Film processing apparatus

Claim 2

In apparatus for handling film, wherein an imaged film is moved through an exposure station where it is exposed to light, the combination of: film drive means for advancing said film through said exposure station, control means for controllably altering the speed of said film drive means, a light source for directing light toward said film at said exposure station, a shutter having an open position in which it is withdrawn from the optical light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in the optical light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, shutter drive means connected to said shutter for moving it between said open position and said closed position, said shutter drive means including a reversible drive motor, and switching means operably connected to said reversible drive motor and to said control means for causing said reversible drive motor to move said shutter into said closed position when the speed of said film drive means drops below a predetermined level determined by said control means.

Claim 3

In apparatus for handling film wherein an imaged film is moved through an exposure station where it is exposed to light, the combination of: film drive means for advancing said film through said exposure station, a light source for directing light toward said film at said exposure station, a shutter having an open position in which it is withdrawn from the optical light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in the optical light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, shutter drive means connected to said shutter for moving it between said open position and said closed position, switching means operably connected to said shutter drive means and to said film drive means for controlling the position of said shutter in response to the speed of said film drive means, and means providing a support surface in the vicinity of said exposure station, and a pressure roll movable between a first position spaced from said support surface and said film and a second position in which it presses said film into contact with said support surface.

Claim 4

In apparatus for handling film wherein an imaged film is moved through an exposure station where it is exposed to light, the combination of: film drive means for advancing said film through said exposure station, a light source for directing light toward said film at said exposure station, a shutter having an open position in which it is withdrawn from the optical light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in the optical light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, shutter drive means connected to said shutter for moving it between said open position and said closed position, switching means operably connected to said shutter drive means and to said film drive means for controlling the position of said shutter in response to the speed of said film drive means, and means providing a support surface in the vicinity of said exposure station, and a pressure roll movable between a first position spaced from said support surface and said film and a second position in which it presses said film into contact with said support surface.

Claim 5

The combination in apparatus for handling film according to claim 2, wherein said shutter cooperates with said pressure roll to move said pressure roll between said first position and said second position as it moves between said open position and said closed position.

Claim 6

The combination in apparatus for handling film according to claim 2, wherein said pressure roll is biased in said first position, and said shutter is arranged to move said pressure roll into said second position to press said film against said support surface when said shutter is advanced to said closed position.

Claim 7

In apparatus for handling film, wherein an imaged film is moved through an exposure station where it is exposed to light, the combination of: film drive means for advancing said film through said exposure station, a light source for directing light toward said film at said exposure station, a shutter having an open position in which it is withdrawn from the optical light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in the optical light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, shutter drive means connected to said shutter for moving it between said open position and said closed position, switching means operably connected to said shutter drive means and to said film drive means for controlling the position of said shutter in response to the speed of said film drive means, and a source of electric power connectEd to said light source, a control circuit interconnected between said electric power source and said light source for changing the amount of electric power transmitted to said light source and accordingly, the intensity of said light source, said control circuit being operatively connected to said switching means to change the intensity of said light source in response to the speed of said film drive means to reduce the intensity of said light source when said shutter moves to said closed position.

Claim 8

In apparatus for handling film, wherein an imaged film is moved through an exposure station where it is exposed to light, the combination of: film drive means for advancing said film through said exposure station, a light source for directing light toward said film at said exposure station, a shutter having an open position in which it is withdrawn from the optical light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in the optical light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, shutter drive means connected to said shutter for moving it between said open position and said closed position, switching means operably connected to said shutter drive means and to said film drive means for controlling the position of said shutter in response to the speed of said film drive means, and a source of electric power connectEd to said light source, a control circuit interconnected between said electric power source and said light source for changing the amount of electric power transmitted to said light source and accordingly, the intensity of said light source, said control circuit being operatively connected to said switching means to change the intensity of said light source in response to the speed of said film drive means to reduce the intensity of said light source when said shutter moves to said closed position.

Claim 9

In apparatus for handling film wherein an imaged film is moved through an exposure station where it is exposed to light, the combination of: film drive means for advancing said film through said exposure station, a light source for directing light toward said film at said exposure station, a shutter having an open position in which it is withdrawn from the optical light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in the optical light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, shutter drive means connected to said shutter for moving it between said open position and said closed position, switching means operably connected to said shutter drive means and to said film drive means for controlling the position of said shutter in response to the speed of said film drive means, and a source of electric power connected to said light source, a control circuit interconnected between said electric power source and said light source for changing the amount of electric power transmitted to said light source and, accordingly, the intensity of said light source, said control circuit being operatively connected to said switching means to change the intensity of said light source in response to the speed of said film drive means to reduce the intensity of said light source in an amount proportional to a decrease in speed of said film drive means.

Claim 10

In apparatus for handling film wherein an imaged film is moved through an exposure station where it is exposed to light, the combination of: film drive means for advancing said film through said exposure station, a light source for directing light toward said film at said exposure station, a shutter having an open position in which it is withdrawn from the optical light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in the optical light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, shutter drive means connected to said shutter for moving it between said open position and said closed position, switching means operably connected to said shutter drive means and to said film drive means for controlling the position of said shutter in response to the speed of said film drive means, and a source of electric power connected to said light source, a control circuit interconnected between said electric power source and said light source for changing the amount of electric power transmitted to said light source and, accordingly, the intensity of said light source, said control circuit being operatively connected to said switching means to change the intensity of said light source in response to the speed of said film drive means to reduce the intensity of said light source in an amount proportional to a decrease in speed of said film drive means.

Claim 11

In apparatus for handling film, wherein an imaged film is moved through an exposure station where it is exposed to light, the combination of: film drive means for advancing said film through said exposure station, a light source for directing light toward said film at said exposure station, a shutter having an open position in which it is withdrawn from the optical light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in the optical light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, shutter drive means connected to said shutter for moving it between said open position and said closed position, switching means operably connected to said shutter drive means and to said film drive means for controlling the position of said shutter in response to the speed of said film drive means, and said light source including light control means for changing the intensity of said light source, said light control being actuatable by said shutter.

Claim 12

In apparatus for handling film, wherein an imaged film is moved through an exposure station where it is exposed to light, the combination of: film drive means for advancing said film through said exposure station, a light source for directing light toward said film at said exposure station, a shutter having an open position in which it is withdrawn from the optical light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in the optical light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, shutter drive means connected to said shutter for moving it between said open position and said closed position, switching means operably connected to said shutter drive means and to said film drive means for controlling the position of said shutter in response to the speed of said film drive means, and said light source including light control means for changing the intensity of said light source, said light control being actuatable by said shutter.

Claim 13

In apparatus for duplicating film wherein an original master film and a duplicate film are brought into overlying relationship with one another and light is projected through said master film and onto said duplicate film at an exposure station, the combination of: film drive means for advancing said films through said exposure station, a light source for directing light toward said films at said exposure station, a shutter having an open position in which it is withdrawn from the optical light path between said light source and said films at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in the optical light path between said light source and said films at said exposure station, shutter drive means connected to said shutter for moving it between said open position and said closed position, and switching means operably connected to said shutter drive means and to said film drive means for controlling the posItion of said shutter in response to the speed of said film drive means.

Claim 14

In apparatus for duplicating film wherein an original master film and a duplicate film are brought into overlying relationship with one another and light is projected through said master film and onto said duplicate film at an exposure station, the combination of: film drive means for advancing said films through said exposure station, a light source for directing light toward said films at said exposure station, a shutter having an open position in which it is withdrawn from the optical light path between said light source and said films at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in the optical light path between said light source and said films at said exposure station, shutter drive means connected to said shutter for moving it between said open position and said closed position, and switching means operably connected to said shutter drive means and to said film drive means for controlling the posItion of said shutter in response to the speed of said film drive means.

Claim 15

The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim 8, including control means for controllably altering the speed of said film drive means.

Claim 16

The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim 8, wherein said switching means are operably connected to said shutter drive means and to said control means for changing the position of said shutter when the speed of said film drive means reaches a predetermined level.

Claim 17

The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim 8, wherein said shutter drive means includes a reversible drive motor, and wherein said switching means are operably connected to said reversible drive motor and to said control means for causing said reversible drive motor to move said shutter into said closed position when the speed of said film drive means drops below a predetermined level determined by said control means.

Claim 18

The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim 8, including means providing a support surface in the vicinity of said exposure station, and a pressure roll movable between a first position spaced from said support surface and said films and a second position in which it presses said films into contact with said support surface.

Claim 19

The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim 12, wherein said shutter cooperates with said pressure roll to move said pressure roll between said first position and said second position as it moves between said open position and said closed position.

Claim 20

The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim 12, wherein said pressure roll is biased in said first position, and said shutter is arranged to move said pressure roll into said second position to press said films against said support surface when said shutter is advanced to said closed position.

Claim 21

The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim 8, wherein said light source is electrically operated, and said apparatus includes a source of electric power connected to said light source, a control circuit interconnected between said electric power source and said light source for changing the amount of electric power transmitted to said light source and, accordingly, the intensity of said light source, said control circuit being operatively connected to said switching means to change the intensity of said light source in response to the speed of said film drive means.

Claim 22

The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim 15, wherein said control circuit reduces the intensity of said light source when said shutter moves to said closed position.

Claim 23

The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim 15, wherein said control circuit reduces the intensity of said light source in an amount proportional to a decrease in speed of said film drive means.

Claim 24

The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim 8, wherein said light source includes light control means for changing the intensity of said light source, said light control means being actuatable by said shutter.

Claim 25

In apparatus for handling film, wherein an imaged film is moved through an exposure station where it is exposed to light from a light source, the combination of: means providing a support surface in the vicinity of said exposure station, a pressure roll movable between a first position spaced from said support surface and said film and a second position in which it presses said film into contact with said support surface, and a shutter movable between an open position in which it is out of the light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in said light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, said shutter being operably connected to said pressure roll to move it fRom said second position to said first position when said shutter moves to its closed position.

Claim 26

In apparatus for handling film, wherein an imaged film is moved through an exposure station where it is exposed to light from a light source, the combination of: means providing a support surface in the vicinity of said exposure station, a pressure roll movable between a first position spaced from said support surface and said film and a second position in which it presses said film into contact with said support surface, and a shutter movable between an open position in which it is out of the light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in said light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, said shutter being operably connected to said pressure roll to move it fRom said second position to said first position when said shutter moves to its closed position.

Claim 27

The combination in apparatus for handling film according to claim 19, wherein said support surface comprises the surface of a rotatably mounted support roll over which said film is carried as it moves through said exposure station.

Claim 28

The combination in apparatus for handling film according to claim 19, including means for biasing said pressure roll into said second position when said shutter is in its open position.

Claim 29

In apparatus for duplicating film, wherein an original master film and a duplicate film are brought into overlying relationship with one another and light from a light source is projected through said master film and onto said duplicate film at an exposure station, the combination of: means providing a support surface in the vicinity of said exposure station, a pressure roll movable between a first position spaced from said support surface and said film and a second position in which it presses said film into contact with said support surface, and a shutter movable between an open position in which it is out of the light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in said light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, said shutter being operably connected to said pressure roll to move it from said second position to said first position when said shutter moves to its closed position.

Claim 30

In apparatus for duplicating film, wherein an original master film and a duplicate film are brought into overlying relationship with one another and light from a light source is projected through said master film and onto said duplicate film at an exposure station, the combination of: means providing a support surface in the vicinity of said exposure station, a pressure roll movable between a first position spaced from said support surface and said film and a second position in which it presses said film into contact with said support surface, and a shutter movable between an open position in which it is out of the light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in said light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, said shutter being operably connected to said pressure roll to move it from said second position to said first position when said shutter moves to its closed position.

Claim 31

The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim 22, wherein said support surface comprises the surface of a rotatably mounted support roll over which said film is carried as it moves through said exposure station.

Claim 32

The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim 22, including means for biasing said pressure roll into said second position when said shutter is in its open position.

Claim 33

In apparatus for handling film, wherein an imaged film is moved through an exposure station where it is exposed to light, including an electric light source directing light toward said film when it is disposed at said exposure station, a source of electric power connected to said light source, film drive means for advancing said film through said exposure station, and a shutter movable between an open position in which it is out of the light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in the light path between said light source and said film, the improvement comprising a control circuit interconnected between said electric power source and said light source for changing the amount of electric power transmitted to said light source and, accordingly, the intensity of said light source, said control circuit being operable to change the intensity of said light source in response to movement of said shutter between said open position and said closed position.

Claim 34

In apparatus for handling film, wherein an imaged film is moved through an exposure station where it is exposed to light, including an electric light source directing light toward said film when it is disposed at said exposure station, a source of electric power connected to said light source, film drive means for advancing said film through said exposure station, and a shutter movable between an open position in which it is out of the light path between said light source and said film at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in the light path between said light source and said film, the improvement comprising a control circuit interconnected between said electric power source and said light source for changing the amount of electric power transmitted to said light source and, accordingly, the intensity of said light source, said control circuit being operable to change the intensity of said light source in response to movement of said shutter between said open position and said closed position.

Claim 35

The improvement in apparatus for handling film according to claim 25, wherein said control circuit is operable to reduce the intensity of said light source when said shutter is moved to said closed position.

Claim 36

In apparatus for duplicating film, wherein an original master film and a duplicate film are brought into overlying relationship with one another and light is projected through said master film and onto said duplicate film at an exposure station, including an electric light source directing light toward said master film when it is disposed at said exposure station, a source of electric power connected to said light source, film drive means for advancing said films through said exposure station, and a shutter movable between an open position in which it is out of the light path between said light source and said master film at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in the light path between said light source and said master film, the improvemeNt comprising a control circuit interconnected between said electric power source and said light source for changing the amount of electric power transmitted to said light source and, accordingly, intensity of said light source, said control circuit being operable to change the intensity of said light source in response to movement of said shutter between said open position and said closed position.

Claim 37

In apparatus for duplicating film, wherein an original master film and a duplicate film are brought into overlying relationship with one another and light is projected through said master film and onto said duplicate film at an exposure station, including an electric light source directing light toward said master film when it is disposed at said exposure station, a source of electric power connected to said light source, film drive means for advancing said films through said exposure station, and a shutter movable between an open position in which it is out of the light path between said light source and said master film at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in the light path between said light source and said master film, the improvemeNt comprising a control circuit interconnected between said electric power source and said light source for changing the amount of electric power transmitted to said light source and, accordingly, intensity of said light source, said control circuit being operable to change the intensity of said light source in response to movement of said shutter between said open position and said closed position.

Claim 38

The improvement in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim 27, wherein said control circuit is operable to reduce the intensity of said light source when said shutter is moved to said closed position.