Abstract: A processor has a rotatable drum housed within an enclosure chamber. Processing solution is applied to the surface of the rotating drum and forms a film of solution around the periphery. The media to be processed is fed around the periphery of the rotating drum with its sensitized surface facing the drum.

Abstract: A processor for photographic material includes a multitude of treatment tanks through which the photographic material to be treated is sequentially moved and in which photographic treatment solutions are found during operation, especially developing, bleaching, fixing and stabilizing solutions. The processor includes a refill pump and conduit system for pumping the treatment solutions and the water used from storage containers for treatment solutions and a water tank into the treatment tanks. A refill pump and a corresponding refill conduit is provided for each storage container and the water tank. A control for the refill pumps cooperates with level sensors associated with the storage containers in such a way that the refill process is stopped when one of the storage containers is empty.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a photoresist film includes a substrate cassette for fixing a substrate having a surface covered with a photoresist film, an ozone feed tube for supplying ozone, a liquid feed tube for supplying a liquid photoresist film removing solution, and a processing tank for recovering and processing at least one of ozone and the liquid photoresist film removing solution, wherein the liquid photoresist film removing solution is supplied through the liquid feed tube as a liquid or mist, at least one of ozone and the photoresist film removing solution being continuously supplied.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for preparing a liquid treatment solution for treating photosensitive material, said arrangement including a storage container for storing fresh treating solution to be fed to a development compartment of a development apparatus, a supply portion for supplying a dry component or components and/or one or several mixtures of components for preparing the treatment solution and a reception container for receiving a solvent, wherein according to the invention a mixing tank is interposed between said supply portion, said reception container and said storage container.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a tank that has a body charged with a solution that processes the photosensitive material, the apparatus comprising a filter for purifying the processing solution, and a conduit for circulating the processing solution from a lower region of the tank body to an upper region of the tank body. Further, a pleated cartridge filter for use in a photosensitive material processing comprises a cylindrical pleated filter body formed by folding a filtering sheet member; and a blocking member, including a hole that communicates between an interior of the filter body and the outside, for blocking at least one end of the filter body, wherein a portion of the blocking member contacting the fitting portion is compressed when the blocking member is fitted to the fitting portion to closely contact the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for processing an exposed color reversal photographic film. This method enables the water consumption of the washing baths to be limited, the water levels being maintained by a counter-current coming from the bath placed downstream, an equivalent volume of water being discharged through an overflow. The wash waters are recovered and treated by a nanofiltration unit capable of giving a permeate which can be recycled to the washing baths. This method makes it possible to overcome the problem of the presence of tin (II) in the first washing bath supplied with water by a counter-current coming from the reversal bath. This process also makes it possible to overcome the problems of discharges of chemical substances to the drains while maintaining a good sensitometry of the developed films.

Abstract: A photographic processor for a silver halide photographic material is disclosed, comprising a means for supplying a replenisher or water in accordance with processing amount information, wherein the processor further comprises a correction means for correcting the replenisher- or water-supplying rate on the basis of measurement data of a specific gravity or a pH of the processing solution. A remote control system of the processor is also disclosed, which is connected to a host computer through communication network.

Abstract: A method of forming a resist pattern on a substrate, comprises the steps of: forming a resist film on the substrate, supplying a developing solution onto the resist film, submerging the substrate and the resist film formed thereon in a rinsing liquid kept in a rinsing tank, and applying ultrasonic vibration to the rinsing liquid to rinse the developing solution from the resist film submerged in the rinsing liquid.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides for a processing system and method of operating a photographic processor which comprises monitoring an average consumption of water, chemistry, packaging material and energy per unit amount of photographic film processed in the processor. By taking into account the inter-relationship between all of the above-noted parameters, a fully-automated color film processor having a specified eco-efficiency property can be designed. The eco-efficiency property of the processor is characterized in that it provides more function for the processor with less environmental impacts than comparable products and combines attributes such as minimization of mass and a volume of solution that is heated by a processor, effective use of energy, simplification of power consumption, minimization of time required to process film, recovery of waste produced during operation of the processor, and recovery and reuse of water evaporated during use of the processor.

Abstract: A chemical delivery system and method for use in a photographic processor is disclosed. The chemical delivery system includes a heating assembly that comprises a heating chamber and a level detection sensor. The heating chamber receives a predetermined amount of processing solution from a storage tank based on the level of the level detection sensor, heats the predetermined amount of processing solution and supplies the same to an associated photograph processor.

Abstract: 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.

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

Abstract: A method for processing a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material is disclosed, comprising processing a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material A for photographing containing a high silver bromide emulsion having a silver bromide content of from 50 to 100 mol % and a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material B for photographing containing a high silver chloride emulsion having a silver chloride content of from 50 to 100 mol % with a common color developer, wherein both the replenishing amount and the concentration of the replenisher for the color developer are changed according to the processed amount of said two types of light-sensitive materials.

Abstract: The developer producing equipment of the present invention is connected via piping to working equipment in which electronic circuits, on which fine working is performed, are formed, and produces an alkali type developer used in the abovementioned working equipment. This developer producing equipment comprises a preparation tank to which a developer stock solution and pure water are supplied, and in which these are agitated, first liquid amount measuring means for measuring the amount of the alkali type developer inside the preparation tank, first alkali concentration measuring means for measuring the alkali concentration of the abovementioned alkali type developer, first liquid amount control means for adjusting the amount of the alkali type developer inside the preparation tank on the basis of the measured value obtained by the abovementioned first liquid amount measuring means the abovementioned first alkali concentration measuring means, and liquid supply control means.

Abstract: A monobath solution is coated onto undeveloped film to produce a developed image within the film. The coated film is scanned to produce an electronic representation of the developed image. The electronic representation can be output to a output device, such as a printer, memory storage device, data network, or the Internet. The monobath solution comprises a combination of a developing agent and some other processing function. For example, the monobath solution may comprise a combination of a developing agent and a fixing agent, bleaching agent, or stabilizing agent. The developed image generally comprises developed in-situ silver and at least one dye.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system for handling effluent from a film processor. A transportable holding tank is attached to the film processor using quick-disconnect fittings, and accepts effluent discharged from the film processor by gravity. The holding tank is uncoupled from the film processor and coupled to a receiving station with quick-disconnect fittings similar to those on the film processor. The effluent is pumped into the receiving station. The system is designed to minimize exposure to film processing chemicals, and handles parallel segregated streams of silver-bearing and non silver-bearing effluent.

Abstract: A system for handling effluent from a film processor. A transportable holding tank is attached to the film processor using quick-disconnect fittings, and accepts effluent discharged from the film processor by gravity. The holding tank is uncoupled from the film processor and coupled to a receiving station with quick-disconnect fittings similar to those on the film processor. The effluent is pumped into the receiving station. The system is designed to minimize exposure to film processing chemicals, and handles parallel segregated streams of silver-bearing and non silver-bearing effluent.

Abstract: A photographic processor includes a cleaning arrangement which comprises a transducer and an ultrasonic probe. In the system and method of the present invention, a cleaning cycle can be automatically initiated in a batch photographic processor. The automatic cleaning cycle involves the selected control of the transducer and the ultrasonic probe so as to place the probe in contact with cleaning solution in the processor, and the application of ultrasonic energy to the cleaning solution. In order to enhance the cleaning operation during a cleaning cycle, a circular processing drum of the photographic processor can be rotated slowly or intermittently to allow enough cleaning energy to be delivered to various components of the photographic processor.

Abstract: A processing apparatus is provided which can be easily transported to whatever location is required. The apparatus has no open tanks of processing solution, the possibility of spillage of the solutions being therefore eliminated.

Abstract: A photographic processor and a method of operation is disclosed. The processor is in the form of a circular drum processor into which photographic film is inserted and processed. The processor includes a washing assembly which is adapted to wash the non-emulsion surface of the film and other components of the processor as the processed film is removed from the processor.

Abstract: A processing solution delivery system and method for a photographic processor includes a plurality of chambers that are adapted to hold a distinct processing solution therein. A manifold is fluidly connected to the chambers and includes an inclined solution passageway. The manifold provides a connection between the chambers and an associated processor. Provided in a spaced manner along the inclined solution passageway are manifold bores which introduce solution at different points along the inclined passageway. With the present invention, it is possible to introduce wash solution at the highest point of the inclined processing path at the end of a processing cycle so as to assure the removal of contaminants from previously supplied solutions. Further, it is possible to introduce a bleach or fixing solution at the lowermost point of the inclined path to effectively and uniformly quench a development reaction.

Abstract: A solution delivery system for a processor holds and delivers the processing solutions at working temperature. The solutions are held in an airtight chamber in which they are heated to the correct temperature. The solution is then transferred to a holding chamber until released into the processor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for developing a selectively exposed resist pattern, on an integrated circuit wafer, which avoids damage to the resist pattern and allows greater freedom in the choice of resists. Developer is placed on a selectively exposed layer of resist for a first time. The layer of resist and developer are then immersed in a cleaning liquid time for a second time to stop the developing action and remove the developer. As an option, ultrasonic power can be delivered to the wafer or the cleaning liquid while the layer of resist is immersed in the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid is then removed from the layer of resist, now a resist pattern, and the wafer and resist pattern is placed in a vacuum for drying. As another option, heat can be applied to the wafer and resist pattern while they are in the vacuum. The wafer and resist pattern are then removed from the vacuum for further processing.

Abstract: Recovering the dye image on film in electronic film development following a latent holding stage obviates the problem common in prior art electronic film development of film image destruction. Recovery of the image is accomplished using a developing agent containing couplers to form a dye image. These dyes do not affect the infrared scans of the image. Upon complete development of the dye image, further dye formation is halted by the application of a coupler blocking agent, while silver development and electronic scanning may continue or halt. After halting dye formation, the film is stable for an arbitrary time in a latent stage and may be dried and stored. Following this latent stage, silver is removed from the film with a bleach-fix leaving a conventionally usable film image.

Abstract: The method and apparatus supplies processing solution directly to the surface of a web of sensitized material by means of a movable applicator. The web and applicator are moved relative to each other to enable good mixing of the solution on the surface. The movable applicators can be moved in and out of contact with the material as required so that the process can be varied.

Abstract: A drum chamber in which photographic material is processed is provided with a section in which the walls overlap to form a narrow channel therebetween. The channel acts as the entrance to and exit from the chamber for the material being processed.

Abstract: A method and system for processing photographic film images, includes the steps of: providing a film processor having a plurality of adjustable parameters for a given process for processing a family of photographic films; defining a plurality of processing profiles having different values of the adjustable parameters for different members of the film family; and chemically processing a photographic film that is a member of the film family using the processing profile for that family member.

Abstract: A photographic processing chemical supplier for supplying photographic processing chemicals, in particular dry chemicals in powder form to a developer solution preparing means, comprising: a container having a receiving opening through which said photographic processing chemicals are receivable in said container and a supply opening through which the received photographic processing chemicals are supplyable out of said container to said developer solution preparing means; wherein an attaching means constituted such that a cartridge is removably attachable to the supplier by means of said attaching means; and opening/closing means for opening and closing said receiving opening constituted such that said receiving opening is closed if said cartridge is removed and such that said receiving opening is openable or open if said cartridge is attached.

Abstract: A method of providing photoprocessing services utilizes a packaging system in which photoprocessing solutions are distributed from a source of manufacture to a photofinishing site. The packaging system includes a rigid or semi-rigid outer container and at least one internal container. The internal container includes the processing solution, and can be made of a rigid or flexible material. The internal container may be separable from the outer container or may be in the form of an internal compartment that is integral with the outer container. As an option, the outer container can house a further container that is designed to collect waste or spent solution from the photoprocessing site. With the system of the present invention, a designated supplier entity can follow the packaging system through an entire usage cycle of the system.

Abstract: A chemical or processing solution delivery system and method for use in a photographic processor is disclosed. The system includes a heating chamber which is adapted to receive a predetermined amount of processing solution therein, and heat the processing solution prior to delivery of the solution to an associated processor. The heating chamber includes a member which functions as a supply tube for supplying solution to the chamber and a level detection sensor for detecting the level of solution in the chamber.

Abstract: An automated static film processor that will allow for the running of additional processing cycles of X-ray film while a previous cycle is running, comprising a housing having a pair of chemical storage reservoirs and multiple reaction chambers. The advantage of this apparatus is that a secondary operator may start processing X-ray film immediately without having to wait for completion of a previous cycle. The reaction chambers are configured so that tubing, connectors, and valves will allow chemicals to flow into and out of each reaction chamber from a single set of developer and fixer storage reservoirs. Each reaction chamber is provided with water and drain valves, and overflow protection. Each reaction chamber includes a lid that prevents light damage while X-ray film is being processed. A drying device that forces warm air into each reaction chamber is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing system and method for processing photographic material. The processing system and method of the invention is adapted to recover water from humid air for reuse in the processor, as well as convert a liquid waste processing solution into a dry waste for disposal. In the system and method of the present invention, heated air is circulated through the processor and comes into contact with a cold surface to condense the heated air. The water resulting from this contacting of the heated air with the cold surface can be collected and recycled back to the processor for reuse in the processor. Further, waste solution can be absorbed by a matting material appropriately placed in the processor which evaporates the waste solution to a solid waste for subsequent disposal.

Abstract: A method and processor for processing photosensitive media. The processor includes a narrow processing channel for holding a processing solution, at least one delivery opening for delivering the processing solution to the narrow processing channel, an outlet for allowing processing solution to be withdrawn from the narrow processing channel, and a recirculation system for delivering and circulating a predetermined batch amount of the processing solution through the narrow processing channel from the outlet to the at least one narrow delivery opening for processing a predetermined amount of photosensitive media passing through the narrow processing solution. The batch amount of processing solution only when media is provided in the processing channel. The processor also included an emptying system for removing the processing solution from the narrow processing channel and the recirculation system when the photosensitive media is not being processed through the narrow processing channel.

Abstract: A method of reducing the volume of a processing tank by only filtering processing solution when it is either drawn into the tank and circulation system or when it is returned to the supply container.

Abstract: There are disclosed a processing apparatus for a photosensitive material having a coating device of a processing liquid to a photosensitive material, which comprises using a slot die having a manifold and a slot at the inside of the die as a coating device, and a processing apparatus for a photosensitive material which comprises a photosensitive material transferring device, a photosensitive material detecting device, a slot die for coating a processing liquid to the photosensitive material and having a manifold and a slot at the inside of the die, and a device for supplying a predetermined amount of the processing liquid to the slot die, wherein a detection result at the detecting device of the photosensitive material is fed back to the supplying device of the processing liquid to control operation of the processing liquid supplying device.

Abstract: A recirculating system including a fluid supply tank with a plurality of flow sites for directing flow in and out of the tank along with a pump for driving the fluid flow and a set of fluid connectors providing fluid communication between such tank and a medical image processor which is particularly useful for sustaining prolonged operation of such processor during times of inadequate water supply.

Abstract: A solution supplying device is disclosed, that comprises a gas-solution separation tank for stocking an undiluted process solution supplied from a package that packs the undiluted process solution, a solution supplying pump for supplying the undiluted process solution stocked in the gas-solution separation tank to a processing tank, and an overpressure release valve for varying the inner pressure of the gas-solution separation tank. With the overpressure release valve, the solution supplying device can use a small solution supplying pump. Thus, a device such as an automatic developing device that performs a solution process can be compactly structured.

Abstract: Photosensitive material is processed by passing the material through a chamber holding processing solution, the temperature of the solution being raised as the material passes through the chamber.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing system and method for processing photographic material. The processing system and method of the invention is adapted to recover water from humid air for reuse in the processor, as well as convert a liquid waste processing solution into a dry waste for disposal. In the system and method of the present invention, heated air is circulated through the processor and comes into contact with a cold surface to condense the heated air. The water resulting from this contacting of the heated air with the cold surface can be collected and recycled back to the processor for reuse in the processor. Further, waste solution can be absorbed by a matting material appropriately placed in the processor which evaporates the waste solution to a solid waste for subsequent disposal.

Abstract: An application device in which uneven application due to a clogged nozzle can be suppressed. Rows of plural spray holes are formed in the nozzle plate with the holes being disposed in a staggered, lattice-like configuration with an odd number of spray hole rows being aligned along a conveying direction of an image recording material. Each time a conveyed distance of the image recording material is a distance corresponding to a distance between two adjacent rows times one-half of the odd number of the spray hole rows, the image forming solvent is sprayed. By setting an arrangement of the spray holes and a spray interval of the spray holes, the solvent can be sprayed and applied between rows of solvent which were previously sprayed and applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for reusing a washing solution within a processor for processing photographic material. In the method and system of the present invention, sequential washing stages are applied to the processor. During one of the wash stages, and preferably a wash stage subsequent to an initial a first wash stage (a second wash stage), a volume of washing solution which is greater than the washing solution applied in the first wash stage is applied. The washing solution applied in the second or subsequent wash stage is subject to a chemical treatment such as an ion exchange, and is thereafter, recycled back to the processor for reuse in processing photographic material and/or cleaning the components of the processor.

Abstract: When a developing process is performed, a mixture of developing solution and pure water is supplied while the ratio of developing solution and pure water is gradually increased from pure water to developing solution. Thus, a developing solution component and a resist component gradually react. Even if a resist component dissolves in the mixture of pure water and developing solution, the equality of the concentration of the developing solution can be maintained. Thus, the developing process can be suppressed from being unequally performed. When a rinsing process is performed, a mixture of developing solution and pure water is supplied while the ratio of developing solution against pure water is gradually decreased from developing solution to pure water. Consequently, the substitution from developing solution to pure water can be gradually performed. As a result, particles due to the solidification of unsolved resist can be prevented.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a processor or processing arrangement which includes a replenishment system that meters or dispenses an amount of replenishment solution in direct relation to an amount of photosensitive media that passes through the processor or processing arrangement. The replenishment system includes a dispensing chamber and a cam roller that is operationally associated with a conveying roller. The cam roller engages a valve on the dispensing chamber. When the valve is moved to an open position in relation to a rotation of the cam roller, an amount of processing solution is metered out of the chamber in an amount related to the amount of rotation of the conveying roller.

Abstract: A photographic material processing apparatus and method provides for a homogeneous application of processing solution which leads to homogeneous development. The apparatus utilizes a spreader member in the form of, for example, a spreader bar that applies a limited quantity of developer solution to photographic material such as imagewise exposed film. A pressure member in the form of, for example, a weighted roller or spring-loaded roller acts a squeegee roller and improves contact of the film with a support and/or a heating source. A roller arrangement which includes at least the spreader member and pressure member is configured to enable multiple contacts of the spreader member and pressure member with the photographic material to aid in the agitation of the applied developer solution. In a further embodiment, an additional member in the form of, for example, a mixer member can be utilized to further agitate the applied solution.

Abstract: A processing apparatus, method and recirculation system utilizes a level sensing probe in a filter housing of the filter assembly. The level sensing probe is adapted to provide a signal to a controller arrangement that includes at least a level sensing circuit, a central processing unit and a solid state relay. The controller arrangement is adapted to shut off a heating element of the filter assembly whenever the solution in the filter housing as defined by the level sensing probe falls below an acceptable minimum level of processing solution. With the arrangement of the present invention, it is possible to maintain re-circulated and/or replenished processing solution in the filter housing at an acceptable minimum level, and whenever the solution falls below such a level the heating element is shut off so as to prevent the overheating of the components of the filter assembly.