Abstract: Processing apparatus includes a plurality of processing tanks with a separate film transport and agitating assembly for each tank. Each transport device receives film units, of the type having a plurality of disc-shaped film elements supported in spaced relation on an elongated shaft, and revolves the film units around a central axis, into and out of its processing tank. Each agitating device provides separate drive to rotate the film units on their shaft axes during movement in the tank. Successive transport devices can have different film unit capacities and move the film units at predetermined synchronous rates to facilitate a continuous throughput rate of film units into and out of the apparatus, but allow different processing periods in different processing tanks.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically processing photographic film disks immerses the disks in a plurality of baths of treatment solutions, one bath after another, spins the disks about a horizontal axis of rotation during successive immersions to agitate the disks in the baths, and spins the disks between successive immersions to remove excess solution from the disks. A horizontally supported spindle is used to accumulate the disks for high density processing, while a transport mechanism conveys the spindle between the baths and between first and second rotary drives to agitate and remove the excess solution from the disks, respectively, in accordance with an appropriate processing sequence.

Abstract: A processor and processing method for treating flat discrete elements of photographic film, preferably in a disc format, includes the use of a spindle for receiving the elements in stacked, parallel relation normal to the spindle. The spindle mounted discs are rotated in a processing solution to provide relative movement between the discs and the solution, and are rotated while out of the processing solution to remove excess solution from the discs.