Photography – Camera detail – Detachable or removable film holder unit
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-31
2001-11-06
Mathews, Alan A. (Department: 2851)
Photography
Camera detail
Detachable or removable film holder unit
C206S455000, C378S182000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06312169
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a solution for a method for packaging photographic films. More specifically the invention is related to a relockable casette or cartridge for medical imaging film.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
X-ray and other types of medical imaging photographic film are typically packaged in optically opaque (i.e. light-tight) and photo-inert containers such as cassettes, magazines, cartridges and bags. The film must be removed from these packages and loaded into the x-ray machine, camera or other imaging device under darkroom conditions, an inconvenient procedure.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,098,844 discloses a film package which can be loaded directly into a camera, thereby alleviating the need for a darkroom. However this package is relatively inefficient in design and requires manual manipulation to bring the film into exposure position. Said package is therefore incompatible with the automatic film handling mechanism of modern imaging systems.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,727,391 discloses a package for sheet film and a loading device for the package. The package includes a tray and a flexible cover peelably attached to the tray by an adhesive. After the package is loaded into a loading device of an image recorder, the cover is peeled off, enabling a delivery equipment to access the film. The adhesive layer has an edge portion inclined to the longitudinal direction of the tray so the cover can be peeled off easily.
Packages of the type shown in said patent contain many sheets of one specific type of film. However, depending on the nature of the image being exposed, it is often necessary to load different sizes and/or types of film into the photographic system. Any unexposed film remaining within a cartridge is therefore wasted if the cartridge must be removed from the photographic system so a new cartridge bearing a different type or size of film can be inserted.
“PCT/EP88/00166 discloses an automatic film loading device for sheet film cassettes. After a cassette is inserted into an unloading and reloading station in the device, the cassette is opened and the exposed sheet of film is seized, removed and transported to a developing apparatus. The cassette is then reloaded with a sheet of film from one of a plurality of supply magazines, each containing different sizes of film. The freshly loaded cartridge is then dispensed from the device for subsequent use. Although this automatic film loading device reduces the waste associated with the removal of unused film from an photographic system, it is a complicated and relatively expensive accessory for the photographic system.”
PCT/US92/00890 discloses a resealable cartridge for photosensitive media, comprising: (a) photo-inert and optically opaque media-receiving tray having a media access opening; (b) flexible, photo-inert and optically opaque cover for the media access opening; and (c)photo-inert and optically opaque seal between the tray and the cover, the seal including an openable and resealable adhesive seal between at least portions of the cover and tray.
It is evident that there is a continuing need for improved film handling systems for photographic photographic systems. In particular, there is a need for a device which conveniently enables different sizes and/or types of film to be inserted into and removed from a medical photographic system without resulting waste. The device must be relatively inexpensive to be commercially viable.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a material for a relockable cartridge for photosensitive material, which permits the use of different sizes and/or kinds of photographic film in an photographic system without waste.
Further objects of the present invention will be clear from the description hereafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided a relockable cartridge for photosensitive media, comprising (a) photo-inert and optically opaque media-receiving tray having a media access opening; (b) flexible, photo-inert and optically opaque cover for the media access opening; the cartridge including an openable and relockable magnetic seal between at least portions of the cover and tray, characterized in that one part of the magnetic seal is located on upperlips or projective guides of said tray and the other part of the magnetic seal consists of or is fixed to said cover.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1098844 (1914-06-01), Schmuck
patent: 3971470 (1976-07-01), White
patent: 4727391 (1988-02-01), Tajima et al.
patent: 5473400 (1995-12-01), Lemberger et al.
patent: 5712486 (1998-01-01), Soltani et al.
patent: 34 26 260 (1986-01-01), None
patent: 0 301 238 (1989-02-01), None
patent: WO 92/15043 (1992-09-01), None
Keilegom Roland Van
Mostmans Jozef
Peeters Dirk
AGFA-GEVAERT
Breiner & Breiner L.L.C.
Mathews Alan A.
LandOfFree
Relockable film cartridge for a photographic system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Relockable film cartridge for a photographic system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Relockable film cartridge for a photographic system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2603141