Abstract: A process for producing packaged products from a film roll includes the steps of detecting whether an elongate film is defective or not, detecting whether a spool is defective or not, detecting whether an assembled cartridge is defective or not, and detecting whether a case is defective or not. Various defective products detected in these steps are removed without being fed to subsequent steps. By thus detecting various defects in the process for producing packaged products from a film roll, high-quality packaged products can efficiently be manufactured.

Abstract: To manufacture a film unit, a filmstrip is advanced out of a cartridge shell by rotating a spool of the cartridge shell through a spool drive shaft. The spool drive shaft stops when the filmstrip is advanced a predetermined length out of the cartridge shell. A rotational position of the spool at the stop of the spool drive shaft is detected based on a rotational position of the spool drive shaft. The cartridge shell is disengaged from the spool drive shaft while the rotational position of the spool and the advanced length of the filmstrip are maintained unchanged. The spool of the cartridge shell is engaged with a film supply shaft, after adjusting a rotational position of the film supply shaft to the rotational position of the spool, while the leading end of the filmstrip is secured to a winding shaft. The filmstrip is wound into a roll by rotating the winding shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing and packaging a photographic film has a film supply unit for unreeling and cutting off a film roll of an elongate photographic film, and supplying a sized film, a film winding unit for winding the sized film around a spool thereby to produce a roll, a cartridge production unit for crimping a cap on an end of a rounded barrel plate thereby to produce a one-end-open cartridge, an assembling unit for inserting the roll into the one-end-open cartridge and thereafter crimping a cap on an opposite open end of the one-end-open cartridge thereby to produce a film-contained cartridge, and an encasing unit for placing the film-contained cartridge into a case and attaching a case cap to an open end of the case thereby to produce a packaged product. The film supply unit, the film winding unit, and the assembling unit are accommodated altogether in a dark chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for closing a perform shell about a wound film spool or similar object has a jaw assemblage having a pair of jaw members. The jaw members have a predetermined configuration for receiving and then closing a preform shell about the object. Jaw members are connected by a series of pivot members and connecting drive links. The drive link precisely controls the movements of connecting links supporting the jaw members.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tape cartridge includes the steps of forming reel shafts, roller shafts, and tape guides, and the like on a base plate, mounting tape reels on the reel shafts and belt guide rollers on the roller shafts, and the like, placing a drive belt on the belt guide rollers, winding a magnetic tape on the tape reels, securing a cover to the base plate, and forming a marking hole for positional identification in the magnetic tape wound on the tape reels.

Abstract: A torsion spring having a central coiled portion and a pair of resilient arms projecting from the coiled portion in different directions is incorporated in a workpiece so that the coiled portion is fitted on a support pin on the workpiece and the arms are engaged with first and second engagement portions on the workpiece. A center pin is inserted into the coiled portion of the torsion spring, and the coiled portion is held by attraction of an attracting portion provided around the center pin. A pair of forming pins are moved relative to the center pin in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the center pin to abut against the respective arms of the torsion spring and deflect them.

Abstract: A film feed apparatus in which cartridge panels capable of carrying a plurality of films in cartridges are used to store films and feed them continuously into a photoprinter. The film feed apparatus includes a cartridge storage unit, a panel mover, a cartridge separator, a cartridge conveyor, a panel storage unit. Cartridge panels are sent to a specific cartridge separating station, where separating arms are inserted in openings formed in each panel to separate cartridges from the panel and drop them through an opening. The cartridges separated from the panel are sent on a conveyor belt onto another conveyor belt and fed in a single file. The empty panels are stacked in the panel storage unit by a panel stacker.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular metal blank (18) is formed about a mandrel (14) to provide a slightly open shell (28) having a pair of axially extending lips (20c, 20t) separated by a distance sufficient to permit a prewound spool (10) and its film leader or other product to be inserted axially into the shell prior to closing the shell about the spool or other product.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing a preform shell about a wound film spool or similar object has a jaw assemblage having a pair of jaw members. The jaw members have a predetermined configuration for receiving and then closing a preform shell about the object. Jaw members are connected by a series of pivot members and connecting drive links. Drive means precisely controls the movements of connecting links supporting the jaw members thereby causing the jaw members to open and close.

Abstract: A cassette (110), to be loaded with a photo film strip, has a photo film passageway (119) through which a leader (123) of the photo film strip (23, 111) is drawn out of a cassette shell. On a spool (112) is retained a trailer (124) of the photo film strip. A loader apparatus has a light-tight dark compartment (147). A rotary barrel (163) is rotatable, and partially fitted in an opening formed in a downstream wall of the dark compartment. Two cassette holders (164, 165) are disposed on the barrel and in respective positions opposite about a rotational axis (163a) of the barrel, and hold the cassette removably. The barrel is rotated to move the cassette holders into and out of the dark compartment. The cassette is supplied to one of the cassette holders located outside the dark compartment. The trailer of the photo film strip is passed into the photo film passageway in the cassette in one of the cassette holders located inside the dark compartment.

Abstract: Web spooling equipment has an improved means for closing a preform shell about a film spool or similar object. The improved equipment utilizes a rotatably mounted jaw assemblage having a pair of jaw members for opening to receive a preform shell enclosing a wound spool or similar object and then closing about the preform shell to form a near perfect round cylindrical shape. Precision movements of the jaw assemblage are governed by connecting links and a series of pivot members connecting the jaw members and connecting links. The closed preform shell is then transferred downstream of the closing step by the jaw assemblage for independent treatment.

Abstract: A system and method of assembling a part having a body and a cover having interference fit retaining pins and associated body shafts is provided which insures that each retaining pin is fully inserted into its associated body shaft through use of a press plate having deflectable inserts at locations adjacent to the retaining pins.

Abstract: A method for consistently inserting pads into ribbons cassettes and a plunger for performing such method are provided. The specially designed plunger insures each pad is subject to the same amount of compression upon insertion into the reinker housing walls of each ribbon cassette. Since each pad is subject to the same amount of compression, each pad consistently absorbs the same quantity of ink without pooling.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a photographic film cassette whose cassette shell is constituted of a pair of shell halves, and contains a spool having a filmstrip wound thereon. A bucket conveyer successively conveys a plurality of buckets through a series of stations. The buckets each has a recess formed to hold a first shell half stationary therein. The first shell half is put in the recess of the bucket in the first station, and a spool is located in the lower shell half to be rotatable therein in the second station. In the next station, the spool is rotated to be set in a predetermined angular position, and the spool is connected to an end of a filmstrip which is fed through a film feed chute. Thereafter, the spool is rotated to wind the filmstrip onto the spool. In the following station, a second shell half is joined to the first shell half to form the cassette shell so as to contain the spool with the filmstrip therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling photographic film cassettes each comprising a spool assembly and a pair of shell halves. A plurality of pallets are stepwise conveyed on a pallet conveyer. Each pallet has a spool holder, an intermediate holder and a shell holder. Parts of the spool assembly are sequentially fed to the spool holder and are assembled into the spool assembly at the spool holder. The spool assembly is transferred from the spool holder to the intermediate holder to be turned from a vertical into a horizontal orientation. Thereafter, the spool assembly and other parts of the photographic film cassette are sequentially fed to the shell holder and are assembled into the photographic film cassette at the shell holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a photo film unit has a dark box, which has supply openings into which parts are supplied, and an exit opening from which the body loaded with the photo film is exited. Intermediate cells of the dark box shield ambient light and include interlocked outer shutter plates and inner shutter plates which are disposed in the supply openings and the exit opening. A cassette supplying loader and a robot hand transfer the cassette into the dark box, while a leading tongue of the photo film is protruded from the cassette shell, with a remaining portion of the photo film contained as a roll. A roll forming fork device winds the photo film to a predetermined length from the cassette and forms the photo film into the roll. A photo film mounting mechanism swings the roll and the cassette shell together to change orientation thereof, and loads the roll and the cassette shell into the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for separating sheets from substrates without substantially moving the sheets and, specifically where the sheets are sheets of X-ray film and the substrates are screens found in conventional X-ray cassettes.

Abstract: A cartridge of wound-up photographic film has an elongate housing within which the film is received, the housing having an outlet through which the film leader projects. In order to insert the cartridge of film into a cylindrical container it is necessary to wrap the film leader around the housing of the cartridge. A method of inserting the cartridge into the container involves conveying the cartridge into the open end of the container whilst simultaneously rotating the cartridge about its longitudinal axis so that the film leader is brought into engagement with the rim of the open end of the container whilst it is rotating. This causes the film leader automatically to be wrapped around the housing of the cartridge to permit the ready insertion of the cartridge and the film leader into the container. An apparatus for automatically performing the function of inserting the cartridge into the container using this method is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for stuffing a snailed endless new pre-inked ribbon into a ribbon cartridge is provided, said apparatus comprising a cabinet having a top plate mounted thereon, a ribbon stock reel assembly mounted on the top plate for supporting a new pre-inked ribbon supply reel containing a length of new pre-inked ribbon, a ribbon stock reel brake assembly mounted in the cabinet and attached to the ribbon stock reel assembly, an idler with an adjustable collar for providing tension on the new pre-inked ribbon between the new pre-inked ribbon supply reel on the ribbon stock reel assembly and a counting wheel, a counting wheel, a proximity sensor, an electrical motor for pulling the new pre-inked ribbon from the ribbon stock reel assembly past the idler around the counting wheel and stuffing said new pre-inked ribbon into a ribbon cartridge, a universal jig having cartridge securing means for holding the ribbon cartridge to be stuffed mounted on the top plate, a programmed counter, a control panel having a main

Abstract: A cassette (110), to be loaded with a photo film strip, has a photo film passageway (119) through which a leader (123) of the photo film strip (23, 111) is drawn out of a cassette shell. On a spool (112) is retained a trailer (124) of the photo film strip. A loader apparatus has a light-tight dark compartment (147). A rotary barrel (163) is rotatable, and partially fitted in an opening formed in a downstream wall of the dark compartment. Two cassette holders (164, 165) are disposed on the barrel and in respective positions opposite about a rotational axis (163a) of the barrel, and hold the cassette removably. The barrel is rotated to move the cassette holders into and out of the dark compartment. The cassette is supplied to one of the cassette holders located outside the dark compartment. The trailer of the photo film strip is passed into the photo film passageway in the cassette in one of the cassette holders located inside the dark compartment.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for assembling photographic film cassettes each comprising a spool assembly and a pair of shell halves. A plurality of pallets are stepwise conveyed on a pallet conveyer. Each pallet has a spool holder, an intermediate holder and a shell holder. Parts of the spool assembly are sequentially fed to the spool holder and are assembled into the spool assembly at the spool holder. The spool assembly is transferred from the spool holder to the intermediate holder to be turned from a vertical into a horizontal orientation. Thereafter, the spool assembly and other parts of the photographic film cassette are sequentially fed to the shell holder and are assembled into the photographic film cassette at the shell holder.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a photo-sensitive film magazine packed in a container is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of (a) assembling a photosensitive film magazine in a photosensitive film magazine assembly section (b) feeding successively the photosensitive film magazine to a container accommodation section from said photosensitive film magazine assembly section through a predetermined passage and (c) setting the photosensitive film magazine into a photosensitive film magazine container in the container accommodation section.

Abstract: A recording medium containing cartridge comprises a first casing shell having a recess formed proximate a side wall thereof and a second casing shell matingly fitting with the first casing shell. The second casing shell has a projection formed at a location corresponding to the recess formed in the first casing shell. A dimension of a distal surface of the projection contacting a bottom of the recess is made less than a corresponding dimension of the bottom of the recess. This leaves a gap that safely accommodates a burr formed during a welding process that joins the casing shells together. First and second reels are rotatably mounted between the first and second casing shells and tape is wound therebetween.

Abstract: A leader block is provided for connection to a free end of storage tape media. The leader block includes a main body and a clamp member. The main body and clamp member define a space for receiving the free end of the storage tape media. A punch member is joined to the clamp member. The main body, the clamp member and the punch member are parts of a single, integral device that is preferably made by molding. After the storage tape media is inserted into the receiving space between the main body and the clamp member, the clamp member is caused to move relative to the main body by applying sufficient, predetermined shear forces. The punch member is also caused to move relative to the clamp member. The storage tape media is sandwiched between the main body and the clamp member using forces provided by the punch member and clamping forces caused by the main body and the clamp member.

Abstract: A reel-to-reel tape cartridge includes two tape guides for guiding the tape to and from respective tape reels. The tape guides have a large radius of curvature and are flanged to form a long trough to guide and align the tape to improve tape tracking. The tape guides are formed of two flange pieces separated by a tape surface piece and a post. Each flange piece is generally semi-circular and includes three notches which receive tabs on the tape surface piece to secure the tape surface piece. The tape surface piece is formed as a type of leaf spring that is loaded when it is assembled between the flange pieces. The post can be cylindrical or flat.

Abstract: A spool (10) including a core (12) and end disks (18, 24) retained by tabs (16, 22) is assembled by sliding each end disk over the core into proximity with its associated tabs, contacting the end disk with at least a single point tool (106; 228-252) and rotating the tool to snap the disks past the tabs one by one. A transducer assembly (142-160) measures axial force applied to the core to detect successful installation of each end disk.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically opening and removing a web from a clamshell film cassette. During opening of the cassette a first actuatable means releases a cassette latch. A second means is provided to open one clamshell half upon release of the latch, and a third means is provided to open the other clamshell half. The second and third means each include a pivotal arm having a plurality of suction cups for gripping a wall of a calm shell half. The pivotal arms are positioned by automatic actuators. Vacuum means are provided for picking up the leading end of a web roll within the cassette and transporting it to a web path.

Abstract: A data tape cartridge is formed on a baseplate of polymeric material which supports mounting pins and tape guides thereon for supporting tape components in rigid and dimensionally-stable manner using integrally formed bosses to support the mounting pins and guides. Additional stability against flexure is achieved using a matrix pattern of integrally-formed webs or ribs and sidewalls in the baseplate and by attaching a top plate substantially about the entire perimeter of the sidewalls. Lateral forces exerted against rotatable components on the mounting pins are transferred to the baseplate and top plate by the mounting pins that are supported in both plates. A midguide support is integrally formed in the baseplate to support a guide pin at critical location adjacent the location along the tape path in the cartridge at which a tape transducer interacts with tape.

Abstract: Positions of a tail end of a molded synthetic resin material, which is conveyed precedently, and a leading end of a molded synthetic resin material, which is conveyed following the molded synthetic resin material which is conveyed precedently, are adjusted simultaneously with respect to two reference surfaces, which are close to each other and are spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other. A process is carried out simultaneously on or parts are simultaneously associated with both a portion in the vicinity of the tail end of the molded synthetic resin material, which is conveyed precedently, and a portion in the vicinity of the leading end of the molded synthetic resin material, which is conveyed following the molded synthetic resin material which is conveyed precedently, while the positions of the tail end and the leading end are kept in the adjusted states.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for automatically opening and removing a web from a clamshell film cassette. During opening of the cassette a first actuatable means releases a cassette latch. A second means is provided to open one clamshell half upon release of the latch, and a third means is provided to open the other clamshell half. The second and third means each include a pivotal arm having a plurality of suction cups for gripping a wall of a clamshell half. The pivotal arms are positioned by automatic actuaters. Vacuum means are provided for picking up the leading end of a web roll within the cassette and transporting it to a web path.

Abstract: An apparatus for the series production of Moebius ribbons comprises a threading robot having its four degrees of freedom (X,Y,Z,R). A second robot, movable in one direction, with two degrees of freedom (Z',R') is mounted on the first robot. The two robots cooperate to transfer between them a ribbon of delicate material, the ribbon being extracted from the ribbon cartridge and imparted with the 180.degree. twist required for the manufacturing of the Moebius ribbon.

Abstract: A cassette assembly line including, a tape reel leadering and placement station having a table rotatable between reel supply, leader supply/clip/cutting and tape reel placement substations. The reel supply substation places unleadered tape reels in equally spaced relation on the rotary table. The table rotates to present unleadered tape reels to the leader supply/clip/cutting substation. A first reel is fed a leader supply, which leader is secured by a leader clip. The rotary table is then rotated so that the leader supply extends across a second and third tape reel, and leader clips secure the leader supply to the second and third tape reels. The leader is then cut between the second and third tape reels to form an exact length leader for the first and second tape reels. The leadered pair is then transferred to a cassette shell by the reel placement substation. In effect, the cut end still attached to the leader supply becomes the leader for the next pair.

Abstract: A film magazine forming apparatus forms a sheet having printing on a side thereof into an almost cylindrical shape. The film magazine formed into the almost cylindrical shape has separated lip portions for enabling a film to mvoe therethrough. The lip portions have a soft yarn mounted thereon. Transport apparatus transports the sheet to forming means including a core mold, an upper mold, and first and second side molds which form the sheet into an almost cylindrical shape with the printing on the side of the sheet forming an outer cylindrical surface of the almost cylindrical sheet. Transport apparatus transports the sheet with the printed side of the sheet being out of contact with the transport apparatus to prevent damage to the printing on the sheet. In addition, the core mold is used as a guide for transporting the almost cylindrical shape sheet to another operating position. A claw can be mounted on the core mold for transporting the thus formed almost cylindrical shape to another operational position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for plastically deforming and closing an very open, non-cylindrical shell (28) having axially extending lips (20c, 20t) spaced sufficiently far apart to permit a wound spool of strip material to pass laterally between such lips, the apparatus including a pair of closure jaws (670,676) having concave cylindrical surfaces for contacting the exterior surface of such a shell between such lips, the concave surfaces having a curvature corresponding to the desired final cylindrical shape for such a shell; a pivotable arm (608-612) for placing the closure jaws in an open configuration about such a shell and a linkage (614-674) operatively connected to the pivotable arm for closing the closure jaws about such a shell to move such lips into close proximity and form such shell into a cylindrical shape between such lips and thereafter for opening the jaws without contacting the closed shell as the jaws open.

Abstract: When shaping a film cartridge having a hollow cylindrical shell and caps mounted on ends of the shell, a shell plate is brought into abutment with a mandrel having a perfectly circular cross section and bent around the mandrel by a bending roller. A cap is mounted on an end of the hollow cylindrical shell while it is on the mandrel, and the cap is clinched to the hollow shell while the cap and the hollow shell are grasped from the outside.

Abstract: Reel leaf spring/cassette cover combinations are described, wherein the leaf spring is removably mounted on the cover. In a cam fit embodiment, the spring is held within opposing pairs of projections. In a press fit embodiment, the spring includes lateral pointed members, which are caught between parallel projecting members formed on the cover. A related method of assembly includes the steps of: forming a cassette cover to include a plurality of opposing projections; inserting a leaf spring against the cover at an angle between the projections; and rotating the leaf spring to be removably engaged by the projections. In an alternate embodiment, the leaf spring includes lateral pointed members and the spring is installed straight down, such that the pointed members catch the plurality of projections.

Abstract: A rotary table assembly apparatus for stuffing a snailed endless ribbon into a ribbon cartridge comprises a rotary table, a mounting plate affixed to the table for mounting and positioning a bottom housing of a ribbon cartridge, a loop tray affixed to the front portion of the mounting plate for holding a snailed loop while it is being stuffed into the ribbon cartridge, adjustable slide panels mounted on the loop tray to create narrow slits with a pin to hold the ribbon upright as it passes through the slits into the ribbon cartridge and to prevent more than one layer of ribbon from passing from the loop tray into the cartridge, and a cover for keeping the ribbon from jumping out of the loop tray as the ribbon is being fed into the cartridge.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular metal blank is formed about a mandrel (76) to provide a very open shell (28) having a pair of axially extending lips (20c,20t) separated by a distance sufficient to permit a prewound spool (10) or other product to be inserted radially, laterally into the shell prior to closing the shell about the spool or other product.

Abstract: A pair of relatively movable jaws (306) are provided with magnetic holders (306-316) for holding end caps (24) to be applied to a substantially cylindrical shell (28) positioned between the jaws; so that, closing of the jaws installs the end caps on the end edges of the shell. An end cap placing mechanism (50) removes end caps from a source (356) by means of a pair of rotatably mounted gripper arms (364) which place the caps in the magnetic holders.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for removing a very open shell (28) from a forming mandrel (76), the mandrel being configured so that when the shell is released from the mandrel, the shell springs to an open form. The apparatus includes a fixture (44) for receiving the shell from the mandrel after the shell has been formed and clamped in place, the fixture comprising a pair of spaced claw elements (308,310) having aligned openings (426) through which the mandrel and the shell can pass with the shell formed and clamped in place on the mandrel, the openings being sized to hold the shell in its open form due to the spring force of the shell, and a support (394) connected between the claw elements for maintaining the alignment of the openings. A universal mount (394,424) for the fixture enables it to be positioned accurately to receive the shell from the mandrel.

Abstract: A pair of skewers (540,542) are slidably mounted to a frame (516-534) and connected to a mechanism (538) which can move the skewers toward and away from each other to position or release an object such as a spool (10), the mechanism including a crank member (580), a U-shaped link (544) connected between one skewer and the crank member, a cam plate (572,574) connected between the other skewer and a cam follower (590) carried by the crank member, so that rotation of the crank member causes the skewers to toward or away from each other.

Abstract: In an improved embodiment, film cassettes comprising a substantially cylindrical casing, a film mouth of an upper lip and lower lip extending over the width of the casing, a film spool and end caps, the upper lip and lower lip of the film mouth being provided with sealing strips, contain the sealing strips for the lower lip bonded to the metal in such a way that the edge zones of the sealing strip on the narrow sides and the edge zones of the sealing strip on the longitudinal side are completely bonded to the metal on the lower lip while the edge zone of the sealing strip on the longitudinal side is completely or partly bonded to the metal inside the cassette and all or part of the inner region of the surface of the sealing strip is not bonded to the metal, so that 10 to 60% of the total surface area of the sealing strip is not bonded to the metal strip.

Abstract: An end cap staking apparatus comprises a frame (28) with a slide rail (34) on which a staking mechanism is slidably mounted, the mechanism including a base plate (32) from which a mounting flange (72) extends, a quill shaft (82) supported by the mounting flange, a pivot ring (92) mounted on the free end of the quill shaft, a plurality of elongated staking fingers (102) pivotably supported between their ends around the pivot ring, an outwardly flaring portion (110) on one end of each staking finger, a cam follower (118) on the opposite end of each staking finger, a cam (88) engaged with the cam followers and an actuator (130-158) for the cam to move the flaring portions radially for staking.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for forming a very open shell (28) having axially extending lips (20c,20t) spaced sufficiently far apart to permit a prewound spool of web material (10) to be inserted radially, laterally into the very open form shell, after which the shell is closed and end caps (24) are installed. Apparatus are disclosed for forming the very open form shell (40), transferring the shell to a mechanism for applying end caps (48), inserting a prewound spool of web material (56) into the very open shell, positioning the spool accurately within the shell (780-856), closing the shell about the spool (58) and staking the end caps in place (60).

Abstract: A film magazine assembling system includes a plurality of two-part magazine casing assembling chucks. Each chuck is formed of a pair of chuck members the inner surfaces of which substantially form a cylindrical surface in a closed state. In an open state, one of the side edges of one of the chuck members parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical surface is spaced from the mating edge of the other chuck member. An indexing plate is rotatable about a substantially horizontal rotational axis and supports the magazine casing assembling chucks at regular angular intervals about the rotational axis so that the longitudinal axis of said cylindrical surface is held horizontal. The indexing plate is intermittently rotated by an angle equal to the angular interval, thereby successively stopping each magazine casing assembling chuck at a plurality of stations.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling containers from a pair of open faced container sections or halves comprising a frame having a first receiving station and a second receiving station straddling an assembly station. A plurality of first container sections are deposited on a supporting surface at the first receiving station and a plurality of second container sections are deposited on a supporting surface at the second receiving station. A transfer mechanism initially moves from a position above the assembly station to a position above the second receiving station, and an inverting unit moves the first container sections from the first receiving station to the assembly station and inverts the sections, and the transfer mechanism then transfers the second container sections from the second receiving station to the assembly station.

Abstract: A film magazine assembling system includes a plurality of two-part magazine casing assembling chucks. Each chuck is formed of a pair of chuck members the inner surfaces of which substantially form a cylindrical surface in a closed state. In an open state, one of the side edges of one of the chuck members parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical surface is spaced from the mating edge of the other chuck member. An indexing plate is rotatable about a substantially horizontal rotational axis and supports the magazine casing assembling chucks at regular angular intervals about the rotational axis so that the longitudinal axis of said cylindrical surface is held horizontal. The indexing plate is intermittently rotated by an angle equal to the angular interval, thereby successively stopping each magazine casing assembling chuck at a plurality of stations.

Abstract: A spool around which a roll film is to be wound is carried by a pallet having a spool holding shaft which holds the spool and rotates the spool under a force transmitted thereto from outside the pallet and a pair of film pinch arms which pinch the outer end portion of the roll film wound around the spool and is moved from station to station in a film cassette assembly line.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention senses the time that it takes an automatic machine to assemble two or more parts and compares that time against a know time for correctly assembled parts. If the sensed time varies from the known time the attempted part assembly is rejected. A linear signal transducer is coupled to an assembler portion of the automatic machine to provide a signal indicative of the time it takes for the assembler portion to traverse its assembly distance. The provided signal is compared against a predetermined threshold signal for purposes of determining a variance corresponding to a defect in the assembly process.

Abstract: An apparatus for adhering ribbons to a cartridge shell plate comprises a conveyor for continuously conveying thin sheets disposed side by side, a pressure adherence unit for pushing two ribbon webs coated with an adhesive against edge portions of the thin sheets which are being conveyed, and a ribbon cutting mechanism for circulating cutter units beside the thin sheets in the direction of conveyance of the thin sheets in synchronization therewith, and swinging cutters of the cutter units to cut the ribbon webs between adjacent thin sheets. The cartridge shell plate is made by intermittently conveying thin sheets, which have been cut in a size equal to the developed length and width dimensions of the cartridge shell plate, by a conveyor, and cutting four corner portions of the thin sheet and then bending the thin sheet into a shiplike cross-sectional shape at a cutting process station and a bending process station disposed along the conveyor.