Patent EP-0778491-A1 (EP)
Inventor: ZANDER DENNIS ROLAND
IPC: G03B19/04
Filed: 1996-11-25
Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for loading a photographic camera (426) of a type including an external housing (428, 478) having a movable closure (484) giving access to a film guide track (566) within the camera, the guide track extending between an unexposed film chamber (562) and an exposed film chamber (564), the apparatus including a frame (12); a source (24) for unexposed photographic film positioned on the frame; a nest (74) for receiving the camera supported on the frame; a film loading device (72) extending between the source and the nest for guiding film from the source into the film guide track within the camera; a film unloading device (82) extending away from the camera; and means for driving film from the source, along the loading device and into the camera and for driving film from the camera along the unloading device. One embodiment of the invention may include a light tight housing (12, 14, 18); the source (24) and nest (74) being positioned within the light tight housing; a cutter (84) for cutting exposed film unloaded from the camera; a device (292, 708, 710, 878) for driving film from the source, along the loading means and into the camera; and a device (584, 602, 708, 710, 874) for driving film from the camera along the unloading means to the cutter. The nest may be adapted for actuating and testing a camera (426) of a type including a shutter trigger button (438) and externally accessible means (476, 508, 526, 530) for moving film within the camera, the nest having a base (410) and walls (420, 422, 424) for guiding a camera into position on the base; a device (664-668) associated with the nest for depressing the trigger button to actuate and test a shutter mechanism of a camera; and camera drive mechanism (584-604) associated with the nest for engaging and operating the device for moving to drive exposed film from the exposed film chamber to the unexposed film chamber and then drive exposed film from the unexposed film chamber along the film guide track and out of the camera. Sensors may be included for detecting whether a lens cover is open or closed ((454-458), for detecting whether or not a flash switch is in a on or off position ((462-468), for detecting whether or not a flash ready light is illuminated (701, 702), for releasing a zero lock mechanism (684), for sensing the presence of a camera in the nest (444-448) and for detecting whether or not a flash feature functions (698, 700). Another embodiment is suited for use with a camera having an externally accessible device (476, 508, 526, 530) for moving film within the camera; a counterwheel (500), operatively connected to the means for moving, for counting a number of frames exposed during use of the camera, the counterwheel having a feature (676, 676a, 676b, 676c) optically detectable when illuminated; and a window (501) in the housing for external viewing of the feature. This other embodiment may provide the film loading device with a film path length between the source and the camera; a device (292, 708, 710, 878) for driving film from the source, along the loading device and into the camera; a device (674) associated with the nest for directing radiation through the window, for sensing reflected radiation and for producing a signal corresponding to presence or absence of the feature at the window; a camera drive device (418, 602, 708, 710, 874) associated with the nest for engaging and operating the device for moving; and a controller (888) responsive to the signal for operating the camera drive device. A further embodiment is suited for use with a camera including an external housing (428, 478) having a movable closure (484) giving access to the film guide track and the film having opposing longitudinal edges. This further embodiment may include a frame (320, 352); a device (324-334, 348-356) supported by the frame for defining a first pair of opposed guide slots (336, 338) for receiving the longitudinal edges as the film is driven into the camera; and a device (370, 372, 378) supported by the frame for guiding the film from or to the first guide slots into or from the film guide track. Apparatus (610) also is disclosed for opening and closing a photographic camera (426) having a slidable closure (484) with an externally accessible slot (636), the opening and closing apparatus including door opening mechanism (612-646) supported by the frame, the mechanism including a member (632, 634) for engaging the slot and an actuator (616, 628) for moving the member to open the closure. Corresponding methods are taught.