CA1124028A - Processing of film without using leaders - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

Strips of photographic film are processed through a film developing machine which transports the film by means of rollers. Curling of the film around the rollers of the machine is avoided even though no separate leader is attached to the film.
This is accomplished by first inserting one end of the film strip into a device which has an open slot defined by a pair of platens which face each other. At least one platen is heated and at least one platen has corrugations in its slot-defining surface. Provisions are made for responding to insertion of the strip into the slot to close the platens upon the inserted strip, and maintaining these platens so closed for a length of time sufficient to impress the platen corruga-tions into the film. The slot is then reopened, the strip is withdrawn, and inserted into the nip of the input rollers to the developing machine.
Specific embodiments of the corrugating device are also taught.

Description

2~3 BACRGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of processing photographic films and, more particularly, to the processing of such films through automatic developing machinery.
There are problems in such film processing, attribu- ~
table to the tendency of the film to curl. This causes the film to hang up on, or wrap around the rollers, or roller-like members which are typically used in such developing machines to transport the film through the machine. This interrupts the passage of the film through the machine, causing such serious problems as jam-ups, machine down-time and damage to the films.
The widely used technique for dealing with these problems involved attaching a separate, straight "leader" to the leading end of the film itself. This separate leader was relied on to guide the film through the developing machine without encountering the difficulties stemming from the film's own curl. However, this technique suffered from serious disadvantages of its own.
The leader attaching and detaching operations are time-consuming and burdensome, the leaders can become unin-tentionally detached inside the machine, the joint between leader and film is a source of trouble, and so forth.

To overcome all of these problems - at one stroke -the prior art teaches the use of a novel technique which dispenses with the leader and yet retains all of its desirable attributes in terms of overcoming the ill effects of film curl.
This novel technique involves imparting physical deformations to that end portion of the film which is to lead the film through the developing machine. These deformations are of such a character that this end portion no longer has a tendency to curl, but rather is straight and has a tendency to remain straight even while the film passes through the developing machine. By so doing, there are overcome the problems of curl but without introducing the problems caused by separate leaders.
Also, stickers with identifying numerals sometimes referxed to a.s "twin check" labels can be firmly affixed to the film while it is being deformed.

~.

~z~

SUMMARY OF THE INVFNTIOM
The present invention relates to specific embodi-ments and applications of the novel technique which has been briefly described above.
In particular it is an object of the present in-vention to provide further specific embodiments of a technique for processing photographic film through film developing machinery, without using a separate leader for the film.
It is another object to provide such further embodi-ments in which the film is treated in a very simple and yet effective manner for the purpose stated above.
It is still another object to provide such embodi-ments in which advantageous use is made of heating effects.
It is still another object to provide such embodi-ments in which heating of the film, in conjunction withmechanical pressure exerted on the film, is advantageously relied upon.
These and other objects which will appear are achieved in accordance with the present invention by utilizing a corrugating device having a pair of platens facing each other, one or both of which have corrugations in their faces, and one or both of which are heated to a temperature at which the film to be processed becomes capable of being deformed to assume the shape of the platen corrugations. The platens are spaced to define an open slot between them. The leading end of the film strip is inserted into that open slot. The device responds to this insertion of the strip into the slot to close the platens upon the inserted strip, and to maintain /~
2~3 the platens closed upon the strip~ th~reby maintaining the strip stationary between .he closed platens, for a predetermined period of time sufficient to impress into the strip corrugations conforming to those in the platen surface. The device has provisions for reopening the slo~ a-t the end OL the period The strip is then withdrawn from the reopened slot, and the same film strip end is inserted into the nip of the input rollers for the film developing machine.
Specific embodiments of ~he corrugating device utilize mechanically powered means (e.g. springs) for continuously urging the slot-deflning pressure platens toward each other, electrically powered means (e.s. a solenoid) for overcoming during a limited period the urglng-together of the mechanically powered means, thereby separating the platens and forming between them the slot for the insertion of the strip end portion to be corrugated, and further nechanically powered means (e.g. a latching lever) Lor maintaining the platens separated after the end of said limited period The device ~urther has provisions for sensing the insertion of the strip into th.e slot, and for disabling the means which maintains the platens separated, thereby allowing the platens to close upon the inserted s-trip, which thereby becomes corrugated. A timing means delays by a predetermined time interval the reseparating o~ the platens by the electrically powered means~.
Stickers containing identirying numerals appliea to the end of the film also become firmly adhexed to the film by combined pressure and heat of t~e corrugating dev~ce.

Z~

BRIEF DESCRIPTIO~ OF THE DR~WrNGS

Fig~ 1 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a film developing machine showing the externally visible portions o~
equipment used in practicing the present invention, specifi-cally a device for imparting deEormations or corrugations to the end of a film, and the input to the machine itself.
Fig. la is an enlarged view of a p~rtion of the machine of Figure 1, showing certain internal construction features of the machine input and of one specific embodiment of film corrugating device.
Fig. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the film corrugating device of Figure la.
Fig. 3 is a further enlarged, front elevational view of the corrugating device.
Fig. 4 is a top plan oS the corrugating device, wherein portions have been partially broken away to expose details of interior construction.
Fig. 5 is a left side elevational view of the corru-gating device.
Fig. 6 is a right side elevational view.
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional v~ew taken along line 7-7 of Fig. 4, looking in the direction of the arrows and showing the platens of the corrugating devic~ in separated position.
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 7, showing the platens in the corrugating position~

2~

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the electrical connections within the corrugating device of Figure 10 to jl5.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of another specific embodiment of the film corrugating device according to the present invention.
Fig. 11 is a rear perspective view of the same device as shown in Fig. 10.
Fig. 12 is an e~ploded view of the embodiment of Fig. 10.
Fig. 13 is a front elevation, with portions broken away, o~ the embodiment of Fig. 10.
Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of Fig. 10, showing the platens ~f the device in separated position.
Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken also along line 14-14 of Fig. 1~, but showing the platens in corrugating position.

The same reference numerals are used in the various figures to denote similar elements.

~4(:~2~3 DE~CRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF TH~ INV~ITION
Referring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows the front face 1 of a film developing machine generally designated by the reference numeral 2. A film loading aperture 3 is pro-vided in front face 1. Behind this aperture 3, but not visible in Fig.l, is a pair of rollers (see rollers 16, 18, in Fig la) defining a nip between them. Aperture 3 is for insertion of film to be processed in machine 2. Preferably a shelf 4 is positioned before aperture 3 to aid in guiding the film into the aperture.
Another aperture 5 is also provided, laterally dis-placed from aperture 3, in the front face 1 of machine 2.
This aperture 5 is defined between ~wo plastic blocks 6 and 7 which protrude the machine. Preferably -the lower block 6 protrudes slightly more than upper block 7, thereby form-ing a shelf which aids in guiding the film into aperture 5.
Behind aperture 5, but not visible in Fig. 1, there is a corrugating device embodying the present invention.
One embodiment of this device, generally designated by reference numeral 10, is shown in Figs. la through 9.
This device is adapted to automatically and rapidly produce a plurality of de~ormations or corru~ations 44 in -the lead-ing end 12 of the film strip 14. These corrugations pre-vent or discourage the curling of this leading end as it subsequen-tly passes through the film processing machine such as indicated at 2 in Fig. 1, including the pair of in-take rollers 16, 18, in Fig. la. The corrugating device 10 comprises generally a stationary lower platform formed by a table means 20, of suitable size to receive the leading strip end 12 thereon at the start of ~2~

the corrugating process. If lesired, the table means 20 may be provided laterally with a pair of transversely positioned upright Elanges 22, 24 to act as gu.des as the leading end 12 of the strip 14 is inser-ted into the de--vice 10. The table 20 is secured -to a stationary base 26 in any known manner to prevent relative movement there-between.
A moveable platen assembly 28 (Fig. 2) is reciprocalabove the table 20 from an elevated position 30 as illus-trated in Fig. 7 to a lower, or corrugatinq position 32 eaS
illustrated in Fig. 8. The platen assembly 28 comprises generally a platen mPans 34 of metal or other suitable material~ whlch is normally biased into corrugating en-gagement against table 20 by the platen springs 36,38.

The platen may be machined, molded or othen~ise con-ventionally formed with a plurality of parallel, longitud-inal.ly extended grooves 40 and ridges 42 to produce long-itudinal deformation:; 44 in the leading edge 12 of the film 14 (Fig. la). In the embodiment illustrated, table 20 is equipped with a resilient pad 46 (Fi.g. 3) to aid in the strip corrugating process. Alternatel.y, platen 3~ could be provided with a smooth, strip contacting surface and the grooves and ridges could be machined or otherwise formed in the surface of table 20. As a second alternative construction, grooves and ridges could be fabricated both in table 20 and in the bottom of pla-ten 34 to cooperatively interact in -the strip end deforming or corrugating process.

~%~28 A pair oE vertical supports 48, 50 mount upon the top 52 of the platen ~4 and carry upwardly -therebe-twen a platen bar 54, parallel to and above the platen 34. Each end 56, 58 of the pla-ten bar 54 extends tranversely outwardly through a respective vertical support 48, 50 a distance sufficient to provide an attachment for one end of one of the platen springs 36, 38. The other ends of the platen springs 36, 38 connect respectively to one of the table flanges 22, 24. Strap extensions 60,62 which securely affix to a flange 22 or 24 may be employed to secure the lower end of the springs 36, 38 to the table 20 if so desired. Thus, the platen 34 is free to move vertically between the left and right table fl~nges 22, 24 and the springs 36, 38 act to continousouly bias the platen 34 toward the table 20.
Immediately rearwardly of the platen-assembly 28 is positioned the micro,switch assembly 64 (Fig. 2) which functions with the first and second electromagnet means 68, 66 to automatically raise and lower the platen 34 in re-sponse to the presence of the leading ~nd ]2 of the strip 14. ~ timer switch assembly 70 functions in conjuction with the microswitch assembly 64 to time the operation of the first and second electromagnets 68, 66 to thereby automaticàli~J
lower and raise the platen 34 from the corrugating position 32 as il]ustrated in Fig. 8 to the elevated position 30 as illustrated in Fig. 7 in the manner hereinafter more fully set forth. The microswitch assembly 64 -comprises essentiail~
a brac~et 72 upon which is mounted a microswitch 74, a pivotal block 76, and the first and second electromagnets 68, 66.
The microswitch 74 compriseC; a dependinc, arm 7~ which termina-tes downwardly in a foot 80 near the bottom of the bracket 72. The foot 80 is p~sitioned to partially obstruct the clearance space 82 defined between the bottom of the platen 34 and the top of the table 20 when the platen is in the elevated position 32. Thus, when the leading end 12 of film strip 14 is introduced into the corrugating device 10 through the space 82 defined between the platen and the table 20, its leading edge will contact the foot 80 of the microswitch arm 78. Inward urging of the lead-ing end 12 in the direction indicated by the arrow 84 (Fig. la) will sufficiently depress the arm 78 to close the contact (not shown) of the microswitch 74. The micxoswitch 74 is wired to con-trol the operation of the first electro-magnet 68 which is then momentarily en.erg.ized.
As best seen in Fiys. 2 and 3, the block 76 is pivotally mounted in the bracket 72 and has pivotal movement about the pivot pin 86 in the direction indicated by the double headed arrow 88. A generally horiaontal pivotal arm 90-extends ;from the pivotal block 76 and terminates in a positi-on to be acted on upon energization of the first electromagne-t 68. A
detent arm 92 projects generally vertically from the pivotal block 76 at right angles to the pivotal arm 90 and is-up-wardly formed to provide a detent 94. The detent 9~ engages upon and holds the platen lever agains-t the bias of the platen springs 36, 38 as hereina~ter moxe fully set for-th.
As best seen in Fig. 3, the pivotal arm 90 is engaged by the cradle pin 96 of the first electromagnet 68. Upon energization o~ the electromagnet 68 upon function of the microswitch 74, the cradle pin 96 is urged upwardly. The upward movement of the cradle pin 96 pulls the engaged 2~ ( pivotal arm 90 up~ardly to thereby cause the pivotal block 76 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot pin 86. Pivotal movement of the block 76 causes similar pivotal movement oE the afEixed de-ten-t arm 92 also in a coun-terclockwise direction. The counterclockwise movement oE the de-ten-t arm 92 causes the de-tent 94 to disengage from its contact with the platen lever 98. The springs 36, 38 then immediately act to pull the platen 34 towards the table ~0 .
As illustra-ted in Figs. 4, 7 and 8, a platen lever means 98 is generally horizontally arranged and is pivotal about transverse pivot pin 102, which pin is rigidly secured in the bracket 72. The forward end 104 of the platen lever 98 extends beneath the platen bar 54, and by lever action serves to lift the platen assembly 28 as in Fig. 7 to the elevated position 30 to create the clear space 82 for admitting the leading end 12 of the strip 14 piror to corrugating. ~s illustrated in Fig. 8, when the platen lever 98 is allowed to pivot about the transverse pivot pin 102 in a clockwise direction, the springs 36, 38 act to pull the platen assembly 28 downwardly to the corrugating position 32 to thereby im,press a plurality of deformations 44 in the leading end 12 of the strip 14.
Referring now to Figs. 7 and 8, it will be seen that the platen lever 98 terminates rearwardly in a finger 100 which is engaged by the cradle pin 106 of the second electromagnet 66, Activation of th-~ second electromagnet 66 will pull the craale pin 106 downwardly in the direction of the arrow 116 to there-by pivot the platen lever 98 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fiy. 7 about the transverse pivot pin 102.

The pivoting of the platen lever 98 to the horizontal position as illustrated in Fig. 7 causes the leading end-por-tion 104 of the lever 98 to urge upwardly the platen assembly 28 relative to the table 20 by imposing upwaraly directed forces on the platen bar 5~. Deenergization of the second electromagnet 66 releases the craclle pin 106 to move upwardly away from the electromagnet 66 in the direction of the arrow 108. Upon deenergization of the second electromagnet 66, the platen springs 36, 38 function to bias the platen assembly 28 downwardly to the corrugating position 32 as illus-trated in Fig. 8.
The geometry o~ the platen lever system is best seen in Figs. 7 and 8 wherein the distance from the transverse pivot pin 102 to the rearward end of the fingër 100 is con-siderably greater than the distance between the pi-vot pin 102 and the leading edge portion 104 of the platen lever 98.
Thus great mechanical advantage is built into the system to facilitate operation of the second electromagen-t 66 against the bias of the springs 36, 38.
Platen 34 is e~uipped with a suitable electric or other type of heater shown generally in the form of a conventional electrical connector block 110 and a known in-tegral heating element 112 (see Figs. 7 and 8). A timer switch assembly 70 of known design, including a ~timer cam 114 is employed to time the operation of the device in-cluding the timed cycle of operation of the first and second electromagnets 68,66.
In operation, in the initial position illustrated in Fig. 7, the electrical circuitry of the device normally energizes the second electromagnet 66 to pull the cradle pin .~ .

lG6 downwardly in ~.ne direction of the arrow 116. As here-inbefore set forth, energization of the second electro-magnet 66 pivots the platen lever 98 about the transverse pivot pin 102 to elevate the platen assembly 28, thereb~
defining a space 82 between the platen 34 and the platen table 20 (~igs. 3 and 7). In this posi-tion, the spring bias of the detent arm 92 causes the deten-t 94 to engage a portion of the one énd of the platen lever 98 to hold the platen lever in horizontal position, as illustrated in Fig. 7. With the platen 34 thus elevated, the leading end-. 12 of film strip 14 can be inserted into the space 82 by urging the leading end 12 inwardl~ eneath''the-:' --platen 34. The leading e.nd 12 contacts the foot 80 of the microswitch arm 78 to depress the arm 78 and thus close the contacts of the microswitch 74. The closing of the microswitch 74 functions the electrical circuit to initiate operation of the timer switch assembly 70 and to energize the first electromagnet 68 for a short, t-.Lmed interval.
Energization of the first electromagnet 68 pulls the cradle pin 97 upwardly in the direction of the arrow 118 (Fig. S) to thereby pivot the pivotal block 76 in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot pin 86. The counterclockwise pivotal movement of the block 76 causes similar pivotal movement of the block affixed detent arm 92 to thereby ~elease the detent 9~ from the engagement with the en'd of the platen lever 98. Release of the de-tent arm 94 from the platen lever 98 allows the platen springs 36, 38 to bias the platen lever 98 in a clockwise direction abou-t the transverse pivot pin 102 to pull the 2~ ( pla-ten assembly 28 to -the corrugating position 32 as illustrated in Fig. 8.
The timer cam 114 functions through its cycle of opera-tion for a predetermined period of time during the corruga-ting c~cle and then functions the second electromagnet 66 to pull its cradle pin 106 downwardly in the direction of the arrow 116 as illustrated in Fig. 7. The downward movement of the cradle pin 106 pulls on -the platen lever finger 100 to urge the platen lever 98 in a counterclockwise direction about the traverse fulcrum bar 102 as viewed in Fig. 7 to thereby elevate the platen assembly 28 to the elevated position 30.
When the platen assembly 28 has been pulled to the elevated position 30, the detent 94 of the detent arm 92 again auto-matically engages the edge of the platen lever 98 to retain the platen assembly 28 in its elevated position 30. See Figs. 3 and 7.
During the timed cycle, the device 10 functions to impress permanent deformations or corrugations 44 in the leading end 12 of the film strip 14. r,~hen the platen as-sembl~ 2 is again raised -to the elevated position 30, the stxip 12 can be withdrawn from the device 10 throught the space 82. The strip can then be moved laterally of other-wise to the nip of input rollers 16, 18 of the film develop-ing mahcine 2. After withdrawal of the fully deformed or corrugated leading end 12, another film strip 14 can be inser-ted in-to the device 10, wherein the foot 80 is again contacted and the arm 78 is depressed to repeat the timed cycle of opera-tion.

.

~2~2~ ~

The heating means is preferably energized well in advance of the insertion of a particular film strip 14 into the device, long enough in advance tha-t the pla-tens can have stabilized a-t the desired temperature. -The voltage of the ~lectric heater is appropriately chosen for that purpose. When a plurality of film strips i3 to be processed through machine 2 in succession, the heater is preferably left energized throughout the period so that the desired temperature will be maintained. A thermostat control may also be included in the heater circuit to maintain the de-sired temperature.
This temperature is one which will cause the film s-trip to soften while the platen is exerting pressure upon it, thereby assisting in the desired deformation of the strip.
However, this temperature should be below that which will cause the strip to become tacky during its period of com-pression.
The film strip 14, after treatment in device 10, preferably has corrugations which deviate in both directions (up and down3 from the plane of the original, untreated strip.
The corrugations which are produced tend to be somewhat irregular. ~ome may extend all the way to the leading edge of the strip, but others may not. The heigh-t o~ different corrugations may also vary. Likewise, individual corrugations are not necessarily perfectly straight, either lat~rally with respect to the film strip, or up and down.
The over-all width o~ the original *ilm strip will typically be subs-tantially preserved in its corrugated position.
This is believed to be attributable to the heating applied, which enables the film strip to stretch laterally while the corrugations are being ~ormed, therehy preserving the initial overall width.

2~

A second embodiment of this inven-tion is illustrated in Figs. ~9 through 15, to which reference may now be had.
To the extent practical, elements of this embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as the analogous elements of the embodiment of Figs.la through 8, but with the suffix "a" added to indica-te that the analogy is one of function rather than of structural detail.
The corrugating device shown in these figures is generally designated by reference numeral lOa. It includes lower and up-per guide bars 6a and 7a, defining be-tween them a slot 5a. In a typical practical application, device lOa would be mounted behind the front panel 1 of a film processing machine 2 such as illustrated in Fig. 1. In that case, bars 6a and 7a of device lOa would protrude from that machine front panel in a manner analogous to elements 6 and 7 of Fig. 1.
Behind bars 6a and 7a there is positioned a stationary lower platen defined by a table 20a with upstanding lateral end portions 22a and 24a. The upper surface of table 20a is preferably provided with corrugations, as especially visible in Fig. 12. Above table 20a, there is an upper platen 28a, whose bottom surface, facing table ZOa, is matingly corrugated~ Platen 28a is attached to a stirrup-shaped support plate 200. ~t protruding end portions 56a and 58a of support plate 200 there are attached the upper ends of springs 36a and 38a,~respectively.
Passing through apertures in end portions 56a and~58a t there are bent ends of stabilizer bar 201, whose extreme ends protrude through apertures in mounting plate 202 to which elements 6a, 7a and 20a are all rigidly attached. The bot-tom ends of springs 36a and 38a are attached to table 20a at ears 60a and 62a, respectively. Mounting f~8 plate 202 has an aper-ture 203, a'~o~e which is ~osi~ioned the actuating member 20~ of a microswi-tch 205 r,~7hich is also mounted on pla-te 202.
On the reverse side of pla-te 202, which is best visible in Fig. 11, -there is mounted an electric motor assembly 210.
There is also mounted a microswitch uni-t 74a having a de-pendent actuating lever 78a whose foot 80a extends through to the side of mounting plate 202 which is visible in Fig.
12, for example.
~ otatably attached to motor 210 is a circular disc 220 having at one point on its circumference a notch 221 adaptea to receive switch actuator 204 when that notch is brought into alignment with this actuator.
Protruding from disc 220 is cylinder 222, which is eccentrically positioned with respect to disc 220, but revolves in conjunction with the disc. Preferably cylinder 222 is so positioned that its most eccentric position is circumferentially close to notch 221 in disc 220.
The alignment between plate 200 and cylinder 222, in a direction axially of the cylinder, is such that the arcuate edge 230 of the arc-shaped opening 231 wi-thin plate 200 rides on the surface of the cylinder whenever the rotation o~ disc 220 carries the cylinder 222 into the uppermost portion of its eccentric ~ath. This is the condition illustrated in Fig. 10. In that condition, cylinder 2Z2 through en-gagement of edge 230, lifts up plate 200 and with it platen 28a. This platen is thereby raised out of engagement with the table 20a. This disengaged relationship is visible in Fig~ 14. In this condition -the end portion of a film s-trip 14 can be inserted into slot 5a and into the gap between elements 2Oa and 28a or, alterna-tive, withdrawn in the opposite direc-tion from gap and slot.
On -the other hand, when rotation of disc 220 carries cylinder 222 into the lower-most portion o~ its eccentric path, then it no longer lifts up plate 200, bu-t is preferably completely ou-t of engagement with edge 230 of that plate.
This relationship is visible in Fig. 13. In this condition, springs 36a and 38a, which exert a steady contracting force, function -to urge platen 28a toward engagement with table 20a.
This condition is shown in Fig. 15, whose elements 20a and 38a are shown separated only by film strip 14. Corrugations are imparted to this film by the confronting faces of elements 20a and 38a, under the combined influence of pressure exerted by these elements and heat supplied through one or both platen members, e.g. in the manner described with reference -to the embodimen-t of Figs. la through 8.
Rotation of disc 220, as necessary to cycle the device lOa between the two conditions described above, is provided by motor 210, which is controlled as follows.
Let is be assumed that motor 210, when engaged, rotates disc 220 in the direction indicated by arrow 240 in Fi~fS. 10, 12 and 13. This direction will be referred to as clockwise.
Le-t it further be assumed that this motor is sto~pped, and disc 220 is therefore also stopped in the position shown in Fig. 12, i.e. with the actuator 204 for microswitch 205 resting on the outer periphery of disc 220, counterclock^~
wise just beyond notch 221. At that stage, the platen 38a is lifted up away from tahle 20a, as previously discussed.
If a film 14 is then inser'ed into the gap so formed (Fig. 14) the leadincf edcle of -that film will abu-t agains-t foot 80a and push that foot and its attached lever 78a rear-wardly. This movement triggers microswitch 74a, which initiates rotation of motor 210 and consequent rot-ation of disc 220 as well as cylin~er 222 at.ached thereto. As this rota-tion takes place, platen 38a is gradually lowered under the in-Eluence of springs 36a and 38a until film strip 14 is com-pressed between it and table 20a (Fig. 15) as also previously discussed. As rotation continues, cylinder 222 will eventually reengage curved edge 230 of support plate 200 and lift up platen 38a again, out of engagement with film strip 14.
This rotation continues un-til notch 221 in disc 220 reaches the position of switch actuator 204. At that time, actua--or 204 (which had been riding on the periphery of disc 220) drops into the no-tch 221 and this movement trig-gers microswitch 205, which stops motor 210.
The film strip 14 may then be withdrawn from the device, having had imparted to it the desired corrugations from the faces of platen 38a and table 20a. Such withdrawal of the strip releases the lever 78a and attached foot 80a, which then return to their forward positions (Fig. 14). This movement also -triggers switch 74a which starts motor 210 again. After rotating disc 220 through only a small fraction of a circle, switch ~ctuator 204 will have emerged from no-tch 221 and will again have reached the outer circular periphery of the aisc. This movement again triggers microswitch 205 which once again stops motor 210.
The cycle has now been completed and the device is at res-t, ready to receive another film strip 14 for corrugating.

It will be noted that for each one of switches 74a and 205 consecutive acutating movements in opposite directions pro-duce the same effect on motor 210. For example, rear~ard move-ment of lever 78a turns on the mo-tor, and so does the next consecutive forward movement. Similarly, downward movement of acutator 204 (in-to notch 221) stops the motor, and the next consecutive upward movement (out of notch 221) again stops it.
This is achieved by appropriately wiring the switehes 74a and 205 to each other and to motor 210, as shown in Fig. '~.

Electric power is supplied from a conventional source of such power 300 whieh may, for example, produce alternating current at 24 volts. A step-up transformer 301 is used to raise this voltage to 115 volts.
Aeross the 115 volt output of transformer 301 there is connected an electric heater elements 302 in series with a l thermostat 303. The necessary connections are made through terminals 310, 311 and 312. ~ terminal 313 provides addition-al inter-eonnections discussed below. Heater 302 and thermo-stat 303 cooperate to maintain the platen strueture of device lOa at the desired operating temperature. Switches 205 and ; 74a are connected as sho~n. The movable element o~ switeh 2~5 is mechanically actuated between its two possible positions by actuator 204 riding on the outer periphery of disc 220 as diagraratically indicated in Fig. 9~ The movable element of switeh 74a is actuated by lever 78a as also diagra~atical~y indicated in Fig. 9.

Motor 210 is connected between the movable element of switch 205 and terminal 310 and switches 205 and 74a are connected together through terminal 313 as shown in Fig. 9.
An additional switch 314 is permanently connected in the position illustrated in Fig. 9 and may, if desired, actually be omitted.
Also a bell or buzzer 315 may be connected in parallel with motor 210 if desired.
The switching arrangement of Fig. 9 is shown in that position which pxevails while the device lOa is awaiting in-sertion of a film strip 14. As previously discussed, the actuator 204 is then on the circular periphery of disc 220, counter-clockwise just ~eyond notch 221. In that condition the movable element of ~witch 205 is pressed down, interrupting the electrical connection to the movable element of switch 74a which, at the same time, is up by virtue of the released position of lever 78a.

As soon as a film strip 14 is inserted into the device~
lever 78a is moved rearward. This corresponds to a depression of the movable element of switch 74a in Fig. 9, thereby closing the electrical circuit from terminal 310 through motor 210 to terminal 312 and thereby energizing motor 210 with the full 115 volt operating voltage. This causes rotation of disc 220 clock-wise as shown in Fig. 9. If a buzzer 3~5 is provided it also energizes the buzzer which thereupon sounds for as long as motor 210 continues to rotate.

During such rotation of motor ~10 and until no-tch 221 reaches the position of actuator 204, the device lOa will go through the cycle in which the platen compresses the film strip 14 and imparts corrugations thereto. This will then be followed by a movement in which the pressure is relieved and the slot within the device reopened. When actuator 204 drops into no-tch 221, the movable element of switch 205 contacts the upper stationary contact, thereby in-terrupting the circuit to motor 210,which then stops. When the ~ilm strip 14 is then withdrawn and the pres-sure which it exerts on lever 78a is thereby relieved, that lever returns forward and the movable arm of switch 74a also returns to its upper stationary contact. This again completes the circui-t energizing motor 210 which resumes rotation. However, this rotation only continues until actuator 204 has emerged from notch 221 and returned to its initial position on the circular circumference of disc 220. At that point, the movable contact of switch 205 again returns. to its lower po-sition and the motor energi~ing circuit is interrupted once more. At this point the device is back in its initial position .ready-for the ins.è;rtion of another filmstri~ 14.

- The foregoing devices constitute preferred embodiments of the invention. However, it will be understood that other embodiments of such devices may be utilized, if desired.
Instead of utilizing a motor actuatin~ a:lever to lift the platen up away from the table t as in the embodi-ment of Figs. 1 through 8, the motor-operated lever may be used to press these elements together ~or corrugating, while other means, e.g. springs, are relied upon to separate -these elemen-ts so as to permit insertion and withdrawal of film strips.

Instead of a motor operating a lever, hydraulic pres-sure may be used to apply or to relieve the corrugating pressure between platen and table. Also magne-tism may be employed, e.g. in -the form of a table of magnetic material and a platen which can be electrically magnetized to pro-duce intermittent attraction between table and platen.
A device embodyiny the present invention is also particularly suitable for the auxiliary purpose of apply-ing i-dentifying indicia to the film. These typically take the form of adhesive labels with side-by-side pairs of matching numbers or letters. One member of each pair is applied to the container :in which the film is stored and transported. The other is applied to the film itself so that it is easy to reunite each given film with its con-tainer of origin after processing in machine 2. In accord-ance with the present invention, this label is applied to the film strip before insertion in the corruga-ting device. The operation of that device then bo-th mechanically and through applied heat firmly bonds the label to the film and greatly reduces the prospect of its being lost during processing in machine 2.

:

-2~-

Claims (20)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclu-sive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A machine for deforming the end portion of a strip of flexible material, the machine having a first position in which it is open and capable of accepting the strip of film to be deformed, and a second position in which it is closed to deform the strip of film, the machine comprising:
a pair of pressure platens, facing each other, mechanically powered means for continuously urging the platens toward each other during the period of time that the machine is in the first or the second position, means for overcoming the mechanically powered means, to maintain the platens separated when in the first position, and means for permitting the urging of the mechanically powered means, to close the platens upon each other and upon the end portion of a strip of flexible material.

2. The machine of Claim 1, wherein the means for maintaining the platens separated consumes no electrical power during its operation.

3. A machine for deforming the end portion of a strip of flexible material, the machine comprising:
a pair of pressure platens, facing each other, mechanically powered means for continuously urging the platens toward each other, electrically powered means for overcoming during a limited period the urging of the mechanically powered means thereby to separate the platens and to form between them a slot for the insertion of the strip end portion, means for maintaining the platens separated after the end of said limited period, and means responsive to the insertion of the strip portion into the slot to disable the means for maintaining the platens separated and thereby to close the platens on the strip portion.

4. The machine of Claim 3, further comprising means for delaying by a predetermined time interval the separating of the platens by the electrically powered means after the closing of the platens on the strip portion.

5. The machine of Claim l, further comprising means for heating the pressure platens.

6. The machine of Claim l, wherein the means for urging the platens toward each other includes a pair of springs under tension mounted between the platens.

7. The machine of Claim 6, wherein the springs are mounted at opposite ends of the platens.

8. The machine of Claim 3, wherein the electrically powered means is a solenoid-operated lever acting on one of the pressure platens.

9. The machine of Claim 8, wherein the means for maintaining the platens separated is a mechanical latch engaging the lever after it has been operated by the solenoid.

10. The machine of Claim 8, further comprising electrical timing means for delaying the operation of the solenoid after the insertion of the strip portion into the slot.

11. The machine of Claim 10, wherein the separation disabling means is a second solenoid connected to release the lever from engagement by the latch.

12. The machine of Claim 3, wherein the electrically powered means is a motor-driven cam acting on one of the pressure platens.

13. The machine of Claim 12, wherein the cam is an eccentric wheel rotated by the motor.

14. The machine of Claim 13, wherein the separation maintaining means comprises means for stopping the rotation of the wheel after rotating through a predetermined arc of a revolution.

15. The machine of Claim 14, wherein the separation disabling means comprises means for causing the wheel to rotate through a different arc of a revolution.

16. The machine of Claim 1, wherein the flexible material is a photographic film.

17. The machine of Claim 16, wherein the end portion is a leading edge.

18. A machine for deforming the end portion of a strip of flexible material the machine having a first position in which it is open and capable of accepting the strip of film to be deformed, and a second position in which it is closed to deform the strip of film, the machine comprising:
a pair of pressure platens, facing each other, mechanically powered means for continuously urging the platens toward each other during the period of time when the machine is in the first position, means for overcoming the mechanically powered means, to maintain the platens separated when in the first position, and electrically powered means which, for a limited period, permits the urging of the mechanically powered means, to close the platens upon each other and upon the end portion of the strip of flexible material.

19. A machine for deforming the end portion of a strip of flexible material, the machine comprising:
a pair of pressure platens, facing each other, mechanically powered means for continuously urging the platens toward each other, means for overcoming the mechanically powered means, to maintain the platens separated, and electrically powered means which, for a limited period, permits the urging of the mechanically powered means, to close the platens upon each other to an extent sufficient to deform the end portion of the strip of flexible material while also permitting the platens to remain separated a-t a distance sufficient to permit the remainder of the strip of film to extend outward from the closed platens, thereby forming a slot between the pair of platens into which may be inserted the end portion of a strip of material to be deformed.

20. A machine for deforming the end portion of a strip of flexible material, the machine having a first position in which it is open and capable of accepting the strip of film to be deformed, and a second position in which it is closed to deform the strip of film, the machine comprising:
a pair of pressure platens, facing each other, mechanically powered means for continuously urging the platens toward each other during the period of time that the machine is in the first or the second position, means for overcoming the mechanically powered means, to maintain the platens separated when in the first position, and electrically powered means which, for a limited period, permits the urging of the mechanically powered means, to close the platens upon each other and upon the end portion of a strip of flexible material.