Abstract: A magnetic reading and/or recording apparatus comprises a magnetic reading and/or recording head for reading and/or recording information from/on a magnetic information track on a photosensitive material having a natural longitudinal curl which when longitudinally straightened assumes an inherent transverse curl; and edge follower means attached to the magnetic reading and/or recording head for tracking a longitudinal edge of the photosensitive material in response to movement of the photosensitive material. Means are substantially aligned with the edge follower means for bending the photosensitive material in a direction perpendicular to the transverse curl to eliminate the transverse curl of the photosensitive material.

Abstract: An electronic flash unit includes a housing having an elongate passage. An electrical plug having a pair of contacts electrically connected to the flashtube-firing circuitry is movably mounted in the passage to locate the contacts at varying positions relative to the housing. The flash unit further includes a camera mounting bracket that is adjustable relative to the base of the housing. A ratchet mechanism prevents a control button operatively associated with the bracket and an electrical control switch from closing the switch to energize the flashtube-firing circuitry when the bracket engages the housing base.

Abstract: A mechanism for energizing a piezoelectric firing spring, cocking a camera shutter drive mechanism and advancing film within the camera is adapted to prevent short-stroke operation of the camera during movement of the piezoelectric firing spring to its fully energized position. The mechanism comprises a blocking member that is biased toward a blocking position wherein the blocking member prevents return of the film advance mechanism to its rest position. Movement of the piezoelectric firing spring to its fully energized position moves the blocking member from its blocking position.

Abstract: a battery formed of a plurality of disc-shaped cells of substantially the same voltage, connected in series and encased by an electrically nonconductive sheath to form a cylindrical unit having a positive terminal at one end and a negative terminal at the other end. The sheath contains an orientation groove for locating the battery in a predetermined orientation in a receiving compartment.