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US3673939A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Photographic apparatus

Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1970-10-02
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Granted: 1972-07-04
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Expires: 1990-10-02
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Abstract

Abstract An improved camera and cartridge for use with an assemblage of self-processing film units interconnected by an elongate, relatively flexible, unit-transporting web movable with the cartridge, each film unit including a pair of preregistered, superposed, relatively stiff, substantially flat sheets separably coupled to the web. The camera is provided with a chamber for receiving the cartridge, a spring-loaded member for applying pressure at a predetermined location in the cartridge, a mechanism for advancing the web inside the cartridge, and an exit opening at one end of the camera. The cartridge has a chamber for containing the assemblage, an exit slot at one end of the cartridge in alignment with the exit opening of the camera, through which the pairs of preregistered sheets of the film units are successively transportable along a substantially straight path as the web is moved within the cartridge in response to operation of the web advancing mechanism of the camera, a pressure-bearing and web-guiding member near the exit slot for supporting the web and film units against pressure applied by the spring-loaded member of the camera and for guiding the web along an arcuate path divergent from the straight path of the preregistered sheets to effect separation of the preregistered sheets from the web as the sheets are successively transported along the straight path, and a web take-up device at the opposite end of the cartridge which is rotatable by the web advancing mechanism of the camera for receiving and storing the web and processing waste material from the pressure-bearing and webguiding member after the pairs of preregistered sheets have been separated from the web.

Inventors

  • 👤 Donald M Harvey

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-27 20:26
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03D; G03D9/00; G03D9/02; G03D9/025; G03B; G03B17/00; G03B17/28; G03B17/32; G03B17/34; G03B17/48; G03B17/50; G03B17/52; G03C; G03C8/00; G03C8/42; G03C8/44; G03C8/46

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 27
Claim 1
Independent Claim 221 words
A disposable cartridge for containing an assemblage of selfprocessing film units interconnected by a relatively flexible unit-transporting web having a leading end, each film unit including a pair of pReregistered, permanently coupled, relatively stiff sheets separably attached to the web, each pair of sheets being separable from the web in response to a divergent relative movement therebetween, the web being movable within said cartridge to transport each pair of sheets within and from said cartridge, said cartridge comprising: means, defining a substantially closed chamber and having first and second end portions, for containing the assemblage of film units, said containing means including elongate side walls supporting a rotatable take-up spool in said first end portion, said spool including means for receiving the leading end of the web to facilitate winding the web thereon upon rotation of said spool; means, defining an exit opening in said second end portion, for permitting egress of each pair of sheets from said chamber; and means for guiding the web along a path defining a sharp bend between said exit opening and said spool to effect the divergent relative movement between each pair of sheets and the web, separation of each pair of sheets from the web, and transport of each pair of sheets from said chamber in response to winding the web on said spool.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 221 words
A disposable cartridge for containing an assemblage of selfprocessing film units interconnected by a relatively flexible unit-transporting web having a leading end, each film unit including a pair of pReregistered, permanently coupled, relatively stiff sheets separably attached to the web, each pair of sheets being separable from the web in response to a divergent relative movement therebetween, the web being movable within said cartridge to transport each pair of sheets within and from said cartridge, said cartridge comprising: means, defining a substantially closed chamber and having first and second end portions, for containing the assemblage of film units, said containing means including elongate side walls supporting a rotatable take-up spool in said first end portion, said spool including means for receiving the leading end of the web to facilitate winding the web thereon upon rotation of said spool; means, defining an exit opening in said second end portion, for permitting egress of each pair of sheets from said chamber; and means for guiding the web along a path defining a sharp bend between said exit opening and said spool to effect the divergent relative movement between each pair of sheets and the web, separation of each pair of sheets from the web, and transport of each pair of sheets from said chamber in response to winding the web on said spool.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 14 words
The cartridge claimed in claim 1 in combination with said assemblage of film units.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 19 words
The cartridge claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and second end portions are substantially opposite to each other.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 33 words
The cartridge claimed in claim 1 wherein said guiding means includes a pressure member surface over which the web moves before reaching said sharp bend as the web is wound on said spool.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 184 words
In photographic apparatus, a housing having first and second opposite end portions and defining a chamber for containing a stack of self-processing film units interconnected by a relatively flexible unit-transporting web means, each film unit including a pair of preregistered, permanently coupled, relatively stiff sheets separably attached to the web means, each pair of sheets being separable from the web means in response to a divergent relative movement therebetween, the web means being movable within said housing to transport each pair of sheets within and from said housing, said housing comprising: means in the first of said end portions defining an exit slot for permitting egress of each pair of sheets from said housing; means adjacent to said exit slot for directing the web means in a sharply curved path to effect the divergent relative movement between each pair of sheets and the web means, and consequent separation of each pair of sheets from the web means, upon movement of the web means within said housing; and means in the second of said end portions for receiving the web means from said directing means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 184 words
In photographic apparatus, a housing having first and second opposite end portions and defining a chamber for containing a stack of self-processing film units interconnected by a relatively flexible unit-transporting web means, each film unit including a pair of preregistered, permanently coupled, relatively stiff sheets separably attached to the web means, each pair of sheets being separable from the web means in response to a divergent relative movement therebetween, the web means being movable within said housing to transport each pair of sheets within and from said housing, said housing comprising: means in the first of said end portions defining an exit slot for permitting egress of each pair of sheets from said housing; means adjacent to said exit slot for directing the web means in a sharply curved path to effect the divergent relative movement between each pair of sheets and the web means, and consequent separation of each pair of sheets from the web means, upon movement of the web means within said housing; and means in the second of said end portions for receiving the web means from said directing means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 20 words
The housing claimed in claim 5 in combination with said stack of film units interconnected by the unit-transporting web means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 40 words
The housing claimed in claim 5 wherein said means for directing the web means includes a pressure member surface over which the web means moves before reaching the sharply curved path upon movement of the web means within said housing.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 28 words
The housing claimed in claim 5 wherein said means for receiving the web means includes a takeup spool adapted to receive the web means thereon in winding relationship.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 230 words
In photographic apparatus, the combination comprising: a housing defining an exposure aperture and a chamber for containing behind said aperture a stack of self-processing film units interconnected by a relatively flexible unit-transporting web means having a leading end, each film unit including a pair of preregistered, superposed, permanently coupled, relatively stiff sheets removably adhered to the web means, each pair of sheets being removable from the web means in response to a divergent relative movement therebetween, the web means being movable within said housing to transport each pair of sheets within and from said housing, said housing including a first end portion defining an exit opening through which each pair of sheeTs is transportable by the web means from said chamber and a second end portion, opposite to said first end portion, defining means for receiving the web means from said chamber; means for guiding each pair of sheets along a substantially straight path as that pair of sheets is transported by the web means from said chamber; means for moving the web means from said chamber to said receiving means; and means for guiding the web means along a sharply curved path to effect the divergent relative movement between each pair of sheets and the web means, and consequent separation of that pair of sheets from the web means, as the web means is moved by the moving means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 230 words
In photographic apparatus, the combination comprising: a housing defining an exposure aperture and a chamber for containing behind said aperture a stack of self-processing film units interconnected by a relatively flexible unit-transporting web means having a leading end, each film unit including a pair of preregistered, superposed, permanently coupled, relatively stiff sheets removably adhered to the web means, each pair of sheets being removable from the web means in response to a divergent relative movement therebetween, the web means being movable within said housing to transport each pair of sheets within and from said housing, said housing including a first end portion defining an exit opening through which each pair of sheeTs is transportable by the web means from said chamber and a second end portion, opposite to said first end portion, defining means for receiving the web means from said chamber; means for guiding each pair of sheets along a substantially straight path as that pair of sheets is transported by the web means from said chamber; means for moving the web means from said chamber to said receiving means; and means for guiding the web means along a sharply curved path to effect the divergent relative movement between each pair of sheets and the web means, and consequent separation of that pair of sheets from the web means, as the web means is moved by the moving means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 20 words
The combination claimed in claim 9 in combination with said stack of film units interconnected by the unit-transporting web means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 41 words
The combination claimed in claim 9 wherein said means for receiving the web means includes a rotatably take-up spool adapted to receive the leading end of the web means and to wind the web means thereon as said spool is rotated.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 25 words
The combination claimed in claim 11 wherein said means for moving the web means includes means coupled to said take-up spool for imparting rotation thereto.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 31 words
The combination claimed in claim 9 wherein said means for guiding the web means includes a pressure member surface over which the web means moves before reaching said sharply curved path.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 196 words
Photographic apparatus for use with a film unit including an integral pair of preregistered, superposed, permanently coupled sheets removably adhered to a unit-transporting web, the pair of sheets being removable from the web in response to divergent relative movement therebetween, the web being movable within said apparatus to transport the pair of sheets within and from said apparatus, said apparatus comprising: a housing defining a chamber for containing the film unit and an aperture for exposing the film unit, said housing including a first end portion defining an exit slot through which the pair of sheets is transportable by the web from said chamber and a second end portion, opposite to said first end portion, defining means for receiving the web from said chamber; means for moving the web from said chamber to said receiving means; means for guiding the pair of sheets along a substantially straight path from said chamber as the pair of sheets is transported by the web; and means for guiding the web along an arcuate path divergent from said straight path to effect removal of the pair of sheets from the web as the web is moved by said moving means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 196 words
Photographic apparatus for use with a film unit including an integral pair of preregistered, superposed, permanently coupled sheets removably adhered to a unit-transporting web, the pair of sheets being removable from the web in response to divergent relative movement therebetween, the web being movable within said apparatus to transport the pair of sheets within and from said apparatus, said apparatus comprising: a housing defining a chamber for containing the film unit and an aperture for exposing the film unit, said housing including a first end portion defining an exit slot through which the pair of sheets is transportable by the web from said chamber and a second end portion, opposite to said first end portion, defining means for receiving the web from said chamber; means for moving the web from said chamber to said receiving means; means for guiding the pair of sheets along a substantially straight path from said chamber as the pair of sheets is transported by the web; and means for guiding the web along an arcuate path divergent from said straight path to effect removal of the pair of sheets from the web as the web is moved by said moving means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 24 words
The apparatus claimed in claim 14 in combination with said film unit including the integral pair of sheets removably adhered to the unit-transporting web.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 23 words
The apparatus claimed in claim 14 wherein said receiving means includes a take-up spool adapted to receive the web thereon in winding relationship.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 28 words
The apparatus claimed in claim 14 wherein said means for guiding the web includes a pressure member surface over which the web moves before reaching said arcuate path.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 236 words
A disposable cartridge, adapted to contain an assemblage of self-processing film units interconnected by an elongate, relatively flexible, unit-transporting web movable within said cartridge, each film unit including a pair of preregistered, permanently coupled, relatively stiff, substantially flat sheets separably attached to the web, each pair of sheets being separable from the web in response to a divergent relative movement therebetween, said cartridge being adapted for use in a self-processing camera having means for receiving said cartridge, means for applying pressure at a predetermined location in said cartridge, and means operable for effecting movement of the web to transport each pair of sheets within and from said cartridge, said cartridge comprising: a central portion having means defining a chamber for containing the assemblage of film units interconnected by the web; a first end portion having meAns defining an opening through which each pair of sheets is transportable from said cartridge along a first path as the web is moved within said cartridge in response to operation of the movement effecting means of the camera; means near said first end portion for guiding the web along a second path divergent from said first path to effect separation of each pair of sheets from the web as that pair of sheets is transported along said first path; and a second end portion, opposite to said first end portion, having means for receiving the web from said second path.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 236 words
A disposable cartridge, adapted to contain an assemblage of self-processing film units interconnected by an elongate, relatively flexible, unit-transporting web movable within said cartridge, each film unit including a pair of preregistered, permanently coupled, relatively stiff, substantially flat sheets separably attached to the web, each pair of sheets being separable from the web in response to a divergent relative movement therebetween, said cartridge being adapted for use in a self-processing camera having means for receiving said cartridge, means for applying pressure at a predetermined location in said cartridge, and means operable for effecting movement of the web to transport each pair of sheets within and from said cartridge, said cartridge comprising: a central portion having means defining a chamber for containing the assemblage of film units interconnected by the web; a first end portion having meAns defining an opening through which each pair of sheets is transportable from said cartridge along a first path as the web is moved within said cartridge in response to operation of the movement effecting means of the camera; means near said first end portion for guiding the web along a second path divergent from said first path to effect separation of each pair of sheets from the web as that pair of sheets is transported along said first path; and a second end portion, opposite to said first end portion, having means for receiving the web from said second path.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 43 words
The cartridge claimed in claim 18 wherein said means for guiding the web includes a surface adjacent to said predetermined location for supporting the web and each film unit against pressure applied at said location by the pressure applying means of the camera.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 46 words
The cartridge claimed in claim 18 wherein said means for receiving the web includes a rotatable take-up spool couplable to the web and engageable with the movement effecting means of the camera so as to wind the web thereon as the movement effecting means is operated.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 18 words
The cartridge claimed in claim 18 in combination with said assemblage of film units interconnected by the web.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 13 words
The cartridge claimed in claim 21 in further combination with said self-processing camera.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

No citation records indexed.

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1975-07-04 1976-01-03 1976-07-04 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1979-07-04 1980-01-03 1980-07-04 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1983-07-04 1984-01-03 1984-07-04 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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