Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequencing film image presentations. In the method, a film unit is first provided. The film unit has a digital memory store and a plurality of image frames. An index print is provided. The index print has an array of imagettes corresponding to the image frames of the film unit. The index print is then aligned with an array of switches, such that at least one switch is in registry with each imagette. The switches are then allocated to an array of triggers. The triggers each have a uniquely associated imagette. The triggers each include at least one switch in registry with the imagette. The array of triggers has at least one trigger associated with each of imagette. A plurality of the switches are then actuated in a non-predetermined sequence to define a sequence of imagettes associated with respective triggers. A sequence of image frames corresponding to the sequence of imagettes is recorded in the digital memory store.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a replaceable coating cartridge and a method of coating at least one surface of a photosensitive material using the replaceable coating cartridge. The method and apparatus can be used in a photographic processing device, and the apparatus can be built into an existing or new photographic processor or added on as an accessory. The method and apparatus are utilized to apply a viscous solution to at least one surface of processed photosensitive materials prior to drying in a manner that allows the solution to be uniformly applied to the at least one surface at a specific thickness. The viscous solution after drying functions as a protective coating which can protect the processed photosensitive material against scratches and moisture.

Abstract: Sound with still image film system, camera and cassette classifier apparatus wherein indicium such as a deformable tab on the film cassette is modified to indicate sound is or will be recorded in association with pictures taken on the film in the cassette. The camera includes a mechanism responsive to a control input such as actual recording of sound to cause the tab to be modified (bent inwards or broken off) to provide a visible indication that the cassette is to receive sound associated processing. Classifier apparatus at the retail order station includes a physical sensor to detect the modified tab condition and initiate a signal indicating a sound capable film cassette as well as possible order entry functions and recording of sound order associated on a film magnetic layer on the leader of the film.

Abstract: An image-audio print has either a single image or a set of images on a first side and an accessible audio data storage means preferably on its backside. The accessible audio data storage means contains an audio data segment associated with the image on single image prints and a set of audio data segments, one for each image on multi-image prints, for example, index prints. A player receives and locates the image-audio print with the accessible audio data storage means accurately positioned in electrical contact with the player apparatus. The player apparatus can play an audio data segment associated with the print from a single image print or by appropriate interaction with the user who selects a audio data segment associated with the selected image on multi-image prints. Preferably, a touchscreen is used to select the image for which the audio is to be played. The player also can record audio into the accessible audio data storage means and copy audio from one print to another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating apparatus having a removable coating module for applying a protective coating to at least one surface of a photosensitive material. The coating apparatus can be a stand-alone unit and can be added to an existing or new photographic processor. The coating product can be a solution having a predetermined viscosity which is applied to at least one surface of the photosensitive material prior to drying in a manner that allows the solution to be uniformly applied to the at least one surface at a specific layer thickness. The viscous solution after drying functions as a protective coating which can protect the processed photosensitive material against scratches and moisture. The removable coating module facilitates maintenance and cleaning after the viscous solution has been consumed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a photosensitive material through at least one processing solution for processing of a photosensitive material. The apparatus includes a transport mechanism for providing moving of the photosensitive material through the processor. A heater is provided in the processing tank for localized heating of the photosensitive material passing through the processing solution.

Abstract: A recording transfer method and apparatus. In the method, an index print having an array of imagettes and a plurality of recordings is provided. The recordings are individually associated with respective imagettes. A set of digital image files is provided on a digital memory store. The digital image files each correspond to a respective imagette. The index print and an array of switches are aligned. The array of switches has at least one switch in registry with each imagette. The switches are allocated to an array of triggers. The triggers each have a uniquely associated imagette and have at least one switch in registry with the imagette. The array of triggers has at least one trigger associated with each of imagette. A plurality of switches are actuated to define a series of imagettes associated with respective triggers. Individual recordings are, in response, associated with individual digital image files corresponding to the series of imagettes.

Abstract: An automated film slide orienting and mounting system includes at least one detector for detecting the orientation of film, a knife assembly for successively cutting the film to generate film segments, a rotatable table for orienting the film segments into a proper orientation, a set of driver assemblies for progressively moving each film segment for insertion into a slide mount, and a magnetic writing device for writing the orientation of the film segment magnetically onto the slide mount in a region of magnetic material disposed upon each slide mount.

Abstract: A film projector for use with frames of processed photographic film having frame-associated image orientation data. The film projector has a light source that emits a collimated beam and a film holder that is disposed to hold individual frames of film in the beam. The film holder is pivotable between a first and second orthogonal orientations. An optical projection system receives the beam from the film holder. The optical system propagates and focuses at least a portion of the beam on a viewing plane external to the projector. A sensor is disposed to read the frame-associated image orientation data. The sensor produces a signal responsive to the image configuration information. A controller receives the signal from the sensor. A repositioner is connected to the film holder. The repositioner is operatively connected to the controller to move the film holder between the orientations responsive to the controller.

Abstract: A method of processing photographic still image film orders having sound information recorded at the camera in association with one or more images captured on the film in which the sound information is downloaded at an order entry station to create a sound file for transfer to the photofinishing laboratory. Order identification data linking the recorded sound information to the film order is created and assigned to the sound file and the film order. The order identification data is employed at the photofinishing laboratory to create a sound recording medium from the sound file which is linked to prints produced from the film order, the sound recording medium then being attached to the image prints using the linking order identification data. Sound information associated with individual image prints may also be accumulated and recorded on a single sound recording medium for attachment to an index print produced from the film order.

Abstract: A film slide including a transparency having an image section bearing a visual image and a data section bearing encoded data relating to the visual image; and a mount having front and back panels. The panels each define an image window overlapping the image section. At least one of the panels defines a data window overlapping the data section.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preparing photographic film units having image frame associated encoded data. The method has the steps of: providing a filmstrip having a plurality of image frames and encoded data relating to individual image frames; reading the encoded data; locating the image frames; identifying data units; correlating individual data units and individual image frames; and rerecording data units on the filmstrip in physical association with respective image frames.

Abstract: Film slides bearing encoded data and methods for preparing them. The film slides each include a transparency having an image section bearing a visual image and a data section bearing encoded data relating to the visual image; and a mount including a data portion bearing magnetically recorded data relating to said visual image. The data portion of the mount physically supports the transparency.

Abstract: A film projector for use with processed photographic film having magnetically recorded image format data physically associated with individual image frames. The projector has a light source emitting a collimated beam and a film holder disposed to hold individual frames of film in the beam. The projector has a formatter displaceable between at least two different formatting positions. The formatter partially blocks the beam in at least one of the formatting positions. The projector has a projection lens system that receives the beam propagated through the film. The projector has a sensor disposed to read the frame-associated image format data. The sensor produces a signal responsive to the image configuration information. A drive is operatively connected to the formatter. The drive displaces the formatter between the formatting positions responsive to the signal.

Abstract: A basketball goal for use in playing the game of basketball. The basketball goal includes a metal circular rim attached to a mounting bracket. The rim in configured with an inner rim perimeter with a diameter of about 18 inches and a centerline rim perimeter with a diameter of between about 18.5 inches and about 20 inches. A pair of support braces are disposed between the mounting bracket and the rim to support the rim. The basketball goal also includes net hooks for attaching a net to the rim.

Abstract: A cartridge (10) of photographic medium includes a housing (14-24) having an interior volume (15); an exit slit (26) from the interior volume to an exterior of the housing; a photographic medium element (12) enclosed within the interior volume; an indicator (36-44) supported by one of the housing and the medium element, the indicator being responsive to a liquid reagent to change color and provide a visible indication of a status of the medium element; a source (46-52; 72-76; 90; 112) of the liquid reagent supported by the one of the housing and the medium element; and means (32, 34, 54-62; 778-86; 94-100; 22, 26, 28, 110) for causing flow of the reagent to the indicator upon movement of the medium element through the exit slit, whereby the indicator will change color and indicate the status. An indicator apparatus for mounting on a cartridge and a photographic medium supporting an indicator and source of reagent also are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a camera having a lighttight body compartment for retaining a film cassette having a film spool, in which the lighttight body compartment includes a detachable portion. The apparatus includes a sensing member for sensing the camera as it is attached to the apparatus, a spool driving element for engaging an exposed spool end of a cassette film spool, and a pair of pin members which engage and release the detachable portion of the camera body. According to the present invention, a control module automatically controls the action of a drive motor to cause the spool driver to engage the film spool end to wind the film into the cassette. After a predetermined time period has elapsed insuring all of the film is wound, the detachable portion of the camera body is automatically removed by engagement of the pin members and the film cassette is removed from the camera body.

Abstract: A method of processing an imagewise exposed silver halide photographic element comprising developing and desilvering the photographic element in a low volume thin tank processor wherein the processor operates at 15% or less of maximum production capacity.

Abstract: A method of processing an imagewise exposed black and white silver halide photographic element comprising developing and desilvering the photographic element in a low volume thin tank processor wherein the processor operates at 15% or less of maximum production capacity.

Abstract: A photographic processing apparatus including recirculation of processing solution is provided with a variable loop additive control system comprising a treatment container in which additive solids, pastes or fluids are introduced and through which a controlled volume of processing solution is circulated from and back to the recirculating system loop. The secondary loop of the additive system allows control of the flow of processing solution through the treatment container so that the mixing of the additive into the processing solution may be controlled at a desired rate and the additive is not excessively utilized or dissipated. Various arrangements for connecting a secondary additive loop to the primary loop of a recirculating processing solution system are illustrated.