Abstract: This application discloses novel self-developing film units of the integral type. The film units have spacers or rails positioned between the superposed sheets for controlling the thickness of the applied layer of processing fluid. The rupturable pod is attached to the remainder of the film unit at only one edge, so that it may "float" after the processing fluid has been applied. A spacer is bonded to the mask in the area overlying the pod. The mask may be folded over and around only the leading and trailing ends of the film unit.

Abstract: A photographic film unit of the type comprising two sheets between which a fluid composition is adapted to be spread during processing of a latent image, comprising a fluid trap and gas vent structure for releasing gases expelled from the film unit during the spreading of the processing composition and for receiving excess quantities of the fluid composition, in which a plurality of flow passages are provided in the path of the escaping gas and the advancing fluid composition, and in which a portion of the trap structure comprises a flexible diaphragm forming an expansible chamber having a low impedance to fluid flow relative to the resistance to flow of a plurality of gas vent passages that are provided.

Abstract: A photographic film unit comprising a photosensitive sheet, in the form of an inert support coated on one side with one or more photosensitive layers, fixed to a second sheet having at least one inert side by a pair of rails adhered to an inert side of one of the sheets and to portions of the other sheet, in which the ends of one of the sheets extend beyond the other to provide supports at opposite ends for a pod carrying processing composition and for a fluid trap, and a mask and binder member securing the sheets together at their edges. A method of making the film unit in which the first and second sheets are brought together and adhered to each other by binder strips placed over them at prescribed intervals. The sheets so fixed together are then adhered to a binder web at one end thereof, and pieces of them are cut off and carried with the binder web through stations at which the additional elements of the film unit are installed and the assembly operations completed.

Abstract: A film pack, for use in a self-developing camera, including a film container having improved processing fluid spread control structure embodied in an extended forward wall portion of the container adjacent a film withdrawal slot to locate a spread control surface thereon in closer relation to a pair of pressure rollers in the camera. Although the forward wall is extended, the longitudinal dimension of the container, near its rear wall, has been maintained so that the improved pack will fit existing cameras. Also, the leading end wall of the container has been angled or sloped to improve the upward feed of film units toward an exposure position in the container. An alternative embodiment is disclosed.

Abstract: A photographic film unit comprising superposed photosensitive and image-viewing elements including an area adapted to be exposed and processed by an aqueous alkaline processing composition spread in a layer between the two elements to facilitate formation of a transfer image. A trap for excess processing compositon is affixed to one end of the unit and the entire assemblage is secured together by a binding element which is secured around and to at least three edges of the film unit including the edge to which is affixed the trap. The binding element comprises foldable tabs on both sides of the trap area and, when the element is folded to provide binding functionality, the tabs are located slightly inboard of the trap whereby the thickness of the film unit in the area of a tab is increased by the thickness of the tab.

Abstract: A method for constructing flat batteries having improved peripheral seals. These batteries are characterized in incorporating polymeric intercell connectors, outer collector assemblies including an externally disposed sheet terminal-current collector and sheet separator components associated with thermal sealing material, the peripheries of the seal material extending outwardly from the corresponding peripheries of the current collectors and intercell connectors. To effect a seal of improved integrity as well as enlarged size, a cover sheet of material dimensionally stable at temperatures whereat the seal material and the polymeric connectors are dimensionally unstable is placed over the current collector and seal portions with which a thermal sealing bar would otherwise come in contact.

Abstract: Method for making sheet materials are disclosed having a layer or layers of a non-uniform thickness, in particular a method of making sheet materials tapered from a maximum thickness near one and to a minimum thickness near the opposite end; and sheet materials prepared by such methods. The preparation of photographic film assemblages is disclosed including a first sheet material including at least one photosensitive layer and a second sheet material in super position therewith, which assemblages are adapted for forming photographic images viewable as reflection prints without separation of the respective sheet materials.