Abstract: A retainer element is adapted to prevent randomly filed cards, microfiche, microfiche jackets, or microfilm jackets, from accidental fall from capsules in which they are stored. The retainer element automatically moves to a card-protecting position responsive to removal of the capsule from an information retrieval device, so that cards cannot become lost or misplaced at any time when a capsule is not within the information retrieval device. The retainer element is automatically moved, however, to a card-freeing position responsive to insertion of the capsule in the retrieval device. With the capsule in the retrieval device, a control finger is moved to a position overlying the corners of the cards, microfiche, microfiche jackets, or microfilm jackets, at a particular stage of the selection cycle, and becomes a fulcrum about which selected cards pivot to positions in which the selected cards are engaged in an internal notch of the associated capsule, to facilitate their removal.

Abstract: A computer controlled microfilm camera system and method for microfilming data onto pre-cut individual microfiche film sheets in one of a plurality of formats selected by a system user. The camera system includes a reusable cartridge which permits the single microfiche film sheet to be substantially withdrawn and exposed, and then reinserted into the cartridge for processing in a daylight loading processor. The cartridge is supported on a movable carriage assembly which is connected to a first drive system and stepping motor so as to provide for translation of the film sheet in a column direction. The carriage assembly supports a second drive system and stepping motor which is connected so as to provide for translation of the film sheet in a row direction.