Including Photocell Patents (Class 355/41)
  • Patent number: 4750021
    Abstract: Apparatus for printing an enlarged reproduction of an image frame stored on a microfilm includes means for measuring the pitch length between the image frame and an adjacent image frame and in response to such measurement produces a signal to inhibit the reproduction of portions of the adjacent image frame on the reproduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Holroyd, Eugene W. Lachut
  • Patent number: 4746956
    Abstract: A microfilm strip includes image frames arranged in chapters with indicia provided identifying those image frames which head the chapters. When it is desired to produce multiple prints of each of the image frames in a chapter the image frame comprising the first frame or head of the chapter is moved into the print gate. Upon entry of the print command signal, the strip is automatically advanced so that the last frame of the chapter is in the print gate. The printer then automatically prints each frame of the chapter starting with the last frame and ending with the first frame of the chapter. The prints arrive face-up at the output of the printer in collated form. As multiple sets of prints of the chapter are desired, the microfilm after printing the first image frame, returns to the last image frame for repeat printing of another set of prints of the chapter. This operation is repeated until the number of sets of collated prints is provided at the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Holroyd, Eugene W. Lachut
  • Patent number: 4745489
    Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes a lamp, a CCD array, an image density adjustor, first and second shutter drivers, first and second shutters, an image area discriminating circuit, and a microcomputer. The lamp illuminates an image and retrieval information of a microfilm having the image and the retrieval information at the side of the image. The CCD array receives light from the image and the retrieval information on the microfilm illuminated by the lamp. The image density adjustor, first and second shutter drivers, and first and second shutters cooperate with each other to record the image of the microfilm on a recording medium. The image area discriminating circuit discriminates the image from the retrieval information according to an output from the CCD array. The microcomputer controls the image density adjustor and the first and second shutter drivers so as not to record the retrieval information on the recording medium according to an output from the image area discriminating circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuo Kashiwagi, Masaaki Yanagi, Yoshihiro Saito, Yoshihiko Yoshihara, Tatsuya Yamamoto, Yasuhiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 4736224
    Abstract: A method of determining the position of a particular frame on a film being moved in its longitudinal direction, the film having blip marks provided thereon for respective frames in advance. In this method, no detection of blip marks is effected during a period of time which begins immediately after the leading end edge of a blip mark has been detected and which ends slightly before the time at which the leading end edge of a subsequent blip mark is expected to be detected. Accordingly, there is no fear of dust attached to the film being misjudged to be a blip mark. Also disclosed is an apparatus which may suitably be employed to carry out the above-described method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Izumi Watanabe, Keiichi Yamana
  • Patent number: 4728996
    Abstract: In the prior art photographic printing systems, the correspondence between imaged frames of 135 type size film and printed sheets of photographic paper is not clearly made, which presents problems when a particular frame should be re-printed for make-over at the laboratory or for extraprints ordered by a customer as it is difficult to distinguish one frame from another in images. Even if frames are attached with numbers at a printing step, the frame number is hard to read with eyes. Frames different from the desired one are often printed for re-print to thereby waste time and photographic paper. This invention method enables correspondence of imaged frames of film with printed sheet of photographic paper by automatically obtaining identification information of printed frames based on the frame number and feeding direction which are initially set for each mounted film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumio Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 4727399
    Abstract: A photographic printer according to the present invention can automatically print films of an arbitrary size by directly and automatically detecting image data of a film negative to discriminate whether the firm negative is of a full or half size, and switches the conveying direction of the film based upon the result of the above discrimination, and adjusts the aperture of the mask at a printing unit. The method according to the present invention can detect and position frames at a high speed and high accuracy and yet with a simple structure which includes the steps of detecting image data of an original film, and determining a feeding length with the size data and edge detection of the original film and positioning imaged frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumio Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 4724463
    Abstract: A photographic printing apparatus comprising a carrier section for positioning the image frame of an original negative film strip to print said image frame, a transporter for transporting said original negative film strip, an optical detector for obtaining image information of the image frame at the carrier section, a cutter for cutting the original negative film strip into several pieces each of which has a predetermined number of frames, means for inserting each of the several pieces into a negative carrier sleeve, and a controller for controlling the transporter, the cutter and the inserting means in accordance with the image formation detected by the image information detector at the printing section. Thereby, a plurality of original negative film strips can be continuously and automatically printed without connecting and separating the original negative film strip. Furthermore, each of the serveral pieces can be continuously and automatically inserted into the negative carrier sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumio Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 4719494
    Abstract: A method of making a judgement as to whether or not a negative film frame needs to be printed on a photographic sheet of paper is employed using for the judgement the photographic density of the image on the frame. According to the method, a negative film frame is divided into a multiplicity of small regions, and photographic density values are measured at the small regions. It is judged that a negative film frame need not be printed when a minimum value of the photographic densities measured in relation to any portion or the whole of the frame, or a value which is higher than the minimum value by a predetermined degree, is larger than another specific value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Shiota
  • Patent number: 4712907
    Abstract: An electrophotographic printing machine for reproducing an original document with a copy thereof having additional indicia thereon. A means such as a movable occluder bar is used to mask a region of photoconductive member from the illuminating means to prevent discharge at that region. Then a means to discharge selectively the masked region reocrds a latent image corresponding to the additional indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Weinberger, Gary S. Bricault, David Gruber, Eleonora Rakover
  • Patent number: 4711567
    Abstract: An exposure apparatus for optically transferring a pattern of a circuit such as an integrated circuit on a semiconductor wafer. The positioning control of stepping movement of a movable stage holding the wafer thereon is effected in such a manner that even if a rotational displacement is present in the optical image of a mask pattern with respect to the moving coordinate axes of the stage the rotational displacement is substantially cancelled in a printed pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Assignee: Nippon Kogaku K.K.
    Inventor: Akikazu Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 4711566
    Abstract: Apparatus using a single document transport means for microfilming the document and scanning the document for obtaining digital signals for storage that are indicative of the image carried on the document. One embodiment provides for sequential presentment of the document for filming and scanning. Another embodiment provides for simultaneous filming and scanning. Circuitry is disclosed by which the digital signals are processed for use in controlling the light source used for filming of the document. Circuitry is disclosed for supplying information for later retrieval of the digital signals and/or the microfilm for a particular document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Bruce M. Evans
  • Patent number: 4693591
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Saijo, Masafumi Fujita
  • Patent number: 4687321
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mark detection apparatus for a microfilm having marks which are recorded adjacent to respective frames and are classified into a few groups with different sizes. The apparatus detects widths of the marks, determines a threshold level from detected widths of the marks and controls counting of the marks by size through the use of the threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Itoh
  • Patent number: 4671648
    Abstract: An image data processing apparatus obtains a first absolute address of a frame by reading marks which are provided on a recording medium for the purpose of setting absolute addresses. Divisions which separate the frames on the recording medium into blocks are input, together with the relative addresses of the frames within the divisions. The apparatus stores frame data in such a manner that the divisions, the relative addresses of the frames of each of the divisions, and the absolute addresses of the frames are arranged so as to correspond to each other. The apparatus obtains a second absolute address of a frame to be processed which address corresponds to the input division and the input relative address of the frame within the division.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Izumi Watanabe, Keiichi Yamana
  • Patent number: 4660965
    Abstract: In a photographic printer in which an original film is conveyed and mounted on a film carrier and a light from a light source and passing the film carrier is received to a two-dimensional image sensor, picture information regarding divided picture elements are detected through the whole area of the original film and a distance to be moved of the original film is obtained in accordance with the size information of the orginal film. The respective picture frames of the original film are detected by receiving a transmitted or reflected light from the original film on the film carrier using the two-dimensional image sensor and the original film is then conveyed by the distance obtained in the previous step so as to thereby position and stop the picture frames on the film carrier. In addition, the picture frames can be automatically conveyed and the exposure amount calculated and corrected in accordance with the picture information regarding the divided picture elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumio Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 4653900
    Abstract: A verification apparatus for verifying a negative image on film and a positive image on photographic paper against each other. Respective transmission densities of a plurality of picture elements of the film image and respective reflection densities of a plurality of picture elements of the photographic paper image are detected, and comparison is made between the transmission density of each of the picture elements of the film image and the reflection density of the corresponding picture element of the photographic paper image, thereby making judgement as to whether or not the photographic paper image and the film image correspond to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiichi Kito, Fumio Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 4649422
    Abstract: An original to be reproduced is scanned line-by-line, and a scanning signal is generated for each linear, scanned region. The scanning signals represent the densities of the respective regions. A portion of each scanning signal is filtered to remove the higher frequencies. The filtered signal is differentiated to yield first density gradients, and the extreme positive and negative values of the first density gradients are determined for each region. Another portion of each scanning signal is differentiated without first removing the higher frequencies thereby yielding second density gradients. The extreme positive and negative values of the second density gradients are likewise determined for each region. A ratio of the extreme positive second density gradient to the extreme positive first density gradient is formed for each region, as is a ratio of the magnitude of the extreme negative second density gradient to the magnitude of the extreme negative first density gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wilfried Rauskolb, Helmut Treiber, Wilhelm Nitsch
  • Patent number: 4639791
    Abstract: There is disclosed a recording apparatus capable of easily overlaying two images. One image is read photoelectrically and supplied as electrical signals, while the other image is stored in a read-only memory and supplied as electrical signals. The read-only memory is also used for storing control information for the overlaying process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hisaji Masaki
  • Patent number: 4629312
    Abstract: A photographic printer of the type wherein a web of photographic material is advanced to and from an exposure station and wherein individual exposure areas of the photographic material are selectively marked by a thermal marking system. The thermal marking system of the present invention includes a thermally activated marking tape and a thermal print head which selectively applies thermal energy to portions of the tape. A frictional engagement between the photographic material and tape results in a movement of the tape with the photographic media when the media is driven through the printer. In a preferred embodiment, the friction between the tape and media is selectively established by intermittently establishing an intimate contact between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Lucht Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Pearce, D. Daniel Entingh
  • Patent number: 4627719
    Abstract: Successive frames of an exposed and developed customer film are monitored during transport of the film in a first direction, and the information which is gathered during monitoring of discrete frames as well as of the entire film is stored in the memory of a microprocessor. The direction of travel of the film is then reversed and successive or selected frames of the film are copied during intervals between successive stepwise advances of the film in the second direction. Copying light which is used for the making of reproductions of images of the film frames is also used for illumination of film frames during monitoring. A mirror is provided to reflect light to the monitoring unit during travel of the film in the first direction, and such mirror is retracted preparatory to copying which starts with the last monitored frame and proceeds toward the first monitored frame of the film. The film is converted into a growing roll during monitoring of its frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wilhelm Nitsch, Helmut Treiber, Gerhard Benker
  • Patent number: 4621922
    Abstract: To adjust a device for the projection copying of masks on a semiconductor substrate, adjustment marks are illuminated with wideband adjustment light in order to make variations in the intensity of the reflected signal in the area of a mark field. The color defect created by the wideband nature of the adjustment light is eliminated by an achromatization device which covers only a part of the total picture field which contains the adjustment marks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: Perkin-Elmer Censor Anstalt
    Inventors: Werner Tabarelli, Ernst Lobach
  • Patent number: 4611907
    Abstract: Disclosed is a film frame position judging method in which film densities are detected by a plurality of sensors disposed such as to be orthogonal to the direction in which a developed film is conveyed, and a frame edge is declared when the distance between the positions at which the OR (logical sum) of light/dark binary signals and the AND (logical product) of the binary signals respectively change as the film is conveyed is within a predetermined value, the light/dark binary signals respectively representing the densities at the detecting points on the film. Accordingly, it is possible to judge a frame position by detecting only one of the film frame edges and to increase the degree of accuracy in judging a frame position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Inatsuki
  • Patent number: 4607950
    Abstract: A mark detecting apparatus for a micro-roll film including one photoelectric element for detecting marks of different sizes provided on one edge portion of a micro-roll film for respective frames of the film, a pulse generating unit which generates pulses by radial slits formed in a disc adapted to be driven for rotation by contacting the micro-roll film, and a mark size judging circuit which counts the pulses produced from the pulse generating unit during the photoelectric element for the mark is detecting the mark of the film for judging the size of the mark by the counted value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenjiro Ishii, Masaharu Aragaki, Osami Kato, Masato Higashi
  • Patent number: 4533926
    Abstract: Novel strip chart recorders and strip chart recording paper are provided which are cooperable so that the recorder detects the proximity of a terminal edge of the paper, so that the recorder can signal this occurrence to the user enabling him to insert a new supply of strip chart paper in the recorder to avoid the loss of data. The recorder also cooperates with the strip chart paper to determine when paper is absent from the recorder, for example, when it has been exhausted, thereupon to signal this further occurrence to the user and take steps to avoid damage to the recorder which can result through its operation in the absence of paper in the recorder mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: American Home Products Corporation (Del.)
    Inventors: Tibor L. Foldvari, Donald R. Boucher, Eugene L. Flanagan, III
  • Patent number: 4530599
    Abstract: A photographic printer comprises negative film supply, transport, and printing exposure sections which have mutually interchangeable supply and transport mechanisms for supplying and transporting 135-size films and disc films to the printing exposure section. The supply and transport mechanism for disc films has a section containing a plurality of disc films which are transported automatically to the printing section through a transporting section of the disc film supply and transport mechanism. The negative film supply section also has a delivery section for 135-size cut films and the delivery section for disc films, which are mutually interchangeable to supply either 135-size cut films or disc films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Assignee: Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisayuki Kaizuma, Haruo Hakamada
  • Patent number: 4461567
    Abstract: In the photoexposure of semiconductor wafers for the production of circuit elements, the wafers are placed in a prealignment position before being transferred to the exposure stage. A chuck acting as a prepositioning stage is rotatable by one servomotor to set the wafer in its appropriate angular position (.phi. adjustment) and is shiftable by respective servomotors in the X and Y directions. Servomotor control is effected by optical means detecting a noncircular edge portion of the wafer as well as alignment marks on the wafer inwardly of the edge thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Assignee: Censor Patent- und Versuchs-Anstalt
    Inventor: Herbert E. Mayer
  • Patent number: 4457008
    Abstract: An automatic retrieval apparatus for use with an information containing film in a roll form, arranged to control driving of the information containing film by reading document marks or blips provided in the information containing film to correspond with respective frames. The retrieval apparatus includes a detecting circuitry for detecting the document marks to produce detecting signal, a latch circuitry to be set by impression of the detecting signal to it, and a calculation processing circuitry which effects predetermined calculation corresponding to the detection of the document marks when the latch circuitry is in the set state, and which produces signal for resetting the latch circuitry upon completion of the calculation processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiji Nakatani, Masaharu Arakaki
  • Patent number: 4437758
    Abstract: An alignment apparatus effects positional adjustment between the image of a mask and a sensitive member by using a non-sensitive alignment mark image of the mask and an alignment mark formed on the sensitive member. The sensitive alignment mark image of the mask is formed on the alignment mark portion of the sensitive member in out-of focus condition. The alignment mark portion of the sensitive member is exposed by the sensitive mark image. Accordingly, the alignment mark of the sensitive member is protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akiyoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4435076
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus to control the position of a specific frame of a microfilm by an enlargement reproduction device on a sensitized material. A register mark provided outside the effective image area of the said frame is projected and enlarged on the said sensitized material surface or on a receiver element attached to a surface optically equivalent to the sensitized material surface, and the position of the said frame image on the said sensitized material is controlled by the detection signals from the said receiver element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masuda Tatsunosuke
  • Patent number: 4422752
    Abstract: An exposed color film having an exposed zone is provided with color areas prior to developing the same by exposing this unexposed zone to light passing through different narrow-band filters. After developing the film, the transmissivities of each of the color areas within a pair of narrow-band ranges is measured. The measured values are compared with known values for various types of film to establish the type of the particular color film. This information is used to adjust the exposures in the different colors when the images on the color film are copied onto a photographic copying material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Siegfried Thurm, Konrad Bunge
  • Patent number: 4403854
    Abstract: A color print machine, which makes prints from developed color film, is provided with an automatic exposure control system. A memory stores control signals for adjusting the automatic exposure control system for predetermined differing color film types and is addressable for selecting the control signals to be furnished for the color film type involved. The color film is provided with machine-readable film-type identifying code markings prior to printing. A code-marking scanner performs machine-reading of the film-type identifying code markings and generates corresponding film-type signals. The memory is addressed, thereby selecting the control signals to be furnished to the automatic exposure control system for the particular color film type involved, in automatic response to the film-type signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1983
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert AG
    Inventors: Werner von Stein, Berthold Fergg
  • Patent number: 4379632
    Abstract: Successive frames of spliced-together exposed and developed photographic films are examined prior to introduction into a copying machine to prevent the reproduction of film frames having blurred images. Portions of or entire film frames at an examining station are spot scanned, line-by-line, and the resulting video signals are processed to determine one or more quotients which denote the ratio of maximum density gradient to density range of the respective film frames, the ratio of first and second density gradients obtained on scanning the entire frequency spectrum or the lower density portion of a film frame, and the ratio of frequency of occurrence of the first and second density gradients. Such quotient or quotients are compared with a threshold value and the results of comparison are used to classify the film frames as suitable or unfit for the making of reproductions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1983
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hubert Dedden, Jurgen Pfingst
  • Patent number: 4376581
    Abstract: In the photoexposure of semiconductor wafers for the production of circuit elements, the wafers are placed in a prealignment position before being transferred to the exposure stage. A chuck acting as a prepositioning stage is rotatable by one servomotor to set the wafer in its appropriate angular position (.phi. adjustment) and is shiftable by respective servomotors in the X and Y directions. Servomotor control is effected by optical means detecting a noncircular edge portion of the wafer as well as alignment marks on the wafer inwardly of the edge thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1983
    Assignee: Censor Patent- und Versuchs-Anstalt
    Inventor: Herbert E. Mayer
  • Patent number: 4372677
    Abstract: A device for the precision positioning of substantially planar materials, especially for use in the lithographic arts. In particular, photographic masks are precisely located for superimposition on photosensitive films or lithographic printing plates held within the frame of a plate making machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1983
    Assignee: American Hoechst Corporation
    Inventor: Ellwood J. Horner
  • Patent number: 4348104
    Abstract: A reflection sensing apparatus detects the prior exposure history of an annotatable archival microfiche film card frame. A light source used to expose the microfiche to the record image is positioned to convert a reserved sensing area, which is outside the record image but within the frame, from an opaque and reflecting area to an irreversibly clear and transparent area upon exposure. The reserved area of the microfiche film card frame is interrogated by automatic photoreflection sensing immediately prior to exposure of a given frame to disclose its prior exposure history. Suitable warning systems indicate the imminence of multiple exposure, and an automatic disabling feature prevents accidental re-exposure. A manual override means controlled by the operator must be actuated to allow re-exposure of a previously exposed frame. An alternative pre-exposure sensing of the reserved area by optical transmission methods is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert C. Ovshinsky
  • Patent number: 4346987
    Abstract: A system for projecting an image, via projection optics, from multiple circuits formed on a glass master onto a photoresist coated PCB panel. The projection optics precisely magnifies the reduced pattern formed on the master to full scale while maintaining the image-plane light uniformity. To insure proper magnification, the conjugate distances between the master and the projection optics and between the projection optics and the PCB panel are precisely controlled. Further, the relevant planes containing the master, optics and PCB panel are controlled to insure substantial perpendicularity with respect to the optical axis. A registration subsystem is also provided to register the PCB panelholding platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Phijit Jalichandra, John S. Dowell, John A. Carlson
  • Patent number: 4338020
    Abstract: A device for determining the size of an original or material to be copied in the copying machine wherein a color sensor is used as means for detecting the size of the original. The device comprising a colored member having a certain color, a light emitting member for throwing light upon the colored member, and a light receiving member for receiving light reflected by or transmitted through the colored member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Assignee: Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Yukawa, Masayuki Miyazaki, Takashi Murahashi
  • Patent number: 4302096
    Abstract: A graphic forms overlay apparatus to be used with non-impact printers requiring the use of a movable light sensitive medium such as laser printers is disclosed. Laser printers use a sweeping laser beam and a movable light sensitive medium to image data from a data processing source for printing. A graphic forms pattern is overlayed on the data imaged on the light sensitive medium for simultaneous printing of the data and pattern. To accomplish this a negative of the pattern is mounted on a hollow rotatable forms drum, and inside the drum a fluorescent tube is fixedly mounted for illuminating the negative. A linear portion of the light image of the negative formed thereby is reflected by an optical system of lenses and mirrors onto adjacent linear portions of the light sensitive medium being swept by the laser beam for imaging of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Assignee: Sperry Corporation
    Inventors: Arnold Schonfeld, Joseph M. Curley
  • Patent number: 4297028
    Abstract: A multi-item data input apparatus for manual generation of data to designate selected ones of a plurality of items comprises lists of items visibly written in matrix array form on a number of sheets, with the sheets being rolled around a cylindrical holder in successively overlapping relationship. Means are provided for unrolling a selected one of the sheets such as to position the corresponding item array below a keyboard having a transparent key above each item. Actuation of a key causes an electrical signal designating the corresponding item to be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Assignee: Anritsu Electric Company Limited
    Inventors: Yashiro Seki, Hideo Kobayashi, Kiyoshi Kimura, Masayuki Naito
  • Patent number: 4286864
    Abstract: A photoplastic film recording and monitoring apparatus has a rotatable mirror which in one position establishes a first optical path from a copy holding station through an objective lens to an image plane where a platen is provided for supporting a transmissively readable fiche of photoplastic film. In a second position of the rotatable mirror a second optical path is established from a projection light source through the image plane and the objective lens onto a viewing screen. In one embodiment a lens turret has a plurality of lenses of different focal lengths for providing different magnification ratios in order to photograph different size original copy. System controls are provided for automatically reverting to that one of the lenses which affords full screen projection of the image from the fiche frame onto the viewing screen regardless of the reduction ratio chosen for photocopying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1981
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Company
    Inventors: Gordon Lysle, Kenneth R. Baur
  • Patent number: 4268164
    Abstract: An apparatus for the recording of composite information from an original to be photocopied and a source of external information includes a position designating mechanism for indicating and distinguishing the portion of the original document to be copied from the portion to be omitted and into which position information from the external source is to be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Yajima, Hiroya Nakamura
  • Patent number: 4264196
    Abstract: A color print machine, which makes prints from developed color film, is provided with an automatic exposure control system. A memory stores control signals for adjusting the automatic exposure control system for predetermined differing color film types and is addressable for selecting the control signals to be furnished for the color film type involved. The color film is provided with machine-readable film-type identifying code markings prior to printing. A code-marking scanner performs machine-reading of the film-type identifying code markings and generates corresponding film-type signals. The memory is addressed, thereby selecting the control signals to be furnished to the automatic exposure control system for the particular color film type involved, in automatic response to the film-type signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1981
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, A.G.
    Inventors: Werner von Stein, Berthold Fergg
  • Patent number: 4264197
    Abstract: A photographic reprint system includes a preparation station at which film segments or strips are attached to an elongated tab. Indicia (typically in the form of holes) are formed in the tab to indicate the location of each film frame, to signify the end of the film segment, the end of a customer order, and the end of a reel. Information relating to the printing of each film frame, including the number of holes in the tab adjacent that frame, is stored in a storage medium such as a floppy disk. At a photographic printer, the tab and attached film segments are advanced sequentially to a print gate, where printing occurs based upon the data which is sequentially retrieved from the storage medium. A first hole sensor located upstream of the print gate counts the number of holes in the tab as each frame is advanced to the print gate, and this number is compared with the stored number which has been retrieved from the storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1981
    Assignee: Pako Corporation
    Inventors: Janis Pone, Ronald C. Laska
  • Patent number: 4251156
    Abstract: A reel of film is printed automatically in a printer to which reel identification, data etc., are fed on a basic data support. Each frame is counted as it passes through the printer and an address consisting of the result of the count and the reel identification data is applied to the print. After visual assessment of the first prints, a correction programme tape is produced with addresses and correction data of the defectively-printed frames and then the printing of these frames is automatically repeated by means of the programme tape. This operation is repeated as required. The programme tape and the film reel are then filed, the first and the repeat prints are sent to the customer who may then compile his reprint order from the addresses shown on the prints. A new programme tape is prepared in the laboratory from the filed programme tape and the reprint order information and the printer is controlled by means of the programme tape in order to carry out the reprint order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1981
    Assignee: Gretag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Franz Zimmermann, Karl Ursprung
  • Patent number: 4248529
    Abstract: An automatic image original handling device of a type, in which image originals placed on a plurality of original mounting member capable mounting thereon a plurality of such image originals are forwarded therefrom one by one, the thus sent out image original is conveyed to an original exposure section, and, after the last image original on the particular original mounting member is sent out, an image original on the subsequent original mounting member, the conveyance of which has been subscribed, begins to be forwarded, whereby the image originals are controlled in such a manner that they may be automatically fed out of the plurality of the original mounting member in sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1981
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tadashi Sato, Katsushi Furuichi
  • Patent number: 4241992
    Abstract: The present invention is used in photo-recording machines, such as microfiche recorders, which receive a document and record an image of the document on a photo-recording medium such as photoplastic film. The invention inhibits double exposures on frames of the film by use of distinctive indicator marks recorded on the film at preselected locations called indicator mark fields. The presence or absence of an indicator mark in such an indicator mark field signifies, respectively, that its corresponding frame is or is not available for recording a document image.In an improved recorder, prior to a proposed recording, a detector scans the indicator mark field corresponding to the frame selected for recording. If the detector detects an indicator mark, the recorder is inihibited from recording the document in the selected frame. A projection light source forms the image of the indicator mark field and projects it along an optical path in which a sensor of the detector is interposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1980
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Company
    Inventors: John R. Flint, Heinz Hertel
  • Patent number: 4193685
    Abstract: Apparatus for selectively, typically repetitively, moving a fixed message document to and from a photographing position on a document camera system. Logic control means on a fixed messsage carrier apparatus coact with system-operating means and transport means of the camera system to control the to and from movement. Any selected fixed message document can be handled. It is removably stored between flexible belts and cylindrical means that are in peripheral contact, and is unwound therefrom to the photographing position, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1980
    Assignee: Terminal Data Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Rudy, Edward J. Kramer, Martin M. Bondar, Ronald L. Whitney
  • Patent number: 4189228
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a locator, e.g. a notch, perforation or mark, associated with each frame of an elongated film strip that is advanced through the apparatus. The apparatus includes guide members that are supported adjacent opposite longitudinal edges of the strip and a detector, such as a photoelectric cell and a light source, for sensing the locators. The guide members and the detector are coupled for movement in a direction transverse to the general direction of advancement of the strip and move in response to transverse wavering movement of the strip to ensure proper positioning of the detector relative to the locators as the locators approach the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1980
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Farrell
  • Patent number: 4176944
    Abstract: Each original has a notch. A notch detector is located a distance Z upstream of the point at which the notch centerline is later to be stopped, and generates a notch-start and a notch-end pulse. A transducer generates strip-increment pulses during strip transport. In response to a notch-start pulse first and second counters start counting the strip-increment pulses, the first counting the Z distance, the second counting the notch length N. A divider ascertains the notch half-length N/2, which is then stored. When the counting of the Z-distance is finished, strip transport is not immediately stopped, and instead is stopped only after the counting of a further number of strip-increment pulses corresponding to the length N/2, whereupon transport is stopped. This references the system to the reliable centerlines of variable-length notches, instead of the leading ends of the notches, and assures correct positioning when transport is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1979
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, A.G.
    Inventor: Bernd Payrhammer
  • Patent number: 4148579
    Abstract: An automatic microfilm camera is electronically controlled, as by an electronic logic controller, logic and control unit, or the like, for example. The camera has an automatic feeding stack loader for picking up documents of randomly mixed sizes, photographing them, and then depositing them in an output tray. The automatic feed may be interrupted, so that single documents may be copied. Then, the automatic feed restarts and continues from the point of interrupt. A plurality of sensors respond to documents in order to control both the time of shutter opening and the exposure actuation. Various forms of documents may be processed, including a fan-folded computer readout requiring a pin drive wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1979
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Company
    Inventors: Donald J. Axelrod, John R. Flint