US3699834A

US3699834A - Bimodal film cutter adapted to handle different film widths

Info

Publication number: US3699834A
Application number: US134788A
Authority: US
Inventors: Thomas W Bracken
Original assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
Current assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
Priority date: 1971-04-16
Filing date: 1971-04-16
Publication date: 1972-10-24
Anticipated expiration: 1989-10-24

Abstract

A film cutter adapted to sever individual customer orders of 110 or 126 type film into a number of segments. The individual customer orders are spliced together to form a large, continuous roll which is placed in the film cutter. If the splice frame leads the individual customer orders, the film cutter is operated in a First Frame First mode. If the splice frame trails the individual customer orders, the film cutter is operated in a First Frame First mode. Rotation of a selection knob conditions the film cutter for handling either width of film in either mode of operation. Such conditioning automatically causes selection of one of four pivotally mounted pawls, the selected pawl being properly located for the type of film to be cut and the mode of operation to be used. At the same time, rotation of the selection knob automatically raises a T-bar, longitudinally disposed in the film bed of the cutter, to provide a guide surface for one edge of the narrower 110 type film. If the wider 126 type film is to be severed, the T-bar remains lowered and only the proper pawl is selected. When a pawl solenoid, which controls movement of the selected pawl, is energized, the selected pawl is forced downward out of engagement with a film edge perforation. This action permits film drive to commence. When the pawl solenoid is de-energized, the selected pawl swings upward under the biasing influence of a spring where it rides under the still driven film. Engagement of the next following edge perforation by the selected pawl, allows it to swing fully upward, which final movement is transmitted to and sets a microswitch located in its path of travel. The resultant signal from the microswitch causes film drive to stop.

Description

United States Patent Bracken [54] BIMODAL FILM CUTTER ADAPTED TO HANDLE DIFFERENT FILM WIDTHS [72] Inventor: Thomas W. Bracken, Rochester,

[73] Assignee: Eastman Kodak Rochester, NY.

[22] Filed: April 16, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 134,788

Company,

[52] US. Cl. ..83/446, 83/391, 83/419, 83/449, 83/467 [51] Int. Cl. ..B65h 9/20 [58] Field of Search ..83/210, 212, 238, 261, 268, 83/364, 365, 367, 371, 391, 419, 421, 446,

Primary ExaminerFrank T. Yost Attorney-W. H. J. Kline and Saul A. Seinberg l 5 7] ABSTRACT A film cutter adapted to sever individual customer orders of 110 or 126 type film into a number of segments. The individual customer orders are spliced together to form a large, continuous roll which is placed in the film cutter. If the splice frame leads the individual customer orders, the film cutter is operated in a First Frame First mode. If the splice frame trails the individual customer orders, the film cutter is operated in a First Frame First mode.

Rotation of a selection knob conditions the film cutter for handling either width of film in either mode of operation. Such conditioning automatically causes selection of one of four pivotally mounted pawls, the selected pawl being properly located for the type of film to be cut and the mode of operation to be used. At the same time, rotation of the selection knob automatically raises a T-bar, longitudinally disposed in the film bed of the cutter, to provide a guide surface for one edge of the narrower 110 type film. If the wider 126 type film is to be severed, the T-bar remains lowered and only the proper pawl is selected.

When a pawl solenoid, which controls movement of the selected pawl, is energized, the selected pawl is forced downward out of engagement with a 'film edge perforation. This action permits film drive to commence. When the pawl solenoid is de-energized, the selected pawl swings upward under the biasing influence of a spring where it rides under the still driven film. Engagement of the next following edge perforation by theselected pawl, allows it to swing fully upward, which final movement is transmitted to and sets a microswitch located in its path of travel. The resultant signal from the microswitch causes film drive to stop.

9 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PATENTED um 24 I972 sum 1 or 6 mokuuhuo mu uw mokumhmc PAIENTEDnm 24 I972 SHEET 4 [IF 6 BIMODAL FILM CUTTER ADAPTED TO HANDLE DIFFERENT FILM WIDTHS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Reference is hereby made to commonly assigned, copending US. Pat. application No. 134,791, entitled APPARATUS FOR CORRELATING REJECTED PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTS WITH CORRESPOND- ING PHOTOGRAPHIC NEGATIVES, filed in the name of Gerald C. Smith on Apr. 16, 1971; US. Pat. application No. 134,786, entitled APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING THE PACKAGING AND PRICING OF PI-IOTOGRAPHIC PRINTS, filed in the names of Thomas W. Bracken, Thomas C. Laughon, and Gerald C. Smith on Apr. 16, 1971; US. Pat. application No. 134,789, entitled CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR AUTO- MATING THE OPERATION OF A FILM CUTTER OR LIKE APPARATUS, filed in the names of Gerald C. Smith and Raymond J. Williams on Apr. 16, 1971; and US. Pat. application No. 134,787, entitled DISPENSING DEVICE FOR POCKETED EN- VELOPES, filed in the name of James E. Ferris on Apr. 16,1971.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to film cutters and, more particularly, to film cutters which are adapted to handle two different widths of film in either of two modes of operation.

2. Description of the Prior Art In recent years, cameras which use 126 type film, such as the Kodak Instamatic camera line have gained widespread popularity. Such cameras have especially gained extraordinary popularity with the neophyte and amateur photographer. The recent introduction of 110 type film and cameras gives every indication of reaching and possibly surpassing the use of 126 type film. This has resulted in increased volume for the photofinishing industry, which was consequently obliged to develop new equipment to cope with the increased processing demand.

Such cameras use film which has regularly spaced edge perforations and feature film drive mechanisms which advance such film in the camera, via these perforations, in substantially equal increments. Thus, the exposed film will have a given number of latent images or frames equally spaced thereon, each frame having one perforation associated therewith. Such a feature was a departure from what had been done heretofore with respect to perforated roll film, as for example in 35mm cameras, which use film having regularly spaced edge perforations which are in random orientation with respect to the exposed frames.

When the 110 or 126 type film is received from customers, the individual customer rolls, which may be of twelve or twenty frame length, are joined for processing by opaque splices to which are affixed a twin-check or coded label identifying a particular customer order. The large, continuous roll formed thereby is developed and printed. However, in order to return the finished order to the customer, the large roll of film must be cut, preferably for ease of handling, into segments which are even shorter than the lengths of the original 12 or 20 frame rolls received from the customer.

Various film cutters have been designed and are known in the prior art for achieving this result. Some of these film cutters are essentially manually operated and require constant operator interaction to achieve the desired results. An example of such a manual film cutter is the Byers Film Cutter, Model 126, manufactured by the Byers Photo Equipment Company of Portland, Oregon. While such film cutters achieved the desired results, they were slow, required constant operator attention and ultimately prevented the film processor from fully reaping the benefits of automating other operations in the processing cycle.

In time, automated versions of film cutters became available and greatly reduced certain of the problems associated with the older manual type. An example of such a film cutter is the Fox Continuous 126 Film Cutter, manufactured by Fox-Stanley Photo Products, Inc., of San Antonio, Texas.

However, neither type of film cutter was adapted to handle both and 126 type film. Furthermore, such prior art film cutters could not handle, in most cases, the large, continuous rolls made up of spliced together customer orders when the splice frame led the individual customer orders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide a film cutter which is adapted to handle different film widths of large, continuous rolls regardless of whether the splice frame leads or trails the individual customer orders.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a film cutter in which an adjustable guide surface can be raised from the film bed when narrow width film is to be cut.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a film cutter in which the proper one of four pawls pivotally mounted therein is automatically selected in response to the rotation of a selection knob.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a film cutter in which selection of the proper pawl simultaneously raises the movable guide surface when the narrower ty'pe film is to be severed.

Accordingly, there is provided a film cutter having a plurality of pawls pivotally mounted on a common shaft therein. Rotation of a selector knob and the shaft to which it is coupled to one of four positions causes corresponding rotation of another shaft which carries a set of cams thereon. Rotation to each of its four positions causes the selector knob to rotate the cam set so that all but the proper pawl are cammed to an inoperative position.

A movable T-bar is supported at either end, by identical eccentric cams, one of which is mounted on the shaft carrying the cam set. The other eccentric can is mounted on the shaft carrying the selector knob. Rotation of the selector knob therefore, rotates both of the eccentric cams in unison, raising the T-bar to provide a medial film edge guide surface whenever narrow width 1 10 type film is to be cut, regardless of the operational mode. Rotation of theselector knob to adapt the film cutter for the wider width 126 type film further rotates the eccentric cams in unison, allowing the T-bar to be lowered out of the path of the film.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description thereof, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein there is set forth by way of illustrative example, an embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram of apparatus for automating the operation of a film cutter embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view, partially cut away,

of a film cutter embodying the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the pawls and their mounting arrangement and the cam set and its mounting arrangement.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cam set.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the film driv means taken along line 55 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the film cutter showing the film edge guide assembly and the cutter assembly.

FIG. 7 is a partial side view of the film cutter showing the T-bar in its lowered position, resting at each end thereof on eccentric cams.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the film cutter of FIG. 2 taken along line 8-8 thereof, showing the jam plate assembly and omitting the cutter assembly.

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the position of a selected pawl, used with the narrower film, and certain associated elements with the pawl solenoid energized.

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the position of the pawl shown in FIG. 9, after the pawl solenoid has been de-energized, with the pawl teeth riding under the still driven film.

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of the position of the pawl shown in FIG. 9, after its tooth has engaged an edge perforation.

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of the comparable position of a selected pawl used with the wider film after its teeth have engaged an edge perforation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the'drawings wherein like reference numerals have been used in the several views for like elements, FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates. a simplified block diagram of several elements of apparatus for automating the operation of the film cutter 18 illustrated in FIG. 2. A brief explanation of this apparatus is thought necessary to enhance an understanding of the present invention. For greater details on the automating apparatus, reference should be had to the aboveidentified US. Pat. application No. 134,789.

Film cutter 18 is particularly suitable for severing large, continuous rolls of film (not shown) of differing widths which are made up of smaller, spliced customer rolls or orders, into segments of predetermined length.

The particular type of film to be severed is characterized by regularly or equi-spaced edge perforations, each of which correspond to one of the exposed frames on the film. In addition, the splice frame which joins the individual customer orders also contains an edge perforation which is generally in pitch withthe film edge perforations. The splice frame, which also carries a twin-check or customer identification code, is desirably left attached to one of the severed film segments.

In practice, the large, continuous rolls of film may be fed from a supply station (not shown) with the splice frame leading each customer order, the Last Frame First mode of operation (hereinafter LFF), or with the splice frame trailing each customer order, the First Frame First mode of operation (hereinafter F FF Typically, the customer orders to be cut are of twelve or twenty frame length and may be intermingled in the larger rolls. They are, however, spliced together with the film edge and splice perforations all on one side. In order to fit the severed film segments into envelopes for return to the customer, it is preferred to have the seg ments be of four frame length, except for the segment carrying the splice frame which is of five frame length.

A twelve frame customer order would then be severed, in LFF operation, into segments of five, four and then four frame length. In FFF operation, the segments would be cut in four, four, and then five frame length. A twenty frame customer order would likewise be severed into segments of five, four, four, four and then four frame length in LFF operation or into segments offour, four, four, four and then five frame length in FFF operation. It should be noted that while the segment lengths are conveniently chosen to be of maximum four frame length, other lengths can be readily severed if desired.

With a large, continuous roll of film of the type described mounted in the supply station, power is turned on, initiating film drive. As shall be hereinafter explained, with film drive on, the film is free to be fed to a cutter blade 23 (see FIG. 2). A photodetector 10, in LFF operation, monitors passage of the film and splice perforations. A control circuit 12, responsive to the periodic signals generated by the perforation detector 10, generates a cut signal after passage of a predetermined number, five in this instance, of frames. The cut signal de-energizes pawl solenoid allowing a pivotally mounted selected pawl to be biased upwards, whereupon its teeth ride under the still driven film. The pawl teeth engage the next following edge perforation, which act sets pawl switch 96. In response thereto, film drive solenoid 1 13 is de-energized, halting the film drive, and cutter solenoid 133 is energized, severing the advanced five frame segment of film. After a delay period, which is chosen to be greater than the time necessary for cutter blade 23 to cycle, interposed by delay circuit 16, pawl solenoid 95 is re-energized, pulling the selected pawl out of engagement. This action resets pawl switch 96 which, in turn, initiates film drive. Additional film segments of four frame four frame length are automatically out until the splice frame is sensed by the splice photodetector 14. Photodetector 14 generates an output signal which causes the control circuit 12 to halt further operation until the severed customer order is withdrawn from an exit port (not shown) provided in the cutter housing '55. Removal of the severed strips starts the cutting cycle once again and, assuming that the severed customer orders are removed as they are cut, the entire large roll of film is segmented. In FFF operation, perforation detector 10a and splice detector 14a serve the same function as detectors 10 and 14. Since the splice frame trails the customer orders, the film segments are cut in reverse, that is, the five frame segment is cut last. However, in all other respects, operation of film cutter 18 in the FFF mode of operation, is as described above for LFF operation.

Film of the type described is commercially available in at least two widths, namely llO type film and l26 type film. Cutter 18, in FIG. 2 is shown with the narrower 1 type film 20 therein, set for the LFF mode of operation. In FIG.- 6, a partial view of cutter 18 shows the wider 126 type film 20a ready to be cut, also with the cutter 18 set for LFF operation.

The cutter 18 illustrated in FIG. 2, operates in the following manner. A large, continuous roll of film is mounted in the supply station. The leading end of this roll is passed over idler roller and is laterally constrained from excessive sideways movement by the guiding action of side wall 17 and the idler roller guide band 19. From idler roller 15, the leading end of the film 20 is passed between pinch roller 21 and drive roller 22. The operator, knowing from simple observation that 110 type film 20 is to be severed in the LFF mode of operation, turns selector knob 26 to its proper setting. This act does two things. First, it sets rotary switch 34 so that the proper pair of detectors, l0 and 14 or 10a or 14a, are activated and, second, it selects, in a manner to be hereinafter described, one pawl from among four provided. When cutting 126 type film 20a, the film is laterally constrained between

side walls

17 and 29, passing over idler roller guide band 19.

Selector knob 26 is mounted to one end of shaft 27 which protrudes through the outer housing 55 of film cutter 18 and is journalled therein. Rotary switch 34 is commonly mounted to shaft 27 between the outer housing 55 and the inner housing 28 of film cutter 18. Mounted on shaft 27 for rotation therewith behind ro tary switch 34 is a toothed gear 38. Gear 38 is held in position on shaft 27 by spring clip 40. Shaft 27 extends through inner housing 28 completely beneath and parallel to the main film bed and emerges through the rear wall of inner housing 28 and is journalled therein. An endless belt 36 encircles gear 38 and the similarly toothed gear 46. Gear 46 is mounted on shaft 44 which extends through the inner housing 28, parallel to shaft 27, and emerges through its rear wall being journalled therein. Spring clip 42 holds gear 46 in position. The inner surface 37 of. belt 36 is provided with a series of cogs which engage the rectangularly shaped teeth on

gears

38 and 46. Thus, rotational movement of selector switch 26 effects rotational movement of shaft 27 which, in turn, causes rotation of gear 38, gear 46 and ganged shaft 44 by the action of endless belt 36. As shown in FIG. 3, a cam set 49 is mounted on shaft 44 within the inner housing 28. The cams are held on shaft 44 by set screws 55. Located above shaft 44 and parallel thereto is shaft 48. Pivotally mounted on shaft 48 are the

pawls

60, 62, 64 and 66. A number of spacers 63 are interspersed between the pawls themselves and between the pawls and the spring clips 65 to precisely space and locate the pawls on shaft 48. A spacer 61 is mounted on shaft 48 in the center thereof having a groove 67 therein to accommodate an opening 32 in the front end of T-bar 30. T-bar is biased downwardly by springs 69 which hold its top surface approximately flush with that of the main film bed 25.

Springs

68, 70, 72 and 74 are associated with and bias, respectively, each

pawl

60, 62, 64 and 66 upwardly, about shaft 48, to a position wherein the

pawl teeth

60a, 62a, 62b, 64a, 64b and 66a extend up through

slots

57 and 58, respectively, which are cut in the film bed 25. Slot 31 which is also cut in the film bed is provided to accommodate T-bar 30.

. As previously noted, the film to be severed by film cutter 18 is available in two widths. When the smaller width film 20, the 1 10 type, is to be severed, T-bar 30 is raised in a manner to be hereinafter described to provide a guide surface for the film 20 as it travels between pinch roller. 21 and drive roller 22 to the cutter blade 23. As also previously noted, one of the required steps in severing an advanced segment of film calls for movement of a selected pawl into engagement with a

film perforation

35 or 35a.

As shown in Table'I above, rotating selector knob 26 to' either position C or D conditions film cutter 18 to accommodate the narrower width 110 type film 20. When set to either of these two positions, T-bar 30 is raised to provide the previously noted guide surface for the advancing film. Rotating selector knob 26 to either position A or B conditions film cutter 18 to accommodate the wider width 126 type film 20a. When set to either of these two positions T-bar 30 remains lowered. Rotating knob 26 to any of its four positions simultaneously causes selection of pawl, 60, 62, 64 or 66, (see FIG. 2) depending upon the type of film being cut and the particular mode of operation. The reference numeral of the selected pawl for each setting of knob 26 is shown in Table I. The pawl selection mechanism and the raising and lowering of T-bar 30, as required, works in the following manner. i

As previously described, rotation of selector knob 26 causes a rotation of shaft 44 and the cam set 49 mounted thereon. It will be initially assumed that type 110 film is being used in the LFF mode of operation, as shown in FIG. 2. For this set of conditions, selector knob 26 is set to position D. In position D,

camming surfaces

50a, 51a, and 53a

force pawl legs

60c, 62c, and 640, respectively, against the bias of

springs

68, and 72, pivoting

pawls

60, 62 and 64 downwardly below the surface of film bed 25. Pawl 66, however, is pivoted upwardly by the action of spring 74. In its position D orientation, cam 54 presents a flat surface 54b to cam leg 66c allowing pawl 66 alone to pivot upwardly under the influence of spring 74. In a similar manner, setting selector knob 26 to position C allows pawl 60 to be pivoted upwardly under the influence of spring 68 while the

other pawls

62, 64 and 66 are held below the film bed 25 by the action of camming surfaces Sla, 53a and 54a respectively. When type 126 film is used, pawl 64 is selected in a similar manner by rotating selector knob 26 to a position A for LFF operation and, finally, in a similar manner, pawl 62 is selected when knob 26 is rotated to position B.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, T-bar 30 is urged downwardly by the biasing action of springs 69 which hold its top surface generally flush with the film bed 25. The forward base portion 33 of T-bar rests on the eccentric camming surface 52a and is laterally restrained between the vertical surfaces 52b'thereof. The rear base portion 73 of T-bar 30 rests upon and follows the eccentric camming surface 72a of cam 72. As shown in FIG. 7, cam 72 is mounted on shaft 27 for rotational movement therewith. Rear base portion 73 of T-bar 30 is laterally restrained and carried between the vertical portions 72b of cam 72. When selector knob 26 is rotated to and between positions C and D, the

base portions

33 and 73 of T-bar 30 are raised by the action of camming surfaces 52a and 72a respectively. This raises the T-bar 30 above the film bed 25, providing a vertical guide surface for the inner edge of the 1 10 type film as it is advanced towards cutter blade 23. When selector knob 26 is rotated to either position A or B, the ganged cam surfaces 52a and 72a, respectively, allow T-bar 30 to be pulled down by the biasing action of springs 69 so that its top surface is generally flush with the film bed 25, which permits the cutting of 126 type film. It should be noted that the interaction of belt. 36 with the toothed gears 38 and 46 allows

shafts

27 and 44 to track one another. Consequently, the T-bar 30 will be raised in a substantially horizontal orientation by the identical camming surfaces 52a and 72a.

Since pawl action is identical regardless of the particular pawl selected, it will be assumed in the remainder of this description, unless otherwise indicated, that pawl 66 has been selected by rotating knob 26 to position D. This also means, of course, that the T-bar 30 is raised and that 110 type film is to be severed. In FIG. 6, however, type I26 film has been illustrated in order to depict the engagement position of pawl 64, one of the pawls selected when 126 type film is used.

After the leading edge of the film 20 passes by T-bar 30, it reaches

slots

57 and 58 which are formed in the main film bed 25 to allow the pawl teeth to engage edge perforations 35 or 350. The film next passes radiation sources 11, 11a, 13 and 13a, which correspond respectively to the photodetectors 10, 10a, 14 and 14a. In LFF operation, the registration of a

film edge perforation

35, or 35a, with opening 80 in main film bed 25 permits radiation from source 11 to impinge upon and actuate perforation detector 10. The registration of a splice frame with opening 81 likewise permits radiation from source 13 to impinge upon and actuate splice detector 14. In FF F operation, registration of a

film edge perforation

35, or 35a, with opening 83 in main film bed 25 permits radiation from source 11a to impinge upon and actuate perforation detector 10a. In a similar manner, registration of a splice frame with opening 82 permits radiation from source 82a to impinge upon and actuate splice detector 14a. The signals from the respective detectors are utilized in the manner previously described. After passing the sensing area in the main film bed, the film 20 is advanced to and under cutter blade 23. When actuated, cutter blade 23 will sever whatever segment of film has been passed by cutter blade 23.

With the leading end of the film 20 aligned with the cutting plane, power is turned on. This causes film drive to start. FIG. illustrates the manner in which the film is driven through the film cutter 18 by pinch roller 21 and drive roller .22. Drive roller 22 is fixedly mounted to shaft 100 for rotation therewith. A spur gear 101 is also fixedly mounted on shaft 100. Spur gear 102 which is mounted to the shaft of a motor (not shown) is positioned in meshing engagement with spur gear 101. The motor is continuously energized as long as power is applied to film cutter 18. Consequently, drive roller 22 is constantly rotated. Pinch roller 21 is mounted on shaft 103 for rotation therewith. Shaft 103 is mounted-in the

arms

104 and 105, respectively, of yoke assembly 106. Spring clips 107 retain shaft 103 in position. Yoke assembly 106 is biased upwardly by springs 108 which encircle the shafts of bolts 109. The threaded portions of bolts 109 engage threaded openings 110 provided in horizontal member 111 thereby restraining the yoke assembly in its vertical movement. Film drive solenoid 113 is located below horizontal member 111 and is connected via opening 114 therein to the yoke assembly 106 by armature 1 15. When solenoid 113 is energized, armature 115 is pulled downward, forcing yoke assembly 106 to follow against the bias of spring 108. When yoke assembly 106 is pulled fully downward, pinch roller 21 presses film 20 into driving contact with the constantly rotating drive roller 22 causing film advancement therebetween. When solenoid 113 is de-energized, releasing armature 115, yoke assembly 106 moves upward in response to the bias of springs 108, lifting pinch roller 21 from the film 20, thereby halting film drive.

Turning power on also energizes pawl solenoid 95, causing its armature 97 to rotate fully counterclockwise. As shown in FIG. 9, this causes camming member 98 to rotate fully clockwise, forcing pawl leg 66c of the selected pawl 66 fully to the right against the bias of spring 71. This action pivots pawl 66 downwardiy into pawl slot 57 below the surface of main film bed 25. Once-the predetermined number of edge perforations have been counted, as previously described, pawl solenoid 95 is de-energized, allowing its armature to rotate fully clockwise, which pulls yoke arm to the left and rotates cam member 98 counterclockwise, as shown in FIG. 10. Since pawl leg 660 is no longer restrained by cam member 98, pawl 66 is pivoted upwardly by the influence of biasing spring 68. This causes pawl tooth 66a to ride under the still driven film 20. It should be noted that the selected pawl 66 can pivot upwardly due to the position of cam 54 which presents its flat surface 54b to pawl leg 66c. However,

movement of pawl leg 66c fully to the left, in response to deenergization of pawl solenoid 95, allows pawl leg 66c to contact, but not rotate, cam member 121. Cam member 121 and contact member 123 are commonly mounted to rotate as a unit on and about shaft 125.

As shown in FIG. 11, pawl tooth 66c engages the next following edge perforation allowing pawl 66 to move fully upward which, in turn, causes pawl leg 66: to rotate camrning member 121 in a counterclockwise direction. Rotation of cam member 121 forces contact member 123 downward, against the bias of spring 122, causing contact 124 of pawl switch 96 to close. As previously described this final movement of selected pawl 66, from immediately below the still driven film 20 into engagement with the next following edge perforation 35, results in the de-energization of film drive solenoid 1 13. The resulting upward movement of pinch roller 21 stops further film drive, which was initially inhibited by engagement of pawl tooth 660 with edge perforation 35.

FIG. 12 illustrates the engaged position of pawl 64 where it, rather than pawl 66, is selected. With selected pawl 64 pivoted fully upward by spring 72,

pawl teeth

64a and 64b engage two successive edge perforations 35a of the 126 type film a. It has been found that edge perforations of the 126 type film will occasionally tear. It has also been found that a torn edge perforation may slip off a pawl tooth and fail to engage, as previously described. For this reason two pawl teeth are formed on each of

pawls

62 and 64 so that at least one of the teeth will engage a film perforation, even when a torn one is present. It should be noted that space and alignment restrictions dictated the use of only one tooth on the 110

type film pawls

60 and 66. However, since the edge perforations of this film can also tear, two teeth can be used, rather that the single tooth as shown.

In FIG. 6, a portion of side wall 17 and top wall 103 have been cut away to illustrate the resiliently biased film edge guide assembly 140. It will be understood that an identical film edge guide assembly (not shown) is located directly opposite film edge guide assembly 140 behind side wall 29. As is shown in FIG. 6, the edge of

film

200, or 20, rides under lower lip 17a-of side wall 17 and abuts guide member 141. One end of guide member 141 is formed into a U-shaped flange 143 which is positioned about a fixedly mounted post 145.

, Coil spring 144 is wrapped around post 145 and presses against the back of guide member 141 biasing it towards the outer film edge. Guide member 141 is limited in its travel toward the film edge by flange 142 and U-shaped flange 143. As film is fed across main film bed towards cutter blade 23, guide assembly 140, and its identical counterpart, resiliently locate the film therebetween to insure proper alignment of the film edge perforations with perforation detector 10, in the LFF mode of operation, and with perforation detector 10a, in the FFF mode of operation. When type 126 film 20a is used, as is shown in FIG. 6, guide assembly 140 and its identical counterpart are both operational. When type 1 10 film 20 is used, as shown in FIG. 2, guide assembly 140 resiliently urges the film 20 between itself and the guide surface provided by the raised T-bar 30.

FIG. 8 which is a partial, cross-sectional view of film cutter 18, illustrates the jam plate assembly 150. Jam plate 151 is pivotally mounted on pivot pin 152 immediately downstream of drive roller 22. Spring 153 biases jam plate 151 to its fully raised position where it is located parallel to and just below the bottom surface of the film 20. A lug 154 extends from the pivot end of the jam plate 151 as shown in FIG. 8. When pawl solenoid 95 is de-energized and the selected pawl 66 swings upward, as previously described, film drive continues. When the tooth 66a of pawl 66 engages the next following edge perforation 35, film advance is stopped thereby, but film drive momentarily continues, that is, pinch roller 21 still holds film 20 in driving contact with drive roller 22. When film drive solenoid 113 is deenergized, pinch roller 21 is released, as previously described, and film drive is halted. During the minute interval between engagement of the film edge perforation by tooth 66a and the de-energization of film drive solenoid 113, the slight amount of film advanced forces jam plate 151 downwardly against the bias of spring 153. This movement, however, is not sufficient, under normal conditions, to cause lug 154 to move contact arm 155 of microswitch 156. When a jam does occur, as for example when cutter blade 23 blocks film bed 25, the force of the now greater amount of still driven film on jam plate 151 pivots it further downward causing lug 154 to move contact arm 155, which switches microswitch 156. The resultant jam signal is utilized to de-energize film drive solenoid 113, halting further film advancement.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifica tions can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for selectively preparing a film cutter having drive means, cutting means and a film bed to handle film of two differing widths, the film having regularly spaced perforations along only one edge thereof and fed by the drive means over the film bed to the cutter means with its perforations adjacent one edge of the film bed in a first mode of operation and with its perforations adjacent the other edge of the film bed in a second mode of operation, said apparatus comprising:

a. first means movably mounted in the cutter for engaging the film edge perforations of said differing width film;

b. second means for selectively preparing said first means to engage the film perforations in accordance with the width of film and mode of operation being used; and

c. guide means for guiding the non-perforated edge of the narrower of such film widths, said guide means mounted in said cutter so as to be movable in and out of an operative position for guiding such film, said guide means being operatively associated with said second means so as to be in said operative position only when first means is positioned to engage film edge perforations of narrower film width.

2. Apparatus for selectively preparing film cutter having drive means and cutting means to handle film of two different widths, the film having regularly spaced perforation along only one edge thereof, said apparatus comprising:

a. a film bed having a first slot adjacent one edge thereof and parallel thereto and a second slot adjacent the other edge of the film bed and parallel thereto, the film being fed by the drive means over the film bed to the cutter means with its perforations adjacent one edge of the film bed in a first mode of operation and with its perforations adjacent the other edge of the film bed in a second mode of operation:

b. a plurality of pawl members mounted in the cutter in alignment with said first and second slots for engaging the film edge perforations; and

c. means for selectively preparing only one of said plurality of pawl members to engage the film perforations in accordance with the width of film and mode of operation being used.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said film bed has a medial slot cut therein and parallel thereto,

said apparatus further comprising guide means movable mounted in the cutter in alignment with said medial slot for guiding the nonperforated edge of the narrower width film, said movable guide means cooperating with said means for selectively preparing and movable thereby through said medial slot to an operative position only when said plurality of pawl members is conditioned to engage the film edge perforations of the narrower width film in either mode of operation.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 which further comprises: a

a. guide means for guiding the nonperforated edge of the narrower film; and

b. means for detachably mounting said guide means medially in the film bed.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said means for selectively conditioning said pawl members comprises a plurality of cam members, movable as a unit, one of said plurality of cam members being associated with each one of said plurality of pawl members and located in camming proximity thereto, each of said cam members having camming surfaces thereon oriented with respect to said associated pawl members so that all but a single one of said pawls are cammed to an inoperative position in accordance with the width of film and mode of operation being used.

6. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said means for selectively conditioning said pawl members comprises a plurality of cam members, movable as a unit, one of said plurality of cam members being associated with each one of said plurality of pawl members and located in camming proximity thereto, each of said cam members having camming surfaces thereon oriented with respect to said associated pawl members so that all but a single one of said pawls are cammed to an inoperative position in accordance with the width of film and mode of operation being used.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said plurality of cam members further includes an additional cam member associated only with said movable guide means and located in camming proximity thereto, said additional cam member having a camming surface thereon for camming said guide means to its operative position only when the narrower width film is used in either mode of operation.

8. A film handling apparatus for accommodating at least first and second film types of respectively differing widths, both such film types being, characterized by having regularly spaced perforations along one edge thereof, said apparatus comprising:

a. a film bed for alternatively supporting film of each of such types;

b. first means movably positioned for engaging the film edge perforations of a supported film of each of such types;

0. second means coupled to said first means for selectively positioning said first means for engagement with the perforations of the particular film type being handled; and I d. film edge guide means mounted with respect to said film bed for movement between a first film edge guiding position when said film handling apparatus is uniquely adapted for handling film of said first type and a second non-guiding position when said film handling apparatus is uniquely ada t d for handlin film of said second t e. 9. Thti a pparatus of c aim 8 wherein said fii m edge guide means is operatively associated with said second means whereby when said second means moves said first means for engagement with the perforations of the first film type said edge guide means is moved to said first film guiding position and to said second non-guiding position when said second means moves said first means for engagement with the perforations of the second film type.

Claims

1. Apparatus for selectively preparing a film cutter having drive means, cutting means and a film bed to handle film of two differing widths, the film having regularly spaced perforations along only one edge thereof and fed by the drive means over the film bed to the cutter means with its perforations adjacent one edge of the film bed in a first mode of operation and with its perforations adjacent the other edge of the film bed in a second mode of operation, said apparatus comprising: a. first means movably mounted in the cutter for engaging the film edge perforations of said differing width film; b. second means for selectively preparing said first means to engage the film perforations in accordance with the width of film and mode of operation being used; and c. guide means for guiding the non-perforated edge of the narrower of such film widths, said guide means mounted in said cutter so as to be movable in and out of an operative position for guiding such film, said guide means being operatively associated with said second means so as to be in said operative position only when first means is positioned to engage film edge perforations of narrower film width.

2. Apparatus for selectively preparing film cutter having drive means and cutting means to handle film of two different widths, the film having regularly spaced perforation along only one edge thereof, said apparatus comprising: a. a film bed having a first slot adjacent one edge thereof and parallel thereto and a second slot adjacent the other edge of the film bed and parallel thereto, the film being fed by the drive means over the film bed to the cutter means with its perforations adjacent one edge of the film bed in a first mode of operation and with its perforations adjacent the other edge of the film bed in a second mode of operation: b. a plurality of pawl members mounted in the cutter in alignment with said first and second slots for engaging the film edge Perforations; and c. means for selectively preparing only one of said plurality of pawl members to engage the film perforations in accordance with the width of film and mode of operation being used.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said film bed has a medial slot cut therein and parallel thereto, said apparatus further comprising guide means movable mounted in the cutter in alignment with said medial slot for guiding the nonperforated edge of the narrower width film, said movable guide means cooperating with said means for selectively preparing and movable thereby through said medial slot to an operative position only when said plurality of pawl members is conditioned to engage the film edge perforations of the narrower width film in either mode of operation.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 which further comprises: a. guide means for guiding the nonperforated edge of the narrower film; and b. means for detachably mounting said guide means medially in the film bed.

8. A film handling apparatus for accommodating at least first and second film types of respectively differing widths, both such film types being characterized by having regularly spaced perforations along one edge thereof, said apparatus comprising: a. a film bed for alternatively supporting film of each of such types; b. first means movably positioned for engaging the film edge perforations of a supported film of each of such types; c. second means coupled to said first means for selectively positioning said first means for engagement with the perforations of the particular film type being handled; and d. film edge guide means mounted with respect to said film bed for movement between a first film edge guiding position when said film handling apparatus is uniquely adapted for handling film of said first type and a second non-guiding position when said film handling apparatus is uniquely adapted for handling film of said second type.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said film edge guide means is operatively associated with said second means whereby when said second means moves said first means for engagement with the perforations of the first film type said edge guide means is moved to said first film guiding position and to said second non-guiding position when said second means moves said first means for engagement with the perforations of the second film type.