Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of applying a solution of a predetermined viscosity to photosensitive material to form a protective coating on the photosensitive material. The method and apparatus can be used in a photographic processing device, and the apparatus can be built into an existing or new photographic processor or added on as an accessory. The method and apparatus is utilized to apply a viscous solution to at least one surface of processed photosensitize materials prior to drying in a manner that allows the solution to be uniformly applied to the at least one surface at a specific layer thickness. The viscous solution after drying functions as a protective coating which can protect the processed photosensitize material against scratches and moisture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a replaceable coating cartridge and a method of coating at least one surface of a photosensitive material using the replaceable coating cartridge. The method and apparatus can be used in a photographic processing device, and the apparatus can be built into an existing or new photographic processor or added on as an accessory. The method and apparatus are utilized to apply a viscous solution to at least one surface of processed photosensitive materials prior to drying in a manner that allows the solution to be uniformly applied to the at least one surface at a specific thickness. The viscous solution after drying functions as a protective coating which can protect the processed photosensitive material against scratches and moisture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating apparatus having a removable coating module for applying a protective coating to at least one surface of a photosensitive material. The coating apparatus can be a stand-alone unit and can be added to an existing or new photographic processor. The coating product can be a solution having a predetermined viscosity which is applied to at least one surface of the photosensitive material prior to drying in a manner that allows the solution to be uniformly applied to the at least one surface at a specific layer thickness. The viscous solution after drying functions as a protective coating which can protect the processed photosensitive material against scratches and moisture. The removable coating module facilitates maintenance and cleaning after the viscous solution has been consumed.

Abstract: A light sensitive photographic element is disclosed having a support bearing at least one light sensitive silver halide emulsion layer and at least one non-light sensitive stress absorbing layer between the emulsion layer and the support, wherein the stress absorbing layer comprises a polymer and a hydrophilic colloid in a mass ratio of greater than or equal to about 1:2, the polymer having a glass transition temperature of less than about 5.degree. C. It has been found that pressure fog can be substantially reduced while maintaining scratch resistence when such a stress absorbing layer is present.

Abstract: A light sensitive photographic element is disclosed having a support bearing at least one light sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, an overcoat layer, and at least one non-light sensitive stress absorbing layer between the emulsion layer and the overcoat layer, wherein the stress absorbing layer comprises a polymer and a hydrophilic colloid in a mass ratio of greater than or equal to about 1:1, the polymer having a glass transition temperature of less than about 5.degree. C. It has been found that pressure fog can be substantially reduced when such a stress absorbing layer is present.

Abstract: This invention describes a substantially less pressure sensitive photographic film comprising a support, at least one light sensitive silver halide element, and an overlaying element comprising gelatin-grafted or case-hardened gelatin-grafted soft polymer particle composite element. The incorporation of such an overlaying composite particle cushioning layer does not compromise either the physical properties or physical integrity of the film unit. This invention is particularly suitable for highly pressure sensitive tabular grain emulsions.