Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for processing a sheet material, for e.g. a photosensitive sheet material, with a flowable process substance. The flowable process substance is distributed via a pliable web which has defined on one of its surfaces a plurality of protrusions which define interconnected fluid reservoirs and distribution channels, and which are in surface-to-surface contact with the sheet material over a substantial portion its surface area while the sheet material is transported relative to such web.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus disclosed herein provide commercially viable means to selectively improve the input and output characteristics of photosensitive materials, especially the output contrast variables. The present invention allows commercially available photosensitive material such as the high contrast Ilford Cibachrome Copy CCO Paper.RTM. to display dramatically improved color balance and contrast range characteristics when making reproductions from slides or prints. Recreational, professional and military photo duplication techniques are greatly improved by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for processing a sheet material, for e.g. a photosensitive sheet material, with a flowable process substance. The flowable process substance is distributed via a pliable web which has defined on one of its surfaces a plurality of protrusions which define interconnected fluid reservoirs and distribution channels, and which are in surface-to-surface contact with the sheet material over a substantial portion its surface area while the sheet material is transported relative to such web.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus disclosed herein provide commercially viable means to selectively improve the input and output characteristics of photosensitive materials, especially the output contrast variables. The present invention allows commercially available photosensitive material such as the high contrast Ilford Cibachrome Copy CCO Paper.RTM. to display dramatically improved color balance and contrast range characteristics when making reproductions from slides or prints. Recreational, professional and military photo duplication techniques are greatly improved by the present invention.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing, transporting, and exposing photosensitive film is disclosed in which a camera supports a table along which a carriage is slidable. The carriage serves to store and feed out lengths of film into a camera exposure station. A vacuum bar is carried by the table at one end thereof so as to underlie one margin of the film. A source of vacuum is connected to the vacuum bar. A sheet of flexible plastic material overlying a translucent platen for the camera is located at the exposure station. Application of vacuum to the vacuum bar causes the film to be flattened against the platen by atmospheric pressure for film exposure.

Abstract: A combined mandrel and core assembly for a camera in which an elongated, cylindrical hollow core, upon which a roll of photosensitive material is carried, is supported by a cylindrical mandrel rotatably mounted within the camera. A spring loaded detent within a slot in the mandrel extends through the slot into a complimentary slot at the midpoint between the ends of the core. The mandrel slot is precisely located upon the longitudinal optical axis of the camera's image plane. The core and its photosensitive material are thereby quickly and accurately positioned along said optical axis. Different widths of photosensitive material may be used upon the same mandrel.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing, transporting, exposing and developing photosensitive film is disclosed in which a camera supports a table along which a carriage is slidable. The carriage serves to store and feed out lengths of film into a camera exposure station. A source of vacuum acting between a sheet of flexible plastic material and a translucent platen for the camera at the exposure station causes the film to be flattened against the platen for film exposure. Thereafter, the vacuum is broken by movement of the carriage and the exposed film is urged into the nip of rollers which carry the film through a developing station supported by the table.

Abstract: A baffle apparatus for a large format camera to prevent non-imaging light coming from the object source and traversing the camera lens from reaching the image plane. A movable opaque baffle is disposed between the camera lens and the image plane. The object source location with respect to the lens and the required position of the opaque baffle are automatically controlled by means of cams driven by a common power source.