Importance

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Abstract

An automatically operated vacuum feed system for cameras is disclosed. Such system includes an opaque, flexible transport belt that is secured between rollers situated at opposite sides of the platen of the camera. A manifold is secured to a vacuum pick-up bar that is adhesively joined to the transport belt, and a central bore and depending channels are defined in the bar. The channels are aligned with openings passing through the belt so that suction forces can be introduced to the underside of the belt to cause photosensitive materials to adhere thereto. The pick-up bar is suspended between a pair of C-shaped tracks that is secured inboard of a pair of side frames for a rigid belt frame. Lift links join the tracks to the side frames, and a lift motor periodically elevates the tracks, thus lifting the manifold and the belt. A reversible motor, a drive sprocket, idlers, and an endless chain are situated outboard of one of the side frames. The motor drives the sprocket which drives the chain in one direction, and then the other. This motion is mechanically transmitted to the rollers for the transport belt and causes them to pay out, or take up, the transport belt. The transport belt, without the intervention of a human operator, picks up, advances, raises and lowers, a sheet of photosensitive material relative to the platen of the camera through a series of distinct, operational steps. The emulsion side of the photosensitive material is not marred, and exposures of increased clarity are obtained.

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First Claim