Abstract: A microfiche reader assembly especially suitable for use in a desk drawer of typical size is disclosed herein. This assembly includes a housing, a projection screen, a microfiche support arrangement for supporting a microfiche for movement within a given rectangular operating area and an optical arrangement cooperating with the supported microfiche for projecting an enlarged image of a section of the microfiche on to the screen when the microfiche is in its operating area. While this assembly requires more room than the standard desk drawer allots during use, it is made sufficiently collapsible to fit entirely within the confines of the drawer when not in use so as to allow the drawer to be closed. However, at the same time, the assembly is expandable for use within the drawer when the latter is opened, whereby the assembly does not have to be removed.

Abstract: A motion picture projector in which projector mechanisms are incorporated in the body of a carrying case, the opening of which is covered by a panel structure on which a reel setting portion and an operation board are disposed. The panel structure is provided with a projection window through which a light beam from the projector mechanisms is projected. A cover attached to the case body by hinge means is provided in the inside thereof with a rear-projection screen assembly, which is adapted to engage the case body and to be supported in a predetermined angle together with the case cover when unfolded. A light beam from the projection window is reflected by a mirror disposed in the inside of the case cover so as to be projected on the screen assembly. A projector in accordance with the present invention is formed in a readily portable shape and has high versatility because films wound upon usual open-type reels are available. In addition, the projected image is easy to see because of the large screen size.

Abstract: A collapsible viewing device for viewing microfilm consists of a carrying case with a bottom part to which is hinged a lid. The case includes a viewing screen, a supply of light, a lever assembly and a spring assembly which, upon opening of the lid, automatically activates the light, moves the screen into its reading position and releasably locks the screen in its viewing position. Closing of the lid against the action of the spring assembly returns the screen into the position in the bottom part of the case against the action of the spring assembly and disconnects the light.

Abstract: A rear projection viewer apparatus of the type wherein a projected image is projected towards a primary viewing screen which when in its operative viewing position forms the front of the viewer, the front viewing screen being attached to other portions of the viewer housing so that it may be moved to an inoperative position. A second rear projection screen substantially smaller than the first screen is mounted within the viewer housing in a manner where it may be moved from an inoperative position where it does not interfere with projecting to the primary viewing screen to an operative position wherein the images may be projected upon the rear thereof. Means are provided for automatically moving the small auxiliary screen from its inoperative position to its operative position in response to manual displacement of the primary viewing screen from its operative position to its inoperative position.

Abstract: A rear projection viewer apparatus of the type wherein a projected image is projected towards a primary viewing screen forming the front of the viewer, the front viewing screen being removably located with respect to other portions of the viewer housing so that it may be removed from the path of the projected images. A second rear projection screen substantially smaller than the first screen is provided. The small screen and selected portions of the viewer housing are provided with complementary structure for selectively locating the second screen at an operative position substantially normal to the projection axis and at a location therealong substantially closer to the image projecting means than the first rear projection screen when it is in its operative position.

Abstract: A collapsible microfilm reader having a lower body part with a micro-fiche projector and a cover hinged thereto and having a rectangular projection surface or screen on its inner surface which is operatively positioned when the cover is in its open position. The hinge or hinges which connect the body and cover are readily disconnectable and connectable so that the cover can selectively be mounted on the body with the long or short axis of the screen aligned with the central axis of the projector thereby permitting the optimum projection of micro-fiches of different formats by changing when necessary the orientation of the positioning of the cover on the body rather than requiring different positioning of micro-fiches of different formats with respect to the projector.

Abstract: A box-shaped projection screen unit is attachable to an optical projector to constitute a cover therefor. The screen unit comprises a translucent screen mounted in an opening formed through the side of the box opposite an open side of the box which mates with the projector. A rectangular plate hinged to a vertical edge of the box has an internal reflecting surface facing the screen, and is swingable from a storage position covering the screen outward to a projection position in which the plate forms an angle with the screen. A triangular cover plate is hinged to the top edge of the box, and is swingable from a storage position between the rectangular plate and the screen outward to a horizontal position in which another edge of the triangular plate engages with the rectangular plate to hold the same in the projection position and prevent incident light from above from reaching the screen.