Method of disassembling lens-fitted photo film unit and disassembling apparatus therefor
US6381409B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 20, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03B17/02
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for disassembling a used lens-fitted photo film unit whose unit body consists of a body base portion, front and rear cover sections removably engaged with the body base portion and with each other, and a label placed around the unit body. Access holes provided through the front and rear cover sections permit accessing internal engaging portions between the cover sections and the body base portion. The label is cut along joints between the front and rear cover sections by laser markers. Holes are pierced through the label to access holes of the unit body. Thereafter, disengaging tools are sequentially inserted into the access holes through the holes of the label, to disengage the internal engaging portions. Then, the front and rear cover sections are sequentially separated from the body base portion without removing the label from the front and rear cover sections.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.