Photographic system for processing and projecting transparencies

Claim 2

Apparatus for use with a motion picture film handling cassette to effect film processing and projection operations including a substantially opaque housing, a strip of exposed unprocessed motion picture film, a normally inoperative processing station for treating an incremental section of such film strip to develop viewable images thereon, a projection station including access means for permitting illumination from an externally mounted source to be directed through an incremental section of such film strip, and means responsive to externally mounted actuating means for progressively advancing such film strip through such processing station and such projection station, said apparatus comprising: means for receiving such cassette in an operative position; means for selectively precluding light rays from reaching such access means; a normally inoperative source of illumination positioned to be in cooperative relationship with such access means when such cassette is positioned in said receiving means; means for selectively energizing said source of illumination; first means for selectively actuating such cassette film strip advancing means and for rendering such processing station operative; and means for automatically sequencing the operation of said light precluding means, said illumination energizing means, and said first means in accordance with a predetermined program to facilitate first the treatment of such exposed film strip to form viewable images thereon and then the projection of such viewable images.

Claim 3

The apparatus of claim 1 including means for rendering said sequencing means operative responsive to positioning of such cassette within said cassette receiving means.

Claim 4

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sequencing means effects the operation of said illumination energizing means subsequent to effecting the operation of said light precluding means and the rendering of such processing station operative.

Claim 5

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sequencing mean effects the operation of said light precluding means prior to, or simultaneous with, its rendering such processing station operative.

Claim 6

The apparatus of claim 1 additionally including means for selectively displacing such cassette from its operative position within said cassette receiving means, and said sequencing means additionally includes means for effecting the operation of said cassette displacing means subsequent to the completion of film projection operations.

Claim 7

The apparatus of claim 1 additionally including a latch member mounted for displacement between a first position wherein it is not in latching engagement with such cassette and a second position wherein it is in latching engagement with such cassette, means for selectively displacing said latch member between its said first and second positions, said latch being disposed in its said first position prior to the operation of said sequencing means, and wherein said sequencing means additionally includes means for automatically effecting the operation of said latch displacing means to displace said latch member from its said second position into its said first position subsequent to completion of film projecting operations.

Claim 8

The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said latch member displacing means includes means for automatically displacing said latch member from its said first to its said sEcond position responsive to positioning such cassette in said cassette receiving means.

Claim 9

The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said apparatus additionally includes means for selectively displacing such cassette from its operative position within said cassette receiving means and said sequencing means additionally includes means for activating said cassette displacing means subsequent to its effecting the displacement of said latch member from its said second position into its said first position.

Claim 10

The apparatus of claim 1 additionally including fan means for directing gaseous fluid into such cassette when it is positioned in said cassette receiving means and means for selectively energizing said fan means.

Claim 11

The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said fan energizing means is automatically responsive to the positioning of such cassette in said cassette receiving means.

Claim 12

The apparatus of claim 7 additionally including means for selectively displacing such cassette from its operative position within said cassette receiving means and said sequencing means additionally includes means for effecting the operation of said cassette displacing means subsequent to the completion of film projection operations.

Claim 13

The apparatus of claim 11 additionally including fan means for directing gaseous fluid into such cassette when it is positioned in said cassette receiving means and means for selectively energizing said fan means.

Claim 14

The invention of claim 1 wherein such cassette additionally includes a rotatably mounted member around which such film strip is disposed and said apparatus additionally includes means for selectively restraining the rotation of such rotatably mounted cassette member to facilitate film projection operations and said sequencing means additionally includes means for effecting the operation of said rotation restraining means subsequent to film processing operations and during film projection operations.

Claim 15

The invention of claim 1 wherein such cassette projection station additionally includes a pressure plate against which an incremental section of such film strip is seated in operative relationship with such access means and said apparatus additionally includes an aperture plate configured to slideably engage an incremental section of such film strip against such pressure plate when such cassette is in such operative position and means for selectively displacing such pressure plate away from said aperture plate to relieve frictional forces exerted on such film strip by said aperture plate, said sequencing means including means for precluding the operation of said pressure plate displacing means during film projection operations while effecting the operation of said pressure plate displacement means during at least a portion of film processing operations.

Claim 16

The apparatus of claim 1 additionally including means for sensing the position of such film strip within such cassette and means for sensing the treated or untreated condition of such film strip and wherein said sequencing means automatically effects the operation of said light precluding means, said illumination energizing means, and the rendering of such processing station operative responsive to said position and condition sensing means.

Claim 17

The invention of claim 1 wherein such cassette additionally includes means for indicating whether such film strip has been treated within such processing station and said sequencing means is responsive to such cassette indicating means.

Claim 18

The apparatus of claim 15 including means for rendering said sequencing means operative responsive to positioning of such cassette within said cassette receiving means.

Claim 19

Apparatus for use with a motion picture film handling cassette to effect film processing and projection operations including a substantially opaque housing, a strip of exposed unprocessed motion picture film, a normally inoperative processing station for treating an incremental section of such film strip to develop viewable images thereon, a projection station including access means for permitting illumination from an externally mounted source to be directed through an incremental section of such film strip and a pressure plate against which an incremental section of such film strip is seated in operative relationship with such access means, and means responsive to externally mounted actuating means for progressively advancing such film strip through such processing station and such projection station, said apparatus comprising: means for receiving such cassette in an operative position; an aperture plate configured to slideably engage an incremental section of such film strip against such pressure plate when such cassette is in such operative position; means for selectively displacing such pressure plate away from said aperture plate to relieve frictional forces exerted on such film strip by said aperture plate; a normally inoperative source of illumination positioned to be in cooperative relationship with such access means when such cassette is in its operative position in said cassette receiving means; means for selectively energizing said source of illumination; first means for selectively actuating such cassette film strip advancing means and for rendering such processing station operative; a latch member mounted for displacement between a first position where it is not in latching engagement with such cassette and a second position wherein it is in latching engagement with such cassette; means for selectively displacing said latch member between its said first and second positions, said latch member being disposed in its said second position prior to operation of said plate displacing means, said illumination energizing means, and said first means; and means for automatically sequencing the operation of said plate displacing means, said illumination energizing means, said latch displacing means, and said first means in accordance with a predetermined program to facilitate first the treatment of such exposed film strip to form viewable images thereon, then the projection of such viewable images, and finally the operation of said latch displacing means to displace said latch member from its second position to its said first position.

Claim 20

Apparatus for use with a motion picture film handling cassette to effect film processing and projection operations including a substantially opaque housing, a strip of exposed unprocessed motion picture film, a normally inoperative processing station for treating an incremental section of such film strip to develop viewable images thereon, a projection station including access means for permitting illumination from an externally mounted source to be directed through an incremental section of such film strip and a pressure plate against which an incremental section of such film strip is seated in operative relationship with such access means, and means responsive to externally mounted actuating means for progressively advancing such film strip through such processing station and such projection station, said apparatus comprising: means for receiving such cassette in an operative position; an aperture plate configured to slideably engage an incremental section of such film strip against such pressure plate when such cassette is in such operative position; means for selectively displacing such pressure plate away from said aperture plate to relieve frictional forces exerted on such film strip by said aperture plate; a normally inoperative source of illumination positioned to be in cooperative relationship with such access means when such cassette is in its operative position in said cassette receiving means; means for selectively energizing said source of illumination; first means for selectively actuating such cassette film strip advancing means and for rendering such processing station operative; a latch member mounted for displacement between a first position where it is not in latching engagement with such cassette and a second position wherein it is in latching engagement with such cassette; means for selectively displacing said latch member between its said first and second positions, said latch member being disposed in its said second position prior to operation of said plate displacing means, said illumination energizing means, and said first means; and means for automatically sequencing the operation of said plate displacing means, said illumination energizing means, said latch displacing means, and said first means in accordance with a predetermined program to facilitate first the treatment of such exposed film strip to form viewable images thereon, then the projection of such viewable images, and finally the operation of said latch displacing means to displace said latch member from its second position to its said first position.

Claim 21

The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said latch displacing means includes means for automatically displacing said latch member from its said first to its said second position responsive to positioning such cassette in said cassette receiving means.

Claim 22

The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said sequencing means effects the displacement of such cassette pressure plate away from said aperture plate while such film strip is being treated within such processing station.

Claim 23

The invention of claim 18 wherein such cassette additionally includes means for indicating whether such film strip has been treated within such processing station and said sequencing means is responsive to such cassette indicating means.

Claim 24

Apparatus for use with a motion picture film handling cassette to effect film processing and projection operations including a substantially opaque housing, a strip of exposed unprocessed motion picture film, a normally inoperative processing station for treating an incremental section of such film strip to develop viewable images thereon, a projection station including access means for permitting illumination from an externally mounted source to be directed through an incremental section of such film strip and a pressure plate against which an incremental section of such film strip is seated in operative relationship with such access means, and means for responsive to externally mounted actuating means for progressively advancing such film strip through such processing station and such projection station, said apparatus comprising: means for receiving such cassette in an operative position; an aperture plate configured to slideably engage such incremental section of film against such pressure plate when sUch cassette is in such operative position; means for selectively displacing such pressure plate away from said aperture plate to relieve frictional forces exerted on such film strip by said aperture plate; a normally inoperative source of illumination positioned to be in cooperative relationship with such access means when such cassette is in its operative position in said cassette receiving means; means for selectively energizing said source of illumination; first means for selectively actuating such cassette film strip advancing means and for rendering such processing station operative; means for selectively displacing such cassette from its operative position within said cassette receiving means; and means for automatically sequencing the operation of said plate displacing means, said illumination energizing means, said first means, and said cassette displacing means in accordance with a predetermined program to facilitate first the treatment of such exposed film strip to form viewable images thereon, then the projection of such viewable images, and finally the displacement of such cassette from its operative position.

Claim 25

Apparatus for use with a motion picture film handling cassette to effect film processing and projection operations including a substantially opaque housing, a strip of exposed unprocessed motion picture film, a normally inoperative processing station for treating an incremental section of such film strip to develop viewable images thereon, a projection station including access means for permitting illumination from an externally mounted source to be directed through an incremental section of such film strip and a pressure plate against which an incremental section of such film strip is seated in operative relationship with such access means, and means for responsive to externally mounted actuating means for progressively advancing such film strip through such processing station and such projection station, said apparatus comprising: means for receiving such cassette in an operative position; an aperture plate configured to slideably engage such incremental section of film against such pressure plate when sUch cassette is in such operative position; means for selectively displacing such pressure plate away from said aperture plate to relieve frictional forces exerted on such film strip by said aperture plate; a normally inoperative source of illumination positioned to be in cooperative relationship with such access means when such cassette is in its operative position in said cassette receiving means; means for selectively energizing said source of illumination; first means for selectively actuating such cassette film strip advancing means and for rendering such processing station operative; means for selectively displacing such cassette from its operative position within said cassette receiving means; and means for automatically sequencing the operation of said plate displacing means, said illumination energizing means, said first means, and said cassette displacing means in accordance with a predetermined program to facilitate first the treatment of such exposed film strip to form viewable images thereon, then the projection of such viewable images, and finally the displacement of such cassette from its operative position.

Claim 26

The invention of claim 22 wherein such cassette additionally includes a rotatably mounted member around which such film strip is disposed and said apparatus additionally includes means for selectively restraining the rotation of said rotatably mounted member to facilitate film projection operations and said sequencing means additionally includes means for effecting the operation of said rotation restraining means subsequent to film processing operations and during film projection operations.

Claim 27

The invention of claim 22 wherein such cassette additionally includes means for indicating whether such film strip has been treated within such processing station and said sequencing means is responsive to such cassette indicating means.

Claim 28

Photographic apparatus for use with a film handling cassette including a housing, a strip of film stored within such housing, a processing station wherein such film strip may be treated to develop viewable images thereon, a projection station wherein light rays from an externally mounted light source may be directed through an incremental section of such film strip, first means responsive to externally mounted actuating means for facilitating the progressive advancement of such film strip through such processing and projection stations and means for indicating whether such film strip has been treated within such processing station, said apparatus comprising means for receiving such cassette, first means for facilitating the proressive advancement of such film strip through such cassette processing and projection stations, said first apparatus means including means for actuating such first cassette means, a normally inoperative source of illumination located to be positioned in cooperative relationship with such cassette projection station when such cassette is positioned in said cassette receiving means and means responsive to such cassette indicating means for energizing said illumination source when such film strip has been treated within such cassette processing station.

Claim 29

Photographic apparatus for use with a film handling cassette including a housing, a strip of film stored within such housing, a processing station wherein such film strip may be treated to develop viewable images thereon, a projection station wherein light rays from an externally mounted light source may be directed through an incremental section of such film strip, first means responsive to externally mounted actuating means for facilitating the progressive advancement of such film strip through such processing and projection stations and means for indicating whether such film strip has been treated within such processing station, said apparatus comprising means for receiving such cassette, first means for facilitating the proressive advancement of such film strip through such cassette processing and projection stations, said first apparatus means including means for actuating such first cassette means, a normally inoperative source of illumination located to be positioned in cooperative relationship with such cassette projection station when such cassette is positioned in said cassette receiving means and means responsive to such cassette indicating means for energizing said illumination source when such film strip has been treated within such cassette processing station.

Claim 30

Photographic apparatus for use with a film handling cassette including a housing, a strip of film stored within such housing, a normally inoperative processing station wherein such film strip may be treated to develop viewable images thereon, a projection station, first means responsive to externally mounted actuating means for facilitating the reversible progressive advancement of such film strip within said housing through such processing and projection stations and means for indicating whether such film strip has been treated within such processing station, said apparatus comprising means for receiving such cassette, normally inoperative film image projection means located to be positioned in cooperative relationship with such cassette projection station when such cassette is positioned in said cassette receiving means, first means responsive to such cassette indicating means for actuating such first cassette means to effect the progressive advancement of such film strip in accordance with a predetermined film advancement program in a first direction through such processing station to a given position within such cassette housing when such processing station is operative, then in the opposite direction through such projection station when said film image projection means are operative and then in the first-mentioned direction in accordance with a predetermined film advancement program different from said first-mentioned predetermined film advancement program through such processing station when such processing station is inoperative.

Claim 31

Photographic apparatus for use with a film handling cassette including a housing, a strip of film stored within such housing, a normally inoperative processing station wherein such film strip may be treated to develop viewable images thereon, a projection station, first means responsive to externally mounted actuating means for facilitating the reversible progressive advancement of such film strip within said housing through such processing and projection stations and means for indicating whether such film strip has been treated within such processing station, said apparatus comprising means for receiving such cassette, normally inoperative film image projection means located to be positioned in cooperative relationship with such cassette projection station when such cassette is positioned in said cassette receiving means, first means responsive to such cassette indicating means for actuating such first cassette means to effect the progressive advancement of such film strip in accordance with a predetermined film advancement program in a first direction through such processing station to a given position within such cassette housing when such processing station is operative, then in the opposite direction through such projection station when said film image projection means are operative and then in the first-mentioned direction in accordance with a predetermined film advancement program different from said first-mentioned predetermined film advancement program through such processing station when such processing station is inoperative.

Claim 34

The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said second-mentioned predetermined film advancement program includes a varying speed film advance through said processing station.

Claim 35

Photographic apparatus for use with a film handling cassette including a housing, a strip of film stored within such housing, a processing station wherein such film strip may be treated to develop viewable images thereon, means for receiving a current of air from an externally mounted fan into such cassette in operative relationship with such film strip and first means responsive to externally mounted actuating means for facilitating the progressive advancement of such film strip through such processing station, said apparatus comprising means for receiving such cassette, first means for facilitating the progressive advancement of such film strip through such cassette processing station, said first apparatus means including means for actuating such first cassette means, a fan disposed in cooperative relationship with such cassette air receiving means when such cassette is operationally positioned within said cassette receiving means and means automatically responsive to the operationally positioning of such cassette in said cassette receiving means for energizing said fan.

Claim 36

Photographic apparatus for use with a film handling cassette including a housing, a strip of film stored within such housing, a processing station wherein such film strip may be treated to develop viewable images thereon, means for receiving a current of air from an externally mounted fan into such cassette in operative relationship with such film strip and first means responsive to externally mounted actuating means for facilitating the progressive advancement of such film strip through such processing station, said apparatus comprising means for receiving such cassette, first means for facilitating the progressive advancement of such film strip through such cassette processing station, said first apparatus means including means for actuating such first cassette means, a fan disposed in cooperative relationship with such cassette air receiving means when such cassette is operationally positioned within said cassette receiving means and means automatically responsive to the operationally positioning of such cassette in said cassette receiving means for energizing said fan.

Claim 37

Photographic apparatus for use with a film handling cassette including a strip of photographic film, and means for cooperating with other apparatus for progressively advancing such film strip within such cassette and for performing a first operational program with such film strip or one of other operational programs therewith, said apparatus comprising: a housing; first means for receiving such cassette; second means for operating such cassette to advance its film strip through a predetermined directional film transport cycle and for alternately performing said first or said other operational program with such film during at least portions of said advancement; and third means for operating such cassette through a second said cycle when said first operational program is performed during said first-mentioned cycle, whereby said operational program not performed during said first-mentioned predetermined cycle can be performed during said second cycle.

Claim 38

Photographic apparatus for use with a film handling cassette including a strip of photographic film, and means for cooperating with other apparatus for progressively advancing such film strip within such cassette and for performing a first operational program with such film strip or one of other operational programs therewith, said apparatus comprising: a housing; first means for receiving such cassette; second means for operating such cassette to advance its film strip through a predetermined directional film transport cycle and for alternately performing said first or said other operational program with such film during at least portions of said advancement; and third means for operating such cassette through a second said cycle when said first operational program is performed during said first-mentioned cycle, whereby said operational program not performed during said first-mentioned predetermined cycle can be performed during said second cycle.

Claim 39

The apparatus of claim 30 wherein said cycle comprises operating such cassette to advance such film in a given direction and then in an opposite direction.

Claim 40

The apparatus of claim 30 wherein said cycle consists of operating such cassette to advance such film in a given direction and then in an opposite direction.

Claim 41

The apparatus of claim 30 wherein said cycle comprises operating such cassette to advance its film in a given direction and then in an opposite direction, and additionally including means for varying the advancement program in one of said directions from said first-mentioned cycle to said second cycle.

Claim 42

The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said advancement program varying means includes means for varying the speed of said advancement in said opposite direction in said first-mentioned cycle from the speed of said advancement in said opposite direction in said second cycle.

Claim 43

The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said advancement program varying means includes means for interrupting said film advancement in said opposite direction during said first-mentioned cycle to facilitate performance of said first operational program.

Claim 44

Photographic apparatus for use with a film handling cassette including a strip of photographic film, and means for cooperating with other apparatus for progressively advancing such film strip within such cassette and for performing a first operational program with such film strip or one of other operational programs therewith, said apparatus comprising: a housing; first means for receiving such cassette; second means for automatically repeatedly operating such cassette to advance its film strip through a predetermined directional film transport cycle, and for performing said first and said other operational program during different said cycles; third means for automatically terminating the repetition of said cycles at the completion of each said cycle; and fourth means for preventing the operation of said third means whenever said first operational program is performed during the immediately preceding said cycle.

Claim 45

Photographic apparatus for use with a film handling cassette including a strip of photographic film, and means for cooperating with other apparatus for progressively advancing such film strip within such cassette and for performing a first operational program with such film strip or one of other operational programs therewith, said apparatus comprising: a housing; first means for receiving such cassette; second means for automatically repeatedly operating such cassette to advance its film strip through a predetermined directional film transport cycle, and for performing said first and said other operational program during different said cycles; third means for automatically terminating the repetition of said cycles at the completion of each said cycle; and fourth means for preventing the operation of said third means whenever said first operational program is performed during the immediately preceding said cycle.

Claim 46

Photographic apparatus for use with a film handling cassette including a strip of photographic film, and means for cooperating with other apparatus for progressively advancing such film strip within such cassette and for performing a first operational program with such film strip or one of other operational programs therewith, said apparatus comprising: a housing; first means for receiving such cassette; second means for sequentially operating such cassette to advance its film strip at least twice through a predetermined directional film transport cycle and for performing said first and said other operational programs during selected different said cycles; and third means, including means for sensing whether said first operational program has been performed, for automatically operating such cassette through a second said cycle when said first operational program is performed during an immediately preceding said cycle, whereby said other operational program can be performed during said second cycle.

Claim 47

Photographic apparatus for use with a film handling cassette including a strip of photographic film, and means for cooperating with other apparatus for progressively advancing such film strip within such cassette and for performing a first operational program with such film strip or one of other operational programs therewith, said apparatus comprising: a housing; first means for receiving such cassette; second means for sequentially operating such cassette to advance its film strip at least twice through a predetermined directional film transport cycle and for performing said first and said other operational programs during selected different said cycles; and third means, including means for sensing whether said first operational program has been performed, for automatically operating such cassette through a second said cycle when said first operational program is performed during an immediately preceding said cycle, whereby said other operational program can be performed during said second cycle.

Claim 48

Photographic apparatus for use with a film handling cassette including a strip of photographic film, a normally inoperative processing station for treating such film strip to develop viewable images thereon, means for indicating whether such film strip has been treated by such processing station, and a projection station wherein incremental sections of such film strip may be progressively presented for projection or viewing purposes after being processed, said apparatus comprising: a housing; first normally inoperative film image projection means within said housing; second means for receiving such cassette with its projection station disposed in cooperative relation with said first means; third means for repeatedly operating such cassette through a predetermined directional film transport cycle, including the progressive advancement of such film strip through such processing station and such projection station, and for rendering such processing station operative during at least a portion of one said cycle; fourth means for automatically terminating the operation of said third means at the completion of each said cycle; and fifth means responsive to such indicating means for preventing the operation of said fourth means when said third means effects the completion of said one cycle whereby a second said cycle is automatically initiated by said third means and said first means can be rendered operative during at least a portion of said second cycle to facilitate the projection of such developed images.

Claim 49

Photographic apparatus for use with a film handling cassette including a strip of photographic film, a normally inoperative processing station for treating such film strip to develop viewable images thereon, means for indicating whether such film strip has been treated by such processing station, and a projection station wherein incremental sections of such film strip may be progressively presented for projection or viewing purposes after being processed, said apparatus comprising: a housing; first normally inoperative film image projection means within said housing; second means for receiving such cassette with its projection station disposed in cooperative relation with said first means; third means for repeatedly operating such cassette through a predetermined directional film transport cycle, including the progressive advancement of such film strip through such processing station and such projection station, and for rendering such processing station operative during at least a portion of one said cycle; fourth means for automatically terminating the operation of said third means at the completion of each said cycle; and fifth means responsive to such indicating means for preventing the operation of said fourth means when said third means effects the completion of said one cycle whereby a second said cycle is automatically initiated by said third means and said first means can be rendered operative during at least a portion of said second cycle to facilitate the projection of such developed images.

Claim 50

The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said fifth means additionally includes means responsive to such indicating means for rendering said first means operative during said second cyCle.

Claim 51

Apparatus for operating a motion picture film handling cassette including a strip of material having at least a section thereof formed of exposed photosensitive material with the images recorded thereon intended for subsequent projection to facilitate the viewing thereof after treatment of such section to develop viewable images from such recorded images, means for releasably storing a quantity of processing fluid, a normally inoperative processing station including means for receiving such fluid when it is released from said storing means and applying such fluid to an incremental portion of such strip of material to effect the development of such viewable images, a normally inoperative projection station wherein light rays from an external source may be directed through incremental portions of such section, and means responsive to external actuating means for reversibly progressively transporting the major portion of such strip of material between a first and a second position within such cassette through such processing and projection stations, such major portion of such material being neither completely disposed in either of such positions at the time such cassette is first operably associated with said apparatus, said apparatus comprising: means for receiving such cassette; means for selectively directing light rays towards such cassette projection station when such cassette is positioned in said receiving means; and means for actuating such cassette transporting means to advance a segment of such major portion of such strip of material to such second position and for performing at least at first function associated with rendering such processing station operative, for subsequently actuating such cassette transporting means to advance such strip of material towards such first position, for interrupting the advancement of such strip of material towards such first position after such fluid is released from said storing means for a sufficient period of time to permit such fluid to reach such strip of material, for then completing the advancement of such strip of material towards such first position to effect the coating of its such photosensitive section with such fluid, and for subsequently actuating such cassette transporting means to advance such treated section of material across such projection station towards such second position with said light ray directing means rendered operative to effect the projection of such viewable images.

Claim 52

Apparatus for operating a motion picture film handling cassette including a strip of material having at least a section thereof formed of exposed photosensitive material with the images recorded thereon intended for subsequent projection to facilitate the viewing thereof after treatment of such section to develop viewable images from such recorded images, means for releasably storing a quantity of processing fluid, a normally inoperative processing station including means for receiving such fluid when it is released from said storing means and applying such fluid to an incremental portion of such strip of material to effect the development of such viewable images, a normally inoperative projection station wherein light rays from an external source may be directed through incremental portions of such section, and means responsive to external actuating means for reversibly progressively transporting the major portion of such strip of material between a first and a second position within such cassette through such processing and projection stations, such major portion of such material being neither completely disposed in either of such positions at the time such cassette is first operably associated with said apparatus, said apparatus comprising: means for receiving such cassette; means for selectively directing light rays towards such cassette projection station when such cassette is positioned in said receiving means; and means for actuating such cassette transporting means to advance a segment of such major portion of such strip of material to such second position and for performing at least at first function associated with rendering such processing station operative, for subsequently actuating such cassette transporting means to advance such strip of material towards such first position, for interrupting the advancement of such strip of material towards such first position after such fluid is released from said storing means for a sufficient period of time to permit such fluid to reach such strip of material, for then completing the advancement of such strip of material towards such first position to effect the coating of its such photosensitive section with such fluid, and for subsequently actuating such cassette transporting means to advance such treated section of material across such projection station towards such second position with said light ray directing means rendered operative to effect the projection of such viewable images.

Claim 53

Apparatus for operating a motion picture film handling cassette including a strip of material having at least a section thereof formed of exposed photosensitive material with the images recorded thereon intended for subsequent projection to facilitate the viewing thereof after treatment of such section to develop viewable images from such recorded images, means for releasably storing a quantity of processing fluid, a normally inoperative processing station including means for receiving such fluid when it is released from such storing means and applying such fluid to an incremental portion of such strip of material to effect the development of such viewable images, a normally inoperative projection station wherein light rays from an external source may be directed through incremental portions of such section, and means responsive to external actuating means for progressively transporting the major portion of such strip of material through such processing and projection stations, said apparatus comprising: means for receiving such cassette; means for selectively directing light rays towards such cassette projection station when such cassette is positioned in said receiving means; and means for actuating such cassette transporting means to advance a segment of such strip of material in a given direction through such processing station, for releasing such fluid from such storing means responsive to such advancement of such segment, for then interrupting such advancement for a sufficient perioD of time to permit such fluid to reach such strip of material, for then advancing such exposed photosensitive section of such material through such processing station and then advancing such fluid treated photosensitive section through such projection station with said light ray directing means rendered operative to facilitate viewing of such viewable images.

Claim 54

Apparatus for operating a motion picture film handling cassette including a strip of material having at least a section thereof formed of exposed photosensitive material with the images recorded thereon intended for subsequent projection to facilitate the viewing thereof after treatment of such section to develop viewable images from such recorded images, means for releasably storing a quantity of processing fluid, a normally inoperative processing station including means for receiving such fluid when it is released from such storing means and applying such fluid to an incremental portion of such strip of material to effect the development of such viewable images, a normally inoperative projection station wherein light rays from an external source may be directed through incremental portions of such section, and means responsive to external actuating means for progressively transporting the major portion of such strip of material through such processing and projection stations, said apparatus comprising: means for receiving such cassette; means for selectively directing light rays towards such cassette projection station when such cassette is positioned in said receiving means; and means for actuating such cassette transporting means to advance a segment of such strip of material in a given direction through such processing station, for releasing such fluid from such storing means responsive to such advancement of such segment, for then interrupting such advancement for a sufficient perioD of time to permit such fluid to reach such strip of material, for then advancing such exposed photosensitive section of such material through such processing station and then advancing such fluid treated photosensitive section through such projection station with said light ray directing means rendered operative to facilitate viewing of such viewable images.

Claim 55

Processing apparatus for use with a photographic cassette comprising a housing, a strip of film mounted in the housing for movement over a predetermined path, and, mounted in the housing along the path of the film, processing means comprising an initially closed container of processing composition, means responsive to a predetermined movement of the film for opening the container to release the composition, and coating means for receiving the composition when released and applying it to the film as the film is moved past the coating means; said processing apparatus comprising, means adapted to receive the cassette, film transport means for moving the film in the cassette to open the container, and delay means for interrupting the operation of said film transport means for an interval sufficient to allow the processing composition to pass into the coating means after the container has been opened by said predetermined movement of the film.

Claim 56

Processing apparatus for use with a photographic cassette comprising a housing, a strip of film mounted in the housing for movement over a predetermined path, and, mounted in the housing along the path of the film, processing means comprising an initially closed container of processing composition, means responsive to a predetermined movement of the film for opening the container to release the composition, and coating means for receiving the composition when released and applying it to the film as the film is moved past the coating means; said processing apparatus comprising, means adapted to receive the cassette, film transport means for moving the film in the cassette to open the container, and delay means for interrupting the operation of said film transport means for an interval sufficient to allow the processing composition to pass into the coating means after the container has been opened by said predetermined movement of the film.

Claim 57

Processing apparatus for a photographic cassette of the type including a strip of film and processing means comprising an initially closed container of processing composition which is opened by a first movement of the film and then coated as the film is moved, said apparatus including drive means engageable with the cassette and operable to move the film in the cassette over a predetermined path, and control means for sequentially operating said drive means to move the film for a distance sufficient to release the processing composition, to stop the film for an interval sufficient to allow the processing composition to reach the film, and then to resume movement of the film to complete the coating of the processing composition on the film.

Claim 58

Processing apparatus for a photographic cassette of the type including a strip of film and processing means comprising an initially closed container of processing composition which is opened by a first movement of the film and then coated as the film is moved, said apparatus including drive means engageable with the cassette and operable to move the film in the cassette over a predetermined path, and control means for sequentially operating said drive means to move the film for a distance sufficient to release the processing composition, to stop the film for an interval sufficient to allow the processing composition to reach the film, and then to resume movement of the film to complete the coating of the processing composition on the film.

Claim 59

Apparatus for operating a film handling cassette including a strip of material having at least a section thereof formed of exposed photosensitive material with the images recorded thereon intended for subsequent projection to facilitate the viewing thereof after treatment of such section to develop viewable images from such recorded images, means for releasably storing a quantity of processing fluid, a normally inoperative processing station including means for receiving such fluid when it is released from such storing means and applying such fluid to an incremental portion of such strip of material to effect the development of such viewable images, means responsive to external actuating means for reversibly progressively transporting the major portion of such strip of material between a first and a second position within such cassette through such processing station, and means responsive to such transport means as it advances such strip of material from its such first position for releasing such fluid from such fluid storing means, said apparatus comprising: means for receiving such cassette; and means for actuating such cassette transporting means to advance a segment of such major portion of such strip of material towards such first position thereby effecting the release of such fluid from such fluid storing means, for interrupting the advancement of such strip of material towards such first position after such fluid is released from said storing means for a sufficient period of time to permit such fluid to substantially reach such strip of material, and for then completing the advancement of such strip of material towards such first position to effect the coating of its such photosensitive section with such fluid.

Claim 60

Apparatus for operating a film handling cassette including a strip of material having at least a section thereof formed of exposed photosensitive material with the images recorded thereon intended for subsequent projection to facilitate the viewing thereof after treatment of such section to develop viewable images from such recorded images, means for releasably storing a quantity of processing fluid, a normally inoperative processing station including means for receiving such fluid when it is released from such storing means and applying such fluid to an incremental portion of such strip of material to effect the development of such viewable images, means responsive to external actuating means for reversibly progressively transporting the major portion of such strip of material between a first and a second position within such cassette through such processing station, and means responsive to such transport means as it advances such strip of material from its such first position for releasing such fluid from such fluid storing means, said apparatus comprising: means for receiving such cassette; and means for actuating such cassette transporting means to advance a segment of such major portion of such strip of material towards such first position thereby effecting the release of such fluid from such fluid storing means, for interrupting the advancement of such strip of material towards such first position after such fluid is released from said storing means for a sufficient period of time to permit such fluid to substantially reach such strip of material, and for then completing the advancement of such strip of material towards such first position to effect the coating of its such photosensitive section with such fluid.

Claim 61

Processing apparatus for a photographic cassette comprising a housing, a strip of film mounted in the housing for movement over a predetermined path, and, mounted in said housing along the path Of the film, processing means comprising an initially closed container of processing composition, means responsive to a predetermined movement of the film in a predetermined direction for opening the container to release the composition, and coating means for receiving the composition when released and applying it to the film as the film is moved past the coating means; said processing apparatus comprising, means adapted to receive the cassette, film transport means for moving the film in the cassette in said predetermined direction to open the container, delay means for interrupting the operation of said film transport means for an interval sufficient to allow the processing composition to pass into the coating means after the container has been opened by said predetermined movement of the film, and means for resuming the operation of said film transport means to move the film in said predetermined direction over a substantial portion of its length after the elapse of said interval.

Claim 62

Processing apparatus for a photographic cassette comprising a housing, a strip of film mounted in the housing for movement over a predetermined path, and, mounted in said housing along the path Of the film, processing means comprising an initially closed container of processing composition, means responsive to a predetermined movement of the film in a predetermined direction for opening the container to release the composition, and coating means for receiving the composition when released and applying it to the film as the film is moved past the coating means; said processing apparatus comprising, means adapted to receive the cassette, film transport means for moving the film in the cassette in said predetermined direction to open the container, delay means for interrupting the operation of said film transport means for an interval sufficient to allow the processing composition to pass into the coating means after the container has been opened by said predetermined movement of the film, and means for resuming the operation of said film transport means to move the film in said predetermined direction over a substantial portion of its length after the elapse of said interval.