Apparatus and means for making duplicates of a microfilm original

Claim 2

Apparatus for making a duplicate of an original microfilm Strip having a projectionable image thereon onto a light sensitive film strip of corresponding size which comprises in combination: first feed means for feeding under tension the original microfilm over a given path; an exposure station having an entryway and an exitway, said entryway and exitway each being formed of a pair of drive rollers in pressure contact; second feed means for feeding under tension the light sensitive film into said entryway in registration and contiguous contact with said microfilm strip; electrostatic charge applying means positioned at said entryway for applying an electrostatic charge of opposite polarity to each of the film strips causing said strips to be removably electrostatically attracted to one another, said first and second feed means and said drive rollers operating in combination to support said microfilm strip and said light sensitive film in registration in a taut, planar condition while moving through said exposure station; separating means for directing the original microfilm and light sensitive film in separate directions beyond said exitway; and developing means for receiving said light sensitive film for development into a projectionable image.

Claim 3

The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including a source of electromagnetic radiation directed toward said original microfilm through a light collimating structure.

Claim 4

The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a voltage is applied to the core of one of said drive rollers and the associated roller is connected to ground producing a potential gradient between the core of said drive roller and the surface of said associated roller.

Claim 5

Apparatus for making a duplicate of an original microfilm strip having a projectionable image thereon onto a light sensitive film strip of corresponding size, which film strips are adapted to move over a predetermined path for exposure, which apparatus comprises in combination: a first transparent endless belt traveling over a first portion of said path providing a flat, planar course; a second transparent endless belt traveling over a second portion of said path, said first and second portions providing an exposure station; a first and second pair of rollers in friction contact forming an entryway and exitway, respectively, into and out of said predetermined path for maintaining said first and second endless belts in a taut condition as they move over said first and second path portions; feed means for forming an assemblage of said original strip in superposed contiguous contact with said light sensitive strip and for feeding said assemblage into said entryway; corona electrostatic charge generating means positioned at said entryway for applying an electrostatic charge of opposite polarity to each of said endless belts for inducing in said strips comprising said assemblage an opposite charge relative to the other strip, whereby the assemblage is held in tact as it passes through said exposure station.

Claim 6

Apparatus for making a duplicate of an original microfilm strip having a projectionable image thereon onto a light sensitive film strip of corresponding size, which film strips are adapted to move over a predetermined path for exposure, which apparatus comprises in combination: a first transparent endless belt traveling over a first portion of said path providing a flat, planar course; a second transparent endless belt traveling over a second portion of said path, said first and second portions providing an exposure station; a first and second pair of rollers in friction contact forming an entryway and exitway, respectively, into and out of said predetermined path for maintaining said first and second endless belts in a taut condition as they move over said first and second path portions; feed means for forming an assemblage of said original strip in superposed contiguous contact with said light sensitive strip and for feeding said assemblage into said entryway; corona electrostatic charge generating means positioned at said entryway for applying an electrostatic charge of opposite polarity to each of said endless belts for inducing in said strips comprising said assemblage an opposite charge relative to the other strip, whereby the assemblage is held in tact as it passes through said exposure station.

Claim 7

The apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said first endless belt is the original microfilm.

Claim 8

The apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said endless belts have a resistivity in the range of from 1012 to 1016 ohm-centimeters.

Claim 9

The apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said endless belts are made of polyester film.