Abstract: The apparatus comprises a housing (10) defining a treatment vessel (12.sup.2) having entrance and exit openings (16, 20) defining a sheet material path (22) therethrough. The lower opening (20) is closed by a pair of path-defining rollers (28, 26) biased into contact with each other to form a nip (28) through which the sheet material path (22) extends. The housing (10) includes a collecting chamber (50) positioned to collect treatment liquid which in use falls from the treatment vessel (12.sup.2) through one or both of the openings. The collecting chamber (50) is a closed chamber (50) and means (52) are provided to return treatment liquid from the collecting chamber (50) to the treatment vessel (12.sup.2). The construction has the advantage that the wastage of treatment liquid is reduced without requiring the use of complicated and costly sealing devices.

Abstract: A processing assembly includes a processing tank that has a processing path for photosensitive material. The processing tank includes at least one first processing assembly along a downward portion of the processing path and at least one second processing assembly along an upward portion of the processing path. The processing assemblies include a tray assembly and a guide path or slot which extends from the tray assembly. The guide path or slot receives over flow processing solution from the tray assembly and also guides the photosensitive material.

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. Each of the solution tanks is protected with an openable cover and is provided with a guide along which the respective solid agents can be loaded into the respective solution tanks for dissolution as the solid agents run down by their own weight. The guide is pivotably mounted for movement between a guiding position and a non-guiding position and is urged by a return spring so that the guide can automatically return to the guiding position.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include two half shells that can be operably joined together, in whose walls pouches are provided. Two elements, approximately formed as ladders, each include first transport rollers, the two ladderlike elements being configured for insertion in the joined together half-shells. The first transport rollers are disposed on the respective ladderlike elements in such a way that upon insertion of the ladderlike elements into the joined together half-shells, the transport rollers fit into the pouches of the walls of the respective half shells. Exemplary embodiments also include a central element which, after the insertion of the two ladderlike elements, can be placed between the two ladderlike elements to maintain the two ladderlike elements in position and which, together with the respective ladderlike elements and the respective walls of the half-shells, defines a conduit for photographic material to be developed.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing photographic material having a delivery device and a removal device for developing fluid as well as an inlet and an outlet for the material to be developed with a narrow conduit that extends from the inlet to the outlet. A transport mechanism for transporting the photographic material to be developed from the inlet through the conduit to the outlet wherein the material to be developed comes into contact with the developing fluid as it is transported through the conduit and is developed. Two half shells are connectable to one another, with each half shell having two plates joined to make the half shell. The apparatus also has a central positive displacement element, which together with the inner wall of the half shells, defines the conduit in which the photographic material is developed. The conduit extends between the positive displacement element and the respective inner wall of the half shell.

Abstract: A processing assembly includes a processing tank having a processing path through which a photosensitive material to be processed travels. The tank includes a processing path length adjusting mechanism which forms a part of the processing path and is capable of adjusting a length of the processing path between at least a first predetermined length and a second predetermined length which is different than the first predetermined length. This provides for a versatile processing tank that is adjustable between a normal processing path length for normal photoprocessing and a shorter processing path length for processing applications in which a shorter processing path length is sufficient.

Abstract: A method of processing photographic sheet material comprises passing the sheet material along a sheet material path (20) through a processing apparatus comprising a plurality of processing cells (12, 12', 12"), and causing processing liquid to pass across the surface of the sheet in at least one of the cells. The cell is a closed cell the speed of liquid flow across the sheet material, as measured in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the sheet material path (20), is at least 3 times the speed of the sheet material along the sheet material path (20) and the resultant liquid flow speed is at least 100 mm/sec. The consistency of reaction kinetics at the sheet material surface are improved.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing device having a processing tank in which is stored a processing solution for processing silver halide photosensitive materials, wherein the processing tank is formed from a crystalline resin and is formed such that, given that a tank volume of the processing tank is V ml and a path length which is a conveying distance from a position at which a silver halide photosensitive material begins to contact the processing solution within the processing tank to a position at which the silver halide photosensitive material is discharged from the processing solution is L cm, a value of V/L is less than or equal to 25. As a result, slidability of the silver halide photosensitive material in the processing tank is increased so that conveyability of the silver halide photosensitive material within the processing tank can be improved.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing apparatus includes a processing tank and a rack placed in the processing tank. A processing solution is introduced into the interior of the processing tank through the bottom portion of the processing tank. The processing solution introduced from the bottom portion of the processing tank enters a space formed between a bottom turn cover and a bottom turn guide of the rack, and jets from a jetting opening formed in the bottom turn guide toward a transport path for a photosensitive material. Alternatively, the processing solution introduced from the bottom portion of the processing tank enters the space between the bottom turn cover and the bottom turn guide of the rack, passes through a jetting opening formed in the bottom turn guide and a processing solution jetting passage formed in a rack plate, and jets from a jetting opening formed in the rack plate toward the transport path. Accordingly, the processing solution can be agitated effectively.

Abstract: A photographic processor for processing a photosensitive material. The processor comprising at least one processing section having a generally U-shaped processing channel for holding a processing solution through which the photosensitive material passes. A belt is provided for transporting of the photosensitive material through the generally U-shaped processing channel. The generally U-shaped channel comprises a first generally straight section in which the photosensitive material enters the processing channel, a second generally straight section through which the photosensitive material exits the U-shaped processing channel, and a turn-around section connecting the first and second sections. The turn-around section has a radius of curvature of a predetermined value. The first and second straight sections having a cross-sectional thickness T, and the turn-around section has a cross-sectional thickness TR greater than the cross-sectional thickness T.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing apparatus including a processing tank and a rack disposed within the processing tank so as to transport a photosensitive material. A pair of rack parts, such as a rack plate and a back plate, which form a side surface of the rack, are joined together to form a duct. Another pair of rack parts, such as a turn guide and a turn cover, which form the bottom portion of the rack, are joined together to form another duct. Slits for jetting a processing solution are provided in a rack part which forms a transport path as well as the duct. Also, a solution exit is provided so as to allow the processing solution to flow out from the transport path to the outside of the rack. The processing tank is provided with a pump and a subtank. Also, a port is provided in the bottom wall of the processing tank to supply the processing solution into the tank.

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a photosensitive material. The apparatus has a narrow processing channel for containing a processing solution for processing a photographic material. The processing channel has an inlet and an outlet. An entrance fluid retention area is provided adjacent the inlet and an exit fluid retention area is provided adjacent the outlet. A fluid balancing channel is provided which extends between said entrance fluid retention area and said exit fluid retention area.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing device having a processing tank in which is stored a processing solution for processing photosensitive materials. The processing tank is formed such that, given that a tank volume is V milliliters and a path length is L centimeters, a value V/L is less than or equal to 25. A circulating path which circulates the processing solution within the processing tank is provided. A cast heater which heats the processing solution in the circulating path to a predetermined temperature is provided on the circulating path. Accordingly, because the processing tank is long and thin, stores a small amount of processing solution, and has a value V/L of less than or equal to 25, the cast heater heats the processing solution to the predetermined temperature in a short time and stably maintains the predetermined temperature. The photosensitive material processing device is advantageous in terms of cost and environmental preservation.

Abstract: In an apparatus for dissolving solid processing agent for photographic light-sensitive material in a dissolving tank in which a collecting section for collecting a supplied solid processing agent and a guide member for guiding the supplied solid processing agent to the collecting section, the apparatus comprises a pump for circulating the solution from a suction port and to a jetting port. The jetting port is arranged at a position corresponding to the collecting section so that the solution is jetted toward the solid processing agent collected by the collecting section.

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

Abstract: A water replenishing device is disclosed which makes it possible to supply the necessary volume of water in response to a decrease in the processing solution in the processing tank due to evaporation. A water supply guide member is attached to an upper part of a processing solution tank. A discharge opening is formed at one end of the water supply guide member. Water supplied from a water replenishing pipe is fed to the water supply guide member and then it is supplied into the processing solution tank. When the processing solution level in the processing solution tank reaches an overflow opening, the excess water supplied to the water supply guide member is discharged outside the processing solution tank through the discharge opening.

Abstract: An automatic developing machine for developing photosensitive material while feeding the photosensitive material through a feed path through which developing solution is circulated. The feed path has a narrow, slit-shaped section. The feed path is defined between a pair of opposed wall members, one of which can be disassembled from the other. The members planted with fiber are detachably fitted on guide surfaces of the wall members which face an emulsion surface of the photosensitive material.

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

Abstract: A modular photographic processor for processing a photosensitive material and a diverting assembly for use therewith. The processor comprising a processing section containing at least one removable processing tank for holding a processing solution therein, said removable processing tank having an outlet port and an inlet port, and a modular recirculation system having a first end and a second end. The first end being connected to said inlet port by a first fluid connection and said second end being connected to said outlet port by a second fluid connection The processing section having at least two distinct photosensitive processing paths, one path designed to process photosensitive material according to a first processing chemicals and said second path designed to process photosensitive material having a second processing chemicals. The at least one processing tank having two fluid containing section each capable of containing a different processing solution.

Abstract: Provided is a photographic processing device comprising at least one pair of a tray section and an upper section, which are each made by integral molding, arranged so as to form a space. A photosensitive material is passed through the space with its emulsion side turned to the upper plane of the tray section. The upper plane of the tray section and the lower plane of the upper section are equipped with free-rotation rollers for supporting the conveyance of a photographic material. For the adaptation to the width of a photosensitive material to be passed therethrough, two or more of the pairs of the sections are joined together in the width direction with packing.

Abstract: A photographic processor comprising a processing section having at least one removable processing tank containing a processing solution therein. The processing tank has an access opening, an outlet port and an inlet port. A recirculation system is also provided having a first inlet end and a second outlet end. The first inlet end is connected to the outlet port of the removable processing tank by a first substantially dripless valve connection, and the second outlet end is connected to the inlet port of the at least one removable processing tank by a second substantially dripless valve connection. A cover is provided for mating with the access opening of the at least one removable processing tank such that the processing tank can be moved without spilling the processing solution contained therein through the access opening.

Abstract: A modular photographic processor for processing a photosensitive material comprising a plurality of replaceable modular processing sections. The processor is made to be adjustable in size such that it can accommodate any desired number of replaceable processing stations.

Abstract: A photographic processor comprising a processing section having a first predetermined location designed to receive a first removable processing tank containing a first predetermined type processing solution designated for the first predetermined location. The processor further includes a second predetermined location designed to receive a second removable processing tank containing a second type processing solution designated for the second location. The first type processing solution being different from the second type processing solution. The first and second removable processing tanks each having an access opening, an outlet port and an inlet port. The processor also includes a recirculation system connected to the inlet port and the outlet port of each of the removable processing tanks for recirculating the processing solution contained therein.

Abstract: Described herein is an improved variable speed processor (10) in which the path length for material to be processed can be varied in a processing tank whilst maintaining a substantially constant volume of processing solution in that tank. The processor (10) comprises a plurality of processing tanks (12,14,16) in which a respective movable rack member (42,44,46) is located, each rack member (42,44,46) extending through bottom wall (52,54,56) of its associated tank (12,14,16). The path length is determined by the relative position of roller (32,34,36) mounted on rack member (42,44,46) with respect to a fixed location in the processing tank (12,14,16). For path lengths shorter than the maximum for a particular processing tank, the rack member (42,44,46) acts as a spacer in the tank (12,14,16) to maintain the volume of processing solution at a substantially constant level.

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: A photographic processor for processing a photosensitive material. The processor comprises at least one processing channel for containing a processing solution through which the photosensitive material passes for processing. The channel has a substantially constant thickness T. At least one slot nozzle is provided for directing processing solution against the photosensitive material passing through the processing channel. The channel is shaped such the nozzle is disposed a distance less than T from the opposing side wall of the channel such that the processing solution impinges against the photosensitive material.

Abstract: An apparatus for the wet processing of photographic sheet material comprises at least one treatment vessel (12, 12', 12") having upper and lower openings (17, 18). One of the openings constitutes a sheet material inlet and the other of the openings constitutes a sheet material outlet. A substantially vertical sheet material path (20) through the vessel is defined by the inlet and outlet and by a path-defining rotatable roller (28) biased towards a reaction surface (30) to form a roller nip (36) there-between through which the sheet material path extends. The path-defining roller (28) is in sealing contact along its length, with a rotatable sealing member (38). The reaction surface is preferably a further path-defining roller. The sealing of one vessel from the next and of the path-defining roller to the housing of the associated vessel is thereby achieved in a simple and reliable manner.

Abstract: An automatic X ray developing device comprises a base platform, four support legs disposed beneath four corners of the base platform respectively, a rotating disk and a motor disposed beneath the base platform, a plurality of rollers disposed on the base platform, a cylindrical container disposed on the base platform, a clamp seat disposed on the base platform, and a U-shaped seat disposed on the rollers. Three vessels are disposed in the cylindrical container. The cylindrical container, the base platform, and the rotating disk are fastened together. The motor has a shaft. A driving wheel encloses the shaft of the motor. The rotating disk abuts the driving wheel. A clamp holder has an extended rod, a hooked end connected to the extended rod, and a clamp hanging on the extended rod. The clamp clamps an X ray film. The hooked end is disposed on the clamp seat.

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 roller, for use in a photographic sheet material processing apparatus, comprises a core (32) provided with a covering of relatively soft material (34). The roller has a length (L) of from 0.4 to 2.0 m. The core has a maximum diameter (D) of less than 0.04*L m. The roller is characterised by having a deflection as measured by a specific test and a weight (W) below levels defined by a specified boundary condition formulae (1) & (2). Rollers satisfying this condition are characterised in that the core is formed of a composite material comprising fibers and a resin matrix. Such rollers have a relatively small diameter, are light and yet still have sufficient stiffness to avoid substantial wrinkling of the sheet material in the apparatus and to satisfy the requirements of high processing quality.

Abstract: An apparatus for the wet processing of photographic sheet material comprises at least one treatment vessel (12, 12', 12") having upper and lower openings (17, 18), one of the openings constituting a sheet material inlet and the other of the openings constituting a sheet material outlet, the inlet and outlet defining there-between a substantially vertical sheet material path (20) through the vessel. The vessel comprises a pair of rotatable rollers (28, 30) biased towards each other to define a nip (36) there-between through which the sheet material path extends. The apparatus is characterized in that the rollers (28, 30) are axially offset relative to each other; and each roller is in sealing contact along its length, at least between the limits (56) of the nip (36) with a stationary sealing member (38, 39).

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

Abstract: A developing machine having a high durability at a high temperature even in the presence of a high concentration of the developing agent is provided. The developing machine has means for keeping the temperature of a color developer having a concentration of an aromatic primary amine developing agent of 0.15 to 0.50 mol/l in the range of 40.degree. to 50.degree. C., and the material for at least one of the developing tanks and the racks is a resin selected from the group consisting of polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyphenylene oxide resin, polymethylpentene resin, polyether ether ketone resin, polyalkylene terephthalate resin, polyether imide resin, polyether sulfone resin and polysulfone resin.

Abstract: A wet processor comprises a plurality of cells (12, 12', 12") mounted one above the other in a stack to define a substantially vertical sheet material path (20) through the apparatus. Each cell comprises a housing within which is mounted rotatable roller (28) biased towards a reaction surface (31) to define a roller nip (36) there-between through which the sheet material path extends and associated sealing means (38, 39) serving to provide a gas- and liquid-tight seal between roller (28) and reaction surface (31) on the one hand and a wall (14) of the housing on the other. The roller (28) is a drive roller. Alternatively or additionally means (19, 21) are provided for connecting each cell to adjacent cells in the stack in a closed manner. By this simple construction, treatment liquid in one cell is not contaminated by contents of the adjacent cells. Furthermore, consumption of treatment liquids is reduced by reducing the evaporation, oxidation and carbonization thereof.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing apparatus prevents a developing solution from adhering to a photosensitive material before it is fed into a developing tank, so as not to cause developer streaks. A holding member which supports inlet guide rollers and a holding member which supports outlet guide rollers can independently be taken out of a transport rack for cleaning. The developing solution dripped from the outlet guide rollers does not adhere to the inlet guide rollers. Accordingly, unevenness in development can be prevented, which would occur when the developing solution adheres to the transported photosensitive material before it enters the processing solution.

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.