Abstract: A self-locking chuck for engaging the hollow core of a tubular roll of material includes a center trunnion having a central axis of rotation and a plurality of flat peripheral surfaces. A rotatable cage surrounds the trunnion and has a plurality of apertures in which moveable lug members are loosely retained. Each of the moveable lug members has an outer surface for engaging the inside of the hollow core and an inner arcuate surface defining a radial space opposite each flat peripheral surface portion of the trunnion. A plurality of cylindrical rollers extend through the radial space between each of the moveable lug members and each respective flat peripheral surface. In response to torque applied to the chuck, the cage rotates, forcing the rollers to move along the flat surfaces so as to bear against the inner lug surfaces. This creates a camming action which operates in either direction causing the chuck to self lock by forcing the lugs radially outwardly to engage the inside of a hollow core.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for depositing water onto the surface of a substrate passed through the apparatus. The apparatus has a housing that defines an internal atmosphere confined in at least partial isolation from the ambient atmosphere. The housing has a moisture saturation portion, a deposition portion, and a passageway. The moisture saturation portion has a water supply and a vapor reservoir. The water supply contains a quantity of water. The vapor reservoir holds a volume of the interior atmosphere in thermal and phase equilibrium with the water in the water supply. The deposition portion has a plenum wall surrounding a central chamber. The plenum wall is substantially insulated from ambient temperature variations and has a pair of opposed substrate gaps. The gaps define a path for the substrate through the chamber. The passageway communicates with the vapor reservoir and the chamber. A primary heater is disposed to heat the water in the water supply.

Abstract: A method for reforming the surface of a photographic emulsion layer. In the method, the surface of the emulsion layer is dried to at least sensible dryness. Water is then deposited onto the surface of the emulsion layer. The depositing is substantially uniform and in an amount that is less than about 0.80 grams of water per square foot of emulsion layer.