Microfilm transport system and trailing leader

Claim 2

For use with a web of generally uniform width and substantial length which may be transported lengthwise along a path; a short strip of web-like material having a reduced widthwise dimension forming an extension of said web and with the centerline of said width strip being substantially aligned with the centerline of said web, and a rotatably driven capstan disposed adjacent said film path having a circular flange portion engaging the face surface of said web along an area inwardly adjacent to the web edge for imparting movement thereto and having a circular undercut portion for accommodating said strip without imparting driving movement.

Claim 3

In combination: a microfilm web displaying a generally uniform first cross-section of given widthwise dimension along its length as viewed perpendicular thereto and displaying a second cross-section of reduced widthwise dimension at one end of said film web, said microfilm web having an image bearing central portion along its length and spaced apart non-image bearing portions outwardly thereof, and a microfilm transport system including a driven capstan having an active film driving surface defined by a pair of spaced apart capstan flanges of greater diameter than the surface of the capstan therebetween for drivingly engaging only the non-image bearing portions of said film.

Claim 4

In combination: a microfilm web displaying a generally uniform first cross-section of given widthwise dimension along its length as viewed perpendicular thereto and displaying a second cross-section of reduced widthwise dimension at one end of said film web, said microfilm web having an image bearing central portion along its length and spaced apart non-image bearing portions outwardly thereof, and a microfilm transport system including a driven capstan having an active film driving surface defined by a pair of spaced apart capstan flanges of greater diameter than the surface of the capstan therebetween for drivingly engaging only the non-image bearing portions of said film.

Claim 5

In combination: a microfilm web having an image bearing central portion along its length and non-image bearing film portions outwardly adjacent each edge of said image bearing portion, a microfilm transport system including powered capstan means having a pair of spaced apart flanges of substantially equal diameter which drivingly engage only said non-image bearing film portions, a film supply spool for carrying said film web in coiled relation thereon, and a film extension strip at the inner end of said microfilm having a widthwise dimension less than the widthwise dimension of said microfilm and secured to the supply spool, said capstan means having an undercut central surface disposed between said flanges which accommodates said extension strip when substantially all of said film has been removed from the supply spool to terminate the driving relation between the film and capstan means.

Claim 6

In combination: a microfilm web having an image bearing central portion along its length and non-image bearing film portions outwardly adjacent each edge of said image bearing portion, a microfilm transport system including powered capstan means having a pair of spaced apart flanges of substantially equal diameter which drivingly engage only said non-image bearing film portions, a film supply spool for carrying said film web in coiled relation thereon, and a film extension strip at the inner end of said microfilm having a widthwise dimension less than the widthwise dimension of said microfilm and secured to the supply spool, said capstan means having an undercut central surface disposed between said flanges which accommodates said extension strip when substantially all of said film has been removed from the supply spool to terminate the driving relation between the film and capstan means.

Claim 7

The combination as set forth in claim 3 wherein the centerline of said extension strip is substantially aligned with the centerline of said microfilm web.