Abstract: Apparatus for separating successive sections of a running web wherein neighboring sections are connected to each other by weakened (e.g., perforated) web portions has a first and a second web driving unit. The second unit is located behind the first unit, as considered in the direction of transport of the web, and its speed is reduced below the speed of the first unit (and/or the speed of the first unit is increased above that of the second unit) when a weakened portion is located between the two units. This results in automatic separation of the preceding section because the tensional stress upon the weakened portion behind the preceding section suffices to destroy such weakened portion. The weakened portions are monitored by a detector which transmits short-lasting signals to change the speed of the first and/or second unit when a weakened portion advances beyond the second unit but is yet to reach the first unit. When a separating step is completed, the speed of the two units is again the same.

Abstract: Apparatus for classifying photographic prints which are severed from the leader of a downwardly moving web of exposed and developed photographic paper has side walls which define a downwardly extending channel whose upper end constitutes an inlet for descending prints and whose lower end has two or more discrete outlets. The channel contains one or more blade-like switching members which are movable between several positions to thereby establish paths for descent of sheets from the inlet into a selected outlet. The switching member or members are movable between such positions by electromagnets which are installed externally of the channel and each of which can attract or release one or more swtiching members. The channel can be mounted on a pivotable carrier which can move at least one outlet between two different positions for admission of prints which descend through such outlet into either of two discrete receptacles.

Abstract: Apparatus for convoluting a web of photographic material onto a rotary core in a lighttight cassette has an elongated channel which is pivotably mounted in the cassette and whose outlet is normally tangential to the peripheral surface of the core. The outlet of the channel is detachably or permanently connected with a flexible or deformable strip-shaped element in the form of a link chain, plastic band, textile band or metallic band which surrounds a substantial part of or the entire peripheral surface of the core. When the leader of a web is introduced into and advanced beyond the outlet of the channel while the core rotates in a direction to convolute the web, the foremost part of the leader penetrates between the core and the flexible element and adheres to the peripheral surface of the core not later than upon the making of approximately two convolutions. During winding, the flexible element insures that the neighboring convolutions of the web on the core are tightly packed against each other.

Abstract: A copying machine, especially a projection printer, wherein a web of photographic paper receives images of successive film frames on an original at an exposure station and the original is monitored by a scanning device which transmits electric signals in response to detection of indicia denoting the last frames of successive orders. The web is formed with first markers which denote successive images thereon and the locations where the web is to be severed to yield discrete prints, and with second markers each of which denotes the last print of an order. A means for applying first and second markers of a first type includes an exposure unit, and a means for applying first and second markers of a second type includes a stamping unit with two punches. Both units are mounted on a carriage which is movable longitudinally and transversely of the web to thereby place the selected unit in an optimum position for the application of markers of the first and second type in dependency on the selected format of prints.

Abstract: A photographic printer wherein a web of photographic paper is being withdrawn by advancing rolls stepwise from a supply reel and is fed toward a copying station where successive increments of the web are exposed to light during intervals of idleness of the advancing rolls. The copying station is followed by a loop former for the web, by two normally spaced-apart rollers which are located at the opposite sides of the path for the web, and by a motor-driven flangeless takeup reel. One of the rollers is coupled to a hysteresis brake and the other roller can be propelled toward the one roller by an electromagnet which is energized when the motor for the take-up reel is arrested whereby the rollers pinch the web with a force which prevents any slippage of the web. The motor is started and stopped when the size of the loop respectively reaches a preselected maximum and a preselected minimum value.