DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES ADVANCED FILM-VIEWING LIGHT TABLE WITH A TRANSLATING MICROSCOPE CARRIAGE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04747A003000040037-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 22
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 21, 2003
• Sequence Number: 37
• Publication Date: March 24, 1964
• Content Type: REQ

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ADVANCED FILM-VIEWING LIGHT TABLE
WITH A TRANSLATING MICROSCOPE CARRIAGE
1. INTRODUCTION.
These development objectives describe the requirements to be met*in the
design and development of an advanced film-viewing light table with a trans.
lating microscope carriage. The proposed table would replace the current
models which cannot be adjusted to accommodate different operators. The
present tables are generally awkward and uncomfortable to.use and,do not pro-
vide adequate illumination.
This table is intended to provide ease of viewing, increased illumina-
tion, easy loading, an advanced film transport system and a superior method
of translating a microscope over the viewing area of the table. It is to
be as liht,_com a and simple in mechanical design as'is possible within
the parameters imposed by the specific requirements stated in these objectives.
3.
This table shall provide an 11" by 40" illuminated area for use in viewing
single rolls of 92", 5" or 70mm film, or two rolls of either 5" or 70mm film.
This unit will normally be positioned on an elevating or low, fixed table with
the unit's viewing surface in a horizontal position, the long dimension extend-
ing to the right and left of the operator. The operator will work at the table
as he would sit (or stand) at his own desk. Most operators pr-fer:? to position
viewer close to the edge nearest their side of the supporting table. A
''t3vable carriage shall afford translation of a microscope over the viewing area.
4. REQUIREMENTS.
4.1.' Illumination System.
4.1.1. Intensity.
4.1.1.1. Range. At full intensity the illumination system must provide.
at least 1700 foot-lamberts measured at the illumination surface. 2000 lam-
berts is a definite design goal. Illumination shall not vary by more than
10?% between any two points on the entire illuminated surface.
4.1.1.2. Variability. The intensity of illumination shall be continu-
ously variable through a range of 15% to 100% of full intensity without
vis i'bie evidence of "flicker".
.1.2. Heat. The light table must be able to be operated continuously
at imum intensity over a.24-hour period, in a room with an 80?F ambient
temp nature, without exceeding 110?F on any external surface..
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4.1.3. :Diffuser. An opal glass or similar diffuser shall be located
between the light source and the clear glass top.
4.1.4. Shades. Ad ustable shades must be provided to_mask out sll of
the viewing surface not actuall c v d-by film. Each of these shades must
e oca a enea a sur ace glass, mounted along the long dimension of
the unit and extendible across the short.dimension. This extensibility must
be continuously variable between a minimum extension of (0) zero inches and
a maximum extension of 9 inches. These shades must not encroach upon the
illuminated viewing area when retracted and, in addition, must be able to
be locked in any extended or retracted position.
4.2. External Configuration.
4.2.1. Size. The entire unit shall not exceed 55" in length and 20"
in width. Width is exclusive of the crank handles but includes all the
components of the translating carriage. The overall height of the light table
shall not exceed 7" (minus the carriage, scope and reels). The carriage height
shall be kept at a minimum.
4.2.2. Weight. The unit must be as light as possible without sacrificing
good stability.
4.2.3. Height Adjustment. A superior adjustment:system must be provided
so that the entire table can be raised or lowered 3: inches.-. ,
4.2.4. Tilt Mechanism. A means must be provided.for a 00 through 150
back-to-front tilt'of the light table about its long axis. This motion must
be simple, smooth, positive and must be able to be locked at any angular tilt
within this range.
4.2.5. Comfortable Viewing Position. The.light table, the translating
carriage and the microscope adapter mounts must be designed to place each of
the microscopes at a comfortable viewing height and in a comfortable working
position. Human engineering factors should count strongly in the new design.
It is understood, of course, that these positions also'depend on the height
of the illuminated surface, the requirement for the carriage_to adequately
lear the film and the varying ` wwor in~g distances of the microscopes.
.. wool Loading and Holding Mechanism.
4.3.1. Loading Mechanism. A means for the fast loading and unloading.
of single spools of 92", 5" and 70mm film or two rolls of either 5" or 70mm
must be provided. Rolls will range up to, and including, 500-feet capacity.
This loading system must operate quickly and at the same time be positive in
action: i.e., it must not drop the heaviest full spool (92", 500 feet) no
matter how fast or hard the film is cranked. A drop-in film loading system
is desirable.
4.3.2. Holding Mechanism. The holding mechanism which engages and
secures the spool must be designed for easy one-hand operation -- so that
the film can be held in one hand while the holding mechanism is activated with
the other. A positive and yet quick release lock must be incorporated.
4.4. Film Transport.
4.4.1. General. A unique film transport system shall permit bi-
directional film motion controllable from either end: i.e., it will-permit
both winding and unwinding with the same crank at one end of the table.
This transport system may be either mechanical or electro-mechanical; however,
basic simplicity of design and complete reliability are mandatory. Conse-
quently, a purely mechanical system is more desirable.
4.4.2. Film Capacity. The film transport system must accommodate
either.-single rolls of 92", 5" or 70mm-wide film on either partially- or fully-
loaded spools of-up to, and including, 500-foot capacity. In addition,
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provision must be made for handling two rolls of either 5 or 70mm film
simultaneously. These rolls should be mounted side by side with a supporting
post in between.
4.4.3. Film Direction. Film spools shall be located at both ends of the
long dimension of the viewing area, with the film or films transported along
(and parallel to) the long axis of the light table. When two rolls are used,
the film strips will travel parallel to each other and to the long axis of
the table, with a minimum of separation between strips.
4.4.4. Rollers. Rollers must be designed so that film can be transported
either emulsion-up or emulsion-down without scratching. Either the rollers
must be segmented or, some alternative system provided so that when two rolls
of film are used, the alternate rolls can be wound in opposite directions
concurrently or one of the two rolls translated while the other roll? remains
stationary.
4.4.5. Film Tension. The film transport mechanism must maintain a light,
constant, even tension on the film or films -- just enough to keep the film
flat and in contact with the plate glass surface when the film is stationary.
This tension should be`?automatically reduced or eased when the film is moved.
4.4.6. Film Drive. .
4.4.6.1. Drive Modes. The film drive must: wind and unwind single rolls
of -" - , 5"- or 70mm-wide film or two rolls of either 5" or 70mm film;.be
capable of winding one of the dual rolls i.hile unwinding the alternate roll
and/or permit one roll to remain stationary while the other roll is translated.
4.4.6.2. Drive Control. The drive control may be a hand crank or
electrical switch; however, if an electrical control is used, it must provide
the same degree of control sensitivity as a hand crank.
.2. Dual Speed Range. A dual speed range with a high or "slew"
speed shall be provided. This could be in the form of a two-speed, mechanical
gear shift, a two-speed electrical motor, a variable lever;arm crank or an
electro-mechanical approach.
4.4.6.3. Reliability and efficiency. Whatever the system, it must be
very reliable. Each individual hand crank must wind or unwind film very
smoothly -- from either its own spool or the spool at the other end of the
table. The drive must be a low-friction system which incorporates inertia
damping and antibacklash features. The efficiency, reliability and ease of
operation of this drive system is one of the most important considerations
,,,;in this development.
4.5. Translating Microscope Carriage.
4.5.1. General. A carriage shall be provided for translating a stereo-
microscope or, microstereoscope in both X- and Y-directions over the illuminated
format.
4.5.2. Amount of Translation. The optical center of the microscope shall
scan an area of 10" by 35". This area shall be centered in the illuminated
area, across the short dimension, and shall commence one-half inch from the
right-hand edge of the illuminated area. (The right-hand edge refers to the ?
operator's right as he faces the light table.)
4.5.x. Adabters must be urovided for mountina~th'ee senarat~ Wicrr none a
ey must perms a rap u
stable mounting of any of the above units with their attendant focusing
mechanisms) upoon the translating carriage. In addition, this mounting must
permit an 180 rotation of each scope so that it may be used parallel to
either-the X- or Y-axis of the light table and from either long side.
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4.5.3.1. Carriage Motion. The carriage motion must be a smooth, positive,
low-friction motion which is free of vibration ("chatter"). The friction load
must be consistent throughout its range: i.e., a consistent pressure results
in a consistent motion with no position of lesser or greater resistance.
4.5.3.2. Locks. Positive locks must be provided to lock the carriage
in X and Y at any position of its 10" by 36" travel.
4.5.3.3. Fine Micrometer Motion. A fine micrometer X- and Y-microscope
motion must be provided. The total travel of this motion must be +2cm. in
both X and Y. This motion shall be a precision, auxiliary motion accomplished
once the main translational carriages have been locked in position. This
precision motion must be graduated and easily readable. The motion shall be
accurate to .001 mm plus .01% of the total distance being measured with a
least count of .0005 mm.
.5.3.4. Rigidity. It is mandatory that the carriage ways be of rigid
con truction to insure perpendicularity of the X- and Y-axis. These ways
(or tracks) must be perpendicular and parallel to the extent that, when one
end of the Y track is locked"(so that it can not move in X) and a pressure of
5 p unds is applied to the other end (longest possibie.lever. arm) of the Y
tra k, it will not deflect more than .002 inches.
4.6.1.-( truction. Construction shall meet the highest commercial
.6. Miscellaneous.
4.6.2. Shock Hazard. The unit must be grounded and free of all shock
hazards.
4.6.3. Warning Light. A warning light must be provided to show when
the unit is on even if the (table) light intensity is turned completely down.
4.6..4: Controls.. All operational controls must be conveniently located
and readily accessible to the operator. Human engineering factors must be
thoroughly considered in the design and placement of these controls.
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ADV!ANCDD FIU=-VIEWING LI'I'.T
WITH A TRi\N~LA I IN6 N I T:O'COPL C F IA::. .
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ADVANCED FIU.1-`JIEWING I_IGHT TA31-17
WITH A TRANSLATING MICROSCOPE CARRIAGE
This proposal describes a design approach achieving
the design objective for an Advanced Film-Viewing Light 'rat:)?_e
with a Translating Microscope Carriage in accordance with
Development Objectives dated 24 March 1964. In the event of an
award, the first consideration in the design will be to make a
complete human engineering and mechanical analysis to determine
the simplest and most reliable approach consistent with the
design objective. The final design will not commence until all
parameters to meet the objective have been firmly established.
Basic Concept
In this design we have employed the ute of thin wall
ribbed aluminum castings to provide rigidity as well as strength.
356T6 aluminum is being considered. Although we are considering
the use of fabricated metal and plate type construction for the
light table, the cast material concept provides the freedom of
design, allowing human engineering requirements to be most advan-
tageously carried out. There is also the advantage of acquiring
an aesthetically produced light table without additional cost.
The use of cast members will naturally provide economies
in any future procurement.
The overall size of the table is 55 inches long, 20 inches
wide and 7 inches high, minus the carriage scope and reels.
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.General Description
As shown in Figure 1., the Viewing Light Table is provided
with an 11 x 40 illuminated area for viewing single rolls of 9 1/2}"
- 5"" and 70mm film, or two (2) rolls of either 5 inch or 70mm film
in 500 foot capacity, the Light Table contains the light source
and power supply diffuser glass plate top mechanism for transporting
film and associated controls, tilt and elevating mechanism, and
translating carriages and adapters for microscopes.
Detailed Description
Figure 1, displays a cross section of the Light Table
showing the transparent top adjustable shade plastic diffuser
light source and side channels for the transport mechanism. The
top plate is ,lade of glass with beveled edges.
The shades are made of synthetic rubberized fabric,
mounted on rollers with the pulled edge of the shade supported
between the diffuser and the glass top. The leading edges of the
shades are metal edged for rigidity.
The shades are located at the edges of the long side of
the table, extendable across the short dimension. The shades may
be extended across the entire illuminated area from 0 to 9 inches
from an edge. The shades are actuated by small belts over pulleys
from knobs flush mounted near the top surface. A lock-in feature
is provided.
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The diffuser will be an opal plastic. The light source
will be a shock mounted cold cathode type with a variable illumi-
nation from 15% to 100% without flicker. The illumination will
provide 1500 foot lamberts at the glass top surface. 2000 foot
lamberts, or more, is a design goal. If the 110?F surface temper-
ature of the top plate cannot be maintained with a heat sink, a
small blower will be introduced to remove hot air. If a blower
is needed, it will be a t'muffin" fan type, which is essentially
silent and vibration free.
with 10 inch x 20 inch illuminated area having a brightness level
of 2,200 foot lamberts at its maximum setting, The temperature
rise if 32?F when film having a density of 3.0, is placed on top
of the table. When no film is present, then the maximum temper-
ature rise is 20?F.
has manufactured a model Light Table
The above is presented to illustrate the investigations
we are presently conducting. Such lamps are available for demon-
stration purposes.
The spool loading mechanisms consist of live driving
centers, adjustable to pre-located key positions for selecting
the proper size spool. One each is located at A-S-C-D. The
live center will contain a gear which will remain meshed with a
pinion, After it is moved, it will be locked in to the changed
positions. The keyed pre-located. positions'will'be identified by
a mark for simplicity of locating.
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The center post is fixed, located on the center line of
the long axis of the Light Table. It is hinged so that it may be
moved out of the way when 9yinch spools are used. A simple locking
device will be used to hold it in position when 70mm or 5 inch
spools are used. The pivot center on the center post between the
spools will be made of hardened steel for durability. The, advantage
to pivoting the center post, is that it eliminates the possibility
of misplacement or accidental loss of the part.
As shown in Figure 1, the Light Table will accommodate
one (1) 91inch dual 70iam or 5 inch spool, or one (1) 70mm and
one (1) 5 inch spoof,
Segmented rollers are used so film may be transported
with emulsion side up or down, or in various wi:'ths si.ultaneously.
The film transport proposed is purely mechanical, pro-
vi.'ing the necessary (-irectiona?. travel functions. A two (2)
speed mechanical gear shift for one to one (1:1) ratio and three
to one (3:1) for clewing is provided for two spools at one end of
the table,
The configuration of the dual spool drives can he
selected as one of two alternate approaches, separately shown
in Figures 3 and 4, Each approach has its own merits, and sep-
arate evaluation will be madeI (during the design STAT
phase to determine the comparable reliability and human engineering
advantages, after which a selection may be made a~- to the optimum
approach by the activity.
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Alternate Approach "A"
This approach utilizes.two (2) hand cranks,
Nos. 1 and 2, as shown in Figure 3, However, either of these
hand cranks achieves the same operation so that the operator may
rotate any of the film spools simultaneously, or separately with
either of the two cranks, Any one of the cranks drives through a
single dual speed mechanism. A lever allows the selection of
speed, one to one (1:1) anc1 three to one (3:1) ratio. The output
of the dual speed mechanisms is connected to two (2) mechanical
clutches to drive the two (2) films, The first clutch actuates
spools A and B. The secon'! clutch energizes spools C and D
through reversing mechanism, which can select either direct or
opposite d-Iirections. Levers are provided in one handle to select
the following:
1. The first clutch may be decoupled so
that only spools C and D are driven,
2. The second clutch may be decoupled
where only spools A and B are driven.
3. Both clutches are coupled where A-B-C-D
are driven. If the reversing mechanism is selected to be
(direct) then the two films are advanced in the same direction,
However, when the reversing gear is introduced, then film in
spools A-B will be driven opposite as to the spools C-D0
This approach allows the operator to use one
hand only to achieve all the required operations. If he is right
handed then he uses the right hand only. If he is left handed,
he uses the left hand only. He may also select to drive either
films separately, together or opposite each other by the lever
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The four (4) clutch boxes shown in Figure 3, are
illustrate= in Figure 5, each contains a unidirecti)na, clutch,
which allows slippage in one direction and direct drive in the
opposite 'irection. When the unidirectional clutch slips, friction
is introduced so that a slight dra:j is provided on the free wheeling
spoOal , The clutch +echan isvi pr,>vi ies the reversal of unidirectional
clutch by a reversing mechanisms. Thus, if the spool. is loaded,
(as shown in I)iagram A, Figure 6) then the right hand spool is
allowed to be driven clockwise and is free wheeling counter-clock-
wise. The 'Left hand: spool is al=)wed to be driven counter-clockwise
and is free wheeling clockwise< )n the other hand, if the film is
?oaded, as in Diagram ~;, then the right spool is allowed to be
driven in the counter-clockwise direction while slipping in the
clockwise direction, The left hand spoo' is allowed to be driven
in the clockwise direction and free wheels in the counter-clockwise
"irecti,;n. The switching from'~.iagra-r A to iagrgd must be
associated, with the reversing of clutches in the manner shown in
Figure 5, >y a reversing mechanisn , which allows the sane ciirec-
tion of (1)tion to the operator relative to the hand crank, Thus,
as he turns his hang:.': wheel c_l )ckwise he moves this fib rk to the
right, independent of whether he has the spool loaded as in
Piagraoa A or I?iagra:li B. As he turns his hand wheel. counter-
cockwise, he moves the film to the left.
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Alternate Approach "B"
This alternate approach utilizes two (2)
independent hand wheels, one hand wheel is allowed to actuate
the film in spools A and B and the other hand wheel independently
actuates spools C and D. The four (4) clutch boxes actuating
each spool are the sane as described previously. These clutch
boxes allow the full control. of any film with one handle so that
if he rotates the handle clockwise he moves the film to the right.,
if he rotates the handle counter-clockwise he moves the film to
the left. The same,provisions are made so that the spool can be
placed so that the emulsion of the film is either Emulsion in or
Emulsion Out, or Emulsion Up or Emulsion Down on the viewing table.
Light constant tension on the film when stationary will
be retained through the friction clutches located on the four (4)
retractable live center shafts at A-B-C
A novel scheme is provided to automatically lift the
film from the glass plate when it is driven. The film drive is
actuated by pushing in with slight pressure, the segmented rollers
at both sides of the light table are lifted to automatically move
the film away from the glass plate, As soon as the hand wheel is
released, the segmented rollers will, drop to original position,
putting slight tension on the film, This automatic tensioning is
realized since the movable roller is brought down against an upper
fixed roller, providing a constant controllable tension on the film.
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In the film transporting position, the hand wheel is STAT
keyed to the shaft driving the spools. when film is being viewed,
the hand wheel is not engaged to the shaft, eliminating the possi-
bility of moving film during this mode and preventing the possibility
of scratching the film.
Tension is automatically removed when film is trans-
ported.
Tilt Mechanisms
The elevating mechanism will comprise of four (4),
one (l11) inch diameter, acme threaded screws, mounted at four
(4) corners of the Light Table. Each screw will terminate in a
universal captive ball joint pad for support, which will remain
flat regardless of tilt. The two screws in the back are geared
together through a gib er belt, or equivalent, so that if one
rotates the right side, the left automatically follows, The
front two screws are linked in the same manner. 'Thus, to raise
the table, the front and back is lifted together by rotating a
folding crank (or large knob). The entire table can then be
raised or lowered three inches.
The table can be tilted by + 15? by rotating either
the back knobs or cranks,
This approach requires only one hand for the raising
and lowering operation.
The tilt table will be electrically grounded to prevent
shock hazard.
Warning light and intensity control will be on the
cast base and human engineered for the most appropriate location,
regardless of tilt.
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Translating i\licrosco )e Carriage
Very careful consideration has been given to the
Translating *,icroscope Carriage design in view of the require-
ments of paragraph 4.5.2.4 rigidity to meet the deflection spec---
ificati~?n the rail design will utilize the strength and rigidity
of the light box casting as a continuous support under the rails.
As shown in diagram, Figure , each rail will he made
of fiat, hardened and ground steel for dura+li tity and chrome
plate for corrosion resistance. The rails will run the entire
length of the light box and will have a probable cross section of
3/8" i. and adequately secured to the light box casting,
The Translating Carriage will be made of cast meehanite,
ground and lapped ` or. accuracy.
Tho Car.riage, as illustrated, will have a three
point ball bearing support on the rails; two bearings at the rear
and one bearing at the front. The rear bearings will oe rigidil%
mounted to eliminate backlash, The X Carriage will have a dove-
tail accommodating a plate which J. s the.. substage for -~ 2,o-r. of
movement in the axis after the translation in this axis has
taken place,
The top surface of the x substage carriage has a dove-
tail machined. in its top surface.
The Y Carriage slide fits in this dovetail to permit
translation in Y motion. One side of the dovetail carries spring
baled ball bearings to eliminate backlash.
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The Y Carriage slide also carries a subplate which
serves as the rotating mount for the microscopes.
Each microscope w=_1 : have its own a iapter which can
be inserted into the Y Carriage slide and rotatable for 38Cr
for use parallel to either the or axis of the Light Tale
and from ether
the and Y substages will contain arum pitch precision
screws accurate to .001 mm + ,l.;l', of the total i tstance being
measured, i'he dials will he oi" sufficient ciameter to permit a
least count reaJing to , 0005r.nn. ? scale graduated in limi t ncrum,2nts
will _ be use-,3. to count the nuni's-jer of revolutions of the calioratuu
dial,
voth x and Y Carriages ar` equipped w1 th positive
when measurerients lock.
T~:icroscopes are not furnished as a part of this pr,,)-
p,.-)sea equipment,
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Cored t_us 101
rhi.s pr,.:p:.osal presents a uniqu. approach t-) act, iev.:~
the