Abstract: A transport mechanism for transporting a photosensitive film sheet for use in an image recording apparatus, including an auxiliary scanning drum, a nip roller held in contact with the auxiliary scanning drum, a support plate extending substantially horizontally in a sheet transport path, a push lever provided at one end of the support plate and a stopper provided at the other end of the support plate.

Abstract: An arrangement for detachably receiving a cassette containing photosensitive film sheets, which includes a drive device for driving a light shielding cover of the cassette, an electrical lock device for locking the cassette on the basis of an electrical signal detecting that an opening of the cassette is uncovered by the light shielding cover, and a mechanical lock device for locking the cassette such that locking of the cassette by the mechanical lock device is cancelled upon manipulation of the mechanical lock device.

Abstract: A microfilm reader printer which includes a photo detector provided in a light path from a light source to a projecting surface, a control arrangement for setting quantity of light on the projecting surface to a predetermined value in accordance with an output of the photo detector, and an arrangement for compensating an error between change in output of the photo detector and change in quantity of light on the projecting surface in response to changeover of the projection magnification, in accordance with the changed projection magnification. By the above arrangement, the quantity of light on the projecting surface is maintained at the predetermined constant value regardless of the changeover of the projection magnification.

Abstract: A device for use in microfilms readers or the like for handling strip films of different widths contained in cartridges of different types comprises means for driving the reel of a cartridge loaded in place, means movable into a film feeding outlet of the cartridge to frictionally contact the surface of the strip film for feeding the film from the cartridge, means for detecting marks on strip films of varying widths, and take-up means including reel flanges settable for winding up strip films of different widths. The device is usable for cartridges adapted for different systems or produced by different makers.

Abstract: An image projecting system for transmitting the light rays carrying an image from a support for an original towards an image receiving member through a slit disposed adjacent the image receiving member comprises first, second and third plane reflective mirrors. These mirrors are supported for movement at different velocities in a direction of travel of light rays incident on the first mirror, but in synchronism with each other. During the movement of the first mirror, the reflective surface of the first mirror lies at a predetermined angle larger than 0.degree. but smaller than 90.degree. excepting 45.degree. relative to the above direction. The reflective surface of the second mirror lies at right angles to the above direction during its movement. The reflective surface of the third mirror lies at a predetermined angle, that is, 360.degree. less the first mentioned predetermined angle, relative to the above direction during its movement.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an improved reading and printing apparatus which includes a carrier for holding a film in a flat state, a first positioning device for positioning the carrier at a screen projecting position for projecting the image of the film onto an observation screen, a second positioning device for positioning the carrier at a scanning starting position for scanning and exposing the image of the film, and a scanning device for scanning the carrier from the scanning starting position. By the above arrangement, the functions as the reader and printer are incorporated into the apparatus of compact size through elimination of wasteful space and time involved in the scanning of the carrier.

Abstract: An aperture card reader is equipped with a unit detachably mountable on the main body for automatically feeding aperture cards. The aperture card can automatically be placed between presser plates while the unit is mounted on the main body or, alternatively, can be manually fed when the unit is detached from the main body. The aperture card is automatically fed between the presser plates with the card in a position in which the minor sides of the aperture card are oriented in the direction of feed, while the card can be manually placed between the presser plates by feeding the card in a position in which the major sides of the card are oriented in the direction of feed. The image of the microfilm mounted on the aperture card can be projected on a screen in a horizontal position when the card is fed automatically, or in a vertical position when the card is fed manually.

Abstract: A microfiche reader includes an automatic motor driven retriever mechanism and a manual retriever mechanism. The manual retriever includes a guide having a transverse slot, a lever handle having a longitudinal slot and a pivot member slideable along the slots and supporting the lever for swinging between retracted and extended positions. A film carrier carriage is moveable along orthogonally related directions and is releasably couplable to the lever when the carriage is in a retracted rest position, the lever being locked to the carriage when the carriage is displaced from its rest position. The lever is locked in an inoperative condition when retracted and with the carriage displaced from rest position. A mechanism is provided for uncoupling the motors from the carriage or the carriages are coupled to the motors by slip transmissions or a switch is provided for deenergizing the automatic retriever mechanisms when the manual lever is in an operative position.

Abstract: A card dispensing mechanism for withdrawing individual cards from a stack thereof and feeding it to a use station including a stack support structure and a pressure plate urging the stack with the foremost card at a dispensing point. A carriage has a roller at a first end riding along a track longitudinally parallel to the foremost card front face and is engaged by a rocked lever at its opposite end and a pawl element is mounted proximate the carriage first end and projects toward engagement with the foremost card trailing edge to rotate and rock with the carriage. With the rocking of the lever on its advanced stroke the pawl element initially engages the card trailing edge to impart an advancing outwardly inclined force thereto and during the major advance of the card applies a longitudinal force thereto parallel to the card face and approaching the end of the stroke, the force is again outwardly inclined.

Abstract: A microfiche reader control means which permits direct keying of the number of a required microfilm frame. A keyed number is converted to values indicative of required displacement of a microfiche from an index position in order to bring the frame having the keyed number to a position for projection and viewing, and these values are supplied to drive means for moving the microfiche.

Abstract: A film carrier device for a microfilm reader includes a rectangular transparent flat base plate having a pair of laterally spaced parallel longitudinally extending guide members located along opposite side top borders of the base plate. The rear inside faces of the guide members diverge rearwardly and have longitudinal grooves extending for the full lengths of their bottoms and the grooves may extend likewise for the full lengths of the guide member inside faces. A transparent cover plate is hinged along its forward edge to the forward border of the base plate and is swingable between a closed position overlying the base plate and a rearwardly upwardly inclined open position. A pair of laterally spaced film stops project upwardly from the base plate proximate its rear portions and a pair of leaf spring film engaging clips are disposed proximate the guide member front ends or proximate the film stops.

Abstract: A microfiche reader permitting automatic loading and unloading of a microfiche, and rapid, automatic location of a frame on the microfiche in response to keyed input, which is converted to electrical values supplied to drive a frame location device carrying the microfiche in required directions to a requisite setting.