Abstract: The present invention relates to an image-forming device that comprises a platen device that can support media to be developed during at least the exposure of the media and the development of the media. The media is microencapsulated media and the image-forming device comprises a plurality of rotatable processing members that each include a plurality of micro-members. The micro-members are adapted to contact the microencapsulated media with a force sufficient to rupture unhardened microcapsules on the media.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes a processing member in the form of a brush/drum processor. The processing member includes a rotatable vacuum drum with a surface that is adapted to receive an exposed photosensitive medium. Vacuum applied to the drum is effective to hold a medium on the drum. The processing member also includes a pad member that faces the outer surface of the drum. The pad member includes micro-members that resemble a brush and are adapted to contact the media while the media is held on the drum. The pad member can be moved in an oscillating manner to cause the micro-members to contact the imaging surface of the media held on the drum with a pressure that is sufficient to rupture microcapsules in the media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing solution supply cartridge that utilizes a single developer solution holding area having interconnected compartments for a single-part developer concentrate. The holding area has interconnected compartments and includes valves that permit the cartridge to be utilized on an existing processor or processing machine. The design of the present invention assures a complete emptying of the cartridge by permitting the simultaneous replenishment of single-part developer through the valves into the processing machine.

Abstract: A waste container is received in a photographic processing machine along with a chemical supply container. The supply container is oriented at an angle to horizontal. Ports are provided into the containers with an associated snap cap oriented such that the neck extends vertically when received in the processing machine. A shipping cassette system includes two stacked upper and lower cassettes, each having a plurality of vertical walls that laterally surround an interior volume. A processing machine includes a cap opening bar and a mounting mechanism with a pivot point aligning the bar with the caps of a chemical delivery container assembly along a side of the caps opposite to the side along which the hinges are aligned such that rotation of the cap opening bar about the pivot point simultaneously opens the fluid supply ports by rotating the caps about their hinges.

Abstract: A system for supplying a processing solution to a printing device, such as a photographic processor or a printer, which includes a supply tank with processing solution or ink and a delivery system between the supply tank and a printing device. The delivery system has a retaining vessel with retained fluid, in the vessel, and a reference probe to signal a level probe when fluid reaches a predetermined level on receipt of a replenish signal from the controller for the printing device. The power supply actuates a three-way valve in order to flow a volume of the processing solution from the supply tank to the retaining vessel. A power supply receives the adjustable liquid level probe signal from the adjustable liquid level probe. Then switches the three-way valve to flow the retained fluid from the retaining vessel to the printer.

Abstract: A vacuum platen device includes a vacuum platen tray with a tray top, a tray bottom, and chambers. The vacuum platen tray transports varying sizes of photographic media to be processed. A plate in the device is located on the tray top and includes slots that align with the chambers. A continuous belt is disposed over the plate and around the tray bottom including holes that align with the slots. One or more vacuum ports are located in a wall of the vacuum platen.

Abstract: A refillable chemical cartridge includes a flexible, foldable non-metallized bag and a two-part refillable cartridge housing. The bag includes a fitment and a septum that allow the bag to be filled with a liquid chemical to a full volume and allow the liquid chemical to be removed from the bag. The two-part refillable cartridge housing includes a top half with a latch, a bottom half with a latch receptacle, a fitment locator, and a hinge. The hinge connects the bottom and top halves forming a closable, locking housing. The cartridge housing is adapted to hold the bag in a folded position in the closed housing.

Abstract: A photographic processor and method for developing photographic images utilizes a frame and an exposure section that receives and expose print media to record an image on the print media. The exposure section includes a transport system that transports the print media to an exposing mechanism. After the exposing mechanism, the print media goes to a chemical development section contained that develops the exposed print media. A print media supply section secured to a shuttle system attached to the frame wherein the print media supply section provides print media from two or more magazines. The shuttle system sequentially moves one of the magazines to a position in line with the entry to the exposure section and then away from the entry. The shuttle system then moves other magazines from the position in line with the entry to the exposure section and then away from the entry.

Abstract: An image forming method and device utilizes an imaging member to expose a photosensitive media to form a latent image on the media. The photosensitive media is of the type that comprises a plurality of microcapsules that encapsulate imaging material. The device and method of the present invention is adapted to utilize the application of pressure to create a compressive force on the media that is sufficient to rupture selected microcapsules in developing an image. In the arrangement of the present invention, a shim member arrangement is adapted to locate a thin member such as a plastic or film member over an imaging side of the media so as to protect the imaging side of the media during the application of pressure on the medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photographic processor and a method of processing photographic material. The photographic processor is adapted to achieve a high speed processing of photographic material by utilizing the combination of a vacuum platen and a stacker arrangement that is adapted to hold the media for a time necessary to process and/or dry the media. The system of the present invention permits media to be fed to a first vacuum platen where a first solution is applied. The platen is adapted transport the media to a first vertical stacker arrangement, which holds the media for a desired processing time for the first solution. The media can then be pushed through a stop solution, if needed, and onto a second vacuum platen where a second solution can be applied. The media is then delivered to second vertical stacker arrangement that is designed to assure the proper amount of processing time for the second solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing solution supply cartridge which utilizes a single container for a single-part developer concentrate. The single container has at least two valves or necks and is adapted to be utilized on a existing processor or processing machine. The single developer container design of the present invention assures a complete emptying of the container by permitting the simultaneous replenishment of single-part developer through each of the valves into the processing machine. With the combination of the single developer container and the single-part developer the process of metering distinct developers through distinct containers is not required. By facilitating the complete emptying of the developer container, the likelihood of developer solution remaining in the container is minimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing arrangement that includes a processing section and a scanning section. The scanning section includes a scanner that is adapted to scan processed photographic film. The scanning section also includes a plate member with a guide slot therein and a plurality of film holding casings movably located in the guide slot. The film holding casing are adapted to receive the processed dried film from the processing section and cue the processed dried film for scanning in the scanner. With the arrangement of the present invention, it is possible to collect and queue multiple films to be scanned.