US3741650A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Film handling method and apparatus
Assignee: Cutler Hammer Inc
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Filing: 1971-02-11
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Granted: 1973-06-26
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Expires: 1991-02-11
Abstract
Abstract One side of a pair of adjacent film lengths is supported by a platen of microporous material through which air is forced into the space between the platen and the film. A trough-shaped housing encloses the space on the other side of the film lengths except for the film edges. A fluid having a large static head is introduced into the space between the housing and the film. The housing has a center portion that is spaced a large distance from the film, i.e., a sufficient distance to maintain a high static head over the entire length of the housing. The housing also has transverse sides that are spaced a small distance from the film edges and the surface of the platen, i.e., a sufficiently small distance to form a constriction in the fluid flowing out of the housing transversely to the film lengths. The housing is transparent. Light from a source is coupled through the housing to the film, thereby exposing it.
Inventors
- 👤 M Leavitt
- 👤 P Roulund
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 08:42
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B27/00; G03B27/02; G03B27/04; G03B27/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 43
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
Apparatus for handling a film length comprising: means for supporting one side of the film length; an elongated housing enclosing the space on the other side of the film length except for film edges, the housing being shaped to form a space reduction near each film edge along the same portion of the film length; and means for directing a fluid having a high head into the space between the housing and the other side of the film length so a small quantity of the fluid flows laterally across the other side of the film length, is constricted at the space reductions, and escapes from the housing along the film edges.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
Apparatus for handling a film length comprising: means for supporting one side of the film length; an elongated housing enclosing the space on the other side of the film length except for film edges, the housing being shaped to form a space reduction near each film edge along the same portion of the film length; and means for directing a fluid having a high head into the space between the housing and the other side of the film length so a small quantity of the fluid flows laterally across the other side of the film length, is constricted at the space reductions, and escapes from the housing along the film edges.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the means for supporting one side of the film length comprises an elongated platen of microporous material adjacent to the one side of the film length and means for forcing support air through the platen to form a space between the platen and the one side of the film length.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
109 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the means for supporting one side of the film length comprises another elongated housing enclosing the space on the one side of the film length except for the film edges, the housing being shaped to form a space reduction near each film edge, and means for introducing into the sapce between the other housing and the one side of the film length a fluid having a high static head such that a small quantity of the fluid flows laterally across the one side of the film length, is constricted at the space reductions, and escapes from the housing along the film edges.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
140 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the housing has a first elongated surface adjacent to and spaced an appreciable distance from the other side of the film length, the first surface being slightly wider than the film; a second elongated surface spaced a short distance from one film edge, the second surface extending transversely away from the first surface to form with the adjacent film edge an elongated passage that is narrower than the space between the first surface and the other side of the film length; and a third elongated surface spaced a short distance from the other film edge, the third surface extending transversely away from the first surface to form with the adjacent film edge an elongated passage that is narrower than the space between the first surface and the other side of the film length.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 4, in which the means for supporting one side of the film length includes an elongated platen spaced from the one side of the film length, the platen being spaced a short distance from the ends of the second and third surfaces.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
60 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the housing comprises an elongated trough having a cross sectionally flat center portion that is spaced from the other side of the film length a sufficient distance to maintain a high static head over the entire length of the trough and transverse sides that are spaced from the edges of the film length.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 6, in which the sides of the trough are spaced a substantially smaller distance from the edges of the film length than the center portion is spaced from the other side of the film length.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
88 words
The apparatus of claim 7, in which the means for supporting one side of the film length includes a microporous platen extending along the film length adjacent the ends of the trough sides, the distance between the surface and the ends of the trough sides being substantially smaller than the distance between the other side of the film length and the center portion of the trough, and means for forcing air through the platen into the space between the platen and the one side of the film length.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
65 words
The apparatus of claim 7, in which the means for supporting one side of the film length includes a surface extending along the film length adjacent the ends of the trough sides, the distance between the surface and the ends of the trough sides being substantially smaller than the distance between the other side of the film length and the center portion of the trough.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
190 words
Film handling apparatus comprising: a first length of film upon which information is stored in a given form; a second length of film capable of storing information in the given form; means for guiding the first and second lengths of film so they remain aligned with and adjacent to each other over a portion of their paths; means for supporting the nonadjacent side of the first film length over the portion; an elongated housing enclosing the space around the nonadjacent side of the second film length over the portion except for an exit along both edges of the film lengths over the portion that produces a constriction in the fluid flowing laterally out of the housing; means for introducing fluid having a large static head into the enclosed space, the cross-sectional area of the enclosed space transverse to the film lengths being large enough to support the static head without appreciable reduction over the lengths of the enclosed space; and means for transferring the information stored on the first length of film to the second length of film while the lengths of film are in the portion of their paths.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
190 words
Film handling apparatus comprising: a first length of film upon which information is stored in a given form; a second length of film capable of storing information in the given form; means for guiding the first and second lengths of film so they remain aligned with and adjacent to each other over a portion of their paths; means for supporting the nonadjacent side of the first film length over the portion; an elongated housing enclosing the space around the nonadjacent side of the second film length over the portion except for an exit along both edges of the film lengths over the portion that produces a constriction in the fluid flowing laterally out of the housing; means for introducing fluid having a large static head into the enclosed space, the cross-sectional area of the enclosed space transverse to the film lengths being large enough to support the static head without appreciable reduction over the lengths of the enclosed space; and means for transferring the information stored on the first length of film to the second length of film while the lengths of film are in the portion of their paths.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 10, in which the length of the housing is flat and the film lengths are guided so they are flat along the portion of their lengths within the housing.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
65 words
The apparatus of claim 10, in which the housing is a light transparent cylinder, the film lengths are guided in a path that extends around the cylinder, the means for supporting the one side of the pair of film lengths urges the film lengths toward the cylinder, and a light source that is substantially nondirectional in at least one plane is provided within the cylinder.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 10, in which the housing is open at at least one end to permit the escape of the fluid directed along the film length.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus of claim 10, in which the means for supporting the portion of the nonadjacent side of the first film length comprises an elongated platen of microporous material spaced a short distance from the first film length and the means for forcing air through the platen into the space between the platen and the nonadjacent side of the first film length.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
67 words
The apparatus of claim 10, in which the housing comprises an elongated trough enclosing the film lengths on three sides, the trough having a center portion that is spaced from the nonadjacent side of the second film length a sufficient distance to maintain a high static head over the entire length Of the trough and transverse sides that are spaced from the edges of the film lengths.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
94 words
Apparatus for holding a pair of adjacent film lengths in intimate contact with each other, the apparatus comprising: means for supporting one side of the pair of film lengths; first means for guiding fluid along the other side of the film lengths without appreciable loss in static head; and second means for guiding the fluid transverse to the other side of the film lengths to form constrictions in the fluid flow at both film edges along the same portion of the film lengths such that an appreciable loss in static head takes place thereat.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
94 words
Apparatus for holding a pair of adjacent film lengths in intimate contact with each other, the apparatus comprising: means for supporting one side of the pair of film lengths; first means for guiding fluid along the other side of the film lengths without appreciable loss in static head; and second means for guiding the fluid transverse to the other side of the film lengths to form constrictions in the fluid flow at both film edges along the same portion of the film lengths such that an appreciable loss in static head takes place thereat.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
73 words
The apparatus of claim 16, in which the first guiding means comprises an elongated surface spaced a substantial uniform distance from the other side of the film lengths and the second guiding means comprises second and third elongated surfaces extending transversely away from the first surface toward the respective film edges, the second and third surfaces being spaced from the respective film edges a distance that is substantially smaller than the first distance.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
92 words
The apparatus of claim 17, in which the means for supporting one side of the pair of film lengths comprises an elongated platen of microporous material spaced a short distance from the one side of the film lengths, the distance between the ends of the transverse sides and the platen being substantially less than the distance from the other side of the film to the center portion of the trough, and means for forcing air through the platen into the space between the platen and the one side of the film length.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 18, in which at least a portion of the trough is transparent and a source of light is provided to expose the film lengths adjacent the transparent portion of the trough.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 19, in which at least one end of the trough is open to permit the escape of the fluid directed along the other side of the film lengths.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 10, in which a portion of the housing is light transparent to form a window in the housing and a source of light is provided adjacent the window to expose the film lengths to light through the window.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
111 words
Film handling apparatus comprising: a first length of film; a second length of film; means for guiding the first and second lengths of film through an atmosphere so they remain aligned with and adjacent to each other over a portion of their paths; means for supporting the portion of the nonadjacent side of the first length of film; means for producing a first fluid pressure higher than the atmosphere against the portion of the nonadjacent side of the second length of film; and means for producing a second fluid pressure lower than the first pressure against the portion of the nonadjacent side of the second length of film at both edges.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
111 words
Film handling apparatus comprising: a first length of film; a second length of film; means for guiding the first and second lengths of film through an atmosphere so they remain aligned with and adjacent to each other over a portion of their paths; means for supporting the portion of the nonadjacent side of the first length of film; means for producing a first fluid pressure higher than the atmosphere against the portion of the nonadjacent side of the second length of film; and means for producing a second fluid pressure lower than the first pressure against the portion of the nonadjacent side of the second length of film at both edges.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
142 words
A method for holding two lengths of film in intimate contact with each other over a portion of their paths to transfer information stored on one of the lengths of film to the other length of film, the method comprising the steps of: guiding the lengths of film so they are adjacent to each other over the portion of their paths; supporting a portion of the nonadjacent side of one of the lengths of film over the portion of the paths; producing a high static fluid head that communicates with the nonadjacent side of the other length of film over the portion of the path and drops sharply to the ambient pressure near both longitudinal edges of the other length of film; and transferring the information from the one film length to the other film length in the portion of the path.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
142 words
A method for holding two lengths of film in intimate contact with each other over a portion of their paths to transfer information stored on one of the lengths of film to the other length of film, the method comprising the steps of: guiding the lengths of film so they are adjacent to each other over the portion of their paths; supporting a portion of the nonadjacent side of one of the lengths of film over the portion of the paths; producing a high static fluid head that communicates with the nonadjacent side of the other length of film over the portion of the path and drops sharply to the ambient pressure near both longitudinal edges of the other length of film; and transferring the information from the one film length to the other film length in the portion of the path.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 23, in which the transverse profile of the static fluid head is convexed, the pressure dropping gradually from the film center edgeward.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 23, in which the producing step comprises forming an enclosure for fluid over the nonadjacent side of the other length of Film, forming constricted passages for fluid escape from the enclosure near the longitudinal edges of the other length of film; and the other fluid under pressure into the enclosure.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
129 words
The method of claim 23, in which the guiding step guides the lengths of film so they are aligned with each other over the portion of their paths and the producing step comprises forming an enclosure for fluid over the nonadjacent side of the other length of film, forming a first constricted passage for fluid escape from the enclosure near one longitudinal edge of the other length of film, forming a second constricted passage for fluid escape from the enclosure near the other longitudinal edge of the other length of film, the second passage being narrower and set further back from the film edge than the first passage to balance the lateral forces exerted on the lengths of film by the fluid escaping from the enclosure through the passages.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 26, in which the supporting step comprises forcing fluid under pressure through a platen of microporous material to form a fluid cushion between one surface of the platen and the nonadjacent side of the one length of film.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for supporting a length of film over a portion of its path, the method comprising the steps of: guiding the length of film along a path; supporting the portion of the length of film on one side; and producing a high superatmospheric static fluid head that communicates with the other side of the length of film and drops sharply near both longitudinal edges of the length of film along the same portion of the film length.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for supporting a length of film over a portion of its path, the method comprising the steps of: guiding the length of film along a path; supporting the portion of the length of film on one side; and producing a high superatmospheric static fluid head that communicates with the other side of the length of film and drops sharply near both longitudinal edges of the length of film along the same portion of the film length.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
203 words
A method for contact printing an image appearing on a length of transparent master film to a length of unexposed film, the method comprising the steps of: guiding the lengths of film so they are aligned with and adjacent to each other over a portion of their paths; supporting a portion of the nonadjacent side of one of the lengths of film over the portion of the path; forming an enclosure for fluid over the nonadjacent side of the other length of film over the portion of the path; introducing fluid under pressure into the enclosure to produce a high fluid head that exerts a force on the other length of film to hold the films in intimate contact with each other over the portion of their paths; forming constricted passages for fluid escape from the enclosure near the longitudinal edges of the other length of film to produce a sharp drop in the force exerted on the film; exposing the unexposed film to the master film at a point on the portion of the paths in the presence of light to transfer the image on the master film to the unexposed film; and transporting the lengths of film past the exposing point.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
203 words
A method for contact printing an image appearing on a length of transparent master film to a length of unexposed film, the method comprising the steps of: guiding the lengths of film so they are aligned with and adjacent to each other over a portion of their paths; supporting a portion of the nonadjacent side of one of the lengths of film over the portion of the path; forming an enclosure for fluid over the nonadjacent side of the other length of film over the portion of the path; introducing fluid under pressure into the enclosure to produce a high fluid head that exerts a force on the other length of film to hold the films in intimate contact with each other over the portion of their paths; forming constricted passages for fluid escape from the enclosure near the longitudinal edges of the other length of film to produce a sharp drop in the force exerted on the film; exposing the unexposed film to the master film at a point on the portion of the paths in the presence of light to transfer the image on the master film to the unexposed film; and transporting the lengths of film past the exposing point.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 29, in which the supporting step comprises the step of forcing fluid under pressure through a microporous platen to form a fluid cushion between one surface of the platen and the nonadjacent side of the one length of film.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 30, in which one of the passages for fluid escape is narrower and set further back from the film edge than the other passage to balance the lateral forces exerted on the lengths of film by the fluid escaping from the enclosure through the passages.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 29, in which the constricted passages are set back from the longitudinal edges of the other length of film.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 6, in which the transverse sides are spaced upwardly and outwardly from the edges of the film length.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 6, in which the transverse sides are spaced upwardly and inwardly from the edges of the film length.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 34, in which one transverse side is spaced inwardly from the edges of the film length further than the other transverse side and is longer than the other transverse side to balance the lateral forces exerted on the film length by the fluid escaping from the housing along the film edges.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 1, in which the directing means and the housing are adapted so the static head in the space between the housing and the other side of the film has a transverse convexed profile, the static pressure dropping gradually from the film center edgeward.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-06-25 | 1976-12-25 | 1977-06-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-25 | 1980-12-25 | 1981-06-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-25 | 1984-12-25 | 1985-06-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |