Abstract: An indexing construction for microfiche elements of the type wherein the microfiche is provided with integral lens elements to define a lensfiche. The improvement comprises raising the lens elements with respect to the microfiche to thereby define a plurality of upstanding positioning and indexing nodules. These nodules cooperate with complementary nodules on either a viewing screen or a harness member. By virtue of this construction both alignment of the lensfiche and indexing thereof relative to a viewing screen are facilitated.

Abstract: A microrecord in which a plurality of data sets are formed on a record medium, such as a film surface. Each data set represents a distinct page or an equivalent body of intelligence and is constituted by a multiplicity of data sub-sets each including at least one data bit. The sub-sets which together form a data set are dispersed on the medium according to a predetermined pattern. The dispersed sub-sets forming the plurality of data sets are interlaced with each other whereby each data set occupies a distinct position on the medium and may be optically extracted therefrom.

Abstract: An animated image presentation apparatus operable in conjunction with a multiple-image microrecord in which a plurality of interrelated images are recorded on a reduced scale in a manner whereby each image is dissected into a multiplicity of bits which are dispersed to form an image pattern that is distinct from and interlaced with the image patterns defined by the recordings of the other images. The apparatus includes a lens matrix disposed in parallel relation to the microrecord to project an image pattern in registration therewith onto a screen, the matrix being constituted by an array of lensettes that are dispersed on the matrix to assume positions that are optically aligned with the bits in the image pattern. The microrecord is indexed relative to the matrix to successively register in a predetermined sequence the image patterns recorded on the record with the array of lensettes for presentation on the screen at a rate providing an animated display.

Abstract: An animated visual effect device is carried by a support such as a platform from which the device may depend, the device being adapted to be received in the projection gate of a projector between the light source and the projection lens system of the projector for projection of visual effects produced in the operation of the device, the support carrying means such as a power source, compressor, or the like, for operating the device. Visual effects may be produced by bubbling of air through differently colored viscous fluid contained in generally laminal chambers disposed for successive passage therethrough of the projection illumination.

Abstract: An illumination distribution system for a microrecord reader in which information is optically extracted from the microrecord by a lens array. The microrecord is formed by a plurality of data sets recorded on a record medium, each set representing a reduced scale image of a distinct page of intelligence and being dissected into a multiplicity of data sub-sets which are dispersed on the medium. The illumination distribution system is constituted by a plurality of light-conducting fibers each acting to conduct light derived from a common source to a respective sub-set thereby illuminating the sub-sets of a data set from which information is being extracted, the remaining areas of the microrecord being un-illuminated, thereby avoiding the waste of the available light energy and conserving power.

Abstract: An arrangement for the storing of lantern slides in the pockets of a leaf-like mount or support, wherein the pockets form a plurality of rows of pockets and the leaf-like support consists of mutually interhinged components. The present invention provides a leaf-like arrangement for storing slides which renders it possible to change the order or sequence of the slides in accordance with practical requirements while still facilitating the use of slides which are mounted in conventional frames. This invention further relates to a method for projecting slides arranged in accordance with the present invention, and to apparatus for projecting slides using this method.

Abstract: A micro information reader defined by a thin container open at one side. The open side receives a micro information carrier. The carrier and the thin container are provided with interengaging ridges which function as detents to index the micro information carrier with respect to fixed illumination sources and projection lenses on the reader.

Abstract: A microfiche having pinholes instead of lenses. The pinholes and thickness of the fiche are of such dimensions that the device functions as in the manner of a pinhole camera.

Abstract: A film strip cartridge having a film guide channel thru which film may be advanced has a film lock means disposed in the channel to selectively arrest the advancement of the film. The film lock is formed from a resilient wire which has a first end secured to a portion of the cartridge. A nub is formed in the wire intermediate to the first end and the distal end of the wire. The resilient wire urges the nub into one of the perforations formed along the margin of the film to arrest the longitudinal movement of the film and thereby prevent inadvertent film removal.

Abstract: An automatic information retrieval device employing an information-containing film wound on reels housed in a cartridge, which retrieval device is provided with a servo system for driving one of the film reels by a servo-controlled motor and the other of the film reels by a one directional constant torque motor so as to apply proper tension to the film between the reels for rapid and accurate selection of a desired information frame of the film without disengagement of the film ends from the reels. The retrieval device further employs an information film having counting blip-marks, parity check marks and non-light transmitting portion for accurate positioning of the desired frame.

Abstract: An imaging method which is comprised of a spatially varying imagewise output intensity for a corresponding imaging input. An imaging member comprising between two electrodes a photoconductor in contact with an about 1 to about 6 micron thick layer of nematic liquid crystalline material, which in the absence of an electrical field is in the homogeneous texture, and having negative dielectric anisotropy is utilized. A d.c. voltage above the parallel variable grating mode threshold for the nematic liquid crystalline material is applied between the two electrodes of the imaging member and, while the voltage is applied, the photoconductor is exposed to imagewise configured actinic electromagnetic radiation from a first radiation source. The actinic radiation causes the voltage to increase across portions of the nematic liquid crystalline layer in electrical contact with regions of the photoconductor exposed to the actinic radiation.

Abstract: A combined microfiche camera and projection apparatus. The apparatus includes an objective lens for forming a real image on the input end of a coherent bundle of light fibers (internally reflecting glass fibers). The output end of the bundle is dispersed into a plurality of spaced-apart coherent fiber sub-bundles. The ends of the latter terminate contiguous to the emulsion of a microfiche. A projection screen is spaced from the microfiche. The device functions both to record and to read out.

Abstract: A method of making copies of information sets of the type carried by microfiche elements having integral lenses on one surface thereof. The microfiche copy is made by embossing the top surface of a plastic, planar blank to form the integral lenses. The bottom surface of the blank is selectively dimpled by a stamping block, the dimples having the shape of generally hemi-spherical cavities. The dimples function in a manner analogous to developed images in a photographic emulsion. The dimples scatter light normally incident upon the bottom surface of the microfiche and thus function as light absorbers vis a vis an image viewed on a projection screen. Thus, microfiche copies may be made without the use of silver bromide. The selective rupture process may also be employed in the duplication of motion picture film.

Abstract: A microrecord in which a plurality of data sets are formed on a record medium, such as a film surface. Each data set represents a distinct page or an equivalent body of intelligence and is constituted by a multiplicity of data sub-set each including at least one data bit. The sub-sets which together form a data set are dispersed on the medium according to a predetermined pattern. The dispersed sub-sets forming the plurality of data sets are interlaced with each other whereby each data set occupies a distinct position on the medium and may be optically extracted therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus for viewing latent magnetic images on recorded magnetizable recording members. The apparatus comprises means for advancing a magnetizable recording member bearing a latent magnetic image into a detection station at which a magneto-optic cell provides a visible display of the latent magnetic image. Optionally, a projection system directs light in reflection from the visible display to a back lighted projection screen.

Abstract: There is disclosed sound slide assemblages which comprise a generally rectangular body incorporating an image bearing portion and a magnetic sound track portion. The image bearing portion is adapted to receive either a mounted or unmounted transparency. The sound track portion is contiguous to the image bearing portion and is capable of receiving sound tracks having various configurations such as spiral, arcuate, parallel and sinuous. The assemblages are characterized by their thinness and simplicity of structure.

Abstract: A plural function optical apparatus defined by first and second parallel lensfiche elements positioned with their emulsion sides facing each other and first and second parallel optical screens each spaced from and parallel to a respective face of the lensfiche. Two lighting sheet elements may be added to increase the number of functions (projection, recording).

Abstract: A cartridge having a film handling portion and an audio tape cassette storing portion for use with an audio-visual system. The film storing portion includes a supply and take-up reel which are coupled by an intermediate gear so that the rotation of one reel is coupled to the other and means for transporting the film spooled about the reels past an aperture plate in either a continuous or intermittent motion mode. Provision is made in the cartridge for allowing the projection of light through the image portion of the film positioned at the aperture in the aperture plate and through an auxiliary frame in the film positioned at an auxilliary aperture to identify the number of the image portion being projected. A standard audio tape cassette containing the audio portion of the audio-visual presentation associated with the film may be stored in the tape cassette storing portion facing towards the opposite side of the cartridge from the aperture plate.

Abstract: An improved frame construction for supporting transparencies for projection by an overhead optical projector, including means for maintaining a transparency in fixed position relative to the projector, and means for selectively adding color to desired areas of the transparency for directing the attention of the viewer, and adding interest to the display. The colored areas may be oriented in either of two mutually perpendicular directions.

Abstract: A microform information storage unit for use with a microform reading apparatus is disclosed. The storage unit comprises an assembly of microform information storage members flexibly intercoupled along a common edge and an assembly of index members intercoupled with the microform storage members in predetermined alignment with the microform storage members. The index members are intercoupled along edges thereof in a flexible pleated array, the pleated array of index members including an edge coupling member thereof which is coupled to the microform members along the common edge. The index members have recorded thereon indicia for randomly retrieving information from the microform members when the indicia are aligned with reference means of the reading apparatus.

Abstract: A microform information storage unit for use with a microform reading apparatus is disclosed. The unit comprises a plurality of microform information storage members pivotally coupled along a common edge of a first body and a plurality of index members integrally coupled with the microform storage members in predetermined alignment with the microform members, the index members being integrally coupled along a common edge to an opposite edge of the first body whereby the index members and the microform members are adapted to be folded along the coupling edges. The index members have recorded thereon indicia for randomly retrieving information from the microform members when the indicia are aligned with reference means of the reading apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to camera apparatus having a mechanism containing transparent slides for projection, and, with this, there is provided a mechanism for including with these slides related sound records for reproduction concurrently with the pictorial representations.

Abstract: A visual education system for making and viewing a multi-image film strip. The system includes a camera movable lengthwise and widthwise by a programming apparatus to expose on a film strip a plurality of discrete images; a viewing apparatus for projecting the discrete images on the film strip onto a viewing screen and a slide mount having adjacent rows of apertures therein for receiving the multi-image film strip. The slide mount includes a guide channel that cooperates with an aperture member of the viewing apparatus for projecting the discrete images on the film strip onto the viewing screen.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved microform card which includes a wear-strip spacer element structure located on the card surface in one of several configurations, some containing coded secondary information. The wear-strip spacer elements separate the card surface from adjacent optical elements in a card utilizing apparatus by a distance sufficient to prevent the formation of colored Newton rings at the card-to-optical-element interface. Card utilization equipment capable of recognizing the presence of wear-strip spacer elements on a microform card and using any secondary information encoded thereon is also disclosed.

Abstract: A large copy projector, in which the presence of elevated optics in front of the screen is avoided, uses opaque sheeting that is adapted to receive related graphic matter on its upper and lower faces. Simultaneously, the upper face is unobstructedly available for direct observation and manual access, and the lower face is unobtrusively available for image projection through a folded optical path below the opaque sheeting and a projection lens positioned elsewhere than directly over the copy. The copy is characterized by a lower specularly reflecting face that is accessible to the optical system from below but that can be marked from above by chemical etching from a user's pen or the like.

Abstract: A bi-color, single-image plane character display technique wherein the chcters of two distinct colors are written by a scanned ultraviolet beam onto respective photochromic layers disposed on opposite sides of a film situated in the path of a projected light beam, which film is transparent to the light beam but opaque to the ultraviolet beam.

Abstract: An audio-visual unit includes a disc mounting a plurality of discrete image transparencies arranged in a continuous pattern for successive visual display; a record co-axially mounted on the disc includes separate recorded messages corresponding to respective transparencies on the disc. The projector includes an advance mechanism manually operable successively for intermittently rotating the disc thereby to present the transparencies in seriatim for visual display. An indexing mechanism is operated in response to actuation of the advance mechanism for intermittently moving a tone arm to successive positions corresponding to the starting grooves of respective messages on the record.