Abstract: An image display apparatus for displaying an image recorded on a film, includes a spatial light modulation device which can maintain a recorded image in a non-energization state, an illumination device for illuminating the spatial light modulation device with light, a switching mechanism for switching between a first state in which the film is located between the spatial light modulation device and the illumination device and a second state in which the film is not located between the spatial light modulation device and the illumination device, and a control circuit for activating the spatial light modulation device and the illumination device in the first state when an image recorded on the film is to be recorded on the spatial light modulation device, and activating the illumination device in the second state when the spatial light modulation device on which the image is recorded is to be observed.

Abstract: A film projector for use with frames of processed photographic film having frame-associated image orientation data. The film projector has a light source that emits a collimated beam and a film holder that is disposed to hold individual frames of film in the beam. The film holder is pivotable between a first and second orthogonal orientations. An optical projection system receives the beam from the film holder. The optical system propagates and focuses at least a portion of the beam on a viewing plane external to the projector. A sensor is disposed to read the frame-associated image orientation data. The sensor produces a signal responsive to the image configuration information. A controller receives the signal from the sensor. A repositioner is connected to the film holder. The repositioner is operatively connected to the controller to move the film holder between the orientations responsive to the controller.

Abstract: A film viewer into which is loaded a cartridge which has a spool for taking up a film, a door provided at a film entrance/exit, and an engagement shaft for opening and closing the door, the film viewer being used to view a film which is wound on the spool and removed from the cartridge, the film viewer including: a cartridge accommodating portion which accommodates the cartridge; a rotating shaft provided in the cartridge accommodating portion and engaging the spool when the cartridge is accommodated into the cartridge accommodating portion; a film accommodating portion which accommodates the film removed from the cartridge; and a window portion provided between the cartridge accommodating portion and the film accommodating portion, the film being viewable through the window portion.

Abstract: The present invention is a film housing device comprising a film housing member that houses developed film; a driving mechanism that feeds the film housed in said housing member to a position outside the housing member where the film may be visually observed by the naked eye; and an operating member to operate said drive mechanism. Using said construction, when the operating member of the film housing device is operated, the drive mechanism operates and the developed film is fed to a position outside the housing member where the film may be visually observed by the naked eye. Therefore, the photographic content of the film may be confirmed with the naked eye using only the film housing device where it is not necessary to connect the device to a film reading device such as film scanner.

Abstract: A film carrier is provided with a roll carrier for supporting a roll film and a sheet carrier for supporting a sheet film, and is arranged to use either one of the carriers as selectively positioning it in a projection optical path. In the film carrier, the sheet carrier is moved to a first retracting position not to interfere with the roll carrier outside the projection optical path when the roll carrier is located on the projection optical path. In contrast, the roll carrier is moved to a second retracting position not to interfere with the sheet carrier outside the projection optical path when the sheet carrier is located on the projection optical path. The sheet carrier and the roll carrier at the first and second retracting positions are arranged so that at least parts thereof overlap vertically.

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: An image projecting apparatus for projecting an image recorded in a microfilm incorporated in a cartridge on a screen, for example, is furnished with a loading device which has a container storing a plurality of cartridges detachably attached thereto. The cartridges in the container are sequentially loaded at a prescribed position of a roll film carrier by a loading mechanism of the loading device and subjected to screening of a microfilm for retrieval of a desired image. The cartridge containing the microfilm which had undergone the screening is extracted from the prescribed position and returned to the container by a discharge mechanism. The discharge mechanism returns the cartridge loaded at the prescribed position via a path independent of the path used by the loading mechanism for moving the cartridge.

Abstract: A film viewer for viewing a film which has been withdrawn from a cartridge. Its main body has a cartridge accommodating portion. In the film viewer, a rotating shaft connected to a spool of the cartridge and a winding shaft which winds the film are driven by manual operation or a motor to convey the film. A window portion is provided at the main body for viewing the conveyed film guided by a film guide made of a flexible material. The film viewer has a distinguishing piece or sensor for distinguishing whether or not the film has been developed.

Abstract: A projector having illumination and optical devices for projecting one or more images having a rotating magazine having a plurality of pockets disposed about its periphery for holding multiple slide film cartridges. The pockets loosely retain and orient the cartridges within the magazine in a manner such that a film strip contained therein can be advanced across a film gate between the illumination and optical devices once the magazine has rotated the pocket containing the cartridge to a projecting station.

Abstract: An image projecting apparatus for projecting on an image receiving body an image on a microfilm incorporated in a cartridge is disclosed. This apparatus is provided with a cartridge loader for supporting a container for accommodating a plurality of cartridges. The cartridges in the container are disposed toward the cartridge holder provided for the image projecting apparatus to allow search of the microfilms held therein. The cartridges holding microfilms which have undergone the search are discharged from the cartridge holder. When the cartridge loader is adapted to allow attachment thereto of one container, the cartridges are taken out of the container and, after completion of the retrieval, the cartridges are returned to the container.

Abstract: A method and a system for locating and accessing information on a continuous image presentation medium, such as information from a video medium, e.g. a video tape or disk. The system and method use an index which contains topics of interest on the medium and a code of indicia, such as a time elapse code identifying a portion of the video tape or disk in which desired information may be obtained. Corresponding time elapse codes are visually presented on the video images. Thus, the user will locate the time code from the index representing the time elapse period from the beginning of the tape or disk and move the tape until the time code is identified visually on the visual presentation from the tape or disk. In a preferred embodiment, the video or other visual presentation is used with printed material. The printed material may adopt the form of a multi-page document, such as a manual, and the manual may be provided with an index for identifying pages from which selected information may be obtained.

Abstract: A microfilm storage and retrieval system for storing plural microfilm cartridges in a storage rack and for selectively retrieving a desired cartridge. Plural microfilm cartridges are stored two-dimensionally in a rack having an open front face at which a carrier for taking out and returning the cartridges is disposed. An image reader is arranged behind the rack. A cartridge delivery port is provided through the rack, so that each cartridge is taken out from the rack into the space in front of the rack and then delivered through the delivery port to the image reader arranged behind the rack to read the images of the microfilm. In a preferred embodiment, the selected microfilm cartridge is turned to change its posture or orientation ready to be loaded into a cartridge loading port of the image reader in a space behind the rack intermediately of the delivery passage.

Abstract: A reader printer for copying image information from a microfilm having a multiplicity of image frames recorded therein, frame marks for retrieval affixed thereon opposite the image frames, and batch marks for retrieval affixed thereon opposite the leading image frames of batches of image frames. When one of the batches of image frames is designated, the information contained in all the image frames in the batch is recorded sequentially from the last through the first of the image frames. The positioning of each of the image frames included within the designated batch at a prescribed location of the projected light path is accomplished by detecting the frame marks with a sensor, memorizing the positional relationship of the frame marks prior to the operation of print copying, and selectively imparting a motion to the microfilm based on the memorized data of position. The sensor is disposed at a position deflecting from the projected light path.

Abstract: A strip-like member take-up device has take-up means for taking up a strip-like member being fed thereto, drive means for rotatively driving the take-up means, and an endless belt member for urging the strip-like member taken up by the take-up means against the take-up means and being moved in accordance with the rotation of the take-up means.

Abstract: There is an image information searching apparatus for analyzing the character information in the image information inputted from an image inputting apparatus and producing search information to search the image information. This apparatus comprises: a scanner to scan a recording medium such as a microfilm or a recording paper in which image information was recorded; this image information including discriminating information to discriminate this image information or a plurality of image information of the same group from another image information; a dictionary information memory section in which dictionary information such as a standard pattern of a character or a numeral to recognize the discriminating information was stored; a recognition controller to recognize the discrminating information using the dictionary information; and an image information memory section to store the recognized discriminating information as search information together with the image information corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A film feeding apparatus which feeds a film wound on a supply reel to a take-up means and rewinds the film on the supply reel, comprising: a driving shaft for removably receiving and holding the supply reel on which the film is wound and for rotating the reel; a driving means for rotating the driving shaft in a normal or reverse direction; a judging means for judging a rewinding direction of the film wound on the reel held by the driving shaft; and a control means for controlling the driving means to change a rotational direction of the driving shaft in response to the rewinding direction judged by the judging means, when the film is rewound.

Abstract: An image projecting system for irradiating a microfilm with light emitted from a light source and projecting an image recorded on the microfilm onto an image receptor such as a screen or a photosensitive drum, the image projecting system having a masking unit which is mounted in the body of the system removably. The masking unit contains a first masking portion which is for changing the range of the image advancing toward the image receptor through an optical path, in a first direction of the microfilm, and a second masking portion which is for changing the range of the image in a direction approximately perpendicular to the said first direction. These masking portions are disposed in close proximity to the microfilm. Thus, a desired range of the image recorded on the microfilm can be projected on the image receptor and the outer peripheral edge of the projected image is made sharp and clear by the above masking portions.

Abstract: An automatic overlay feed apparatus (10) for feeding projectable overlays to the object area (16) of an overhead projector (12). The apparatus (10) comprises a frame (20) for being supported on an overhead projector (12) and scrolling means, including a first winding shaft (36) and a second winding shaft (38) for moving an overlay scroll (24) defining a plurality of sequentially arranged projectable overlay sheets (42) across the object area (16) of the projector (12) to allow selective positioning of such projectable overlay sheets (42) on the object area (16). The apparatus (10) also includes motor means for selectively rotating at least one of the winding shafts (36, 38), and remote control means for controlling the operation of the motor means from a position remote from the projector (12).

Abstract: A microfilm retrieval includes first and second motors for respectively conveying at a high speed a winding section and rewinding section. The winding section and rewinding section are provided with a pair of nip rollers therebetween so as to hold the microfilm. A rotary shaft is axially mounted to the nip rollers and is connected to a low speed motor via an electromagnetic clutch in order to convey the microfilm in both directions at a low speed. First through fourth controllers are respectively provided for controlling the first and second motors, the electromagnetic clutch, and low speed motor. Additionally, a fifth controller is provided for driving the first and second controllers, and a detector is provided for detecting image frames on the microfilm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming images on both surfaces of a sheet. To form such images a first column of images placed at the exposure position on an image bearing member on which images are arranged in at least two columns is recorded on one surface of the sheet, whereafter a second column of images on the image bearing member is moved to the exposure position. The second column of images placed at the exposure position is recorded on the other surface of the sheet. The image bearing member is moved in a direction parallel to the direction of arrangement of the images to dispose the next images to be recorded at the exposure position after the images have been recorded on both surfaces of the sheet.

Abstract: An image projecting system for irradiating a microfilm with light emitted from a light source and projecting an image recorded on the microfilm onto an image receptor such as a screen or a photosensitive drum, the image projecting system having a masking unit which is removably mounted in the body of the system. The masking unit contains a first masking portion which is for changing the range of the image advancing toward the image receptor through an optical path, in a first direction of the microfilm, and a second masking portion which is for changing the range of the image in a direction approximately perpendicular to the first direction. These masking portions are disposed in close proximity to the microfilm. Thus, a desired range of the image recorded on the microfilm can be projected on the image receptor and the outer peripheral edge of the projected image is made sharp and clear by the above masking portions.

Abstract: An image mask assembly for a microfilm roll handler includes an insert having an opaque area which can be slid relative to a frame of microfilm to block light through a portion of the film and thereby mask selected portions of an image projected by the film.

Abstract: A microfilm reader which has an optical system for magnifying and projecting an image recorded on a film contained a cassette onto a viewing screen mounted on a pivot shaft of a casing having a generally rectangular flattened box-like configuration of the microfilm reader for folding and unfolding movement comprises a cassette holder, a microfilm driving device for transporting the microfilm so as to place a frame of the microfilm of which an image is to be projected, a reflection mirror supported by the casing for sliding movement so as to be foldable in order to turn the projected image toward the viewing screen, a top cover mounted on and supported by the casing for folding and unfolding movement which is slidably engaged with a top end of the viewing screen so as to define a dark space behind the viewing screen in cooperation therewith when the viewing screen is unfolded and to cover and protect the viewing screen when the viewing screen is folded, and linking device interconnecting the viewing screen and

Abstract: A microfilm reader which has an optical system for magnifying and projecting an image recorded on a film contained a cassette onto a viewing screen mounted on a pivot shaft of a casing having a generally rectangular flattened box-like configuration of the microfilm reader for folding and unfolding movement comprises a cassette holder, a microfilm driving device for transporting the microfilm so as to place a frame of the microfilm of which an image is to be projected, a reflection mirror supported by the casing for sliding movement so as to be foldable in order to turn the projected image toward the viewing screen, a top cover mounted on and supported by the casing for folding and unfolding movement which is slidably engaged with a top end of the viewing screen so as to define a dark space behind the viewing screen in cooperation therewith when the viewing screen is unfolded and to cover and protect the viewing screen when the viewing screen is folded, and linking device interconnecting the viewing screen and

Abstract: A photographic printer is provided with a printing table, a film carrier disposed on the printing table, and a film container removably disposed adjacent the film carrier on the printing table so as to collect a film intermittently emerging from the film carrier after exposure. The film container is provided with a film guide member therein for causing the film to be coiled.

Abstract: An information projecting apparatus has a plurality of cartridges each containing an information recording medium are stored in a storage section. A desired cartridge in this storage section may be retrieved and transported to a first position. The recording medium in the cartridge placed in the first position is transported to a projecting unit, where the information of the recording medium is projected. When an outer cartridge containing an information recording medium is to be used instead of a cartridge from the storage section, the outer cartridge is disposed at a second position. The recording medium in the cartridge placed in the second position is transported to the projecting unit, and the information contained in the recording medium is projected at the projecting position.

Abstract: A micro film reader for projecting by optical devices on a projection surface a selected image recorded in a micro film having a plurality of recording channels in a direction of width of the micro film. The micro film reader has a film carrier for holding and transporting the micro film, a drive motor for shifting the film carrier in the width direction of the micro film, shifting amount setting keys for setting shifting amount of the film carrier, and a channel switching device. The channel switching device controls the drive motor to shift the film carrier by a shifting amount set by means of the shifting amount setting keys. The micro film reader further has a film shifting device for controlling the drive motor to shift the film carrier by a certain amount in response to external signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reader printer having a plurality of mode selection keys, ten-keys and a character display which displays a message indicating contents of input manipulations to be executed next with the ten keys in accordance with the mode selected by the mode selection keys whereby operating conditions of the reader printer under the selected mode are set by way of operator-to-machine conversation.

Abstract: A microfilm comprises a plurality of microimages continuously formed on a film base thereof, each of the microimages being provided with a size mark which has a distinctiveness for indicating the size of the corresponding microimage. A printer adapter for use with such a microfilm comprises a sensor for detecting the size marks. Correct size coping sheets are, therefore, supplied in accordance with the signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system for use with microfiche cards having a carousel for storing the cards, a slot for loading and unloading the storage system, a card transport device utilizing a pair of fingers to grasp an edge of the card and straighten the edge of the card and retract the card from the storage trays, a card separating device for separating cards adjacent the selected card in the storage tray to permit the picker finger access to said edge, and card guidance means for guiding the card back to the storage tray and for detecting any bowing or buckling movement of the card during the return of the card to its storage position. The buckling detecting device comprising a light-receiving detecting device for signalling the control mechanism of the storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: A film reader includes individual drive systems for driving a storage reel to rewind a film strip and a take-up reel to unwind the film strip by pulling the film strip from the opposite reel. Each drive system is the same and includes a fast drive motor and a slow drive motor. A speed reduction pulley train has a first stage and a second stage connected in series with a first stage output pulley in drive coupling to an input pulley of the second stage by a one-way clutch. A slow speed motor is connected to the first stage. A one-way clutch connects a high speed motor in drive coupling to the opposite side of the input pulley. The output shaft is connected to the pulley train by a spring output clutch having a pulsed release control to disconnect the output shaft from the pulley train and permit free rotation thereof.

Abstract: A display terminal is provided which holds a roll of film, and can project the image of any film frame onto a console screen. The need for a platen to precisely locate a frame on the optical imaging plane, is avoided by keeping the film in tension. The tension is maintained while the film is stationary, by utilizing a pair of reel-driving motors that each provide a torque that varies with the diameter of the film roll on the corresponding reel. The film region being projected, can be held in a slight curve to more reliably hold all areas of the projected film region near a predetermined film plane. A film identification track and clock track can extend along one edge of the film to identify every frame and accurately center the frame at the imaging, or projection, station. The film can be rapidly moved to bring a desired frame to approximately the imaging station, with slight overshoot, and the film then can be inched back to center the frame.

Abstract: An optical film reader for projecting and enlarging micro copy information recorded in rollfiche format on rolls of photographic film or the like which provides a film transport mechanism enabling rapid manual scanning of the enclosed rollfiche strip in both directions, with instantaneous reversal of the scanning direction without backlash in the film drive. A low glare, high contrast viewing screen is mounted at 45.degree. to the vertical and placed low at the front of the unit perpendicular to the viewer's line of sight. Movable projection optics are provided for scanning of rollfiche microcopy which is wider than that projectable on a fixed sized screen at one given time at a given magnification ratio; the movable projection optics allow projection of the micro copy data or eye-readable index area of the rollfiche by means of a single scanning lever.

Abstract: An apparatus for projecting on a projection surface any desired image in a recording medium having images recorded on at least two lines on the medium. Line changing device is provided to change the line of images to be projected on the projection surface. In the projection light path there is provided image rotator for changing the orientation of the image projected on the projection surface. In response to the operation of the line changing device, the image rotator is driven so as to project the image in the proper orientation for observation on the projection surface.

Abstract: A cassette is fitted with two cylindrical chambers, each of which has, in its center, a spool axis or shaft. The width of the cassette is slightly greater than the width of a strip of microfilm. The two chambers are joined by a pair of separate, flat plates, which extend the walls of the chambers so that the strip of film runs between the two plates, with a window in the central zone of the two plates. The width of the interval between the two plates is small, to press the film accurately into place at a focal plane of the optical system of a microfilm projector. The apparatus for the use of the cassette makes it possible to cause the film to circulate in both directions.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for punching a set of exposed films to obtain punch registration, two magnified images of respective areas of film are projected onto respective screens of two independently movable projection units so that either the magnified images of portions of image areas of two superimposed films can be brought into alignment on the screens or register markings on, or portions of the image areas of, each film in succession can be brought into alignment with respective markers on or adjacent the screens.

Abstract: Microfilm carried by a microfilm carrier is moved in a horizontal plane so that a selected area of the microfilm is presented to a film aperture of a microform printing system. The microfilm carrier includes a sliding spacer fixed thereto sliding along a base plate in which the film aperture is formed. The sliding spacer maintains a predetermined distance between the carrier and the base plate during movement of the carrier.

Abstract: A photographic film like a microfilm is maintained on a focal plane by suction. A film support having a vacuum suction holes is made of a drafty material to allow draft while the film is maintained flat on the surface thereof by suction. Further, the film support has cushion to protect the film from scratches. Thus, the film can be fed on while being kept flat on a focal plane on the film support.

Abstract: A merchandising terminal is provided for recommending a product, such as a lipstick of appropriate color, which matches the needs of a particular customer who is unskilled in the selection of the product. The terminal includes a projector that displays a succession of images on a console screen, such as groups of questions related to the facial and body characteristics of the customer. A switch apparatus is operable by a person viewing the screen, to select which of several conditions most closely corresponds to that person, such as which of several skin colors most closely matches that of the viewer and which of several other conditions such as hair color most closely corresponds to that of the viewer. A logic circuit receives signals representing the various individual characteristics specified by a person, and generates an output indicating the particular products, such as a particular lipstick, facial cream, etc., which are most appropriate to the characteristics of that person.

Abstract: A desk top microfilm reader and work station having a rectangular base enclosing a film housing and projection system. The base has a flat top surface which functions as an operator work surface and an image projection surface. A support arm rises vertically from the base and a hood is attached near the top of the support arm. There are illumination lamps and a mirror in the hood. The lamps illuminate the work surface and are turned off when a micro image is to be projected onto the image projection surface. The optical projection path from the projection system to the mirror in the hood and back to the projection surface is unenclosed.

Abstract: A control system utilizing prerecorded photographic film in a miniature mage terminal device as both a display and memory medium for applications requiring interactive operator processing of rigidly structured messages, and particularly, from lists of allowable multiple choice entries.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein apparatus for positioning rows and columns of microimage frames imprinted on a cassetted filmstrip for projection and display. The filmstrip is longitudinally movable in incremental amounts through an elongated cassette passageway, the passageway having a transverse aperture for permitting projected light to pass through a selected portion of the filmstrip for enlarged and focused microimage display.

Abstract: A manual and power motivated drive apparatus, wherein a web is advanced by a drive means, such as a motor comprises; a driven means mounted on an output shaft coupled to the drive means; a manually rotatable input shaft; a first motion transmission means mounted on the input shaft; and a second intermediate motion transmission means engaging the first transmission means and rockable about the input shaft upon the rotation of the first transmission means. The second transmission means is rocked about the input shaft upon rotation thereof in a manner to be brought into engagement with the driven means, whereby the driving force of the input shaft is transmitted by way of the first and second transmission means and the driven means to the output shaft.

Abstract: A cord is wound on and off of a pair of drums in a microfilm reader. The cord comprises a strip of microfilm of approximately 1 mm width, encapsulated in a transparent material to protect the film from scraping, scratching and the like as the same moves through a microfilm reading apparatus. The film may be processed in a variety of techniques to record information thereon, and after the recording process the film is encapsulated between a pair of translucent members into a cord which is then wound upon one of the drums and attached at one end to the other drum. The two drums carrying the cord are mounted in a capsule which is a replaceable component of a microfilm reader. Each of the drums is provided with a driven gear and the reader is provided with a pair of driving gears for engagement with respective ones of the driven gears.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for use by a person for viewing material on film in a cartridge comprising a viewing screen, a projection module, a cartridge module, a lens system, a gear system for advancing the film, and a gear system for reversing the film.

Abstract: A microfilm cassette for use in an optical projection device in which a film plane is established within the cassette by a film platen supported by the cassette. An additional aspect of this film platen is its support structure which enables it to move transversely with respect to the cassette. A predetermined surface on this film platen is biased against a predetermined surface within the projection device to establish and control the relationship between the film plane and the projection device's optics.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding film strips of the type having a plurality of miniaturized film images carried thereon, wherein the apparatus is to be used with an optical system which illuminates and projects the images on an enlarged scale so that they can be viewed on a projection screen. The apparatus includes a rotary film holder or cassette having a number of concentric cylindrical segments defining a pair of coaxial cylinders, the segments being provided with grooves to permit insertion of a plurality of film strips in the cassette. The inner segments are longer than the outer segments so that portions of the radially outermost edges of the film strips are exposed and the outer edge of a selected film strip can be engaged by an edge drive wheel to permit the selected film strip to be moved partially out of and to be returned to the cassette.

Abstract: An improved filmstrip-carrying cassette, the filmstrip carrying thereon microimages arranged in rows and columns, and a viewer for illuminating, projecting, enlarging and reading on a display screen a selected one of the microimages is provided, using a pair of transparent plates to engage a selected portion of the filmstrip on opposite sides to hold same in a precise focal plane for properly illuminating and projecting the selected microimage. The filmstrip has great width to accommodate multiple rows of microimages, and motor means operate to transport the filmstrip selectively in opposite directions to quickly locate the column in which the desired microimage is located. The cassette is carried by a viewer-mounted carriage that is manually reciprocable along a track, so as to traverse the column in seeking the desired microimage. The transparent plates are separated simultaneously with the energizing of the motor means to permit unfettered movement of the filmstrip.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein apparatus for positioning rows and columns of microimage frames imprinted on a cassetted filmstrip for projection and display. The filmstrip is longitudinally movable in incremental amounts through an elongated cassette passageway, the passageway having a transverse aperture for permitting projected light to pass through a selected portion of the filmstrip for enlarged and focused microimage display. The positioning apparatus includes a first and second transparent plates located in a cassette in the path of projected light on either side of the filmstrip, and an assembly for effecting separation of the first and second plates, the assembly also operable for clamping the selected filmstrip portion between the first and second plates in a filmstrip focusing plane.Cassette on which the first and second transparent filmstrip clamping plates are mounted and a viewer on which the assembly for effecting clamping and separation of the plates is mounted.

Abstract: A pair of glass flats are mounted in a removable carrier frame assembly, which is adapted to be inserted into a microfilm reader/printer. Supports on the carrier frame may be rested upon a front panel of a reader/printer in order to facilitate an alignment and an insertion of the carrier. A solenoid controlled mechanical linkage normally holds the glass flats in an open position except when the film is actually being projected. Then, they close. Signals are sent back to indicate to the reader/printer whether the flats are opened or closed and to control it in response thereto.