Patents by Inventor Ian G. Thom

Ian G. Thom has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4572660
    Abstract: In film copying apparatus (FIG. 3) in which a master film 13 and unexposed copy film 13 are drawn past an exposure gate 12 by a drive sprocket 15, the sprocket teeth 16 have a curved profile which engage with film sprocket holes such that the upper film lags behind the lower and the copy is incorrectly aligned with respect to the sprocket holes. Film strip registration means for correcting misalignment at the exposure gate comprises suction means 20 having a vacuum chamber 21 with apertured pad 23 by which the copy film is diverted out of the plane of the master film thereby increasing its path length between exposure gate and drive sprocket and advancing it at the exposure gate to re-establish registration with the master film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Ferranti plc
    Inventors: Ian D. Gooch, Ian G. Thom