US3639052A

US3639052A - Apparatus for electrophotographically producing an image on a single sheet of microfilm

Info

Publication number: US3639052A
Application number: US839843A
Authority: US
Inventors: Toshiharu Sasaki; Ryuzo Miyano; Yasutaka Nakajima
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 1968-07-09
Filing date: 1969-07-08
Publication date: 1972-02-01
Anticipated expiration: 1989-02-01
Also published as: DE1935675A1

Abstract

A photographic apparatus for producing a microvisible image of any original on an electrophotosensitive film by means of an electrophotographic method. The apparatus includes means for positioning a successive film having a transparent organic photoconductive layer thereon in a predetermined path and charging means for applying a uniform electrostatic charge to a portion of the film. The charged portion is exposed to a microprojected image of the original through a light source and an optics system to form an electrostatic microlatent image on the portion. Driving means is provided for intermittently advancing said film by a length equivalent essentially to the longitudinal length of the portion. Means for cutting then cuts the portion from the successive film into a single sheet of film. Processing means then transports the single sheet of film having said latent image through processing agents including a liquid developer and a liquid fixer, thereby producing a visible image from said latent image. Takeout means then ejects the single sheet of film having said visible image from the processing means to an outlet.

Description

United States Patent Sasaki et a1.

Miyano, Osaka-fu; Yasutaka Nakajima, Moriguchi-shi, all of Japan Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd., Kadoma, Osaka, Japan [22] Filed: July 8,1969

[21] Appl.No.: 839,843

[73] Assignee:

[ 1 Feb.l,l972

Smitzer ..1 17/1 7.5 Smitzer ..355/3 Primary Examiner-John M. Horan Assistant Examiner-Thomas A. Mauro AtmrneyWenderoth, Lind 81. Ponack [5 7] ABSTRACT A photographic apparatus for producing a microvisible image of any original on an electrophotosensitive film by means of an electrophotographic method.

The apparatus includes means for positioning a successive film having a transparent organic photoconductive layer thereon in a predetermined path and charging means for applying a uniform electrostatic charge to a portion of the film. The charged portion is exposed to a microprojected image of the original through a light source and an optics system to form an electrostatic microlatent image on the portion. Driving means is provided for intermittently advancing said film by a length equivalent essentially to the longitudinal length of the portion. Means for cutting then cuts the portion from the successive film into a single sheet of film. Processing means then transports the single sheet of film having said latent image through processing agents including a liquid developer and a liquid fixer, thereby producing a visible image from said latent image. Takeout means then ejects the single sheet of film having said visible image from the processing means to an outlet.

14 Claims, 20 Drawing Figures mm mm saw 1 or a INVENTORS TOSH IHARU SASAKI RYUZO MIYANO YASUTAKA NAKAJIMA ATTORNEY FIGJQ PATENTED FEB 1 I972 SHEET 2 OF '8 mm m m J R m m o WMNA W UM m A 5 um 5 H I 5 mm 3 g G c maxed,

I! 070 mm PATENTED FEB 1 I972 SHEET 3 0F 8 a 4 T w I.

FIGS

INVENTORS TOSHIHARU SASAKI RYUZO MIYANQ YASUTAKA NAKAJ IMA AT TORNEYS PATENTED FEB 1 I972 SHEET U 0? 8 FIG.9

FIG.7

' INVENTORS m K I S a M a WM /m AN AFT UY T R M A AMA mo HZU w mR M PATENTEU FEB 1 I972 sum 5 UF 3 W E F INVENTO S TOSHIHARU SASAKI RYUZO MIYA NO YASUTA KA NAKAJIMA BY /fimwzrl, $1

ATTORNEYS PATENTED FEB H972 3.539.052

sum 7 u; a

INVENTORS TOSHIHARU SASAKI RY UZO M IYA NO YASUTAKA NAKAJIMA BY Wad m4, fla

ATTORNEYS APPARATUS F OR ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHICALLY PRODUCING AN IMAGE ON A SINGLE SHEET OF MICROFILM FIELD OF THE INVENTION This present invention relates to a photographic apparatus for producing a microvisible image of any original on an organic electrophotosensitive film by means of an electrophotographic method, and more particularly for producing a single sheet of microfilm having a visible microimage and for automatically mounting the microfilm on a record card.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In recent years, the use of microfilm has become increasingly important for convenient storage of various types of information. Conventional microfilming apparatus employs silver halide film, kalvar film and diazofilm, These devices are characterized by the preparation of a roll of long microfilm and are not suitable for the preparation of a single sheet of microfilm. However, each sheet of microfilm is often required to be mounted on a recording card for filing. In such circumstances, it has been necessary to obtain a microfilming apparatus which is capable of preparing a single sheet of microfilm as quickly as possible, and subsequently to mount said single sheet of microfilm on a recording card.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide novel apparatus for producing easily and quickly a microvisible image of an original on an organic electrophotosensitive film by means of an electrophotographic process.

It is another object of the present invention to provide apparatus for making a single sheetof film having a microlatent image of the original from a successive electrophotosensitive film roll and for producing automatically a microvisible image on the single sheet offilm.

It is further object of the present invention to provide novel apparatus for making a single sheet of film having a visible image thereon and for mounting automatically the single sheet of film on the record card.

A further object of the present invention is to provide detailed means for making a single sheet of film having a visible image thereon and for automatically mounting the single sheet of film on the record card.

These objects are achieved by the provision of the following apparatus. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises means for positioning a successive lfilm roll having a transparent organic photoconductive layer thereon in a predetermined path, charging means for applying an uniform electrostatic charge to a portion of said film, exposure means for exposing said charged portion to a microprojecting image of said original through a light source and an optics systems so as to form an electrostatic microlatent image on said portion, driving means for advancing intermittently said film by a length equivalent essentially to a longitudinal length of said portion, cutting means for cutting said portion from said successive film roll into a single sheet of film, processing means for transporting said single sheet of film having said latent image and for producing a visible image from said latent image on said single sheet of film in association with processing agents including a liquid developer and a liquid fixer while said single sheet of film is being transported, and takeout means for ejecting said single sheet of film having said visible image from said processing means to an outlet.

Other and further objects of this invention ill be apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic side sectional view of the general embodiment in accordance with the apparatus of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the film illustrating one of example of the electrophotosensitive film adapted for this invention.

FIG. 3 is a view partly in section and partly in elevation showing the arrangements of the exposure frame, the discharge device and the cutting mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a view of the discharge device and the exposure frame as seen from the right in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the mechanisms for driving the discharge device, the successive film and the cutting means.

FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 are schematic sectional views illustrating the movements of the successive film and the cutter mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the processing means.

FIG. 10 is a view partly in section and partly in elevation of the attaching means and the selecting means.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an adhesive type aperture card used as the film record card.

FIG. 12 is a view partly in section and partly in elevation of the attaching mechanism taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. 10.

FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 are schematic views illustrating the operation for mounting the single sheet of film on the film record card.

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating the movement of the pressing anvil and a pair of holders.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary view ofthe groove of the holder.

FIG. 18 is a plan view ofa microseal-type card used as the film record card.

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating the method for inserting a single sheet of film into the microseal card.

FIG. 20 is a diagram of the electric circuit for the machine ofFIGS. l to 17.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT While a preferred embodiment of the invention is described herein, it is contemplated that considerable variation may be made in the method of procedure and the construction of parts without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the following description and in the claims, parts will be identified by specific names for convenience, but they are intended to be generic in their application to similar parts as the art will permit.

The drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 1, the general embodiment according to the present invention will be explained hereinafter.

An apparatus according to the present invention comprises a housing 1, a control panel 2, a light housing 3, an operating means 4, and an electric circuit 5. A transparent electrophotosensitive film adapted for this apparatus has a width of 35 or l6 mm. and includes electrophotosensitive material as an active member.

FIG. 2 illustrates one of example of this electrophotosensitive film. A transparent film base 24 is made of cellulose triacetate or polyethylene terephthalate and has a thickness of approximately 10 4.. On the base film 24, cuprous iodide is vacuum deposited to form an electrically conductive layer 25. An adhesive layer 26 made of polyvinyl acetate is deposited on the electrically conductive layer 25. A top layer 27 is an organic photoconductive layer consisting of poly-N- vinyl carbazole, and strongly adheres to the adhesive layer 26.

The apparatus according to the present invention is designed to process the above eletrophotosensitive film by means of an electrophotographic method.

The housing 1 has a transparent glass plate 7 which is located on the top of the light housing 3 and which has an original 6 placed thereon. The original 6 is covered with an opaque mat 8 hinged along one section 11 of the top surface of the housing 1. The housing I has an outlet for ejecting the film having a visible image thereon. The control panel 2 comprises a power switch 10, a starting switch 12 for the apparatus and a timer switch 13 for determining a suitable exposure time. The light housing 3 comprises a light source 14 for illuminating the original 6, and an optics system including a lens 15, a reflector mirror 16 and a shutter 30.

The following description will outline the operating means 4. A supply shaft 19 has a successive electrophotosensitive film 18 rolled on a supply reel 17. The film 18 is positioned in a predetermined path which is defined by a tension roller 20, a first driving roller 21, a second driving roller 22 and an exposure frame 23.

A charging means includes a corona discharge device 28 which is movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the film. The corona discharge device 28 applies a uniform electrostatic charge to a portion 29 of the film 18 which is defined by the exposure frame 23.

After being charged, the portion 29 of the film 18 is exposed to a microprojecting image of the original 6 through the light source 14, the reflection mirror 16, the lens 15, and the shutter 30 to thereby form an electrostatic latent image on the portion 29. The exposure time is controlled by the timer switch 13, which will be described hereinafter.

The film 18 is advanced intermittently by a length equivalent essentially to the longitudinal length of the exposed portion 29 by means of the first driving roller 21 and the second driving roller 22. The film 18 is then passed through a cutting means 31.

The leading edge of the film contacts a feeding roller 32. When the film stops, the cutting means 31 operates to cut off a single sheet of film 33 having a latent image thereon from the successive film roll 18. The single sheet of film 33 is guided to a processing means by the feeding roller 32.

The processing means comprises a developing bath 40 containing a liquid developer 39, a fixing bath 42 containing a liquid fixer 41, and a set of feeding

rollers

34, 35, 36, 37 and 38 for transporting the single sheet of film 33 to each of the

baths

40 and 42. A microvisible image of the original 6 is produced on the single sheet of film 33 by the processing means.

The single sheet of film 33 having the visible image thereon is fed to a movable selector 44 from the processing means by means of a set of takeout rollers 43. The movable selector 44 is movable between an upper position 56 and a lower position 45 shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 1. When the movable selector 44 is positioned at the upper position 56, the single sheet of film 33 is transferred to a first outlet 50 by a roller 46 and a conveyor belt 49 looped around pulleys 47 and 48. When the movable selector 44 is positioned at the lower position 45, the single sheet of film 33 is transported to a mounting means 52 by a set of feeding rollers 51.

A film record card 53 is supplied to the mounting means 52 from a second outlet 54 by a set of supplying rollers 55.

The film record card 53 is usually called the aperture card. One can use any available film record card such as an adhesive type aperture card or microseal-type aperture card having a jacket for holding the film.

The single sheet of film 33 is attached to the film record card 53 by the mounting means 52. The film record card 53 having the single sheet of film 33 attached thereto is ejected through the second outlet 54 by the supplying rollers 55.

The following will describe in detail the mechanism of the operating means 4 of the apparatus.

The explanation will refer to FIGS. 3 and 4. The exposure frame 23 is composed of an aperture plate 60, and a pressure plate 61, and holds the film 18 in a flat condition. The successive film l8 rolled on the supply reel 17 is guided along the first driving roller 21 (FIG. 1) and the second driving roller and the plate 67 so as to press the pressure plate 61 against the aperture plate 60.

The charging means comprise a corona discharge device 28 and means for operating the corona discharge device 28. The corona discharge device 28 has an insulating member 70 and a ground plate of metal 71. A pair of electrodes 72 are attached to the insulating member 70 at the position designed by 83 and are connected with each other by a plurality of tungsten wires 73. A pair of guide brackets 75 movable along a pair of guide rails 74 are fixed on the ground plate of metal 71. Therefore, the discharge device 28 is also movable along the guide rails 74. High voltage is supplied between the tungsten wires 73 and the ground plate of metal 71 through a high-voltage line 82. Therefore, the tungsten wires 73 discharge a uniform corona charge to the sensitive face of the film 18. The ground plate 71 is connected, at a portion 76, to a crank lever 78 by a pin 77. The crank lever 78 is mounted rotatably by a pin 81 on a crank arm rotated around a rotatable shaft 79. By this construction, the discharge device 28 is movable along the guide rail 74 in a direction which is transverse to a moving direction of the film and which is parallel to and spaced by a given distance from the sensitive face of the film. The discharge device 28 is usually spaced from the exposure frame 23 by the crank arm 80 and the shaft 79 to prevent exposure, as shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the discharge device 28 supplies a uniform charge on the portion 29 of the film limited by the aperture plate 60, during a time period when the discharge device 28 moves slidably in front of the exposed portion 29 in association with the crank mechanism including the crank arm 80 and the crank lever 78.

A microimage of the original is projected on the charged portion of the film 18 by the light source 14, the reflection mirror 16, the lens 15 and the shutter 30 operated by a magnet (not shown), so that the portion 29 of the film 18 has an electrostatically latent image produced thereon (as shown in FIG. 1).

The following description with reference to FIG. 5 will describe the operating mechanism of the discharge device 28, driving means for intermittently advancing the film and cutting means for cutting the film.

A gear 91 with a projection is fixed to a shaft 89 of a first driving motor 92 and rotates in a direction shown by an arrow 93. A main shaft 110 has a first driving gear 94, a cam plate 111, a second driving gear 112, a face cam 113, and a grooved cam 114 fixed thereto in a positioned relation. The gear 91 is capable of meshing with the first driving gear 94 having a cutoff 95 which causes the gear 91 to normally not mesh with gear 94. The first driving gear 94 has a clutch lever 96 mounted thereon. The clutch lever 96 is rotatable around a pivot 97. Further, the clutch lever 96 has a projection 98 which is engageable with the projection 90 of the gear 91 and an edge 100 which is engageable with a small magnet 101. Usually, the projection 98 of the clutch lever 96 is spaced from the cutoff 95 under the bias of a spring 99. Therefore, the projection 98 is not engaged with the projection 90, and the gear 91 does not mesh with the gear 94. The first driving gear 94 meshes with a gear 102 which is fixed to one end of a shaft 103. The shaft 103 is fixed, at the other end, to a first bevel gear 104. The first bevel gear 104 meshes with a second bevel gear 105 which is fixed to a shaft 106. A clutch mechanism 108 controlled by a magnet 107 causes the shaft 106 to couple with the rotatable shaft 79 having the crank arm 80 fixed thereto. A microswitch is in contact with the cam plate 111. A gear 116 meshes with the second driving gear 112 which has a rotational force to drive a shaft through a plurality of

gears

116, 117 118, 119. The rotation of the shaft 120 is transferred to a shaft 126 through an intermittent advancing mechanism 121. The intermittent advancing mechanism 121 consists essentially of a maltese wheel 122 which has a driving pin 123 and which is fixed to the shaft 120 and of a maltese cross 124 which has four grooves 125 and which is fixed to the shaft 126. Rotation of the shaft 120 causes the shaft 126 to be rotated intermittently by the advancing mechanism 121. A first driving roller 127 and a gear 128 are fixed to the shaft 126. A gear 129 meshing with the gear 128 is fixed to a shaft 130 having a second driving roller 131.

The first driving roller 127 and the second driving roller 131 are usually made of elastic material.

A pressing roller 132 is pressed against the first driving roller 127 by a lever 133 and a spring 134 (as shown in FIG. 3). The successive film 18 is positioned between the first driving roller 127 and the pressing roller 132, and is advanced by the fractional force of each roller. in accordance with the intermittent rotation of the shaft 126, the first driving roller 127 and the second driving roller 131 advance the film a given length which is essentially equal to the length of the portion 29 of the film 18 having a latent image thereon. it is important that the

gears

112, 116, 117, 128 and 129 have a gear ratio in order to advance the film 18 at this given length.

The following will described the cutting means 31 as shown in detail in FIGS. 6-8. The cutting means 31 comprises a cutting mechanism 138 which cuts from the successive film a single sheet of film after the advancement of the film. Further, the cutting means 31 is positioned adjacent to the exposure frame 23. The cutting mechanism 138 includes an anvil 140 and a cutter 141. The anvil 140 has a square slit 142 for passing the film and a pin 143 mounted thereon. The pin 143 is attached to a spring 144 which biases the pin 143 to the left as shown in FIG. 6. The cutter 141 has, at one end, a knife edge 145, and has a guide pin 146 mounted thereon. The anvil 140 and the cutter 141 are supported by a holder 139, as shown in FIG. 3. A first bellcrank arm 147 and a second bellcrank arm 148 are rotatably mounted on a pivotal shaft 149 as shown in FIG. 5. The first bellcrank arm 147 is in contact, at one end, with the pin 143 on the anvil 140, and has, at its other end, a roller 150 in contact with the face cam 113. The second bellcrank arm 148 has, at one end, a U-shaped groove 151 which is engaged with the guide pin 146 on the cutter 141, and has mounted on its other end, a roller 153 which is engaged with a groove 152 of the grooved cam 114, Rotation of the shaft 110 causes the face cam 113 and the grooved cam 114 to rotate in the direction of arrow 155. A projecting portion 154 of the face cam 113 contacts roller 150 and causes the first bellcrank arm 147 to move in a counterclockwise direction around the pivotal shaft 149. Therefore, the anvil 140 is shifted in the direction of arrow P against the spring 144. Accordingly, the film is not in Contact with the edge of square slit 142 during the advancement of the film. Further, rotation of the face cam 113 causes the anvil 140 to be returned to its initial position by the spring 144. The groove 152 of the groove cam 114 drives the roller 153 to swing the second bellcrank arm 148. The cutter 141 reciprocates by means of the groove 152 and the pin 146, and cuts from the successive film roll 18 a single sheet offilm 33.

The following will describe the operation of the charging, exposing, film-advancing, and cutting mechanism. The depression of the start switch 12 of the control panel 2 actuates the small magnet 101 and the magnet 107. The small magnet 101 pushes the edge 100 of the clutch lever 96. Accordingly, the clutch lever 96 is rotated clockwise against the spring 99, so that the projection 98 is brought to the engagement with the projection 90 of the gear 91. The engagement of projections 90 and 98 causes the gear 91 to mesh with the first driving gear 94. The operation of the clutch mechanism 108 due to the magnet 107 actuates the shaft 106 to couple with the rotatable shaft 79. The rotation of the gear 91 causes the first driving gear 94, the cam plate 111, the second driving gear 112, the face cam 113 and the hollow cam 114 to rotate at the same time. The movement of the crank arm 80 and the crank lever 78 due to the gear 102, the

bevel gears

104 and 105 causes the discharge device 28 to reciprocate. Since the discharge device 28 is supplied with the high voltage through the high-voltage lines 82 during this movement, the portion 29 of the film 18 is charged. Upon the completion of the movement of the discharge device 28, the microswitch 115 is actuated by the cam plate 111. The microswitch signals the small magnet 101 and the magnet 107 to return to their initial positions, whereby the clutch mechanism 108 releases the engagement of the shaft 106 with the rotatory shaft 79. Even when the small magnet 101 has returned to its initial position, the gear 91 and the first driving gear 94 continue to rotate. At the same time, the microswitch 115 actuates the light source 14 and the shutter 30 so that the microimage of the original 6 is projected on the charged portion 29 of the film 18. The exposure time is controlled by the timer switch 13 and ranges in practice from O to 5 seconds. Upon completion of the exposure, the projecting portion 154 of the face cam 113 contacts the roller 150 of the first bellcrank arm 147 so that the anvil 140 moves in order to prevent the-exposed face of the film 18 from contacting the edge of the square slit 142. Subsequently, the driving pin 123 of the maltese wheel 122 engages with the groove of the maltese cross 124, so that the successive film 18 is advanced a given length through the square slit 142 of the anvil 140. The leading edge of the film 18 contacts the feeding roller 32 driven by another motor 170 as shown in FIG. 9. The disengagement of the driving pin 123 from the groove 125 stops the advancement of the film 18. The roller 150 is separated from the projecting portion 154, and then the anvil returns to its initial position under the bias of the spring 144. The swing of the second bellcrank arm 148 due to the groove 152 of the grooved cam 114 and the roller 153 causes the cutter 141 to move to the right as shown in FIGS. 68 and to cut the film 18. The cutter 141 is returned to its initial position by the grooved cam 114. Upon the completion of these operations, the meshing engagement between the gear 91 and the first driving gear 94 is released again due to the eutoff 95, and then the main shaft 110 stops rotating. Therefore, one revolution of the main shaft 110 powers the charging, exposing, advancing and cutting processes.

The timing of the above operation is controlled by a positional relation between the main shaft 110 and the first driving gear 94, the cam plate 111, the second driving gear 112, the face cam 113 and the grooved cam 114.

The start switch 12, the first driving gear 94, the face cam 113, the grooved cam 114, the timer switch 13, the microswitch 115, the intermittent advancing mechanism 121 and the clutch mechanism 108 comprise a control means which controls the sequence of operation of the charging means, exposure means, driving means and cutting means.

The apparatus according to this invention is characterized by the following features.

a. The size of the film may be substantially equal to the size of the exposed portion so that the waste of film is eliminated. This feature enables microfilm to be prepared inexpensively.

2. The exposed portion of the film is connected to the successive film. Therefore, any excess charge of the exposed portion of the film is discharged through the electrically conductive layer of the successive film, thereby preventing an overcharged image.

3. One advancement of the film advances not only the exposed portion of the film to the cutting position but also the next portion of the film to be exposed to the exposure frame. It is not necessary to move the successive film rela tive to the discharge device in order to apply the charges to the surface of the film. Therefore, there is only one advancement of the film during the charging, exposing, and cutting processes. This allows a reduction in the number offeeding rollers.

The following description will explain the processing means shown in FIG. 9. The processing means comprises a developing means for producing a visible image, a fixing means for fixing the visible image, a drying means, and a roller mechanism for transporting the single sheet of film 33. The developing means comprises a liquid developer 39 and a bath 40 including a guide plate 160. The liquid developer 39 includes a solution having finely divided particles with a selective polarity. either negative or positive. The fixing means comprises a liquid fixer 41 including a resin solvent and a bath 42 having a guide plate 161. Two plates 163 and 164 parallel to each other are positionedbetween the developing and fixing means for guidance of the film. A drying means 165 is located near the fixing means and includes a heating means, for example a nichrome wire 166, for drying the fixed film. The roller mechanism comprises a pair of feeding rollers 32 for feeding the single sheet of film 33 to the developing means, a first set of rollers 34 for transporting the film to the developing bath 42, a second set of rollers 35 for taking out the film from the developing bath 40, a third set of rollers 37 for transporting the film to the fixing bath 42, a fourth set of rollers 38 for taking out the film from the fixing bath 42 and sending it to the drying means 165, and a fifth set of rollers 43 for taking the film from the drying means. Each of the above sets of rollers are composed of a pair of rollers and are driven by a second driving motor 170. One of a pair of rollers is rotated by a driv ing gear 172 which is fixed to a shaft 171 of the second driving motor 170 and which meshes with a gear 174 fixed to a shaft 173. The gear 174 meshes with a gear 176 fixed to a shaft 175 of a roller 37a and at the same time, with a gear 178 fixed to a shaft 177 of a roller 38a. A sprocket 179 is fixed to the shaft 173; a sprocket 181 is fixed to a shaft 180; and a sprocket 183 is fixed to a shaft 182 having a roller 43a mounted thereon. Each of the

sprockets

179, 181, 183 is engaged by a chain 184. A gear 185 fixed to the shaft 180 meshes, at the same time, with a gear 186 fixed to a shaft 187 ofa roller 32a, with a gear 189 fixed to a shaft 190 of a roller 34a, and with a gear 191 fixed to a shaft 192 of a roller 35a. Upon rotation of the gear 172 of the second driving motor 170 in a direction of an arrow 188, each of the above rollers rotates in the direction of the arrows in association with each of the gears, the chain and the sprockets.

The single sheet of film 33 fed by the feeding roller 32 is transported to and from the developing means by the first set of rollers 34 and the second set of rollers 35, respectively, so that a visible microimage of the original 6 is produced on the film 33. Subsequently, the single sheet of film 33 having the visible image thereon is transported through the plates 163 and 164 to the fixing means by the third set of rollers 37 and the fourth set of rollers 38, and then the fixed film is dried by the drying means 165, and is transferred to a next station by

rollers

43a and 43b.

The fixing step is achieved by immersing the single sheet of film 33 into the liquid fixer 41 including a volatile solvent and a resinous material, so that the surface of the film is permanently coated with the fixer.

The following description will explain the takeout means, shown in detail in FIG. 10, for taking out the single sheet of film 33 having the visible image thereon from the processing means to an outlet.

The takeout means comprises a first outlet 50, a conveying means for conveying the single sheet of film 33 to the first outlet 50, a second outlet 54, and attaching means for attaching the single sheet of film 33 to the film record card 53. The takeout means further comprises a selecting means for selecting either a process for not attaching or a process for attaching the single sheet offilm 33 to a film record card 53.

Such selecting means is not necessary if the apparatus is designed only for mounting the film 33 on the film record card 53.

In the embodiment shown in-FIG. 10, the first outlet 50 and the second outlet 54 are form ed separately but it is possible to use one opening for both outlets. An the illustrated embodiment the outlet 54 is used both for supplying the film record card 53 and for taking out the film record card 53 having a single sheet of film 33 attached thereto. However, separate outlets may be provided for each of these operations.

Referring to the FIG. 10, the selecting means comprises a movable rod 201 actuated by a magnet 200 and the movable selector 44 connected to the movable rod 201 through a wire 202. The movable selector 44 is positioned at the position adjacent to the roller 43 of the processing means and is rotatably ble selector 44 stops at upper position 56 limited by a stop 209, show in FIG. 10. When the magnet 200 is energized, the movable rod 201 actuates the movable selector 44 to move to lower position 45 shown in broken lines in FIG. 10.

As explained with reference to FIG. 1, the single sheet of film 33 taken out of the movable selector 44 is transferred to the first outlet 50 by the roller 46 and the belt 49 looped on the pulleys 47 and 48. At this time, the movable selector 44 is positioned at the upper position 56 under the bias of the spring 208.

The following is a description of attaching means for attaching the single sheet of film 33 to the film record card. This attaching means comprises means for supplying the record card to the position at which the film 33 is mounted on the record card, mounting means for mounting the single sheet of film 33 on the record card and means for conveying the record card having the single sheet of film 33 mounted thereon to the second outlet 54.

The film record card 53, shown in FIG. 11, is an aperture card 222 which has an aperture 221. A marginal portion 220 of the aperture 221 has an adhesive material applied thereto. The single sheet of film 33 is adhered to the aperture card 222 by pressing.

The means for supplying the aperture card 222 comprises a guide plate for leading the card 222 to a first position, a first driving means for feeding the card 222, and a first sensing means for controlling the first driving means. The guide plate consists essentially of an upper plate 223 and a lower plate 224 which form a groove 225 to pass the card. The lower plate 224 has an opening 226 through which the single sheet of film 33 will be mounted on the marginal portion 220 of the card 222. The first driving means for feeding the card 222 consists essentially of a feeding roller 228 which rotates in contact with the upper plate 223. The feeding roller 228 is fixed to a shaft 230 having thereon a gear 229. The gear 229 meshes with a gear 234 which further meshes with a gear 233 fixed to a shaft 232 of a reversible motor 231. Therefore, the feeding roller 228 is driven by the reversible motor 231.

The first sensing means comprises a first switch means positioned in the path of the card 222 and a second switching means.

The first switch means is positioned at the vicinity of the inlet for the card 222, and includes a first switch 237 and a lever 236 which has a roller 235 capable of contacting the leading edge of the card 222. The roller 235 is rotatably mounted on one end of the lever 236 by means of a pin 238. The other end of the lever 236 is in engagement with the first switch 237. The lever 236 is rotatably mounted on a pivot pin 239 on a bracket 240 fixed to the lower plate 224.

The second switch means is located at the final position of the guide plates, and includes a second switch 241 to stop the reversible motor 231 and an actuator 242 to actuate the second switch 241. The actuator 242 is positioned to contact the leading edge of the card 222. When the card 222 is inserted into the second outlet 54, the card 222 contacts, at its leading edge, with the roller 235 so that the lever 236 actuates the first switch 237.

A signal from the switch 237 starts the motor 231 so that the roller 228 rotates in the direction of arrow A to feed the card 222. At the same time, a signal from the switch 237 causes the magnet 200 to move the movable selector 44 to the lower position 45. The cooperation of the guide plate, driving means and the sensing means causes the card 222 to be supplied to a first position at which the film is mounted on the card 222.

Mounting means for mounting the single sheet of film 33 on the card 222 comprises means for feeding the single sheet of film 33 to a second position, means for pressing the single sheet of film 33 against the card 222, a second driving means and a second sensing means.

Means for feeding the single sheet of film 33 to the second position comprises the feeding roller 51 for taking out the single sheet of film 33 from the movable selector 44, a pair of holders 245 for holding the single sheet of film 33 temporarily, and a kicker 246 for shifting the film 33 held in the holders to a given position.

As shown in FIG. 12. each of a pair of holders 245 has a groove 247 to guide the side edge of the film, and rotates freely around a pivotal shaft 249. The grooves 247 have cutouts 248 as shown in FIG. 17. The holders 245 are biased by a spring 250 toward each other. The holders 245 are spaced from each other at a given distance by guide block 262 for guiding both a pressure anvil described later and a part 251 of holders 245. Accordingly, the grooves 247 of holder 245 are spaced to guide the single sheet of film 33.

The kicker 246 is rotatably mounted on a pivotal shaft 256 fixed to a bracket 255 and is biased by a torsional spring 257 counterclockwise around the pivotal shaft 256. Usually, the kicker 246 is shifted to position 253 by a pin 258 attached to a gear 275 so as to not be in the path of the single sheet of film 33.

Means for pressing the single sheet of film 33 against the card 222 comprises a first pressure anvil 260 and a second pressure anvil 261, each of which slides along the guide block 262.

A first link 264 is, at one end, rotatably mounted on a pin 263 fixed to the first pressure anvil 260 and is provided, at the other end, with an elongated hole 265 which is rotatably coupled with a guide pin 267 fixed to a gear 277. A second link 269 is, at one end rotatably mounted on a pin 268 fixed to the second pressure anvil 261, and is provided, at the other end, with an elongated hole 270 which is rotatably coupled with a guide pin 271 fixed to a gear 276. The elongated holes 265 and 270 formed in the

links

264 and 269, respectively, are to stop the operation of the first anvil 260 and the second anvil 261 during a time when the guide pins 267 and 271 slide along the elongated holes, even when the gears 277 and 276 continuously rotate. Accordingly, continuous rotation of the gears 276 and 277 cause the first anvil 260 and the second anvil 261 to be intermittently given a cranking motion.

As explained in detail later, the gear 276 meshes with the gear 277 so that the first anvil 260 operates initially and the second anvil 261 operates subsequently.

The second sensing means comprises a third switch 282 and a fourth switch 284. The third switch 282 is operated by a -lever 281 which contacts with the leading edge of the single sheet of film 33 when the film 33 is moved through the grooves 247 of the holders 245. The fourth switch 284 is operated by an actuator 283 which contacts a projection 280 on a cam plate 279 fixed to a shaft 278 of the gear 277.

The following description will explain the driving mechanism for driving and operating the pressing means. A

driving gear 292 is fixed to a rotating shaft 291 ofa third driving motor 290, and drives conveying means 47, 49 and the feeding roller 51. The gear 292 rotates the gear 275 through a clutch mechanism 293 which is controlled by a magnet 294. The gear 275 meshes with the gear 276 which meshes further with the gear 277.

The gear ratio is essentially lzlzl among the

gears

275, 276,

A 277. Therefore, the gears 276 and 277 make one rotation during one rotation of the gear 275.

The single sheet of film 33 is transferred from the movable selector 44 to the grooves 247 of holders 245 by the feeding roller 51. At this time, the leading edge of the film 33 drives the sensing lever 281 to operate the third switch 282. When the single sheet of film 33 has departed from the feeding roller 51, the single sheet of film 33 stops temporarily in the grooves 247. Simultaneously, a signal from the third switch 282 energizes the magnet 294 to operate the clutch mechanism 293. Finally, the gear 292 of the motor is coupled with the gear 275 through the clutch mechanism 293, and then each of the

gears

275, 276 and 277 rotates in a direction shown by arrows 275a, 276a and 277a. The rotation of the gear 275 causes the pin 258 attached to the gear 275 to disengage from the kicker 246. As a result, the force of torsional spring 257 rotates the kicker 246 clockwise around the pivotal shaft 256. Subsequently, the single sheet of film 33 which has been stopped in the grooves 247 is moved to the right as shown in FIG. 13 along the grooves 247 by means of the above rotation of the kicker 246. Consequently, the single sheet of film 33 is transferred to a stopping wall 252 and is stopped at the second position. At this second position, the single sheet of film 33 is aligned with the aperture 221 of the card 222 which has been fed by the aforesaid mechanism. Subsequently, the pin 267 sliding along the elongated hole of the link 264 is engaged with the one end 265a of the elongated hole 265, and then causes the first anvil 260 to rise up by the rotational force of the gear 277. Then, the leading portion of the film 33 is depressed against the marginal portion 220 of the card 222 by the rising force of the first anvil 260. The single sheet of film 33 is al lowed to move upwardly only at its leading portion due to the cutouts 248 of the grooves 247 of the holders 245 (FIGS. 14 and 17). At this moment, the pin 267 on the gear 277 has rotated to its highest position. As gear 277 further rotates, the first anvil 260 moves downward, while the pin 271 of the gear contacts end 270a of the elongated hole 270 thereby raising the second anvil 261. The pin 258 of the gear 275 causes the kicker 246 to rotate counterclockwise and to return to its initial position. The raising of the second anvil 261 causes two sidewalls 272 (FIG. 12) of the second anvil 261 to contact tapered portions 273 of holders 245 and to separate holders 245 from each other against the force of the spring 250. As a result, the single sheet of film 33 is released from the grooves 247. Subsequently, the second anvil 261 causes the remaining unpressed portion of the single sheet of film 33 to be pressed against and adhered to the marginal portion 220 of the aperture card 222 (FIG. 15 and FIG. 16). When its pressing motion is completed, the second anvil 261 is returned to its initial position by the further rotation of the gear 276. One rotation of the

gears

275, 276 and 277 completes all of the above operations.

This rotational operation is sensed by the fourth switch 284 which is actuated through the actuator 283 engaging with the projection 280 of the cam 279. A signal from the fourth switch 284 causes the magnet 294 to return to the initial position and to release the clutch 293. At the same time, the

gears

275, 276 and 277 are also disengaged from the gear 291. Further, a signal from the fourth switch 284 causes the reversible motor 231 again to start. Therefore, the roller 228 is rotated in a direction shown by an arrow B. The single sheet of film 33 attached to the aperture card 222 is ejected through the second outlet 54 by the rotation of the roller 228. When the card 222 having the single sheet of film 33 mounted thereon is ejected, the first switch 237 and the second switch 241 are returned to their initial positions, and the reversible motor 231 stops.

The above method comprises pressing the film 33 against the card 222 by two motions, however, it is possible to press the film against the card by one motion. The use of two motions assures a more accurate positional relation between the single sheet of film and the marginal portion than the use of one motion.

Referring now to FIG. 20, there is shown the electrical circuits 5 of the apparatus of the present invention.

Input power is supplied from a power source of conventional alternating current voltage through

terminals

370 and 371. The first driving motor 92, the second driving motor 170, the'heater 166 and the third driving motor 290 are connected across the power source through the power switch 10. A relay 350 is connected across the power source through the start switch 12. The relay 350 is further connected across the power source through a normally opened switch 350a of the relay 350 and the microswitch 115. The magnet 107, the magnet 101 and a high-voltage source 351 are connected across the power source through the microswitch 115 and a normally opened switch 350b ofthe relay 350.

The discharging device 28 is supplied with a high direct current voltage from the high-voltage source 351. The microswitch 115 connects the power source to a timer 352 when the microswitch 115 is actuated by the cam plate 1 11.

Simultaneously, the light source 14 and a magnet 353 for opening the shutter 30 are connected across the power source through the microswitch 115 and the timer 352. The timer 352 may be preset for any desired exposure time by the timer switch 13. After the desired time has passed, a magnet 353 for operating the shutter 30 and the light source 14 will be deenergized.

A relay 360 is connected across the power source through the normally opened first switch 237 and the normally closed second switch 241. The relay 360 is further connected across the power source through the normally opened fourth switch 284, a normally opened switch 361a of a relay 361 and the second switch 241. The magnet 200 is connected in series with the second switch 241, and the magnet 294 is connected in se ries with the second switch 241 and the normally opened third switch 282. The relay 361 is connected across the power source through the fourth switch 284 which is actuated by the cam plate 279.

The reversible motor 231 is connected across the power source through a normally closed switch 3610 of the relay 361 and a normally opened switch 360a of the relay 360. In this connection, the reversible motor 231 is designed to rotate the roller 228 in the direction of the arrow A shown in FIG. 10. Further, the reversible motor 231 is connected across the power source through a normally opened switch 361b of the relay 361. In this connection, the reversible motor 231 is designed to rotate the roller 228 in the direction of the arrow B shown in FIG. 10.

The operation of the apparatus in accordance with the electrical circuits will now be explained. The depression of power switch operates the first driving motor 92, the second motor 170, the third motor 290 and the heater 166. The relay 350 is actuated by depressing the start switch 12. The

magnet

101, 107 and the high-voltage source 351 are energized through the microswitch 115 and the switch 350k. Accordingly, the main shaft 110 is rotated, and the portion 29 of the film 18 is charged by the discharge device 28.

Upon completion of the charging process, the microswitch 115 is actuated by the cam plate 111, so that the timer is energized. The charged portion 29 is exposed to the microimage of the original by energizing the light source 14 and the magnet 353.

Subsequently, the exposed film is advanced intermittently by the aforesaid means, and is cut into the single sheet of film 33. The single sheet of film 33 transported by the second motor 170 and is processed by the processing means.

On the other hand, when the aperture card 222 is inserted into the second outlet 54, the first switch 237 is actuated so that the relay 360 is energized. As a result the reversible motor 231 is energized through the switch 360a of the relay 360 so that the card 222 is fed by the feeding roller 228 until the leading edge of the card 222 is engaged with the second switch 241. When the second switch 241 is actuated, the relay 360 is deenergized so that the reversible motor 231 is also deenergized.

At the same time, the magnet 200 for moving the movable selector 44 is energized. The movable selector 44 is positioned at the aforesaid lower position 45. The single sheet of film 33 taken from the processing means is transferred to the grooves 247 through the movable selector 44. The third switch 282 is actuated by the movement of the single sheet offilm 33 so that the magnet 294 is energized to engage clutch 293 to move the mounting means. Upon the completion of the movement for mounting the film 33 on the card 222, the fourth switch 284 is actuated by the cam plate 279. The relay 361 is energized to actuate the reversible motor 231 through the switch 36lb of the relay 361. The feeding roller 228 driven by the reversible motor 231 is again rotated to eject the card 222 having the film 33 thereon through the second outlet 54.

If the aperture card 222 is not inserted into the outlet 54, the magnet 200 is not actuated. Therefore, the movable selector 44 remains at its upper position 56 so that the single sheet of film 33 having the visible image thereon is never mounted on the card 222 and is conveyed to the first outlet 50 by the conveyor means 47 and 49.

Thus, it is possible to prepare automatically the single sheet of microfilm and to either mount or not mount the film on a record card.

The following description will explain the method for mounting the single sheet of film on a microseal-type card, as the film record card, with reference to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19.

A record card 300 of this type has a jacket 316 made of a transparent, thin sheet 301 as is well known. The jacket 316 has a slit portion 302 for inserting the film. The card 300 is fed to a passage composed of a first guide plate 305 and a second guide plate 306 by means of feeding

rollers

303 and 304. The leading edge of the card 300 actuates a microswitch 315 so that the feeding

rollers

303 and 304 stop rotating. The card is bent at its leading edge by the

guide plates

305 and 306.

The slit portion 302 of the jacket 316 is spaced from the bent portion 314 of the card 300 under the bias of the elastic force of the sheet 301. The single sheet of film 33 is guided along a guide plate 309 and is fed by feeding

rollers

307 and 308.

A lever 312 which is moved in a straight line by means of a pinion 310 and a rack 311 causes the single sheet of film 33 to move to the right as shown in FIG. 19. The single sheet of film 33 is inserted into the jacket 316 while being guided by the space between the portion 302 of the jacket 316 and the bent portion 314 of the card 300.

When the film 33 is inserted into the jacket 316 a switch 313 is actuated by movement of the lever 312 and causes the feeding

rollers

303 and 304 to again rotate to eject the card 300 having the film mounted thereon.

In accordance with the present invention, one can obtain a microfilm having a negative or positive image formed thereon by chosing the polarity of the charge to be either negative or positive. The charge polarity can be controlled by a relay circuit and a switch mechanism well known in the art.

Negatively charged microfilm is useful as normal microfilm, and positively charged microfilm may be used as a photographic slide.

As previously mentioned, the present invention provides a photographic apparatus for producing a microvisible image of any original on an organic electrophotosensitive film by means of an electrophotographic method.

As compared with any conventional microfilming apparatus, the present apparatus is smaller in size, easier to handle, and will more quickly prepare a single sheet of film having a microvisible image of an original thereon. The present apparatus also makes it possible to obtain a record card having the single sheet of film automatically mounted thereon. The advantage of preparing a single sheet of film from a successive film roll as above mentioned is to obtain instantly a microfilm having a visible image thereon even when the original is to be microfilmed only once and to mount the microfilm on a film record card. In addition, the necessary time for preparing the microfilm by the present apparatus is about 30 seconds.

While the forms of apparatus herein described constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise forms of apparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. Photographic apparatus for producing a microimage of an original on a film having a transparent organic photoconductive layer thereon, said apparatus comprising:

means for receiving an original to be microfilmed;

supply reel for supplying a successive roll of said film;

a first set and a second set of driving rollers, and an exposure frame for positioning said film, said exposure frame including an aperture plate having an aperture and a pressure plate;

charging means for applying an uniform electrostatic charge on a portion of said film defined by said aperture;

exposure means for exposing said charged portion to a microprojecting image of said original through a light source and an optics system;

driving means for advancing intermittently said film a given length which is essentially equal to the length of said portion of said film, said driving means including said first set and second set of driving rollers;

cutting means for cutting said exposed portion from said successive film to make a single sheet of film having an electrostatic latent image thereon, said cutting means including an anvil having a square slit and a cutter having a knife edge;

processing means for transporting said single sheet of film, and for producing a visible image from said latent image on said single sheet of film in association with a liquid developer and a fixer while said sheet of film is being transported through a developing bath and fixing bath;

selecting means for chosing one of two processes to not mount or to mount said single sheet of film on a film record card, said selecting means including a movable selector;

attaching means for automatically attaching said single sheet of film having said visible microimage thereon to said film record card; and

conveying means for conveying said single sheet of film not to be attached to said film record card, said conveying means including a roller, a belt and pulleys, said belt being looped on said pulleys;

whereby said receiving means, said supply reel, said driving rollers, said charging means, said exposure means, said driving means, said cutting means, said processing means, said selecting means and said conveying means are positioned successively in said apparatus.

2. Photographic apparatus for producing a microimage of an original on a film having a transparent organic photoconductive layer thereon, said apparatus comprising,

means for positioning a successive film along a predetermined path;

charging means for applying a uniform electrostatic charge to a portion ofsaid film;

exposure means for exposing said charged portion to a microprojecting image of said original through a light source and an optics system so as to form an electrostatic microlatent image on said portion;

driving means for advancing intermittently said film by a length equivalent essentially to the longitudinal length of said portion;

cutting means for cutting said portion from said successive film into a single sheet of film;

processing means for transporting said single sheet of film having said latent image and for producing a visible image from said latent image on said single sheet of film in association with processing agents including a liquid developer and a liquid fixer while said single sheet offilm is being transported; and

takeout means for ejecting said single sheet of film having said visible image from said processing means to an outlet, said takeout means comprising attaching means for automatically attaching said single sheet of film having a visible microimage thereon to a film record card.

3. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said cutting means is positioned adjacent to an exposure positron and has a cutting mechanism which cuts from said successive film a single sheet of film after the advancement of said successive film.

5. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said cutting means includes an anvil which has a square slit for passing said film and which is moved to avoid contact with the sensitive face of said film when said film is advanced, and said cutting mechanism having a knife edge at one end.

6. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 2, which further comprises a selecting switch means for applying a charge of either a negative or positive polarity to said portion of said film.

7. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said takeout means further comprises conveying means for conveying said single sheet of film when said film is not to be attached to said film record card, and

selecting means for chosing one of two passages for moving said single sheet offilm to said conveying means or to said attaching means.

8. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said selecting means includes a movable selector which is positioned between said processing means and said attaching means.

9. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said attaching means includes means for feeding said single sheet offilm from said processing means to a position at which said single sheet of film is mounted on said film record card,

means for supplying said film record card to said position,

mounting means for mounting said single sheet of film on said film record card, and

means for conveying said film record card having said single sheet of film mounted thereon to an outlet.

10. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said mounting means includes a sensing means to be actuated by the movement of said single sheet of film, said mounting means being actuated by said sensing means to mount said single sheet of film on said card.

11. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said mounting means includes means for bending the leading edge of a microseal-type aperture card for use in said film record card, and means for inserting said single sheet of film into a jacket of said microseal aperture card along the bent portion thereof.

12. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said film record card is an adhesive-type aperture card having a marginal portion and wherein said mounting means includes holding means for locating temporarily said single sheet of film which is being fed from said processing means, and pressing means for pressing said single sheet of film against said marginal portion of said adhesive-type aperture card.

13. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein said holding means includes a pair of holders each having a groove to guide said single sheet of film.

l4. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 13 wherein said pressing means includes a first pressing anvil for pressing a leading portion of said single sheet of film against said marginal portion, and a second pressing anvil for releasing said single sheet of film from said holders and for pressing the remainder of said single sheet of film against said marginal portion.

Claims

1. Photographic apparatus for producing a microimage of an original on a film having a transparent organic photoconductive layer thereon, said apparAtus comprising: means for receiving an original to be microfilmed; supply reel for supplying a successive roll of said film; a first set and a second set of driving rollers, and an exposure frame for positioning said film, said exposure frame including an aperture plate having an aperture and a pressure plate; charging means for applying an uniform electrostatic charge on a portion of said film defined by said aperture; exposure means for exposing said charged portion to a microprojecting image of said original through a light source and an optics system; driving means for advancing intermittently said film a given length which is essentially equal to the length of said portion of said film, said driving means including said first set and second set of driving rollers; cutting means for cutting said exposed portion from said successive film to make a single sheet of film having an electrostatic latent image thereon, said cutting means including an anvil having a square slit and a cutter having a knife edge; processing means for transporting said single sheet of film, and for producing a visible image from said latent image on said single sheet of film in association with a liquid developer and a fixer while said sheet of film is being transported through a developing bath and fixing bath; selecting means for chosing one of two processes to not mount or to mount said single sheet of film on a film record card, said selecting means including a movable selector; attaching means for automatically attaching said single sheet of film having said visible microimage thereon to said film record card; and conveying means for conveying said single sheet of film not to be attached to said film record card, said conveying means including a roller, a belt and pulleys, said belt being looped on said pulleys; whereby said receiving means, said supply reel, said driving rollers, said charging means, said exposure means, said driving means, said cutting means, said processing means, said selecting means and said conveying means are positioned successively in said apparatus.

2. Photographic apparatus for producing a microimage of an original on a film having a transparent organic photoconductive layer thereon, said apparatus comprising, means for positioning a successive film along a predetermined path; charging means for applying a uniform electrostatic charge to a portion of said film; exposure means for exposing said charged portion to a microprojecting image of said original through a light source and an optics system so as to form an electrostatic microlatent image on said portion; driving means for advancing intermittently said film by a length equivalent essentially to the longitudinal length of said portion; cutting means for cutting said portion from said successive film into a single sheet of film; processing means for transporting said single sheet of film having said latent image and for producing a visible image from said latent image on said single sheet of film in association with processing agents including a liquid developer and a liquid fixer while said single sheet of film is being transported; and takeout means for ejecting said single sheet of film having said visible image from said processing means to an outlet, said takeout means comprising attaching means for automatically attaching said single sheet of film having a visible microimage thereon to a film record card.

3. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said charging means includes a discharge device movable to an exposure position in a direction which is transverse to the direction of movement of said film and which is parallel to and spaced by a given distance from the sensitive face of said film.

4. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said cutting means is positioned adjacent to an exposure position and has a cutting mechanism which cuts from said successive film a single sheet of film after the advancement of said successive film.

7. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said takeout means further comprises conveying means for conveying said single sheet of film when said film is not to be attached to said film record card, and selecting means for chosing one of two passages for moving said single sheet of film to said conveying means or to said attaching means.

9. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said attaching means includes means for feeding said single sheet of film from said processing means to a position at which said single sheet of film is mounted on said film record card, means for supplying said film record card to said position, mounting means for mounting said single sheet of film on said film record card, and means for conveying said film record card having said single sheet of film mounted thereon to an outlet.

14. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 13 wherein said pressing means includes a first pressing anvil for pressing a leading portion of said single sheet of film against said marginal portion, and a second pressing anvil for releasing said single sheet of film from said holders and for pressing the remainder of said single sheet of film against said marginal portion.