Scanning apparatus gate drive system and method

Abstract

An apparatus for driving a scanning gate of a photographic film scanning apparatus utilizes a reversible m s , stepping motor, and a system driven by the motor for moving the gate in a pendulum-like manner. The means comprises a shaft, a gear sector fixedly connected on the shaft and a crank arm fixedly connected on the shaft so as to operatively engage the scanning gate, and a worm configured to be driven by the motor. A biasing device is arranged between the gear sector and a chassis of the scanning apparatus to maintain a positive engagement between the worm and the gear sector. Additional biasing devices are connected between the crank arm and the gate to provide for adjustment of the gate about two axes. The additional biasing devices between the crank arm and the gate include plural springs extending laterally from a pin projecting from a surface of the crank arm facing the gate to a pin mounted on the gate and having an axis parallel to the axis of the pin projecting from the surface of the crank arm, and plural springs extending from pins projecting from opposite sides of the crank arm to pins on the gate having axes parallel to the axes of the pins extending from the opposite sides of the gate.