Abstract: Printer and receiver supply cassette therefor, and method of assembling same. A printer comprises a print head for printing an image on any of a plurality of receiver sheets arranged in a stack. A receiver sheet supply cassette is also provided, which cassette comprises a cassette body having a plurality of notches formed therein. A backstop is connected to the cassette body. The backstop has a portion thereof adapted to engage any of the notches. In this manner, the backstop is fixed relative to the cassette body while the portion of the backstop engages the notch. The cassette also includes a rotatable beam connected to the stop portion, so that the stop portion disengages the notch as the beam rotates and lifts the stop portion.

Abstract: A magnetic read/write head and backer plate assembly particularly for use for recording and reading information on a magnetics-on-film (MOF) layer in the image area of photographic filmstrips. The backer plate assembly overcomes the loss of compliance of the MOF layer to a head gap when the filmstrip is wrapped about the contoured surface of the magnetic head sufficiently to exceed the bending moment of the filmstrip. A relatively movable backer plate has a support region that assumes the contoured surface shape on engagement with the filmstrip emulsion layer opposite to the magnetic head and is curved until restrained at its free ends and restrained at a location in the support region opposite to the head gap by a resilient pad to thereby restore compliance along the line of contact of the head gap.

Abstract: A film flattening apparatus and method of operation for a printer particularly operable in a film flattening mode for flattening image frames of filmstrip segments attached by a side attached tow web and transported through a transport path gap between the flattening apparatus and an aperture formed in a stationary film transport base. The flattening apparatus is formed of first and second clamping members suspended apart from the base in a retracted position during the web transport and moved toward the base to a contact position pressing against the longitudinal or lateral and the transverse edges of the filmstrip image frame in a film flattening mode. The first and second clamping members are formed with longitudinally and transversely extending clamping elements, respectively and are suspended apart from one another and the base in the retracted position and advance sequentially in a nested relation toward the base and the contact position in the film flattening mode.

Abstract: An optical bar code reader includes a pair of clock sensors and a pair of data sensors for respectively reading the data track and clock track of the optical bar code. The data track sensors are offset from the clock track sensors and the data and clock track sensors detect changes at the edges of the bars in the optical code.

Abstract: A lens assembly is connected to a housing containing an image sensor by a flexure means which provides for universal flexure of the lens assembly relative to the housing. A pair of compound screws rigidly couple the lens assembly to the housing and are rotatable to displace the lens assembly relative to the housing on said flexure means.

Abstract: A lens is mounted on a pair of parallel flexures so that it is rigidly constrained in every degree of freedom except axial movement. To achieve micro adjustments, the flexures are moved by a compound screw having two sections of different pitch to effect movement of the lens at a rate dependent on the pitch difference.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing a selected region of a photographic negative onto a photosensitive paper to form an enlarged and cropped photographic print includes means for projecting the photographic negative onto first and second zoom lenses, each of the zoom lenses having an adjustable magnification. Means are provided for defining, by adjusting the magnification of the first zoom lens, the selected region of the photographic negative to be printed. Means are provided for adjusting, as a function of the magnification of the first zoom lens, the magnification of the second zoom lens so as to image the selected region of the photographic negative onto the photosensitive paper. Further, means are provided for exposing the selected region of the photographic negative through the second zoom lens onto the photosensitive paper for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A replenishment and recirculation system for photographic processing fluids includes a number of tanks of which at least one is divided into first and second sections by a wall having a top edge which is submerged below the surface of the fluid. Processing fluid is pumped out of the first section of the tank, filtered, and then pumped back into the second section of the tank in a manner to cause the fluid to circulate inside the second section between the bottom of the tank and the top surface of the fluid. The top portion of the circulating fluid flows across the top of the submerged wall and into the first section of the tank to be pumped back into the second container section. Fresh processing fluid is added into the first section of the tank where it mixes with the fluid present therein, before being withdrawn and pumped into the second section of the tank which contains the photographic paper.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting and drying photographic paper which has been chemically processed, includes a roller assembly for transporting the paper through a drying tank. Drying of the paper is accomplished by means of warm air which is propelled by a pump through a distribution duct network. The duct network includes a number of distribution tubes each of which has a tube body and a discharge chute for directing the air from the tube against the paper. Contoured upper and lower surfaces of the tube in combination with individual roller elements, which are spaced apart on a roller shaft, provide turbulence reducing return channels for routing the air, which has been deflected by the paper, back toward the pump.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are described which permit the detection of penetration of liquid by an apertured container used for aspirating and dispensing the liquid. The apparatus and method feature control means for advancing the container an increment of the maximum possible distance to the liquid; generating a pressure differential within the dispensing container that is sufficient to generate a signal that is indicative of whether the container aperture is closed by the liquid; detecting and signalling the pressure produced within the container by such a pressure differential; and comparing such signalled pressure against a reference value determinative of whether the container has penetrated the liquid.

Abstract: Photographic paper (20) is delivered from a supply roll (14) in a cassette (15) in a printer (10) where variable lengths of the paper web are cut off as sheets (30) that are imaged and processed. Cassette (15), in its delivery position, is light locked to a hood (40) and to a fixed blade (26) of a cut-off knife (25). The movable blade (27) of the cut-off knife (25) has a movable portion (44 or 64) that overlaps with a fixed portion (45 or 63) of a labyrinth light lock that is closed whenever movable knife blade (27) is closed. This blocks sheet imaging light from the leading end (21) of the paper (20) on the supply side of cut-off knife (25) when shutter (32) opens for imaging sheet (30). Shutter (32) then closes, allowing knife (25) to open for advancing another length of paper (20) and cutting off a subsequent sheet (30) for imaging another print.

Abstract: A system of parallel and pivotally mounted tracks (25) allows a processor (15) on wheels (16) to be rolled in and out of a cabinet (10) for servicing. In an upright position, tracks (27) can be latched to the cabinet to hold the processor in its operating position; and when pivoted down to a horizontal position, tracks (27) support the processor for rolling out of the cabinet to a servicing position where the processor is accessible. A latch (30) for latching the tracks upright is preferably combined with leveler feet (35) that establish a proper elevation of the tracks outside the cabinet.

Abstract: A film handling mechanism for a photographic printer which has only one surface-to-surface movement, thereby minimizing the number of tolerances to be controlled, and which nevertheless provides for film movement at the gate in all directions in the film plane including rotation, so as to provide unlimited flexibility in positioning a film frame for printing. The mechanism includes a reader for data on the film and four edge clamping of the frame selected for printing, regardless of film orientation and the location of the frame on a filmstrip.

Abstract: There is disclosed a metering device having a mechanism for incrementally moving a piston rod in one direction only, until a reset mechanism is actuated to automatically return the piston rod to its initial position. A one-way locking device prevents the piston rod from returning before the reset mechanism is actuated. The device is constructed to meter liquid from a container supported relative to the piston rod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting sample fluid on an analysis slide of the type which is used to perform quantitative analyses. The apparatus comprises means for projecting radiation comprising wavelengths absorbed by water onto the slide and means for measuring the intensity of radiation received from the slide, both before fluid is metered on the slide and after fluid has been metered thereon. The difference between radiation received from a wet slide and from a dry slide is compared with known values to determine if the slide contains sufficient fluid for a suitable test result.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for repeatedly and accurately depositing predetermined amounts of fluid, especially biological fluids, onto generally planar analysis slides. The apparatus comprises a dispenser which is adapted to pick up a disposable metering tip, aspirate fluid into the tip, meter a predetermined amount of fluid from the tip onto an analysis slide, and eject the tip after the metering operation.

Abstract: An analyzer apparatus and a method of analyte detection are disclosed, the apparatus featuring an incubator and detecting means. The incubator is designed to guide a sequence of test elements therethrough while each element is in contact with adjacent elements. Optional means are included for urging the elements to move through the incubator to the detecting means.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to receive a removable cartridge containing material for use in the apparatus, for example, test elements for use in performing analyses of biological fluids. A cartridge discriminator is provided to insure that only a cartridge having a code means corresponding to a selected material can be loaded in the apparatus, and to program the apparatus to operate in a mode which conforms to the selected material. A control means serves to adjust the discriminator for a selected material.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to repeatedly and accurately dispense predetermined amounts of fluid, especially biological fluids, onto generally planar test elements. The apparatus comprises a metering pump actuated by an escapement mechanism which moves the pump in precise increments. The fluids are dispensed through a pair of metering tips which are spaced a given distance from the test element.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to repeatedly and accurately dispense predetermined amounts of fluid, especially biological fluids, onto generally planar test elements. The apparatus comprises a movable carriage for supporting and locating a dispensing device at a plurality of metering stations in an analyzer. A pair of locating means are operable in sequence to precisely locate the dispensing device relative to a test element in each of the stations.