Abstract: A photographic processor and method for developing photographic images utilizes a frame and an exposure section that receives and expose print media to record an image on the print media. The exposure section includes a transport system that transports the print media to an exposing mechanism. After the exposing mechanism, the print media goes to a chemical development section contained that develops the exposed print media. A print media supply section secured to a shuttle system attached to the frame wherein the print media supply section provides print media from two or more magazines. The shuttle system sequentially moves one of the magazines to a position in line with the entry to the exposure section and then away from the entry. The shuttle system then moves other magazines from the position in line with the entry to the exposure section and then away from the entry.

Abstract: A photofinishing system comprising: a) a digital processor, a printer and means for feeding print media to the printer; the digital processor being arranged to receive digitised data that is representative of a photographic image and to process the data in a manner to generate a printer drive signal that is representative of the photographic image, and the printer being coupled to the digital processor and being arranged to process the drive signal and effect printing of the photographic image on the print media, and provided as an integrated portion of the photofinishing system, b) means for effecting controlled chemical development and subsequent printing of exposed photographic film.

Abstract: Automated unattended film processing kiosk permits a customer to drop off a film unit, e.g., OTUC, and come back later to pick up the finished prints. The customer swipes a credit or debit card through a card reader, and inserts the exposed film unit. Inside the enclosure a mini-lab processor automatically processes the film and extracts images from the film, as negatives or as digital images. A digital printer makes prints of the customer's images. The photographic prints are packaged and labeled, and provided with an optional optical disk. A carousel stores the packaged prints for the customers. At pick-up, the customer swipes a card through for identification. An unload mechanism transfers the customer's finished prints from the carousel to a delivery bin. Print correction for color, density, and contrast can be carried out remotely.

Abstract: Magazines containing a photographic paper roll are set to first and second magazine stands respectively. Each of the magazine stands is provided with a unit for positioning the magazine. After sliding the magazine in a width direction of the photographic paper, the magazine stand is positioned so as to make a multi-row pitch optimum in accordance with a width of the photographic paper. The magazine stand is provided with a cutter to cut the photographic paper in a print size. The photographic papers advanced from the first and second magazines are sent to passages and are gathered in multi rows at a passage concourse. Devices for arranging and rearranging the photographic paper are unnecessary so that a structure is simplified.

Abstract: A photographic processor is in the form of an outside load drum processor. The outside load drum processor includes a circular member that includes a first wall, a second wall and a side-wall that connects the first wall to the second wall and extends around a perimeter of the circular member. A flexible shield member is wrapped around an outer surface of the side-wall so that a processing path for photographic material to be processed is defined between at least the outer surface of the side-wall and the inner surface of the flexible shield member. The circular drum member is rotated for processing of photographic film within the processing path.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a system for digital dye color film processing. In one embodiment, a developer station applies a processing solution to film to initiate development of metallic silver grains and at least one dye image within the film. A scanning system illuminates the coated film with light having at least one frequency within the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The light interacts with the silver and at least one dye image within the film. The scanning station measures the light from the film and produces sensor data that is communicated to a data processing system. The data processing system processes the sensor data to produce a digital image. The digital image can then be output to an output device, such as a printer, monitor, memory device, and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing photographic materials has at least one photographic processing station enclosed in a housing. The housing and the processing station are each independently mounted through their own oscillation-damping connections to a common support base, so that any connections between the housing and the processing station run exclusively through the common support base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling thin films, for example, for handling and assembling membranes in fuel cell electrodes. The apparatus includes a translatable vacuum table for mounting the thin film, a perforated drum having a source of vacuum for removing the thin film from the vacuum table, and a transfer assembly having a perforated surface and a source of vacuum for transferring the thin film from the perforated drum to a target location. When the thin films are provided in containers, the apparatus may also include means for opening the containers to access the thin film within. Removal of the thin film from the transfer assembly may be aided by a thin film release device, for example, a plurality of moveable wires. The apparatus may be automated, for example, the apparatus may included automated controllers and robotic arms to facilitate the handling of thin film materials.

Abstract: An automatic photo film feeding apparatus includes a transport mechanism for successively transporting a plurality of film cartridges to a feed position. Transport mechanism includes a first transport unit for supporting the film cartridges with photo films drawn downward and successively transporting film cartridges substantially horizontally to a transfer position, and a second transport unit for receiving film cartridges transported to the transfer position by the first transport unit, and transporting film cartridges horizontally to the feed position. Second transport unit has a posture change mechanism for changing film cartridges to a posture having photo films drawn from film cartridges being directed substantially horizontally. Feeding apparatus includes a feed mechanism for drawing photo films out of film cartridges transported to the feed position, and feeding photo films to a processing section.

Abstract: A high-speed digital photographic printing system and method includes image-specific backprinting and automatic tracking and sorting of printed jobs. The system includes one or more photographic printers, where each printer can have a different printing rate. A scheduler schedules printing orders to the different printers. The printer-independent image rendering is conducted asynchronous to the printing to maximize the printing throughput. In some embodiments, the rendering image processor does the vast majority of the image processing and outputs a printer-independent data file (generally much larger than the source image data file) that requires little if any further data manipulations or processing in the exposure unit.

Abstract: A method of identifying whether a particular brand of photochemicals has been used in the processing of photographic prints by providing information relating to the process chemistry on the back of the prints.

Abstract: A method of processing photographic material in which a reciprocable member is plunged into a tank containing a small volume of processing solution. The solution is rapidly displaced through the channels created between the tank wall and the plunger and across the surface of the photographic material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for developing an unprocessed photosensitive media and providing a visual receipt of the images developed. The apparatus includes a mechanism for moving a strip of photosensitive media along a processing path; a mechanism for applying a coating of a developing solution on the photosensitive media so as to develop any exposed image presented on the photosensitive media; a scanner for scanning the photosensitive media after the images have been developed so as to provide a digital record of the images; an order mechanism for allowing a consumer to place a photofinishing order; and a printing mechanism for printing a customer order receipt of the photofinishing order.

Abstract: A photofinishing apparatus is designed such that full bleed durable prints are produced with a high productivity and low waste generation process. The photofinishing apparatus in this case includes a printer and a finisher or post-print treatment processor. The printer is designed to produce media segment with multiple images of various formats. This media segment is then transported to the post-print treatment processor. The post-print treatment processor includes a dryer station, a durability station, a two-axis cutting station, and a print sorting station. The dryer performs the function of drying the media segment. The durability station performs the function of applying and or fixing durability material on the media segments. The two-axis cutting station includes slitting and chopping stations that performs the required two-axis cutting that produces the full bleed prints.

Abstract: A photograph processing apparatus includes: (i) an exposing portion for recording a picture onto a photosensitive material piece cut to a print size; (ii) a developing portion for developing the photosensitive material piece; (iii) a magazine for containing in roll a lengthy photosensitive material composed of pieces connected to each other via a splicing portion in the vicinity of which a detecting slot for detecting the splicing portion is formed; (iv) cutting means for cutting the photosensitive material as being drawn from the magazine, to a predetermined print size including the splicing portion and the detecting slot; (v) a conveying roller having a width smaller than, equal to, or larger than the width of the detecting slot; and (vi) width-direction shifting means for shifting the photosensitive material piece with the splicing portion to a position such that the conveying roller may not be countered with the detecting slot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for developing a strip of photosensitive media having image exposure area having an undeveloped exposed portion thereon. The apparatus includes a transport mechanism for moving the photosensitive media along a processing path; and a mechanism positioned along the processing path for selectively applying a coating of the processing solution only on the undeveloped exposed portion of the strip of photosensitive media. The apparatus further includes sensors for determining the location of the undeveloped exposed portion of the image exposure area. A scanner may be provided for scanning the strip of photosensitive media so as to obtain a digital record of the images developed thereon.

Abstract: A cassette includes a photographic element having a predetermined ISO rating suitable for capturing a plurality of images thereon and identification based on an ISO greater than the predetermined ISO rating. The identification specifically indicates that the photographic element is underexposed and, when developed, is to be processed and printed by a digital print station to correct for the underexposure.

Abstract: A film supply apparatus is provided wherein one film is held in a waiting position while a first film is being processed and the waiting film is automatically processed after the processing of the first film has been completed. The apparatus comprises a film holding supply mechanism with a film nip section that nips the film at a film waiting position, a film moving mechanism for moving the film from the film waiting position to a film supply position and a driving mechanism for nipping and transferring the film between it and the film moving mechanism. The film moving mechanism is configured to return to the film waiting position after a predetermined portion of the first film has been transferred and wherein after the film moving mechanism has returned to the film waiting position, the next film can be nipped using the film nip section at the film waiting position.

Abstract: A system for photographic film processing adapted to access stored information that is related to film processing. An electrically programmable read/write memory contained in a transponder is integrally attached to the film container used at each stage in the film processing chain. The transponder is capable of receiving a first RF frequency electromagnetic field and deriving power and address information from the first frequency, then generating a second RF frequency electromagnetic field in response, where the second electromagnetic field is characteristic of the data stored in memory. A transceiver is disposed within the processing apparatus, connected with an antenna and support components for polling each transponder. As instructed by a control logic processor, the transceiver communicates with the transponder to both read stored data from the transponder, such as manufacturing data for the film, and store usage and processing data to the transponder for storage in memory.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a photosensitive media. The apparatus having a processing path for passing of a photosensitive media through the apparatus, and a light-lock feed slot assembly for allowing the photosensitive media to be fed into the processing path. The light-lock feed slot assembly comprises of a conduit having an inlet port at one end and an outlet port at the other end. The conduit has a configuration which forms a substantially serpentine passageway between the inlet port and the outlet port such that stray light which may be adjacent the entrance port is prevented from reaching the outlet port.

Abstract: A cartridge loading device comprising a cartridge holder having a holding portion for holding a cartridge having a photographic film therein. The cartridge loading device also includes a holder supporting member for supporting the cartridge holder. The cartridge holder is movable between a loading position where the cartridge can be loaded onto the holding portion and a non-loading position where the cartridge is not able to be loaded onto the holding portion. The holder supporting member is movable between a first position where a photographic film withdraw opening portion of the cartridge and a transfer path do not coincide and a second position where the photographic film withdraw opening portion and a transfer path do coincide when the holder supporting member supports the cartridge holder in the non-loading position.

Abstract: A film developing process automatically conveys film to a film developing section. When a cartridge conveyed intermittently by a cartridge conveying device is conveyed to a first stop position, a tapered tongue drawing device is actuated to draw an end portion of a film strip out of the cartridge. At a second stop position, a cutting device and a punching device are operated to cut the tapered tongue and form coupling holes on the end portion of the film strip respectively. At a third stop position, a reinforcing label is applied to the end portion of the film strip by a label sticking device. At fourth and fifth stop positions, the end portions of the film strips are coupled with a leader sheet which has been conveyed and stopped at the other side of the fourth and fifth stop positions. The cartridges are then conveyed together with the leader sheet into the film developing section.

Abstract: A conveying and feeding apparatus for conveying and constantly feeding a film cartridge one by one so as to feed the next process where a plurality of cartridges are conveyed continuously to a cartridge housing unit or a printing machine. A conveying portion comprises a conveyer belt and a guide board, and near its downstream end, a cartridge stopper mechanism is provided. This stopper mechanism comprises a first stopper member and a second stopper member. When the first stopper member stops a forefront cartridge T, the second stopper member is in a release position. Further, when the first stopper member is in a release position, the second stopper member is in a closed position so that the cartridge T can be constantly sent one by one.

Abstract: New type film cartridges are fed to a photoprint collecting station where photoprints are discharged from a photoprinting processor to improve work efficiency. The new type film cartridges are supplied into the photoprinting processor. After printing films therein, the cartridges are retrieved from the processor and fed to the print collecting station by a carrier connected to a discharge end of the processor. The film cartridges are collated at the print collecting station with the developed prints.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving multiple film cartridges that, for processing of the filmstrips present in the film cartridges, can be attached to a processing machine. The apparatus, configured as a magazine includes a cylindrical member that has chambers, arranged in a circle about the member center axis, in which the film cartridges are housed axially one above another. Each of the chambers has an opening terminating at the circumferential surface of the member. In addition, a sleeve mounted on the circumferential surface of the member and covering all the openings, which has a removal slot of the width and length of one of the openings, is provided. Cover panels associated with each film cartridge are mounted displaceably on the sleeve to cover or uncover the removal slot.

Abstract: A leader section of a film strip having coupler holes in the leading section is inserted into a film guide concavity of a coupling table through a rear slot of a leader sheet placed on the coupling table. The film strip is continuously forced to slide along a curved surface of the film guide concavity until the front end of the leader section of the film strip passes through a front slot of the leader sheet. While the leader section moves through the front slot of the leader sheet, it pushes and bends the coupler tongues upward and lets the coupler tongues snap back and enter the coupler holes of the film strip to bring the coupler tongues into engagement with the coupler holes. Finally, by pulling back and stretching the film strip tight, the film strip is coupled to the leader sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering film containers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a separating device for withdrawing a film stored in a wound state within a film container held at a holding portion from the film container and then separating the film from the film container and a recovering section for recovering into a collecting section the film container from which the film has been separated. According to the spirit of the invention, the recovering section includes a classifying device for classifying the film container according to the type and a plurality of collecting sections for collecting a plurality of film containers type-classified by the classifying device separately from each other according to the type.

Abstract: An apparatus of storing and then feeding film leaders or use in a photographic process includes guide rollers for guiding the leaders to a leader storage and transfer rollers for transferring the leaders from the leader storage. A leader orientation sensor is disposed before the entrance of the leader storage. A horizontal conveyor device located in the leader storage includes a plurality of leader holders mounted at equal intervals for holding the leaders loaded by the guide rollers. A lifting device unloads the leaders from the leader holders and delivers them one by one through the entrance of the leader storage.

Abstract: A film container handling apparatus for handling a film container (51) including a film entrance/exit opening (61) which is selectable between a first condition providing an opening and a second condition providing a larger opening. The apparatus includes a holding portion (12a) for holding the film container. The apparatus further includes opening levers (82) and a first cam member (87a) for switching over the film entrance/exit opening (61) of the film container (51) as held at the holding portion (12a) from the first condition to the second condition, and a discharging plate (92) and a second cam member (87b) for discharging the film container (51) from the film holding portion (12a) after the film (47b) has been removed from the film container (51) under the second condition.

Abstract: In a film feeder for use in an automatic developing machine, a cutter control circuit actuates a cutter using electrical energy from a utility power source and electrical energy stored in a capacitor if a film end sensor detects the tail end of a film during normal feeding conditions. In the event that the film end sensor detects the tail end of the film in the event of a power failure, the cutter control circuit actuates the cutter using the electrical energy stored in the capacitor. This makes it possible to actuate the cutter even in the event of a power failure as well as to reduce the capacitance of the utility power source to a small level.