Eastman-kodak Company

Jack C DeMarti, Jr

Walter C Slater

John G Weigand

Joseph Paul Kent

David H Kirkpatrick

A process and apparatus are provided for printing individual customer rolls of photographic film in a batch that differs from the film batch during development. Individual film rolls are collected during printing in batches that are based in major part on optimizing the use of photographic paper. The film is scanned after development to determine information available only then, such as the image format, and the film is batched during printing based on efficient paper use. Each film roll is provided with a unique identification number that is used for tracking the film rolls throughout processing and printing. Information required for printing is entered into the system in association with the unique number and is used in combination with information determined after film development for optimizing the printing operation based on the paper required.

Method and apparatus for the efficient batch printing of photographic

Random batch photofinishing

Photofinishing method and apparatus of the type for handling film in a cartridge of the type capable of thrusting film from inside to outside the cartridge in response to rotation of a film bearing spool inside the cartridge, includes a turret having a nest for receiving a cartridge and transporting the cartridge to a succession of work stations where operations are performed on the film in the cartridge.

Photofinishing method and apparatus

A high speed multi-magnification photofinishing printer for selectively projecting images onto a projection plane containing photographic paper at a plurality of different magnifications is disclosed herein. This printer includes means for supporting a given image bearing photographic negative, means cooperating with the negative for producing a given image bearing light beam, and a plurality of spaced apart but fixed magnification lenses, each of which is designed to project the given image bearing light beam onto the photographic paper contained within the projection plane at different magnifications. The printer also includes light beam position altering means for selectively and alternatively causing the image bearing light beam to pass through any one of the plurality of fixed magnification lenses and onto the photographic paper, whereby to selectively and alternatively project the image bearing light beam onto the paper at one of the different magnifications. As disclosed, this light beam position altering means is comprised of an array of planar mirrors fixedly mounted on a movable carriage in a particular way.

Optical arrangement especially suitable for use in a high speed

A photographic film is transported by a pair of endless belts past an exposure aperture and a pair of magnetic heads. The heads are mounted in a film platen in alignment with the belts so that the belts provide backup support to the film during recording and/or reading information on the film.

Film transporting apparatus

A magnetic head suspension system for use in a photofinishing operation comprises a fixed support and a pair of magentic head suspension assemblies each rotatably mounted on the support. The magnetic head suspension assemblies are biased towards each other to engage opposite edges of the film respectively. Each magnetic head suspension assembly is rotatable relative to the fixed support to compensate for film width variations and film edge irregularities to insure constant orientation of the magnetic heads with respect to the film edges.

Magnetic head suspension apparatus for use with a photographic film

A head suspension system for use in a photofinishing operation comprises a movable support mounted for movement through an arc having a predetermined radius and a pair of magnetic head suspension assemblies each rotatably mounted on the movable support. The suspension assemblies are biased towards each other to cause surfaces of the magnetic head assemblies to engage opposite edges of a photographic film respectively. The entire system including the movable support is movable through an arc to adjust for angular variations of the film while each head suspension assembly is rotatable relative to the movable support to compensate for film width variations and film edge irregularities to insure constant orientation of the magnetic heads with respect to the film edges.

Growing community of inventors

Rochester, NY, United States of America

Jack C DeMarti, Jr