DE19642241A1 - Optical code reader for moving film - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus for holding the roll of photographic film (12) includes a first frame with parallel edge guides. Each guide has a contact face for gripping the edge of the film. Each contact face has a curved region in the middle. A second frame (70) supports first and second film deflection elements. Further components (74,96) enable the relative positioning of the first and second frames. The deflection elements engage on opposite sides of the middle regions of the contact faces to deflect the roll of film. The positioning components is adjusted to accommodate different types of film.

Description

The invention relates generally to devices for clamping themselves moving film to simplify certain processes such as reading opti codes, the detection of marginal notches and the production of photographs shear deductions, and in particular on a device of this type that is precise Films of different combinations of thickness, rigidity and width adjustable is. The invention also relates to improved optical code readers and Notch detectors for this type of device.

It is known to provide high-performance photographic printers with features that keep the film strip to be processed flat so as to facilitate copying. For example, US-A-5,055,874 describes a film stretching device of the type shown in Fig. 1 of this specification. The known device 10 is particularly suitable for use in film processing devices in which the film enters and exits along trajectories that extend essentially in the plane of an exposure aperture. A film processing device of this type is, for example, the high-performance printer available from the Eastman Kodak Company under the name KODAK CLAS 35 II Color Printer.

The device 10 is useful in conjunction with processed or developed photographic film 12 , consisting of a thin sheet 14 with edges 16 , 18 , image fields 20 , perforations 22 and spaced edge notches 24 , can be used. The notches, which can be located on one side of the web, depending on the type of film processing device used, are detected in a known manner and indicate the position of the web with respect to an exposure opening. The device 10 includes a base 26 with a substantially flat surface 28 on which the film 12 rests as it moves through the device. In the surface 28 , an exposure opening can be provided. Two cylindrical regions 30 , 32 with curved film contact surfaces 34 , 36 are provided adjacent to the flat surface 28 . The curvature of the surfaces 34 , 36 is chosen such that the film passed around these surfaces assumes sufficient lateral kink resistance, which facilitates the flat contact of the film running past the surface 28 . Film code readers are arranged adjacent to similarly curved surfaces.

Opposite the surfaces 34 , 36 , two film deflecting elements 38 , 40 with arched surfaces 42 , 44 are provided, which attack the edge regions of the film. The deflection elements each have the shape of an elongated rod. In order to avoid scratching the image areas of the image fields 20 , the deflection elements 38 , 40 have recessed areas 46 , 48 . In front of and behind the upper surfaces 34 , 36 , two further cylindrical elements 50 , 52 are provided outside the deflection elements 38 , 40 along the movement path of the film, which delimit troughs into which the deflection elements 38 , 40 can move. Thus, when the deflecting elements are brought into the position shown, the film is passed along an over the element 50 , under the deflecting element 38 , over the surface 34 , over the surface 28 , over the surface 36 , under the deflecting element 40 and deflected over the element 52 extending wavy web. Because of the lateral kink resistance that the film - as described in US-A-5,055,874 - obtains by moving around the various curved surfaces, the film attaches itself well to the surface 28 to facilitate the printing process.

Although the device according to FIG. 1 has achieved considerable success, some problems have arisen. Film is offered in a large number of different formats, which can differ in certain properties, such as thickness, rigidity and width. The apparatus of Fig. 1 is designed for films of a fixed width. This means that a laboratory must have several such devices in order to process films of different widths. There is therefore a need for a device that can be easily adapted to films of different widths, viewed in the transverse direction.

In addition, the device of FIG. 1 is only able to record films with relatively small differences in thickness and rigidity. The latter properties have a significant influence on the degree of contact with the curved surfaces 34 , 36 and the depth of engagement of the deflection elements 38 , 40 , which, however, is necessary for a good, flat contact of the film on the surface 28 . There is therefore a further need for a device of this type which can be easily adjusted to films of different widths.

US-A-5.31.7.139 describes an optical code reader for photographic film, that is able to just outside the perfo on the edges of a film rations to read existing bar codes. There is a need for a read head, which includes such a reader and offers the possibility of the position of the reading head with respect to the edge of a film strip running past adjust.

US-A-5,055,874 also describes a notch detector of a type which is laterally adjustable and alignable with the notches 24 . However, the adjustment range is only suitable for films of a fixed size. There is therefore a need for a device of this type which can be easily adapted to films of different widths in the transverse direction.

The main object of the invention is now an improved device for reading an optical code on a moving path of a photographic To provide films, the device on films of different widths, Thickness and stiffness combinations are customizable.

Another object of the invention is to provide such Device with an optical code reader that is precise to one allows existing optical code to be set on an edge of the film.  

Furthermore, the invention has the task of a device of this type with a to provide adjustable edge notch detector in the same way.

These objects of the invention are shown here only as examples for illustration called; further objects and advantages desired by the described invention are obvious or obvious to the person skilled in the art. The scope the invention is, however, be exclusively by the appended claims borders.

A first embodiment of the device according to the invention is special suitable for clamping a moving path of a photographic Films. For this purpose, the device can comprise a first frame; furthermore first and second, facing each other, substantially parallel Edge guides that are held by the first frame and one each Contact surface for gripping an edge between the edges have moving path, each contact surface having a curved Middle area and further ge on opposite sides of the middle area has domed areas, which is between the edge guides over the Provide lateral strength to the contact surfaces of moving webs; a second Frame; first and second film baffles supported by the frame; and means relative positions of the first and second frames, the film deflection attack elements on opposite sides of the central area to do so deflect the web into a wavy trajectory that runs along one of the further domed areas, across the central area and along the other of the extends further domed areas, the means for relative positioning are optionally adjustable such that the degree of deflection of the film path to corrugated contact surface is changeable so that film tracks with differ Chen properties can be clamped between the edge guides.

The relative positioning means may comprise a third frame; also a first, essentially straight guide, held on the third frame, wherein the first frame is movably arranged on the first guide; a second, essentially straight guide, held on the third frame, where  the second frame is movably arranged on the second guide; one cams rotatably mounted on the third frame; first and second on the third frame rotatably mounted and engaged with the cam Eleva gate levers each pivotally connected to the first and second frames are; as well as means with which the cam can be rotated, to pivot the elevator levers and thus the first and second frames to move along the first and second guides. With the cam it can a plate with cams arranged on opposite sides slits act with the first and second elevator levers facing each other Intervene overlying cam slots. The plate can be as of the rotating means be driven gear. The device can be a device included, which detects the rotation of the cam in positions, the film tracks un correspond to different properties. The first and second film distractions elements can each have a roll with cantilevered edges in which the film web is held outside an image area.

The first embodiment of the invention offers certain advantages. With thicker ones Filming can reduce the depth of engagement or distraction of the film than for thinner films in order to obtain the desired lateral kink resistance. A reduction in the depth of engagement can be provided for stiffer films. Given a film of given thickness and rigidity, a larger width of the Films in the transverse direction are taken into account by a greater depth of engagement the. Thus, the device can handle films of various formats. The Depth of engagement can also regulate the tension of the moving film be used.

A second embodiment of the device according to the invention is special Suitable for reading optical codes on a moving film. For this the device may have a first frame; furthermore one from the first Frame-mounted, essentially straight rail; first and second along the Rail movable sledges; first and second, facing each other agile edge guides, each of which is held by one of the slides and are arranged transversely to the rail and each have a contact surface of the first  hend described type. With the help of reciprocating means The distance between the edges can be adjusted towards the slide along the rail Change the guides so that tracks of different widths are added can be; when the guides are moved towards each other, a first one engages Spring resiliently on the moving means with the first carriage; if the Guides are moved towards each other, a second spring softly attacks the moving means with the second carriage. Thus, on the edges a resilient pressure on the film. The second embodiment of the Er The invention may further include a second frame, first and second fil Mablenkelemente and means for relative positioning of the first and second Frame, all of these elements being of the type described above can.

The second embodiment of the device can also first and second housings se each have a slot through which an edge of the film web transports is animal, the housings are each seated on the first and second slides; a light source disposed in each housing on one side of the slot le, one arranged in each housing on the other side of the slot Code reader; and means by which the housings are each relative to their ent speaking sled can be moved to the position of the reader each set with respect to an edge of the film web. The housing can can also be provided on only one of the sledges.

The means for moving the carriage according to the second embodiment can comprise a first lead screw rotatably mounted in the first frame; furthermore a second counter-rotating lead screw rotatably mounted in the first frame; a first, lead screw nut seated on the first lead screw; a second, on the second Leadscrew seated lead screw nut, the first spring the first lead spin the mother and the first sled softly when the guide towards each other, and the second spring, the second lead screw mother and the second sled softly comes into contact when the guides to be moved towards each other; and means for rotating the lead screws. Instead of egg  Leading spindle pair can also have opposed spindles on a shaft will see.

The second embodiment of the device can furthermore comprise means for recognizing the Movement of the edge guides corresponds to a predetermined web width positions and for generating a signal; further on the Signal responsive control means which are then the means for moving the Have the sled move the guides beyond these positions and compress the first and second springs so that the edge guides attack with soft pressure at the edges of the film web. The edge guides can each have a transverse contact surface for detecting a Filmstrip and have an angled surface that selects a filmstrip when the edge guides move towards each other towards the contact surface ken.

The means for moving the housing according to the second embodiment can NEN have a shaft rotatably mounted in the housing, one end of which in the Carriage is screwed in; also a pinion firmly seated on the shaft; and a in the housing rotatably mounted, meshing with the pinion worm rad so that the rotation of the worm wheel rotates the pinion and thus the shaft and the end moves the housing relative to the carriage. The light source can comprise a light emitting diode and a plano-convex lens. The code reader can have a glass window coated with an infrared filter material.

The second embodiment of the invention offers certain additional advantages. The device can accommodate films of different widths and is because of the compliant installation of the edge guides on the film against changes in the Film width insensitive. The compliant system can be easily adapt different films. The device does not stretch the film too tight because it follows the movement of the film more than the movement of the film to lead. Each read head can be precisely assigned to a fixed reference point in one audible edge guidance can be set, which makes setting up the device strong simplified. The arrangement of the light source and the reader in only one Ge  housing improves precision and allows alignment with just one position setting.

One method according to the invention is for setting the position of Randfü suitable for a moving web of a photographic film and can include the following steps: Providing a frame with one of the Frame-supported, essentially straight rail; Provide first and second carriage movable along the rail; Hold first and second yourself opposite facing edge guides each on one of the slides, each edge guide is arranged transversely to the rail and has a surface points with which it is on an edge between the edge guides attacking moving web; and softly grasping and moving the first and second slide along the rail to change a distance between between the edge guides for the purpose of recording webs width. The method may further include the steps of moving the Edge guides in the predetermined path width corresponding positions recognize and move the guides beyond these positions to the compress the first and second springs so that they are the edge guides resiliently press against the edges of the web.

A third embodiment of the invention is more optical for reading Codes useful on the edge of a web of a photographic film. For this, the Device have a housing with a slot through which an edge of the Film track is transportable; also one in the housing on one side of the slot arranged light source; one in the housing on the other side of the slot orderly code reader; own first frame to accommodate the housing; and means for moving the housing relative to the first frame can to position the reader with respect to the edge of the film web put. The movement means can be a shaft rotatably mounted in the housing comprise one end of which is screwed into the first frame; further a pinion firmly seated on the shaft; and a rotatably mounted in the housing with worm gear engaged with the pinion so that the rotation of the worm gear the pinion and thus the shaft rotates and the end of the housing relatively  moved to the first frame. The light source can be a light emitting diode and a plan include convex lens. The code reader can be used with an infrared Have filter material coated glass window.

The third embodiment offers certain advantages. Every reading head can be precise who is set to a fixed reference point in an associated edge guide what greatly simplifies device setup. The arrangement of the The light source and the reader in just one housing improve precision and allows alignment with just one position setting.

A fourth embodiment of the invention is particularly useful for recognizing one Edge notch, perforation or similar opening near an edge a web of photographic film. For this purpose, the device can have first frame; also an edge guide held by the first frame with a surface that runs past an edge that passes the edge guide attacking moving path; an opening in the surface; one from the first frame supported guide rail that runs transversely to the edge guide; one of the Guided optical sensor with a sensor that extends through the Opening extends to a point near the contact area to an opening in the Recognizing film; and means for moving the sensor along the guide path to position the sensor for precise detection of the edge opening. The movement means can have a housing held by the first frame grasp; also a shaft rotatably mounted in the housing, one end of the Shaft is screwed into the sensor; a pinion firmly seated on the shaft; and a worm wheel rotatably mounted in the housing and meshing with the pinion, so that the rotation of the worm wheel the pinion and thus the shaft turns and the end moves the sensor along the guideway.

The fourth embodiment offers certain advantages. Any notch detector can precisely positioned on a fixed reference point in an associated edge guide provides, whereby the setup of the device is significantly simplified and reliable detection of the notches is guaranteed. The settings can be made while the film is moving.

The invention is described below with reference to one in the drawing Embodiment explained in more detail.

Show it:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a known apparatus for stretching a photographic film;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention for reading optical codes on a photographic film;

FIG. 3 shows the device according to FIG. 2, the receiving plate having been removed and a control system being shown schematically;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the device of Figure 3 with the receiving plate removed for the deflection roller.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the device according to FIG. 4;

Fig. 6 is a view of the apparatus shown in FIG 5 from below.

Fig. 7 is a section along the line 7-7 in Fig. 4;

Figure 8 is a section on the line 8-8 of Figure 4 with the edge guide 158 and associated parts omitted.

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the horizontal positioning mechanism for the edge guides, the film code reading heads and the notch detector heads;

FIG. 10 shows a rear view, seen from the right in the illustration according to FIG. 4; FIG.

Fig. 11 is a front perspective view of the main components of the vertical positioning mechanism for the edge guides and the steering rollers

Fig. 12 is a section along the line 12-12 in Fig. 5;

Figure 13 is an exploded view of the vertical positioning mechanism for the edge guides and the deflection rollers.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged sectional view of that shown in Fig. 7
Film code read head; and

Fig. 15 is a section through the notch detector taken along the line 15-15 in Fig. 4.

The preferred embodiments of the invention are detailed below NEN described with reference to the drawings, in which the same construction elements in the different figures marked with the same reference numerals are not.

From the consideration of FIGS. 2 to 9, various features of the device according to the invention can be understood. The filmstrip 12 includes a film code 60 , for example a bar code, along one or both of its edges to indicate the product type and frame number, as described in US-A-5,317,139. A film strip of this type is transported over a support or cover plate 62 which has openings 64 , 66 for fastening the plate to an associated device, for example a photographic printer. In order to avoid scratching the images present in the image fields 20 , a flat depression 68 is provided for the image in the cover plate. A receiving plate 70 for a film deflection device is arranged directly above an opening 72 leading through the cover plate. In some applications, the receiving plate 70 may be lowered to close the opening 72 and bypass the code reader of the present invention. For this purpose, an image depression 68 a, which is then aligned with the slot 68 , is provided in the support plate. A frame 74 is attached to an underside of the cover plate 62 .

As can be seen best in Fig. 4, 6 and 9, the frame 74 has a pair of extending in the vertical direction sliding surfaces 76, 78 which cooperate with a pair of flanges 80, 82 in a cantilevered carriage frame 84. Two grip bars 86 , 88 hold the flanges in contact with the sliding surfaces. On the flange 82 , two guide rollers 90 , 92 are provided, which extend into a pair of vertically extending slots 94 , 96 formed in the sliding surface 78 . In this way, the sled frame 84 can move vertically with respect to the frame 74 . A mechanism for moving the carriage frame will be described below.

The frame 84 has a substantially vertical rear wall 98 , from which two cantilever arms 100 , 102 extend, the outer ends of which are connected via a front wall 104 . A motor 106 with an output shaft 108 extending through the rear wall is arranged on the rear wall 98 . A drive gear 110 sits on the shaft 108 in a rotationally fixed manner. As can best be seen in FIGS. 6, 7 and 9, bearings 112 , 114 are respectively provided in the walls 98 , 104 , which rotatably support a lead screw 116 . In the view according to Fig. 6 and 7, the lead screw 116 on its one half of a right-hand thread portion and on the other half a left-handed thread portion. It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that instead of a single, integrally formed lead screw, a pair of lead screws with opposite threads could also be used. A lead screw nut 118 sits on a threaded section, and a lead screw nut 120 sits on the other threaded section. When the lead screw rotates, the two lead screw nuts move towards or away from each other. Springs, for example spiral springs 122 , 124 , and sliding sleeves 126 , 128 are arranged around the lead screw around the lead screw nuts. At one end of the lead screw near the rear wall 98 , a driven gear 130 is arranged in such a way that it meshes with the drive wheel 110 . In this way, by rotating the motor 106, the lead screw nuts are reciprocated on the lead screw.

The cantilever arms 100 , 102 are provided on their upper surfaces with a pair of parallel guideways 132 , 134 separated by an open central slot 136 . In the slot 136 , two slides 138 , 140 are arranged, each having a pocket or holder 142 for one of the Leitspin delmuttern 118 , 120 , one of the springs 122 , 124 and one of the sliding sleeves 126 , 128 on their underside. As best seen in FIG. 9, each carriage block has a pair of laterally extending flanges 144 , 146 , the lower surfaces of which cooperate with the guideways 132 and 134 , respectively. As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 9, two undergrip strips 145 , 147 are provided under the guideways on the sides of the slides to limit the vertical movement. As a result, movement of the lead screw nuts 118 , 120 causes the slides on the guideways 132 , 134 to slide toward or away from each other.

On the front vertical surface of each sled block, a vertical edge guide element 148 is provided with spaced vertical wall segments 150 , 152 , 154 , which only act on the edges of a film strip. Two identical horizontal edge guide elements 156 , 158 are each arranged in front of one of the vertical edge guide elements. As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, each guide member 156 , 158 has a corrugated horizontal contact surface 160 of generally wavy shape similar to that described in US-A-5,055,874. The contact surface 160 engages on a lower surface of a film strip immediately next to one of the edges 16 , 18 . In Fig. 8 it can be seen that the contact surface 160 has a central domed area 162 , which is followed on both sides by further, domed areas 164 , 166 , all of which are shaped such that they are guided around them in the manner described above Provide film strips with lateral strength. Although the central region 162 is preferably curved, it can alternatively be of essentially flat design without departing from the scope of the invention. Trough areas 168 , 170 are provided adjacent to the curved areas 164 , 166 , into which a film deflection roll can be lowered in the manner to be described below. Areas 172 , 174 which are curved upward are provided outside the trough areas. A corrugated, obliquely upward wall region 176 serves to guide a film strip upwards and to bring it into contact with the contact surface 160 and the wall segments 150 , 152 , 154 . The guide members 148 and guide members 156 , 158 are attached to their respective slides via a pair of fasteners 178 .

In the operation of the adjustable edge guides described so far, a film strip is threaded between the guides 156 , 158 , the distance between which is initially greater than the width of the film in the transverse direction. Then, by actuating the motor 106, the lead screw 116 is rotated so that the lead screw nuts 118 , 120 move toward each other. The lead screw nuts press on their movement on the springs 122 , 124 , which in turn exert pressure on the sleeves 126 , 128 and transmit this force to the slide 138 , 140. The movement of the slide continues until a position is reached , in which the guide elements 148 have a spacing approximately corresponding to the width of the film in the transverse direction. While the edge guides lie against the film, the film slides upward on the inclined surface 176 and onto the corrugated contact surface 160 , where the film edges come into contact with the vertical guide elements 148 . The corresponding position is detected by one or more sensors 179 provided on a lower surface of the cantilever arm 100 or 102 or both arms and can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9. The sensor 179 can be a conventional proximity sensor, which responds to the presence of magnets 179 m attached to a transverse flange of the grip bars 145 , 147 . The sensor 179 can detect a plurality of spacing positions of the carriage corresponding to different film widths. Special sensors can also be provided for each film width and for a reference position in which the edge guides are at a maximum distance from one another. A signal supplied by the sensor 179 is fed to the control of the device, which will be described below and which switches off the motor 106 after a predetermined further rotation phase. This predetermined rotation compresses the springs 122 , 124 such that they exert precise, resilient pressure on the edges 16 , 18 . As a result, the device can handle films of different widths and is insensitive to film width changes due to the resilient pressure exerted on the film by the edge guides. The edge guides do not clamp the film too much, since they follow the film path more instead of guiding the film along its path.

Referring now to Fig. 10 to 13, further features of the device according to the Invention can be understood. On the back of the frame 74 , a sliding element mounting plate 180 is fastened at a distance by means of second shafts 181 , 183 , each of which carries a swivel block 182 , 184 , and by means of a fastening element 185 . On the back of the mounting plate 180 , a vertical sliding element 186 is attached, on which the support plate 70 is pivotally mounted. Two guide rollers 188 , 190 are arranged on the front of the sliding element 186 such that they engage in slots 192 , 194 in the receiving plate 180 . In a pair of guideways 196 , 198 fastened to the receiving plate 180 by means of fastening elements 200 , 202 , the sliding element is held in a vertically movable manner. The sliding element 186 can thus move freely in the vertical direction within the limits formed by the slots 192 , 194 .

Between the mounting plate 180 and the rear of the frame 74 , a mechanism for the vertical movement of the slide frame 84 and the slide 186 is arranged. As best seen in Fig. 10 can be seen to 13, this mechanism comprises a pair of pivot blocks 182, 184 supported terter cam or elevator lever 204, 206. Between the elevator levers, a double cam plate 208 is rotatably supported on an axis 209 projecting freely from the frame 74 . The cam plate 208 has a cam slot 210 on each of its opposite surfaces, the slots on the opposite sides being offset by approximately 180 °. Approximately in the middle of each elector lever is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 11, engaging in one of the slots 210 cam follower 214 on an axis 212 . The cam plate 208 is rotated by a motor 216 located on the front of the frame 74 , the output shaft 218 of the motor extending through a bore in the frame. A drive pinion 220 seated on the shaft 218 meshes with a larger gearwheel 222 , which sits on a shaft in a rotationally fixed manner with a smaller gearwheel 224 which meshes with teeth 226 on the circumference of the cam plate. When the motor 216 is activated, the cam plate therefore rotates and causes the elevator levers to pivot in opposite directions.

As can best be seen in FIG. 13, a connecting shaft 230 extends through a slot 228 at the free end of the elevator lever 204 and through a slot 232 in the frame 74 and establishes the connection to the slide frame 84 . Correspondingly, a connecting shaft 236 extends in FIG. 13 in the upper part through a slot 234 in an elevator lever 206 and through a slot 238 in the mounting plate 180 and establishes the connection to the slide 186 . So if the elevator levers 204 , 206 move in the manner described above, this causes a movement of the slide frame 84 and one of the slide element 186 and the mounting plate 70 are the assembly towards or away from each other. The movement of the Schlit ten frame and the sliding element is monitored by a resiliently seated on the shaft 209 disc 240 . A large number of magnetic inserts 242 present in the disk act on a magnetic sensor 244 arranged on the mounting plate 180 . The sensor 244 sends a signal to the controller of the device, which indicates the relative vertical positions of the slide frame and the sliding element for the purposes to be described below. A spring 246 separates the disk 240 from the cam plate.

A mounting bracket 248 extending in the horizontal direction is provided on top of the sliding element 186 . An axis 250 and a pair of springs 252 resiliently bias the film deflector mounting plate 70 toward the bracket 248 . By means of a captive screw, which is not shown in the drawing but can be operated via an externally accessible button 253 , the receiving plate 70 can be held on the bracket 248 in the horizontal position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . If the system on the bracket 248 is released by turning the screw, the mounting plate 70 can be pivoted upward so that the interior of the device is accessible for cleaning or adjustment purposes, the movement being limited by a pair of stops 254 , 256 . As best seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, the receiving plate 70 has on its underside two pairs of downwardly projecting projections 258 , 260 in which a pair of film deflection rollers 262 , 264 are rotatably mounted on axes 266 , 268 . The rollers each have a pair of cantilevered edges 270 , 272 against which the opposite edges of the film rest outside the frame 20 to prevent damage to the photographic images.

In operation of the device described above with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13, when the motor 216 is activated, the carriage frame moves upwards, the receiving plate 70 downwards. The deflection rollers 262 , 274 come into contact with the film and the edge guides are brought into position in the manner described above. As a result of these movements, the film on the surface 160 is deflected in wave form in order to give it a lateral kink resistance in the manner described above and to hold the film in contact with the central arched region 162 . The depth of penetration of the rollers 262 , 264 in the Mul denzonen 168 , 170 determines the actual waveform of the film. In the case of thicker films, a lower penetration depth than in the case of thinner films is necessary in order to obtain the desired lateral kink resistance. The depth of penetration is reduced for stiffer films. For a film of given thickness and rigidity, as the width increases in the transverse direction of the film, deeper penetration is required. When the carriage frame 84 and the mounting plate 70 have reached the correct position for a given film format, a sensor 244 signals this fact of the control of the device.

In FIGS. 9 and 14, certain features of a pair of optical code reading heads 274, 276 shown are read optical codes existing on the film during movement of the film across the center dome region 162 by means of which. In the illustrated embodiment, read heads are provided for both edges of the film; However, it is also possible to use only one reading head on only one slide element if the optical codes are only present on one edge of the film. Each of the slide members 138 , 140 is equipped with a pair of parallel guideways 278 , 280 which serve as a frame for receiving transverse sliding flanges 282 of a housing or body 284 of the reading head. Only one of the flanges 282 is visible in FIG. 9. In Fig. 14 it can be seen that the body 284 has a horizontal slot 286 through which an edge region of the film strip passes during use of the device. In a vertical bore provided in the body 284 , a light-emitting diode 290 is received, which directs its light beam upward through a plano-convex lens 292 and through a vertical opening 293 provided in each case in the central region 162 of the edge guides. On the opposite side of the slot 286 , a code reading chip 294 of the type described in US-A-5,317,139 is arranged on a carriage 296 behind a glass window 298 . The window 298 is preferably coated with a conventional infrared filter material to filter out the infrared region and to reduce interference in the output of the reading chip. A cover plate 300 protects the chip against damage. In Figs. 4 and 9 it can be seen that each reading head is supported by a pair of lower handles 312 to the guideways 278, 280. During the movement of a film strip through the device, the light of the diode 290 passes through the transparent edge of the film to be processed, so that the reading chip 294 can detect and evaluate the bar codes and pass on the information thus obtained to the controller of the device.

A corresponding mechanism is provided for the precise positioning of the reading heads with respect to the wall segment 152 of the associated edge guide. For this purpose, a shaft 302 is rotatably held within the block 284 . A threaded end 304 of the shaft 302 is screwed into a frame element 306 attached to the slide element 140 . Within the block, a fourteen-tooth pinion 308 seated on shaft 302 meshes with a rotatable worm wheel 310 . If the worm wheel is now rotated from outside the block 284 , the pinion 308 rotates the shaft 302 , so that the threaded end 304 screws into or out of the frame element 306 . In this way, block 248 can be moved back and forth on guideways 278 , 280 in order to position reading chip 294 with respect to a fixed reference point on the vertical surface of wall segment 152 . For example, if the threaded end 304 is 8-36 threaded and the worm wheel 304 is a set screw 1 / 4-20, the read head will move 0.002 inches (0.051 mm) along the guideways with one full turn of the worm wheel. Thus, despite the described movable edge guides, each of the reading heads can be precisely positioned relative to the wall segment 152 , which considerably simplifies the setup of the device.

From Figs. 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10, the function of the Randker ben-detector according to the invention can be seen. “Edge notch” is to be understood as a cut-out area or an opening near the edge or at the edge of the film, for example the notch 24 open at the edge of the film or the perforation 22 provided within the edge. The detector of the invention can be positioned so that it can detect either of these two types of notches. With each Schlit tenelement 138 , 140 are integrally formed receiving blocks 314 , 316 for a notch or opening detector. On these mounting blocks there are in each case a worm wheel 318 coupled to a pinion (not shown) and a threaded shaft 320 , which together form an adjusting mechanism of the type described in the last paragraph. Two openings 319 in the mounting plate 70 allow the rotation of the worm wheels 318 without lifting the mounting plate. The shaft 320 is screwed into an upwardly projecting projection 322 provided on a sensor mounting block 324 . A guide pin or a rail 325 which can be seen in FIG. 15 is held in the receiving block 324 and extends into a bore (not shown) in the associated receiving block 314 and thus limits the horizontal movement of the block 324 . In addition, the movement of the block 324 is limited by a in Fig. 8 to be recognized on the bottom of the edge guide 156 and 158 respectively provided slot or guideway 327th Provided on one side of block 324 is a downwardly extending L-shaped hanging bracket 326 for receiving an optical fiber sensor 328 which operates with an incandescent lamp and which, on the other hand, has an upwardly extending optical fiber probe 330 . The probe 330 is received in a substantially vertical bore in the block 324 and extends into a slot 334 formed on the top of the curved region 172 in the contact surface 160 , as can best be seen in FIG. 8. Since detectors 156 , 158 are provided for both edge guides, the device can detect notches on both sides of the web. Via an electrical connection 336 , the notch detection signals are fed to a controller 338 , which - as indicated schematically in FIG. 3 - can be provided on an underside of the cover plate 62 .

In operation of the notch or aperture detector, a web of photographic film moves past slot 334 . If there is no perforation 22 or notch 24 above slot 334 , an underside of the film reflects the light falling on it and sensor 328 generates a signal indicating that there is no notch. However, if a notch or opening appears above the slot 334 , the reflection is no longer present or greatly reduced, and the sensor signals that there is now a notch or opening. The output of the sensor 328 is fed to the control 338 , which notifies a downstream photographic printer of the presence of a notch and thus indicates that an image field lying further forward in the direction of movement is in the correct position to be scanned in a known manner and for a photographic Paper to be exposed.

Since the structure and function of such devices are known to the person skilled in the art, the controller 338 is only shown schematically. Generally speaking, the control activates the motor 216 , which thus moves the carriage 84 upwards and the sliding element 186 downwards, so that the rollers 262 , 264 come to rest on the film. Finally, the controller receives a signal from sensor 244 , which tells it that the desired depth of penetration for the film in question has been reached. The control now activates the motor 108 , which moves the edge guides 156 , 158 towards one another and brings them into contact with a film strip until the sensor 179 finally signals that the desired distance between the guides has been reached. Thereafter, the controller causes yet another movement of the motor, which causes the compliant pressure on the film described above. Depending on which edge of the film bears the bar codes, one of the readers 274 , 276 supplies a signal which indicates the width and the physical properties of the film transported by the device. As he already mentioned, the width and the physical properties of the film determine the desired distance between the edge guides and the depth of engagement in the wavy movement path. If another film type is to be processed, the control system instructs the motors to move the edge guides apart and to release the rollers until the new film is inserted.

The above invention has been made with reference to a particular embodiment form described; however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modification conditions in the form and in detail are possible without the scope of the invention leave.

Reference list

10 film stretching device
12 Photographic filmstrip
14 Thin web
16 , 18 edges of 12
20 image fields
22 perforations
24 spaced notches
26 base
28 flat surface
30 , 32 cylindrical area
34 , 36 curved contact surface of 30 , 32
38 , 40 film deflector
42 , 44 curved contact surface of 38 , 40
46 , 48 depressions in 42 , 44
50 , 52 cylindrical elements
60 film code
62 mounting plate or cover plate
64 , 66 openings for fasteners
68 shallow image deepening
68 a image deepening in 70
70 deflector mounting plate
74 frames
76 , 78 vertical sliding surfaces on 74
80 , 82 flanges on 84
84 self-supporting carriage frame
86 , 88 undergrip strips
90 , 92 guide rollers on 80 , 82
94 , 96 slots in 74
98 rear wall of 74
100 , 102 cantilever arms
104 front wall
106 engine
108 output shaft
110 drive wheel
112 , 114 bearings
116 lead screw
118 , 120 lead screw nuts
122 , 124 springs
126 , 128 sliding sleeves
130 driven gear, meshed with 110
132 , 134 parallel guideways
136 open slot between 132 , 134
138 , 140 slide elements
142 holder or bag in 138 , 140
144 , 146 side flanges for 132 , 134
145 , 147 undergrip strips
148 vertical edge guide
150 , 152 , 154 wall segments
156 , 158 horizontal edge guide elements
160 wavy, horizontal contact surface
162 central arched area
164 , 166 further, domed areas
168 , 170 trough areas
172 , 174 domed areas
176 inclined wall of 156 , 158
178 fasteners
179 sensor
179 m magnet on 145 , 147
180 sliding element mounting plate
181 , 183 wave
182 , 184 swivel blocks
185 fasteners
186 vertical sliding element for 70
188 , 190 leadership roles
192 , 194 slots in 180
196 , 198 guideways
200 , 202 fasteners for 196 , 198
204 , 106 elevator lever
208 double cam plate
209 axis
210 cam slot
212 axis for 214
214 cam followers
216 engine
218 output shaft
220 gear
222 gear
224 gear
226 gear on 208
228 slot in 204
230 connecting shaft
232 slot in 74
234 slot in 206
236 connecting shaft
238 slot in 180
240 disc
242 magnetic inserts
244 sensors
246 feather
248 mounting bracket on 186
250 axis
252 feathers
253 outer button
254 , 256 characters
258 , 260 downward projections on 70
262 , 264 rolls
266 , 268 axes
270 , 272 cantilevered edges of 262 , 264
274 , 276 Optical code reading heads
278 , 280 guideways at 138 , 140
282 transverse flanges on 284
284 housing or body of 274 , 276
286 slot for edge of 12
288 hole
290 light emitting diode
292 plano-convex lens
293 opening in 162
294 reading chip
296 carriers
298 windows
300 cover
302 wave
304 thread end of 304
306 frame element fastened to 140
308 sprockets
310 worm wheel
312 undergrip strips
314 , 316 Mounting block for notch or opening detector
318 worm wheel and pinion
319 openings in 70
320 wave
322 approach
324 sensor mounting block
325 guide pin or guideway
326 L-shaped hanging bracket
327 slot or guideway on the bottom of 156 , 158
328 light bulb fiber sensor
330 fiber optic probe
332 drilling through 324
334 slot in 160 at 172
336 electrical connection
338 control

Claims (18)

1. Device ( 10 ) for clamping a moving web ( 14 ) photographic fish film ( 12 ) with

• - a first frame ( 84 );
• - First and second, facing each other, in wesent union parallel edge guides ( 148 , 156 , 158 ), each of which is held by the first frame ( 84 ) and each have a contact surface ( 160 ) for engaging an edge of one between the edge guides Gende web ( 14 ), wherein each contact surface has a Mittelbe rich ( 162 ) and on opposite sides of the central region further curved areas ( 164 , 166 ) which give lateral strength between the edge guides on the contact surfaces moving web;
• - a second frame ( 70 , 186 , 248 );
• - first and second film deflection elements ( 262 , 264 ) supported by the second frame; and
• - Means ( 74-96 , 180-238 ) for relatively positioning the first and two frames, the film deflecting elements engaging on opposite sides of the central region ( 162 ), thereby deflecting the web ( 14 ) into a wavy trajectory that travels along one of the further curved areas ( 164 , 166 ) extends over the central area and along the other of the further curved areas, the means for relative positioning being selectively adjustable such that the degree of deflection of the film web toward the corrugated contact surface can be changed, so that film webs ( 14 ) with different properties can be clamped between the edge guides.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the positioning means comprise the following:

• - a third frame
• - A first, held on the third frame, substantially straight guide ( 76 , 78 ), the first frame ( 84 ) being movably arranged on the first guide;
• - A second, substantially straight guide ( 196 , 198 ) held on the third frame, the second frame ( 70 , 186 , 248 ) being movably arranged on the second guide;
• - A cam ( 208 , 210 ) rotatably mounted on the third frame;
• - first and second elevator levers ( 204 , 206 ) rotatably supported on the third frame and engaged with the cam, each pivotally connected to the first and second frames; and
• - Means ( 216 , 220 , 226 ) with which the cam can be rotated to pivot the elevator levers and thus move the first and second frames along the first and second guides.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of sensors ( 242 ) for sensing the rotation of the cam ( 208 , 210 ) in positions corresponding to webs with different characteristics. 4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second film deflection elements ( 262 , 264 ) each have a roller with projecting edges ( 270 , 272 ), between which the web of photographic film is held outside an image area. 5. Device ( 10 ) for reading optical codes ( 60 ) on a moving web ( 14 ) of photographic film ( 12 ) with:

• - a first frame ( 84 );
• - A substantially straight rail ( 132 , 134 ) supported by the first frame;
• - first and second carriages ( 138 , 140 ) movable along the rail;
• - First and second, mutually facing edge guides ( 148 , 156 , 158 ), each of which is held by one of the slides and which are arranged transversely to the rail and each have a contact surface ( 160 ) for engaging an edge of one between the edge guides have a moving path, each contact surface having a central region ( 162 ) and, on opposite sides of the central region, wide re-arched regions ( 164 , 166 ) which impart lateral strength to the path moving between the edge guides via the contact surfaces;
• - means ( 106-120 ) for reciprocating the slides along the rail to change the distance between the edge guides so that tracks of different widths can be accommodated;
• - a first spring ( 122 ) which resiliently engages the means and moves with the first carriage ( 138 ) when the guides are moved towards each other;
• - a second spring ( 124 ) which resiliently engages the means and moves with the second carriage ( 140 ) when the guides are moved towards each other;
• - a second frame ( 70 , 186 , 248 );
• - First and second film deflectors held by the second frame ( 262 , 264 );
• - Means ( 74-96 , 180-238 ) for relatively positioning the first and two frames, the film deflecting elements engaging on opposite sides of the central region ( 162 ), thereby deflecting the web ( 14 ) into a wavy trajectory that travels along one of the further curved areas ( 164 , 166 ) extends over the central area and along the other of the further curved areas, the means for relative positioning being selectively adjustable such that the degree of deflection of the film web toward the corrugated contact surface can be changed, so that film webs with different properties can be clamped
• - a housing ( 284 ) with a slot ( 286 ) through which an edge ( 16 , 18 ) of the film web can be transported, the housing being seated on the first and the second carriage;
• a light source ( 90 ) arranged on one side of the slot in the housing,
• - A code reader ( 294 ) located on the other side of the slot in the housing; and
• - Means ( 302-310 ), with which the housing can be moved relative to its carriage to adjust the position of the reader with respect to an edge of the web.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the means for moving the slide elements comprise the following:

• - A first, in the first frame ( 84 ) rotatably mounted lead screw ( 116 );
• - A second counter-rotating lead screw ( 116 ) rotatably mounted in the first frame;
• - a first lead screw nut ( 118 ) seated on the first lead screw;
• a second lead screw nut ( 120 ) seated on the second lead screw,
• - Wherein the first spring ( 122 ) the first lead screw nut ( 118 ) and he most carriage ( 138 ) resiliently comes into contact when the guides are moved towards each other; and
• - The second spring ( 124 ) resiliently engages the second lead screw nut ( 120 ) and the second slide ( 140 ) when the guides are moved towards each other; and
• - Means ( 106 , 110 , 130 ) for rotating the lead screws.

7. The device according to claim 5, further comprising

• - Means ( 179 , 179 m) for detecting the movement of the edge guides in positions corresponding to a predetermined web width and for generating a signal; and
• - On the signal responsive control means ( 338 ), which then cause the means to move the carriage, move the guides beyond these positions and compress the first and second springs, so that the edge guides with resilient pressure on the edges of the film web attack.

8. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the edge guides each have a transverse contact surface ( 176 ) for detecting a film strip and an angled surface ( 148 ) which strip a film during the movement of the edge guides towards each other to the contact surface. 9. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the means for relative positioning comprise the following:

• - a third frame ( 74 );
• - A first, held on the third frame, substantially straight guide ( 76 , 78 ), the first frame being movably arranged on the first guide;
• - a second, substantially straight guide ( 196 , 198 ) supported on the third frame, the second frame being movably arranged on the second guide;
• - A cam ( 208 , 210 ) rotatably mounted on the third frame;
• - first and second elevator levers ( 204 , 206 ) rotatably supported on the third frame and engaged with the cam, each pivotally connected to the first and second frames; and
• - Means ( 216 , 220 , 226 ) with which the cam can be rotated to pivot the elevator levers and thus move the first and second frames along the first and second guides.

10. Device for adjusting the position of edge guides for a moving web of photographic film, comprising:

• - a frame;
• - An essentially straight rail supported by the frame;
• - first and second carriages movable along the rail;
• first and second, mutually facing edge guides, which are each held by one of the slides and are arranged transversely to the rail and each have a contact surface for engaging an edge of a web moving between the edge guides,
• - means for reciprocating the slides along the rail to change the distance between the edge guides so that tracks of different widths can be accommodated;
• a first spring which resiliently engages the means and moves with the first carriage when the guides are moved towards each other;
• - A second spring that resiliently engages means and moves with the second carriage when the guides are moved towards each other;

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the moving means comprise the following:

• - A first lead screw rotatably mounted in the frame;
• - A second counter-rotating lead screw rotatably mounted in the frame;
• - a first lead screw nut seated on the first lead screw;
• a second lead screw nut seated on the second lead screw,
• - The first spring resiliently brings the first lead screw nut and the first slide into contact when the guides are moved towards one another;
• - The second spring resiliently brings the second lead screw nut and the second slide into contact when the guides are moved towards one another; and
• - Means for turning the lead screws.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the carriage each have a holder for the corresponding lead screw nuts and the springs each have a spi surrounding the corresponding lead screw ralfeder include, the spring between the nut and the Sled sits.   13. A method for adjusting the position of edge guides for a moving web of a photographic film, with the method steps:

• - Providing a frame with a substantially straight rail held by the frame;
• - Provision of first and second carriages movable along the rail;
• - Holders of first and second, mutually facing edge guides each on one of the slides, each edge guide being arranged transversely to the rail and having a surface with which it engages an edge of the web moving between the edge guides; and
• - Flexible detection and movement of the first and second slides along the rail to change a distance between the edge guides for the purpose of receiving webs of different widths.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the following steps:

• - Detection of the movement of the edge guides in positions that correspond to the predetermined web width; and
• - Moving the guides beyond these positions to compress the first and second springs so that they resiliently press the edge guides against the web edges.

15. Device ( 10 ) for reading optical codes ( 60 ) on the edge of a web ( 14 ) of photographic film ( 12 ), comprising:

• - A housing ( 284 ) with a slot ( 286 ) through which an edge ( 16 , 18 ) of the film web ( 14 ) can be transported;
• - A light source ( 290 ) arranged in the housing on one side of the slot;
• - A code reader ( 294 ) disposed in the housing on the other side of the slot;
• - a first frame ( 84 ) for receiving the housing; and
• - Means ( 302-310 ) with which the housing can be moved relative to the first frame to adjust the position of the reader with respect to the edge of the film web.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the moving means comprise the following:

• - A shaft ( 302 ) rotatably mounted in the housing ( 284 ), one end of which is screwed into the first frame ( 84 );
• - a pinion ( 308 ) seated firmly on the shaft ( 302 ); and
• - A worm wheel ( 310 ) rotatably mounted in the housing and engaging with the pinion, so that the rotation of the worm wheel rotates the pinion and thus the shaft and the end moves the housing relative to the first frame.

17. Device ( 10 ) for recognizing an edge opening ( 22 , 24 ) in a web ( 14 ) of photographic film ( 12 ), with:

• - a first frame ( 84 );
• - An edge guide ( 148 , 156 , 158 ) held by the first frame with a surface ( 160 ) which engages on an edge ( 16 , 18 ) of the web ( 14 ) moving past the edge guide;
• - an opening ( 334 ) in the surface;
• - A guideway ( 325 , 327 ) held by the first frame ( 84 ) and extending transversely to the edge guide;
• - An optical sensor ( 328 ) guided by the guideway with a probe ( 330 ) which extends through the opening ( 334 ) to a point near the contact surface ( 160 ), around an edge opening ( 22 , 24 ) in the film ( 12 ) to recognize; and
• - Means ( 318-322 ) for moving the sensor ( 328 ) along the guide track ( 325 , 327 ) to position the probe for accurate detection of the edge opening.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the movement means comprise the following:

• - A housing ( 284 ) held by the first frame ( 84 );
• - A shaft ( 320 ) rotatably mounted in the housing, one end of the shaft being screwed into the sensor ( 328 );
• - A pinion ( 318 ) seated firmly on the shaft ( 320 ); and
• - A worm wheel ( 318 ) which is rotatably mounted in the housing and engages with the pinion, so that the rotation of the worm wheel rotates the pinion and thus the shaft and the end moves the sensor ( 328 ) along the guideway ( 325 , 327 ).