Abstract: A machine for developing photographic material such as photographic paper includes a row of tanks for photographic processing fluids, each tank having an exchangeable rack equipped with planar guide elements and transporting rollers for moving the photographic paper through the fluid. Preceding the first tank in the row is an inlet section having feed rollers which are rotated by a free-wheeling drive unit, so that sheets of photographic paper can be inserted between the feed rollers at a fast speed and can then be advanced to the first tank at a slower speed. Following the last tank in the row is a pivotably mounted drying box which can be folded upwardly. Each tank has its own circulating system for the processing fluid therein. Each circulating system includes and exchangeable filter, a conduit system having branches, and a heating member such as a heat exchanger in one of the branches. A covering frame having inwardly oriented drip faces is disposed above the row of tanks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for providing a transport drum for use in equipment for the wet processing of photographic film and/or papers. A supporting insert is mounted on and secured to an axle; the insert includes a plurality of longitudinally extending ridges having T-shaped cross-sections. A suitable foam material having, for example, a rectangular or square cross-section, is drilled with a hole to permit the insertion of the axle and supporting insert. The foam material is forced over the supporting insert to insure intimate and firm contact between the surface of the supporting insert and the foam. The outer surface of the foam material is then shaped by conventional techniques to form a cylindrical drum comprising an axle, a supporting insert with longitudinal ridges, and cylindrically formed foam material.

Abstract: A closed container for wet processing photographic strip or sheet materials such as film or printing paper has a cover piece which rests upon several of the conveying rollers. The cover piece has indentations in its lower surface which correspond to the outer surfaces of the rollers to smoothly engage them with intermediate portions of the cover piece being submerged in the processing liquid. This minimizes the contact of the air in the container with the wet surfaces of the rollers partially submerged in the liquid and inbetween them, which thus minimizes oxidation of the processing baths.