Eastman-kodak Company

Thomas C Merle

Dale W Ryan

David L Rowden

Kevin M Johnson

Dennis F Tianello

Gerald F Sherman, Jr

Alfonso Ianni

Bradley C DeCook

John P Swapceinski

Walter C Slater

Alan G Reddig

Michael J Chapman

Keith A Bolt

William M Dickman

Bernard G Alexandre

David J Laurin

The present invention relates to a system and method of transferring images from an image content of a first format to a photosensitive film of a second format. The image content of the first format can include photosensitive material such as an exposed roll of 35 mm film, a photographic print, a floppy disk, a compact disc, etc. With the system and method of the present invention, it is possible for a customer to take, for example, an existing negative and have it transferred onto an Advanced Photo System film format. Therefore, in the system and method of the present invention, original exposed film such as 35 mm, 110 film, etc., can be scanned to produce a digital record of the images. The record of the images can be sent to a digital film writer where a preferred format, for example, Advanced Photo System film, can be obtained. The Advanced Photo System film can then be placed in a thrust-type film cartridge. This permits the conversion of old film types into a preferred film format that can be easily used to interface with film viewing devices. This also permits the conversion of non-permanent storage of images to a permanent media with high storage capabilities such as Advanced Photo System film.

System and method for transferring images on an image content of a first

Manually controlled semi-automatic apparatus for desplicing film strips particularly as part of a photofinishing process includes a desplicing station mounted on a rocking arm for automatically positioning the desplicing station at first and second splice regions of the splice tape for separation of successive film strips from the splice tape in successive desplicing cycles. A tensioning mechanism, including actuator operated tensioning rollers, is mounted entirely on one side of the desplicing mechanism and operates automatically to tension the splice film during the first desplicing cycle in which one film strip is removed from the splice tape and to tension a splice tape pickup web and remaining film strip during the second desplicing cycle, the tensioning mechanism minimizing operator handling of the film during the desplicing operation.

Semiautomatic film desplicer

A semi automatic film de-splicer that non-destructively separates film strips from splice tapes attached to the film strips with thermal adhesive. A reciprocating heat shoe is operated in two de-splicing cycles to press and heat the splice tape adhesive separately in each adhesive region of the tape. In the first cycle, in which one film strip is restricted from movement, the other film strip is placed in tension by a tensioning device mounted on the film strip holding roller. When the adhesive is softened and the heat shoe is released, the tensioned pulls the film strip free of the splice tape. The heat shoe then presses and reheats the free end of the splice tape against an underlying pickup web to tack the splice tape to the web. The web is then advanced to place the remaining adhesive region attaching the splice tape to the other film strip under the heat shoe and the other film holding roller is placed in tension. The heat shoe is then actuated in a second de-splicing cycle to press and heat the second adhesive region allowing the tensioned roller to pull the remaining film strip free of the splice tape when the heat is released. The web is then advanced to remove the tacked-on splice from the area of the heat shoe allowing a new film splice to be inserted into the de-splicer.

Apparatus and method for separating spliced strips of photographic film

An audiovisual filmstrip image display apparatus and method includes an image displayer, such as a viewer projector, television or computer screen or the like, together with an audio speaker and a converter including a player, capable of playing multiple sound programs or sequences stored on sound storage equipment either internal or separate and a signal detector for reading magnetic signals on a filmstrip to indicate to the player the sound program to be played in conjunction with each individual filmstrip image being viewed. Various forms of equipment which may be included in an apparatus according to the invention are disclosed.

Audiovisual filmstrip image display apparatus and method using film

A filmstrip viewer is provided for viewing positive or negative images on filmstrips contained in so-called thrust film cartridges. The viewer has a film drive for advancing film from the thrust cartridge to a take-up spool for selectively advancing frame images into a frame viewing station for direct or projection viewing. Natural, or artificial illumination may be provided. Optional motorized or manual drives may be used to provide film advance and rewind functions. An interlocked loading door can prevent attempted removal of a cartridge prior to full rewinding of the filmstrip and, optionally, require a specific spool parking orientation prior to opening of the loading door.

Thrust cartridge filmstrip viewer

A ball carrier mounting assembly for limiting the angular movement of a film follower device having, a pair of upper ball cages, each upper ball cage further having a lug for engaging a notch, a tube extending through the thickness of the cage and protruding below the lower surface, and a plurality of ball pockets, an asymmetrically shaped, mounting plate located underneath the pair of upper ball cages having a body and first and second end tabs, for attaching the assembly to a fixed support, wherein each end tab of the mounting plate has a different configuration for orienting the apparatus, the body having in addition a pair of apertures spaced from the tab ends for accommodating the tubes, and a pair of lower ball cages located below the mounting plate, each lower ball cage further having a lug protruding downwards for engaging a notch, an aperture extending through the thickness of the lower cage for receiving the tube therein, and a plurality of ball pockets, is described. A magnetic head-to-media apparatus for recording information on a magnetic film media containing the ball carrier mounting assembly of the invention is also described.

Self aligning magnetic media follower device

A magnetic head-to-media backer assembly for urging a magnetic media into contact with a magnetic head having, a magnetic head mounting backer plate with first and second locating pins and a plate mounting hole extending through the plate for accommodating a mounting screw, a magnetic head-to media backer device mounted on the backer plate having a frame with a cavity therein and a spring member partially contained within the cavity, said frame further comprising first and second locating holes extending there through for receiving the first and second locating pins and a frame mounting hole extending through the frame for accommodating the mounting screw there through, and an asymmetrically shaped film guide cover plate mounted over said backer device having a tapped hole there through for fastening with the mounting screw, whereby the cover plate is removably fastened to the backer plate and the backer device is captured between the backer and cover plates, is described.

Magnetic head-to-media backer assembly

A magnetic head-to-media backer device for holding a spring member, the spring member being adapted to urge a flexible magnetic media into contact with a magnetic head, is described, in which the device has a frame for holding the spring member therein, the frame having a cavity defined at least by a pair of opposite generally convex shaped side walls for bending the spring member into an arc with two opposite leg portions and a center portion, the center portion of the spring member protruding from an opening to the cavity to permit it to be depressed at least part way into the opening to conform the leg portions substantially against the surface of the side walls.

Magnetic head-to-media backer device

A cartridge and method for attaching or detaching a filmstrip to a cartridge. The film cartridge includes a spool rotatably mounted therein and an opening for allowing a filmstrip to be inserted or removed therefrom. The cartridge also includes a moveable section with respect for the cartridge which does not substantially effect the operation of the spool and a locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the moveable section with respect to the cartridge. The moveable section forms an access opening for allowing inserting of a tool for attaching or detaching the filmstrip to the spool.

Cartridge and method for attaching or detaching a filmstrip to a film

An apparatus for making a bubble spring assembly includes a base member having a side surface and a head assembly. A track way extends along one side surface of the base toward the head assembly. The track way is employed for guiding a respective spring blank into the head assembly. A push block is provided for moving the spring blank along the track way and into the head assembly. A shaping mechanism is provided within the head assembly for receiving the respective spring blank from the track way and for shaping the spring into a predetermined form having a predictable stress strain history along the length of the shaped spring blank. A retaining gate is located proximate the shaping mechanism for positioning a respective cavity block adjacent the shaping mechanism. A transfer rod is provided within the head assembly for moving a shaped spring blank from the shaping mechanism into the cavity block in the absence of further deformation to the shaped spring blank.

Method and apparatus for making a bubble spring assembly

An apparatus and method for detaching and reattaching a filmstrip from a film cartridge. The film cartridge includes a spool rotatably mounted therein around which is wound a photosensitive filmstrip and an opening through which the filmstrip may pass for allowing the filmstrip to be removed from or returned to the film cartridge. The filmstrip has a leading edge and a trailing edge, the trailing edge of the filmstrip being detachably secured to the spool. The mechanism comprising a holder for holding the cartridge in a predetermined axial position; a guide for providing a single film guide path along which the filmstrip is guided when the filmstrip is being removed from or being returned to the film cartridge; a detach tool movable along a first tool path such that the tool can be inserted into the film cartridge such that the trailing edge of the filmstrip may be detached from the spool; and a reattach tool movable along a second tool path different from the first path so as to allow the tool to engage the trailing edge of a filmstrip being returned to the film cartridge along the second guide path. The detach tool, reattach tool, and guide are in axial alignment with respect to the filmstrip disposed in the cartridge.

Apparatus for detaching and reattaching a photographic film to a film

A tool for attaching or detaching a filmstrip to a cartridge. The tool includes a blade and a base section having an upper end and a lower end. The blade is integrally secured to the upper end of the base section. The tool is made by first providing the blade with a predetermined configuration and placing the blade in a mold and introducing a resin material so as to form the base section of the tool and integrally securing the section to the base section.

Tool for filmstrip attachment or detachment

A magazine is provided for receiving, containing and dispensing a plurality of film cartridges in a desired sequential order. The magazine includes a disk shaped core and a shell. The core includes a plurality of cavities for receiving the cartridges, while the shell includes first and second spaced panels and supports the core for relative rotation between the panels. The panels cover the cartridges in the cavities, but also include apertures for selectively providing access to individual cavities by controlled rotation of the core in the shell. The cavities are arranged in a spiral in the core, and the apertures are elongate radial slots dimensioned for alignment with one cavity in the spiral after another, but only one cavity at a time.

Film cartridge magazine

A recovery tool for receiving film cartridges and for storing the cartridges in a predetermined sequence and a method of using same. The recovery tool comprising a generally tubular member having a receiving chamber designed to hold a plurality of film cartridges in a single column, one cartridge above the other. The chamber has an upper end and a lower end, and an inlet/outlet opening is provided at the upper end of the tubular member for allowing film cartridges to be inserted into or removed from the chamber. A movable member is provided for limiting the number of film cartridges that can be placed into the receiving chamber. A removal port is provided for allowing a film cartridge to be removed from the receiving chamber at a predetermined location.

Film cartridge recovery tool

A tool for detaching a trailing end portion of a filmstrip from at least one hook atop a ramp on a film spool inside a film cartridge. This detachment occurs when the tool is inserted inwardly through a film ingress/egress slot in the cartridge. The tool includes a flexible element having a leading first portion followed by a wider second portion each configured to be successively inserted inwardly through the slot of the cartridge beneath a film section in the slot such that when the wider second portion is forced to slide up the ramp on the spool the leading first portion will push the trailing end portion of the filmstrip off the hook atop the ramp.

Growing community of inventors

Rochester, NY, United States of America

Thomas C Merle