Abstract: A digital reorder system and med is disclosed for making reprints from a negative strip. The strip advances toward a digital scanner which reads the bar code adjacent each frame to determine frame number and other parameters, and an image associated with each frame is scanned by a digital camera. Computer software manipulates the bar code information and the scanned image to place the image in a proper orientation. Consequently, the operator need not spend time orienting the negative strips prior to insertion into the feeder. The reorder system can include a multiple strip feeder which receives a stack of negative strips and automatically feeds the strips one-by-one into the reorder system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for splicing photographic films is disclosed, where the films are conveyed along a path and supported by a track element. Upon being positioned to receive a splice, the films are clamped between a movable splice pad and the track clement. The clamping action produced by the movable splice pad substantially eliminates the problem of film foldovers caused by curling at the trailing end of a film. A splice head is lowered to apply a splice tape to the films, thereby forming the splice. The films are spliced together in a flattened state, producing a continuous web of film which can be wound onto a roll or core for further processing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for splicing photographic films is disclosed, where the films are conveyed along a path and supported by a track element. Upon being positioned to receive a splice, the films are clamped between a movable splice pad and the track element. The clamping action produced by the movable splice pad substantially eliminates the problem of film foldovers caused by curling at the trailing end of a film. A splice head is lowered to apply a splice tape to the films, thereby forming the splice. The films are spliced together in a flattened state, producing a continuous web of film which can be wound onto a roll or core for further processing.

Abstract: A digital reorder system and method is disclosed for making reprints from a negative strip. The strip advances toward a digital scanner which reads the bar code adjacent each frame to determine frame number and other parameters, and an image associated with each frame is scanned by a digital camera. Computer software manipulates the bar code information and the scanned image to place the image in a proper orientation. Consequently, the operator need not spend time orienting the negative strips prior to insertion into the feeder. The reorder system can include a multiple strip feeder which receives a stack of negative strips and automatically feeds the strips one-by-one into the reorder system.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an improved automated photofinishing packaging system for receiving film, processing it into the final prints, and packaging the film with the associated prints. The improvement pertains to a technique for encoding identification data onto the roll of prints which data can key the prints to the associated film during packaging. If more prints are in a particular order than are necessary to encode the identification data, the encoding of the identification data is repeated until substantially all prints in the order have been encoded. In addition, in one embodiment, each encoding of the identification data is followed by the encoding of distinguishable synchronization data, which can be used to distinguish between the repeated encodings of the identification data.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a photoprocessing system for receiving film and processing it into the final prints. The system particularly includes modifications to the film printer for encoding identification numbers onto the roll of prints which can key sets of prints to the respective film. Also, a film advance system is disclosed wherein the film is stopped during the printing process to allow a bar code to be read from each film of a roll of films. Additionally, an automated packaging machine is disclosed wherein the prints from a roll of prints are cut apart by a continuously running knife system. A film accumulator for cutting apart and stacking sections of film after it has been printed is disclosed, as is a batch management computer system for maintaining a file of information pertaining to the film, order envelope and print processing taking place.

Abstract: A tie bow of ribbon for gift packages and a process of fabricating the bow are disclosed. The bow is formed from three separate ribbon pieces and includes a looped base portion and a superposed wing portion which are united by a central tying strip. As disclosed in the bow-making process, the loop and wing are easily formed by shaping and crimping strips of single-ply ribbon and impaling them on a pair of spaced needles. The tying strip is then looped over the impaled ribbon pieces and stapled to itself to hold the strip in place and finish the bow.