Abstract: A flow camera apparatus (10) operable for photographing large original documents in continuous, moving fashion includes a camera (74) located within the housing (12). An aperture adjustment mechanism (86) allows adjustment of the camera aperture from the outside of the housing (12) without opening the housing (12). The iris adjustment mechanism also allows the aperture to be changed during photographing of a document. The apparatus includes lamps (214, 216 and 218) for illuminating the document during photographing and a "T" mask assembly 22 provided with baffles (204 and 208) for allowing only light reflected from the document to enter the image path (88) to the camera (74). The apparatus (10) also includes precisely balanced detectors (126) for detecting entry of a document into the apparatus (10).

Abstract: An apparatus for digitally archiving analog film images includes a support surface on which an analog film image may be supported, and a digitizer that is spaced from the support surface in a direction defining a Z axis perpendicular to the support surface. A light transilluminates the film image and projects it toward the digitizer through an objective lens which focuses the image. The positions of the digitizer and the lens along the Z axis are adjustable so that the size of the image projected onto the digitizing means can be varied. For example, it is possible to move the digitizer and objective lens between a range of enlarging positions in which the lens is closer to the film image than to the digitizer, and a range of reducing positions in which the lens is further from the film image than from the digitizer so that the film image may be either enlarged, reduced or reproduced at the same size before being sensed and converted into digital data.

Abstract: A flow camera equipped with a microprocessor based control system accepts large original documents in continuous, moving fashion and photographs them through a specifically shaped slotted aperture positioned between the original document and an objective lens. The originals are illuminated during exposure simultaneously from the front and the back, recording congruent images from two-sided material such as engineering drawings on translucent media having positionally related information on both sides. The light from the underneath side, opposite the lens, not only reveals and exposes the image on the second side but it enhances the quality and sharpness of the primary image on the side toward the lens. Avoidance of image loss is accomplished by using in the optical system a single mirror which deflects the optical path substantially less than 90.degree..

Abstract: An auxiliary camera/projector is mounted on one side of an automatic step-and-repeat camera to obtain a template film image and project it onto the subject holder to provide a visual guide for properly positioning copy which is to be photographed by the step-and-repeat camera. The auxiliary unit has a film holder which latches into place and which includes removable opaque panels in front of and behind the film. When the camera/projector is being used to photograph the template, the front panel is removed for exposure of the film to the template image. After the exposed film has been processed, the film holder is replaced in the camera/projector and both opaque panels are removed for projection of light through the film and onto the subject holder.

Abstract: A boxlight which serves as a source of light projected through a film transparency and focused on a photosensitive film in order to project the image on the transparency onto the film. The boxlight has an improved light source formed by pulsed xenon lamps arranged end to end to approximate a circle centered on the optical axis of the photoreproduction machine and contained in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. Reflectors are provided in a circular arrangement extending around the light source circle and include reflective panels oriented at about 15.degree. to the optical axis. The circular configuration of the light counters cosine fourth losses and makes the light intensity pattern more uniform at the film plane.

Abstract: A three point suspension system and clamping mechanism for holding the face of a chase perpendicular to the optical axis of a multiple imaging camera/projector. The chase is equipped with pins which project from it and are located to bear against three pegs which project from the chase carrier of the machine to provide three point contact between the chase and chase carrier. The tips of the pins are adjusted to define a plane that is parallel to the plane of the glass panel on the chase which receives the flat copy to be photoreproduced. The ends of the pegs lie in a common plane which is perpendicular to the optical axis so that the glass panel of the chase is also maintained normal to the optical axis. The clamping mechanism is operated by pneumatic cylinders and allows the chase to be quickly replaced or rotated to a different orientation.

Abstract: In a vacuum film holder, a mounting plate for situating film registration pins at locations coinciding with the vacuum channel which holds the film against the glass pane covering the center of the film holder frame. The plate bridges the vacuum channel and fits partially in a groove formed in the frame and partially in an aligned notch formed in the glass. Locator pins and cooperating diamond-shaped pins on the plate fit in holes drilled through the frame within the groove to assure proper location of the registration pin in coincidence with the vacuum channel. A special tool permits the plate to be easily removed without damaging the glass of the film holder.

Abstract: A special front lighting system for use in a relatively narrow room in which a large track mounted camera photographs subjects held on a subject holder. A pair of light sets located on support panels on opposite sides of the optical axis of the camera emit diverging light beams in opposite directions toward the side walls of the room. Mirrors are situated in the paths of the light beams to reflect light onto the subject holder with the same effect as imaginary light sets emitting beams directly toward the subject holder from locations outside of the room beyond the side walls. Light containment shields extend between each light support panel and mirror. The components of the lighting system are contained on self-supporting stands, each of which includes one light support panel, one light shield and one mirror panel hinged or otherwise held in a fixed position together.

Abstract: In a large, track mounted industrial camera or projector, a leveling arrangement for maintaining the track rails level when their support beams deflect under the influence of the weight of the camera and the rail mounted carriage which carries the camera toward a subject holder at one end of the track. Each rail is mounted on a rail base held down on the underlying support beam by a series of hold down screws. Adjustment screws are threaded through the rail bases and rest on the beams at their lower ends to control the distance of the rail bases above the beams. Each adjustment screw can be independently adjusted to compensate for beam deflection under actual loading conditions and for the variation in beam deflection along the length of the track. The overall track structure is stiffened to reduce beam deflection by an internal cable support structure secured to the rails and by a canopy secured to the beams.

Abstract: Apparatus including a stepping camera, partitioning means and an operating station is disclosed in which full size images of copy successively mounted on a subject holder can be optically imposed on preselected areas of a film (or a printing plate) in a required sequence when supported on a movable platen under control of a digitally programmed indexer. The camera components including the subject holder, objective support, image mask, platen and supporting structure therefor are so structured and related as to assure accurate placement of the images on a film in a programmed sequence at high speed and in such fashion that the images are uniformly sharp and of high resolution. The camera includes interchangeable subject holders such that it is equally useful with reflection copy, transparent originals and negative or positive film.