Strip Type Patents (Class 396/620)
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Patent number: 10960434Abstract: According to an embodiment, a coating apparatus includes an application head, a first moving device, a second moving device, a feeding device, and a suction device. The application head is opposed to a coating surface of a target with a predetermined distance, and forms a meniscus pillar of a coating material between the application head and the coating surface. The first moving device moves the application head. The second moving device moves the application head. The feeding device feeds the coating material between the application head and the coating surface of the target. The suction device sucks the coating material. A distance between the application head and the coating surface is made greater than the predetermined distance, and the coating material is sucked from the meniscus pillar by the suction device.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2016Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Tatsuya Saeki, Hiroaki Kobayashi
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Patent number: 9859538Abstract: A film production method includes the steps of: (i) passing a heat-resistant separator above rollers located above a washing tank; (ii) lowering another roller into water through a space between the rollers; and (iii) moving at least one of the rollers and the another roller so as to increase a surface area by which the heat-resistant separator is in contact with the another roller. The method resolves a problem that occurs to a film which is being washed.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITEDInventors: Akihiko Shin, Rikuri Uejima
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Patent number: 7819595Abstract: An in-liquid turn bar disposed in a developing tank includes a first cylindrical member disposed outside and a second cylindrical member disposed inside. In the first cylindrical member, plural slit-shaped discharge openings for discharging the developer along a longitudinal direction are formed. In the second cylindrical member, plural nozzle holes for ejecting the developer are formed. A pipe-shaped introduction portion for introducing the developer is provided at one end of the second cylindrical member, and the plural nozzle holes are formed gradually larger as they go from the other longitudinal end to the one end. Regulating plates for regulating the amount of the developer discharged from both transverse ends of the photosensitive web are provided at both transverse ends of the first cylindrical member.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2008Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Toyomi Matsuda
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Patent number: 7422383Abstract: Developer is supplied to a first spray pipe disposed in a developing bath. The inside of the developing bath is provided with a heater. A liquid-flow generating unit comprises a liquid-flow generating head and a branch duct, which is connected to a branch pipe of the first spray pipe via a rubber hose. A part of the developer flowing in the first spray pipe is forwarded to the liquid-flow generating head. By a gap-forming ring, a gap is secured between an outer surface of the heater and an inner surface of the liquid-flow generating head so that the developer uniformly flows along the outer surface of the heater in a longitudinal direction thereof. A heater cover is attached to the liquid-flow generating head. An inner surface of the heater cover inclines in the longitudinal direction of the heater.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Ryoei Nozawa, Hideto Yamamoto, Toshihiro Suya, Daisuke Hibe, Keiichi Adachi
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Patent number: 7168866Abstract: A washing bath in a photographic paper processor has plural washing chambers for washing photographic paper with washing water by passage of the photographic paper. Plural cell units are coupled with one another vertically by a modular structure. Each of the cell units has one of the washing chambers. A sealing medium of silicone rubber keeps a cell connection portion between the cell units in a liquid-tight state. A blade mechanism is secured to a panel constituting the cell units, allows the photographic paper to pass between the washing chambers, and blocks passage of the washing water. A transporting rack transports the photographic paper serially to pass the washing chambers. The cell connection portion includes a connection surface, disposed to extend horizontally, and separable for removal of the cell units in the vertical direction. The sealing medium is secured to one of two cell units being coupled.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koji Itoh
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Patent number: 7118296Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2004Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koji Itoh
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Patent number: 7077584Abstract: Dry air is jetted from jet holes of a guide plate toward a conveyor belt to levitate a photosensitive sheet and to press it against the conveyor belt. The photosensitive sheet is supported and carried by the conveyor belt. The dry air dries the photosensitive sheet. A projection amount h of a guide roller projecting from the guide plate is defined so as to satisfy an expression of h?H×(W?P)/W. H is a gap between the guide plate and the conveyor belt. P is a length from a center line of the carried photosensitive sheet to an outer edge of the guide roller. W is a length from the center line to a lateral end of the photosensitive sheet. Even if a curl occurs on the photosensitive sheet, an edge thereof is prevented from contacting with the guide plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Futoshi Yoshida
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Patent number: 7004651Abstract: A submerged processing device for a photosensitive material disposed at a partitioning wall which is provided within a processing tank main body and which is between processing chambers respectively storing a processing liquid, the submerged processing device includes: a housing at an interior of which is formed a processing space where the processing liquid is stored; a conveying path for conveying-in of the photosensitive material and which is formed in the housing so as to communicate with an interior of the processing space; a path for conveying-out of the photosensitive material and which is formed in the housing so as to communicate with the interior of the processing space; a processing liquid passage preventing mechanism disposed at the photosensitive material conveying path such that only the photosensitive material passes therethrough; and a processing liquid changing mechanism provided at the housing, for changing the processing liquid stored in the processing space.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuhiko Tanaka, Fumio Mogi
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Patent number: 7002664Abstract: A photofinishing system comprising: a) a digital processor, a printer and means for feeding print media to the printer; the digital processor being arranged to receive digitised data that is representative of a photographic image and to process the data in a manner to generate a printer drive signal that is representative of the photographic image, and the printer being coupled to the digital processor and being arranged to process the drive signal and effect printing of the photographic image on the print media, and provided as an integrated portion of the photofinishing system, b) means for effecting controlled chemical development and subsequent printing of exposed photographic film.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Silverbrook Research PTY LTDInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King
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Patent number: 6974267Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takayuki Iida, Yoshio Ozawa
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Patent number: 6935794Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takehisa Ono, Koichi Sato
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Patent number: 6908237Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Inventor: Gregory J. Bennett
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Patent number: 6902330Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ryoei Nozawa, Takayuki Iwamoto, Akinori Kimura
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Patent number: 6805501Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Paul N. Winberg, Stanley Kowalski, III, Michael W. Shields, Sr., David J. Bassett, William A. Gagnon, Michael R. Thering
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Patent number: 6802658Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Daniel M. Pagano, Kevin H. Blakely
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Patent number: 6752546Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koji Itoh
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Patent number: 6739770Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Andrew Zhou, Michael J. May
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Patent number: 6698945Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hisashi Omori
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Patent number: 6672778Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsukasa Sato, Yoko Usui
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Patent number: 6655860Abstract: A brush roller is structured such that a web body having wire members is wound in a helical manner around a roller main body to which an axial end member is mounted. A fastening member is mounted to a rotary shaft of the axial end member, and one end of the web body is fixed to a holding member which is arranged between the fastening member and the axial end member so as to freely rotate relatively. The holding member relatively rotates in a winding direction due to an urging force of a torsional coil spring when elongation occurs in the web body, thereby preventing slack from occurring in the web body.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ryoei Nozawa, Hideto Yamamoto, Shinichi Matsuda
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Patent number: 6652168Abstract: A device for processing a photosensitive material using processing solution includes, processing chambers for storing processing solution therein, at least one of the processing chambers being lower than another processing chamber, a bypass for placing each processing chamber that is downstream of another processing chamber relative to conveyance direction of the photosensitive material in fluid communication with the another processing chamber to pass the processing solution therethough, and a check valve disposed at each bypass for allowing the processing solution which flows from the processing chamber disposed downstream relative to conveyance direction of the photosensitive material to the another processing chamber, and for preventing the processing solution from flowing from the another processing chamber to the downstream processing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomoyoshi Hyodo
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Patent number: 6648524Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert AktiengesellschaftInventors: Wilfried Hehn, Ernst Schweiger, Stefan Huber
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Patent number: 6619862Abstract: The present invention relates to a photographic processor and a method of processing photographic material where heat is applied to a processing drum in a manner which requires less warm up time and permits better film processing uniformity. The system of the present invention includes a circular drum and a heating material provided either on an outer surface of the drum, embedded into a side wall of the drum, or provided in an interior surface of the drum. The heating material is adapted to be heated so as to heat the processing path through which film is conveyed during processing, to an appropriate temperature for the processing of the photographic material.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Faye Transvalidou, Jeffrey L. Hall
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Patent number: 6572286Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2002Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Anthony Earle, Leslie Wells
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Patent number: 6554505Abstract: A method of processing light sensitive material by the surface application of fresh processing solution to the surface of a moving belt by means of an applicator. The material to be processed is brought into moving contact with the moving belt, the resulting relative motion providing a high level of agitation and mixing of the processing solution.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Peter J. Twist
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Patent number: 6554508Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ryoei Nozawa, Toshihiro Suya, Hideto Yamamoto, Takayuki Iwamoto, Shinichi Matsuda
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Patent number: 6547460Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ryoei Nozawa, Toshihiro Suya, Hideto Yamamoto, Takayuki Iwamoto, Shinichi Matsuda
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Patent number: 6505978Abstract: A method of processing photographic material in which a reciprocable member is plunged into a tank containing a small volume of processing solution. The solution is rapidly displaced through the channels created between the tank wall and the plunger and across the surface of the photographic material.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Anthony Earle, Nigel R. Wildman
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Patent number: 6435741Abstract: A low volume processing apparatus having a narrow processing channel has the processing solution entering via passages located towards the inlet and outlet of the channel. The solution leaves the channel via a passage located in the middle thereof, the flow of solution pulling the film into a fixed position within the channel. The reversal of flow minimizes the amount of air entrained with the returning flow.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Anthony Earle, Nigel R. Wildman
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Patent number: 6361226Abstract: A belt driven rack and tank processor includes a belt for driving photosensitive material through a relatively thin processing channel formed by the rack and tank of the processor. The belt travels around a core that displaces fluid within the apparatus so as to provide for a low volume processor. The processor further includes spring loaded engaging rollers which facilitate the conveyance of cut sheets through the processor.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Kevin H. Blakely, Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Daniel M. Pagano
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Patent number: 6222617Abstract: An exposing apparatus provided with a drum to fixedly hold a sheet-shaped light sensitive material onto an outer peripheral surface thereof by suctioning; a rotating driver capable of rotating the drum at a rotational speed not less than 1200 rpm; and an exposing device for exposing on the basis of image data the light sensitive material fixedly held on the outer peripheral surface of the drum rotated by the rotating driving means.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Konica CorporationInventors: Masato Doi, Katsushi Fujita, Takao Kubota, Yasuaki Tamakoshi
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Patent number: 6217238Abstract: A compact and energy efficient apparatus for processing and drying an elongated strip of photographic film having a succession of film processing tanks containing selected processing liquids; drive system which advances the film strip endwise through the tanks to selected depths in liquids corresponding to required exposure times of the film to the different liquids while reducing the tank to tank contamination caused by the transport of treatment of liquids from tank to tank, and a heater system which reuses the waste heat generated by the mechanical and electrical components of the apparatus to dry the film strip as it emerges from the successive processing tanks.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Phototrader, Inc.Inventors: Nando Alfonso Mastrodicasa, David Bradley Marett
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Patent number: 6213656Abstract: An apparatus for processing a photosensitive media. The apparatus having a processing path for passing of a photosensitive media through the apparatus, and a light-lock feed slot assembly for allowing the photosensitive media to be fed into the processing path. The light-lock feed slot assembly comprises of a conduit having an inlet port at one end and an outlet port at the other end. The conduit has a configuration which forms a substantially serpentine passageway between the inlet port and the outlet port such that stray light which may be adjacent the entrance port is prevented from reaching the outlet port.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Kevin H. Blakely, Timothy W. Herman
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Patent number: 6206587Abstract: There is provided an automatic processing machine which comprises a processing-solution processing section in which a photographic photosensitive material is subjected to development processing, and a drying section for drying the photeosensitive material processed in the processing-solution processing section, particularly, an automatic processing machine in which an upper roller of conveying rollers or squeeze rollers, which are disposed at an upstream side of the drying section, is formed so that a contact angle of a water drop on a peripheral surface thereof is less than 135°, preferably 125°. The upper roller of silicone rubber in the conveying rollers or in the squeeze rollers includes a peripheral surface coated with a gelatin film. By conducting cross-linking using silicon for a long duration at the time of manufacturing silicone rubber, water repellency of the surface (that is, surface tension) is restrained and the contact angle of a water drop is thereby set to be less than 135°.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun Ikeda, Yutaka Mizuma, Kenji Inoue
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Patent number: 6149320Abstract: A box-shaped shielding cover is disposed at the surface of a developing solution contained in a developing tank and the bottom wall of the cover ensures that contact between the developing solution and the air is kept to a minimum and that deterioration of the processing solution due to carbon dioxide and evaporation of the water are controlled. Moreover, the close contact between the top portion of the peripheral wall of the shielding cover and the top cover covering the top portion of the PS plate processor cuts off the flow of air over the developing tank (the air flowing from the insertion aperture to the discharge aperture). Accordingly, the airtightness of the seal in the developing section is enhanced, there is minimal deterioration of the developing solution due to carbon dioxide, and the rate of replenishment of the developing solution is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1999Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Ichikawa, Shinichi Miyamoto, Kenichi Miyamoto, Tomoyuki Takiue, Yutaka Takeo, Susumu Yoshida, Hisao Kanzaki
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Patent number: 6106168Abstract: An automatic developing apparatus which transports film while preventing treatment liquid from being passed up onto gears and the like located above the surface of the treatment liquid and which prevents treatment liquid from being oxidized or decreasing in quantity. A cylindrical shaft having an axis of rotation normal to a liquid surface of the treatment liquid is positioned so as to cross the liquid surface in order to transmit torque from above the liquid surface to below the liquid surface via a shaft. Since the shaft is rotated about the axis of rotation normal to the liquid surface, the treatment liquid in contact with the shaft is left in contact therewith at a specified height, thereby eliminating the likelihood that the treatment liquid is passed up onto bevel gears, etc. located above the liquid surface via the shaft. Further, the rotation of the shaft about its axis of rotation does not cause the treatment liquid near the liquid surface to be scooped up.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Youji Nishimoto, Yasuto Kimura
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Patent number: 6102586Abstract: There is described a photosensitive material processing apparatus which automatically develops pieces of film being longer in the longitudinal direction than in the width direction like a piece of photographic film for consumer use. The photosensitive material processing apparatus, embodied in the present invention, includes an ejecting section to eject a photosensitive material, a storing section to store a plurality of photosensitive materials and a conveyor for moving to the storing section while supporting a leading portion of the photosensitive material.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1999Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Konica CorporationInventors: Wataru Isokawa, Eiji Ito, Munehiro Yasuda, Benzo Nakata
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Patent number: 6059466Abstract: A leader-less type photographic film automatic developing apparatus is described which provides for a maximally narrowed spacing between the centers of the development lines for respective films which can develop a plurality of kinds of film having different widths such as a 135 size film and an APS film. The apparatus includes a first development line for drawing a 135 size film from a film cartridge or the like and developing it, and a second development line for drawing an APS film from a special magazine and developing it. These lines are arranged in parallel to each other. The film cartridge and the special magazine are mounted on a common container holding table which is movable along a direction normal or oblique to the direction of the development lines.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1999Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hisashi Negoro
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Patent number: 6030131Abstract: A film developing process automatically conveys film to a film developing section. When a cartridge conveyed intermittently by a cartridge conveying device is conveyed to a first stop position, a tapered tongue drawing device is actuated to draw an end portion of a film strip out of the cartridge. At a second stop position, a cutting device and a punching device are operated to cut the tapered tongue and form coupling holes on the end portion of the film strip respectively. At a third stop position, a reinforcing label is applied to the end portion of the film strip by a label sticking device. At fourth and fifth stop positions, the end portions of the film strips are coupled with a leader sheet which has been conveyed and stopped at the other side of the fourth and fifth stop positions. The cartridges are then conveyed together with the leader sheet into the film developing section.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasunobu Shimamura, Junichi Miyai, Kazunori Tsumura, Atsuhiko Yamada
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Patent number: 6012859Abstract: A processing apparatus and method for processing photosensitive material includes processing paths which comprise downwardly inclined and upwardly inclined portions with respect to a conveying direction of photosensitive material. The processing paths are thin channel paths and are oriented so as to provide for a compact processor. Also, the processing apparatus includes several processing sections which are structured to permit an easy assembly and disassembly of the apparatus and thereby facilitate maintenance. The processing apparatus combines the concept of cascading solution flow and nozzle delivery of processing solution for recirculation and replenishment.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1998Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Billy K. Boller, Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr.
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Patent number: 6004727Abstract: An imaging element (15, 122) comprising on a lithographic base at least one radiation sensitive or heat-sensitive layer composition, is image-wise exposed to radiation or heat. The composition is such that when exposed and developed, a lithographic surface is formed. The exposed imaging element is then passed through a closed treatment cell (26, 64, 66) in a processing apparatus in which the imaging element is brought into contact with a single developing fluid (44, 124). The closed treatment cell (26; 64, 66) comprises a housing (24; 114) having an entrance (28; 116) and an exit (30; 118) each closed by a path-defining roller (32; 128) in contact with a reaction surface (33; 130) to form a nip (34; 136) therebetween, through which the plate path (36; 72) extends. Sealing means (38; 138, 139) seal each path-defining roller (32; 128) to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Agfa-GevaertInventors: Bart Verlinden, Joan Vermeersch, Patrick Van den Bergen
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Patent number: 5984539Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: David L. Patton, Anne E. Bohan, Kevin M. O'Connor, Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Gordon F. Breese, Ramasubramaniam Hanumanthu
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Patent number: 5975774Abstract: A processing apparatus and method combines thin channel and nozzle technology, as well as cascading processing solution flow. The processing apparatus includes a base member that defines at least one opening which has a longitudinal axis that extends at an angle with respect to a horizontal axis, and at least one rack member which is removably insertable in the at least one opening. When inserted in the at least one opening, a processing path is defined between an inner surface of the opening and an outer surface of the rack member. The openings are configured so as to provided for a compact arrangement and the rack members are removable in a manner which facilitates maintenance and repair.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Kevin H. Blakely, Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr.
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Patent number: 5960227Abstract: A photosensitive material processing apparatus feeds an elongated film, which is wound on a spool shaft, out from an entrance/exit opening of a film accommodating container, and carries out developing processing of the film. The photosensitive material processing apparatus includes a loading section in which the film accommodating container which accommodates the film is loaded; a feeder which feeds the film out from the film accommodating container loaded in the loading section, in a state in which one longitudinal direction end of the film is anchored to the spool shaft of the film accommodating container; and a processing tank which is sheath-shaped and whose length is longer than a length of a portion of the film which portion is to be processed and which portion has been fed out to an exterior of the film accommodating container, the processing tank having at only one longitudinal direction end portion a film entrance/exit opening through which the film enters and exits.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshio Kurokawa, Noboru Sasaki
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Patent number: 5960226Abstract: The roller comprises a core (56) having an elastomeric covering which comprises an outer exposed region (60) and an intermediate region (58) positioned between the outer region (60) and the core (56). The outer region (60) has a thickness which decreases towards each end of the roller and the intermediate region (58) has a thickness which increases towards each end of the roller. When associated with another such roller to form a nip in an apparatus for wet processing sheet materials, carry-over is reduced, leakage when no sheet material is passing through the nip is reduced, and the risk of physical damage to the sheet material is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1998Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Agfa-GevaertInventors: Ludo Van Schepdael, Bart Verhoest
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Patent number: 5923916Abstract: A processing apparatus for processing photosensitive material combines thin channel technology with nozzles, and an inclined processing path. Processing solution can be introduced into the inclined processing path so as to cause the solution to flow along the inclined processing path in a direction which is opposite to a direction of travel of the photosensitive material in the inclined processing path. With the arrangement of the present invention, photosensitive material can be processed in the first processing path by way of the nozzle spray arrangement and can be subjected to further processing along the inclined processing path.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Anthony Earle, Leslie R. Wells
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Patent number: 5905924Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: David L. Patton, Kevin M. O'Connor, Anne E. Bohan, Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr.
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Patent number: 5864727Abstract: A rack which can completely expel air remaining in treating solution passages. The rack has a rack body formed with a downward feed path and an upward feed path. A rack plate is provided on the outer side of each feed path. Each plate has treating solution passages extending in a width direction of the plate, and nozzles for blowing treating solution fed into the treating solution passages into the feed paths. An air reservoir is formed in the longitudinal central portion of each treating solution passage. An air vent passage is connected to the top of each air reservoir. If there is any air remaining in the treating solution passages when the rack body is set, such air can be urged into the air reservoirs by treating solution flowing into the treating solution passages and expelled from the air vent passages.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1997Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hisashi Omori, Tomoya Tanaka
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Patent number: 5860037Abstract: A photosensitive material processing device having a processing tank in which is stored a processing solution for processing silver halide photosensitive materials, wherein the processing tank is formed from a crystalline resin and is formed such that, given that a tank volume of the processing tank is V ml and a path length which is a conveying distance from a position at which a silver halide photosensitive material begins to contact the processing solution within the processing tank to a position at which the silver halide photosensitive material is discharged from the processing solution is L cm, a value of V/L is less than or equal to 25. As a result, slidability of the silver halide photosensitive material in the processing tank is increased so that conveyability of the silver halide photosensitive material within the processing tank can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshio Kurokawa
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Patent number: 5842073Abstract: Described herein is a high capacity, low volume processor for processing photographic material in web form. The processor is self-threading and is capable of being linked directly to a high-speed printer. The processor can be replenished by direct replenishment of concentrates without external chemical mixing. "Fluid drive" is preferably used to provide both transport of the web through the processing tanks and to provide agitation at the surface of the web.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1997Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Gareth B. Evans, Anthony Earle