Abstract: A media holding device for supporting media in an upright position comprising a vertical element and a horizontal extension element, created from a continuous length of rod stock formed into segments. The vertical element is a vertical plane defined by at least three corner points creating a geometric shape, for providing lateral support for the held media. The horizontal extension element extends from the vertical element perpendicularly to the vertical plane, creating a horizontal plane for supporting the vertical element.

Abstract: A sensing system senses web movement and web tension of a photosensitive web moving through a processor. The system includes a sensing arm pivotally attached about a pivot to the processor and a transport roller rotatably attached to one end of the sensing arm. The photosensitive web engages the transport roller such that the roller rotates. The other end of the sensing arm, on an opposite side of the pivot point, is biased in a direction opposing the web tension of the photosensitive web. A tension detecting mechanism detects the movement of the sensing arm when the web tension overcomes the biasing force and transmits an alarm signal indicating that the web tension has increased beyond a predetermined value. A web break detecting mechanism is preferably included and detects the rotation of the transport roller and transmits a signal when the transport roller stops rotating indicating that a web break has occurred.

Abstract: In a processor of photosensitive material, a torque sensor actuates an alarm when a helical gear is subjected to torque in excess of a first predetermined value. The torque sensor includes a helical gear positioned on a shaft and biased against a stop. The gear is slidably attached to the shaft along the axis of the shaft and is fixedly attached to the shaft in an angular direction by a key. A shoulder of a flexible rubber boot movable with the gear along the shaft axis moves with the gear when the torque exceeds the first predetermined value and actuates a switch to warn the operator. In addition, as the torque increases, the gear slidably moves along the shaft past the key, thereby allowing the shaft to freely rotate in an angular direction within the gear.

Abstract: A retaining mechanism securely retains a gear in a fixed position on a shaft of a drive system in a photographic processor. The retaining mechanism includes a woodruff key which is held in position between the gear, preferably in a keyway in the gear, and an arcuate keyway in the shaft. The key has a first end portion which is engaged by a set screw and a second end portion which deformably engages an interior surface of the keyway of the gear. The set screw extends through a bore in the gear and has a head portion with a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the bore. The set screw engages the first end portion of the key with its distal end, thereby tipping the key so that the second end portion of the key engages the interior surface of the keyway of the gear.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump driven by a single speed power source has a fixed length of flexible wall tubing circumferentially positioned between the wall of the inner chamber and an adjustable band. The flexible band has one end fixed to the pump housing and the other to an adjusting screw. Turning the adjusting screw varies the effective length of the adjustable band and consequently the degree of contact with the flexible wall tubing. Increasing the effective length of the adjustable band flattens the tubing against the wall, thereby changing the volumetric capacity of the tubing and delivery rate of the pump. Decreasing the effective length of the adjustable band has the opposite effect.