Abstract: A camera wherein the synchronizing switch which fires the flash unit can be moved by a first lever which gradually increases the f/stop or by a second lever which constitutes the armature of the shutter-closing electromagnet, depending upon whether the first lever reaches a predetermined position corresponding to a maximum f/stop prior to deenergization of the electromagnet or vice versa. The respective lever then moves a mobile contact of the synchronizing switch against a fixed contact. The switch is opened in response to cocking of the shutter.

Abstract: Assemblies of collated film sections and related prints, each belonging to a customer, are fed seriatim into a tray at the right-hand side of a horizontal table in front of a seated attendant so that the attendant can remove an assembly with the right hand while the left-hand opens the corresponding customer pocket which is held in a position of readiness at the left-hand side of the table. The attendant can observe the collating operation by inspecting successive film frames while the frames move above an illuminated window below and in front of the web of photographic paper with exposed and developed prints thereon. The pockets are removed seriatim from a magazine and are transported to the left-hand side of the table where the rear panel of an oncoming pocket is held by suction to facilitate the task of opening the pocket by pulling the front panel away from the rear panel.

Abstract: A strip is composed of a plurality of successive groups of successive strip sections. The strip is provided with end-of-group indications coordinated with the ends of the respective groups of strip sections. The strip is transported backwards along a predetermined path so that each end-of-group marking precedes the first section of the respective group of sections. A detector located at a predetermined position along the transport path detects the end-of-group markings and generates corresponding end-of-order signals. The end-of-order signals are applied to a storage device. In response to each end-of-order signal, the storage device activates a separating device for separating one order from the next. However, the activation occurs only after the elapse of a time delay compensating for the backward transport of the strip.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting a perforated web of photographic material in stepwise fashion has a variable-speed motor which drives the web, a bundle of light conductors which receive light seriatim when a perforation of the web passes between their ends and a light source whereby the conductors transmit light to associated phototransistors which effect the transmission of different first signals at timely spaced intervals to a comparator amplifier which further receives a continuous signal from a tachometer generator driven by the motor. The amplifier gradually decreases the speed of the motor to zero speed which is reached when the last phototransistor receives light from the respective conductor. The phototransistors are connected with an input of the amplifier by Darlington transistors, flip-flops, additional transistors and a chain of resistors.

Abstract: Each customer order has the form of an image band segment comprised of one or more image sections bearing respective images. The customer order image band segments together form an elongated image band. The image band is provided with order marks of different types, each image section of one customer order being provided with an order mark of one type, and each image section of the next customer order being provided with an order mark of another type, so that the order mark type changes from one customer order to the next on the image band. The changes of order mark type are detected using a detecting arrangement which is operative for generating control signals in dependence upon such detection. The operation of an order-sorting arrangement is controlled by applying the control signals thereto.