the guide rods on opposite sides of the center line of the paper path. A lead screw moves both the first and second carriage assemblies along the guide path in an essentially symmetrical manner about the center line of the paper path. Interchangeable inserts of different widths may be inserted between the carriages to define a spacing between the first and second carriages for a desired paper width. The punches or other marking devices are carried on the first and second carriage assemblies.

Abstract: Each original has a notch. A notch detector is located a distance Z upstream of the point at which the notch centerline is later to be stopped, and generates a notch-start and a notch-end pulse. A transducer generates strip-increment pulses during strip transport. In response to a notch-start pulse first and second counters start counting the strip-increment pulses, the first counting the Z distance, the second counting the notch length N. A divider ascertains the notch half-length N/2, which is then stored. When the counting of the Z-distance is finished, strip transport is not immediately stopped, and instead is stopped only after the counting of a further number of strip-increment pulses corresponding to the length N/2, whereupon transport is stopped. This references the system to the reliable centerlines of variable-length notches, instead of the leading ends of the notches, and assures correct positioning when transport is stopped.

Abstract: A duplicator for making copies of a microfiche master. The master is positioned at an exposure station and a supply of copy film stored on a roll is incremently advanced by a film drive located between the supply and the exposure station. During exposure the copy film is biased against the master by an overlying cover. Cutoff blades located immediately downstream of the exposure station sever each exposed segment of film after it is advanced past the exposure station. A single motor is used to sequentially advance, sever, and bias the film. The motor drives a rotatable element. A Geneva drive coupled to the rotatable element actuates the film drive; cam surfaces on the rotatable element displace a cam follower, the displacement of which is transmitted to a rotatable actuator element. The actuator element engages the film biasing cover and the cutoff blade.

Abstract: A microfiche recorder has an X carriage movable along a guide in the X direction and a Y carriage mounted on the X carriage and movable in the Y direction. The guide provides a pivot connection wherein the X carriage and the Y carriage are swingable in a Z direction toward an away from a microfiche holding platen.

Abstract: An automatic registration system for four-color image stripping employs in one embodiment a first punching press having a grid pattern die on which a "MYLAR" sheet carrier with desired windows is laid, and, on this, single color images are laid at the respective windows; registration holes are then punched at selectable positions keying the single color images to the carrier by use of a correspondingly-grid-patterned transparent punch holder providing good visual access for selection of positions in the grid pattern at which to mount punches, and a ram which drives the punches against compression-spring bias. Following perforation of the registration holes in the Mylar sheet carrier, each single color image is removed and matched with the remaining single color images of the four-color set to which it belongs, with appropriate locator pins inserted in prepunched holes customarily supplied in each for the color separation stage keying them together.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a modular cutter assembly. The cutter assembly includes a rotary cutter blade which is spring biased into uniform engagement with a fixed complementary blade. An actuating lever for the cutter blade also includes the additional feature of serving as a guide platen between the cutter and the subsequent drive means for a record member. Further as the actuating lever is operated to actuate the cutter blade, a soft loop is formed in the record member to accommodate the brief halt in the record member feed at the cutter position and a continuous feed of the record member by the subsequent drive means. The modular cutter assembly is so positioned in the drive system as to allow the system to be self threading and further so positioned as to be conveniently accessible to an operator of the apparatus.

Abstract: In an apparatus for exposing a strip of photographic positive paper to light shining through a strip of photographic negatives for producing latent photographic images, an adjustable length mask for defining the outline of each photographic image print on the positive paper strip. The mask, which overlies the positive paper strip, includes manually movable plates for adjusting the length of the mask opening. An automatically operated marker punch is mounted upon the mask, offset from the lighted print area, and includes a replaceable thin punch blade positioned to form a narrow slot in the paper at the lead edge of each separate print, which slot is later used to actuate a cutter mechanism for cutting apart the developed prints from the positive paper strip.

Abstract: Sensors are added to a conventional photoprinting machine, adjacent the edges of the photographic print paper and downstream of the marking system in the machine, for monitoring the presence and absence of cut marks and sort marks in or on the strip of photographic print paper. The sensors are coupled to a logical circuit and associated control circuits which provide the operator of the photoprinting machine with an indication of the operability of the marking system in said machine.