Method and apparatus for disassembling lens-fitted photo film unit, and flash cleaning method and apparatus
US5615395A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 23, 1995 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 23, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03B2219/045
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A used lens-fitted photo film unit has a photo film containing section and a front cover. The photo film containing section has a first retaining hook. The front cover has a second retaining hook. The second hook is retained on the first hook, and couples the front cover to the photo film containing section. In a disassembling station, the photo film unit is set in a predetermined orientation. An access plate is advanced toward the photo film unit. The access plate flexes the first hook apart from the second hook, and disengages it from the latter. The access plate is retracted while the front cover is captured by the access plate, thereby to remove the front cover from the photo film containing section. In a preferred embodiment, a flash device from the used photo film unit is supported so as to face upward a flashing face of the flash device. Cleanser liquid is sprayed on the flashing face. Cleaning tape comes in contact with the flashing face. The tape is moved on the flashing face while keeping the tape in contact with the flashing face, and wipes and cleanses the flashing face.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.