Abstract: Sensitometric Quality Indicator Parameters (SQIP), including Color Radial Error (1), Average Density Error (2), Contrast Mismatch Error (3), HUE (4), and related Auxiliary Quality Parameters, are derived primarily from the deviations in aim values of the red, green, and blue density values over the standard range of exposure steps for a color photographic product. Normalized tolerance limit values common to SQIP 1-3 are established at one exposure reference level within the standard range of exposure steps. A composite graphical display of density deviations versus LOG H exposure, of SQIP 1-4 with associated tolerance limit values versus LOG H exposure, and of the Auxiliary Quality Parameters enables the rapid analysis and disposition of a batch of color photographic product with regard to sensitometric quality.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring the process stability of an injection molding machine having a reciprocating screw engaged in the plasticating of a moldable material in preparation to its being introduced into the mold cavity. The invention involves the measurement of the duration of the operation of the screw engaged in the plasticating of the moldable material and includes the analysis of this duration over a period of time thus providing the supervisor with the necessary information to determine whether the machine/process is meeting or deviating from the desired operating requirements.

Abstract: A process for controlling curl in polyester film is disclosed in which a cost sheet is heated assymetrically across its thickness during longitudinal stretching to product positive, negative or zero curl, as required for subsequent uses or treatments of the film formed by such stretching.

Abstract: An end cap staking apparatus comprises a frame (28) with a slide rail (34) on which a staking mechanism is slidably mounted, the mechanism including a base plate (32) from which a mounting flange (72) extends, a quill shaft (82) supported by the mounting flange, a pivot ring (92) mounted on the free end of the quill shaft, a plurality of elongated staking fingers (102) pivotably supported between their ends around the pivot ring, an outwardly flaring portion (110) on one end of each staking finger, a cam follower (118) on the opposite end of each staking finger, a cam (88) engaged with the cam followers and an actuator (130-158) for the cam to move the flaring portions radially for staking.

Abstract: A capacitance probe (10) includes readily removable outer layers (64,66) which facilitate its use in the field to measure the width of slots or clearances (12) of different widths; an optionally perforated guard electrode (64,66,76,82) which permits width measurements over wider side wall bands with minimal effect on sensitivity; convergent or tapered side edges (102) to ease insertion and movement of the probe and a carrier block (124) which ensures proper positioning of the probe within such slots.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for splicing webs (14,18) such as photographic film in which the lead end of a new web and the tail end of an old web are trimmed at the parallel edges (82,84) of their input platens (36,38) and then shifted into abutment for application of a strip of tape. An automatic tape dispenser (128) cuts tape into predetermined lengths, transfers the lengths to a vacuum applicator wheel (130) and then rolls the lengths across the abutted lead and tail ends.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for splicing webs (14,18) such as photographic film in which the lead end of a new web and the tail end of an old web are trimmed at the parallel edges (82,84) of their input platens (36,38) and then shifted into abutment for application of a strip of tape. An automatic tape dispenser (128) cuts tape into predetermined lengths, transfers the lengths to a vacuum applicator wheel (130) and then rolls the lengths across the abutted lead and tail ends.

Abstract: An apparatus for edge notching moving webs (10) comprises a reciprocating punch (82) and die (64) which are rotated on a turntable (56) at a tangential speed matching the web speed and are actuated by a fixed cam (100) and a moving follower (94,96) connected to the punch. A related method is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for splicing webs (14,18) such as photographic film in which the lead end of a new web and the tail end of an old web are trimmed at the parallel edges (82,84) of their input platens (36,38) and then shifted into abutment for application of a strip of tape. An automatic tape dispenser (128) cuts tape into predetermined lengths, transfers the lengths to a vacuum applicator wheel (130) and then rolls the lengths across the abutted lead and tail ends.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting exposed radiation sensitive film strips (102) through process liquids (38) for development includes an essentially vertical, porous serpentine wall (18) formed in oppositely opening loops (32, 34), alternate ones of which partially surround hollow porous partial cylinders (42), thus defining a sinuous path along which a transport web (70) is driven while carrying film strips which are supported treated by process liquids flowing through the porous wall and partial cylinders.

Abstract: A flexible arcuate one-piece reservoir member has a generally cylindrical outer surface with a flange projecting radially outwardly from that surface. The reservoir is attached to a conventional ball bearing by snapping the flange into a groove in the outer race of the bearing. Passageways extend through the reservoir member so that grease can be forced through the passageways into a cavity defined by the reservoir member and the adjacent portions of the bearing, thereby enabling grease in the bearing to ber replenished periodically.

Abstract: In a conventional vacuum box a loop of a web material is received in an elongate chamber of the box, and a vacuum at the lower portion of the chamber draws air through the chamber to hold the loop of web material under tension as it moves through the chamber. When the web has one or more notches along a side edge thereof, the web may vibrate excessively and experience a drop in web tension as the notch passes through the bottom of the loop in the box. In order to avoid this problem an endless ring of flexible material is positioned in the vacuum box and within the loop of web material. The ring has a plurality of spaced openings around the circumference of the ring, and they are offset from the side edges of the ring so that the portion of the ring adjacent the openings will cover the notches in the web as the web passes through the bottom of the loop in the vacuum box, thus avoiding the excessive vibration in the web and loss in web tension mentioned above.