Eastman-kodak Company

Luba Kordovski

Thomas M Smith

Narasimharao Dontula

Brian H Johnston

A method is described for splicing together overlapping ends of first and second lengths of photographic film strips of common film strip width, comprising positioning a bonding element between an overlapping end of the first length of photographic film and a corresponding overlapped end of the second length of photographic film, and heating the bonding element to effect an adhesive bond between such film ends, wherein the bonding element comprises an induction heating receptive support and thermoplastic adhesive layers on each side of the support, and wherein the heating of the bonding element is performed by induction heating. The present invention allows for the preparation of photographic film splices, consisting of either homogeneous or dissimilar film bases, using a bonding element and induction heating to provide smooth yet strong splices. In particular, the invention enables successful splicing of acetate support (e.g., cellulose triacetate (CTA)) based films and polyester support (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) based films either to themselves or each other. The invention provides a method of forming composite rolls of motion picture film containing different film bases as well as eliminating the need for emulsion skiving, and the use of toxic, flammable film cements when splicing CTA films.

Induction splicing of photographic film strips

A process is described for healing scratches on the base side of an imaged motion picture film element comprising a polymeric film base having one or more image layers on one side thereof, the process comprising applying an aqueous coating formulation comprised of an aqueous dispersion of a polyurethane to the scratched base side of the motion picture film element, and drying the applied coating formulation to form a polyurethane layer, wherein the polyurethane comprises an aliphatic polyurethane which has a Young's modulus at 100% elongation to break of less than 4000 psi and a Sward hardness value of at least 60. Scratch healing formulations employed in accordance with the invention provide coated layers with superior resistance to blocking, cleaning solvents, and abrasion, and which are more flexible, dry faster, and are more effective in hiding minor scratches than that disclosed in the prior art.

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Rochester, NY, United States of America

Luba Kordovski