The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 07, 1977
Filed:
Jun. 11, 1976
Joseph A Volk, Jr, Florissant, MO (US);
Beta Corporation, Bridgeton, MO (US);
Abstract
An image counter and automatic control for same for searching a roll of microfilm or the like having images thereon and for stopping and positioning on a selected image for viewing, printing, or the like. The system generally comprises a film drive for driving the film in the forward and reverse directions, a source of light that impinges on the film as it moves past a given location, the images on the film being detectable by either the passage or impedance of the impinging light rays as compared to the other portions of the film. A plurality of photodetecting means are positioned on the side of the film opposite the light source for producing electrical signals in response to the presence or absence of light detected thereby, and electrical network means are provided for controlling the film drive in response to the signals from the photodetecting means. The electrical network generally comprises means for generating electrical signals corresponding to the count of a selected image to be searched, means for comparing the selected count to an image count representing an initial condition, means for generating an electrical signal in response to this comparison for driving the film in a direction toward the selected image, means for counting the images as they pass the photodetecting means in response to the signals from the photodetecting means, and means responsive to the signals generated by the photodetecting means and the signals corresponding to the count of the image being searched, for controlling the film drive and stopping the film on the selected image. The system of this invention further comprises a photocell and preamp mounting assembly which generally includes a photocell support means, means for mounting a plurality of photocells to the support means, and a fiber optic associated with each photo and mounted to the support means in fixed relation to the photocell, one end of each fiber optic positioned to receive light from the light source as it passes through the film and to transmit the detected light to the photocell. Means are provided for mounting the photocell support in a selected adjustable vertical position and a selected adjustable horizontal position relative to the length of the film. Also included are filter means for filtering out the infrared radiation from the light source, and means for columnating the light directed to the film. The mounting assembly further includes a circuit board having preamp circuits mounted thereto and means for electrically connecting the preamp circuits to the outputs of the photocells.