Abstract: It is well known to use a transport belt to transport material being processed through photographic processing apparatus. In some arrangements, water is used to hold photographic material against the belt using surface tension. However, other means are needed to apply processing solution to the sensitized surface of the material being processed. Described herein is an arrangement in which the transport belt (10) is used to both transport the material (32,34) through the apparatus and to apply processing solution (18) to the sensitized surface.

Abstract: It is known to use infra-red densitometry to measure the variations in the optical density of photographic material. In photographic processing apparatus, it is important that the photographic material is transferred from one part of the apparatus to another at precisely the correct time to prevent damage to the material. Described herein is a method and apparatus for controlling the transfer or switching of photographic material from one processing tank to another of photographic processing apparatus during processing of the material. A threshold detector (30) is used to produce an output signal (40) indicative of a change in infra-red density of the photographic material. The output signal (40) is then used to control the transfer or switching of the material from one processing tank to another.

Abstract: It is known to use continuous belts for transporting photographic material through large multi-stranded photographic processing machines so that the material is pulled and guided through each of the processing stages in the machine. The belt is arranged to run on one side of the material path and special spring clips are used to attach the material to the belt. However, the spring clips tend to damage the belt and reduce its operational life. Described herein is a belt arrangement for which clips are not required. A continuous belt (60) having a plurality of slots (68) formed therein is arranged to travel in the material processing path, the belt extending across substantially the entire width of the processing path. Material (70, 72) to be processed is threaded through one of the slots (68) in the belt (60) and folded over. This belt arrangement allows unstable chemistries, such as redox amplification chemistry, to be used in large processing machines by reducing the volumes of processing solutions required.

Abstract: In known processing apparatus of the dip-and-dunk type, processing tanks are arranged in a predetermined order, and the material to be processed follows a predetermined sequence as a support on which the material is mounted is moved from the start to the end of the apparatus. Described herein is an improved photographic processing apparatus (100) comprising six processing tanks (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) which are surrounded by a frame (7, 8, 9) carrying a carriage (14). The carriage (14) is moved along cross-member (9) which itself can be raised or lowered relative to upright elements (7, 8). Motors (10, 11) are operated by a controller (15) to control movement of the carriage (14) and the cross-member (9) using belts (12, 13) and hence the movement of material (16) through the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of processing an imagewise exposed photographic material in a processing solution which is unstable to the extent that it deteriorates without external reaction in which the photographic material is passed through a tank containing the solution characterized in that the solution is circulated through the tank at a rate of from 0.1 to 10 tank volumes per minute.

Abstract: Helical processing paths are known for use in photographic processing apparatus. However, in known arrangements, the material to be processed is transported in a generally longitudinal direction along the helical path. Described herein is an improved path arrangement in which a spiral processing path (10) is utilized. The spiral processing path (10) is connected between an inlet (A) and an outlet (B), and forms a compact unit in which the material to be processed is transported with its edges in substantially in the same plane.

Abstract: A low volume photographic processing tank for use in photographic processing apparatus as a low volume path for solution treating material being processed and drive rollers in the path of the tank driving material through the path. The rollers have external drives. The whole tank is able to be withdrawn and replaced from the apparatus for servicing and repair.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing photosensitive materials, which comprises: a tank through which a processing solution is to be pumped; a rack having integral means to facilitate its insertion and removal from the tank, the rack and the tank are relatively dimensioned so that a small volume for holding processing solution and photosensitive material is formed between the rack and the tank; means for circulating the processing solution through the small volume; a first plurality of rollers for moving the photosensitive material into or out of the small volume; a second plurality of rollers connected to the rack; a third plurality of rollers connected to the tank, wherein the second and third plurality of rollers move the photosensitive material through the small volume; means for driving the second plurality of rollers; and means for preventing processing solution from flowing between the driving means and the second plurality of rollers to reduce the space that would otherwise be filled by the processing solution.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprises an open-topped flexible container (13) which tapers downwardly to a discharge opening (14). The container (13) is mounted on a load platform (11) of a load cell (10). The portion of the container (13) that forms the discharge opening (14) is between one permanent magnet (16) on the load platform (11) and another permanent magnet (17) which is fixed to the material of the container (13). The magnets (16 and 17) attract one another to close the discharge opening (14). An electro-magnetic actuator (18), spaced from the magnet (17), is operable on command from a computer (12) to attract the magnet (17) and open the discharge opening (14). The computer (12) controls a shut-off valve (18) to control filling of the container (13) in accordance with the weight read out from the load cell (10).

Abstract: In known photographic processing apparatus, pumps are used to recirculate and re cycle processing solutions thereby producing the desired agitation of the processing solutions. However, such pumps are normally mounted externally to the processing tank and are connected thereto by means of an arrangement of flexible pipes. Described herein Is a modular processing tank arrangement in which the pumps are mounted integrally with the module. This means that the module can be removed as a whole without having to disconnect a large number of pipes.

Abstract: A sampling device comprising an outer tube and an inner tube that is eccentrically mounted for rotation within the outer tube, the inner and outer tubes being disposed in spaced, parallel relationship so that relative rotation therebetween cuts a sample of bulk material and retains that sample for subsequent removal.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing photosensitive materials, which comprises: a tank through which a processing solution is pumped; a rack having integral means to facilitate its insertion and removal from the tank, the rack and the tank are relatively dimensioned so that a small volume for holding processing solution and photosensitive material is formed between the rack and the tank; means for circulating the processing solution through the small volume; and one or more slot nozzles coupled to the circulating means and located in the wall of the tank for controlling the velocity and amount of processing solution that dynamically impinges on the surface of the photosensitive material.

Abstract: A low volume thin tank photographic development apparatus has a narrow passage which has a width which is adjustable by placing strips of chemically inert material at the edges of the passage. The strips may be wound on rollers, and the strips may be stepped so that they are of different dimensions, to accommodate different webs of photographic material being processed. The use of the strips ensures that the minimum quantity of photographic processing solution is used.

Abstract: Textured surfaces on respective walls of racks and tanks of photographic processing apparatus reduce the frictional forces between the photosensitive material leading edge surfaces and the walls of the racks and tanks. The processing solution flows through fissures in the textured surfaces, thereby providing a solution bearing layer between the photosensitive material and the textured surfaces. This allows a greater photosensitive material leading edge impact angle with the textured walls which allows the photosensitive material to change direction unimpeded.