Abstract: A thermal processor and method for using the same which is particularly useful for developing a sheet of imaging material, such as photothermographic film. The thermal processor includes means for transporting the imaging material through the apparatus. The thermal processor also includes means for heating the imaging material to develop the image in the imaging material. The thermal processor also includes a fog reduction system which removes a gaseous by-product emitted from the imaging material which may cause fogging of the image as the image is developed on the imaging material.

Abstract: A thermal processor and method for using the same which is particularly useful for developing a sheet of imaging material, such as photothermographic film. The thermal processor including means for heating the imaging material which include a plurality of heated surfaces within the thermal processor. The thermal processor also includes means for transporting the imaging material through the thermal processor and means for bending the imaging material a plurality of times to have a plurality of curvatures and for positioning the imaging material adjacent to the plurality of heated surfaces when the imaging material is heated by the heating means.

Abstract: A thermal processor particularly useful for developing a sheet of imaging material, such as photothermographic film. A thermal processor useful for thermally developing an image in an imaging material. At least a first roller and a second roller are positioned to contact the imaging material when the imaging material is transported into the thermal processor. A first heating means includes first and second curved, heated portions which wrap around a first circumferential portion of the first roller and the second roller to heat these rollers.

Abstract: An article for cooling an imaging material which has been heated to a first temperature by a thermal processor. The article includes a first cooling section on which the imaging material rides after the imaging material exits the thermal processor. The first cooling section is at a lower temperature than the first temperature. The first cooling section has a curved shape such that the imaging material is curved when riding on and being cooled by the first cooling section.

Abstract: A thermal processor includes an air flow preventing means that substantially prevents the flow of air from a processor exit into a thermal processing compartment. The prevention of air flow reduces processing defects that otherwise could occur in sheets of thermally processed material handled by the thermal processor. The reduction of processing defects enhances the quality of the sheet of thermally processed material. In particular, the reduction of processing defects can enhance image quality of a sheet of photothermographic imaging material. The prevention of air flow reduces processing defects by maintaining a substantially uniform temperature within a thermal processing compartment of the thermal processor, and by reducing the condensation of fatty acids on interior surfaces of the thermal processing compartment prior to filtration.