GB1592521A - Processing of film without using leaders - Google Patents

Description

(54) PROCESSING OF FILM WITHOUT USING LEADERS (71) We, HENRY FRANK HOPE, a citizen of the United States of America, of 3192 Huntingdon Road, Huntingdon Valley, Pa. 19006 United States of America, and STEPHEN FREDERICK HOPE, a citizen of the United States of America, of 2548 Wyandotte Road, Willow Grove, Pa. 19090, United States of America, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- The present invention relates to devices for deforming the end portions of strips of flexible material particularly, but not exclusively, photographic film.The invention when applied to photographic film embraces methods of feeding film strips including the deformation thereof, strips deformed by such methods and developing machines.

The invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims, includes a device for deforming the end portion of a strip of flexible material, comprising a pair of platens facing each other and movable between a first position in which the platens are separated and a second position in which the platens are pressed together for deforming an end portion of a strip therebetween; mechanical means for biasing said platens towards said second position; means for overcoming said biasing means to maintain the platens in said first position; and means for disabling said overcoming means for a limited period to permit said biasing means to move said platens into said second position.

The invention also includes a method of feeding a strip of photographic film through a film developing machine which uses rollers to transport the film including input rollers defining a nip for introducing the film into the machine, comprising the steps of inserting an end portion of the film strip into a slot defined between the platens of a device as defined in the above paragraph, operating the device to deform the end portion of the strip of photographic film, withdrawing the deformed end portion from the slot, and thereafter inserting the same end portion of the film strip into the nip of the input rollers of the machine.

In order that the invention may be well understood two embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a film developing machine showing the externally visible portions of equipment, specifically a device for imparting deformations or corrugations to the end position of a film, and the input to the machine itself; Fig. la is an enlarged view of a portion 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 of 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 corrugating device; Fig. 6 is a right side elevational view; Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7 7 of Fig. 4, looking in the direction of the arrows and showing the platens of the corrugating device in a separated or first position; Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 7, showing the platens in a second or corrugating position; Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the electrical connections within the corrugating device of Figure 10 to 15.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of another specific embodiment of the film corrugating device; Fig. 11 is a rear perspective view of the same device as shown in Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is an exploded view of the embodiment of Fig. 10; Fig. 13 is a front elevation, with portions broken away, of the embodiment of Fig. 10; Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14----14 of Fig. 10, showing the platens of the device in a first or separated position; and Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken also along line 14 --14 of Fig. 10, but showing the platens in a second or corrugating position.

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

Referring now to the drawings, Fig. I shows the front face I of a film developing machine generally designated by the refet- ence numeral 2. A film loading aperture 3 is provided in front face I. Behind this aperture 3, but not visible in Fig. I, is a pair of rollers (see rollers 16, 18, in Fig. Ia) defining a nip between them. Aperture 3 is for insertion of film to be processed in machine 2. Preferably a shelf4 is positioned before aperture 3 to aid in guiding the film into the aperture.

Another aperture or slot 5 is also provided.

laterally displaced from aperture 3, in the front face I of machine 2. This aperture 5 is defined between two plastic blocks 6 and 7 which protrude from the machine. Preferably the lower block 6 protrudes slightly more than the upper block 7, thereby forming a shelf which aids in guiding the film into aperture 5.

Behind aperture 5, but not visible in Fig. 1, there is a corrugated device.

One embodiment of this device, generally designated by reference numeral 10, is shown in Figs. Ia through 9. This device is adapted to automatically and rapidly produce a plurality of deformations or corrugations 44 in the leading end position 12 of the film strip 14. These corrugations prevent or discourage the curling of this leading end position as it subsequently passes through the film processing machine such as indicated at 2 in Fig.

1, including the pair of intake rollers 16, 18, in Fig. Ia. The corrugating device 10 comprises generally a stationary lower platform or platen formed by a table means 20, of suitable size to receive the leading strip end position 12 thereon at the start of the corrugating process. If desired, the table means 20 may be provided laterally with a pair of transversely positioned upright flanges 22, 24 to act as guides as the leading end position 12 of the strip 14 is inserted into the device 10. The table 20 is secured to a stationary base 26 in any known manner to prevent relative movement therebetween.

A movable platen assembly 28 (Fig. 2) is reciprocal above the table 20 from an elevated, separated or first position 30 as illustrated in Fig. 7 to a lower, second or corrugating position 32 as illustrated in Fig.

8. The platen assembly 28 comprises generally a platen 34 of metal or other suitable material, which is normally biased into corrugating engagement against table 20 by mechanical biasing means comprising the platen springs 36, 38.

The platen may be machined, molded or otherwise conventionally formed with a plurality of parallel, longitudinaly extended grooves 40 and ridges 42 to produce longitudinal deformations 44 in the leading end position 12 of the film 14 (Fig. Ia). In the embodiment illustrated, table 20 is equipped with a resilient pad 46 (Fig. 3) to aid in the strip corrugating process. Platen 34 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. In a further possible construction, grooves and ridges could be fabricated both in table 20 and in the bottom of platen 34 to cooperatively interact in the strip end position deforming or corrugating process.

A pair of vertical supports 48, 50 are mounted upon the top 52 of the platen 34 and carry upwardly therebetween a platen or force equalizer bar 54, parallel to and above the platen 34. Each end 56, 58 of the platen bar 54 extends transversely 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 flanges 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 microswitch assembly 64 (Fig. 2) which functions with first and second solenoids or electromagnets 68, 66 to automatically raise and lower the platen 34 in response to the presence of the leading end position 12 of the strip 14, A timer means or switch assembly 70 functions in conjunction with the microswitch assembly 64 to time the operation of the first and second electromagnets 68, 66 to thereby automatically lower and raise the platen 34 from the corrugating position 32 as illustrated 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 essentially a bracket 72 upon which is mounted a microswitch 74, a pivotal block 76, and the first and second solenoids or electromagnets 68, 66.

The microswitch 74 comprises a depending arm 78 which terminates downwardly in a foot 80 near the bottom of the bracket 72.

The foot 80 is positioned 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 30. Thus, when the leading end portion 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 leading end portion 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 microswitch 74 is wired to control the operation of the first electromagnet 68 which is then momentarily energized.

As best seen in Figs. 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 horizontal pivotal arm 90 extends from the pivotal block 76 and terminates in a position to be acted on upon energization of the first electromagnet 68. A detent arm 92 projects generally vertically from the pivotal block 76 at right angles to the pivotal arm 90 and is upwardly formed to provide a detent 94. The detent 94 acts as a latch and engages upon and holds the platen lever against the bias of the platen springs 36, 38 thus providing means for overcoming the bias of the springs as hereinafter more fully set forth.

As best seen in Fig. 3, the pivotal arm 90 is engaged by the cradle pin 96 of the first electromagnet 68. Upon energization of 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 pivotal arm 90 upwardly 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 of the affixed detent arm 92 also in a counterclockwise direction. The counterclockwise movement of the detent arm 92 causes the detent 94 to disengage from its contact with the platen lever 98 thereby disabling the overcoming means. The springs 36, 38 then immediately act to pull the platen 34 towards the table 20.

As illustrated in Figs. 4, 7 and 8, a solenoid operated platen lever 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 portion 12 of the strip 14 prior to corrugating. As 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 impress a plurality of deformations 44 (Fig. la) in the leading end portion 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 or solenoid 66. Activation of the second electromagnet 66 will pull the cradle pin 106 downwardly in the direction of the arrow 116 to thereby pivot the platen lever 98 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 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 portion 104 of the lever 98 to urge upwardly the platen assembly 28 relative to the table 20 by imposing upwardly directed forces on the platen bar 54. Deenergization of the second electromagnet 66 releases the cradle 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 illustrated in Fig. 8.

The geometry of 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 finger 100 is considerably greater than the distance between the pivot 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 electromagnet 66 against the bias of the springs 36, 38.

Platen 34 is equipped with a suitable electric or other type of heater shown generally in the form of a conventional electrical connector block 110 and a known integral heating element 112 (see Figs. 7 and 8). A timer switch assembly 70 (Fig. 2) of known design, including a timer cam 114 is employed to time the operation of the device including 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 106 downwardly in the direction of the arrow 116. As hereinbefore set forth, energization of the second electromagnet 66 pivots the platen lever 98 about the transverse pivot pin 102 to elevate the platen assembly 28, thereby defining a space 82 between the platen 34 and the platen table 20 (Figs. 3 and 7). In this position, the spring bias of the detent arm 92 causes the detent 94 to engage a portion of the one end 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 portion 12 of film strip 14 can be inserted into the space 82 by urging the leading end portion 12 inwardly beneath the platen 34.The leading end portion 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 means or switch assembly 70 and to energize the first electromagnet 68 for a short, timed interval.

Energization of the first electromagnet 68 pulls the cradle pin 96 upwardly in the direction of the arrow 118 (Fig. 5) 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 release the detent 94 from the engagement with the end of the platen lever 98. Release of the detent arm 94 from the platen lever 98 allows the platen springs 36, 38 to bias the platen lever 98 in a clockwise direction about the transverse pivot pin 102 to pull the platen assembly 28 to the corrugating position 32 as illustrated in Fig. 8.

The timer cam 114 functions through its cycle of operation for a predetermined limited period of time during the corrugating cycle 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 and restore it 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 automatically 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 portion 12 of the film strip 14. When the platen assembly 28 is again raised to the elevated position 30, the strip 12 can be withdrawn from the device 10 throughout the space 82. The strip can then be moved laterally or otherwise to the nip of input rollers 16, 18 of the film developing machine 2. After withdrawal of the fully deformed or corrugated leading end portion 12, another film strip 14 can be inserted into the device 10, wherein the foot 80 is again contacted and the arm 78 is depressed to repeat the timed cycle of operation.

The heating means is preferably energized long enough in advance of the insertion of a particular film strip 14 into the device, to ensure that the platens have stabilized at the desired temperature. The voltage of the electric heater is appropriately chosen for that purpose. When a plurality of film strips is 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 desired temperature.

This temperature is one which will cause the film strip 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 compression.

The film strip 14, after treatment in device 10, preferably has corrugations which deviate in both directions (up and down) from the plane of the original, untreated strip. The corrugations which are produced tend to be somewhai irregular. Some may extend all the way to the leading edge of the strip, but others may not. The height of different corrugations may also vary. Likewise, individual corrugations are not necessarily perfectly straight, either laterally with respect to the film strip, or up and down.

The over-all width of the original film strip will typically be substantially 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 formed, thereby preserving the intial overall width.

A second embodiment 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. Ia through 8, but with the suffix "a" added to indicate 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 10a. It includes lower and upper guide bars 6a and 7a, defining between them a slot 5a. In a typical practical application, device 1 0a 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 10a 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 20a, is matingly corru gated. Platen 28a is attached to a stirrupshaped support plate 200. At 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, there are bend 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 bottom ends of springs 36a and 38a are attached to table 20a at ears 60a and 62a, respectively.

Mounting plate 202 has an aperture 203 defining a cam follower surface, above which is positioned the actuating member 204 of a microswitch 205 which is also mounted on plate 202.

On the reverse side of plate 202, which is best visible in Fig. 11, there is mounted an electric motor assembly 210. There is also mounted a microswitch unit 74a having a dependent actuating lever 78a whose foot 80a extends through to the side of mounting plate 202 which is visible in Fig. 12, for example.

Rotatably attached to motor 210 is a circular disc 220 having at one point on its circumference a notch 221 adapted to receive switch actuator 204 when that notch is brought into alignment with this actuator.

Protruding from disc 220 is cylinder or wheel 222, which is eccentrically positioned with respect to disc 220, but revolves in conjunction with the disc and acts as a cam.

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 or cam follower surface 230 of the arc-shaped opening 231 within plate 200 rides on the surface of the cam or cylinder whenever the rotation of disc 220 carries the cylinder 222 into the uppermost portion of its eccentric path. This is the condition illustrated in Fig. 10. In that condition, cylinder.222 through engagement 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 strip 14 can be inserted into slot 5a and into the gap between elements 20a and 28a or, alternatively, withdrawn in the opposite direction from gap and slot.

On the other hand, when rotation of disc 220 carries cylinder 222 into the lower-most portion of its eccentric path, then it no longer lifts up plate 200, but is preferably completely out 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, wherein elements 20a and 28a 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 platens, e.g. in the manner described with reference to the embodiment of Figs. la through 8.

Rotation of disc 220, as necessary to cycle the device 1 0a between the two conditions described above, is provided by motor 210, which is controlled as follows.

Let it be assumed that motor 210, when engaged, rotates disc 220 in the direction indicated by arrow 240 in Figs. 10, 12 and 13.

This direction will be referred to as clockwise. Let it further be assumed that this motor is stopped, 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, counterclockwise just beyond notch 221. At that stage, the platen 38a is lifted up away from table 20a, as previously discussed. If a film 14 is then inserted into the gap so formed (Fig. 14) the leading edge of that film will abut against foot 80a and push that foot and its attached lever 78a rearwardly. This movement triggers microswitch 74a, which initiates rotation of motor 210 and consequent rotation of disc 220 as well as cylinder 222 attached thereto. As this rotation takes place, platen 28a is gradually lowered under the influence of springs 36a and 38a until film strip 14 is compressed 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 28a again, out of engagement with film strip 14.

This rotation continues until notch 221 in disc 220 reaches the position of switch actuator 204. At that time, actuator 204 (which had been riding on the periphery of disc 220) drops into the notch 221 and this movement triggers 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 28a 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 an arc or a circle, switch actuator 204 will have emerged from notch 221 and will again have reached the outer circular periphery of the disc. This movement again triggers microswitch 205 which once again stops motor 210.

The cycle has now been completed and the device is at rest, ready to receive another film strip 14 for corrugating.

It will be noted that for each one of switches 74a and 205 consecutive actuating movements in opposite directions produce the same effect on motor 210. For example, rearward movement of lever 78a turns on the motor, and so does the next consecutive forward movement. Similarly. downward movement of actuator 204 (into 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 switches 74a and 205 to each other and to motor 210. as shown in Fig. 9.

Electric power is supplied from a conventional source of such power 300 which may.

for example, produce alternating current at 24 volts. A step-up transformer 301 is used to raise this voltage to 115 volts.

Across the 115 volt output of transformer 301 there is connected an electric heater elements 302 in series with a thermostat 303.

The necessary connections are made through terminals 310, 311 and 312. A terminal 313 provides additional inter-connections discussed below. Heater 302 and thermostat 303 cooperate to maintain the platen structure of device 10a at the desired operating temperature. Switches 205 and 74a are connected as shown. The movable element of switch 205 is mechanically actuated between its two possible positions by actuator 204 riding on the outer periphery of disc 220 as diagrammatically indicated in Fig. 9. The movable element of switch 74a is actuated by lever 78a as also diagrammatically 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 prevails while the device 10a is awaiting insertion of a film strip 14. As previously discussed, the actuator 204 is then on the circular periphery of disc 220, counter-clockwise just beyond notch 221. In that condition the movable element of switch 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 clockwise as shown in Fig. 9.

If a buzzer 315 is provided it also energizes the buzzer which thereupon sounds for as long as motor 210 continues to rotate.

During such rotation of motor 210 and until notch 221 reaches the position of actuator 204, the device 10a 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 notch 221, the movable element of switch 205 contacts the upper stationary contact, thereby interrupting the circuit to motor 210, which then stops. When the film strip 14 is then withdrawn and the pressure 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 circuit 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 position and the motor energizing circuit is interrupted once more. At this point the device is back in its initial position ready for the insertion of another filmstrip 14.

Instead of utilizing a motor actuating a lever to lift the platen up away from the table, as in the embodiment of Figs. 1 through 8, the motor-operated lever may be used to press these elements together for corrugation, while other means, e.g. springs, are relied upon to separate these elements so as to permit insertion and withdrawal of film stripes.

Instead of a motor operating a lever, hydraulic pressure may be used to apply or to relieve the corrugating pressure between platen and table. Also magnetism may be employed, e.g. in the form of a table of magnetic material and a platen which can be electrically magnetized to produce intermittent attraction between table and platen.

A device of the abovedescribed type is also particularly suitable for the auxiliary purpose of applying identifying 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 container of origin after processing in machine 2. This label is applied to the film strip before insertion in the corrugating device. The operation of that device then both 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.

It will be appreciated that by using a device of the abovedescribed type to corrugate an end portion of a film strip, the film strip may then be fed into a film developing machine without the attachment of a separate leader, since the corrugations prevent any tendency to curl in the end portions and provide a straight end portion which, moreover, remains straight as the film strip passes through the developing machine. The difficulties produced by the tendency of a film to curl during processing, e.g. wrapping round rollers used to transport the film through the developing machine, are thus avoided without introducing the problems associated with the attachment of a separate leader to the film strip, e.g. detachment of the leader within the machine.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A device for deforming the end portion of a strip of flexible material, comprising a pair of platens facing each other and movable between a first position in which the platens are separated and a second position in which the platens are pressed together for deforming an end portion of a strip therebetween; mechanical means for biasing said platens towards said second position; means for overcoming said biasing means to maintain the platens in said first position; and means for disabling said overcoming means for a limited period to permit said biasing means to move said platens into said second position.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said overcoming means does no work while the platens are maintained in their first position.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the disabling means is operable in response to the insertion of an end portion of a strip between the platens.

4. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for heating at least one of the platens.

5. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said mechanical biasing means comprises at least one spring mounted in tension between the platens.

6. A device as claimed in claim 5 wherein two springs are provided one at either side of the platens.

7. A device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, further comprising a force equalizer bar on which the or each spring is mounted, said bar being disposed substantially parallel to and extending between the sides of the platens.

8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for restoring the platens to said first position after said limited period.

9. A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said restoring means comprises a solenoid operated lever acting so as to move one of the pressure platens.

10. A device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the overcoming means comprises a latch for engaging said lever after it has been operated by said solenoid.

11. A device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the disabling means comprises a further solenoid operative to release the lever from engagement by the latch.

12. A device as claimed in claim 9, 10 or 11, further comprising a timing means for delaying the operation of said solenoid until said limited period has passed.

13. A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the disabling means and said restoring means comprise a motor-driven cam acting on a cam follower surface carried by one of said platens.

14. A device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the cam is an eccentric wheel rotated by the motor.

15. A device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the overcoming means comprises means for stopping the rotation of the wheel after rotating it through a predetermined arc of a revolution during which rotation said one of the platens is moved away from the other platen.

16. A device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the disabling means comprises means for causing the wheel to rotate through a different arc from said predetermined arc.

17. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the platens are adapted to deform a strip of photographic film when in their second position.

18. A device as claimed in claim 17 wherein platens are adapted to deform a leading edge of a strip of photographic film.

19. A method of feeding a strip of photographic film through a film developing machine which uses rollers to transport the film including input rollers defining a nip for introducing the film into the machine, comprising the steps of inserting an end portion of the film strip into a slot defined between the platens of a device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, operating the device to deform the end portion of the strip of photographic film, withdrawing the deformed end portion from the slot, and thereafter inserting the same end portion of the film strip into the nip of the input rollers of the machine.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the step of inserting into and the step of withdrawing from the slot and the step of inserting into the nip take place along parallel paths.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (31)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. operation of that device then both 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. It will be appreciated that by using a device of the abovedescribed type to corrugate an end portion of a film strip, the film strip may then be fed into a film developing machine without the attachment of a separate leader, since the corrugations prevent any tendency to curl in the end portions and provide a straight end portion which, moreover, remains straight as the film strip passes through the developing machine. The difficulties produced by the tendency of a film to curl during processing, e.g. wrapping round rollers used to transport the film through the developing machine, are thus avoided without introducing the problems associated with the attachment of a separate leader to the film strip, e.g. detachment of the leader within the machine. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A device for deforming the end portion of a strip of flexible material, comprising a pair of platens facing each other and movable between a first position in which the platens are separated and a second position in which the platens are pressed together for deforming an end portion of a strip therebetween; mechanical means for biasing said platens towards said second position; means for overcoming said biasing means to maintain the platens in said first position; and means for disabling said overcoming means for a limited period to permit said biasing means to move said platens into said second position.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said overcoming means does no work while the platens are maintained in their first position.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the disabling means is operable in response to the insertion of an end portion of a strip between the platens.

4. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for heating at least one of the platens.

5. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said mechanical biasing means comprises at least one spring mounted in tension between the platens.

6. A device as claimed in claim 5 wherein two springs are provided one at either side of the platens.

7. A device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, further comprising a force equalizer bar on which the or each spring is mounted, said bar being disposed substantially parallel to and extending between the sides of the platens.

8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for restoring the platens to said first position after said limited period.

9. A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said restoring means comprises a solenoid operated lever acting so as to move one of the pressure platens.

10. A device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the overcoming means comprises a latch for engaging said lever after it has been operated by said solenoid.

11. A device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the disabling means comprises a further solenoid operative to release the lever from engagement by the latch.

12. A device as claimed in claim 9, 10 or 11, further comprising a timing means for delaying the operation of said solenoid until said limited period has passed.

13. A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the disabling means and said restoring means comprise a motor-driven cam acting on a cam follower surface carried by one of said platens.

14. A device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the cam is an eccentric wheel rotated by the motor.

15. A device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the overcoming means comprises means for stopping the rotation of the wheel after rotating it through a predetermined arc of a revolution during which rotation said one of the platens is moved away from the other platen.

16. A device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the disabling means comprises means for causing the wheel to rotate through a different arc from said predetermined arc.

17. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the platens are adapted to deform a strip of photographic film when in their second position.

18. A device as claimed in claim 17 wherein platens are adapted to deform a leading edge of a strip of photographic film.

19. A method of feeding a strip of photographic film through a film developing machine which uses rollers to transport the film including input rollers defining a nip for introducing the film into the machine, comprising the steps of inserting an end portion of the film strip into a slot defined between the platens of a device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, operating the device to deform the end portion of the strip of photographic film, withdrawing the deformed end portion from the slot, and thereafter inserting the same end portion of the film strip into the nip of the input rollers of the machine.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the step of inserting into and the step of withdrawing from the slot and the step of inserting into the nip take place along parallel paths.

21. A method as claimed in claim 2().

wherein the film strip is displaced laterally between the step of withdrawing from lie slot and the step of inserting into the nip.

22. A method as claimed in claim 21.

wherein the slot and nip are positioned in the same front panel of a developing machine and the film is transported from one to the other while preserving substantially the snme orientation relative to the panel.

23. A method as claimed in any one claims 19 to 22, wherein the step of operating the device takes place automatically in response to insertion of the film strip into the slot to a predetermined depth.

24. A photographic film strip developing machine comprising a device as claimed in any one of claims I to 18, said machine further comprising a slot accessible from the exterior of the machine said slot being defined by the platens, and a nip defined by input rollers for receiving the film strip for transport through the machine for development after it has been deformed by insertion into the slot of the device.

25. A strip of photographic film having been deformed by a device as claimed in any one of claims I to 18.

26. A strip of photographic film as claimed in claim 25, wherein the width of the deformed end portion is substantially equal to the width of the remainder of the strip.

27. A device for deforming the end portion of a strip of flexible material substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 8 or Figures 10 to 15 of the accompanying drawings.

28. A method of feeding a strip of photographic film through a film developing machine substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

29. A photographic film strip developing machine substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

30. A film strip when processed by a machine as claimed in claim 24 or 29.

31. A film strip produced by the method according to any one of claims 19 to 23 or 28.