Having Fluid-circulating Means Patents (Class 396/626)
-
Patent number: 11921443Abstract: According to examples, a toner refill apparatus may include a chamber to house a toner, in which the chamber may include an insertion section, the insertion section to be inserted into a refill port of a toner cartridge and including a discharge opening, the refill port including an electrical circuit component. The apparatus may also include a valve mechanism positioned at the discharge opening to control output of the toner from the chamber through the discharge opening, in which an actuator may engage the valve mechanism and may controllably open the valve mechanism. The apparatus may further include an electronic chip to be in electrical communication the electrical circuit component, in which a controller may activate the actuator based on a detection that the electronic chip is in contact with the electrical circuit component.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2019Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Seung il Kim
-
Patent number: 11883207Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for estimating a position of a heart pump system in a patient. The system receives first data indicative of a time-varying motor current during a first time period. The motor current corresponds to an amount of current delivered to a motor, while the heart pump system is operating in the patient. The system receives second data indicative of a time-varying differential pressure during the first time period. The differential pressure is indicative of a position of the heart pump system relative to patient's heart. The system receives third data indicative of time-varying motor current during a second time period, and determines an estimate of differential pressure during the second period of time from the third data and a relationship between the first data and the second data. The estimate is usable to predict the position of the heart pump system in the patient.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2022Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Abiomed, Inc.Inventors: Ahmad El Katerji, Chen Liu
-
Patent number: 11628663Abstract: A method of forming a digital image on a flexographic printing plate comprising: attaching a portion of photopolymer to a dimensionally stable backing sheet; attaching a lead edge strip and a trail edge strip to said dimensionally stable backing sheet to form a flexographic printing plate; securing the flexographic printing plate comprising a portion of photopolymer to an imaging cylinder by securing the lead edge strip to a lead edge lock formation and securing said trail edge strip to a trail edge lock formation; imparting an image to said portion of photopolymer; and washing said photopolymer to remove unreacted photopolymer and drying said photopolymer to form a processed flexographic printing plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2022Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: PMD Dies & Stereos Proprietary LimitedInventor: Leon Mare Zevenbergen
-
Patent number: 11009810Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main assembly, a drawer portion provided so as to be capable of being drawn out of the apparatus main assembly, an image forming portion, provided in the apparatus main assembly, for forming an image with a liquid developer containing toner and a carrier liquid, and a supply container accommodating one of toner for supply and a carrier liquid for supply. In addition, a unit is provided between the image forming portion and the supply container in a feeding passage of the liquid developer, and the supply container and the unit are provided in the drawer portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2020Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kazuhisa Okuda
-
Patent number: 10642157Abstract: A method for processing a photosensitive flexographic printing plate having an aqueous-processable photopolymer. A main processing unit is used to develop a relief image by removing unexposed photopolymer using an aqueous processing solution including a first dispersing agent while the photosensitive flexographic printing plate is being subjected to mechanical cleaning. Used aqueous processing solution containing the removed photopolymer is returned back into a processing solution tank. A secondary processing unit is used to wash the developed relief image with secondary aqueous processing solution including a second dispersing agent to remove debris from the developed relief image. Used secondary aqueous processing solution containing the removed photopolymer is directed into the processing solution tank. A portion of the aqueous processing solution from the processing solution tank is removed to keep a volume of aqueous processing solution in the processing solution tank below a predefined maximum volume.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2019Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: MIRACLON CORPORATIONInventors: Donald L. Swihart, Fredrick Charles Mellema, David Edgar Brown, M. Zaki Ali
-
Patent number: 10340159Abstract: A cleaning chemical supplying device, a cleaning chemical supplying method, and a cleaning unit capable of flexibly handling a change of a dilution ratio and suppression of an increase of a device size are provided. A cleaning chemical supplying device has a first in-line mixer, a second in-line mixer, a first chemical CLC box, a second chemical CLC box, and a DIWCLC box.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: EBARA CORPORATIONInventors: Fujihiko Toyomasu, Toru Maruyama, Junji Kunisawa
-
Patent number: 9156529Abstract: A method of making a lithographic printing plate including the steps of a) image-wise exposing a lithographic printing plate precursor including a light or heat sensitive coating on a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer, and b) processing the precursor consecutively with a first solution and a second solution thereby removing the coating from the support in the non-printing areas. The first and second solutions are provided by a cascade system such that the second solution overflows into the first solution and the first solution overflows into a container to be further treated as waste, and the second solution is regenerated by adding a replenishing solution or a mixture of replenishing solutions at a rate of at least 5 ml/m2 of treated precursor and at most 30 ml/m2 of treated precursor.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2012Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Agfa Graphics NVInventors: Ludovicus Hendrik Vervloet, Jan Sinnesael, Jens Lenaerts
-
Patent number: 9073018Abstract: Disclosed is a micro mixer which includes a mixing plate (14) with a first channel-forming section and a second channel-forming section. The first channel-forming section has a first channel formed for a first fluid to flow therethrough, while the second channel-forming section has a second channel formed for a second fluid to flow therethrough. Between the first channel-forming section and the second channel-forming section, there is provided a combined channel in which the first fluid and the second fluid merge with each other. The outlet of the first channel and the outlet of the second channel are opposed to each other with the combined channel disposed therebetween. The position of the outlet of the first channel facing the center axis of the combined channel is included in or the same as the position of the outlet of the second channel facing the center axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: DIC CORPORATIONInventors: Fumihiko Ishiyama, Takeshi Hizawa, Kiyoo Kamei
-
Patent number: 8078086Abstract: A liquid developer transport device includes a channel switching part that dispenses liquid developer to a first channel or a second channel. A filtering part filters liquid developer flowing in the first channel, and a first storage part stores the filter liquid developer. A second storage part stores liquid developer flowing in the second channel. The channel switching part switches channels when a toner particle concentration is more than a predetermined concentration.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Kazuhiro Nishiyama, Tsutomu Sasaki
-
Patent number: 7997814Abstract: A dipping-type automatic developing apparatus for a lithographic printing plate, includes a first tank containing a developer, in which a lithographic printing plate precursor having an imagewise-exposed image-recording layer is dipped and a non-image area of the imagewise-exposed image-recording layer is removed; and a second tank containing a developer, wherein the developer in the first tank and the developer in the second tank are circulated into each other to keep constant a liquid level of the developer in the first tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Chikashi Oishi
-
Patent number: 7963708Abstract: An apparatus designed to minimize carbonization of developer liquid within a printing plate developer device (100). The apparatus includes, at least one open tank (204, 220) containing developer waste (148) positioned in proximity to plate developer tank (104) inside the developer device, and a replenishment element (212). The replenishment element is configured to replenish the at least one open tank with a developer waste. The developer waste and the air trapped (132) in proximity to the printing plate developer tank will generate a carbonization reaction.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2009Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Kalman Shamir, Moshe Marom
-
Patent number: 7918242Abstract: A processing solution pressurized at a constant pressure is supplied to improve processing accuracy. A controller receives a pressure signal indicating a measured pressure exerted on a processing solution from a pressure sensor, and controls an electropneumatic regulator on the basis of the pressure signal so that pressure on the discharge side of the electropneumatic regulator is constant. The controller decides whether the processing solution contained in a processing solution tank has been depleted on the basis of a difference between a desired pressure and the pressure measured by the pressure sensor, and switches pressurizing shut-off valves accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2007Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Junya Minamida, Takahiro Okubo
-
Patent number: 7918182Abstract: The temperature of a developing solution is varied depending on the type of resist or the resist pattern. The developing solution is applied while scanning a developer nozzle having a slit-shaped ejection port that has a length matching the width of the effective area of the substrate. After leaving the substrate with the developing solution being coated thereon for a predetermined period of time, a diluent is supplied while scanning a diluent nozzle, thereby substantially stopping the development reaction and causing the dissolved resist components to diffuse. A desired amount of resist can be quickly dissolved through the control of the developing solution temperature, while the development can be stopped before the dissolved resist components exhibit adverse effect through the supply of the diluent a predetermined timing, whereby achieving a pattern having a uniform line width and improved throughput.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2004Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Tokyo Electronic LimitedInventors: Taro Yamamoto, Kousuke Yoshihara, Hideharu Kyouda, Hirofumi Takeguchi, Atsushi Ookouchi
-
Patent number: 7841788Abstract: In a substrate processing apparatus of the present invention, a buffer bath is provided at any point in a supplying passage of a processing solution supplying part, and a micro bubble generator is provided in the buffer bath. When a substrate is processed, large quantities of micro bubbles can be generated and stored in the buffer bath, and the micro bubbles can be supplied from the buffer bath to a processing bath. This enables the large quantities of micro bubbles to be supplied to the surrounding of the substrate, while the use of the small micro bubble generator avoids an increase in the size of the substrate processing apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ayumi Higuchi, Kenichiro Arai
-
Publication number: 20090080879Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus discharges a hydrofluoric acid solution from discharge nozzles toward grooves formed in side walls of an inner bath. The hydrofluoric acid solution discharged from the discharge nozzles impinges upon the grooves to diffuse, thereby moving toward a top portion of the inner bath in the form of low-speed uniform liquid flows. Thus, a metal component and foreign substances generated in the inner bath float up toward the top portion of the inner bath without being agitated within the inner bath, and are rapidly drained to an outer bath together with the hydrofluoric acid solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventors: Atsushi OSAWA, Yoshitaka Abiko
-
Patent number: 7435021Abstract: A developer replenishing method of an automatic development device of photosensitive lithographic printing plate including developing a plurality of exposed photosensitive lithographic printing plates with a developer containing an electrolyte and keeping the developer activity constant by replenishing with a replenisher. The method includes obtaining certain defined values, conducting defined calculations, comparing defined values and, dependent on the comparison, setting new values An automatic development device which carries out the method is also set forth.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2007Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Hiroyuki Sasayama
-
Publication number: 20080232793Abstract: A dipping-type automatic developing apparatus for a lithographic printing plate, includes a first tank containing a developer, in which a lithographic printing plate precursor having an imagewise-exposed image-recording layer is dipped and a non-image area of the imagewise-exposed image-recording layer is removed; and a second tank containing a developer, wherein the developer in the first tank and the developer in the second tank are circulated into each other to keep constant a liquid level of the developer in the first tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2008Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATIONInventor: Chikashi OISHI
-
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
-
Publication number: 20070269207Abstract: A processing solution pressurized at a constant pressure is supplied to improve processing accuracy. A processing solution tank can be changed and the processing solution can be continuously supplied to continue a process without interrupting the process even if the processing solution contained in the processing solution tank is depleted. A pressure sensor 10 and a first shut-off valve V1 are placed in a first processing solution supply line interconnecting a processing solution tank 1 and a reservoir tank 5. An electropneumatic regulator 20 is placed in a main pressurizing line 2 connecting a nitrogen gas source 3 to the processing solution tank 1. A pressurizing shut-off valve V3 is placed in an auxiliary pressurizing line 9 connecting the nitrogen gas source 3 to the reservoir tank 5.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2007Publication date: November 22, 2007Inventors: Junya Minamida, Takahiro Okubo
-
Patent number: 7207733Abstract: An apparatus for transferring effluent from photograph development systems, especially highly automated, high-volume developer systems. A silver-recovery system discharges an iron-rich solution into a tank. Developer fluid and fixer solution is mixed with the iron-rich solution in the tank to buffer its pH. A float in the tank activates a switch located outside the tank to actuate a pump for evacuating the mixed effluent from the tank for disposal. Water may be mixed under pressure with the pumped effluent to reduce clogging in effluent drainage lines due to precipitate and other and build-ups from effluent.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Academy CorporationInventor: Curtis Rhodes
-
Patent number: 7189015Abstract: A method for replenishing a development replenisher in an automatic developing machine for a photosensitive lithographic printing plate precursor, wherein a value of an electric conductivity of a developer obtained by measuring an electric conductivity is compared with a reference value, and a development replenisher is replenished to the developer when the value of the developer is lower than the reference value, the method comprising: using a reference value of an electric conductivity optimal for a high resolution image as the reference value when developing a precursor having an exposed high resolution image in which an output datum of 50% area ratio is 210 lpi or more in terms of a peripheral length of an image area in an image unit that constitutes a gradation of a screen image: and changing the reference value to an ordinary reference value when developing a precursor not having a high resolution image.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyuki Sasayama
-
Patent number: 7171974Abstract: At least one of a nucleus forming process, a nucleus growing process, a chemical sensitizing process, and a spectral sensitizing process for producing a silver halide photographic emulsion is performed by using a microreactor. A minute region of the microreactor is used to precisely perform a reaction of nucleus formation. A condition under which host grains are allowed to react with newly supplied silver halide nuclei is made uniform to cause uniform crystal growth. A predetermined quantity of molecules for chemical sensitization is doped in a crystal lattice of a nucleus of silver halide to effect a sensitizing process. Alternatively, a spectral sensitizing process in which a single molecular layer of a spectral sensitizer is uniformly adsorbed on a silver halide nucleus grain surface is securely carried out.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideharu Nagasawa, Yasunori Ichikawa, Fumiko Shiraishi, Hiroshi Maeda, Mamoru Fujisawa
-
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
-
Patent number: 7153045Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for replenishing a lithographic printing plate developer. The system includes a developer unit containing a seasoned developer and adapted to deliver the seasoned developer into a mixing unit, a replenisher unit containing a replenisher and adapted to deliver the replenisher into the mixing unit, and the mixing unit is in fluid communication with the developer unit and the replenisher unit and is adapted to hold a mixture of an equal volume of the replenisher and the seasoned developer. The mixture of an equal volume of the replenisher and the seasoned developer is then delivered to the developer unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2005Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Dean Ginther
-
Patent number: 7147390Abstract: A system for supplying a processing solution to a printing device, such as a photographic processor or a printer, which includes a supply tank with processing solution or ink and a delivery system between the supply tank and a printing device. The delivery system has a retaining vessel with retained fluid, in the vessel, and a reference probe to signal a level probe when fluid reaches a predetermined level on receipt of a replenish signal from the controller for the printing device. The power supply actuates a three-way valve in order to flow a volume of the processing solution from the supply tank to the retaining vessel. A power supply receives the adjustable liquid level probe signal from the adjustable liquid level probe. Then switches the three-way valve to flow the retained fluid from the retaining vessel to the printer.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Kevin H. Blakely, Daniel C. Davis, Kenneth D. Corby
-
Patent number: 7125178Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing solution supply cartridge that utilizes a single developer solution holding area having interconnected compartments for a single-part developer concentrate. The holding area has interconnected compartments and includes valves that permit the cartridge to be utilized on an existing processor or processing machine. The design of the present invention assures a complete emptying of the cartridge by permitting the simultaneous replenishment of single-part developer through the valves into the processing machine.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., John D. Manos
-
Patent number: 7086791Abstract: A waste container is received in a photographic processing machine along with a chemical supply container. The supply container is oriented at an angle to horizontal. Ports are provided into the containers with an associated snap cap oriented such that the neck extends vertically when received in the processing machine. A shipping cassette system includes two stacked upper and lower cassettes, each having a plurality of vertical walls that laterally surround an interior volume. A processing machine includes a cap opening bar and a mounting mechanism with a pivot point aligning the bar with the caps of a chemical delivery container assembly along a side of the caps opposite to the side along which the hinges are aligned such that rotation of the cap opening bar about the pivot point simultaneously opens the fluid supply ports by rotating the caps about their hinges.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Eastern Kodak CompanyInventors: Jeffrey L. Hall, Craig S. LeFevre, Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Kevin H. Blakely, Stacy N. Burris, Eduard Kaminker
-
Patent number: 7024996Abstract: An automatic processing method by developing a plural number of exposed photosensitive lithographic printing plates with a developer, which comprises the previously calculating step, the measuring step and the replenishing step as defined herein, wherein during a period from immediately after start of operation of an automatic processing apparatus until the measured electric conductivity value of the developer exceeds the target electric conductivity value, the target electric conductivity value is corrected using a first operation expression as previously defined for every replenishment of the developer replenisher; and after the measured electric conductivity value of the developer first exceeds the target electric conductivity value after start of operation of the automatic processing apparatus, the target electric conductivity value is corrected using a second operation expression for every replenishment of the developer replenisher.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyuki Sasayama
-
Patent number: 7014373Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing solution supply cartridge which utilizes a single container for a single-part developer concentrate. The single container has at least two valves or necks and is adapted to be utilized on a existing processor or processing machine. The single developer container design of the present invention assures a complete emptying of the container by permitting the simultaneous replenishment of single-part developer through each of the valves into the processing machine. With the combination of the single developer container and the single-part developer the process of metering distinct developers through distinct containers is not required. By facilitating the complete emptying of the developer container, the likelihood of developer solution remaining in the container is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Charles M. Darmon, Daniel R. English, Paul A. Schwartz
-
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
-
Patent number: 7001085Abstract: A method of processing photographic material includes the steps of processing the photographic material in a processing solution, monitoring the concentration of a process-retarding by-product of the processing in the processing solution during operation of the method, reducing the concentration of the by-product in the processing solution by a first method and as the by-product concentration in the processing solution exceeds a predetermined level, activating simultaneous operation of a second method for a period of time to thereby ensure that the photographic material is always adequately processed. The invention enables rapid processing of film whilst maintaining low replenishment rates and low fixer solution temperature such that inadequately fixed film is avoided.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2002Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Christopher B. Rider, Nicholas J. Dartnell
-
Patent number: 6916126Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a developing method, which can efficiently prevent the developing solution from remaining on the backside surface of the wafer, so as to avoid the influence of the contamination on the subsequent processes. In one embodiment, a developing method comprises providing a wafer in a reaction space, wherein the wafer has an exposed photoresist thereon; coating a developing solution on a surface of the wafer; rotating the wafer; rinsing a normal surface and a backside surface of the wafer; and stopping rinsing the normal surface of the wafer while keeping rinsing the backside surface of the wafer for a specific time period.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2004Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Mosel Vitelic, Inc.Inventors: Chen Tang Lin, Chung Chih Yeh, Ko Wei Peng, Ming Feng Wu
-
Patent number: 6913404Abstract: A digital film processing system and film processing solution cartridge are disclosed. The cartridge comprises a housing and a chamber for storing a film processing fluid. The processing solution may be contained within a flexible bladder within the chamber. The cartridge may also include an integral applicator for coating the processing solution onto undeveloped film. The cartridge is generally removeably attached to the film processing system, but may also be refillable.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Richard A. Patterson, Joseph B. Gault, John J. Straigis, William D. Mapel, Michael R. Thering, G. Gregory Mooty, Patrick W. Lea, Kosta S. Selinidis, Steven K. Brown, Homero Saldana, Eric C. Segerstrom, Stacy S. Cook, Leland A. Lester
-
Patent number: 6910815Abstract: The present invention provides a photosensitive material processing apparatus in which a photosensitive material is processed with a processing solution. Reliable liquid displacement in the vicinity of the surface of a photosensitive material, and uniform temperature adjustment can be performed. Also, damage or a transport deficiency, caused by a corner of the material coming into a through hole when a conveyance path of the photosensitive material is formed can be prevented. When pre-washing processing is carried out prior to development processing using a developer, processing unevenness in which an overcoat layer partially remains can be prevented. An operation of mounting and removing conveyance rollers disposed in a pair is facilitated and a proper nipping force can be imparted between a conveyance roller pair. Mounting of a replenisher case filled with a replenisher is facilitated and a replenisher is kept from remaining in piping or in a replenisher case.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ryoei Nozawa, Shinichi Matsuda, So Konno, Yasuhiro Endo, Hideaki Iijima
-
Patent number: 6905266Abstract: The invention relates to the application of a uniform film of a fluid to the surface of a flat workpiece as it is being conveyed through a workstation. The invention is specifically directed to the development of lithographic printing plates and comprises the application of the thin film of developer solution to each plate in a controlled manner using a wire-wound coating device and a unique manner of metering and feeding fresh fluid to the wire-wound device. Specifically, the fluid is gently fed onto the wire-wound device by simple volumetric displacement and overflow from the inside of a hollow tube onto the wire and the flow is controlled by sensing the beginning and end of each workpiece or plate. The hollow tube may be the wire-wound component or it may be a tube mounted above the wire-wound component. The spent developer is rinsed and sent to waste. According to the invention, only fresh developer solution is applied at a uniform film thickness, thereby achieving uniform image development.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Anocoil CorporationInventors: Howard A. Fromson, William J. Rozell
-
Patent number: 6872014Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for developing a photoresist pattern. The method consists of mixing a concentrated chemical solution with a solvent to obtain a diluted chemical solution of a predetermined concentration. In this method, the mixing is done in a fabrication facility where the substrates are processed. The diluted chemical solution is then applied onto the photoresist pattern. Analysis of the pattern is then carried out to detect any defects or pattern collapse on the substrate. In the event that defects and/or pattern collapse occur, the predetermined concentration is adjusted to reduce the phenomenon.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Theodore A. Paxton, Todd Davis
-
Patent number: 6866432Abstract: In an electric conductivity-based replenishing system, a developer replenishing method for a photosensitive lithographic printing plate is provided which is capable of minimizing the fluctuations in sensitivity of a developer with respect to the changes in development treatment conditions. An electric conductivity value of the developer is measured in a predetermined given cycle, when the measured electric conductivity value of the developer is lower than the target electric conductivity value, the developer is replenished with a predetermined amount of a developer replenisher, the time interval between the previous supply of the developer replenisher and the present supply of the developer replenisher is measured, a target electric conductivity arithmetic expression is selected based on the measured replenishment time interval and the replenishment time interval threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2004Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyuki Sasayama
-
Patent number: 6866433Abstract: The invention relates to photographic processing and provides a photographic processing system, comprising one or more processing tanks for processing photographic material. The system also has at least one buffer tank for receiving concentrated replenisher solution from a replenisher solution cartridge. The at least one buffer tank has an outlet in communication with the photographic processing system for direct supply of concentrated replenisher solution to the one or more processing tanks.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Henry H. Adam
-
Patent number: 6851873Abstract: A method and an apparatus for removing an organic film, such as a resist film, from a substrate surface are provided wherein a treatment liquid containing dissolved ozone, and preferably formed from liquid ethylene or propylene carbonate, or both, is contacted with the substrate having the organic film, and the organic film removed, wherein the apparatus contains (A) a treatment liquid delivery device, (B) a film contact device, (C) a liquid circulation device and (D) an ozone dissolution device.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignees: Nomura Micro Science Co., Ltd., UMS Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hisashi Muraoka, Rieko Muraoka, Asuka Sato, Mitsuru Endo
-
Patent number: 6793418Abstract: The invention relates to the application of a uniform film of a fluid to the surface of a flat workpiece as it is being conveyed through a workstation. The invention is specifically directed to the development of lithographic printing plates and comprises the application of the thin film of developer solution to each plate in a controlled manner using a wire-wound coating device and a unique manner of metering and feeding fresh fluid to the wire-wound device. Specifically, the fluid is gently fed onto the wire-wound device by simple volumetric displacement and overflow from the inside of a hollow tube onto the wire and the flow is controlled by sensing the beginning and end of each workpiece or plate. The hollow tube may be the wire-wound component or it may be a tube mounted above the wire-wound component.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Anocoil CorporationInventors: Howard A. Fromson, William J. Rozell
-
Patent number: 6793417Abstract: One embodiment is a system for the development of a film includes an infrared light source and a visible light source. The system also includes at least one sensor operable to collect a first set of optical data from light associated the infrared light source and a second set of optical data from light associated with the visible light source. The system further includes a processor in communication with the at least one sensor, the processor operable to determine an image on the film in response to the first and second sets of optical data.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Albert D. Edgar, Stacy S. Cook
-
Patent number: 6776541Abstract: A dual X-ray film-processing device having developer and fixer liquid receptacles connected to film processing tanks by twin chemical pumps through piping having valves therein whereby X-ray film for dental or medical use is being processed continuously thereby speeding up production while at the same time improving the resultant X-ray film surface image.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Inventor: Jeff E. Takahashi
-
Patent number: 6773174Abstract: A cartridge that supplies fresh photographic processing solution or chemistry to a photoprocessing machine and recovers silver from spent processing solution. The cartridge is designed to integrate a solution supply system and a silver recovery system to facilitate the collection of silver from spent processing solution, form a less-regulated spent solution and reduce chemical exposures to operators of photoprocessing systems.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Robert B. Call, Jay E. Mathewson, Donna M. Timmons, Richard R. Horn
-
Patent number: 6764232Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2003Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Kodak Polychrome Graphics LLCInventor: Jerry Dean Dunn
-
Patent number: 6761491Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and use of information exchange between processing solution supply cartridges that are placed on a small processing machine and a controller that is used to operate the machine. In a feature of the present invention, the controller is adapted to control the operation of the processing machine based on the residual volume of processing solution in the cartridge. That is, the controller is adapted to compare the residual volume of processing solution in the supply cartridge to the amount of processing solution needed to process a specific roll of loaded film and control processing accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Jeffrey L. Hall
-
Patent number: 6752547Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a liquid delivery system. The liquid delivery system generally includes a plurality of vessels flexibly coupled to a frame to provide vibration isolation therefrom. In one embodiment, the liquid delivery system includes tubing coupling liquids to/from the plurality of vessels, wherein the tubing is selected to minimize the transmission of mechanical noise to the plurality of vessels. In another embodiment, the liquid delivery system includes a controller adapted to monitor and control the delivery of the liquids throughout the system. In another embodiment, a method is provided to deliver liquids from storage vessels to substrate processing systems.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Applied Materials Inc.Inventors: Eric B. Britcher, Y. Sean Lin, Ricardo Martinez, Leonard Giarto
-
Patent number: 6741326Abstract: In a photography method, a determination is made that a set of captured images includes one or more encoded captured images having a partial shading encodement. The encodement has a predetermined edge pattern and is disposed within a predetermined subarea of an image. An encoded captured image is digitized to provide a digital image having a plurality of pixels. A plurality of pixel templates of an edge pattern and the pixels in the subarea of the digital image are convolved to provide a plurality of template position metrics. Each pixel template has the same shape. Each pixel template is differently located in said subarea. The highest of the template position metrics and a predetermined threshold template position metric value of the edge pattern are compared. The digital image is digitally modified when said highest template position metric matches the threshold template position metric value.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Edward B. Gindele, Joel S. Lawther, David C. Smart
-
Patent number: 6729779Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Jeffrey L. Hall, Faye Transvalidou, Kevin H. Blakely
-
Publication number: 20040081458Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Daniel M. Pagano, Kevin H. Blakely
-
Patent number: 6726382Abstract: A bundle for photographic processing chemicals containing the concentrates for all the processing steps for processing a photographic material, wherein the concentrations of chemicals in the individual concentrates are selected such that all the concentrates are prepared with the same quantity of water in each case and the resultant replenishing liquids for all the processing steps are sufficient for the same quantity of photographic material, makes it possible largely to avoid operating errors and provides simple monitoring of the replenishment rate of the individual baths.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: AGFA-GevaertInventors: Peter Buttner, Marc Reiners