Abstract: A float sensor system for a replenishing tank 70 including an injection nozzle 80 attachable to a liquid feeding nozzle 60 of a replenishing device 70 for replenishing processing liquid to a development processing tank unit. This system includes a float 82 provided to the injection nozzle 80 of a replenishing tank 71-74 and movable between a first position and a second position, and a float detecting sensor 64 mounted to the liquid feeding nozzle 60. When an amount of liquid in the replenishing tank attached to the liquid feeding nozzle 60 exceeds a predetermined value, the float 82 is moved to the first position. When the liquid amount is lower than the predetermined level, the float 82 is moved to the second position. Also, the float detecting sensor 64 outputs a float detection signal when the float 82 is located at this second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a photosensitive material includes a device to replenish a tablet of a solid processing agent into a processing tank in which a cross-section of the tablet is shaped in a circle. A container in which plural tablets are accommodated is detachably mounted on the device. The plural tablets are accommodated in such a manner that an outer circumference of each tablet is contacted with that of the others.

Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus includes a substrate treating station for performing a predetermined treatment of substrates by supplying a predetermined treating solution to the substrates, and at least one treating solution supply mechanism for supplying the treating solution in a forced feed under gas pressure to the substrate treating station. The solution supply mechanism has a treating solution storage tank, a pressurizing mechanism, a pressure release mechanism and a valve for selectively allowing and stopping supply of the treating solution. The storage tank begins to be pressurized a predetermined time before the treating solution is supplied to a first substrate in a lot including a plurality of substrates to be treated successively with the same solution. Pressure is released from the storage tank based on a time at which the treating solution is stopped being supplied to a last substrate in the lot or at a predetermined slightly later time. Such control is effected lot by lot.

Abstract: A processing liquid cartridge storage apparatus in an automatic development processing system for automatically developing photosensitive materials includes a processing liquid cartridge(s) filled with at least two or more separately stored, different processing liquids and detachably loaded onto a cartridge bed plate installed in the automatic development processing system. The processing liquid cartridge is equipped with outlet nozzles extending from its processing liquid chambers an arranged to fit into corresponding apertures provided in the cartridge bed plate. A slide plate is slidably mounted beneath the cartridge bed plate and has at least two connected hole pairs provided therein at equal intervals.

Abstract: A process for the development of photographic materials comprises developing the materials in a bath of developer processing solution and subjecting the used developer solution to a water recovery step comprising distillation or reverse osmosis and using the recovered water to prepare a photographic processing solution or as a compensator for evaporation loss and wherein said used developer solution passed to the water recovery step is free of contaminants such as ammonia or sulphur dioxide present in bleaching and fixing agents. Preferably the used developer solution is subjected to the water recovery without the addition of other photographic processing liquids. The recovered water may be used to prepare developer solution or developer replenisher solution and recycled to the developer processing bath.

Abstract: A modular photographic processor for processing a photosensitive material. The processor comprising a modular processing section containing at least one removable processing tank for holding a processing solution therein. The one removable processing tank having an outlet port and an inlet port. The processor also includes a modular recirculation system having a first inlet end and a second outlet end. The second outlet end being connected to the inlet port by a first quick disconnect dripless fluid valve assembly and the first inlet end being connected to the outlet port by a second quick disconnect dripless fluid valve assembly. Various fluid processing components may be connected to the apparatus by at least one quick disconnect dripless fluid valve assembly for quick and easy repair or replacement of that component.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a developer-circulating method and an apparatus for carrying out the method in making a flexographic printing plate which prevents dissolved chemical substance from adversely affecting human bodies and has excellent safety; capable of preventing the increase of the viscosity of developer; and capable of effectively preventing the dissolved chemical substance from adhering to the apparatus, thus preventing the life of the apparatus from being reduced and collecting the dissolved chemical substance in a short period of time and which is superior in operation efficiency, work efficiency, and treating efficiency. Solid content of liquid containing resin component which has eluted from flexographic printing plates 3, 42 and dispersed in developer is flocculated by flocculating agent, and the liquid containing the flocculated solid content is separated into the liquid and solid contents.

Abstract: The invention generally provides the apparatus for liquid delivery comprising a syringe pump for reactant delivery and a syringe pump for liquid chase material delivery.

Abstract: An automatic photosensitive material developing machine supplies a solid processing solution to be dissolved according to consumption of processing solution for a silver halide photosensitive material to be treated. The developing machine includes a solid processing solution supplying section for supplying the solid processing solution from a solid processing solution cartridge containing the solid processing solution, and a solid processing solution transferring section for receiving the solid processing solution supplied by the solid processing solution supplying section in a bucket, and for transferring the bucket upward.

Abstract: A quick disconnect filter assembly and manifold assembly for use in a photographic processor having a recirculating system designed for receiving a filter assembly in line. The filter assembly comprising: a housing having an internal chamber, a chamber inlet for allowing processing fluid to flow into the internal chamber and an chamber outlet for allowing processing solution to flow out of the internal chamber. The housing has a quick disconnect valve for allowing quick connection and disconnecting of the filter assembly with the recirculating system without any substantial loss of fluid. The manifold assembly comprising: a body having an inlet port and an outlet port and a fluid connecting passage therethrough connecting the inlet to the outlet. A wall member is provided for dividing the connecting passage into a first receiving section and an outer delivery section.

Abstract: Described herein is an arrangement which allows solution to be supplied to a process from a `bag-in-box` arrangement, used solution being returned to an emptied `bag-in-box` arrangement for disposal. The arrangement includes a process (40) having an inlet (46) and an outlet (48) which is connected to a valve arrangement (10) by way of the inlet (46) and outlet (48). Respective `bag-in-box` arrangements (62, 64) are connected to the valve arrangement (10) which determines whether the `bag-in-box` arrangement is connected to the inlet (46) or the outlet (48) by its position. The arrangement provides a system in which new `bag-in-box` arrangements containing fresh solution for the process (40) are connected to inlet (46) thereof regardless of their relative positioning. Using the valve arrangement (10), the number of connections and disconnections for the `bag-in-box` arrangements is halved.

Abstract: A photographic processor and/or system having a processing section containing at least one removable processing tank for containing a processing solution therein. The processing tank has an access opening, an outlet port and an inlet port. A recirculation system is connected to the inlet port and the outlet port of the removable processing tank for recirculating the processing solution through the tank. Identification means is provided on the removable tank for identifying the particular photographic chemical contained therein or the particular type removable processing tank. A lid may be provided for preventing spilling of the processing solution during removal, transporting and improved storage life of the processing solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a photosensitive material. The apparatus includes at least one processing section and a replenishment system for delivering replenishment solution contained within a container to the processing section. The replenishment system including a single device for withdrawing replenishment solution from the container and for monitoring the level of the replenishment solution contained in the container. The container is made of a material that is electrically non-conductive. A pair of spaced electrically conductive members are provided within the container. One of the members has a passageway for allowing flow processing solution therethrough and one has a terminal end which extends below the other member within the container. An AC current is applied to the pair of spaced members and the AC current is monitored with a level sensing circuit.

Abstract: This invention discloses a novel process to maintain constant developer strength in a printing plate manufacturing operation. Such a process enables development of more plates than conventional processes allow, while at the same time using less quantity of developer and generating fewer liquid waste. The process is suitable for both batch type and continuous plate development operations. The invention also describes an apparatus suitable for the above-described process.

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: In conventional processing of photographic material, agitation of processing solution in a processing tank associated with a particular processing stage is achieved by withdrawing processing solution from and pumping the same solution back into the tank. It has been recognised that, especially for the fixing and washing stages, solution flow across the material surface has greater effect on diffusion rates of chemicals into and out of the photographic material when it occurs during the latter stages of the time that the material remains in a particular processing solution.

Abstract: A method for reforming the surface of a photographic emulsion layer. In the method, the surface of the emulsion layer is dried to at least sensible dryness. Water is then deposited onto the surface of the emulsion layer. The depositing is substantially uniform and in an amount that is less than about 0.80 grams of water per square foot of emulsion layer.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in a photographic processing apparatus. The filter assembly comprising a housing having an internal chamber, a chamber inlet for allowing a processing solution to flow into the internal chamber, a chamber outlet for allowing processing solution to flow out of the internal chamber, an air bleed passage having a first connecting end in fluid communication with the receiving section and an outlet connecting end in fluid communication with the chamber outlet, the first connecting end being located with respect to the receiving section so that trapped air will be removed from the receiving section.

Abstract: Photographic materials are processed using a processing solution that is replenished at a rate controlled by an algorithm that has terms determined by information associated with the photographic material.

Abstract: Described herein is a buffer device for use with photographic processing apparatus which provides a buffer for solution being fed to or collected from the apparatus. The buffer device (18) comprises a flexible plastic concertina-shaped container (30) having a volume appropriate to the apparatus with which it is to be used. The container (30) is preferably constructed to be normally-closed and requires liquid pressure to open it. The container (30) is fixed at its upper end (38) and its lower end (40) is free to move downwardly when liquid enters it. An index member (32) is attached to the lower end (40) and this member (32) cooperates with a position sensor to indicate to an operator whether the container (30) is "not empty", "not full" or "full".

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a photosensitive material. The apparatus includes at least one processing section and a replenishment system for delivering replenishment solution contained within a container to the processing section. The replenishment system including a single device for withdrawing replenishment solution from the container and for monitoring the level of the replenishment solution contained in the container. The container is made of a material that is electrically non-conductive. A pair of spaced electrically conductive members are provided within the container. One of the members has a passageway for allowing withdrawal of the replenishment solution from the container and has a terminal end which extends below the other member within the container. An AC current is applied to the pair of spaced members and the AC current is monitored with a level sensing circuit.

Abstract: An automatic processor for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material with a processing solution, includes a processing tank containing the processing solution for processing the material; and a circulating path for circulating the processing solution, which communicates with the processing tank. The processor further includes a supplier for supplying a solid composition to the processing tank or the path, in which the expression of V.sub.w .ltoreq.Vf is satisfied, where V.sub.w represents an amount (liter) of the processing solution in a minute in the processing tank and Vf represents an amount (liter) of the processing solution in the path.

Abstract: Interface for a silver recovery unit (11) for indicating the operating condition of at least one pump (9a, 9b). A sensor (10) for detection of the operating condition of the pump (9a, 9b) is installed outside the at least one pump (9a, 9b) such that during installation an intervention in the electronic unit (24) of the pump (9a, 9b) or in the pump (9a, 9b) itself is avoidable. The output signal of the sensor (10) is passed to a series-connected electronic circuit (400) that comprises a series connection of an amplifying means (40), a first filtering means (41), a rectifying means (42), a second filtering means (43) and a comparator (44).

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for use in the processing of a material traveling in a material direction, such as a photosensitive material. The apparatus directs a first fluid stream and a second fluid stream respectively across the first and second width portions of the material. The first and second fluid streams do not flow substantially cocurrently with nor countercurrently to the material direction.

Abstract: A method of redox amplification processing of a photographic color material in which the image-forming step takes place in a developer-amplifier solution containing both a photographic color developing agent and an oxidant contained in a processing tank of comparatively small volume (the processing tank). A developer-amplifier replenisher solution which is stable over an idle period of 48 hours, is provided from a tank of comparatively large volume (the reservoir) holding sufficient for replenishment over a predetermined extended period of time at a rate which is greater than 160 ml/m.sup.2 of material processed. The overflow from the processing tank is returned to the reservoir where additions are made in a predetermined manner from water and/or one or more of four solutions comprising color developing agent concentrate, oxidant concentrate, buffer concentrate and anti-oxidant concentrate.

Abstract: An automatic photographic developing apparatus for photosensitive materials includes a number of processing baths which are filled with processing solutions of different types for processing silver halide coated photosensitive materials. A same number of solution tanks communicated with the respective processing baths are provided for supplying the processing solutions, produced by dissolving solid agents, to the respective processing baths. A level sensor is installed in each of the solution tanks which monitors the level of the processing solution in the respective solution tanks. A plurality of shield members are provided, each shield member surrounding and protecting a respective one of the level sensors, and each shield member being detachably mounted to its respective level sensor. Each of the shield members includes a plurality of split members which are separable from each other and which are connectable to each other to surround the respective level sensor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for processing a photographic film.The process comprises the following steps: a) circulating the film (2) in a series of processing baths (5, 6, 7, 8), each of the baths having a rinsing zone (53, 62, 73, 82) including one or more tanks; b) recovering and treating the waste water coming from all the rinsing zones in a single nanofiltration device (100), common to all the processing baths; and c) recycling the permeate (106) from the nanofiltration device (100) in each of the rinsing zones (43, 62, 73, 82) of each of the processing baths (5, 6, 7, 8).Application to the processing of photographic films.

Abstract: A cartridge for receiving a photographic processing chemical comprises a main body formed with an outlet by way of which the chemical may be introduced into or removed from the cartridge. The main body also has a connection for a venting arrangement which provides communication between the interior of the main body of the cartridge and atmosphere when the cartridge is in use. The connection for the venting arrangement is located adjacent, and faces in the same direction as, the outlet in the main body so that in a single "plug-in" operation the cartridge can be located upon a processing apparatus to establish connections for the supply and return of the processing chemical and a connection with a venting arrangement provided on the processing apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a photographic sensitive material capable of accurately controlling photographic characteristics and processing solutions. If exposures of images recorded on a negative film have been integrated, for a predetermined number of frames a mean exposure is calculated and a result of comparison thereof with a reference exposure is supplied to the film processor. The result of the comparison is used to control the processing performance of the film processor. A density meter measures the densities of an exposed portion and a non-exposed portion of a color paper processed in a processor portion. As physical quantities affecting the photographic characteristics, the throughput of color paper per unit period, temperature, pH, specific gravity and electric conductivity of processing solutions, quantity of replenishment of replenisher to be replenished to the processing solutions and quantity of water to be added to the processing solutions are detected.

Abstract: A method of controlling the replenishment of a processing solution used for processing a photographic material in photographic processing apparatus, wherein replenishment chemistry is added to the processing solution and the replenishment rate is controlled using an algorithm, is characterised in that at least one of the terms of the algorithm is determined by information associated with the replenishment chemistry.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing apparatus comprises a first processor having a first retaining member in which a solution is stored, a second processor positioned beneath the first processor and having a second retaining member into which the solution is shifted from the first processor, and a conveyor for conveying a photosensitive material upward from the second processor to the first processor so that the photosensitive material is firstly processed by the second processor and thereafter processed by the first processor.

Abstract: It is well known that photographic processing solutions need to be replenished periodically in photographic processing apparatus to maintain constant sensitometry for the material being processed. Described herein is a method and apparatus for effecting replenishment of a process, in particular, a photographic process, in which replenishing material for the process is coated on to at least one surface of the material to be treated in that process.

Abstract: A cartridge (1) for a processing chemical (3), such as a photographic developer or the like, comprises a main body (2) having an outlet (4, 5, 6, 7) by way of which the chemical may be introduced into and removed from the main body. The outlet is adapted for connection to a processing apparatus (8, 9, 10) to permit the chemical to be transferred between the apparatus and the cartridge. The main body of the cartridge incorporates a tube (6), one end of which is located externally of the main body. The tube extends through the interior of the main body so that its other end is disposed adjacent a region of the main body which is opposite that part of the main body where the outlet is formed. The cartridge is designed to be mounted on a processing apparatus with its outlet directed downwardly so that the tube stands substantially vertically. The processing chemical may be pumped out of the cartridge and back into the cartridge via the tube.

Abstract: A resist developing apparatus has a plurality of developing solution containers each provided with a temperature regulator, a mixture tank connected to the plurality of developing solution containers, a flow control valve connected between the mixture tank and each developing solution container, a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of developing solution in the mixture tank, and a control system for controlling the flow control valve in accordance with the temperature detected by the temperature detector. As the development progresses, the temperature of the developing solution is lowered to stop the development. Thereafter, the developing solution is supplanted by rinsing solution.

Abstract: An apparatus (14) for developing an exposed proof (16) provided with a visible light absorbing composition such as color particles or pigments includes a transport means (22-28, 36) for transporting the proof (16) along a treatment liquid dispenser unit (30, 32) and a take-off device (44, 38, 40) for removing detached composition from the proof (16). A tempering device (48) is provided for keeping the treatment liquid, which in the dispenser unit (30, 32) is applied onto the proof (16), at the optimum temperature for the developing process. The tempering device (48) comprises at least one Peltier element (52) which has at least one of its two tempering faces thermally connected with treatment liquid. The Peltier element (52) is adapted to receive a reversible supply voltage whose amount and polarity can be controlled. Depending on the polarity of the supply voltage, the Peltier element (52) operates either as a heating element or a cooling element.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for a light-sensitive material includes a plurality of processing tanks for processing light-sensitive material; a kit including a container for accommodating a number of solid processing agents used for each processing tank; and solid processing agent replenishing device for replenishing the solid processing agents accommodated in the container into each processing tank. The apparatus further includes a memory for storing an amount of each solid processing agent used for processing a predetermined amount of light-sensitive material; a residual amount detector for detecting a residual amount of each solid processing agent and outputting a used up solid-processing-agent signal when the residual amount of each solid processing agent becomes zero; and a replacement requesting device for requesting the replacement of all solid processing agents in accordance with the used up solid-processing-agent signal of the solid processing agent.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a filmstrip contained in a film cartridge, the filmstrip having a trailing end secured to the cartridge. The apparatus includes at least one processing tank for holding a processing solution therein and a holding mechanism for holding and retaining a film cartridge containing a filmstrip. The holding mechanism includes a reel assembly for receiving and holding a portion of the filmstrip as it exits the film cartridge. The reel assembly capable of being positioned within the at least one processing tank so that the filmstrip will be submersed within a processing solution contained in the at least one processing tank.

Abstract: A photographic processing apparatus including a processing tank unit formed with a small volume for holding a processing solution for processing a continuous web of photographic material is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first circulation system having a circulation pump for circulating the processing solution through the tank unit and a second circulation system for mixing a replenisher, supplied through a replenisher supply system, with the processing solution and circulating the mixture through the first circulation system and the tank unit.

Abstract: In an apparatus for processing a light-sensitive material, a plurality of processing tanks are serially arranged along a conveyance passage on which the light-sensitive material is conveyed in a conveying direction. The apparatus comprises a device for replenishing compensation water into a most-downstream tank arranged most downstream among the plurality of processing tanks in terms of the conveying direction under the following inequality:0.ltoreq.(E-C)/(P-R)<0.3E (ml/day): amount of evaporated water from the plurality of processing tanks per day,C (ml/day): amount of the compensation water to compensate the evaporated water,P (m.sup.1 /day): amount of the light-sensitive material processed per day,R (ml/m.sup.2): amount of replenishing processing solution per m.sup.2 of light-sensitive material.

Abstract: A replenishing device is provided which comprises a replenishing tank for temporarily storing a replenishing processing chemical therein, a replenisher for supplying the replenishing processing chemical from the replenishing tank to a processing bath to replenish the processing bath with the replenishing processing chemical, a sensor for detecting whether a replenishing processing chemical of a quantity exceeding a first specified quantity remains within the replenishing tank, a display unit capable of displaying instructions for the supply of the replenishing processing chemical to the replenishing tank thereon, and a control device for causing the display unit to display the instructions when the control device judges, based on a quantity of a replenishing processing chemical added to the processing bath after the sensor has detected that a remaining quantity of the replenishing processing chemical in the replenishing tank has been brought to a level that is less than the first specified quantity, that the

Abstract: A cleaning structure for an out-of-liquid conveying portion whose object is to facilitate detachment and attachment of a cleaning nozzle unit from and to a crossover rack, and to hold cleaning nozzles in predetermined positions suitable for the out-of-liquid conveying portion in a state in which the cleaning nozzle unit has been mounted to the crossover rack. In order to mount the cleaning nozzle unit to the crossover rack, the cleaning nozzles are made to penetrate through through-holes defined in one of side walls of the crossover rack. In this state, an interlocking member is elastically flexed so as to be inserted into an interlocking hole. After completion of its insertion of the interlocking member, a hook is brought into engagement with an upper edge of the interlocking hole by elastic recovery of the interlocking member. As a result, a case can be mounted to the side wall.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing apparatus includes plural processing tanks each to process a photosensitive material; plural cartridges each to fill solid processing agents for replenishment used in each of the plural processing tanks.

Abstract: In an apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic material with a processing solution, a processing agent supply section is movable between a first position and a second position. On the first position, the supply section is brought in connection with a dissolving section in which the agent is dissolved, and on the second position, the supply section is disconnected from the dissolving section. The supply section includes an accommodation member in which the agent is stored, and a supply member to supply the agent into the dissolving section on the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic material with a processing solution comprises a guide passage constructing member provided between a solid agent replenishing device and a processing solution in a tank. The guide passage constructing member forms a guide passage enclosed with an inner wall surface thereof so as to guide a dropped solid processing agent along the enclosed guide passage into the processing solution. The guide passage constructing member is so arranged that a part of the enclosed guide passage is inclined to a horizontal plane and has a ventilating opening to communicate between an enclosed space in the enclosed guide passage and an outer space of the enclosed guide passage.

Abstract: In a device for supplying a solid processing agent from a container to a processing tank, when the solid processing agent is not supplied to the processing tank, the supply device blocks the solid processing agent at an inlet opening so as not to receive therein, and when the solid processing agent is supplied to the processing tank, the supply device receives the solid processing agent through the inlet opening and drops the solid processing agent through an outlet opening in the processing tank so that the solid processing agent does not remain in the supply device when the solid processing agent is not supplied to the processing tank.

Abstract: A method of imagewise exposing and processing a photographic silver halide color material in a machine containing a number of non-replenished processing tanks or processing tanks that are supplied from a non-replenished source,the method comprising increasing the exposure time automatically by a predetermined factor related to the area of photographic material already processed and the volume of the non-replenished processing solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing a web or sheet of photosensitive material during the development process by passing the material through a series of stations where the washing is accomplished by spraying and the material is not immersed into a wash bath and the washed material consistently meets archival quality and a process for washing the material using the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of processing an imagewise exposed photographic silver halide material in a machine containing a number of non-replenished processing tanks or processing tanks that are supplied from a non-replenished source, the method wherein the silver halide comprises at least 95% by weight silver chloride and processing in each tank is carried out with sufficient agitation to avoid the need for replenishment.

Abstract: An automatic processing apparatus having a processing solution tank for processing a silver halide photosensitive material, includes a container accommodating a set of solid processing agents which can process a predetermined amount of the material, a detector for detecting an amount of the material to be processed, and a supplier for supplying an amount of the solid processing agents accommodated in the container into the processing solution tank in accordance with a detected amount of the material. The apparatus further includes a controller for controlling the supplier in which the controller controls the supplier to supply all amount of the solid processing agents remained in the container to the processing solution tank, when the processing agents are remained in the container after the predetermined amount of the material is completed to be processed.

Abstract: A method of processing an imagewise exposed photographic silver halide color material in a machine containing a number of processing tanks or processing tanks which are supplied from a non-replenished source, the method comprising increasing the temperature of at least one of the tanks automatically by a predetermined amount related to the area of photographic material already processed and optionally, the time of treatment in said at least one processing tank is increased by a predetermined factor related to the area of photographic material already processed and the volume of the non-replenished processing solution.