Abstract: A reloadable film canister includes a light-tight enclosure with an aperture for dispensing film therethrough. A spool of film may be loaded into the enclosure, and may be removed when the film is dispensed. In one embodiment of the invention, an encoder (field modulating) disk is included as part of the canister. In another embodiment the encoder disk is affixable to the film spool and loadable with the film spool into the canister. The spool is mountable in the enclosure for rotation therein and for dispensing, at each step of a stepper motor, a predetermined length of film corresponding to the motor's step size. The encoder disk has a plurality of uniformly-spaced, peripherally-arranged segments (elements) detectable by an external detector (sensor), the detector and the stepper motor operating under control of a microprocessor.

Abstract: A reloadable film canister system provides light-tight and dust-free enclosure for 105 mm microfilm and the like. A gear-toothed reel inside the canister meshes with a gear assembly of the canister and linearly drives a detectable element adjacent a sensing element located in a host machine.

Abstract: A microfilm reader is provided which not only permits an operator to visually examine previously created images, stored on microfilm, but also to create a digitized representation of the image being viewed. The reader includes an opto-mechanical system for displaying a selected image and also for directing the image to a digitizing sensor. The sensor is coupled to electronic circuitry for storing the digitized representation either in black and white form or with a gray scale. The contents of the storage unit can be accessed a microcomputer coupled to the reader for purposes of manipulating the digitized representation or for transmitting it to another display or an output device, such as a facsimile machine.

Abstract: A reloadable single reel film canister has a housing with first and second parts. The parts are movable, relative to one another, from a closed condition to an open condition. When in the open condition, a roll of film can be placed in the housing. When loaded with film the housing can be reclosed. The amount of film being withdrawn can be monitored by an encoder carried by the canister.

Abstract: A solution containing a water-soluble stilbene sulfonic acid derivative which is used to solubilize oily dye residues in photodeveloper solutions used to develop direct positive silver halide film without generating foam is disclosed.

Abstract: A reloadable film canister includes a light-tight enclosure with an aperture for dispensing film therethrough. A spool of film may be loaded into the enclosure, and may be removed when the film is dispensed. In one embodiment of the invention, an encoder (field modulating) disk is included as part of the canister. In another embodiment the encoder disk is affixable to the film spool and loadable with the film spool into the canister. The spool is mountable in the enclosure for rotation therein and for dispensing, at each step of a stepper motor, a predetermined length of film corresponding to the motor's step size. The encoder disk has a plurality of uniformly-spaced, peripherally-arranged segments (elements) detectable by an external detector (sensor), the detector and the stepper motor operating under control of a microprocessor.

Abstract: A film canister with non-contacting means for indicating and facilitating sensing and calculation of film roll diameter and length of film left in the canister, and providing indication of film-out. The system for sensing the roll diameter comprises the canister, an inductive sensor and metered feed rollers. The system for calculating the film diameter and length and determining film-out comprises a microprocessor with visual indicating means.

Abstract: A disposable container in the shape of a bottle made of molded polyethylene plastic serves as a reservoir for a photographic development liquid, that is circulated between the container's reservoir and a machine. The container has large planar sides to which good thermal contact is made by electrical heating pads for the purpose of heating the liquid within the container's reservoir. A substantially planar top surface of the container defines a central outlet aperture. This aperture connects to a feed tube which extends into the container's reservoir. The container is mounted upright to the machine's bottom surface by a screw collar. The machine's bottom surface is complementary to, and mates with, the container's top surface. A fluid-tight compressive seal is made in a first annular region about the container's central aperture by means of an O ring or gasket.

Abstract: A pneumatic pressure pad within an exposure stage of a microfiche duplication equipment cyclically reliably evenly progressively pressures a microfiche master film into uniform pressured contact with an unexposed film in order that the unexposed film may be exposed from the master film without appreciable distortion. A housing of the pneumatic pressure pad defines a chamber divided into separate volumes by a flexible diaphragm. A pneumatic source cyclically applies a differential air pressure between the chamber's two volumes and across the flexible diaphragm. Outside of the housing, an elastomeric pressure pad presents a substantially planar precision crowned surface in a direction oriented towards the planes of each of the unexposed and exposed films. A shaft connects the diaphragm to the pressure pad.

Abstract: A continuous motion imaging system having a focusing mechanism for linescan imaging. Carriage apparatus connected to a continuous motion device moves a platen which holds the imaging media. A flexure connection between the carriage and the platen, coupled with a precise rail and bearing structure, provides for precision focus at the linescan position over the axis between the bearings.

Abstract: A continuous motion imaging system having a focusing mechanism for linescan imaging. Carriage apparatus connected to a continuous motion device moves a platen which holds the imaging media. A flexure connection between the carriage and the platen, coupled with a precise rail and bearing structure, provides for precision focus at the linescan position over the axis between the bearings.

Abstract: A process for characterizing the motion of a synchronous motor in microstep mode to achieve desired precise velocity motion at the final output. The motor velocity is directly proportional to the frequency of the microstep excitation pulses which control the rate of change of sine/cosine motor currents. The motor is initially operated at normalized frequency by means of a digital memory which controls a microstep clock pulse rate. Velocity and position errors at discrete locations are then determined and frequency correction terms are inserted into the memory at a predetermined time before the correction is to take effect on the motor. Also disclosed is apparatus for controlling the operation of the motor with the thus created characterization enhanced memory. The operating apparatus includes means to devise sine and cosine signals which always remain in synchronism and through which the signals from the memory are applied to the quadrature windings of the motor.