Film supply system for use with a photosensitive film imager

Abstract

A film supply system for use within a photosensitive film imager. The film supply system includes a cartridge receiving apparatus and a film pick-up mechanism. The cartridge receiving apparatus includes a tray, a guide frame and an elevator mechanism. The guide frame is configured to be disposed within an imager housing. The tray includes a floor and extending walls for maintaining a film cartridge and is pivotably received by the guide frame. The tray further defines a cartridge insertion passage and moves between an elevated position and a retracted position relative to the guide frame. In the elevated position, the cartridge insertion passage is normal to a film travel path of the imager. Finally, the elevator mechanism is disposed within the imager housing and drives the tray between the elevated position and the retracted position. The film pick-up mechanism includes a retention frame, a drive frame, a drive means, a heel plate, and a cup plate. The retention frame is configured for selective attachment within the imager housing and slidably receives the drive frame. The drive frame is driven by the drive means between an extended position and a retracted position and is attached to the heel plate opposite the retention frame. The cup plate includes a suction cup and is pivotably attached to the heel plate.