Abstract: A bagless film handling system for individualized processing of a customer's film into prints is described. A key aspect of the system is a point-of-sale terminal for customer selection of individualized processing options such as print size, finish, etc., and for customer entry of identification information such as the customer's phone number, which selected options and information is used to prepare a machine and human readable label which is applied directly to the film before transport to the processing laboratory. As a result, the system eliminates the use of bags to send individual film orders to the lab, which bags are used in conventional film handling systems both to transport the films and as a means of conveying the customer's selected processing options and identifying information in human readable form only.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an improved automated photofinishing packaging system for receiving film, processing it into the final prints, and packaging the film with the associated prints. The improvement pertains to a technique for encoding identification data onto the roll of prints which data can key the prints to the associated film during packaging. If more prints are in a particular order than are necessary to encode the identification data, the encoding of the identification data is repeated until substantially all prints in the order have been encoded. In addition, in one embodiment, each encoding of the identification data is followed by the encoding of distinguishable synchronization data, which can be used to distinguish between the repeated encodings of the identification data.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a photoprocessing system for receiving film and processing it into the final prints. The system particularly includes modifications to the film printer for encoding identification numbers onto the roll of prints which can key sets of prints to the respective film. Also, a film advance system is disclosed wherein the film is stopped during the printing process to allow a bar code to be read from each film of a roll of films. Additionally, an automated packaging machine is disclosed wherein the prints from a roll of prints are cut apart by a continuously running knife system. A film accumulator for cutting apart and stacking sections of film after it has been printed is disclosed, as is a batch management computer system for maintaining a file of information pertaining to the film, order envelope and print processing taking place.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing bulk quantities of photo-sensitive film received in individual film cassettes is disclosed. The apparatus, which can be adapted for use with either roll-type film or disc cartridges, comprises a light-tight enclosure surrounding a film preparation device, a cassette opener for opening the film cassettes and a source of illumination designed to provide light for the apparatus operator during inspection of the cassettes. A control circuit actuated by the cassette opener is interconnected to both the source of illumination and a movable shutter in the light-tight enclosure. Upon actuation of the cassette opener, the control circuit extinguishes the source of illumination and moves the shutter to an open position to provide access to the film preparation device, all in a manner which ensures that the source of illumination has been extinguished before the cassette opening operation is completed and the shutter means reaches its open position.