| 摘要 |
<p>A method, and apparatus for performing the method, of detecting excessive core set film curl of a filmstrip wound within a film cartridge (10) of the type having a light trapping film slit (12) through which the leading end (28) of the filmstrip may be advanced or retracted, whereby excessively curled filmstrips may be pre-sorted prior to photofinishing operations. The method and apparatus comprises the steps of and means for positioning the film cartridge (10) with the light trapping slit (12) thereof oriented in a predetermined position,
unwinding the leading end (28) of the filmstrip a predetermined distance out of the light trapping slit of the film cartridge, whereby the unwound leading end (28) of the filmstrip may freely curl back in the direction in which the filmstrip is wound within the film cartridge to the extent that the filmstrip exhibits core set film curl, and detecting an excessive degree of core set film curl by the amount to which the unwound leading end of the filmstrip curls back toward the film cartridge (10). In a preferred embodiment, a deflector mechanism is formed with a first slot (32) for receiving normally curled filmstrips unwound the predetermined distance and a second slot (38) for receiving excessively curled filmstrips advanced the predetermined distance. The deflector mechanism has deflector surfaces (36) formed in relation to the first slot for deflecting the leading end of the filmstrip evidencing a normal range of film curl into the first slot. The deflection of the leading end into the second slot (38) is detected by light emitting means (33) positioned for emitting light in a light beam extending across the width of the second slot; and light detecting means (35) positioned for detecting said light beam in the absence of a leading end of a filmstrip extending into said second slot and interrupting said light beam, whereby a signal indicative of excessively curled filmstrip may be generated. Thereafter, the leading end (28) may be rewound into the cartridge (10) and cartridges found to contain excessively curled filmstrips may be separated from those containing filmstrips exhibiting a normal range of core set film curl.</p> |
