US4967094A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Film detection apparatus
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1989-02-02
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Granted: 1990-10-30
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Expires: 2009-02-02
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for detecting the presence of processed photograph film at a particular location comprises a light source which emits green or blue light having a wavelength in the range of 420-600 nanometers. A light sensors positioned to receive light from the light source when the film is not present. An infrared filter and a filter for transmitting light in the range of wavelengths emitted by the light source are positioned in front of the light sensor.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert L. Horton
- 👤 Richard J. Backus
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 07:01
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B27/00; G03B27/32; G03B27/52; G03B27/62; G03B27/6271; G03B27/6285
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
74 words
Apparatus for detecting the presence of processed photographic film in a predetermined location comprising: a light source for emitting light at a wavelength strongly absorbed by the film regardless of image density; and means positioned to receive the light emitted by said source when the film is not present at the location, the film absorbing the light when it is present at the location to prevent light from being received by said sensing means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
74 words
Apparatus for detecting the presence of processed photographic film in a predetermined location comprising: a light source for emitting light at a wavelength strongly absorbed by the film regardless of image density; and means positioned to receive the light emitted by said source when the film is not present at the location, the film absorbing the light when it is present at the location to prevent light from being received by said sensing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein source emits light having a wavelength in the range of 420-600 nanometers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said light source and said light sensitive means are positioned on opposite sides of the film whereby light emitted by said light source is absorbed by the film and not received by said light sensitive means when the film is present in the location.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said light source comprises at least one light emitting diode and said light sensing means comprises a light sensitive transistor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said light source comprises at least two light emitting diodes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 further including an infrared absorbing filter positioned in front of said light receiving transistor to absorb infrared light.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 further including a filter for transmitting only light having a wavelength corresponding to the light emitted by said light emitting diode, said filter being positioned in front of said light sensitive transistor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
57 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said light source and said light sensitive means are positioned on the same side of the film and further including a reflector positioned on the opposite of the film for reflecting light emitted by said light source to said light receiving means when film is not present at the location.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said light source comprises at least one light emitting diode and said light sensing means comprises a light sensitive transistor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said light source comprises at least two light emitting diodes.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 further including an infrared absorbing filter positioned in front of said light receiving transistor to absorb infrared light.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 further including a filter for transmitting only light having a wavelength corresponding to the light emitted by said light emitting diode, said filter being positioned in front of said light sensitive transistor.
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) | 1993-10-29 | 1994-04-30 | 1994-10-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-10-29 | 1998-04-30 | 1998-10-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-10-29 | 2002-04-30 | 2002-10-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |