Abstract: A pre-closed slide mount has two sides secured together defining an internal pocket to retain a film transparency T inserted edgewise through an entranceway in one edge of the slide mount, which has a window for viewing. A retraction clearance slot at one end of the entranceway may provide clearance for the bowed filmstrip pusher S to be retracted while lateral movement 38 of the slide mount commences. The transparency T is cut from the leading end of the filmstrip S while said end is entirely outside of the entranceway into the slide mount. A reciprocatable pawl and its associated reciprocating drive means produces a forward stroke F of the filmstrip S equal to the length of the transparency T plus an additional extent of forward travel sufficient for pushing the transparency T completely into said pocket. Then, the filmstrip is retracted R by a distance sufficient for completely removing the film strip from the loaded slide mount.

Abstract: An improved pre-closed slide mount is described having two sides or masks which are secured together for defining an internal pocket to retain a film transparency which is inserted edgewise through an opening or entranceway in one edge of the mount and defining a window for viewing the transparency in the mount. An elevated border region formed in one mask of the mount extends transversely across the entranceway and has a sloping outer surface to provide a funnel for directing a transparency into the entranceway, and this border region has laterally sloping ends which define two spaced valleys for receiving the outer edges of a longitudinally bowed film strip serving as pusher for the inserted transparency. The outer edges of the valleys are defined by lateral transparency guides. The border region of the other mask forms an elevated roof over the elevated border region with inverted steps over the laterally sloping end portions of the border region.

Abstract: An improved pre-closed slide mount is described having two sides or masks which are secured together for defining an internal pocket to retain a film transparency which is inserted edgewise through an opening or entranceway in one edge of the mount and defining a window for viewing the transparency in the mount. An elevated border region formed in one mask of the mount extends transversely across the entranceway and has a sloping outer surface to provide a funnel for directing a transparency into the entranceway, and this border region has laterally sloping ends which define two spaced valleys the purpose of which is to receive the outer edges of a longitudinally bowed film strip serving as pusher for the inserted transparency. The outer edges of the valleys are defined by lateral transparency guides. The border region of the other mask forms an elevated roof over the elevated border region with inverted steps over the laterally sloping end portions of the border region.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically loading film transparencies into pre-closed slide mounts either of plastic or of cardboard material and having an internal pocket for receiving the film transparency which is inserted through an openable region near one edge of the mount. In loading operation, wedge means temporarily spread the openable portion of the slide mount, defining a passageway for the film transparency to pass through into the mount, and then the two sides of the mount are allowed to spring back to their closed position after loading. Advantageously, the film transparency is cut off from the filmstrip before loading, with the freshly cut end of the strip serving as pushing means for pushing the film transparency into its mount, and thus low inertial forces are involved, because the individual cut transparency has only a small mass to be accelerated and moved. The film strip is bowed into a longitudinally extending arch for providing longitudinal stiffness for pushing the transparency.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for automatically loading film transparencies into pre-closed slide mounts either of plastic or of cardboard material and having an internal pocket for receiving the film transparency which is inserted through an openable region near one edge of the mount. In loading operation, wedge means temporarily spread the openable portion of the slide mount, defining a passageway for the film transparency to pass through into the mount, and then the two sides of the mount are allowed to spring back to their closed position after loading. Advantageously, the film transparency is cut off from the filmstrip before loading, with the freshly cut end of the strip serving as pushing means for pushing the film transparency into its mount, and thus low inertial forces are involved, because the individual cut transparency has only a small mass to be accelerated and moved.