Abstract: An apparatus for processing photosensitive materials, which comprises: a tank through which a processing solution flows; a rack having integral means to facilitate its insertion and removal from the tank, the rack and the tank are relatively dimensioned so that a small volume for holding processing solution and photosensitive material is formed between the rack and the tank; means for circulating the processing solution through the small volume; and means coupled to the rack for moving the photosensitive material through the small volume.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing photosensitive materials, which comprises: a tank through which a processing solution flows; a rack having integral means to facilitate its insertion and removal from the tank, the rack and the tank are relatively dimensioned so that a small volume for holding processing solution and photosensitive material is formed between the rack and the tank; means for circulating the processing solution through the small volume; and means coupled to the rack for moving the photosensitive material through the small volume.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing photosensitive materials, which comprises: a tank through which a processing solution is to be pumped; a rack having integral means to facilitate its insertion and removal from the tank, the rack and the tank are relatively dimensioned so that a small volume for holding processing solution and photosensitive material is formed between the rack and the tank; means for circulating the processing solution through the small volume; a first plurality of rollers for moving the photosensitive material into or out of the small volume; a second plurality of rollers connected to the rack; a third plurality of rollers connected to the tank, wherein the second and third plurality of rollers move the photosensitive material through the small volume; means for driving the second plurality of rollers; and means for preventing processing solution from flowing between the driving means and the second plurality of rollers to reduce the space that would otherwise be filled by the processing solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing photosensitive materials, which comprises: a tank through which a processing solution is pumped; a rack having integral means to facilitate its insertion and removal from the tank, the rack and the tank are relatively dimensioned so that a small volume for holding processing solution and photosensitive material is formed between the rack and the tank; means for filling the small volume and the circulating means, from the lowest elevation point of the small volume and the lowest elevation point of the circulating means, with processing solution to prevent air from being entrapped in the processing apparatus; and means for emptying the small volume and the circulating means, from the lowest elevation point of the small volume and the lowest elevation point of the circulating means, of processing solution to prevent processing solution and particulate matter from being entrapped in the processing apparatus.

Abstract: Textured surfaces on respective walls of racks and tanks of photographic processing apparatus reduce the frictional forces between the photosensitive material leading edge surfaces and the walls of the racks and tanks. The processing solution flows through fissures in the textured surfaces, thereby providing a solution bearing layer between the photosensitive material and the textured surfaces. This allows a greater photosensitive material leading edge impact angle with the textured walls which allows the photosensitive material to change direction unimpeded.