Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus and a substrate transporting method wherein a platform is disposed on a first ID block, and a platform is placed on a second ID block. A currently-used carrier platform is provided only on the first ID block. Accordingly, a substrate is transported in both a forward path and a return path between the first ID block and a second treating block. The substrate is returned not to the first ID block but to the second ID block disposed between the two treating blocks in the return path.

Abstract: A substrate processing tool includes a plurality of process modules configured to process a semiconductor substrate. Each of the plurality of process modules is arranged at a different location within the substrate processing tool. A vacuum transfer module (VTM) includes a robot and is configured to move between a plurality of different positions corresponding to the different locations within the substrate processing tool to allow the robot to access respective ones of the plurality of process modules.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer, a writing device, a partition, and a plurality of side members. The image bearer is configured to bear an image. The writing device is configured to write the image on the image bearer. The partition is disposed between the image bearer and the writing device. The plurality of side members is disposed facing and spaced apart from each other at an interval in an axial direction of the image bearer. The writing device is fixed to the plurality of side members and is spaced apart from the partition.

Abstract: A transfer machine that charges a substrate contained in a substrate container to a substrate holder; a drive member that operates the transfer machine; and an operation controller that monitors whether a torque value detected from the drive member is kept within a torque limit value of the transfer machine by comparing the torque value with the torque limit value which is set individually for each of an interference area and a non-interference area excluding the interference area relative to conveyance operation in which the transfer machine is moved toward at least one of the substrate container and the substrate holder. The torque limit value in the non-interference area is set larger than the torque limit value in the interference area where a part of the transfer machine interferes with at least one of the substrate container and the substrate holder.

Abstract: A treatment-liquid application apparatus includes a rotary treatment-liquid applicator, a rotary treatment-liquid supplier, a transfer rotator, and a contact load adjuster. The contact load adjuster adjusts a contact load of the rotary treatment-liquid supplier on the treatment-liquid applicator. After feeding of a recording medium is initiated by contact between the treatment-liquid applicator and the transfer rotator, an acceleration time until a feed speed of the recording medium reaches a constant speed during printing is set. Before feeding of the recording medium is initiated, the rotary treatment-liquid supplier contacts the treatment-liquid applicator and imparts a contact load L0. During an acceleration operation of the recording medium after feeding of the recording medium is initiated, the transfer rotator contacts the treatment-liquid applicator via the recording medium and imparts a contact load L1, and the contact load adjuster adjusts the contact load L1 to be greater than the contact load L0.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus which can achieve an improvement in throughput and suppress the reduction in the operation rate of the entire apparatus even when a problem occurs. In the disclosed apparatus, at the rear end of a substrate loading block including a loading/unloading arm for transferring a wafer to a carrier, a first, a second, and a third processing blocks are disposed in that order. In the substrate loading block, transfer stages are provide for transferring a wafer from the loading/unloading arm to the first processing block, for transferring a wafer to the second processing block, and for transferring a wafer to the third processing block so that the wafer on the transfer stage is directly carried to the second processing block by a first direct carrying mechanism, and to the third processing block by a second direct carrying mechanism.

Abstract: An in-liquid turn bar disposed in a developing tank is set to discharge developer from plural slit-shaped discharge openings of a first cylindrical member such that a discharge rate of the developer per 1 m of the photosensitive material turning member is from 50 to 200 l/min (litter/minute). Regulating plates protruding from a surface of the first cylindrical member are provided at both transverse ends of the first cylindrical member. The amount of the developer discharged from both transverse ends of a photosensitive web is controlled by the regulating plates, thereby adjusting a gap between the first cylindrical member and the photosensitive web. Accordingly, the gap between the photosensitive web and the in-liquid turn bar is substantially uniform in a transverse direction, and thus the photosensitive web is turned without contact with the in-liquid turn bar.

Abstract: A method for scanning a media sheet with a scanning apparatus includes feeding the media sheet through the first set of rollers into a scanning area, such that a first portion of the media sheet is available for scanning. A first partial media sheet image of the first portion is scanned. The media sheet is fed into the second set of rollers, then out of the first set of rollers, such that a second portion of the media sheet is available for scanning. A second partial media sheet image of the second portion of the media sheet is scanned. At least the first partial media sheet image is combined with the second partial media sheet image to generate a full image of the media sheet. In a further embodiment, the number of partial scans may be increased as necessary to provide a complete image of the scanned object, e.g., the media sheet. For example, one or more intermediate scans may be performed in accordance with the present invention in addition to the scans occurring at the ends of media sheet.

Abstract: A substrate transfer apparatus that is designed provide an inclined transfer function that improves liquid saving efficiency of a process solution (developing solution) during the transfer of the substrate. The substrate transfer apparatus includes a first transfer unit for transferring a substrate, a second transfer unit spaced apart from an end of the first transfer unit, a third transfer unit disposed between the first and second transfer units and providing an inclined transfer that is capable of saving a developing solution adhered to the substrate during transfer of the substrate, and a transfer controller for controlling an inclined transfer angle and a connection state of the third transfer unit.

Abstract: A downstream edge of a first guide plate has a convex shape in a carrying direction such that a width thereof gradually reduces from both lateral sides toward the center. A central portion of the downstream edge is formed with a protrusion, a width of which becomes narrower in the carrying direction. An upstream edge of a second guide plate has a concave shape in a reverse direction to the carrying direction so as to correspond to the shape of the downstream edge of the first guide plate. A central portion of the upstream edge is formed with a cutout, a width of which becomes narrower in the carrying direction. The downstream edge of the first guide plate is adjacent to the upstream edge of the second guide plate, and the protrusion is adjacent to the cutout so as to enter thereinto.

Abstract: Disclosed is a processing device of a photo-sensitive material which comprises a conveying device for conveying a photo-sensitive material, a slot die for applying a processing liquid to the photo-sensitive material conveyed by the conveying device, a reservoir tank of the processing liquid, a supply device of the processing liquid for supplying a processing liquid in the reservoir tank of the processing liquid to the slot die, a support roll of the photo-sensitive material arranged at a position opposite to and spaced from a tip of the slot die, a device for detecting a photo-sensitive material, and a driving device for rotating the support roll of the photo-sensitive material which can rotate the support roll at least in the direction reverse to a conveying direction of the photo-sensitive material.

Abstract: A movable guide is switchable between a guide position for regulating a flexure of a cut paper, and a release position for allowing the flexure of the cut paper. The movable guide is disposed between an exposure feed-roller pair and a guiding/carrying roller pair, which is switchable between a nip state for nipping the cut paper and a release state for releasing the nip thereof. When an anterior end of the cut paper reaches the guiding/carrying roller pair during image recording, this roller pair is changed from the release state to the nip state. A speed of the cut paper carried by the guiding/carrying roller pair is reduced. After that, rotation of the guiding/carrying roller pair is accelerated to carry the cut paper.

Abstract: A photographic light-sensitive material having a support having a thickness of from 160 to 225 ?m is processed with an automatic developing apparatus, in which at least one of rollers of a developing part, a fixing part and a rinsing rack part of the automatic developing apparatus has a surface mainly containing a nonpolar polymer substance and having a center line surface roughness (Ra) of 20 ?m or less. By using the automatic developing apparatus, dusts generated in the apparatus can be easily removed with a cleaning film.

Abstract: Operating speed of an image recording apparatus is optimized within the range in which throughput capacity is not decreased, and exposure processing can be performed so that uneven exposure is not generated in a photosensitive material. When operation causing the photosensitive material to be in a nip state or a nip released state is performed during scanning exposure of the photosensitive material with a light beam, assuming that a maximum value of ascent/descent speed is set to W when each roller comes into contact with the photosensitive material or separates from the photosensitive material, an exposure angle is set to ?, and exposure feeding linear speed is set to V, a drive controlling section sets the ascent/descent speed W to a value determined from an equation of W=V×0.004/tan ? and performs moving action.

Abstract: A photographic paper processor includes plural liquid baths for containing liquid. The liquid baths have partition panels, and are adjacent to one another therewith. An opening formed in the partition panels has first and second inner surfaces opposed to one another. A submerged squeezing blade has a support end and a free end. The support end is secured to the first inner surface. The free end contacts the second inner surface, closes the opening in an openable manner, allows the photographic paper to pass through the opening, and blocks a flow of the liquid through the opening. The submerged squeezing blade is produced from metal having chemical resistance. Furthermore, a contact pressure changing cam increases a contact pressure of the free end on the second inner surface when the submerged squeezing blade closes the opening without passage of the photographic paper.

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 apparatus for washing contaminants from a coated surface of a material comprises an inclined substantially planar surface up which the material is passed, an inlet for the introduction of wash solution at the upper part of the planar surface and pressure applying means for holding the material in full contact with the surface.

Abstract: A photographic paper processor includes plural serially arranged liquid baths, for sequentially processing a first photographic paper sheet of one type. The plural liquid baths are constituted by bath groups G1 and G2. The bath group G1 includes a color developing bath. The bath group G2 is positioned downstream from the bath group G1, and includes rinsing baths. First and second motors are operable individually, and rotate to transport the first paper sheet through respectively the bath groups G1 and G2 at a speed V1. A controller sets the bath group G1 at a speed V2 according to information of a second photographic paper sheet of a different type for processing next to the first paper sheet. Subsequently, the bath group G2 is set at the speed V2, to transport the second paper sheet through the plural liquid baths at the speed V2.

Abstract: Magazines containing a photographic paper roll are set to first and second magazine stands respectively. Each of the magazine stands is provided with a unit for positioning the magazine. After sliding the magazine in a width direction of the photographic paper, the magazine stand is positioned so as to make a multi-row pitch optimum in accordance with a width of the photographic paper. The magazine stand is provided with a cutter to cut the photographic paper in a print size. The photographic papers advanced from the first and second magazines are sent to passages and are gathered in multi rows at a passage concourse. Devices for arranging and rearranging the photographic paper are unnecessary so that a structure is simplified.

Abstract: The 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 permits media to be fed to a first vacuum platen where a first solution is applied. The platen transports 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: An image recording apparatus in which a photosensitive material is rewound into a magazine while maintaining a predetermined disposition. Prior to rewinding of the photosensitive material, a distance between concave portions of guide members which constitute a guide portion is set to be substantially equal to the photosensitive material width and a nipping state between a pair of pulling-out rollers is cancelled. Because the nipping state is cancelled, the photosensitive material can be displaced in a width direction. Therefore, the photosensitive material can be rewound into the magazine while maintaining the predetermined disposition, and any skew is corrected by the concave portions of the guide members.

Abstract: A method of preparing a roll of film for development. The method involves inspecting the film for defects and imperfections as the film is unwound from a magazine. A method of preparing a roll of film for development and developing the film is also disclosed. The development of the film involves conveying the film to a development station and controlling a temperature of the development station.

Abstract: An automatic x-ray film feed uses a timer and relay system to automatically develop a multiplicity of film slides one-by-one in an x-ray processor without requiring a user to manually advance the slides after each slides in developed. The timer activates a motor through a relay system and the film feed advances a single slide into the processor with a motor and roller assembly. After the film leaves the magazine, a trip switch is triggered, shutting off the motor and halting advancement of the next slide in the magazine. The timer than reactivates the motor based on a pre-selected interval set on the timer, facilitating movement of the next undeveloped film slide in the magazine.

Abstract: A printing plate processing apparatus provides a step in which a printing plate which has undergone image exposure is processed by being immersed in a developing solution, and the printing plate is delivered while the developing solution is being squeezed out from the printing plate by a conveying roller pair which is partially immersed in the developing solution. A stoppage time of the apparatus is measured, and the conveying roller pair is driven to rotate for an amount of time set in accordance with a measured result of the stoppage time when operation of the apparatus is started, thereby allowing the conveying rollers to be cleaned. A concentration of carbon dioxide in an environment in which the apparatus is installed is detected, and based on the detected result and the measured result of the apparatus stoppage time, the driving time of the conveying roller pair is set.

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 queue 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photographic processing system and a method of processing photographic media, wherein a conveying member having slots therein is provided on top of a vacuum chamber and is used to convey photographic media to be processed. A processing solution supply member applies processing solution onto the photographic media on the conveying member, and a vacuum air source is adapted to apply a vacuum suction force to the vacuum chamber to hold the sheet of photographic media flat either during the application of processing solution to the media or after the processing solution is applied to the media.

Abstract: Operating speed of an image recording apparatus is optimized within the range in which throughput capacity is not decreased, and exposure processing can be performed so that uneven exposure is not generated in a photosensitive material. When operation causing the photosensitive material to be in a nip state or a nip released state is performed during scanning exposure of the photosensitive material with a light beam, assuming that a maximum value of ascent/descent speed is set to W when each roller comes into contact with the photosensitive material or separates from the photosensitive material, an exposure angle is set to &thgr;, and exposure feeding linear speed is set to V, a drive controlling section sets the ascent/descent speed W to a value determined from an equation of W=V×0.004/tan &thgr; and performs moving action.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing apparatus includes a printer section for recording an image on photographic paper by exposure. There is a processor section for photographic development of the photographic paper. A drier section dries the photographic paper. A type bar code reader reads and inputs type information of a type of the photographic paper. A condition table memory is used to generate information of a transporting speed of the photographic paper and other processing conditions according to the type information being input, so as to control at least one of the printer section, the processor section and the drier section.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a system for digital dye color film processing. In one embodiment, a developer station applies a processing solution to film to initiate development of metallic silver grains and at least one dye image within the film. A scanning system illuminates the coated film with light having at least one frequency within the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The light interacts with the silver and at least one dye image within the film. The scanning station measures the light from the film and produces sensor data that is communicated to a data processing system. The data processing system processes the sensor data to produce a digital image. The digital image can then be output to an output device, such as a printer, monitor, memory device, and the like.

Abstract: A dryer for drying photographic material and a transfer assembly for transferring processed photographic film from a processor to the dryer. The dryer comprises a path through which the photographic material extends wherein at least one slack loop is provided in the photographic material. An adjustable roller is provided along the path to adjust a size of the slack loop and an air supply arrangement is adapted to provide drying air to the slack loop.

Abstract: Magazines containing a photographic paper roll are set to first and second magazine stands respectively. Each of the magazine stands is provided with a unit for positioning the magazine. After sliding the magazine in a width direction of the photographic paper, the magazine stand is positioned so as to make a multi-row pitch optimum in accordance with a width of the photographic paper. The magazine stand is provided with a cutter to cut the photographic paper in a print size. The photographic papers advanced from the first and second magazines are sent to passages and are gathered in multi rows at a passage concourse. Devices for arranging and rearranging the photographic paper are unnecessary so that a structure is simplified.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a system for digital dye color film processing. In one embodiment, a developer station applies a processing solution to film to initiate development of metallic silver grains and at least one dye image within the film. A scanning system illuminates the coated film with light having at least one frequency within the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The light interacts with the silver and at least one dye image within the film. The scanning station measures the light from the film and produces sensor data that is communicated to a data processing system. The data processing system processes the sensor data to produce a digital image. The digital image can then be output to an output device, such as a printer, monitor, memory device, and the like.

Abstract: A rack comprises feed rollers, sidewall members, a base member, a top wall member, a bottom plate, guide members, and a grip. The inside of the top wall member is hollow, and filling liquid is loaded therein. A processing tank contains rinsing solution. The rack gets snagged on the upper end of the processing tank. Since the filling liquid increases the total weight of the rack, the rack is prevented from floating in the processing tank by buoyant force.

Abstract: A photographic processor and a dryer for drying photographic material. The dryer comprises a path through which the photographic material extends wherein at least one slack loop is provided in the photographic material. An adjustable roller is provided along the path to adjust a size of the slack loop and an air supply arrangement is adapted to provide drying air to the slack loop. The air supply arrangement supplies air to a frame member that has slots along at least one wall. A sliding member is provided within the frame member to open and close the slots in accordance with the size of the slack loop. This enables a supply of drying air directly on the media and further permits the automatic adjustment of the amount of air being supplied in accordance with the size of the slack loop or the length of the media being dried.

Abstract: A photographic film developing apparatus maintains a photographic film, a developer solution and a second processing solution at a specific temperature while performing film development operation by directly applying the individual solutions to an emulsion side of the photographic film. After the developer solution and the second processing solution have been applied from respective processing solution application heads to the emulsion side of the photographic film, the quantity of each solution on the emulsion side is adjusted to form a layer of a specified thickness. While transfer belts advance each successive portion of the photographic film up to a processing solution wipe-out device, heaters provided close to the transfer belts heat the individual solutions applied to the photographic film through the transfer belts to maintain the solutions at the specific temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photographic processor, such as a minilab, which includes at least an exposure section and a chemical development section. The exposure section of the minilab includes an inclined or slanted conveying path that receives photographic paper or media with the emulsion side in a first orientation, such as emulsion side-up; transports the photographic media emulsion side-up to an exposing position where the emulsion side of the photographic media is exposed to light, turns the exposed photographic media around so that the emulsion side is in a second orientation, such as emulsion side down; and conveys the photographic media emulsion side-down to an exit of the exposure station.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting single sheets through a device for exposing or printing the single sheets, with a drum and means that press the single sheets against the drum, with a processing station having a processing gap, with the single sheets being exposed or printed in the processing station, includes means that limit the processing gap. According to the invention, a belt unit is provided that presses the single sheets against the drum, with the belt unit having a plurality of parallel extending continuous belts that are mutually decoupled in their movement and can be driven exclusively directly or indirectly through coupling with the drum surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photographic processor and a method of processing photographic film which utilizes a circular processing drum and a disk positioned inside the drum. In the arrangement of the present invention, a tubular shaft has one end that is positioned at the central opening of the disk, and at least one processing solution delivery tube extends through the tubular shaft. The at least one processing solution delivery tube has a first end associated with a processing solution source and a second end which opens to a film path in the circular processing drum.

Abstract: A photographic processor includes a circular processing drum and a circular drying cylinder. A transfer arm is utilized to transfer processed photographic media from the circular processing drum to the circular drying cylinder. The circular drying cylinder includes an outer housing and a diffuser member having slots provided therein. The slots extend in a spaced manner from an entrance to an exit of the drying cylinder so as maximize the drying of film in the drying cylinder.

Abstract: A rack comprises feed rollers, sidewall members, a base member, a top wall member, a bottom plate, guide members, and a grip. The inside of the top wall member is hollow, and filling liquid is loaded therein. A processing tank contains rinsing solution. The rack gets snagged on the upper end of the processing tank. Since the filling liquid increases the total weight of the rack, the rack is prevented from floating in the processing tank by buoyant force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photographic processor which includes a circular processing drum and a metering blade assembly provided within the drum. The metering blade assembly is adapted to control or meter an amount of processing solution provided on film to be processed in the film path. The metering blade assembly is adjustable so as to accommodate 35 mm or APS film in the photographic processor. The metering blade assembly is also attached to a support assembly or member which further supports an agitating roller. With the arrangement of the present invention, it is possible to adjust the width of both the agitating roller and the metering blade in accordance with the type of film to be processed in the photographic processor.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a circular processing drum that defines a processing chamber therein. The circular processing drum includes a first media path for media of a first type which includes a first set of grooves in opposing walls of the processing drum, and a second media path which includes a further set of grooves in the opposing walls of the processing drum. The combination of the first and second media paths provides for a drum that is capable of processing multiple types of media while utilizing a minimum amount of space.

Abstract: An automatic photo film feeding apparatus includes a transport mechanism for successively transporting a plurality of film cartridges to a feed position. Transport mechanism includes a first transport unit for supporting the film cartridges with photo films drawn downward and successively transporting film cartridges substantially horizontally to a transfer position, and a second transport unit for receiving film cartridges transported to the transfer position by the first transport unit, and transporting film cartridges horizontally to the feed position. Second transport unit has a posture change mechanism for changing film cartridges to a posture having photo films drawn from film cartridges being directed substantially horizontally. Feeding apparatus includes a feed mechanism for drawing photo films out of film cartridges transported to the feed position, and feeding photo films to a processing section.

Abstract: At least two (groups of) sensors forming an insertion detection sensor are offset from each other in the conveyance direction of a photosensitive material. An insertion speed, which is different for each manual insertion event, is obtained based on the time difference when sensors that have been offset from each other detect the leading end of the photosensitive material. The length of the photosensitive material in the conveyance direction thereof is accurately computed based on the insertion speed and other information. By correcting the errors due to the changeable insertion state of the photosensitive material caused by manual insertion by the operator, the process area of the photosensitive material, required for calculating the amount of replenisher to be replenished, is accurately obtained. Therefore, the amount of the replenisher is appropriately determined and the process capacity of the developer or the fixing solution can constantly be maintained at the satisfactory level.

Abstract: In a shutter facing an aperture portion in a partition plate in a photosensitive material processing device, a blocking member, formed substantially in a semicircular cylindrical shape, is placed by the rotation of a shaft between blades thereby closing the aperture portion. The opening between the blades is opened by rotating the blocking member integrally with the shaft so that a photosensitive material can pass through. Multi-leveled surfaces are formed on the top surface of a guide plate. Aperture portions for mounting rollers with adaptors are formed in an alternating pattern on the surfaces. A plurality of protruding guide ribs are provided extending across the surfaces. A plurality of brush roller parameters are adjusted so that a winding mark index defined by the parameters falls within a predetermined range. Rollers are washed when a finisher control system is restarted after an unforeseen long stoppage.

Abstract: A device for removing moisture from individual sheets of a photographic material has a pair of transport rollers at the incoming side and another pair of transport rollers at the exit side of the device. Arranged between the roller pairs is a squeeze-out surface with a wiper blade set against the squeeze-out surface.

Abstract: A low cost, automated film processing system which can replace existing hand dipping development of films, but which is also later expandable in field, to accommodate additional features, should an upgrade to those features be desired. In the preferred embodiment, the design utilizes deep tanks, as defined in the specification, to enable the chemicals to be utilized over an extended period of time. The chemistry utilized in the processor operates at room temperature.

Abstract: An image recording device includes: a supplying section for supplying recording media; an image recording section for exposing, on the basis of digital image data, the recording media supplied from the supplying section, so as to record images on the recording media; a developing section for developing the recording media on which the images have been recorded; a drying section for drying the recording media which have been developed; and a sealing mechanism, provided between the image recording section and one of the developing section and the drying section, for preventing one of heat and vapor from one of the developing section and the drying section from entering the image recording section. The image recording section is disposed above or below the developing section.

Abstract: A low cost, automated film processing system which can replace existing hand dipping development of films, but which is also later expandable in field, to accommodate additional features, should an upgrade to those features be desired. In the preferred embodiment, the design utilizes deep tanks, as defined in the specification, to enable the chemicals to be utilized over an extended period of time. The chemistry utilized in the processor operates at room temperature.

Abstract: A photographic processing system has a first processing stage to process photographic material. A second processing stage is also provided to further process the photographic material. A storage device is provided between the first processing stage and the second processing stage to receive and store photographic material output from the first processing stage prior to output to the second processing stage. This enables the photographic material to be output from the first processing stage at a different rate than that at which it is input to the second processing stage. Accordingly, the first processing stage can be vacated for use by subsequent photographic material before processing in the second processing stage is complete.