Abstract: Manually controlled semi-automatic apparatus for desplicing film strips particularly as part of a photofinishing process includes a desplicing station mounted on a rocking arm for automatically positioning the desplicing station at first and second splice regions of the splice tape for separation of successive film strips from the splice tape in successive desplicing cycles. A tensioning mechanism, including actuator operated tensioning rollers, is mounted entirely on one side of the desplicing mechanism and operates automatically to tension the splice film during the first desplicing cycle in which one film strip is removed from the splice tape and to tension a splice tape pickup web and remaining film strip during the second desplicing cycle, the tensioning mechanism minimizing operator handling of the film during the desplicing operation.

Abstract: A scanner includes a drawer, extendible outside the scanner, for loading the original into the scanner; and a drawer supporting arrangement for supporting the drawer for movement into and out of the scanner while scanning takes place during at least part of the movement. The scanner can either be a desktop unit coupled to a host computer or mounted in a drive bay of a computer, in which case the drawer is extendible outside the drive bay for loading the original into the scanner.

Abstract: A supporting arrangement for constraining unwanted motions of an original that is being supported for movement through a scanner includes a tray for transporting the original past an image scanning location and five datum surfaces for constraining motion. The tray includes two side rails and an elongated rib arranged underneath the tray generally parallel to the side rails. Three datum surfaces bear against the upper edges of the side rails, two of the datum surfaces positioned against one of the side rails and the other datum surface positioned against the other side rail so as to constrain unwanted motion of the tray in three degrees of motion, and a first force is then impressed against the bottom of the elongated rib. Two other datum surfaces bear against one side of the elongated rib so as to constrain unwanted motion of the tray in two additional degrees of motion, and a second force is then impressed against the other side of the elongated rib between the two datum surfaces.

Abstract: A ball carrier mounting assembly for limiting the angular movement of a film follower device having, a pair of upper ball cages, each upper ball cage further having a lug for engaging a notch, a tube extending through the thickness of the cage and protruding below the lower surface, and a plurality of ball pockets, an asymmetrically shaped, mounting plate located underneath the pair of upper ball cages having a body and first and second end tabs, for attaching the assembly to a fixed support, wherein each end tab of the mounting plate has a different configuration for orienting the apparatus, the body having in addition a pair of apertures spaced from the tab ends for accommodating the tubes, and a pair of lower ball cages located below the mounting plate, each lower ball cage further having a lug protruding downwards for engaging a notch, an aperture extending through the thickness of the lower cage for receiving the tube therein, and a plurality of ball pockets, is described.

Abstract: A magnetic head-to-media backer assembly for urging a magnetic media into contact with a magnetic head having, a magnetic head mounting backer plate with first and second locating pins and a plate mounting hole extending through the plate for accommodating a mounting screw, a magnetic head-to media backer device mounted on the backer plate having a frame with a cavity therein and a spring member partially contained within the cavity, said frame further comprising first and second locating holes extending there through for receiving the first and second locating pins and a frame mounting hole extending through the frame for accommodating the mounting screw there through, and an asymmetrically shaped film guide cover plate mounted over said backer device having a tapped hole there through for fastening with the mounting screw, whereby the cover plate is removably fastened to the backer plate and the backer device is captured between the backer and cover plates, is described.

Abstract: A magnetic head-to-media backer device for holding a spring member, the spring member being adapted to urge a flexible magnetic media into contact with a magnetic head, is described, in which the device has a frame for holding the spring member therein, the frame having a cavity defined at least by a pair of opposite generally convex shaped side walls for bending the spring member into an arc with two opposite leg portions and a center portion, the center portion of the spring member protruding from an opening to the cavity to permit it to be depressed at least part way into the opening to conform the leg portions substantially against the surface of the side walls.

Abstract: A magazine for containing a plurality of film cartridges and a method of using same. The magazine comprising at least one storage disk having a plurality of sleeves defining passages at both ends for retaining at least one of the film cartridges between the open ends. The magazine having a shutter mechanism disposed adjacent to at least one end of the at least one storage disk. The shutter mechanism comprising a first dispensing disk having a first access opening and a first central axis of rotation, and a second dispensing disk associated with and adjacent to the first dispensing disk. The second dispensing disk having a central axis of rotation in co-alignment with the first central axis and a second access opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detaching and reattaching a filmstrip from a film cartridge. The film cartridge includes a spool rotatably mounted therein around which is wound a photosensitive filmstrip and an opening through which the filmstrip may pass for allowing the filmstrip to be removed from or returned to the film cartridge. The filmstrip has a leading edge and a trailing edge, the trailing edge of the filmstrip being detachably secured to the spool.

Abstract: A tool for attaching or detaching a filmstrip to a cartridge. The tool includes a blade and a base section having an upper end and a lower end. The blade is integrally secured to the upper end of the base section. The tool is made by first providing the blade with a predetermined configuration and placing the blade in a mold and introducing a resin material so as to form the base section of the tool and integrally securing the section to the base section.

Abstract: A recovery tool for receiving film cartridges and for storing the cartridges in a predetermined sequence and a method of using same. The recovery tool comprising a generally tubular member having a receiving chamber designed to hold a plurality of film cartridges in a single column, one cartridge above the other. The chamber has an upper end and a lower end, and an inlet/outlet opening is provided at the upper end of the tubular member for allowing film cartridges to be inserted into or removed from the chamber. A movable member is provided for limiting the number of film cartridges that can be placed into the receiving chamber. A removal port is provided for allowing a film cartridge to be removed from the receiving chamber at a predetermined location.

Abstract: A tool for detaching a trailing end portion of a filmstrip from at least one hook atop a ramp on a film spool inside a film cartridge. This detachment occurs when the tool is inserted inwardly through a film ingress/egress slot in the cartridge. The tool includes a flexible element having a leading first portion followed by a wider second portion each configured to be successively inserted inwardly through the slot of the cartridge beneath a film section in the slot such that when the wider second portion is forced to slide up the ramp on the spool the leading first portion will push the trailing end portion of the filmstrip off the hook atop the ramp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching/detaching a filmstrip to a film cartridge having a take-up spool rotatably mounted therein and an access opening for allowing film to be inserted or removed from the cartridge. The apparatus includes a first positioning mechanism for positioning the film cartridge in a first orientation. An attachment tool is provided for movement between an non-engaging position and a first engaging position. A mechanism is provided for releasing the cartridge from its first orientation and for biasing the cartridge to a second orientation. The tool is then moved to a second engaging position whereby the filmstrip can be attached or detached from the spool.