Abstract: An obstruction detection system for a robotic catheter system including a robotic catheter manipulator assembly including one or more catheter manipulation bases and one or more sheath manipulation bases. Each manipulation base may be generally linearly movable on one or more tracks relative to the robotic catheter manipulator assembly. The obstruction detection system may include one or more obstruction detection sensors disposed on the track or on the manipulation bases to detect an obstruction along a path of motion of one or more manipulation bases. A software system may be provided for monitoring movement of the catheter and sheath manipulation bases, and/or a status of the obstruction detection sensors.

Abstract: Image recording devices, such as electrophotographic devices, laser printers, copiers, and fax machines, often have a cartridge that utilizes an encoder wheel assembly in addition to or instead of a chip for determining toner load. It may be desirable to alter the encoder wheel or part of the cartridge, either by the printer or the cartridge, to permit a deliberate end of life function situation that requires the replacement of the cartridge, encoder wheel, or encoder wheel assembly components. This thereby controls the remanufacture or replacement of the toner cartridge in a way that is desirable to the manufacturer and prevents unauthorized refilling of the cartridge.

Abstract: In a single-lens reflex camera, the rotation center of a lever used for driving a shutter device is arranged rearward of a shutter device with respect to an optical axis, and the lever end (point of action) is arranged in front of the shutter device with respect to the optical axis. Thereby, compactness of the camera body can be realized.

Abstract: A negative film setter has film holders for having set therein films to be fed. Each of the film holders has both a detecting sensor for detecting whether a film is set therein and a lamp which is lit when a film is set in a film holder and which is not lit when a film is not set therein. Therefore, a user can determine at a glance whether or not films are set in the film holders, thus allowing the user to skillfully set a plurality of films at film setting sections. Accordingly, due to detection by the detecting sensor, the negative film setter can recognize in which film holder a film is set, and films can be fed in a sequential order.

Abstract: A film scanner has a transport table for transporting the film held by a film holder in a sub-scan direction, a transport mechanism for moving the transport table in the sub-scan direction, a line sensor and a line sensor drive circuit for obtaining an image of the film. The transport mechanism is provided with a scan motor driven in predetermined steps. The line sensor and the line sensor drive circuit are configured to read the signal at a first timing corresponding to a rotational position of the step of the scan motor and read the signal at both of the first timing and a second timing where the motor temporarily stops, due to overshoot, at an angular position between first timings.

Abstract: A method of driving an SLR camera using a single motor includes driving the motor forward to perform a mirror release operation, driving the motor in reverse to switch a motor drive system including the motor to a mirror-shutter charge system and performing a mirror-shutter charge operation, driving the motor to continue rotating in reverse to switch the motor drive system a film wind system, driving the motor to continue rotating in reverse to perform a film wind operation, driving the motor forward for a predetermined period of time to switch the motor drive system from the film wind system to a film rewind system upon detecting that there are no more film frames available, and driving the motor in reverse to perform the film rewind operation.

Abstract: A camera having a transport device for stepwise transport of a film in each case by the length of a respective picture, wherein the transport device includes a film take-up shaft which is driven by way of a winding reel on which a pull element, preferably a cord, is wound, on which film take-up shaft the film can be wound from a film supply spool, in particular from an inserted film cartridge, wherein the free end of the pull element (2) projects into the open through an opening in the housing (17) of the camera and the film (14) is transported stepwise by the length of a picture by pulling on the pull element (2), wherein the winding reel (8) is adapted for automatically winding on the pull element (2) after transport of the film (14) by the length of a picture.

Abstract: An APS single use camera has a cover with an aperture that provides access to the film sensor and the light lock door driver via a tool adapted to be received into the aperture. The tool is used to open the light lock door and push the film sensor out of the film path so as to enable film from the APS film cassette to be scrolled into the film path. The structure permits pre-loading of film outside of a darkroom, and such a method is disclosed. The camera also employs a brake that prevents the film sensor from sensing for the presence or absence of film except during a brief sensing interval that occurs during a film advance operation.

Abstract: A camera in which a magazine can be loaded into a magazine chamber in the direction along a winding shaft thereof in a state in which a film leader is wound thereon. During such magazine loading, the film leader is inserted along the outer periphery of a film guide disposed in the magazine chamber. After the magazine has been loaded, the film leader is temporarily rewound into the magazine. Then, it is fed toward a spool chamber. The film leader that has reached the spool chamber is advanced by the spool and film loading is completed. By employing such a loading mechanism, it is possible to provide a camera incorporating a film loading mechanism with a simple structure which is capable of reliable film loading and making it possible, in cameras using 135-type film magazine, to load a magazine in the axial direction thereof.

Abstract: A one-time use camera including film. The camera comprises a shutter release and a device adapted to deactivate a camera function in order to prevent unauthorized reuse of the camera. The deactivating device comprises: a first counter whose value can be changed when it is detected successively that, on the one hand, the film is moved inside the camera and that, on the other hand, the shutter release is activated, and, a detector for detecting the film movement. The camera function is deactivated when the first counter reaches a limit value S.

Abstract: A camera for edge-perforated film with a film feed device (9) and a rotatably mounted film perforation wheel (sprocket wheel) (101) that engages with teeth (102) in the edge perforations of the film and executes a rotational movement during feeding of the film is designed so that one side of the sprocket wheel (101) rests against a bearing surface (17) of a housing part (2) and the other side of the sprocket wheel has a coaxial bearing collar (103) that is rotatably arranged in a bearing opening of a housing part. Preferably the sprocket wheel (101) together with the bearing collar (103) is formed as a single integral unit and engages via an outer edge region in a circumferential interspacing between housing parts, wherein this interspacing may be formed between the bearing surface (17) and a plate (115, 118) arranged above the latter, which can form a circular bearing opening in which the bearing collar (103) of the sprocket wheel (101) is radially mounted.

Abstract: A film back exchangeable camera has a camera body and a film back that can be attached to and detached from the camera body.

Abstract: A head of a spliced film is transported to downstream side along a path by feed roller pairs, nip roller pairs and transport roller pairs; while the head of the spliced film is detected by a sensor located before a transport merging portion, the nip roller pairs are stop to rotate; a joint of the spliced film is detected based on a signal from a splice sensor; the spliced film is cut by a film cutter at the joint; and the head photographic film is separated from the spliced film and images are read.

Abstract: If the final film frame is set to the image formation position, the winding on of the film from the cartridge is prohibited; and, if an operation member is operated to designate the winding on of the film from the cartridge, either by one film frame or by fast forwarding, a warning is emitted. Further, if the first film frame is set to the image formation position, the winding backward of the film into the cartridge is prohibited; and, if an operation member is operated to designate the winding backward of the film into the cartridge, either by one film frame or by fast rewinding, a warning is emitted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a leader card with protrusions, which are extended in the counter direction with respect to the transport direction of the leader card with the film attached thereto, said protrusions being provided with traction sections which can be brought into engagement with holes in the leading end of the film. Additionally, the invention relates to an attaching and a detaching device to attach and to detach, respectively, the leader card to and from the film.

Abstract: A camera having means for pre-winding unexposed film, in non-darkroom conditions from a film cartridge to a take up spool and limiting removal and replacement of the film cartridge to those designated to do. A latching member includes a pair of slots structured to slidingly engage a pair of guide pins disposed on the main body side wall and a pair of hooks structured to matingly engage a pair of hooks extending out from the rear door to prevent the camera door from being opened. A pair of outwardly biased locking pins, extending out from the main body side wall, are structured for movement from a first extended position, wherein the pins extend through a pair of corresponding holes in the latching member, thereby retaining the latching member in a first upper, locking position, to a second depressed position, wherein the latching member may be slid downward to a second lower, unlocking position, thereby permitting the rear door to be opened.

Abstract: A film drive mechanism for a camera, in which a drive force of a motor is transmitted through a differential gear mechanism to a wind shaft and a rewind shaft and is also transmitted through a screw gear to a spool shaft or a fork shaft whereby, operations of winding and rewinding film are performed. The rewind shaft is placed in such a manner as to be inclined to the drive shaft of the differential gear mechanism. Also, a pair of engaging gears in the drive force transmission device are aligned so that their axes of rotation are oblique to one another. This film drive mechanism requires small space than conventional designs and is small in weight and is advantageous for the cost thereof.

Abstract: A roll film connecting device comprises means for transporting a preceding film and a film following the film via a connecting station, a pair of connecting members arranged at the connecting station and movable toward or away from each other with a film transport path positioned therebetween, each of the connecting members having a face opposed to the other and serving as a suction face, a pair of cutters so arranged as to be movable out of or into the respective suction faces of the connecting members, and a cutter receiver so disposed as to be movable into or out of a space between the connecting members as moved away from each other.

Abstract: A film unit is provided with an unexposed film chamber in which an unexposed film is accommodated beforehand; a photographing lens through which the unexposed film is imagewise exposed; a film wind-up chamber; a spool provided in the film wind-up chamber, holding an end portion of the film, and having a rotation center on which the spool is rotated so that the exposed film is wound up into the film wind-up chamber; a spool engaging member for engaging with the spool; and a wind-up operating member located at an eccentric position from the rotation center of the spool and for engaging with the spool engaging member so that the wind-up operating member rotates the spool through the spool engaging member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a camera. In the method, a film cartridge is positioned in a cartridge chamber of a camera frame assembly having a rear opening, a thumbwheel, and an active light lock closer. A spool of the cartridge and a film advance are engaged. A leading portion of a filmstrip is advanced out of the cartridge. The spool of the cartridge is turned in a rewind direction for the cartridge. Withdrawal of the leading portion of the filmstrip back into the cartridge, is prevented during the turning.

Abstract: A camera has a transmitting mechanism, for transmitting a driving force necessary for camera operation, that is provided behind a path for feeding a film. The camera has a cartridge chamber wherein a film cartridge is loaded, and the film cartridge is loaded in the cartridge chamber in a direction parallel to the orientation of its shaft. The transmitting mechanism may be provided behind an exposure aperture through which light flux from an object is projected onto a film.

Abstract: An APS camera having various mechanical features that simplify film pre-loading, especially in single use APS cameras, is disclosed. The disclosed camera employs the film advance mechanism to open and close the APS film cassette's light lock door, and also employs a film sensor to disable the film advance mechanism from operating the light lock door when film is present in a film path of the camera. Camera size is kept to a minimum by a feature that defines a battery compartment within a film spool of the camera.

Abstract: A telecine scanner, with which the horizontal picture steadiness errors are reduced by the film guidance in the area of the film gate 5, includes a first guiding element 11 supporting one of the longitudinal edges of the film 4 at at least two points in the film gate 5 in the area of the radiation path 6. In addition, two guiding elements 12 are provided, which are spaced substantially centrically apart from the first guiding element 11 and engage the other longitudinal edge of the film 4.

Abstract: A still photo camera for film and electronic image recording selectively employs various media and media evaluation modes with selectable mechanical, optical and electronic imaging.

Abstract: A film feeding device for a camera uses first and second electric motors associated with first and second planetary gearing mechanisms, respectively. In one embodiment, the first motor and first planetary gearing mechanism drive a spool shaft of a film cartridge to supply film to a winding spool. The winding spool is driven by the second motor and second planetary gearing mechanism to wind film onto the winding spool, at which time the first motor is stopped and the first planetary gearing mechanism is automatically disconnected from the spool shaft. For rewinding, the second motor is operated in reverse and the second planetary gearing mechanism is automatically disconnected from the winding spool and connected to the spool shaft of the film cartridge.

Abstract: A camera includes a motor, a structural body arranged to support the motor through an elastic member, and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotation output of the motor to a camera operating mechanism. The power transmission mechanism includes a worm gear secured to the output shaft of the motor, a helical gear engaging the worm gear and a belt arranged to transmit the rotation output of the motor to another rotary member.

Abstract: A scanner device including a line sensor, an AD conversion circuit for AD-converting an inputted image signal, a memory for storing therein a digital signal which is outputted from the AD conversion circuit, a DA conversion circuit for DA-converting the digital signal which is stored in the memory, an encoder for executing conversion to a video signal on the basis of an output from the DA conversion circuit, and a controller for outputting an image signal which is outputted from the line sensor, to digital RGB data which are more in the number of picture elements than the number of stored picture elements of the memory by the auxiliary utilization of said memory. Thus, the scanner device makes it possible to execute video output with respect to a domestic television monitor, although the scanner device is a scanner having high resolution, and further, at a reduced memory capacity.

Abstract: A camera includes a main body having a first cavity for receiving a film cartridge and a second cavity for receiving film withdrawn from the film cartridge, a metering apparatus mounted within the main body for metering the film, one frame at a time, between the first and second cavities and across a film exposing area, a back cover covering the first and second cavities and the film exposing areas, the metering apparatus having a member that projects toward the back cover when the film is metered and an indexable film frame counter disposed on the back cover and having frame number indicia viewable by a user via a window in the back cover. The frame counter being engageable by the member when the film is metered and indexing in response thereto to display a next frame number.

Abstract: A method of prewinding film from a film cartridge having a rotatable spool for allowing a contained film to be thrust from the confines of the cartridge after a light blocking door is opened to permit a filmstrip to be thrust from the cartridge, into a film roll chamber using a roller assembly disposed between the cartridge and a film roll carrier to draw film from the cartridge after the leader portion has been thrust from the cartridge. According to the invention, the film roll carrier is detachable to allow the film cartridge and film roll carrier to be loaded into a camera body section after film has been prewound from the cartridge. Alternately, the prewinding can be done using a single roller assembly which interfaces with the film rails of a camera body to permit prewinding between a cartridge and the film roll chamber of the camera body.

Abstract: A camera for use with photographic film and advance-rewind unit. The camera has a body that defines a film path and a film drive disposed in operative relation to the film path. The advance-rewind is mounted on the body. The advance-rewind has a crank and film winder that define a common winding axis. The crank engages the film drive. The crank is rotatable about the winding axis in opposed first and second directions of rotation relative to the body. The film winder is pivotable about the winding axis in the first and second directions. The crank has a base and a handle. The film winder has a grip portion. The advance-rewind has a one-way, overrunning clutch disposed between the crank and the film winder. The clutch is switchable between active and released states.

Abstract: A film loading method for a camera comprising the steps of opening a door to uncover a chamber for a film cartridge, inserting a film leader which protrudes from the film cartridge through a film ingress slot in the chamber and into engagement with a film advance sprocket in a film threading path, and rotating the film advance sprocket in engagement with the film leader to advance the engaged leader along the film threading path, is characterized in that the film leader is inserted manually through the film ingress slot into engagement with the film advance sprocket before the film cartridge is received completely in the cartridge receiving chamber or before the door is closed. This allows one to pull the film leader out of engagement with the film advance sprocket from the film ingress slot to abort the film loading operation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cassette for photographic film.The cassette for photographic film according to the invention comprises: a winding spool (45); a photographic film (41) designed to be wound on said winding spool, means being provided for fixing one end of the film to said spool, said film being provided with perforations (48) formed at intervals along at least one of its longitudinal edges, and designed to cooperate with drive means (46) provided on a camera (42), a perforated leader (43) enabling the film to be engaged with said drive means (46) of said camera for the purpose of its winding onto a receiving spool (44), at least one of the perforations (60) of the leader intended for the initial engagement of the film (41) with the drive means (46) being longer along the longitudinal axis of the film than the other perforations (48).

Abstract: The invention is directed to an engaging mechanism. The engaging mechanism comprises a cam element which moves upon modification of an engaging position, a cam follower abutted against a cam surface of the cam element, a detecting element for detecting a position of the cam follower, and a section to be detected provided on the cam follower, for giving at least three different kinds of output values to the detecting element.

Abstract: A mechanism, for feeding a film with a photographing information magnetic recording area, of a camera. The camera including the mechanism has a cartridge holder inside which a film cartridge housing the film in is set; an aperture for defining an exposure field on the film; a magnetic head for writing/reading the photographing information; a take-up spool around which the film fed from the film cartridge is wound; and a drive motor for feeding the film between the film cartridge and the take-up spool. Both the take-up spool and the magnetic head are installed on one side of the aperture, and both the cartridge holder and the drive motor are installed on the other side, opposite to the one side in view of the film feeding direction, of the aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for loading a photographic camera (426) of a type including an external housing (428, 478) having a movable closure (484) giving access to a film guide track (566) within the camera, the guide track extending between an unexposed film chamber (562) and an exposed film chamber (564), the apparatus including a frame (12); a source (24) for unexposed photographic film positioned on the frame; a nest for receiving the camera supported on the frame; a film loading device (72) extending between the source and the nest for guiding film from the source into the film guide track within the camera; a film unloading device (82) extending away from the camera; and means for driving film from the source, along the loading device and into said camera and for driving film from the camera along the unloading device. Corresponding methods also are taught.

Abstract: A camera according to the present invention has an arrangement that a film is discharged to a side toward a subject after a picture has been taken, the instant camera comprising a grip portion formed on a right portion of a camera body when viewed in a normal photography state and from a position of a photographer operating the camera, an optical system disposed on a left portion of the camera body when viewed from the said position of the photographer and including at least a photographing lens, and a film cartridge loading portion which is capable of loading a film cartridge into a position between the grip portion of the camera body and the optical system in such a manner that an exposure surface of the film accommodated in the film cartridge faces the optical system.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a camera, etc. incorporates at least first and second ultrasonic wave actuators driven at predetermined frequencies for driving the apparatus. The first and second ultrasonic wave actuators are drive-controlled at different frequencies by first and second actuator drive portions controlled by an apparatus control portion. The first and second ultrasonic wave actuators are constructed to satisfy a relationship such as .vertline.f1-f2.vertline.>4000, where f1 (Hz) is the drive frequency of the first ultrasonic wave actuator, and f2 (Hz) is the drive frequency of the second ultrasonic wave actuator. Prevented thus are drawbacks caused when simultaneously driving the plurality of ultrasonic wave actuators for driving the apparatus, i.e., a resonance in an apparatus structural body and a resultant "beat" phenomenon.

Abstract: A photographic camera (426) is disclosed which includes an external housing (428, 478) having at least one movable closure (484) which, in an open position of the at least one closure, enables a discrete strip of film to be loaded from an exterior of the camera into the camera and a discrete film strip to be unloaded from the camera to the exterior; a film guide track (566) extending within the housing between an unexposed film chamber (562) and an exposed film chamber (564), the film guide track having a width corresponding to a transverse width of the film strip; and a mechanism (476, 508, 526, 530) for moving the film strip back and forth in the film guide track between the unexposed and exposed film chambers. The camera uniquely includes a feature (386, 550, 552, 574, 576) within the housing and at an entrance (554) to the film guide track for positioning an external film loading or unloading device (72, 82) for guiding film into or receiving film from the film guide track.

Abstract: An information processing device, such as a camera, capable of magnetically recording information on film, controls magnetic recording and film feeding using a single position detector that detects film position information, such as perforations in the film. After a frame of the film has been photographically exposed, the information processing device first feeds the film in a reverse direction opposite to the direction of advancement, before accelerating the film forward in the advancement direction to a stable advancement velocity. The usable length of the magnetic recording area of the film is thus increased because recording does not take place while film velocity is changing.

Abstract: A camera having a device for feeding a film, comprises a driving unit for generating driving force, a first unit to be driven for feeding the film in a first direction, a second unit to be driven for feeding the film in a second direction which is different from the first direction, and a portion to be driven always engaged with the driving unit, a shaft unit being angularly moved by the driving unit, a driving portion always engaged with the first unit to be driven for moving the shaft unit while angularly moving the shaft unit in an axial direction of the shaft unit when the shaft unit is angularly moved by the driving unit, and an engagement portion for being engaged with the second unit to be driven.

Abstract: A photographic camera includes a camera body, a cartridge holder, and a shift device. The cartridge holder is capable of holding a film cartridge to be used in the photographic camera, and movable between a first position in which the film cartridge can be removed from the camera and a second position in which the film cartridge can be used in the photographic camera. The second position is aligned to the first position. The shift device shifts the cartridge holder between the first and second positions. The camera also can include a flash device, having a flashlight emitting portion, for illuminating an object to be photographed by a flash light. The camera further can include a device for determining a position of the film cartridge with respect to the camera body the cartridge holder is located at the second position.

Abstract: A method for loading an unexposed photographic film in a lens-fitted photographic film unit, the method including the steps of: providing a cartridge storing the unexposed film therein, and a film supplying spool having a film winding part around which the film is wound, a portion defining a suction hole for film-attraction formed on the film winding part, and a portion defining a hollow hole for air-suction formed concentrically with the supplying spool; thrusting out the film from the cartridge; sucking air from the hollow hole so that the film thrust out from the cartridge is attracted to the suction hole; winding up the film by a predetermined length to the supplying spool while attracting the film to the suction hole; and loading the cartridge and the supplying spool in a main body of the lens-fitted photographic film unit.

Abstract: A device such as a camera adapted for an image recording medium cartridge includes a first device for automatically performing an operation relating to at least one of loading and unloading of the cartridge and a second device for varying an operation of the first device according to a loading or unloading direction of the cartridge.

Abstract: A camera in use with a photographic film in a cartridge.

Abstract: A photographic camera has a film cartridge chamber, a film take-up chamber, a film feed passage formed between a film window on a camera body and a pressure plate on a camera back and a film feed mechanism. A film cartridge in which a roll film is entirely rolled around a spool in a cartridge body to its leading end is loaded in the film cartridge chamber and the film is fed out through a film exit slit formed in the cartridge body by the film feed mechanism. A guide portion for leading the leading end of the film fed out through the film exit slit to the film feed passage is provided at the film cartridge chamber side end of the film feed passage. The guide portion includes at least an end guide surface provided on the camera body.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a camera having a lighttight body compartment for retaining a film cassette having a film spool, in which the lighttight body compartment includes a detachable portion. The apparatus includes a sensing member for sensing the camera as it is attached to the apparatus, a spool driving element for engaging an exposed spool end of a cassette film spool, and a pair of pin members which engage and release the detachable portion of the camera body. According to the present invention, a control module automatically controls the action of a drive motor to cause the spool driver to engage the film spool end to wind the film into the cassette. After a predetermined time period has elapsed insuring all of the film is wound, the detachable portion of the camera body is automatically removed by engagement of the pin members and the film cassette is removed from the camera body.

Abstract: A compact camera including one mounting board to which a plurality of electronic components are mounted. A display panel, a control unit, and a land portion, located underneath input devices, are mounted on an upper surface of the mounting board. A first drive IC and a second IC are mounted on a lower surface of the mounting board. Furthermore, a low-power device, such as an autofocus device, is mounted on a lower surface of the mounting board. The autofocus device is disposed near the input devices. Therefore, an inhibiting circuit is provided which inhibits the operation of the autofocus device when the input devices receive operation input signals.