Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus has a conveying rotating member, a follower rotating member which is disposed to face the conveying rotating member, a support member which passes through a hollow portion of the follower rotating member and supports the follower rotating member, a pressure portion which biases the support member toward the conveying rotating member so that the follower rotating member comes into contact with the conveying rotating member a first bearing portion which is disposed between an outer peripheral surface of the support member and an inner peripheral surface of the follower rotating member and rotatable supports the follower rotating member with respect to the support member, and a second bearing portion which movably supports the support member and has a slide friction coefficient higher than that of the bearing portion.

Abstract: Corner mask portions are provided at four corners of an exposure opening. The corner mask portions are formed by rounding the corners into curves. The quantity of developing solution contained in a developing solution pod is reduced, consequently, it is possible to reduce the thickness of a solution pod section and a trap section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image-forming device that comprises a roller that includes a plurality of micromembers. The micromembers are preferably hook or loop-like members made of a compliant material such as plastic or rubber. The micromembers on the roller essentially define a compliant surface, which is self-correcting for unintentional media thickness variations within a print area. The roller is rotational such that when the roller contacts the media the rotational or spinning force is converted to a compressional force, which is sufficient to rupture the microcapsules in the media.

Abstract: A method for producing a fluid trap for an instant film assemblage, which method can produce an environment-friendly trap easily and at low cost, is disclosed. A plate-shaped paper material having a uniform width and a uniform thickness is passed through a clearance formed between a pair of rollers. The plate-shaped paper material is compressed at width-directional opposite end portions thereof such that a thickness of the paper material gradually decreases from a central portion thereof toward opposite ends thereof, and at the same time, the paper material is cut along a longitudinal direction thereof to a predetermined width. Thereafter, the paper material is cut along the width direction thereof at predetermined intervals with respect to the longitudinal direction thereof, thereby producing the trap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing identification (ID) cards using a photosensitive imaging system employing microcapsules is described. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, ID cards are produced by translating an image containing identifying indicia into a latent image on an appropriate photosensitive donor sheet, pressure developing the latent image, forming a full color print of the image on a developer sheet, laminating an ID card substrate in registration with the image to the developer sheet and die cutting the laminated article to produce an ID card. Self-contained imaging systems can also be used to produce identification cards. The image preferably includes unique information useful in identifying the card holder such as a photograph, fingerprint, signature, description, name, etc. The identifying indicia may be combined with non-variable information including background printing, card issuer data, logos, security features, etc.

Abstract: An instant photographic film unit includes a mask sheet having an image frame and two sheets, one of which has a photosensitive layer, laminated and bonded together, and a developing liquid container disposed in a predetermined position for supplying a developing liquid between the two sheets to produce an image. The mask sheet and the two sheets are bonded together in a predetermined laminated state, with at least one of the mask sheet and the two sheets being in the form of a continuous web. The continuous web is cut off into self-developed instant photographic film units of a predetermined length. A predetermined number of instant photographic film units are automatically stacked and placed in a film pack.

Abstract: An image-recording device that improves processing speed for image-recording that is carried out using a light and heat sensitive recording material. At the same time as irradiation of the light and heat sensitive recording material with light by a light source for fixing, a heating device heats the light and heat sensitive recording material. Because photo-fixing/photo-decolorization is carried out while the light and heat sensitive recording material is heated, viscosity of the system decreases, and dispersibility of active radicals increases. Due to this activation of radicals, a photopolymerization reaction and a photo-decolorization reaction accelerate, so that efficiencies of fixing and decolorizing increase.

Abstract: A photographic processing fluid spread system, for use with integral type self-processable film unit, by which the thickness of a layer of processing fluid is controlled and restricted in a uniform manner as the processing fluid is spread across preselected portions of the film unit, while the film unit is also simultaneously being progressively exposed and advanced.

Abstract: An imaging assembly includes a media cartridge for holding a stack of media therein. The media cartridge includes a linkage assembly at least a portion of which is made of a material that is responsive to ambient conditions within the cartridge. An image forming device of the imaging assembly is adapted to control a development of images on the photosensitive media based on the sensed ambient conditions.

Abstract: A self-developing type of instant camera is equipped with a processing liquid spreading device comprising a pair of pressure-applying processing rollers which ruptures a processing liquid containing pod and distributes a processing liquid in a film unit, a spread controller operative to press and rubs the film unit from one side of the film unit coming out from a film pack so as to spread the processing liquid distributed in the film unit and a guide member, disposed between the spread controller and the film pack, operative to force the film unit from another side of the film unit so as to direct the film unit toward the bite of pressure-applying processing rollers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to developer solution trapping chips for use in a peel-apart type instant film unit, wherein the developer solution trapping chips are manufactured by cutting a continuous chip blank obtained by contour extrusion, which sets quickly, exhibits little deformation when wound on a reel, and produces a limited amount of swarf in cutting operation. The developer solution trapping chips are made of glycol-modified polyester and have preferably a trapezoidal or semicircular cross section.

Abstract: After first, second, and third continuous members are bonded to each other in a laminated state, they are cut together to a predetermined length for thereby producing an instant photography film unit. A predetermined number of produced instant photography film units are stacked in a stacking station, and then automatically placed into a film pack in a packaging station. An overall process of manufacturing instant photography film units that are packaged is performed automatically and efficiently.

Abstract: A self-developing photo film unit has a photosensitive sheet, first and second spacer rail members, a cover sheet, a mask sheet, a developing solution pod, and a strip-shaped trap member. The mask sheet has a mask portion, first and second bendback edge portions defined by being bent along first and second bend lines, and an aperture. The developing solution pod contains developing solution and is squeezed and enclosed between the first bendback edge portion and the mask portion. After the photosensitive sheet is exposed, the developing solution is spread from the developing solution pod between the photosensitive sheet and the cover sheet while being regulated between the first and second spacer rail members. The trap member is squeezed and enclosed between the second bendback edge portion and the mask portion, and captures a surplus part of the developing solution after the developing solution is spread.

Abstract: An instant photo film pack includes a pack case for containing a stack of ten self-processing photo film units. An outlet slit is formed in the pack case, for exiting an exposed one of the photo film units therethrough. A light-shielding flap has a substantially quadrilateral shape, for closing the outlet slit in a light-tight manner. The light-shielding flap has first, second and third predetermined adhering regions, at least which are coated with adhesive agent and attached to the pack case. The light-shielding flap has first and second longer side lines and first and second shorter side lines. The first adhering region has a linear shape and extends along the first longer side line. The second and third adhering regions have a dot shape, and are disposed respectively at the first and second shorter side lines. The outlet slit is disposed between the second and third adhering regions.

Abstract: A photographic film assemblage comprising: a plurality of photographic elements connected in end-to-end fashion and a separable portion connected to and between adjacent pairs of the elements is disclosed wherein each of the separable portions has at least a weakened segment that separates when pulled and allows adjacent pairs of the elements to separate. At least one layer is connected to one of the elements so as to extend generally longitudinally along the film assemblage and be in overlying relationship to at least the weakened portion. The layer is constructed and sized to reduce friction on the film assemblage in operative relationship to the pressure applying members to thereby enhance separation of the separable portions and the elements.

Abstract: An improved self-developing film unit comprising: a processing fluid supply including a rupturable reservoir of processing fluid; an image recording assembly of the self-developing type including first and second overlying layers one of which is exposable to form a latent photographic image, and a spacer connected to and between the first and second layers for providing a processing space therebetween for allowing processing fluid to pass therethrough; a fluid trap at a trailing end portion of the film unit for collecting excess processing fluid traveling through the processing space; a first fluid-tight coupling device including a fluid passage for fluidically coupling the reservoir to a leading end of the processing space for allowing processing fluid from a ruptured reservoir to be introduced into the processing space and initiate processing of the latent image; and, second fluid-tight coupling device including a fluid passage for fluidically coupling a trailing end of the processing space with the trap fo

Abstract: An improved self-developing film unit comprising: processing fluid supply means including a rupturable reservoir of processing fluid at a leading end portion of the unit; image recording means of the self-developing type including first and second overlying layers one of which is exposable to form a latent photographic image, and spacer means connected to and between said first and second layers for providing a processing space therebetween for allowing processing fluid to pass therethrough; fluid trap means at a trailing end portion of the film unit for collecting excess processing fluid traveling through said processing space; first fluid-tight coupling means including a fluid passage for fluidically coupling said reservoir to a leading end of said processing space for allowing processing fluid from a ruptured reservoir to be introduced into said processing space and initiate processing of the latent image; and, second fluid-tight coupling means including a fluid passage for fluidically coupling a trailing

Abstract: A photo and pressure sensitive printer permitting the feeding and discharging of a photosensitive recording medium at the front of the printer housing, having a compact design and slim built, which can easily be integrated into other equipment, such as a personal computer, etc., at low cost. A self-coloring microcapsule sheet supporting microcapsules is ejected from a cartridge at the front of the printer housing in the Y direction, and being preheated by a film heater to increase the sensitivity, a latent image is formed by exposure on the front face thereof while the exposure-scan is performed by a movement in the main scanning direction of a LED-type exposure head.

Abstract: There are provided a method, system, and apparatus for automatically cleaning a spread roller system for use in a photographic apparatus of the self-developing type. A cleaning apparatus includes a pod of cleaning fluid rupturable as it passes through a nip of a pair of spread rollers. The cleaning apparatus includes at least an opening which distributes the cleaning fluid over the rollers following pod rupture as the apparatus passes through the nip. Such an apparatus can be included in a film assemblage which comprises a film cassette housing a stack of film units of the self-developable type, wherein the cleaning apparatus is at the top of the stack and is opaque so as to also serve as a dark slide.

Abstract: Method and an apparatus for measuring the development parameter of a light-sensitive fluid in a white-light environment. The apparatus comprises first and second flexible light-impervious sheets superimposed and sealed together to form a pouch containing a plurality of chambers having flow paths therebetween, wherein the chambers are sealed with burstable seals allowing fluid communication between the chambers upon the application of a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: There are provided a method, system, and apparatus for automatically cleaning a spread roller system for use in a photographic apparatus of the self-developing type. A cleaning apparatus includes a pod of cleaning fluid rupturable as it passes through a nip of a pair of spread rollers. The cleaning apparatus includes at least an opening which distributes the cleaning fluid over the rollers following pod rupture as the apparatus passes through the nip. Such an apparatus can be included in a film assemblage which comprises a film cassette housing a stack of film units of the self-developable type, wherein the cleaning apparatus is at the top of the stack and is opaque so as to also serve as a dark slide.