US2947233A

US2947233A - Apparatus for photographic printing

Info

Publication number: US2947233A
Application number: US746828A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jr Nathaniel C Hickey; George C Mick
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1958-07-07
Filing date: 1958-07-07
Publication date: 1960-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 1977-08-02

Description

5 Sheets-Sheet 1 A TTO/Q/VEYJ Aug. 2, 1960 N. c. HICKEY, JR., ETAL APPARATUS FOR PHoToGRAPHIc PRINTING Filed July 7, 1958 Aug- 2, 1960 N. c. HICKEY, JR., rs1-AL 2,947,233

APPARATUS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTING Filed July '7, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 AT'RNEYJ Aug. 2, 1960 N. c. HlcKEY, JR., ETAL 2,947,233

APPARATUS PoR PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTING 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 7, 1958 JNVIENToRs BY l ? LL-P 7 Taube A 7 TORNE YJ Aug. 2, 1960 N. c. HICKEY, JR., ETAL 2,947,233

APPARATUS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTING Filed July 7, 195e 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 1W. m A., 5 E TM @Am am m Mcm m HMM f m C A dC M/ me n Mm, Y M B .A

w N l H F- a .A gi T9 w Aug. 2, 1960 N. C. HICKEY, JR., ETAL APPARATUS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTING Filed July 7, 1958 1.93 /ilb 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 4o c /23 f /fc K -v /95 E? fes, l/ Y /37 t1 @3d N 57 /zia 39 /23 l Il. ll lll l a L/Ja INVENTORS 856/47@ flax@ ATTORNEYS United States Patent O i APPARATUS FOR PHTGRAPHIC PRINTING Nathaniel C. Hickey, Jr., 1402 W. 6th St., and George C. Mick, 1523 W. th St., both of Freeport, Tex.

Filed July 7, 1958, Ser. No. 746,828

9 Claims. (Cl. 95-75) This invention relates to apparatus for photographically printing microreproductions and the like.

Microfilm strips have been used in the past years for obtaining on a lm strip a plurality of separate images of letters, drawings, and other sheets with such images being in a greatly reduced size as compared to the size of the original letters, drawings or sheets. For example, on an 8 millimeter microfilm, a sheet which is 81/2" x 1l would. ordinarily be reduced by a 42:1 ratio; of course, with other sizes of film, the reduction may be different, and even with the same size of film the amount of reduction can be varied. The reduction in size from the original sheet is so great that it is difficult, if not impossible, to read normal handwriting or printing directly from the film with the naked eye. Therefore, it has been customary to enlarge each image for viewing or if desired, to print an enlarged View on photographic paper.

Microfilm has been largely used for reducing the weight of the letters, drawings or other sheets for mailing purposes. lt can also be used to make permanent records of books` and the like to facilitate storage in libraries and similar institutions. However, since the microfilm has been in the form of strips disposed on reels which are necessarily of considerable length, there are a large number of the separate images on each film strip or reel. It has, therefore, been virtually impossible to readily locate a particular image on a reel of film. For this reason, microfilm having thereon images of books and the like has been relatively valueless to libraries and similar institutions except for permanent records requiring practically no reference.

lt is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved apparatus for photographically transferring or printing images on a card from a roll of microfilm or the like, whereby microreproductions are formed which are much easier to store, file, handle and use than the roll of microfilm.

An important object of this invention is to provide a new and improved apparatus for photographically transferring or printing images from microfilm strip or roll to a card to form a microreproduction, wherein a plurality of frames or images on the strip are transferred to the card simultaneously to produce a row of frames or images on the microreproduction and to thereafter transfer one or more other rows of frames or images to the same card.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved apparatus for transferring or printing microreproductions and the like from a roll of microfilm and the like, wherein the microreproductions and the microfilm are held in contact by a pressure platen during the transfer or printing operation, such pressure platen having a band acting thereon for applying a substantially uniform pressure to the microreproductions and microfilm whereby uniformity 'm the printing of the microreproductions is obtained.

A further object of this invention is to provide a new 2,947,233 Patented Aug. 2, 1960 and improved apparatus for producing microreproductions and the like, wherein the microfilm and the card being printed are moved longitudinally and also transversely with respect to each other, and wherein a platen is provided which is substantially the same width as the microfilm and which is also movable transversely to the card so as to always be disposed over the microfilm and in full contact therewith when pressing the film and the card into contact for printing purposes, whereby uniformity in the prints of each row on the card is obtained.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved apparatus for transferring or printing microreproductions and the like from microlm, wherein a removable light diluser box is included therewith for producing uniform light intensity through the entire length and width of the portion of the microfilm being printed.

A particular object of this invention is to provide a new and improved printing apparatus wherein means are provided for suspending a light sensitive card above a film prior to exposure to prevent scratching of the film or card, and wherein means are provided for moving the card into contact with a portion of the film and for applying a uniform pressure thereon during exposure to a light source for photographically transferring the images on the film to the card.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved apparatus wherein a mirror is provided for viewing the position of a card and filmwhile they are in contact with each other prior to photographically printing the images from the film on the card.

The construction dmigned to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described, together with other features thereof.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown, and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view of the apparatus of this invention;

Fig. 2 is a horizontal view taken on line 2 2 of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a side sectional View taken on line 3 3 of Fig. l;

Fig. 4 is a detailed view taken on line 4 4 of Fig. 2 and illustrating the advancing or feeding mechanism of the apparatus of this invention;

Fig. 5 is a detailed enlarged sectional view of the upper portion of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a schematic view illustrating successive stages in the operation of the apparatus of this invention for forming microreproductions wherein the microfilm is moved laterally with respect to the card;

Fig. 7 is a schematic view similar to Fig. 6 but illustrating a variation wherein the card is moved laterally with respect to the microfilm;

Fig. 8 is a view of a microreproduction produced with the apparatus of this invention;

Fig. 9 is a view, partly in elevation and partly in section, showing a modified form of the invention shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. l0 is a plan view taken on line 10 10 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 1l is a view, partly in elevation and partly in section, taken on line 11-11 of Fig. 10 and illustrates a construction of Fig. 9 from a different position; and

Fig. 12 is an enlarged View of the upper portion of the apparatus of Fig. 9.

In the drawings, the numeral 10 designates the support base or support housing of the microreproduction apparatus of this invention which is adapted to be disposed on the floor, a table, or any similar support during the use thereof. The base or support housing is adapted to support a card or sheet K having a light-sensitive or photo-sensitive surface. A carrier 11 disposed on the base or support housing is adapted to carry a strip of mircolm F, whereby the card or sheet K and the lmF can be brought into contactrfor the contactprinting of-images or pictures on, the iilm F onto thecard orshieet will be explained, the apparatus of this invention isrso constructed that the carrier 11 is movable relative to therbase or support housing 10 to .effect a movement of the hlm strip F in an direction perpendicular or transverse to the microreproduction K so that a plurality of rows of images or frames of theiilm may be photographically printed onV the card or sheet K to form a microprint or microreproduction.

' Referringnow to Figs. 1.-5 particularly, it canibe seen that the base` or supporthousing 10.has extending upwardly from` its upper surface or plate 12 a pair of parallel vertical supports V14,V which Vare integral or suitextends through an opening at each corner of the holder 16, through each spring 15, and is secured in the support 14. The corner openings in the holder 16 are larger than the diameter of the screws 18 so that the holder 16 is vertically movable relative to the screws 18 upon compression and expansion of the springs 15. The card K is positioned in angle brackets 19 disposed on each side of the under surface of the holder 16. Thus, the card K can be inserted into the holder simply by sliding it into position with the edges of the card resting upon the horizontal portions of the brackets 19.

The carrier 11 has a carrier plate 20 disposed on the upper plate or surface 12 of the housing 10, and suitable guide projections 21, such as the V shaped projections illustrated, are provided on the under side of the carrier plate 20 for fitting within guide recesses 12a of similar shape in the upper surface 12 to permit longitudinal movement of the carrier plate 20 relative to the upper surface 12 but to prevent lateralA movement thereof. A pair of vertically extending frame uprights 22 are made integral or otherwise secured to the plate 20 and are positioned on the outside and spaced from therpair of vertical holder supports 14. The upper ends of the uprights 22 are joined and as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 5, they are integral with a curved platen retainer frame 23 which has a semi-cylindrical inner concave surface 23a.

Film reel support plates 25 are mounted on the carrier plate 20 and are joined to the outer surfaces of the uprights 22. Each film reel support plate 25 has a pin 26 connected thereto for rotatably supporting one of the iilrn reels 27, with one ofthe reels 27 serving to wind up the the film strip F thereon as the film is unwound from the other of the reels 27.

As best seen -in Figs. l and 2, the carrier plate 20 has longitudinal openings 30 therethrough, through which the supports 14 extend so as to permit the longitudinal movement o-f the carrier plate 2t) relative to the support 10'without interference from the supports 14.

Between the supports 14 and below the holder 16, there is positioned on the carrier plate 20 a light diffuser box 33 which-has an insert 33aY of clear material through which -light may p-ass and over which the lm strip F is 4 used for the insert 33b. A light compartment 35 is connected to the carrier plate 29 and extends below the light box 33 with the insert or lower surface 33b of the box 33 forming the upper surface of the light compartment 35. The Vertical walls 35a of the light compartment extend through a longitudinal opening 12b in the upper plate 12 of the housing 10, so as to permit longitudinal movement of the light compartment 35 relative to the housing 11i along with the other connected parts lof the carrier 11. `An electric white light bulb 36 is disposed in the light `compartment 35 and is connected electrically to an automatic timer switch (not shown) in a conventional manner to control the turning on and off of such light bulb, whereby the exposure light from the bulb 36 may be passed through the diuser insert 33!) and clear insert 33a to the lm F when desired. The insert 33b is positioned between the light bulb 36 and the insert 33a for diffusing the light from the bulb 36 totransmit a uniform intensity light throughv the entire length and width of the insert 33a to the portion of film F thereabove.

There is also positioned on the carrier plate 20 a light box'37 which has a red light bulb 38 therein so that light therefrom may pass through the opening 33e in the light box 33 for the purpose of setting the card and film in proper position prior to the time that the white light from the bulb is turned on for the exposure during the contact printing. Suitable electrical wiring and switches (not shown) will, of course, be utilized for turning the red light 38 on and off as Vfor turning the white light 36 on and olf. It should be noted that the light box 33 is removable from .the carrier plate 20 by lifting the box 33 slightly upwardly so that the lower edges 33d thereof are above parallel side stops 28 which are mounted on the plate 20 on the outside of the box 33VV (Fig. 3) and parallel stop-s 29 which are mounted on the plate 20 on the inside of the box 33 Y(Fig. l). Different light boxes 33 having diiferent width clear inserts 33a may thus be used for Ydifferent widths of images on the film F so that the insert 33a which is in use is the same width as the particular imageson the film F from which printing is being done.

The upper plate 12 of the housing 10 also has longitudinal openings 12C which are disposed immediately below the longitudinal opening 3l) in the carrier plate 20, whereby a pressureband 39 passes through the op-

enings

12C and 30 for disposition between the uprights 22 and the, supports 14. VThis band 39V is continuous, that is, forms a Vcomplete endless loop which fits over `a semicylindrical convex surface 40a of a pressure platen 40 which rests upon the card holder 16. The pressure platen 40 ts within arrecess 23a inthe upper frame portion 23 rso that the platen 40 moves longitudinally with the frame 23 and the rest of the carrier 11. Thus, the lower flat surface 40]) of the platen 40 moves longitudinally relative to the card holder 16 during the longitudinal movement of the carrier 11 relative to the housing 10. The surface 40d is preferably of substantially the same width as the width of the lm F so that the pressure applied to the film F by the platen 40 is uniformly distributed thereto. Y The lowerportion of the band 39 is disposed about a semi-cylindrical convex surface 41a of an actuator member 41 which is mounted below the lower end of the light compartment '35. The radius of curvature of the convex surface 41a is substantially identical with the radius of curvature of the convex surface 40a so that the vertical portions of the band 39 are parallel and, as will be explained, upon a downward movement of the actuator member 41 a uniform pressure is applied to the pressure platen 40 through the band 33. The actuator member 41 is not connected Ato the lightcompartment 35, but is merely suspended on the band 39 and is retained against lateral movement by guide bars 42 on either side thereof which are connected to the compartment 35 .(Fig. 3). Each of the guide bars 42 has an opening 42a therethrough, through which passes an actuating lever 43 which is pVotally connected to the light box 35 by a pin 44 which extends through brackets 45 depending from the compartment 35. Such actuating lever 43 is of sullicient length to project from the side of the housing 10 through an opening 47 in the side of the housing, and a resilient means, such as the spring 48, is preferably provided to hold the lever 43 in its raised position (Fig. 3). This spring 48 is connected to an eye screw 49 on the inside of the housing 10 and at its other end to an eye bracket 5t) on the lever 43. Upon a downward movement of the lever 43, the actuating member 41 is moved downwardly to carry with it the band '39 so as to effect a downward movement of the pressure platen 40. In the form of the invention shown in Figs. l-S, as the pressure platen 40 moves downwardly, the holder 16 also moves downwardly against the action of the springs 15 until the card K is brought into contact with the film strip F on the upper insert surface 33a of the light box 33. During such contact, the white light 36 is turned on and thus, the card K is exposed to the images on the portion or section of the iilm F therebelow.

It will be observed that the iilm F must pass through openings 22a in the uprights 22, openings 39a in the band 39, and openings 14e in the holder supports 14 in order for the film F to pass over the insert 33a. Since the band 39 moves vertically relative to the film F, the opening 39a must be of suicient vertical length to permit the movement of the band 39 without contacting the lilm F. One form of construction which can accomplish this extended opening 39a in the band 39 is shown in detail in Fig. 5, wherein the openings 39a are each formed in separate platesStl, each of which is rectangular in shape and has its upper and lower ends riveted to the band 39 by rivets 51. Thus, the band 39 as shown in the drawings is made continuous by the connection of these plates S which have the rectangular opening 39a therein. It will be appreciated, of course, that the band 39 could be Vformed with the openings 39a therein rather than having the separate plates 50.

The longitudinal movement of the carrier plate 20 with the parts connected thereto can be eiected with various devices, but it is important that the carrier plates 20 be moved a distance equal to approximately the width of the iilm for each stage of the contact printing ona particular card K, as will be evident hereinafter. To effectthis step by step longitudinal movement of the carrier 11 relative to the housing 10, a feeding or advancing device 55 (Figs. 2 and 4) is used. This feeding device 5S includes a pivoted arm 56 which is pivoted at 57 to the housing 1t) and has pivotally connected thereto at its upper end a ratchet arm S8. The pivotal connection between the arm 56 and the ratchet arm 58 includes a pivot pin 59 which is secured to the arm S8 and has a handle 60 connected thereto to facilitate rotation of the arm 58 relative to the arm 56. The other end of the arm '53 has a ratchet Vtooth 62 thereon which is adapted to tit within angled recesses or notches 63 on a ratchet bar 64 which is mounted on the carrier plate 20. The ratchet tooth 62 on the arm 58 is held in one of the ratchet recesses 63 by a spring 65 which has one end thereof connected to the housing 1t) and the other end connected to the bar 58. When it is desired to move the carrier plate 20 relative to the housing 1t?, Vthe arm 58 is pivoted upwardly about its pivot pin S by turning the handle 6@ so as to raise the tooth 62 above the ratchet 64. Actually, due to the coacting inclined faces 62a and 63:1 on the ratchet tooth 62'and the recesses 63 of the ratchet 64, a movement Vof the handle 60 to the left (Fig. 1.1) will carry the ratchet tooth 62 upwardly along the inclined surface 62e until the tooth 62 reaches the next recess 63 at which time the spring 65 will pull the tooth 62 into the next recess 63. The

bars

56 and 58 are then moved to the left (Fig. 4) and the tooth 62 is positioned in the next notch or recess 63. Thereafter, the

arms

56 and 58 are moved to the right together until the arm 56 hits the spot member 66 on vthe housing 10, at which time the carrier rplate has been moved longitudinally a distance equal to, and preferably slightly greater than, the width of the lm F, which distance is determined by the width of each of the teeth on the ratchet 64. Thus, with this feeding mechanism 55, it is assured that the carrier 11 is moved a distance substantially equal to the width of the film F for each step by step movement of the carrier 11.

After the card K has been completely exposed, the tooth `62 will reach the end of the ratchet 64 and when it is desired to return the carrier 11 to its initial starting position (Fig. 4) such movement is effected by raising the arm 5S out of engagement with the ratchet 64 and pulling to the right (Fig. 3) on a return lever 70 which is pivoted at 71 to the housing 10. Such return lever 70 extends upwardly so that upon a counterclockwise rotation thereof (Fig. 3), the upper end of the lever 70 will contact the edge or" a lateral extension 20a on the carrier plate 20 to move the carrier 11 to the left or to its original position. A handle 72 may be provided on the lever to facilitate the return action of the lever 70.

in the operation or use of the apparatus of this invention, the roll of microfilm F which is originally wound upon one of the reels 27 is threaded through the

openings

22a, 39a and 14e so as to position a portion of the film F over the transparent insert 33a on the light box 33. The film strip F is, of course, connected to the other reel 27 so that during the use thereof in the apparatus, the roll of lm may be wound up after each portion is exposed or printed on the cards K. It will be appreciated, of course, that when the film F is threaded from one reel to the other for the initial positioning, the pressure platen 40 is in its raised or upper position (Fig. l). The card K which is to be exposed to the iilm F is positioned in the card holder 16 and is retained against movement by the angle brackets 19 thereon. The card K is of a width equal to a plurality of widths of the film F and is of a length equal to a plurality of frames or images on the section of the iilm which is positioned on the inserts 33a. The card K is initially positioned so that the lm F extends across the upper portion of the card. With the card K thus positioned in relationship to the lm F, the carrier 11 is positioned so that the carried plate 20 is at one end of the top surface 12 of the housing 10 (Figs. 2 and 3). Thus, the feeding device 55 has its ratchet tooth 62 in the first notched recess 63 of the ratchet bar 64 (Fig. 4).

With the film positioned relative the card K for the initial exposure, the actuating lever 43 is depressed to lower the actuating member 41 which through the band 39 lowers the pressure platen 40 to force the holder 16 downwardly to bring the card K into contact with the portion of the film F disposed on the insert 33a. The white light 36 is then turned on for the proper length of time to photographically transfer the image from the portion of the ilm over the insert 33a onto the portion of the card K in contact therewith. The white light is then turned oit and the pressure on the platen 40 is released by permitting the lever 43 to return to its raised position. The spring 48 acts to return the lever 43, and the springs 15 also assist by forcing upwardly on the holder 16. It should be pointed out that the pressure platen is directly above the insert 33a and the portion of the film F thereon at all times so that adequate contact between the iilm and the card is obtained during the contact printing.

After said first exposure and the raising of the platen 40 as above described, the feeding mechanism 55 is actuated to move the carrier 11 longitudinally on the top plate 12 of the film F. As previously mentioned, this is accomplished by moving the ratchet tooth 62 into the next notch or recess 63 on the ratchet bar 64 and then pulling the

arms

56 and 58 back until the arm 56 contacts the stop 65. It will be noted that during this movement the card K remains stationary since it is mounted upon the card holder which is directly mounted upon the housing 10 through the .supports 14.Y The lm strip F, however, is moved transversely of the card substantially one width, or in most cases a distance slightly greater than one width of thejfilm, so as to position the film strip to expose the next row on the card K. Also, the reel 27 upon which the film strip is being wound is rotated so as to present a new series of framesV or images over the inserts 33a on the light box 33. During such manipulation, thered light 33 may be utilized if the operations are carried out in a dark room. This will generally be necessary to prevent premature exposure of the photosensitive or light-sensitive surface on the card K. With the film F thus moved to a new position with a new series of frames positioned on the light box 33 and the film also being positioned approximately one width from the previous row on the cardwhich had been exposed, the pressure platen 40 is lowered in the same manner as previously described by the use of the actuating lever 43. The white light 36 is then turned on for the proper length of time as before, and after sufficient exposure, the pressure platen 40 is released and the above operations are repeated until the card K has been printed or exposed completely, or to the extent desired, with the plurality ofV rows of the frames or images thereon. The card K is then removed from-the card holder 16 and the carrier 11 isreturned to its original position (Fig. 2) by the use of the return lever 70. A new card K can then be inserted and additional sections of the film can be photographically transferred to the new card or, if desired, the same section of Vthe film may be again photographically transferred to the new card or cards. It will be appreciated that in most instances a single roll of iilm F will have sufficient frames to transfer to a large number of cards. Of course, the number of cards and the number of exposures per card will depend upon the size of the film and the size of the cards, which can be varied as desired within practical limits. It will be noted that during each contact printing of a section of the film on the card, the platen 40 is directly above the section of film being printed so that substantially the same pressure is applied during each contact printing step, whereby uniformity in the prints of each row on the card is obtained.

The operation of the apparatus of this invention is illustrated schematically in Fig. 6. The microreproduction K produced by the apparatus of this invention is illustrated in Fig. 8 as having a plurality of rows 80, 81,

V82, 83 and 84, each of the rows being made up of a plurality of iframes or images 85 printed from a different section of the roll of film F. In making such card K, the lrn F is advanced longitudinally or lengthwise of the card one section for each exposure or each row which is formed on the final card. Also, the film strip F is moved in a direction transversely or perpendicular to the length of the card for each new row to be formed. This relative movement between the film F and the card K can be effected by either moving the iilm F with the card remaining stationary as schematically illustrated in Fig. 6, or by moving the card K while maintaining the film strip F stationary, as schematically illustrated in Fig. 7, but Fig. 6 illustrates the operation of the particular apparatus of Figs. 1-5. The series of steps in Fig. 6 wherein the card remains stationary while the film F moves relatively thereto in a direction perpendicular to the card includes the sequence of steps A, B, C, D, and E, while in Fig. 7, where the card is moved while the film F remains stationary, the exposures are obtained in the series of steps A', B', C', D' and E'. The resultant microreproduction formed by either type of relative movement will, of course, be the same. In many instances it is desirable to leave a portion ofthe card K for identification numbers such as are designated by the numeral 86 in Fig. 8. For this purpose, a portion of the top row 80 of the card K may be left without images thereon `for the insertion of the identification 86.

It should be `pointed out that the number of rows of ber of rows of images on each card K may be varied as desired. In fact, the spacing ofthe rows of the images on each card K may be varied'also as desired. These variations in the number and spacing of the rows of 1m- `ages on the card K can be readily accomplished by substituting a different ratchet bar 64 which has a different number and spacing of the ratchet teeth 62 and the notches or recesses'63 therebetween. Y

After the complete card has been exposed to have the desired complete number of rows of the sections of film thereon, the card is developed with known photographic processes so that the final `card appears as a positive print: After the microreproduction K has been printed it is then ready for storage and filing, and it can be easily used by insertion into known types of magnifying viewers.

In Figs. 9-12, a modified construction is illustrated, wherein the parts thereof which are like the parts shown in Figs. l-5 bear like numerals while the modiiied portions are identified with different numerals. of Figs. 9-12 which is modified as compared to Figs. 1-5 is shown in detail in Fig. l2. Basically, such modification includes resilient means such as the springs which, as will be explained in detail, serve to return the pressure platen 4t) to a raised position with the platen surface'tib in a position (Fig. 9) spaced above the holder 16 for the card K. The platen 49 is formed with an arcuate groove 40C (Fig. l1) in which the band 39 is positioned to prevent lateral shifting of the band 39 with respect to the platen 49. Y

The platen 40 also has side projections 191 which are integral with the platen 40 but which are provided with a slot 191a through which the band 39 extends downwardly therefrom. Each of the side projections 191 on the platen 40 are provided with longitudinal openings 19111 for receiving guide pins 192 therethrough.

The upper end of each upright 22 is formed with a recess 193V in which the side projections 191 are positioned for longitudinal movement therein. The guide pins 192 are threaded at their lower ends to the uprights 22 (Fig. l2) or are otherwise secured to the uprights -22 so that such pins 192 extend through the longitudinal openings 19112 of the side projections 191. The coil springs 190 or other resilient means surround the lower portion of the pins 192 and are positioned below the lower ends of the side projections 191 in the lower parts of the recesses 193. Such springs 190 act to urge the side projections 191 upwardly to the uppermost position shown in Fig. 9 of the drawings, wherein the lower platen surface or face 4Gb is spaced above the card holder 16.

Instead of the frame 23 shown in Figs. l-S, a'pair of spaced frame members 123 (Fig. 11) which are secured to the uprights 22 are provided for guiding the movement of 'the platen 40 upwardly and downwardly. A removable cover 123a is connected to the frame members 123 with screws 12311 or any other suitable securing means. Also, cover strips 122 are mounted above the recesses 193 and are connected to the uprights 22 by screws 12201 orrother suitable securing means. Y

The springs 15 hold the holder 16 in a raised position when the platen 40 isk in its raised position so that the card K or other sheet of photosensitive material is positioned above the film F and the surface 49.5Y of the platen `40 is positioned above the card holder, 16 (Fig. 9). When it is desired to'bring the card K or the sheetrinto contact with the film F, the platen 40 is moved downwardly by the lowering of the lever 43 as explained in connection with Figs. 1-5 so that the actuator'member 41 is moved downwardly for moving the band V39 Vand the platen 40 downwardly. Such movementcompresses the springs 190 as the platen 40 moves downwardly since the side extensions 191Kare a part of the platen 40 and move downwardly therewith., VThe surface 4Gb of the platen 40 'moves into contact with the upper surface of One Vportion the holder 16 and then the holder 16 is moved downwardly with the continued downward movement of the platen 40. The springs 15 are then also compressed as the holder 16 is moved downwardly. The downward movement of the platen 40 and the holder 16 continues until the card or sheet K is moved into contact with the film F for the printing thereof as previously explained in connection with Figs. l-5.

The dimensions of the light compartment or box 135 are somewhat different in Figs. 9-12 than in Figs. 1 5 and a door 135a is provided on the compartment 135, but otherwise the construction and function of the box or compartment 135 is the same as in connection with Figs. 1-5. The insert 133b is also different than the insert 3311 in dimensions only but it also serves as a light diffuser in the same manner as the insert 33h in Figs. 1-5. The light box 133 is narrower in width than the light box 33 of Figs. l-S and it is preferably provided with an extension 133b on its upper surface to which is hinged a door 195. Such door is hinged at a conventional hinge 196 to the lower surface of the extension 133b and the door 195 extends downwardly substantially vertically when in the closed position to cover a transparent portion or section 133e in the side wall of the box 133. When the door 195 is raised to a substantially horizontal position by swinging same upwardly about its hinge 196, the interior of the light box 133 is visible to a person exteriorly thereof. In order to view the film F and the card or sheet K from beneath the film F and through the insert 133a, a mirrored surface or mirror 197 is provided on the carrier plate 2G so that when the door 195 is moved to the open position, a person with his eye at about the point indicated by the schematic illustration of the eye designated E in Fig. 1l, can see by the aid of the red light 38 the image of the film and the card or sheet K in the mirror 197 because such image is reflected through the transparent section or portion 133C from the insert 133a to the mirror 197. Such viewing facilitates the positioning of the various frames of the film F lengthwise with respect to the card for each shifting in position of the film F with respect to the card.

It should be also noted that the light box 133 is removable by lifting upwardly to raise the lower ends 133d of the light box 133 above the retaining

members

28 and 29 so that the light box 133 can be moved laterally away from the rest of the apparatus and if desired a different light box may be used having a different size of the insert 13351 for a different size of images on the film F, as explained previously in connection with Figs. 1-5.

yIt will be `appreciated that aside from the differences in operation which result from the changes in structure previously described, the operation of the device as modified in Figs, 9-12 will be the same as the operation of the device shown in Figs. 1-5. The differences in operation between the form of the invention shown in Figs. land the form of the invention shown in Figs. 9-l2 have been previously described and are believed to be self-evident from the drawings and previous description.

From the foregoing, it will be evident that this invention provides an apparatus wherein microreproductions are readily formed by transferring a plurality of images 0n a section of microfilm to a row on the card, and wherein each microreproduction formed has thereon a plurality of rows of such frames or images from the sections of the microfilm. The apparatus assures that the lm and the card `are moved substantially the width of the -film or other desired width for each successive step in the exposure of the film to the card, and a positive uniform pressure is `always applied directly above the film strip to assure the proper `contact between the film strip portion below the card 'and the card thereabove during the contact printing.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction may be made, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for forming microcards comprising, a support housing, a card holder mounted on said housing for vertical movement relative thereto, a film carrier positioned on the support housing for lateral movement relative to the card holder, and a pressure means for applying pressure to the card holder to bring the card into contact with the lm on the carrier, said pressure means including7 a pressure platen disposed over the card holder and having an upper substantially hemicylindrical surface, a band extending over and in conformance with said hemicylindrical surface of the platen, and an actuating member connected to said band so that upon vertical movement of the actuating member the band effects a vertical movement of the pressure platen to move the card holder vertically so as to bring the card into contact with the film with the application of uniform pressure thereto.

2. An apparatus for printing images onto a photosensitive sheet from a film comprising, a support base, a carrier plate movable laterally on said base, means for mounting a roll of film on said carrier plate for lateral movement with said carrier plate, a holder for a photosensitive sheet mounted on said support base for limited vertical movement relative thereto from its lower position wherein a section of the sheet is in contact with a section of the film to a raised position spaced above said section of film, a pressure platen positioned above said holder and supported by said carrier plate for lateral movement therewith, means also mounted on said carrier plate for moving said platen downwardly for thereby also moving said holder downwardly to said lower position, and a source of light carried by said carrier plate for movement therewith to expose the sheet to light for the contact printing of images from the film to the sheet in each lateral position of the film with respect to the card.

3. The apparatus set forth in claim 2, including resilient means for urging said pressure platen upwardly and for supporting said platen spaced above said holder so that frictional contact between the platen and the holder during the lateral movement of the platen relative to the holder is prevented.

4. The apparatus set forth in claim 2, wherein said source of light includes a light bulb, and a section of light diffuser material positioned between said bulb and said film `and sheet to diffuse the light from the bulb for providing uniform light intensity on the film and card during exposure thereof.

5. The apparatus set forth in claim 2, including mirror means for viewing said film and said sheet while they are in position with the next section of the sheet above the next section of the film to be printed, whereby shifting of the film with respect to the sheet may be accomplished if necessary prior to exposure thereof to the light from the light source.

6. The apparatus set forth in claim 2, wherein said means for moving said platen downwardly includes a band extending over said pressure platen and downwardly therefrom, and an actuating member operatively connected to the downwardly extending portion of said band for appli ing a downward force to said platen upon a downward movement of said actuating member.

7. The apparatus set forth in claim 2, including resilient means for urging said pressure platen upwardly and for supporting said platen spaced above said holder so that frictional contact between the platen and the holder during the lateral movement of the platen relative to the holder is prevented, and additional resilient means for urging said holder upwardly to move said sheet in said holder to the raised position out of contact with said film during the shifting of the film longitudinally and laterally relative to said sheet for .the successive printing .of a plurality of images from sections of the r.film Vto said sheet. w .Y

8. An apparatus for printing imagesY onto. a photosensitive sheet from a film comprising, a support base, a carrier plate movable laterally on said base, means for mounting a roll of ilm on said carrier plate for lateral movement with said carrier plate relative to said support base, a holder for a photosensitive sheet mounted on said support base for limited vertical movement relative thereto from its lower position wherein a section of the sheet is in contact with a section of the film to a raised position spaced above said section of lm, a pressure platen positioned above said holder and supported by said carrier plate for lateral movement therewith relative to said support base, means also mounted on said carrier plate for moving said platen downwardly for thereby also moving said holder downwardly to said lower position, a light box removably mounted on said carrier plate and having a lm support section of a material on which the section of film rests and through which light is adapted to pass, and a compartment below said light box having a diuser plate therein and a light source therebelow for directing light through said light box to said film, said light box being removable for substituting a different box having a different width of film support section for use with a different width of lm.

9. An apparatus for forming microreproductions comprising, a housing, a carrier mounted onithe housing and movable longitudinally relative thereto, said carrierincluding a carrier plate, a pair oflm reels mountedon the carrier plate for winding and unwinding arr`oll-ofV film from'one-reel to the other, a light box mountedion the carrier plate Yand having an upper surface for receiving a section of the lm, said housing having extending thereabove a vertical support positioned between one side of the light box and one of the reels and another vertical support between the other side vof the light box and the other of said reels, a card holder supported by said supports, and means on the carrier for moving the holder into Contact `With the lm so that the card and the iilm can be brought into contact for contact printing, said means for bringing the lm and the card into YContact including a pressure platen disposed` above said card, holder, and means mounted on the carrier plate for moving `Ythe platen relative to the.V card holder upona movement of the carrier plate relative to the housing.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES VPATENTS 2,025,755 Lyle Dec. 31,