Photographic apparatus for handling film units of the self processingtype

Claim 2

Photographic apparatus for effecting an exposure of a selfprocessing film unit, including a bendable portion, and for initiating a processing of the film unit after the exposure, said apparatus comprising: means defining a first chamber section for receiving the film unit prior to the exposure and a second chamber section for receiving at least the bendable portion of the film unit after the exposure, said first chamber section including an exposure aperture, said second chamber section being located generally behind said first chamber section relative to said exposure aperture; means for effecting the exposure of the film unit through said exposure aperture; means for initiating the processing of the film unit after the exposure, said processing initiating means including a pair of pressure-applying members for engaging and applying compressive pressure to the film unit; and film handling means for moving the film unit from said first chamber section to said processing initiating means and for moving the bendable portion of the film unit from said processing initiating means into said second chamber section, said film handling means including guide means defining a concave boundary for bending the bendable portion into an arcuate path between said first and second chamber sections.

Claim 3

Photographic apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pressure-applying members define a processing nip therebetween, and wherein said guide means includes a pair of spaced guide shoes extending from locations adjacent to said processing nip to locations adjacent to said second chamber section.

Claim 4

Photographic apparatus for effecting an exposure and initiating processing of a self-processing film unit, said apparatus comprising: a casing defining a first generally rectangular chamber section for receiving the film unit in a generally planar position for the exposure and a second generally rectangular chamber section for receiving at least a portion of the film unit after the exposure, said first and second chamber sections being in adjacent relationship and having an exit and entrance, respectively, that are spaced at least in a first direction perpendicular to said generally planar position; means for initiating the processing of the film uniT, said processing initiating means including a first member disposed between said exit and entrance in said first direction and a second member defining a nip between said members for engaging and applying compressive pressure to the film unit; means for causing movement of the film unit from said first chamber section, through said exit, and between said members for applying compressive pressure to the film unit, said movement causing means including means for applying a force to the film unit in a second direction for moving the film unit along a rectilinear path between said members; and means for intercepting movement of the film unit along said rectilinear path and for applying a deflecting force to the portion of the film unit receivable in said second chamber section for reversing direction of movement of that portion by deflecting that portion into an arcuate configuration partially around said first member between said exit and entrance.

Claim 5

Photographic apparatus for effecting an exposure and initiating processing of a self-processing film unit, said apparatus comprising: a casing defining a first generally rectangular chamber section for receiving the film unit in a generally planar position for the exposure and a second generally rectangular chamber section for receiving at least a portion of the film unit after the exposure, said first and second chamber sections being in adjacent relationship and having an exit and entrance, respectively, that are spaced at least in a first direction perpendicular to said generally planar position; means for initiating the processing of the film uniT, said processing initiating means including a first member disposed between said exit and entrance in said first direction and a second member defining a nip between said members for engaging and applying compressive pressure to the film unit; means for causing movement of the film unit from said first chamber section, through said exit, and between said members for applying compressive pressure to the film unit, said movement causing means including means for applying a force to the film unit in a second direction for moving the film unit along a rectilinear path between said members; and means for intercepting movement of the film unit along said rectilinear path and for applying a deflecting force to the portion of the film unit receivable in said second chamber section for reversing direction of movement of that portion by deflecting that portion into an arcuate configuration partially around said first member between said exit and entrance.

Claim 6

A photographic processing camera for exposing and initiating processing of a self-processing film unit, the film unit including an image-recording portion and materials strippably coupled to the image-recording portion, said camera comprising: a casing defining a camera exterior and an internal chamber including a first chamber part and a second chamber part, said first chamber part having an exposure aperture and means for receiving the film unit with the image-recording portion in laid-out condition to be exposed through said aperture, said second chamber part being located adjacent to and generally behind said first chamber part relative to said exposure aperture and having means for receiving the strippably coupled materials after processing of the film unit has been initiated; means for effecting movement of the image-recording portion from said first chamber part to said camera exterior along a first path; a processing mechanism in said first path for initiating processing of the image-recording portion, said processing mechanism including a pair of pressure-applying members; and means for effecting movement of the strippably coupled materials from said first chamber part to said second chamber part along a second path, said first and second paths having a coincident portion from said first chamber part to said processing mechanism and then relatively diverging portions to said camera exterior and to said second chamber part, respectively, said means for effecting movement of the strippably coupled materials along said second path including means extending into said first path and adapted to intercept the strippably coupled materials for directing the strippably coupled materials away from the image-recording portion and from said first path into said diverging portion of said second path.

Claim 7

A photographic processing camera for exposing and initiating processing of a self-processing film unit, the film unit including an image-recording portion and materials strippably coupled to the image-recording portion, said camera comprising: a casing defining a camera exterior and an internal chamber including a first chamber part and a second chamber part, said first chamber part having an exposure aperture and means for receiving the film unit with the image-recording portion in laid-out condition to be exposed through said aperture, said second chamber part being located adjacent to and generally behind said first chamber part relative to said exposure aperture and having means for receiving the strippably coupled materials after processing of the film unit has been initiated; means for effecting movement of the image-recording portion from said first chamber part to said camera exterior along a first path; a processing mechanism in said first path for initiating processing of the image-recording portion, said processing mechanism including a pair of pressure-applying members; and means for effecting movement of the strippably coupled materials from said first chamber part to said second chamber part along a second path, said first and second paths having a coincident portion from said first chamber part to said processing mechanism and then relatively diverging portions to said camera exterior and to said second chamber part, respectively, said means for effecting movement of the strippably coupled materials along said second path including means extending into said first path and adapted to intercept the strippably coupled materials for directing the strippably coupled materials away from the image-recording portion and from said first path into said diverging portion of said second path.

Claim 8

A photographic processing camera as claimed in claim 4 wherein one of said pressure applying members comprises a cylindrical member, and wherein said second path diverges from said first path in an arc extending partially around said cylindrical member between said cylindrical member and said directing means.

Claim 9

A photographic processing camera as claimed in claim 5 wherein said directing means includes a guide member extending into said first path and having an arcuate surface extending approximately 180* around said cylindrical member.

Claim 10

A photographic processing camera as claimed in claim 6 wherein said arcuate surface is spaced closely adjacent to said cylindrical member over substantially all of said approximately 180* to define said second path.

Claim 11

A photographic processing camera as claimed in claim 4 wherein said pressure-applying members define a nip therebetween, and wherein said directing means extends in an arc from a first location adjacent to said nip to a second location adjacent to said second chamber part for directing the strippably coupled materials from said first path along said second path and toward said second chamber part in a direction substantially opposite to said first path.

Claim 12

Photographic apparatus for exposing and initiating processing of a pre-cut self-processing film unit, the film unit including an image-recording portion and processing materials separably coupled to the image-recording portion, said apparatus comprising: a generally rigid casing including means for receiving the film unit in an exposure position and means for collecting the processing materials after exposure of the film unit, the film unit being movable out of the receiving means in a first direction and the processing materials being movable into the collecting means in a second direction generally opposite to said first direction; processing means adjacent to said receiving means for initiating processing of the film unit, said processing means including a cylindrical member mounted for rotation and a second member cooperating with said cylindrical member for receiving therebetween, and for applying compressive pressure to, the film unit; means for moving the film unit in said first direction along a predetermined path from said receiving means and between said cylindrical and second members, said moving means including means for rotating said cylindrical member in engagement with the film unit; and means extending across said predetermined path, on the opposite side of said cylindrical and second members from said receiving means, for separating the processing materials from the image-recording portion and for directing the processing materials, when separated, in a path curving away from said first direction toward said second direction and said collecting means, said curving path being confined entirely within said casing.

Claim 13

Photographic apparatus for exposing and initiating processing of a pre-cut self-processing film unit, the film unit including an image-recording portion and processing materials separably coupled to the image-recording portion, said apparatus comprising: a generally rigid casing including means for receiving the film unit in an exposure position and means for collecting the processing materials after exposure of the film unit, the film unit being movable out of the receiving means in a first direction and the processing materials being movable into the collecting means in a second direction generally opposite to said first direction; processing means adjacent to said receiving means for initiating processing of the film unit, said processing means including a cylindrical member mounted for rotation and a second member cooperating with said cylindrical member for receiving therebetween, and for applying compressive pressure to, the film unit; means for moving the film unit in said first direction along a predetermined path from said receiving means and between said cylindrical and second members, said moving means including means for rotating said cylindrical member in engagement with the film unit; and means extending across said predetermined path, on the opposite side of said cylindrical and second members from said receiving means, for separating the processing materials from the image-recording portion and for directing the processing materials, when separated, in a path curving away from said first direction toward said second direction and said collecting means, said curving path being confined entirely within said casing.

Claim 14

Photographic apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said separating and directing means includes spaced guide shoes having concave surfaces curved partially around said cylindrical member for guiding the processing materials, when separated, partially around said cylindrical member from said first direction toward said second direction.

Claim 15

A camera for use with a plurality of unconnected self-processing film units, each such unit including an image-recording portion and supply means separably coupled thereto for supplying a processing composition to the image-recording portion, said camera comprising: a casing including means defining a chamber for receiving the film units in stacked relationship and for collecting the supply means in stacked relationship; means defining a generally rectilinear path extending from said chamber and out of said casing; means for applying a force to each film unit in succession in a direction for moving that film unit from said chamber along said rectilinear path; means extendable into said rectilinear path for separating the supply means from the image-recording portion and for deflecting the supply means from said rectilinear path back toward said chamber; and means in said rectilinear path for initiating processing of each film unit prior to separation of the supply means from the image-recording portion.

Claim 16

A camera for use with a plurality of unconnected self-processing film units, each such unit including an image-recording portion and supply means separably coupled thereto for supplying a processing composition to the image-recording portion, said camera comprising: a casing including means defining a chamber for receiving the film units in stacked relationship and for collecting the supply means in stacked relationship; means defining a generally rectilinear path extending from said chamber and out of said casing; means for applying a force to each film unit in succession in a direction for moving that film unit from said chamber along said rectilinear path; means extendable into said rectilinear path for separating the supply means from the image-recording portion and for deflecting the supply means from said rectilinear path back toward said chamber; and means in said rectilinear path for initiating processing of each film unit prior to separation of the supply means from the image-recording portion.

Claim 17

Photographic apparatus for initiating processing of a self-processing film unit, and for separating processing waste materials from an image-recording portion of the film unit, said apparatus comprising: a pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members for applying compressive pressure to the film unit to initiate the processing of the film unit, one of said pressure-applying members including a driving roller; means including said driving roller for moving the film unit between and from said pressure-applying members in a predetermined direction; and means positioned closely adjacent to said pressure-applying members in said predetermined direction for intercepting the waste materials of the film unit when moved from between said pressure-applying members and for separating the waste materials from the image-recording portion.

Claim 18

Photographic apparatus for initiating processing of a self-processing film unit, and for separating processing waste materials from an image-recording portion of the film unit, said apparatus comprising: a pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members for applying compressive pressure to the film unit to initiate the processing of the film unit, one of said pressure-applying members including a driving roller; means including said driving roller for moving the film unit between and from said pressure-applying members in a predetermined direction; and means positioned closely adjacent to said pressure-applying members in said predetermined direction for intercepting the waste materials of the film unit when moved from between said pressure-applying members and for separating the waste materials from the image-recording portion.

Claim 19

Photographic apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein saiD intercepting and separating means includes a stripping member positioned to be engaged by the waste materials when moved in said predetermined direction without being engaged by the image-recording portion when moved in said predetermined direction.

Claim 20

Photographic apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein said stripping member includes an arcuate surface extending partially around said driving roller in close proximity thereto.

Claim 21

A photographic film handling mechanism for use with self-processing film units, each unit including an image-recording portion having a first width, a container for supplying a processing fluid to the image-recording portion, and a carrier for strippably coupling the container to the image-recording portion, the carrier including a section having a second width greater than the first width, said mechanism comprising: a processing mechanism for initiating processing of each film unit; means for causing rectilinear movement of each film unit in a direction away from said processing mechanism; and means for stripping the container and carrier from the image-recording portion, said stripping means including a pair of arcuate guide members spaced from each other by an amount greater than the first width but less than the second width so as to be engaged by the carrier and thus direct the carrier in an arcuate path for stripping the carrier and container from the image-recording portion while permitting rectilinear movement of the image-recording portion between said guide members.

Claim 22

A photographic film handling mechanism for use with self-processing film units, each unit including an image-recording portion having a first width, a container for supplying a processing fluid to the image-recording portion, and a carrier for strippably coupling the container to the image-recording portion, the carrier including a section having a second width greater than the first width, said mechanism comprising: a processing mechanism for initiating processing of each film unit; means for causing rectilinear movement of each film unit in a direction away from said processing mechanism; and means for stripping the container and carrier from the image-recording portion, said stripping means including a pair of arcuate guide members spaced from each other by an amount greater than the first width but less than the second width so as to be engaged by the carrier and thus direct the carrier in an arcuate path for stripping the carrier and container from the image-recording portion while permitting rectilinear movement of the image-recording portion between said guide members.

Claim 23

Photographic apparatus for effecting exposure and initiating processing of a self-processing film unit, the film unit including a relatively stiff image-recording portion, a bendable container for supplying a processing composition to the image-recording portion, and means separably coupling the container to the image-recording portion, said apparatus comprising: a casing including means defining a chamber for receiving the film unit before the exposure has been effected and for receiving the container after the processing has been initiated, said chamber having an end including exit and extrance apertures, respectively, through which the film unit can be transported from said chamber in a first direction and the conatiner can be transported into said chamber in a second direction, said second direction being substantially opposite to said first direction; processing means for initiating the processing of the film unit, said processing means including an elongated rotatable member having first and second ends and an elongated second member located in opposed relationship relative to said rotatable member for engaging the film unit between said rotatable and second members and for applying compressive pressure to the film unit to initiate the processing thereof; transporting means for transporting the film unit from said chamber through said exit aperture in said first direction, said transporting means including a driving member for rotating said rotatable member in engagement with the film unit to transport the film unit between said rotatable and second members; and deflecting means for deflecting the container away from said first direction and away from said image-recording portion, during transport of the film unit in said first direction, to separate the container from the image-recording portion, said deflecting means including first and second deflecting members spaced from each other and located adjacent to said first and second ends of said rotatable member, respectively, said deflecting members extending partially around said rotatable member from a location adjacent to said second member toward said entrance aperture, said deflecting members being effective to evert the container and to direct the container in said second direction toward said entrance aperture.

Claim 24

Photographic apparatus for effecting exposure and initiating processing of a self-processing film unit, the film unit including a relatively stiff image-recording portion, a bendable container for supplying a processing composition to the image-recording portion, and means separably coupling the container to the image-recording portion, said apparatus comprising: a casing including means defining a chamber for receiving the film unit before the exposure has been effected and for receiving the container after the processing has been initiated, said chamber having an end including exit and extrance apertures, respectively, through which the film unit can be transported from said chamber in a first direction and the conatiner can be transported into said chamber in a second direction, said second direction being substantially opposite to said first direction; processing means for initiating the processing of the film unit, said processing means including an elongated rotatable member having first and second ends and an elongated second member located in opposed relationship relative to said rotatable member for engaging the film unit between said rotatable and second members and for applying compressive pressure to the film unit to initiate the processing thereof; transporting means for transporting the film unit from said chamber through said exit aperture in said first direction, said transporting means including a driving member for rotating said rotatable member in engagement with the film unit to transport the film unit between said rotatable and second members; and deflecting means for deflecting the container away from said first direction and away from said image-recording portion, during transport of the film unit in said first direction, to separate the container from the image-recording portion, said deflecting means including first and second deflecting members spaced from each other and located adjacent to said first and second ends of said rotatable member, respectively, said deflecting members extending partially around said rotatable member from a location adjacent to said second member toward said entrance aperture, said deflecting members being effective to evert the container and to direct the container in said second direction toward said entrance aperture.

Claim 25

Photographic apparatus for exposing and handling a self-processing film unit, the film unit including a resiliently flexible card and an imaGe-recording portion strippably coupled to the card for recording a latent image that is processing to establish a visible image by passing the film unit between a pair of pressure-applying members, said apparatus comprising: means for locating the film unit in an exposure position to record the latent image in the image-recording portion; a pair of pressure-applying members for initiating processing of the latent image to establish the visible image; and a film handling mechanism including first means for establishing substantially rectilinear movement of the film unit from the exposure position between said pressure-applying members and second means for bending the resiliently flexible card in an arcuate path away from the image-recording portion to strip the resiliently flexible card from the image-recording portion.

Claim 26

Photographic apparatus for exposing and handling a self-processing film unit, the film unit including a resiliently flexible card and an imaGe-recording portion strippably coupled to the card for recording a latent image that is processing to establish a visible image by passing the film unit between a pair of pressure-applying members, said apparatus comprising: means for locating the film unit in an exposure position to record the latent image in the image-recording portion; a pair of pressure-applying members for initiating processing of the latent image to establish the visible image; and a film handling mechanism including first means for establishing substantially rectilinear movement of the film unit from the exposure position between said pressure-applying members and second means for bending the resiliently flexible card in an arcuate path away from the image-recording portion to strip the resiliently flexible card from the image-recording portion.

Claim 27

An improvement in photographic apparatus for handling a preregistered, integral, self-processing film unit, the film unit including an image-recording portion strippably coupled to a flexible supporting card wherein the image-recording portion defines a first width and the card defines a second width greater than the first width, said improvement comprising: means for causing movement of the film unit along a predetermined path; and a stripping mechanism for stripping the card from the image-recording portion, said mechanism including a pair of stripping fingers extending into said path, said stripping fingers being spaced apart by an amount greater than the first width but less than the second width for engaging the card and for directing the card out of said path to strip the card from the image-recording portion while permitting passage of the image-recording portion between said fingers for continued movement along said path.

Claim 28

An improvement in photographic apparatus for handling a preregistered, integral, self-processing film unit, the film unit including an image-recording portion strippably coupled to a flexible supporting card wherein the image-recording portion defines a first width and the card defines a second width greater than the first width, said improvement comprising: means for causing movement of the film unit along a predetermined path; and a stripping mechanism for stripping the card from the image-recording portion, said mechanism including a pair of stripping fingers extending into said path, said stripping fingers being spaced apart by an amount greater than the first width but less than the second width for engaging the card and for directing the card out of said path to strip the card from the image-recording portion while permitting passage of the image-recording portion between said fingers for continued movement along said path.

Claim 29

Photographic apparatus for use in cooperation with a self-processing film unit, the film unit including a first portion for recording a developable latent image and a second portion separable from the first portion for effecting development of the latent image in response to movement of the film unit in said apparatus, said apparatus comprising: means defining a first location for receiving the film unit to record the latent image; a pressure-applying mechanism including a rotatable roller for initiating the development of the latent image; a separating mechanism for effecting separation of the second portion of the film unit from the first portion; means defining a second location for receiving the second portion of the film unit after the separation of the second portion from the first portion; and a transporting mechanism including first means for moving the film unit from the first location to said pressure-applying mechanism and second means for rotating said roller to move the film unit through said pressure-applying mechanism to said separating mechanism and then to move the second portion of the film unit to the second location after the separation of the second portion from the first portion.

Claim 30

Photographic apparatus for use in cooperation with a self-processing film unit, the film unit including a first portion for recording a developable latent image and a second portion separable from the first portion for effecting development of the latent image in response to movement of the film unit in said apparatus, said apparatus comprising: means defining a first location for receiving the film unit to record the latent image; a pressure-applying mechanism including a rotatable roller for initiating the development of the latent image; a separating mechanism for effecting separation of the second portion of the film unit from the first portion; means defining a second location for receiving the second portion of the film unit after the separation of the second portion from the first portion; and a transporting mechanism including first means for moving the film unit from the first location to said pressure-applying mechanism and second means for rotating said roller to move the film unit through said pressure-applying mechanism to said separating mechanism and then to move the second portion of the film unit to the second location after the separation of the second portion from the first portion.

Claim 31

Apparatus for handling a self-processing film unit, the film unit including a preregistered, integral, image-recording portion and a resiliently flexible card removably coupled to the image-recording portion, said apparatus comprising: means including a pressure-applying member engageable with the film unit for initiating processing of the unit; means including a first movable member engageable with the film unit for effecting initial movement of the unit to said processing initiating means; means including a second movable member engageable with the film unit for effecting further movement of the unit through said processing initiating means; and means including a removing member engageable with the film unit for effecting removal of the resiliently flexible card from the image-recording portion in response to said further movement of the unit through said processing initiating means.

Claim 32

Apparatus for handling a self-processing film unit, the film unit including a preregistered, integral, image-recording portion and a resiliently flexible card removably coupled to the image-recording portion, said apparatus comprising: means including a pressure-applying member engageable with the film unit for initiating processing of the unit; means including a first movable member engageable with the film unit for effecting initial movement of the unit to said processing initiating means; means including a second movable member engageable with the film unit for effecting further movement of the unit through said processing initiating means; and means including a removing member engageable with the film unit for effecting removal of the resiliently flexible card from the image-recording portion in response to said further movement of the unit through said processing initiating means.

Claim 33

Apparatus as claimed in claim 20 wherein said reMoving member is engageable with the resiliently flexible card and is adapted to direct the card in an arcuate path away from the image-recording portion in response to said further movement of the unit.

Claim 34

Apparatus as claimed in claim 20 further comprising means defining a waste collecting chamber and means engageable with the resiliently flexible card for directing the card toward said chamber after said removal of the card from the image-recording portion.

Claim 35

Apparatus as claimed in claim 22 further comprising means including a third movable member engageable with the resiliently flexible card for effecting final movement of the card into said waste collecting chamber.

Claim 36

Apparatus as claimed in claim 23 wherein said third movable member is movable to an energized position in response to said further movement of the unit.

Claim 37

A mechanism for transporting a film element in photographic apparatus, said mechanism comprising: first means for moving the film element along a predetermined path to a position in which said first means is no longer effective to move the film element; and second means for moving the film element to a further position after said first means is no longer effective, said second means including a movable member resiliently urged into said path where it is engageable by the film element for moving said member out of said path in response to movement of the film element by said first means and for holding said member out of said path until the film element reaches said position in which said first means is no longer effective, said member then being releasable by the film element for moving the film element to said further position.

Claim 38

A mechanism for transporting a film element in photographic apparatus, said mechanism comprising: first means for moving the film element along a predetermined path to a position in which said first means is no longer effective to move the film element; and second means for moving the film element to a further position after said first means is no longer effective, said second means including a movable member resiliently urged into said path where it is engageable by the film element for moving said member out of said path in response to movement of the film element by said first means and for holding said member out of said path until the film element reaches said position in which said first means is no longer effective, said member then being releasable by the film element for moving the film element to said further position.

Claim 39

A transporting mechanism as claimed in claim 25 wherein said movable member is mounted for pivotal movement into and out of said path.