Abstract: A web motion control system for controlling the tension in a web advanced at a preset velocity in a web transport path between a supply reel and a take-up reel without the use of tension loops, particularly for use in transporting spliced together, developed filmstrips through a film preparation work station. The web (film) is advanced in the web transport path in either a forward or rewind direction in either a velocity mode or a position mode by a motor driven capstan roller. The supply and take-up reels have a hub over which the web is wound in unknown supply and take-up web winding diameters. Take-up and supply reel motors and encoders are attached to the take-up and supply reels for imparting torques to the reels in response to motor torque signals to prevent slack in the film segments between the reels and the capstan roller and to provide reel encoder output signals on at least each 360.degree. rotation of the reels.

Abstract: A reader for reading bar code symbols containing so called "fat bits" arranged on exposed film is described. A strip of film 10 which has one or more frames 11 has a boundary edge 13 with space in which zero, one, or two fat bits 14 is provided for each frame 11. A light source 28 directs light through the boundary edge 13 of the strip 10. A pair of optical sensors 25, 27 receives the light directed through the boundary edge 13. The sensors 25, 27 each output a signal corresponding to the presence or absence of a fat bit to a detector circuit 220. The detector circuit 220 outputs a signal corresponding to the fat bit to a controller 250 as the strip moves between the light source 28 and the sensors 25, 27. An encoder 230 measures the displacement of the strip 10 as it moves, and outputs pulse signals to the controller 250 representative of units of strip 10 displacement.

Abstract: A photofinishing apparatus for reading and/or writing magnetic information on a web of photographic film. The web comprises a plurality of individual strips of film secured together end to end. The apparatus includes a film track for receiving the web, a pair of drive rollers for moving the film web through the film track, a magnetic reader and/or writer for reading and/or writing magnetic data on the web, and a detection device for detecting metal objects in the web. The detection device is located at a point in the film track prior to the magnetic reader and/or writer. A monitoring device monitors the change in voltage across two space points on the film track for determining when a metal object is in the web and for producing a signal which is used to stop the film web.