GB1453128A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1453128 Positioning film cartridges EASTMAN KODAK CO 22 Feb 1974 [22 Feb 1973] 8160/74 Heading G2X A positioning means for film cartridges of more than one size includes a retaining member which is movable between an idle position and a cartridge engaging and retaining position, but is prevented from so moving if the cartridge is incorrectly positioned. The arrangement described is intended for use in a photographic processing device, but may also be used in cameras or projectors. As shown in Fig. 2, the positioning means includes a nest 16 having a flat surface 17 on which the cartridge rests. From surface 17 three flanges 18, 19, 20 extend upwards, and the surface 17 is itself supported on a flat base-plate 21 forming part of the processing device. The retaining member 22 is fixed to a plate 23 which can move in a recess 24 in plate 21. Member 22 can slide inwards towards flange 18 from the open position of Fig. 2 to grip a cartridge of a first size, Fig. 3 (not shown), or farther still to grip a cartridge of a second size, Fig. 4. It can be locked in either of these closed positions by a releasable locking device 28. The surface 17 has two spaced abutments 58, 59, and when the cartridge is properly positioned, these abutments enter into notches (12, 13), Fig. 1 (not shown) in the cartridge, and the film can then be withdrawn from the cartridge and led round the rollers 55, 56, 57 to the processing station. If the cartridge is incorrectly positioned, the abutments cannot align with the notches, so that the cartridge rests in a raised position on the abutments, so preventing member 22 from being moved inwards to the securing position. If a smaller size cartridge is to be positioned in the nest, the abutments 58, 59 are spaced from the cartridge. In this case a tongue 40 depending from plate 23, with a roller 42 at one end, engages with a probe or lever 44. A free end 47 of the probe extends upwards into an opening 48 in surface 17. In the first cartridge engaging position (i.e. with the larger cassette), the end 47 does not actually extend through opening 48, but with the smaller cartridge, roller 42 enters into a cam slot 43 in lever 44 and raises it, so that end 47 passes right through opening 48. If the cartridge is not properly positioned, it is lifted by end 47, so that further movement of retaining member 22 is prevented. A further probe 50 is positioned to engage with a corresponding notch 5 on the smaller cartridge, which may be located in a different relative position on the cartridge, to verify its presence, and in its absence prevents movement of member 22.