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: Photographic camera apparatus for processing exposed film units of the self-developing transparency type including two superposed resilient coiled opaque sheets adjacent the opening thru which exposed film units are advanced from the camera. The sheets are bonded in light tight relation along two opposed edges thereof such that an exposed film unit advancing from the photographic apparatus through the exit opening intervenes between the superpoed sheets. The advancing film unit thereafter operates to uncoil the coiled sheets so as to remain outside the photographic apparatus in light tight relation with respect to ambient light which might otherwise reach the film unit prior to the period required for its complete development. Once the film unit has been developed, the photographer may grasp the leading edge of the film unit and withdraw it from between the opaque sheets afterwhich the resilient sheets automatically assume their coiled state.

Abstract: A self-developing camera having a housing which is formed in part by a molded plastic housing section. The housing section includes, integrally molded therewith, a film exit slot, a camming member for deflecting a film unit towards the exit slot, as it emerges from a pair of pressure-applying members, to influence the distribution of fluid processing composition being spread within the film unit, and positioning structure cooperating with a mounting bracket for the pressure-applying members for accurately positioning the film exit slot and camming member with respect to the pressure-applying members.

Abstract: A modular photographic system that performs a series of operating functions attendant to the consecutive exposure and processing of a cassette of self-processable film units. The system construction includes a body and front cover member which cooperate to form a protective enclosure for a system assembly that provides the system operating functions independent of the enclosing structure, The system assembly is formed by attaching a series of 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 body includes an internal chamber that is adapted to slidably receive the system assembly to support and position it such that the structural interfaces between the two form a cassette receiving chamber. The front cover member fastens to the body with snap-type connectors to retain the system assembly within the body chamber and complete the enclosing structure.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members operating as a spreader system for a camera to distribute a fluid processing composition between predetermined layers of a film unit subsequent to exposure to initiate a developing process for the film unit. The mounting apparatus comprises a bracket for rotatably mounting the pressure-applying members thereon which is adapted to be attached as an integral unit to internal structure within the camera and a housing section including an integrally molded film exit slot adapted to be snap fitted to the bracket whereby the pressure-applying members are precisely located relative to the film exit slot and prevented from moving laterally, longitudinally or vertically out of the precise location. The mounting apparatus is constructed to be snapped together for relatively rapid ease of assembly without the aid of a fixing tool and may be subsequently disassembled with comparative relative ease for repair, cleaning or replacement of parts.

Abstract: Photographic apparatus for use with film units of the self-developing type including at least one photosensitive layer and a light transmitting layer. A preferred form of the apparatus includes a pair of rollers mounted adjacent an exit opening for advancing an exposed film unit through the exit opening while simultaneously spreading a processing composition across the photosensitive layer. A coil of opaque material is mounted adjacent the exit opening in position to be engaged and uncoiled by the leading edge of the film unit as it passes through the exit opening. The coil progressively covers portions of the light transmitting layer adjacent to those portions of the film unit which have been treated with the processing composition, thereby preventing further exposure of untreated portions of the photosensitive layer by ambient light which would otherwise be transmitted lengthwise by the light transmitting layer.

Abstract: Photographic apparatus for use with film units of the self-developing type. The apparatus includes a coil of opaque sheet material mounted adjacent an exit slot of the apparatus in position to be engaged by a leading edge of an exposed film unit as it is being advanced to the exterior of the apparatus by a pair of pressure-applying members. The sheet material is uncoiled by the advancing film unit so as to progressively cover, in lighttight relation, portions of the film unit which have been treated with a processing composition so as to prevent further exposure of untreated portions of the film unit by ambient light being transmitted lengthwise along the film unit. After the sheet material has been completely uncoiled, it is adapted to return towards its coiled configuration where it cooperates with other structure for releasably retaining the film unit in engagement with the apparatus after the latter has moved out of engagement with the pressure-applying members.