Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing apparatus including: plural processing chambers sectioned by partition wall(s); a housing provided in the partition wall(s); a processing space that is communicated with the processing chambers and that stores a processing liquid; a flow-in side processing liquid exchange unit that is provided at the housing, and that enables the processing liquid to flow-in from the processing chamber to the processing space, in order to exchange the processing liquid stored in the processing space; and a flow-out side processing liquid exchange unit that is provided at the housing, and that enables the processing liquid to flow-out from the processing space to the processing chamber, in order to exchange the processing liquid stored in the processing space, and the flow-in and flow-out side processing liquid exchange units being arranged one on each side of the conveyance path on which the photosensitive material is conveyed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate processor having an immersion developing tank followed by a developer exit tank in which a printing plate driven through the immersion tank is subjected to a spray of clean developer wherein the exit tank is isolated from the developing tank and there is associated with the exit tank developer spray system a clean developer recirculating loop. The recirculating loop includes a holding tank, a pump and a filter and its elements are isolated, separate and distinct from the developing tank.

Abstract: A photographic processing apparatus includes a photographic paper processing bath train. A drier, positioned downstream from the train, heats air and dries the photographic paper. Feeding racks feed the paper in a predetermined travel path which begins on an upstream side of the train, extends therethrough, and ends at the drier. A memory is accessed to estimate expected travel time t1 for passing of the paper through the travel path. The memory is accessed to estimate expected warmup time t2 for warming up the air in the drier to a target temperature T2. A controller compares the time t1 and the time t2, initially starts heating in the drier if the time t2 is longer than the time t1, and starts actuation of the feeding racks when a time difference (t2-t1) elapses after start of the heating to synchronize drier warmup to temperature T2 with paper reaching the drier.

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: 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.

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 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.

Abstract: A substrate processing method for forming a resist film on a wafer with a base film being formed, and performing an exposure processing and a developing processing for the resist film to thereby form a desired resist pattern, has a base reflected light analyzing step of radiating a light of the same wavelength as an exposure light radiated during the exposure processing to the base film and analyzing a reflected light, before forming the resist film, and a processing condition control step of controlling at least one of a resist film forming condition and an exposure processing condition, based on the analysis of the reflected light. The method makes it possible to control a line width of a resist pattern with high precision.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of processing an exposed black-and-white silver halide photographic film material, the method having the steps of developing in a developer solution, fixing in a fixer solution, replenishing of fixer and developer solution, rinsing in a washing solution and drying, characterized in that fixing is performed in one step and under such conditions that a "silver equilibrium ratio" of less than 2.0 is maintained, the said ratio being defined as the ratio between actual by the film material in the rinsing step through carry-over (cross-over) of silver from the fixing solution to the washing solution and amount of silver brought into the washing solution and the total amount of silver that theoretically could be brought into the washing solution by the film material by such carry-over; a "fixer to film silver ratio" of less than 0.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing photographic material has a plurality of stages for carrying out different processing steps. At least one stage has a series of processing regions each defined by an inclined surface that extends between sets of rollers. The surfaces may be of different length to provide different residence times for the material. Processing solution flows down the surfaces whilst the photographic material is driven upwards in counter-current mode. All the stages may be uni-directionally inclined end-to-end, or they may be arranged in a U-shape so as to minimize cross-contamination between the stages.

Abstract: Photographic material grasping and dragging device for photographic material developing machine, in particular of photographic paper, shaped as a fork provided with a first and a second portion (26, 27) respectively for the photographic material winding and for the hooking and unhooking with respect to the guide band (leader) of the machine. Device which comprises clamping means (grasping jaws 32) co-operating with the guide band (28) and sprung articulated means (31) adapted to drive the clamping means (32) from a first to a second operative position, in which they are respectively disengaged and engaged with respect to the guide band (28), and vice versa. Device which assures always a feed of photographic material at any operative condition and mechanical stress exerted by such material on the device referred to.

Abstract: A film transport device for an automatic film processor that sequentially transports film from a dry environment into and out of liquid solutions. The device includes a series of gear driven, opposed roller pairs which are pre-aligned and bearing mounted for easy removability and replacement. Power transmission is provided to the transport module from a motor driven, low torque gear shaft assembly, which is contained within the processor. The side plates of the transport assembly are divided into upper and lower plates to facilitate repair and cleaning.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a photosensitive material. The apparatus includes a narrow processing channel through which a photosensitive material passes. A drive mechanism for transporting of the photosensitive material through the processing channel, and a scrubbing roller which extends across at least a portion of the photosensitive material passing through the processing channel. The scrubbing roller is positioned such that it contacts the photosensitive material passing thereby and is rotated in the opposite direction to the direction of travel of the photosensitive material.

Abstract: A machine part (24) is provided with a resilient seal (28) having an in-use condition in which the seal (28) protrudes beyond a sealing face (32) of the machine part (24). The seal (28) has an alternative condition in which it is accommodated in a cut-out portion (52) in the sealing face (32) of the machine part (24). The arrangement can be used in an apparatus comprising a number of machine parts, a first machine part (24) being provided with the resilient seal (28) which protrudes beyond a sealing face (32) of the first machine part (24) to seal the first machine part (24) to a second machine part (30). The arrangement enables such an apparatus to be dis-assembled with reduced risk of damaging the seal or tearing it from its mounting.

Abstract: A method for processing a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material is disclosed. The method comprises the step of processing a color silver halide photographic material by a processing apparatus having the first processing tank in which the light-sensitive material is firstly processed, a turning portion positioned outside the processing solution between the first processing tank and the next processing tank, wherein the silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material has a coated silver amount of from 3 g/m.sup.2 to 10 g/m.sup.2, and a value of R.times.L.sub.1 /S is within the range from 1.5 to 5.0, or a value of L.sub.1 .times.K/S is within the range of from 26 to 70, when R is a curvature radius in centimeter of the turning portion, L.sub.

Abstract: There is provided a light-sensitive material processing apparatus comprising a development section having processing baths including a development bath, a fixing bath and washing baths, a drying section and a sorter section, wherein at least one of the processing baths is a pan-shaped horizontal processing bath with its upper surface opened that is disposed at a horizontal position, transports light-sensitive materials in processing solutions in the processing baths in a horizontal direction and can be drawn out in a horizontal direction which is parallel with or normal to the transport direction of the light-sensitive materials. The processing baths can be handled at ease and a space occupied by the apparatus can be reduced. Maintenance such as the cleaning, repair, replacement of the respective processing baths and the transport mechanism racks becomes also unnecessary. As a result, prints of high quality can be finished at all times.

Abstract: In a photographic processing system for processing a photographic film for each order without splicing it to other photographic film, a destination of each of plural photographic films having a different destination from each other is determined based on photographic film destination determining information recorded on a photographic film to be processed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A liquid channel (411a) is formed in an upper end of a partition wall (411) between subtanks (41) and (42) each filled with a fixing liquid to draw the fixing liquid from the subtank (42) into the subtank (41), and a guide plate including an opposing plate (411d) is provided in the subtank (41) to guide the fixing liquid downward. A liquid channel (431a) is formed in an upper end of a partition wall (431) between subtanks (43) and (44) each filled with a stabilizing liquid to draw the stabilizing liquid from the subtank (44) into the subtank (43), and a guide plate including an opposing plate (431d) is provided in the subtank (43) to guide the stabilizing liquid downward. A liquid channel (441a) is formed in an upper end of a partition wall (441) between subtanks (44) and (45) each filled with a stabilizing liquid, and a guide plate including an opposing plate (441d) is provided in the subtank (44).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for processing of photographic material, the apparatus comprises a first plurality of successive processing tanks, each containing a processing solution. The plurality of first tanks form a first processing path for a first photographic material. A second plurality of successive processing tanks, each containing a processing solution, form a second processing path for processing a second photographic material. The first and second plurality of tanks are disposed adjacent each other. A first transport system drives the first photographic material through the first processing path, and a second transport system drives the second photographic material through the second processing path. A single common drive drives both said first and second transport systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a photosensitive material. The apparatus comprises a narrow processing channel for containing a processing solution for processing of a photographic material passing through the processing channel. A discharge nozzle is provided in the processing channel for dispensing of processing solution against the photographic material as it passes through the processing channel. A step is provided in the processing channel for lifting the leading edge of the photosensitive material from the bottom surface of the processing channel such that the photosensitive material will pass easily by the discharge nozzle.

Abstract: A photographic sheet material processing apparatus has a plurality of treatment cells (12', 12", 12'") mounted one above another in a vertical stack to define a substantially vertical sheet material path (20) through the apparatus. The apparatus is cleaned by feeding a cleaning liquid to a first cell (12'), allowing at least a portion of said cleaning liquid to pass by gravity from said first cell (12') to at least one further cell (12"), and discharging said cleaning liquid from the apparatus. This process provides a convenient and efficient method of cleaning a vertical photographic sheet material processing apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic film development apparatus includes a cartridge case for carrying a group of film cartridges loaded with undeveloped films. A feeder unit stores a plurality of the cartridge cases and delivering them one by one to an unloading station for unloading sheets of undeveloped film from respective film cartridges in the cartridge case. The undeveloped film sheet is rewound at a rewinding station into a takeup cartridge. A splicer unit joins one end of the undeveloped film sheet from the takeup cartridge to a short film leader supplied from a film leader supply unit for feeding short film leaders one at the time. A development unit developes the undeveloped film sheet joined to the short film leader. A separator unit separates a developed film sheet from the short film leader. The developed film sheet separated from the short film leader is loaded at a loading station back into its film cartridge.

Abstract: A high capacity, low volume processor is described in which the benefits associated with low volumes are obtained. The processor comprises an inner tank (50) which holds a volume of processing solution which is substantially less than that of an outer tank (40) in which it is placed. A rack insert (60) is provided inside the inner tank (50) to define a processing channel (62) therebetween. The inner tank (50) and rack insert (60) can be retro-fitted to existing processing tanks.

Abstract: Apparatus for exposing and processing a photographic recording material, generally called imaging element, comprising (i) an exposing part, generally called imagesetter, in which the imaging element is imagewise exposed, and (ii) a processing part, generally called processor, in which the imaging element is wet processed, characterized in that the exposed imaging element is fed automatically from the imagesetter into the processor and in that the processing is carried out along a substantially vertical path. Also disclosed is a method for recording an image by using the above described apparatus for exposing and processing an imaging element.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for developing radiation-sensitive, exposed printing forms into printing plates is disclosed. The apparatus has a developer pan that contains a developer bath. Individual printing form runs through the developing station of this apparatus in a running-through plane. On each side of the running-through plane there is are a first pair of transport rollers, two brushing rollers with counter-rollers and a second pair of transport rollers at the end of the developing station. Guide rollers are arranged between the first pair of transport rollers and the first brushing roller with its counter-roller, on the underside of the running-through plane. A closed vessel, filled with developing solution, is connected via a developer circuit and a pump to the developer bath. The vessel contains a temperature sensor and a measuring electrode for the electric conductivity of the developing solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a light-sensitive material includes a supply controlling section for controlling an amount of solid processing agents to be supplied per a unit time period in accordance with an amount of the light-sensitive material to be processed per a unit time period.

Abstract: A color filter is produced through the steps of: forming a layer of a color filter material including a colorant dispersed in a photosensitive resin on a substrate; and pre-baking, exposing and developing the color filter material layer to leave a color filter pattern on the substrate. In the developing step, a developer liquid is applied in the form of a curtain onto the exposed color filter material layer on the substrate, the substrate is allowed to stand in a substantially still state and then the substrate is supplied with an ultrasonic wave projected perpendicularly to the substrate while being in contact with the developer liquid. The ultrasonic wave is preferably uniformized by at least two rotating reflection or diffusion plates before it is projected onto the substrate. As a result, the color filter pattern can be developed with little development irregularity even on a large-size substrate.

Abstract: An automatic developing apparatus for photosensitive lithographic printing plates, includes a development vessel storing a plate developer and a replenishing apparatus for replenishing a predetermined amount of development replenisher in accordance with an electric conductance of the plate developer. The replenishing apparatus includes: an electric conductance sensor detecting the electric conductance of the plate developer; a delivery device delivering the development replenisher into the development vessel; a timer detecting an elapsed time from replenishment of the development replenisher; and a control device for setting a reference electric conductance and for controlling the delivery device to replenish the development replenisher when the detected electric conductance has fallen below the set reference electric conductance.

Abstract: An apparatus for the wet processing of photographic sheet material comprises at least one treatment vessel (12, 12', 12") having upper and lower openings (17, 18), one of the openings (17) constituting a sheet material inlet and the other of the openings (18) constituting a sheet material outlet, the inlet and outlet defining there-between a substantially vertical sheet material path (20) through the vessel. The vessel comprises a rotatable roller (28) biased towards a reaction surface (30) to define a roller nip (36) there-between through which the sheet material path extends and associated with sealing means (38) to retain treatment liquid (24) in the vessel (12). The apparatus is characterised in that the roller (28) comprises a core (32) carrying a covering (34) of elastomeric material, the ratio (.phi./L) of the maximum diameter (.phi.) of the elastomeric material covering to the length (L) thereof being at least 0.012.

Abstract: In a film feeder for use in an automatic developing machine, a cutter control circuit actuates a cutter using electrical energy from a utility power source and electrical energy stored in a capacitor if a film end sensor detects the tail end of a film during normal feeding conditions. In the event that the film end sensor detects the tail end of the film in the event of a power failure, the cutter control circuit actuates the cutter using the electrical energy stored in the capacitor. This makes it possible to actuate the cutter even in the event of a power failure as well as to reduce the capacitance of the utility power source to a small level.

Abstract: A stand alone customer operated photofinishing apparatus. The apparatus includes a film receiving section for receiving and holding a film cartridge containing an undeveloped filmstrip therein from a customer, the filmstrip having at least one image. A customer order data entry station is provided for entering an order selection. The apparatus further includes a developing section for developing the filmstrip comprising at least one processing tank containing a processing solution for processing of the filmstrip, a scanner for scanning the developed filmstrip so as to obtain a digital record of the at least one image developed on the filmstrip, a printing section for dry printing the at least one image on the developed filmstrip using the digital record so as to produce at least one print, and a delivery section for returning the at least one print and the developed filmstrip to the customer.

Abstract: An automatic photographic developing machine has easily detachable top turn guides each provided with a locking mechanism that allows any incompletely set top turn guide to be pushed to an accurate set position and locked. The top turn guides are detachably mounted between handles provided at tops of racks hung in treating tanks. Each top turn guide has a support piece to be supported on top surfaces of the handles, and a pair of front and rear control pieces. Each control piece has a protrusion. The handles are formed with recesses. Each top turn guide is inserted between a pair of adjacent handles with the control pieces deformed inwardly by gripping them from opposite sides. The control pieces are released with the support piece supported on the top surfaces of the handles to let the protrusions engage in the recesses. The top turn guide is thus locked in position.

Abstract: An automatic photographic developing machine allows a rack to be pushed up only if a feed mechanism of such rack is put under excessive load, and is made of fewer parts and is simple in structure. The rack has a feed mechanism for feeding photosensitive material and is inserted in a treating tank. The rack has an input shaft at its upper portion. The input shaft carries a helical gear in mesh with a worm of a drive shaft. A resilient piece made of synthetic resin is supported on a presser holder slidable in the axial direction of the drive shaft. An end of the resilient member is located opposite the end of the input shaft to prevent the rack from being pushed up. If the force urging the rack upward exceeds the resilience of the resilient piece due to an excessive load applied to the feed mechanism, the resilient piece is resiliently deformed by the input shaft. The rack is thus pushed up, and the helical gear is disengaged from the worm.

Abstract: An apparatus for regenerating a recording medium has a feeder which feeds a recording medium, a transporter which transports the recording medium, an immersion bath for containing a cleaning liquid for swelling prints and immersing the recording medium in the cleaning liquid, a print remover which removes the prints by subjecting the surface of the recording medium to a physical treatment, and a fluidizing structure for fluidizing the cleaning liquid in a direction opposite to a direction in which the recording medium is transported in the immersion bath.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for color photographic photosensitive materials comprises (a) processing tanks comprising a color developing tank, a desilvering tank, a washing tank and/or a stabilizing tank, (b) means for replenishing respective processing tanks, (c) means for controlling an amount of replenishing color developing solution to be charged into the color developing tank in such that an amount of overflow liquid from the color developing tank is at most 400 ml per m.sup.2 of the processed color photographic photosensitive materials, (d) one storage tank for collecting overflow liquids from all of the processing tanks and (e) means for introducing all overflow liquids from the processing tanks into the storage tank. This apparatus is small-size and has only one waste liquid tank with a low cost and a stable capacity without reducing efficiency of recovering silver and generating ammonia gas.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing a photographic sheet material in at least one processing stage which includes a feed roller array for transporting the material to or from the stage. The feed roller array has a pair of rollers supported on shafts for rotation and mounted with one superposed generally above the other. The upper roller is driven in a transport direction by a drive mechanism acting on an end of its shaft. The opposite ends of the shafts of the two rollers are journaled in frame members with the lower roller being supported for limited independent movement toward and away from the upper roller. The lower roller is normally biased into contact with the upper roller and is adapted to be displaced vertically away from the upper roller by a cam arrangement acting on the ends of its shaft. The upper roller is adapted to be shifted axially to disengage an end of its shaft from its journal to permit the upper roller to be removed manually from the apparatus.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing machine for processing a photosensitive material with a processing solution. The machine includes: a processing rack for forming a conveyance path of the photosensitive material in the processing solution; a conveyance roller, which is disposed in the processing rack, for conveying the photosensitive material; a sheet-shaped guide member for slidablly supporting the photosensitive material, in which the guide member is disposed in the processing rack so that the surface faces to the circumferential surface of the conveyance roller; a guide support member, which is disposed at the upper portion or the bottom portion of the processing rack, for supporting the guide member; and a driving means for driving the conveyance roller. In such the machine, the photosensitive material is conveyed by the conveyance roller as the photosensitive material being nipped between the conveyance roller and the guide member.

Abstract: An integrated photographic processing system is equipped with a series of processing stations that are all arranged inside a shared housing. These include an input station for undeveloped, exposed roll film, e.g., miniature film coiled in film magazines. In this input station the inserted roll films are uncoiled and fed into a film conveyance system of an adjacent film processor. In the film processor, the photographic films are developed. At the output of the film processor, a projection printer is arranged for image-by-image exposure onto photographic paper of negatives contained on the developed film. The projection printer is equipped with its own conveyance system for the developed film. Finally, there are also a paper processor for developing the exposed photographic paper, and output stations for the developed film and the developed paper images.

Abstract: A method of processing an imagewise exposed silver halide photographic element comprising developing and desilvering the photographic element in a low volume thin tank processor wherein the processor operates at 15% or less of maximum production capacity.

Abstract: Extra printing is made possible during a set of ordinary processing operations such as film development and printing. A film is developed and dried while being fed by a leader attached thereto. After cutting the leader from the film, it is fed to the printing unit to print the images on the film onto photographic paper. A plurality of film stocking units are provided in a path from the film drying unit to the printing unit. Each stocking unit can selectively stock a single film or allow it to pass without stocking. A second film stocking unit can move laterally to change the film track. If a film requiring a long exposure time is present in the printing unit, the subsequent films that have been developed and dried can be stocked in the other film stocking units. Thus, continuous film developing operations are not interrupted.

Abstract: It is well known to process photographic materials in web and sheet form by passing the material through a photographic processor which comprises a plurality of processing stages. The material being processed is substantially immersed in the solution in each of the processing stages which results in the use of large volumes of processing solutions. Described herein is a multi-tank processing bath which utilizes low volumes of processing solution and in which the rate of flow of processing solution through the multi-tank processing bath is matched with the transport speed of the material being processed so that the processing solution effectively travels with the portion of the material being processed which it encounters when first introduced into the processing bath. This means that the processing solution is fully exhausted by the time it reaches the end of the processing bath and can be discarded. This ensures that each part of the material being processed has new processing solution.

Abstract: A stand alone customer operated photofinishing apparatus. The apparatus includes a film receiving section for receiving and holding a film cartridge containing an undeveloped filmstrip therein from a customer, the filmstrip having at least one image. A customer order data entry station is provided for entering an order selection. The apparatus further includes a developing section for developing the filmstrip comprising at least one processing tank containing a processing solution for processing of the filmstrip, a scanner for scanning the developed filmstrip so as to obtain a digital record of the at least one image developed on the filmstrip, a printing section for dry printing the at least one image on the developed filmstrip using the digital record so as to produce at least one print, and a delivery section for returning the at least one print and the developed filmstrip to the customer.