Abstract: An automatic developer for developing a light-sensitive material such as a photographic material.

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

Abstract: A device for applying a solvent for forming an image includes: a spray tank in which a solvent for forming an image is filled; a nozzle which is disposed at the spray tank and at which a plurality of nozzle holes which spray the solvent for forming an image are arranged so as to be aligned linearly at fixed intervals along a direction intersecting a conveying direction of an image recording material; and an actuator which displaces the nozzle toward the image recording material on a conveying path. Because the plurality of nozzle holes are arranged so as to be aligned linearly at fixed intervals, there is no dispersion in positions at which droplets of the solvent for forming an image land on an application surface. Accordingly, uniformity on the application surface of the solvent for forming an image is not impeded due to such dispersion.

Abstract: In an apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic material, processing solid agent is composed of a mixture of a plurality of processing agent components and has average particle sizes of 150 .mu.m to 3000 .mu.m more than 50% in particle size distribution thereof. The agent supply device measures a predetermined volume of the processing solid agent and supplies it into a processing solution with which the silver halide photographic material is processed.

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 automatic developing apparatus for developing a photosensitive material includes a processing section, a throughput detector, a processing agent supplier, a water supplier, a calculator, a timer and a controller. The processing section accommodates a processing solution for processing the photosensitive material. The processing solution comprises a solid processing agent dissolved in water. The throughput detector detects a throughput of the photosensitive material through the processing section, and generates detection signals when the throughput becomes a predetermined value. The processing agent supplier supplies the solid processing agent to the processing section, and the water supplier supplies water to the processing section. The calculator calculates an amount of evaporation water evaporated from the processing solution, and the timer generates timer signals when a predetermined time period elapses.

Abstract: Processing liquid supply system for the processing vessel of photographic processing apparatus wherein fresh processing liquid is delivered from and used liquid returned to a liquid storage container via corresponding conduits which may each include a liquid flow pump. The container is equipped with a push-in/pull-out cap penetrated by passageways communicating with the conduits. The cap is insertable into the container mouth and has an expandable resilient seal around its periphery for sealing engagement when expanded with the internal surface of the container mouth. A handle is pivoted on the cap for movement between cap-sealed and cap-unsealed positions. The cap has an internal piston which is linked to the handle and is displaced axially when the handle is pivoted between its positions to thereby alternatively compress the seal to expand the same and seal the container mouth and relax the seal for removal of the cap from the container.

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

Abstract: A photographic processing apparatus including recirculation of processing solution is provided with a variable loop additive control system comprising a treatment container in which additive solids, pastes or fluids are introduced and through which a controlled volume of processing solution is circulated from and back to the recirculating system loop. The secondary loop of the additive system allows control of the flow of processing solution through the treatment container so that the mixing of the additive into the processing solution may be controlled at a desired rate and the additive is not excessively utilized or dissipated. Various arrangements for connecting a secondary additive loop to the primary loop of a recirculating processing solution system are illustrated.