Micro-image storage and retrieval apparatus

1,056,806. Strip film projection apparatus. NATIONAL CASH REGISTER CO. Nov.19, 1965 [Jan. 18, 1965], No.49274/65. Headings G2C and G2J. Micro-image storage and retrieval projection apparatus uses a film strip 22 with micro-images in rows and columns and has row and column selecting mechanisms which positions the filmstrip for the projection of the selected microimage on to screen 37. Film spools 57, 58 rotate with, and slide through ball bearings axially on, splined shafts 69, 70 which pass freely through the side plates 41, 42 of a film transport carriage 39, transversely slidable on rods 47, 48, 49 in response to the manual rotation of a column selection wheel 11 whose radial slot 53 receives pin 54 protruding from carriage 39. Toothed row selection wheel 13 is manually rotated to drive spools 57, 58 by engaging gears 73, 74 and to wind the film-strip over a transparent plastics plate 67 at the focus of objective 31 by way of rollers 61, 62, 63, 64, as in Fig. 8 (not shown). The hub of spool 58 contains a torsion spring to maintain film tension. The optical system consists of 5-watt lamp 21 supplied by battery 25, condensers 23, 27, and mirrors 24, 26 before film gate 67, and objective 31, focused by wheel 14 through pinion 109 and gears 110, mirrors 32, 34, eye-piece lens 33 and viewing screen 37 after the gate. Tubes 29, 29' contains the optical components. A magnification of 10, 00 is achieved by use of lenses 31, 33 from a microscope. A converging Fresnel lens is placed immediately behind the diffusing screen 37 to provide even illumination. Upper and lower halves of the projector casing hinge apart into an operating position, locked by spring- loaded pins 98, wherein a pivoting mirror directs the projection beam on to screen 37 from below. The micro-image are imm. square and provide a 4 inch square projected picture.