Abstract: The invention concerns a method of testing the state of development of a photographic film in a light-proof cartridge. According to the invention, the leading edge of the film is pulled out of the cartridge, the film is positioned between a light source and a photosensor, and the amount of light passing between the light source and photosensor is measured. The state of the film is recognized as being undeveloped if a small amount of light passes therebetween.

Abstract: A device for positioning the spool of a cartridge for a roll of photographic film. The film is provided with holes, at its end, that interact with catches attached to the spool. Detachment from, or attachment to, the spool, is only possible at a particular orientation of the spool. A shaft is provided which can be interlockingly connected with the spool in a predetermined orientation. A guide block is displaceable, being operative, directly or indirectly, for contacting with the shaft. It reorients the shaft to the desired position during displacement so that the film can be detached from the spool or attached to the spool.

Abstract: A device for the automatic removal of a photographic film from a cartridge in which the film has been wound onto a spool. A guide opening for the cartridge has a cross-section which allows the receiving of the cartridge in only one orientation is provided so that the cartridge moves through the opening in the direction of its spool axis by its own weight. A system for simultaneously linearly displacing and rotating the axis of the spool is provided, to rotate the spool axis from vertical to horizontal and to reposition the cartridge for unwinding the film from the spool. The system holds the cartridge in a spool receptacle, and repositions and rotates the cartridge with a single actuator.

Abstract: A device for feeding film cartridges into a processing and/or handling apparatus, having a first feed channel so laid out that the cartridge moves by its own weight in the direction of its longitudinal axis through the channel. The cartridges lie one behind another in the direction of their longitudinal axis. To separate them, an apparatus is provided that holds one cartridge secure by frictional engagement, while the lower cartridge beneath moves down to a second feed channel. Cartridges which enter the second channel are displaced, one by one, along this channel and supplied at a feed point to the film processing and/or handling apparatus.

Abstract: A device for automatic removal of a photographic film from a cartridge, in which the film is rolled up on a spool. The feed channel for the cartridge is disposed so that the cartridge moves through the channel by its own weight in the direction of its spool axis. The channel has a cross section that permits admission of the cartridge in only one direction. The device includes a mechanism to turn the cartridge into a position in which the spool axis is aligned horizontally. The devices also includes a mechanism for unwinding and separating the film from the spool in a light-impervious housing. A mechanism turns the empty cartridge so that its spool axis is vertical, with a prescribed orientation. A replaceable magazine sequentially collects and orders a plurality of empty cartridges.