Abstract: An improved cylindrical processing roller is provided for use in a motor driven photographic processing apparatus of the type which spreads a fluid processing composition in a thin, substantially uniform layer between selected layers of integral type self-processable film units while advancing a film unit to the exterior of a camera after photoexposure. The improvement in the roller resides in a novel circumferential roller surface roughened by electrical discharge machining techniques to provide the roller with a high-friction characteristic for transporting the film units while being insufficiently rough to leave any visually perceptible marks on a film unit.

Abstract: A photographic camera is disclosed having a single movable lens which may be utilized to optionally produce, on a given-sized film element, either one large format picture or a plurality of separately exposed smaller format pictures.

Abstract: A photograhic camera is provided with a simple flexible shutter that is configured to bow in response to the axial focusing movement of the camera's lens in order to maintain a fixed shutter-to-lens distance as the camera's lens is focused.

Abstract: A photographic camera apparatus of the type having distinct viewing-focusing and exposure operational modes is provided with a simple, independent, single window optical viewing apparatus suitable for aiming a camera to frame a relatively large format picture area and a through-the-lens reflex focusing apparatus which provides a magnified image, visible in the viewing apparatus, of only part of the camera's field of view so that the focusing apparatus may be comparatively compact and simplified relative to a full field reflex focusing device which would view the entire field of view during focusing. The viewing apparatus also includes a visual indicator for locating the field position within the camera's field of view from which the magnified part image is derived.

Abstract: A thin-walled, collapsible, conical-shaped light baffle is provided on the inside of the exposure chamber of a compact folding reflex camera to reduce flare at the camera's focal plane during exposure. The light baffle is preferably formed of an opaque elastic material, such as a terpolymer, to provide it with a resilient characteristic which automatically biases it to assume a normally extended position when the camera is erected from a folded position. While in its extended position, the baffle is aligned with the optical path of the camera so that the interior surface of its lateral wall intercepts unwanted radiation originating outside of the camera's field of view which would, in the absence of the baffle, reflect off interior surfaces of the camera and cause either extraneous images and/or a contrast reduction in the final photographic record.

Abstract: In a photographic processing apparatus of the type including a pair of juxtaposed pressure applying members between which a self-processable type film unit is advanced to apply a pressure to the film unit to spread a viscous processing fluid in a thin layer between a pair of sheet elements of the film unit, a bimetallic strip is provided to sense ambient temperature and in response thereto apply a second pressure to the film unit as it is advanced between the pressure applying members to compensate for temperature induced changes in the fluid's viscosity which cause variations in the thickness of the processing fluid layer such that the bimetallic strip operates to maintain the thickness of the processing fluid layer substantially constant over a predetermined temperature operating range of the apparatus.

Abstract: A unicell photometer of the photoelectric type having a single tilted plano-convex lens with a series of spaced prisms integrated with the plano surface to provide the photometer with different horizontal and vertical specific acceptance angles while simultaneously aiming the field of view of the photometer below the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A photographic film assemblage possessing the versatility for use with either manually operable or electrically powered photograhic camera systems. The preferred assemblage includes: a cassette with a chamber adapted to receive a plurality of film units; a battery cavity located within the chamber and adapted to optionally receive an electric storage battery, the cavity being formed by the cooperation of a platen light-seal member and a wall of the chamber; and an access aperture in the chamber through which the battery may be conveniently inserted and removed.

Abstract: The internal configuration of a rigid opaque exposure chamber structure for use in a reflex photographic optical system is disclosed. The structure is a plastic, injection molded member of unitary construction. Its interior preferably includes an arrangement for receiving a single snap-in side wall having a specularly reflecting surface which, in combination with specularly reflecting side walls of the housing, either direct unwanted radiation from outside the field of view of the system away from its film plane or, alternatively, absorbs it by reducing its intensity through multiple reflections so that the quality of a final photograph will not be impaired. Selected side walls include serrated light traps to enhance the overall performance of the structure in this respect.

Abstract: A modular photographic system assembly that performs a series of operating functions attendent to the consecutive exposure and processing of a cassette of self-processable film units. The assembly is formed by attaching a group of system function-providing modules to a primary structural member that supports each of the modules in interfacing relationship while simultaneously defining the system exposure chamber. The module group includes a shutter module, gear train module, viewfinder module, and spreader module. Each module is attached to predetermined exterior portions of the primary structural member with snap together type fasteners. Once constructed, the assembly is an independently functioning unit that is adapted for enclosure in a protective chamber formed by mating a camera body and front cover member.

Abstract: Photographic apparatus for use with a fully automatic camera adapted to sequentially expose and process a film supply in the form of a disposable cassette. Upon insertion of the cassette within a cassette receiving chamber formed in the base of the camera, a loading door assembly is closed to secure the cassette within the chamber, and as a function of the closure of the noted door assembly, a latch and switch function occur substantially simultaneously to lock the loading door and energize a photographic system electronic network which includes a sequence control function and various other subsystems responsive to sequence commands. The switch and latch are structured to provide an interlock function so that the system is inoperative if the loading door assembly is not in a closed position. A manually operative latch release button is provided to disengage the loading door from its locked position.

Abstract: An interlock mechanism is provided for use as an adjunct with a camera having a shutter and a lanyard operated film advancing and processing system which utilizes a film cassette contaning, in stacked relationship, a dark slide and a plurality of self-processable film units. Each film unit is adapted to be exposed and then processed in a consecutive sequence. The interlock mechanism functions to preserve the proper operating sequence and prevents the camera user from performing anomalous operations which could result in film losses due to the processing of non-exposed film units.

Abstract: A manually operated photographic processing system is provided for use with a film cassette containing, in stacked relationship, a dark slide and a plurality of self-processable film units that are adapted to be consecutively exposed and then processed by being advanced from the cassette after exposure, and then processed, as they are being transported through a pressure generating nip formed by a pair of juxtaposed rollers that are resiliently biased toward each other. The mechanism of the processing system is lanyard operated such that the pull force exerted by the user is utilized first to drive a film advance means that moves a film unit from the cassette into the nip between the rollers and is then transferred to drive at least one of the rollers which, in turn, provide a traction force to further transport the film unit through the rollers and process it as a function of its movement through the rollers.