Abstract: Apparatus for removing strips of X-ray film from elongated flat envelopes, wherein the film is flanked by two foils of lead, has a table supporting two blade-like tools whose tips can be introduced into the open front end of an envelope so that each tool enters between a panel of the envelope and the outer side of the respective foil. The envelope is then advanced lengthwise so that the tools penetrate deeper into its interior whereby the envelope is severed along opposite marginal portions of the film by knives which are mounted on one of the tools. One of the panels is introduced into the nip of two advancing rolls downstream of the knives so that the one panel then pulls the envelope forwardly and the envelope is automatically opened by the knives. The leader of the exposed film is connected to the core of a reel which is driven in synchronism with the advancing rolls so that the film is convoluted onto the core of the reel.

Abstract: A strip of exposed film which issues from a developing machine is convoluted onto the core of a horizontal takeup reel whose flange or flanges rest on the peripheral surface of a horizontal roller which is driven to rotate the reel in a direction to convolute the strip. The strip is braked by a tensioning device between the developing machine and the reel, and the latter is thereby maintained in a first position of abutment with the concave internal surface of a first locating device and in contact with the driven roller. A spring-biased lever urges the reel to a second position in which the reel is out of contact with the roller and abuts against the concave inner side of a second locating device. The lever is free to move the reel sideways and to the second position as soon as the action of the tensioning device upon the strip is terminated, namely, as soon as the trailing end of the strip advances beyond the tensioning device.

Abstract: A rinsing tank in a developing machine for X-ray films or the like is equipped with a circulating system which draws liquid from the bottom zone of the tank and returns the withdrawn liquid to the upper zone of the tank. The contents of the tank can be evacuated without resorting to any values by using a siphon whose intake end is connected with the suction side of a jet pump in the pipeline for circulation of liquid, the uppermost section of which is located at a level below the normal level of the upper surface of the body of liquid in the tank, and the discharge end of which is connected with a liquid removing pipe. When the pump which causes the liquid to circulate by flowing through the pipeline is arrested, the jet pump is deactivated and allows the liquid in the siphon to rise and to flow into the uppermost section. The liquid thereupon continues to leave the tank in the form of a continuous stream which flows along a second path defined by a portion of the pipeline, the jet pump and the siphon.