Abstract: A tire pressure indication device is provided that continuously monitors pressure of a tire and instantaneously generates a visual display having an easy to read indication as soon as the tire pressure falls below a safe threshold limit. This device includes a dome shaped upper end. A two color dome shaped indicator element is disposed therein having two colors or other visually distinguishable markings which are visible through viewing areas. The dome element is rotatable in response to sensed tire pressure to provide a visual indication of low pressure and another visually distinct indication of safe pressure. The lower end of the body includes a connector to be fitted or threaded onto the valve stem of a tire. Multiple seals are provided within the device to substantially eliminate air or gas from escaping to the atmosphere. Thereby, the device can remain on the tire valve and monitor pressure for long periods of time.

Abstract: An improved disposable storage and dispensing carafe which allows the easy transport and dispensing of a bulk volume of a hot or cold liquid in a throw-away container. The carafe comprises a rigid frame having a dispensing outlet, a pliable or plastic bag for holding a hot or cold liquid having a rigid spout affixed thereto, means for detachably connecting the rigid spout to the dispensing outlet, and an insulating jacket detachably connected to the frame and enveloping the pliable or plastic bag.

Abstract: An improved disposable storage and dispensing carafe which allows the easy transport and dispensing of a bulk volume of a hot or cold liquid in a throw-away container. The carafe comprises a rigid frame having a dispensing outlet, a pliable or plastic bag for holding a hot or cold liquid having a rigid spout affixed thereto, means for detachably connecting the rigid spout to the dispensing outlet, and an insulating jacket detachably connected to the frame and enveloping the pliable or plastic bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of transferring images from an image content of a first format to a photosensitive film of a second format. The image content of the first format can include photosensitive material such as an exposed roll of 35 mm film, a photographic print, a floppy disk, a compact disc, etc. With the system and method of the present invention, it is possible for a customer to take, for example, an existing negative and have it transferred onto an Advanced Photo System film format. Therefore, in the system and method of the present invention, original exposed film such as 35 mm, 110 film, etc., can be scanned to produce a digital record of the images. The record of the images can be sent to a digital film writer where a preferred format, for example, Advanced Photo System film, can be obtained. The Advanced Photo System film can then be placed in a thrust-type film cartridge.

Abstract: Manually controlled semi-automatic apparatus for desplicing film strips particularly as part of a photofinishing process includes a desplicing station mounted on a rocking arm for automatically positioning the desplicing station at first and second splice regions of the splice tape for separation of successive film strips from the splice tape in successive desplicing cycles. A tensioning mechanism, including actuator operated tensioning rollers, is mounted entirely on one side of the desplicing mechanism and operates automatically to tension the splice film during the first desplicing cycle in which one film strip is removed from the splice tape and to tension a splice tape pickup web and remaining film strip during the second desplicing cycle, the tensioning mechanism minimizing operator handling of the film during the desplicing operation.

Abstract: A semi automatic film de-splicer that non-destructively separates film strips from splice tapes attached to the film strips with thermal adhesive. A reciprocating heat shoe is operated in two de-splicing cycles to press and heat the splice tape adhesive separately in each adhesive region of the tape. In the first cycle, in which one film strip is restricted from movement, the other film strip is placed in tension by a tensioning device mounted on the film strip holding roller. When the adhesive is softened and the heat shoe is released, the tensioned pulls the film strip free of the splice tape. The heat shoe then presses and reheats the free end of the splice tape against an underlying pickup web to tack the splice tape to the web. The web is then advanced to place the remaining adhesive region attaching the splice tape to the other film strip under the heat shoe and the other film holding roller is placed in tension.

Abstract: A filmstrip viewer is provided for viewing positive or negative images on filmstrips contained in so-called thrust film cartridges. The viewer has a film drive for advancing film from the thrust cartridge to a take-up spool for selectively advancing frame images into a frame viewing station for direct or projection viewing. Natural, or artificial illumination may be provided. Optional motorized or manual drives may be used to provide film advance and rewind functions. An interlocked loading door can prevent attempted removal of a cartridge prior to full rewinding of the filmstrip and, optionally, require a specific spool parking orientation prior to opening of the loading door.

Abstract: A ball carrier mounting assembly for limiting the angular movement of a film follower device having, a pair of upper ball cages, each upper ball cage further having a lug for engaging a notch, a tube extending through the thickness of the cage and protruding below the lower surface, and a plurality of ball pockets, an asymmetrically shaped, mounting plate located underneath the pair of upper ball cages having a body and first and second end tabs, for attaching the assembly to a fixed support, wherein each end tab of the mounting plate has a different configuration for orienting the apparatus, the body having in addition a pair of apertures spaced from the tab ends for accommodating the tubes, and a pair of lower ball cages located below the mounting plate, each lower ball cage further having a lug protruding downwards for engaging a notch, an aperture extending through the thickness of the lower cage for receiving the tube therein, and a plurality of ball pockets, is described.

Abstract: A magnetic head-to-media backer assembly for urging a magnetic media into contact with a magnetic head having, a magnetic head mounting backer plate with first and second locating pins and a plate mounting hole extending through the plate for accommodating a mounting screw, a magnetic head-to media backer device mounted on the backer plate having a frame with a cavity therein and a spring member partially contained within the cavity, said frame further comprising first and second locating holes extending there through for receiving the first and second locating pins and a frame mounting hole extending through the frame for accommodating the mounting screw there through, and an asymmetrically shaped film guide cover plate mounted over said backer device having a tapped hole there through for fastening with the mounting screw, whereby the cover plate is removably fastened to the backer plate and the backer device is captured between the backer and cover plates, is described.

Abstract: A magnetic head-to-media backer device for holding a spring member, the spring member being adapted to urge a flexible magnetic media into contact with a magnetic head, is described, in which the device has a frame for holding the spring member therein, the frame having a cavity defined at least by a pair of opposite generally convex shaped side walls for bending the spring member into an arc with two opposite leg portions and a center portion, the center portion of the spring member protruding from an opening to the cavity to permit it to be depressed at least part way into the opening to conform the leg portions substantially against the surface of the side walls.

Abstract: A cartridge and method for attaching or detaching a filmstrip to a cartridge. The film cartridge includes a spool rotatably mounted therein and an opening for allowing a filmstrip to be inserted or removed therefrom. The cartridge also includes a moveable section with respect for the cartridge which does not substantially effect the operation of the spool and a locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the moveable section with respect to the cartridge. The moveable section forms an access opening for allowing inserting of a tool for attaching or detaching the filmstrip to the spool.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a bubble spring assembly includes a base member having a side surface and a head assembly. A track way extends along one side surface of the base toward the head assembly. The track way is employed for guiding a respective spring blank into the head assembly. A push block is provided for moving the spring blank along the track way and into the head assembly. A shaping mechanism is provided within the head assembly for receiving the respective spring blank from the track way and for shaping the spring into a predetermined form having a predictable stress strain history along the length of the shaped spring blank. A retaining gate is located proximate the shaping mechanism for positioning a respective cavity block adjacent the shaping mechanism. A transfer rod is provided within the head assembly for moving a shaped spring blank from the shaping mechanism into the cavity block in the absence of further deformation to the shaped spring blank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detaching and reattaching a filmstrip from a film cartridge. The film cartridge includes a spool rotatably mounted therein around which is wound a photosensitive filmstrip and an opening through which the filmstrip may pass for allowing the filmstrip to be removed from or returned to the film cartridge. The filmstrip has a leading edge and a trailing edge, the trailing edge of the filmstrip being detachably secured to the spool.

Abstract: A tool for attaching or detaching a filmstrip to a cartridge. The tool includes a blade and a base section having an upper end and a lower end. The blade is integrally secured to the upper end of the base section. The tool is made by first providing the blade with a predetermined configuration and placing the blade in a mold and introducing a resin material so as to form the base section of the tool and integrally securing the section to the base section.

Abstract: A magazine is provided for receiving, containing and dispensing a plurality of film cartridges in a desired sequential order. The magazine includes a disk shaped core and a shell. The core includes a plurality of cavities for receiving the cartridges, while the shell includes first and second spaced panels and supports the core for relative rotation between the panels. The panels cover the cartridges in the cavities, but also include apertures for selectively providing access to individual cavities by controlled rotation of the core in the shell. The cavities are arranged in a spiral in the core, and the apertures are elongate radial slots dimensioned for alignment with one cavity in the spiral after another, but only one cavity at a time.

Abstract: A recovery tool for receiving film cartridges and for storing the cartridges in a predetermined sequence and a method of using same. The recovery tool comprising a generally tubular member having a receiving chamber designed to hold a plurality of film cartridges in a single column, one cartridge above the other. The chamber has an upper end and a lower end, and an inlet/outlet opening is provided at the upper end of the tubular member for allowing film cartridges to be inserted into or removed from the chamber. A movable member is provided for limiting the number of film cartridges that can be placed into the receiving chamber. A removal port is provided for allowing a film cartridge to be removed from the receiving chamber at a predetermined location.

Abstract: A tool for detaching a trailing end portion of a filmstrip from at least one hook atop a ramp on a film spool inside a film cartridge. This detachment occurs when the tool is inserted inwardly through a film ingress/egress slot in the cartridge. The tool includes a flexible element having a leading first portion followed by a wider second portion each configured to be successively inserted inwardly through the slot of the cartridge beneath a film section in the slot such that when the wider second portion is forced to slide up the ramp on the spool the leading first portion will push the trailing end portion of the filmstrip off the hook atop the ramp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching/detaching a filmstrip to a film cartridge having a take-up spool rotatably mounted therein and an access opening for allowing film to be inserted or removed from the cartridge. The apparatus includes a first positioning mechanism for positioning the film cartridge in a first orientation. An attachment tool is provided for movement between an non-engaging position and a first engaging position. A mechanism is provided for releasing the cartridge from its first orientation and for biasing the cartridge to a second orientation. The tool is then moved to a second engaging position whereby the filmstrip can be attached or detached from the spool.

Abstract: Image forming apparatus includes a fuser which has a fusing sheet for contacting the image bearing surface of a receiving sheet. The fusing sheet is attached at one end to a fusing sheet drum and at the other end to a spring for urging the fusing sheet in a first direction. The fusing sheet drum is rotatable in a first direction to allow the spring to move the fusing sheet in the first direction, which moves both the fusing sheet and the receiving sheet through a pressure nip formed by the fusing sheet drum and a pressure roller. The fusing sheet drum is rotatable in the second direction opposite the first direction for rewinding the fusing sheet on the fusing sheet drum. During the rewinding motion of the fusing sheet, the receiving sheet is separated from the fusing sheet by forcing the fusing sheet around a sharp bend.