Abstract: A photographic film cassette having a stack of self-contained, self-developing film units includes leaders interconnecting the units to enable them to be withdrawn from the cassette one at a time. A Z-fold or zig-zag configuration of the film units and leaders is employed, with a leader interconnecting the leading edge of one film unit and the trailing edge of the preceding film unit. The cassette structure cooperates with the connection of the leader to the film unit leading edge to project a film unit against a cassette wall to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of the unit. Staggered loading, and alternatively symmetrical back-to-back loading of the film units in the cassette, can increase the number of film units the cassette accommodates in a limited space.

Abstract: This invention relates to color providing compounds useful as dye image-forming materials in color photographic processes. These compounds comprise a complete dye, i.e., a dye radical comprising the chromophoric system of a dye, such as, an azo, anthraquinone, azomethine or phthalocyanine dye and a cyclic moiety capable of undergoing cleavage in the presence of silver ion and/or soluble silver complex containing the group ##STR1## wherein said C atom common to said S and N atoms is a tetrahedral carbon atom possessing 4 single covalent bonds. Preferred compounds comprise the radical of an organic dye substituted with [(L).sub.m-1 -Y] wherein L is a divalent organic linking group containing at least one carbon atom, m is a positive integer 1 or 2, and Y is a cyclic moiety selected from ##STR2## WHEREIN R.sup.1 is hydrogen or a monovalent organic radical; R.sup.

Abstract: A frame and separator assembly for the manufacture of thin, flat laminar batteries in which the frame has adhesive surfaces to which a separator is adhered. The method of making batteries in which these assemblies are placed over electrode slurries extruded onto conductive plastic substrates and the separators are coated with electrolyte and then contacted with dry patch anodes on conductive plastic substrates to form cells.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a pair of juxtaposed processing members included within a photographic camera at a critical predetermined location for optimizing the processing of an exposed self-developing type film unit by distributing a fluid processing composition between predetermined layers of the film unit to initiate a developing process therefor. The mounting apparatus comprises a bracket for rotatably mounting the processing members thereon which is adapted to be attached as an integral unit to internal structure within the camera on an entrance side of the processing members and a housing section having an integrally molded film exit slot adapted to be snap-fitted to the bracket with the film exit slot positioned at an exit side of the processing members. The processing members are releasably retained at the predetermined location and precluded from moving laterally, longitudinally and vertically out of the critical predetermined location.

Abstract: A camera with a detachable electronic flash unit. The camera includes apparatus effective when the flash unit is detached for making an automatically controlled exposure under ambient light conditions. When the flash unit is attached, the ambient exposure control system is disabled and operation of the camera is inhibited until charging of the flash unit is initiated by pressing a button. When the flash unit is charged, the camera is enabled to make a flash exposure by triggering the flash unit, during an interval of time in which the light output of the electronic flash unit is regulated so that a uniform flash of light will be produced when the shutter is actuated.

Abstract: Unwanted localized image effects in diffusion transfer photographs are minimized by partially removing portions of the two transverse cassette walls which constrain retained film units against lateral movement.

Abstract: A method for making a self-retracting imbibition chamber by cutting a sheet, folding the sides into flanges, fluting the flanges followed by coiling and curing the material into a spring-like state.

Abstract: A photographic film unit comprising superposed photosensitive and image-viewing elements including an area adapted to be exposed and processed by an aqueous alkaline processing composition spread in a layer between the two elements to facilitate formation of a transfer image. A trap for excess processing compositon is affixed to one end of the unit and the entire assemblage is secured together by a binding element which is secured around and to at least three edges of the film unit including the edge to which is affixed the trap. The binding element comprises foldable tabs on both sides of the trap area and, when the element is folded to provide binding functionality, the tabs are located slightly inboard of the trap whereby the thickness of the film unit in the area of a tab is increased by the thickness of the tab.

Abstract: A photobooth and indexing system that includes a square frame having a motor driven film pack conveyor disposed about its periphery. The conveyor comprises 22 trays; 21 hold film packs and one holds a dummy pack. When a tray is indexed into position under the motorized film pack support, a ram lifts the pack up to an exposure position. A motorized support includes a rotatory solenoid operated pack, a pair of motor driven rollers and a film deflector for spread control. A logic system causes the dark slide to be automatically ejected into a film delivery chute. After 10 exposures, the logic causes the ram to be lowered thereby returning the empty pack to the underlying tray. The conveyor is indexed one tray position and the procedure is repeated. When the last tray arrives at the ram station, the dummy pack is elevated by the ram causing the logic to inhibit further operation of the photobooth until it has been reloaded with fresh film.

Abstract: Improved apparatus is provided in a viewer of the type having a film cassette receiving well defined in part by an opening in the viewer and an interior sidewall extending perpendicularly inward of the opening and from which extend outwardly a pair of drive heads. The improved apparatus is provided to guide the edge of the leading end wall of a cassette, as it enters the receiving well, past the pair of drive heads and ultimately into nesting relation adjacent the sidewall with the drive heads engaged to complementary recessed drive couplings in the side of the cassette upon complete insertion of the cassette into the well. The improved apparatus not only accommodates the ready insertion of the cassette within the receiving well, but also accommodates the ready removal of the cassette from the well by resiliently urging the bottom of the cassette to move in a direction outward of the cassette receiving well.

Abstract: A first battery powers the electrical system of an automatic photographic camera throughout each cycle of operation. A second camera battery is normally electrically isolated, and is connected with the first battery selectively during each operating cycle, especially during conditions of relatively high power drain, to ensure reliable battery power.

Abstract: Novel substantially colorless dye precursors represented by the formula ##STR1## WHEREIN R.sup.1 is hydrogen or alkyl; R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.5 is alkyl; R.sup.4 is alkyl or phenyl; Z, taken with N, represents the atoms necessary to make a benzthiazole radical; X is an acid anion; and n is 1 when R.sup.5 carries a negative charge and 2 when R.sup.5 is electrically neutral.

Abstract: A photosensitive silver halide emulsion preferably gelatin-free wherein the emulsion peptizer comprises an N-alkenyl carbamate polymer or copolymer.

Abstract: An automatic photostudio including an apparatus for changing film cassettes in a self-developing camera. The cassette changing apparatus includes a pair of cassette holding magazines located on opposite sides of the camera, an elevator for moving cassettes into and out of the camera, and a shuttle plate mechanism for effecting the dispensing of a cassette alternately from the first and second magazines and for moving the cassette along a guide plate to the elevator.

Abstract: Diffusion transfer integral film units are provided having a flare-reducing layer adjacent or contiguous the photosensitive silver halide layer(s).

Abstract: Photographic apparatus for spreading a fluid processing composition in a layer between a pair of superposed sheet elements of a self-developing type film unit to initiate formation of a visible image include a pair of roller type spreader elements having sheet-contacting surfaces rotatably mounted between spaced bearing blocks comprising a unitary piece structured to define first and second rigid sections. The first and second sections are flexibly coupled to facilitate movement of the second section towards and away from the first section. The bearing blocks integrally include means thereon which serve to establish a predetermined minimum spacing between the sheet-contacting surfaces of the spreader elements to facilitate an introduction of a leading edge of the superposed sheet elements therebetween. A spring element is associated with each of the bearing blocks and serves to continuously and resiliently urge the second section toward the first section of the bearing blocks.

Abstract: A container for photographic processing composition being releasably sealed by a novel seal provided by a flexible web releasably bonded to a plurality of lips surrounding an aperture in the container. The novel seal is such that, owing to its relatively small area of bonding between the web and the lips, it assures proper separation of the web from the lips when a pulling force is exerted on it. The seal formed by the bonding of the web to the plurality of lips is such that it withstands rupture that might result from excessive internal pressure in the composition when subjected to shock forces.

Abstract: Carrier web and end cell insulator stock for laminar batteries comprising a laminate of paper, a thermoplastic liquid impervious resin, and an overlayer on the resin of a heat sealing adhesive.

Abstract: A thin, flat laminar battery having an end cell terminal assembly with a projecting tab substantially shorter than the side of the battery from which the tab projects. The tab is folded around the battery to bring the terminal into substantially the same plane as the opposite end terminal.

Abstract: A camera of the self-developing type closes the viewfinder during the advance of an exposed but unprocessed film unit across the viewfinder path. A blade coupled with the shutter closes the viewfinder path upon opening of the shutter. Subsequent passage of an exposed film unit across the viewfinder path, which delivers the film unit to processing elements which initiate fixing of the photographic image, releases the blade for return to the open position. The shutter cocking movement provides the motion for opening the viewfinder capping blade.