Abstract: The invention concerns a device for distributing liquid by gravity, particularly in a photographic coating process.The device comprises: a) a rigid cylindrical outer pipe; an inner casing produced from a flexible material and the external diameter of which is less than or equal to the internal diameter of the pipe, said casing being arranged so as to define, with the pipe, substantially concentric first and second zones isolated from each other, the second zone being connected to a source of fluid so as to be able, under the effect of the pressure of the fluid, to cause the relative volumes of the first and second zones to vary in order to control the flow of liquid in the first zone; and c) a source of pressurized fluid connected to the second zone.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for degassing an aqueous composition of chunked gelatin. Prior to melting the gelatin chunks, the gelatin is subjected to a pressure near the steam pressure corresponding to the temperature of the gelatin chunks. Application of this pressure degasses the gelatin chunks to that they can be sent directly to the melter and to the coating station.