US 6,698,945 B2 · Automatic photo film feeding apparatus

Abstract

An automatic photo film feeding apparatus includes a transport mechanism for successively transporting a plurality of film cartridges to a feed position. Transport mechanism includes a first transport unit for supporting the film cartridges with photo films drawn downward and successively transporting film cartridges substantially horizontally to a transfer position, and a second transport unit for receiving film cartridges transported to the transfer position by the first transport unit, and transporting film cartridges horizontally to the feed position. Second transport unit has a posture change mechanism for changing film cartridges to a posture having photo films drawn from film cartridges being directed substantially horizontally. Feeding apparatus includes a feed mechanism for drawing photo films out of film cartridges transported to the feed position, and feeding photo films to a processing section. Feed mechanism has rollers for substantially horizontally drawing the photo films out of the film cartridges transported to the feed position by the second transport unit.

Claims10

Dependent claims

An automatic photo film feeding apparatus comprising:

a transport mechanism for successively transporting a plurality of film cartridges to a feed position, said transport mechanism including a first transport unit for supporting said film cartridges with photo films drawn downward and successively transporting said film cartridges substantially horizontally to a transfer position, and a second transport unit for receiving said film cartridges transported to the transfer position by said first transport unit, and transporting said film cartridges horizontally to said feed position;
said second transport unit having a posture change mechanism for changing said film cartridges to a posture having said photo films drawn from said film cartridges being directed substantially horizontally;
and
a feed mechanism for drawing said photo films out of said film cartridges transported to said feed position, and feeding said photo films to a processing section, said feed mechanism having rollers for substantially horizontally drawing said photo films out of said film cartridges transported to said feed position by said second transport unit.

1 more element

An automatic photo film feeding apparatus comprising:

a transport mechanism for successively transporting a plurality of film cartridges to a feed position, said transport mechanism supporting said film cartridges with photo films drawn downward and successively transporting said film cartridges to said feed position while changing said film cartridges to a posture having said photo films drawn from said film cartridges being directed substantially horizontally;
a feed mechanism for drawing said photo films out of said film cartridges transported to said feed position;
and
an interrupting feed mechanism for transporting to said feed position a further film cartridge provided from outside separately from said film cartridges supported by said transport mechanism, said interrupting feed mechanism having a film cartridge supporting holder switchable between an introducing position for placing said further film cartridge in said feed position, and a retracted position separated from said introducing position.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Automatic photo film feeding apparatus

Life of this patent

Automatic photo film feeding apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10