Abstract: A film unit comprises a hub and a film disk carried by the hub having photosensitive areas for receiving a plurality of images. The hub includes a region of dispersed magnetic particulates for recording data pertaining to the film unit. Since the hub supports the film disk, the data will remain oriented relative to the disk, and to specific images on the disk, during processing steps incident to the finishing of the film unit, e.g. during developing and printing.

Abstract: A latch operating lever is mounted on one panel of a cassette or the like. The latch lever has a hook portion at one end captured between a lid on the panel and a latch plate secured to and spaced from the lid. The latch plate has a hinge bar over which the hook portion is mounted, and an opening below the hinge bar through which the free end of the hook portion extends. The latch plate engages a catch spring on another panel for releasably latching the panels together. Pivotal movement of the latch operating lever causes the free end of the hook portion to engage the catch spring and disengage it from the latch plate for releasing the panels.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for synchronously processing photographic prints and corresponding negatives through an inspection and packaging operation. Initially, a file of printing history data is compiled on magnetic storage in a central computer system when the prints are originally exposed in sequence of customer order by a photographic printer. After the photographic print material is processed, the prints and negatives are delivered to the inspection and packaging apparatus in roll form while the corresponding printing history is withdrawn from magnetic storage. The inspection and packaging apparatus chops the prints and places each print in an identifiable position upon a moving inspection belt. By beginning the process with the prints, the negatives and the history file in corresponding sequence, the negative-related history data is correlated to the identifiable positions in which corresponding prints are placed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for triggering a flash lamp without the use of a conventional high voltage trigger pulse. In accordance with the invention, gas molecules in the flash lamp are ionized by the application of radiant energy to lower the impedance of the flash lamp. An energy discharge device (e.g., a capacitor) is thus able to discharge abruptly through the flash lamp causing the lamp to flash.

Abstract: Light deflection apparatus is provided for use with apparatus for uniformly illuminating a planar original in which light rays emanating from a flash lamp are blocked from directly striking the original. The deflection apparatus includes a plurality of elongated reflective louvers juxtaposed in the path of direct light rays to deflect the rays along a predetermined path. A planar reflector positioned adjacent the original in the path intercepts and reflects the light rays upon and illuminates the original.

Abstract: Illumination apparatus provides for uniform illumination of a planar original by use of a single flash lamp. A pair of parabolic reflectors partially surround the lamp and direct two separate collimated bundles of light toward opposite sides of the original. A planar reflector positioned in the path of each collimated bundle of light intercepts and reflects the collimated light rays upon the original to uniformly illuminate the original from opposite sides.

Abstract: Film positioning apparatus is provided for supporting and positioning a disk-shaped film unit, having a plurality of image frames, in several spaced positions on a photographic printer, including one position where the film unit is supported adjacent the printing gate aperture. The apparatus includes a positioner which moves the film unit to each position. The supported film unit is moved independently of the positioner at the printing gate aperture and at other positions where such independent movement is desired to position selected frames for utilization.

Abstract: Film positioning apparatus is provided for supporting and positioning a disk-shaped film unit, having a plurality of images, in several spaced work positions on a photographic printer, including one position where the film unit is supported adjacent the printing gate aperture. When positioned adjacent the printing gate aperture, the supported film unit is rotationally indexed to position selected images in the aperture.

Abstract: An exposure control apparatus for use in a photographic printer determines a color correction factor based on color densities of an original. This correction factor is then utilized in customizing a correction matrix which converts signals representing density levels to signals for use in controlling exposures.

Abstract: Apparatus for viewing image frames from interchangeable sets of disk-like photographic film units, preferably through a standard television receiver. The film units define sector-shaped, peripherally located notches and are accumulated on a spindle with the notches aligned on a common axis extending parallel to the spindle. The apparatus is provided with a carriage for receiving the interchangeable sets in a predetermined orientation, and includes an optical head, and means for relatively indexing the film units and the optical head both axially and rotationally. The notches accommodate the optical head and facilitate the relative axial indexing to select a particular film unit for viewing. The selected film unit is then released for rotation on the spindle, to present the desired frame to the optical head.