US4791279A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for correlating photographic film
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1986-07-08
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Granted: 1988-12-13
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Expires: 2006-07-08
Abstract
Abstract A method for correlating negatives with processing envelopes in photographic laboratories, which comprises the steps of joining films together as they are extracted from their corresponding processing envelopes by a tape which has been progressively prenumbered in machine-readable code, reading the number printed on the tape portion used for each joint, and printing it in machine-readable code on the corresponding processing envelope.
Inventors
- 👤 Roberto Signoretto
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 14:23
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03D; G03D15/00; G03D15/001; G03D15/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
69 words
A method for correlating negatives with corresponding processing envelopes in photographic laboratories, which comprises: (i) joining films together after being extracted from corresponding processing envelopes by taping together the films with a tape portion which has been progressively prenumbered with machine-readable code, (ii) machine reading a number printed on the tape portion connecting the films, and (iii) printing the machine-read number in machine-readable code on the corresponding processing envelope.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
69 words
A method for correlating negatives with corresponding processing envelopes in photographic laboratories, which comprises: (i) joining films together after being extracted from corresponding processing envelopes by taping together the films with a tape portion which has been progressively prenumbered with machine-readable code, (ii) machine reading a number printed on the tape portion connecting the films, and (iii) printing the machine-read number in machine-readable code on the corresponding processing envelope.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tape is progressively prenumbered in bar code.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as claimed in claim 1, which comprises reading a number preprinted on the tape portion after making a joint between two successive films with the tape portion.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
132 words
An apparatus for correlating negatives with corresponding processing envelopes, which comprises: an arrival station at which processing envelopes arrive and wherein each processing envelope contains a film to be extracted from a relative spool, an extraction station at which a film is extracted from the relative spool, a joining station at which a tape portion of a tape which has been prenumbered in machine-readable code is applied between adjacent ends of two films in order to join the films together, a reader for reading the number printed on the tape portion, and a printer which uses an output signal of the reader in order to print in machine-readable code on a corresponding processing envelope from which the corresponding film was extracted a number which corresponds to the number read by the reader.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
132 words
An apparatus for correlating negatives with corresponding processing envelopes, which comprises: an arrival station at which processing envelopes arrive and wherein each processing envelope contains a film to be extracted from a relative spool, an extraction station at which a film is extracted from the relative spool, a joining station at which a tape portion of a tape which has been prenumbered in machine-readable code is applied between adjacent ends of two films in order to join the films together, a reader for reading the number printed on the tape portion, and a printer which uses an output signal of the reader in order to print in machine-readable code on a corresponding processing envelope from which the corresponding film was extracted a number which corresponds to the number read by the reader.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the reader and printer operate with bar codes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus for correlating negatives with corresponding processing envelopes as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a signal decoder and signal processor for processing a signal read at the reading station.
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) | 1991-12-13 | 1992-06-13 | 1992-12-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-12-13 | 1996-06-13 | 1996-12-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-12-13 | 2000-06-13 | 2000-12-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |