Switching device for an automatic camera

Abstract

A switching device for use in a fully automatic camera including a chamber for receiving and locating a disposable cassette therein such that a foremost member of an assemblage, including photosensitive film units in stacked relation and a dark slide cover in superposition thereto, is positioned at an exposure station of the camera. The device may be manually or automatically activated to initiate actuation of a film advancing apparatus for removing the foremost member from within the cassette and the exposure station and to advance the foremost member to a processing station within the camera whereupon the foremost member, in the case of a film unit, is processed and delivered through an opening to the exterior of the camera. The device is automatically activated when the cassette is inserted into the receiving chamber and secured therein by the movement of a loading access door from an open to a closed, latched position whereupon the dark slide cover is removed from within the camera. The device is manually activated by the action of an operator depressing an actuator included upon the camera to initiate exposure of the foremost photosensitive film unit and, subsequent to exposure, to remove the exposed film unit from within the camera.