Abstract: A transparency viewing device including a faceplate adapted for mounting at least one transparency thereon, a passive Matrix LCD array comprising a plurality of row electrodes and a plurality of column electrodes separated by liquid crystal material, one of said plurality of electrodes having N electrodes and the other of said plurality of electrodes having M electrodes whereby the intersections of the row and column electrodes define a matrix of M.times.N pixel elements arranged in rows and columns, which pixels are excited by an RMS voltage difference between the two electrodes intersecting a pixel and a driver which electrifies the row and column electrodes such that at least one of a plurality n of the N electrodes or a plurality m of the M electrodes are identically electrified, wherein n.ltoreq.N and m.ltoreq.M.

Abstract: A picture projection/reflection device, particularly for use in a grave marker to optimize the observation of a remembrance picture or informative display. The device consists of a housing (2) for dimming the ambient light (7), and has a light inlet opening (10) at least partially blocked by a light filtering diffuser (6), and a light outlet opening (11) provided with a reflecting member such as a mirror (1). The picture (5) to be projected is at the inlet opening. The device is suitable for grave markers, street furniture, advertising media and the like.

Abstract: A viewing apparatus for transparencies or the like masks any display areas not covered by transparencies by generating masks without moving parts, and adapts the luminance level of the image under study and of other display areas to the optimal viewing conditions required by the observer.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately, efficiently, and consistently aligning a tabbing strip with the edges of the photographic print to which it is to be applied. The apparatus comprises a support panel, a tabbing strip registration guide, a photographic print registration guide, a clamping member including a linear clamp bar, and a spring for pivotally mounting the clamping member to the support panel. The present invention further provides a method of using the apparatus for accurately, efficiently, and consistently aligning a tabbing strip with the edges of the photographic print to which it is to be applied.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tamper-proof transparency mount which includes a zipper tab permitting easy access and removal of the transparency from its mount when sealed without doing any damage to the transparency under authorized conditions. Several embodiments are disclosed which provide different locations as well as different style tabs. The transparency mount provides an indication of unauthorized entry and also easy access for authorized entry to the transparency.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for viewing transparent film prints, such as X-rays, mammograms and sonograms, is provided, which apparatus includes a light source, a viewing stage and an array of light valves to selectively prevent the transmission of light from the light source to certain areas of the viewing stage. The apparatus allows an operator to more efficiently and accurately discern detail in the analysis of transparent film prints.

Abstract: A lightbox for cropping photographic negatives using masking cards comprising a pair of side walls spaced from each other and a back wall and a bottom wall disposed between the side walls, A front wall includes a light transparent viewing surface and slopes inwardly relative to the bottom wall at an angle of approximately 45.degree.. A plurality of sets of posts are disposed on the front wall and each set is vertically and horizontally spaced from an adjacent set by a predetermined distance whereby the posts can receive a horizontally arranged array of masking cards to enable an operator to quickly crop negatives for printing. At least one row of compartments is disposed between the front and back walls, each of the compartments in a row being disposed above each of the sets of posts. The compartments and the front wall cooperating to form a housing for a light source.

Abstract: When examining X-ray film in an examination cabinet, the films are advanced consecutively in a horizontal direction from a magazine attached or capable of being attached to one side of the cabinet. The films are placed against each other in the magazine and are removed therefrom at least partly by a feed roller. Oppositely angled parts located on an endless transporting device engage the lower edges of respective films. After being examined, the films are delivered to a further magazine located on the other side of the cabinet. Located at one end of the cabinet is a ramp, on which is mounted a plurality of diodes which enable the various operations carried out in conjunction with the examination of X-ray film to be automated. The cabinet, magazine and transporting device can be constructed in the form of a module system. One of two modules can be placed above the other, and the modules can be adjusted angularly in relation to each other. The invention also relates to the examination cabinet itself.

Abstract: A portable illuminated light box is provided for the craft industry such that a pattern may be traced or painted on the fabric of a shirt of other garments. The light box includes a plurality of rechargeable batteries which may be placed upon the side walls of the housing of the light box. The output of the batteries is applied to a low voltage fluorescent light tube having a reflector associated therewith which shines up and through a transparent screen. In one embodiment, the fluorescent light tube and the field associated therewith is transversely moveable along rails mounted within the housing of the light box. A plurality of large C clips may be utilized to temporarily attach the garment in place relative to the light box during tracing or painting of the pattern.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for viewing of a panorama or large portion thereof by selectively displaying a portion thereof on a video display device or other means and in a manner that forces the user to change his own orientation to vary the portion of the panorama viewed. Such a method and apparatus coordinates the user's normal feedback responses associated with changing orientation to changes in the portion of the panorama viewed. In a preferred embodiment, a simple apparatus for allowing a user or users to view the recorded panorama is disclosed.

Abstract: Light box assembly (10) has a removably mountable viewing panel (30), a cabinet (20), and a film media hanging means (40). Upon insertion, the viewing panel (30) is maintained in position by pressure applied by a stopping surface (70) a second surface opposite a camming surface (60) of an arm (62), along with a bottom panel positioner (72). Naturally resilient film (52) is inserted into a film receiving means (50). The film is guided along a guide surface (74) such that the leading edge of the film (52) follows the camming surface (60). Upon reaching film receiving bight (66), the operator releases the film. Due to the film's natural resiliency and the relative positions of the film receiving bight (66), the engaging edge (58), and an outer edge of the viewing panels' notch (32), the film is maintained in a secured position without the need of any moving parts. Such a configuration allows films of various thickness is to be secured.

Abstract: A fluorescent X-ray viewer includes a photosensor within the housing proximate to the fluorescent lamps for detecting the intensity of the light prior to transmission through the X-rays or other transparencies to be viewed. A dimming circuit is used to adjust the intensity of the fluorescent lamps to less than the nominal value, and feedback through the photosensor is used to maintain the light intensity output at a substantially uniform level to compensate for line and load variations and aging and changes of the efficiency of the fluorescent lamps. The X-ray viewer is provided with an LED warning indicator which is energized when the lamps have deteriorated to an extent which requires replacement.

Abstract: Educational apparatus for use with an overhead projector has a transparent grid with horizontal and vertical indices for projecting a grid onto a wall screen. A plurality of removable cover pieces, keyed to the grid, cover up grid segments whereby when the transparent grid has pictorial material a student, or player, may project a particular grid segment by picking up the cover piece on that segment.

Abstract: A device for the simultaneous viewing of numerous photographic slides has two rows of periodic ridges spaced parallel to each other. The ridges are shaped so that one can grasp a stack of slides between the thumb and forefinger and spread them along the ridges in a single sweeping motion. In one embodiment, a light source is included in between the ridges.

Abstract: A device useful in sorting slides can be constructed so as to include a tray formed of a white polymer material and so as to include a plurality of slide holders pivotally mounted on the tray generally above the bottom of it so that they may be rotated between storage positions in which slides held by the holders are generally parallel to the bottom of the tray and adjacent to the bottom of the tray to a sorting position in which slides held by the holders are located at an angle to the bottom of the tray. Detents are provided for temporarily positioning the holders in the sorting positions. When they are held at an angle to the bottom of the tray slides held by the holders can be viewed as they are illuminated by ambient light. Because of the manner in which the slides are held they may be arranged in any desired manner by moving them to various position in the holders as they are illuminated.

Abstract: A cabinetry door including a first member having a backwardly extending peripheral border and a second member having a forwardly extending peripheral border with a peripheral flange, wherein the peripheral flange of the second member is attached to the first member within its peripheral border. In a transparency viewer embodiment, the first member includes an light-transmitting portion and a transparency holder, and a light source is disposed between the first and second members.

Abstract: A masking system for masking the viewing area of a radiograph light box comprises a pair of spaced, endless belts disposed in substantially perpendicular relationship. Each of the belts has spaced opaque regions and spaced transparent regions connecting the opaque regions. The belts are supported on rollers and are movable to selectively position portions of the opaque regions into alignment with the edge regions of the image support.

Abstract: A desktop film viewer includes a box-shaped structure consisting of a cover member and a main member fitted with each other, a light transmission diffusion plate provided on the cover member, and a light source and reflectors provided in the main member to illuminate the light transmission diffusion plate. The box-shaped structure comprises wedge-shaped side surfaces. At the acute angle edges of the wedge-shaped side surfaces, the main member and the cover member are pivotally connected to each other. The box-shaped structure further comprises foldable linked stays for maintaining the box-shaped structure opened at any angles.

Abstract: Three embodiments for a holder for film, papers, canvas, sheets and the like, are disclosed. Each of the embodiments presented utilizes gravity in some fashion for the holding function. The invention generally comprises a recessed horizontal groove located upon a vertical planar surface which is covered by the holding assembly. The holding assembly comprises a vertical planar cover, the bottom edge of which participates in the holding. An object to be held is slipped between the bottom edge and the vertical planar surface and extended into the groove. Whereupon gravity means holds the object in a hanging fashion.

Abstract: A computer-controlled slide previewer, sorter, projector tray loader and archiving system. Slides are held in a stack in a hopper in a known sequence. A slide release mechanism is provided to deliver one slide from the stack of slides to a position over one of a plurality of sorting bins or compartments of a projector tray. An accession number is derived for each slide either from a number read from a label affixed to the slide or from the relative position of the slide in the hopper. This accession number is transmitted to a sorting logic. In accordance with a sort algorithm using the accession number, the sorting logic positions the appropriate bin or compartment to receive the slide. The sorting logic then activates the release mechanism to deliver the slide into the bin or compartment positioned to receive the slide.

Abstract: Heat build up is reduced in x-ray film illuminator apparatus by transferring excess heat from the sources thereof to the exterior of the unit and then into the surrrounding environment. A heat dispersing surface contacts the hottest part of the ballast employed within the unit, with a back wall of the unit itself being spaced from an associated wall, on which the apparatus may be detachably mounted on a special hanger so as to permit a vertical air flow path between the back wall and associated mounting wall surface. A viewing area of the unit is formed by a translucent face plate retained in position along at least the top or upper peripheral portion thereof by a resilient element also capable of retaining in place the film transparency or other media that is being viewed.

Abstract: A device for directly viewing an image on a film transparency, in which the illuminating light source is controlled on the basis of discrete information elements written into and stored in a two-dimensional memory during a preliminary image brightness scanning operation. At option, the light beam produced by the light source either has its intensity or its scanning velocity controlled, in order to accordingly vary the brightness level of elementary film surface regions.Velocity modulation is to be preferred as the beam brightness level can then be maintained at an optimally constant value, while the dynamic contrast range of the image viewed by the observer is substantially determined by the beam velocity modulation range.

Abstract: Improved apparatus is provided for examining large quantities of documents and, particularly, x-rays, positioned in front of a viewing station. The present invention utilizes an elongate sheet of plastic which can be power controlled to move in a generally horizontal direction across the viewing station. In the area of the viewing station, the plastic sheet is tilted backward, so that gravity assists in retaining the documents on the plastic sheet. Novel means are provided for retaining the film on the plastic sheet between the idler rollers and drums. Improved methods are disclosed herein for viewing large quantities of documents such as x-rays.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a simulated key that contains important personal and medical information on a microfiche chip (46) enclosed within an information cartridge (32) that is selectively stored within the cover (10) that gives the key its appearance. The information cartridge has a handle (26) with a distinctive aperture (27) and stylized letters (12) to provide a skeleton key appearance yet to clearly disclose to trained medical and emergency personnel the information content of the key. A cartridge placement holder (47) also is provided to align the microfiche chip with the optical and magnification apparatus of conventional microfiche reading apparatus.

Abstract: A portable light box having a light tray, with a cover having an aperture therein with the cover hinged to the light tray. A diffuser is secured in the aperture. A base is also hinged to the light tray. Bail means releasably lock the cover to the light tray, thereby securing the diffuser in the aperture, and may function as a carrying handle or an easel strut to support the light tray at a predetermined angle to the base.

Abstract: A plastic display card holder for receiving and gripping a card for display purposes comprises interconnected spaced-apart parallel wall portions. The wall portions are connected in a manner to provide an entrance for insertion of a display card. A plurality of resilient plastic projections are provided on the holder which flex as the display card is inserted into the holder through the entrance. The flexed projections grip the inserted display card as the resilient projections attempt to recover to their normal unflexed position.

Abstract: A copy holder adapted to foster the efficient comparison of two sets of data, one of which is visible on a display associated with a computer, and the other being visible on a sheet of flexible material, e.g., a sheet of paper. The comparison is fostered by reducing the necessary eye travel as an operator switches his attention back and forth between the data on the flexible sheet and the data on the display. A structural housing having a thin profile supports the display device in front of a computer operator, such that an operator may still see the data that appears on the display screen. The housing has a frontal opening through which the sheet of flexible material may be manipulated by the operator; and it has a rear opening through which a surplus quantity of the flexible sheet may be pushed.

Abstract: A reusable fixture for holding a segment of a flexible strip used in the fabrication of an integrated circuit device is provided. In the fixture there is provided a plurality of elongated movable cantilevered beam members which are movable from a first position to a second position for insertion and removal of a segment of a flexible strip therein and therefrom. The segment is held in the fixture by means of the free ends of the beam members which overlie the edges of the segment when the beam members are in their first position.

Abstract: A fixing means for detachably mounting X-ray films (1) or the like to an illuminated surface (2) of an X-ray examining cabinet (3) comprises a resilient member (4) made of rubber, plastics or the like and having an anchoring portion (4a), an engaging portion (4b) and an intermediate, thinner hinge means (4c). The resilient member (4) is accommodated in a profiled frame element having a lower support part (5b) which supports the engaging portion (4b) so that it forms a right angle or an acute angle with the anchoring portion (4a).

Abstract: A viewing device for X-ray films or the like automatically masks the areas of the viewing screen not in registry with the film to be viewed responsive to the insertion of a film. The device includes a dimension sensing mechanism which aligns a selected mask with a positioned film automatically in accordance with the sensed dimension.

Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating transmission holograms from the rear with an illumination source located in front of the hologram, comprising a reflector and a light trap adapted to be mounted behind the hologram at a location chosen to reflect light from the source through the hologram as though from a source behind the hologram, while reflecting ambient light from the direction of an observer of the hologram into the trap.

Abstract: The disclosed film viewer comprises a box with a bottom and an inclined top having a diffusion plate fitted therein, a light source disposed in the box, and a number of reflectors distributed on the inner surface of the box so as to reflect light beams from the light source in such a manner that uniform brightness is provided throughout the entire surface of the diffusion plate.

Abstract: A portable, easy to use photographic viewer for use particularly by medical and dental professionals when required. The viewer is light weight and includes a light source, a photographic imaging screen, clip to retain the photographic slides or negatives in position and a support for maintaining the viewer in any desirable position.

Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating transmission holograms from the rear with an illumination source located in front of the hologram, comprising a reflector and a light trap adapted to be mounted behind the hologram at a location chosen to reflect light from the source through the hologram as though from a source behind the hologram, while reflecting ambient light from the direction of an observer of the hologram into the trap.

Abstract: An illuminated transparency viewing device for viewing transparent loose-leaf pages and for sorting 35 mm slides. The device has a smooth viewing surface and a ribbed sorting surface on opposite sides of the device; wherein a double-sided reflector surface is hinged between the two sides so as to pivot from a first position, wherein light is reflected through the smooth viewing surface to a second position, wherein light is reflected through the ribbed sorting surface.

Abstract: A slide viewer or projector is provided with a device for preventing two or more slides from attempting to enter into the viewing or projecting area simultaneously. The device comprises a barrier with a wiper pivotally mounted thereon. The barrier and wiper are spaced apart from the path taken by a slide so that the slide pivots the wiper against the action of biasing means and then the barrier is raised into engagement with the upper surface of the slide and this allows the wiper to wipe over the upper surface of the slide to "kick off" any other slide resting on the surface.

Abstract: A transparency viewing system employs an illuminated viewer adapted to be used with an overlay device and/or film retaining clips. Brackets are provided to define longitudinal open channels at opposite edges of the illuminated viewing surface. The overlay device is of a size to span the viewing surface such that the marginal edges thereof, which have a configuration similar to that of the open channels, may be inserted into the open channels so that the overlay device is held against the viewing surface. Each retaining clip includes a mounting portion having a configuration similar to that of the channels and may be adjustably positioned along the channels so that its operating portion is biased against the viewing surface to hold transparencies placed between the clip and the viewing surface in position.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for viewing photographic slides carried in a long magazine by a slide projector which is configured to accept only a circular slide magazine or carrousel. This invention provides a simple and efficient mechanism for using long magazines with a circular magazine projector without the need of first transferring by hand all of the slides from the long magazine into a circular magazine. An attachment adapted to be fastened to the projector housing has a covered channel for accepting and advancing a long magazine inserted therein. Adjacent the long magazine within the attachment is an intermediate storage tray which contains slide compartments and which is moved synchronously with the long magazine. Slanting guide rails extend from the long magazine to the intermediate storage tray, and these rails individually transfer the slides from the long magazine into the storage tray as the long magazine is advanced.

Abstract: A slide filing and retrieval system characterized in the provision of a book-like file having vertical front and rear sidewalls between which a series of transparent slide carrier sheets are supported for selective swinging movement in a vertical plane through the open top and open end of the file to a viewing position above the open top of the file in front of the illuminated transluscent screen of a viewing stand on which the file is supported. The upper end of the viewing stand has a downwardly depending clamp to releasably clamp any selected slide carrier sheet in viewing position in front of the illuminated transluscent screen. Each slide carrier sheet has a plurality of pockets from and into which slides may be selectively withdrawn or inserted when the sheet is in clamped viewing position.

Abstract: A box structure having a light source therein and a light transmission panel on the front thereof to receive X-ray films thereon for viewing with back-light illumination is provided with a horizontal cross bar detachably secured across the light transmission panel at a predetermined vertical position to divide the viewing screen into upper and lower viewing areas. The bottom of the cross bar is provided with a portion for detachably retaining a film edge for viewing of a film in the lower viewing area, and shades are horizontally secured at the top or bottom of the front of the box structure and are vertically drawable to cover at least an underlying portion of the light transmission panel to reduce glare.

Abstract: A control panel for a microfiche reader includes an alphabetic keyboard having a plurality of buttons arranged in parallel rows and a numeric keyboard carrying numeral index images. Each row of the buttons is provided with an index carrier carrying a plurality of indicia. Each of this indicia corresponds to a row of images extending along one of the coordinate axes. These index carriers are switched to a plurality of positions to thereby align the respective indicia with the associated button which is pushed to locate the row of images in which the individual image to be retrieved is located. The second keyboard is thereafter used to locate the individual image in the row of images found by the first keyboard.

Abstract: A light fixture having an optically diffusive viewing element having a viewing area across which apparent uniform brightness is achieved from a conventional light source and reflector by utilization of a light aperture. The light aperture comprises a tralucent substrate to which a plurality of reflective surfaces are affixed so as to partially redirect light incident thereon back to the reflector. Apparent uniform brightness of the light fixture viewing area is derived by a unique method of dividing the light from the light source into varying portions of direct and indirect illumination through the light aperture as well as direct illumination from the light source and indirect reflection from the reflector to the viewing area.

Abstract: A thin schaukasten which is composed of a diffusive transparent plate, a light homogenizing member, a fluorescent lamp and a reflection member and in which the light homogenizing member has a reflection pattern formed on a transparent support media to provide a distribution of transmission for preventing non-uniform luminous intensity on one surface of the diffusive transparent plate and the reflection member is disposed in such a manner as to reduce non-uniformity in luminous intensity on one surface of the light homogenizing member. A lighting circuit for the fluorescent lamp includes a frequency converter for preventing flicker when the fluorescent lamp is lit, and the lighting circuit is used in common to a plurality of fluorescent lamps.

Abstract: A slide viewer/sorter having a chute oriented at an incline to horizontal which is adapted to receive a photographic slide at one end. The slide drops by force of gravity to a viewing station where it is held by a detent. After viewing the slide the detent is actuated to release the slide which is transported by force of gravity to the lower end of the chute where it drops into a first receptacle. The first receptacle is rotatably mounted so that it can be moved out of the way, thus allowing the slide to drop further down into a second receptacle, having a number of bins. The second receptacle is mounted so that any bin can be positioned under the chute. This allows the operator of the viewer/sorter to sort the slides into two or more different stacks.

Abstract: A grave marker having a base, a marker, and a chamber for displaying pictures, photographs, or the like. The chamber is a hollow tube, preferably cylindrical in shape. Within the chamber is mounted the picture. The picture can be viewed by an observer through an eyepiece set into the wall of the chamber. Ilumination is provided through the ends of the tubular chamber. Since sunlight does not directly strike the picture, deterioration of the picture is minimized.

Abstract: A device for displaying photo-slides having a panel with a light source behind it and several sets of parallel rails to support photographic slides for viewing. Each set of rails has an upper and lower rail that are spaced to support the top and bottom of the back surface of the photo-slides, and on the upper rail there is a series of pick off teeth with a stop surface protruding above the rail at a height slightly less than the thickness of a photo-slide. A slide handler box receives a stack of photo-slides and slides along, astride the upper and lower rails so that as the stack engages a pick-off tooth, a single photo-slide is engaged, stripped away, and stopped in place on the rail. The back of the handler box has an opening at the bottom just wide enough to allow one photo-slide to pass.

Abstract: An illuminated transparency viewing device is supported by a leg construction which may be adjusted to orient the viewer at different angles relative to a supporting surface. Two pairs of spaced apart legs are provided, each leg being pivotally mounted to the viewer housing for movement between retracted and extended positions so that either pair may be retracted or extended to tilt the viewer on edge. Each pair of legs may be of different length than that of the other pair. One leg of each pair is colinearly arranged with a corresponding leg of the other pair to define a pair of leg assemblies. Each leg assembly therefore has a pair of legs, each being mounted for pivotal movement between the side walls of a U-shaped bracket secured to the bottom of the viewer housing and may be extended from or retracted into the bracket.

Abstract: A reusable fixture for a segment of a film strip having a flexible beam lead frame mounted on the segment and an integrated circuit chip bonded to the inner portions of the leads of the lead frame. The fixture is made from an integral laminar layer of a suitable material. The improvements are in providing a plurality of pairs of projections with protuberances which overlie, to a slight degree, the attachment webs of a segment. The fixture is also provided with detachment openings to provide access to the attachment webs which detachment openings facilitate removal of a segment from the fixture.

Abstract: A slide viewer/sorter having a chute oriented at an incline to horizontal which is adapted to receive a photographic slide at one end. The slide drops by force of gravity to a viewing station where it is held by a detent. After viewing the slide the detent is actuated to release the slide which is transported by force of gravity to the lower end of the chute where it drops into a first receptacle. The first receptacle is rotatably mounted so that it can be moved out of the way, thus allowing the slide to drop further down into a second receptacle, having a number of bins. The second receptacle is mounted so that any bin can be positioned under the chute. This allows the operator of the viewer/sorter to sort the slides into two or more different stacks.