Abstract: A first roller, which contacts a photographic printing paper with the first roller being formed longer than the width of the photographic printing paper, is disposed at the conveying direction downstream side of the photographic printing paper with respect to a developing tank. A second roller, which contacts the photographic printing paper with the second roller being formed shorter than or equal to the width of the photographic printing paper, is disposed at a position at which the photographic printing paper can be nipped by the first and second rollers. The first and second rollers form squeeze rollers. Because the clearance between the sides of the squeeze rollers in the widthwise direction of the photographic printing paper is wide, the squeezed processing solution conveyed from the clearance to the downstream side of the photographic printing paper is small.

Abstract: A transparency cleaning device includes a pair of oppositely disposed wiping blades formed of a windshield wiper type soft rubber material, each of the wiping blades being biased to engage a surface of the transparency which passes therebetween, each of the wiping blades is attached to a corresponding member, said members being movable relative to each other so that the transparency can be easily directed between the wiping blades; as the transparency passes between the wiping blades the cleaning fluid is removed from the surfaces thereof without damage to the transparency, the wiping blades are also oriented during the cleaning operation so that the cleaning fluid removed from the transparency flows off of one end of the wiping blades toward the bottom of the cleaning device.

Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with the invention clean particulate matter from photographic film using water without impairment of image bearing portions of the film or retention of substantial water in the film. Water formed into thin sheets is directed at high velocity or with mechanical augmentation against the film in directions at least partially opposite to the direction of film movement. Alternatively or successively, the film passes through water removal stations where dry air is blown onto the film and adjacently drawn off with entrained water in successive alternating flows. The film may be further dried of absorbed moisture in an associated environmental chamber having multiple loops before being wound up on a takeup reel.

Abstract: A film cleaning apparatus and method is disclosed where apparatus includes a feed reel and a take-up reel, and a film path created by a number of particle transfer rollers. Also in the film path is a region of high humidity followed by two buffing rollers for polishing the film to be cleaned. Two of the rollers are connected to a vibration generator mechanism. Vibration of the rollers is caused by a rotating disk having two embedded magnetic elements which pass closely adjacent to magnetic elements at the end of rollers' shafts. As the rotating magnets pass by the two shafts, a repulsion force causes the shafts to move away. Connected to each of the shafts is an O-ring which acts as a compression spring that biases its respective shaft back to its starting position after the magnetic elements have moved away from each other. By rotating the disk with the magnetic elements at 3600 rpm a vibration is set up in the shafts at a rate of 7200 times per minute.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing photographic sheet material includes a pair of rotatable squeeze rollers mounted one above the other to define a nip through which the sheet material passes, and a pressure roller resting on the upper roller periphery generally opposite the lower roller for biasing the upper roller against the lower roller solely by the force of gravity on the pressure roller. Thus, the biasing force on the squeeze rollers is uniform along their length. Preferably, a plane passing through the axes of rotation of the two squeeze rollers is tilted slightly forward in the feed direction of the sheet material from a vertical plane passing through the lower roller axis and the axis of the pressure roller is situated between the two planes. The pressure rollers each have a radially outward layer of elastomeric material thereon.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an erasing device therein which automatically erases an image formed on a sheet by a recording agent implemented by a decolorizable coloring agent, e.g., toner. The erasing device emits light having a wavelength range of 820 nm or so while generating heat and may be constituted by a halogen lamp. As a result, the sheet is regenerated and can be repetitively used.

Abstract: A method of washing hose using high water pressure, fire hose washing apparatus generally having a back plate, cleaning heads with spray nozzles mounted to the back plate, and optionally, guide rollers rotatably mounted to the back plate. Optionally, the apparatus may have rollers oriented to direct hose in a generally serpentine pattern. The washing apparatus may also comprise means for taking up washed hose, means for shutting off the hose washer including, for example, a hood switch or an electromechanical plate for sensing the hose coupling, means for washing the edge of the treated hose and means for loading hose into the hose washing apparatus. Also disclosed is a method of using the high water pressure hose washing apparatus and a high water pressure cleaning system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for applying a protective coating to a film strip. The apparatus includes a coating unit for applying a coating of a curable liquid material to at least one surface of the film strip, a curing device for curing the coating of liquid material on the film strip into a protective coating, and a transport system for moving the film strip along a path extending from the coating unit to the curing device. The coating unit includes a substantially rigid, porous matrix having therein a plurality of interconnected pores, and is positioned such that the porous matrix contacts the surface of the film strip to be coated. The porous matrix stores the liquid material within the pores thereof and, upon contact with a surface of the film strip, transfers a coating of the liquid material thereto.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for processing photosensitive material and, in particular, to a compact table top apparatus for developing silver halide photosensitive materials, such as a sheet or web of photographic film or paper or plate, and its use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing particles from a flexible sheet. The sheet is run over a rotating rod, rotating oppositely to the moment of the sheet. The rod is immersed on its lower side in a bath of solvent and excess solvent is removed from the bath and is filtered. Additionally, solvent may be applied to the sheet before it reaches the rotating rod or a negative pressure applied just upstream of the rod sucks away the particles.

Abstract: Dynamic flood conveyor. The conveyor permits a chemical solution to be applied to the surface of a material such that the solution interacts with the material at a generally uniform rate at each point on the surface of the material. The apparatus promotes laminar flow of the chemical solution over the surface of the material.

Abstract: An elongated film strip is cleaned by two pairs of rotary brushes with soft bristles contacting opposite sides of the film strip traveling between the two pairs of brushes. Each pair of brushes is placed at an angle to the direction of film travel for brushing dirt particles away from the center of the film. The top pair of brushes and the bottom pair of brushes are arranged so that one brush in each pair brushes the particles from the central region of the film toward one edge of the film, while the other brush on the same side of the film brushes particles away from the central region of the film toward the other edge of the film. The brushes avoid contact with perforations on the edge of the film which would result in particles lodged in the perforations being brushed toward the central region of the film. A separately electrically conductive vacuum tube contacts each brush after the brush contacts the film.

Abstract: When developing a coating such as for instance a light-sensitive exposed layer on a length or plate of material through ultrasonic agitation, the material is carried at a short distance or closely past a bar or a pipe extending substantially perpendicular to the advancing direction of the material and in the entire width of the coating. The bar or the pipe is caused to vibrate by a plurality of ultrasonic transducers while a developer is applied onto the coating adjacent the bar or the pipe in such a manner that the vibrations are transferred from the vibrating bar or pipe to the developer and to a stripe-shaped transverse area of the plate/the length including the coating. In this manner only the part of the developer having touched the ultrasonically agitated pipe or bar or already having hit the stripe of material currently developed is caused to vibrate by the ultrasonic transducers.

Abstract: An apparatus for liquid-processing light-sensitive sheets comprises a processing dish preferably with a horizontal intermediate bottom. The upper side of the intermediate bottom constitutes the lower, and the underside of a lid covering the dish the upper, wall of a passage-gap through which the sheets are transported by pairs of conveying-and-squeezing rollers. The downstream dish sidewall, taken in sheet-transportation direction, is provided near its foot with a horizontal row of injection-nozzles for processing liquid. The dish sidewall opposite the nozzle-bearing sidewall bears a horizontally extending ledge or appropriate flow-reversing configuration effecting 180.degree. reversal of the direction of liquid flow from underneath the intermediate bottom to above the profiled bottom-surface and toward the nozzle-bearing sidewall, generating a liquid stream through the passage-gap in the sheet-transportation direction.

Abstract: A developing device for a photographic layer carrier, particularly a film, includes two rotary transport roller pairs transporting a film in a horizontal direction over a bath containing a processing liquid. Two liquid-admitting chambers are positioned opposite to each other in spaced relationship to form a processing space through which the film is transported. Each chamber is subdivided into two portions by a comb-like partition which loosens vortexes generated in one chamber portion upon pumping the liquid thereinto and ensures a uniform distribution of the liquid discharged into the processing space through a slot provided in the second chamber portion.

Abstract: An improved film processor tank for processing photographic film and paper. The tank characterized by having an integrally formed round bottom with a contoured tank divider for improved film transporting, chemistry circulation in the tank and air drying of the film and paper.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a paper cutter, a hole puncher and a guide clip which engages a strip of printed paper for conveyance to a developer. As the printer operates intermittently while the developer operates continuously, a reservoir or buffer zone is provided for the paper between the two. A mechanism for storing guide clips automatically delivers and orients a guide clip so as to engage a transported paper strip for further conveyance therewith by means of a chain conveyor or the like. As the printer may move vertically independently of the fixed developer, the conveyor is made expandible so as to accommodate differences in the conveyance distance.

Abstract: A transporting device for advancing photosensitive material through a processing bath has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has an inlet region via which the photosensitive material is introduced into the bath and an outlet region via which the photosensitive material is withdrawn from the bath. The inlet and outlet regions are located above the level of the bath. The inlet region has a pair of directing rollers which convey and guide the photosensitive material to the lower portion of the transporting device while the outlet region similarly has a pair of directing rollers which convey and guide the photosensitive material away from the lower portion. The lower portion of the transporting device has several sets of transporting rollers which advance the photosensitive material through the bath. The upper and lower portions of the transporting device are designed as separable units.

Abstract: The components of the apparatus include multiple distribution plates with lateral liquid distribution to produce smooth streamline flow, a slotted metalized plastic electrode, and a funnel-shaped understructure which drains excess toner liquid into a sump to recover developer and prevent evaporation. The apparatus provides a laminar liquid flow in the gap between the charge bearing surface and the development electrode to prevent disturbance of the already deposited toner; the flow rate is even along the length of the fountain thereby avoiding density gradients due to uneven flow rates; the developer fluid in the gap is maintained free of debris by draining all fluid into the sump when the pump is turned off; the developer electrode is shaped to minimize highly localized and non-uniform field strengths and a centrifugal type pump is utilized to prevent toner agglomeration.

Abstract: An arrangement for treating photographic paper bands which run in parallel paths has at least one treatment station in which the bands are transported with a predetermined speed and treated, winding spools for winding the bands after treating in the treatment station and located downstream of the treatment station, drives for driving the winding spools independently of the transportation of the bands in the treatment station and with a speed exceeding the speed of transportation of the bands in the treatment station, an accumulating station for accumulating the bands between the treatment station and the winding spools so that a loop of the bands is formed in the accumulating station, and a switch for switching the drive on and off in dependence upon a size of the loop of the bands in the accumulating station.

Abstract: An apparatus for wet treatment of sheets or strips of photographic material has a small-volume treating chamber bounded by pairs of advancing rollers at its inlet and outlet ends. A lower wall of the chamber extends between the lower rollers of the pairs of advancing rollers and sealing lips bridge the gaps between such lower wall and the respective lower rollers. Treating liquid is admitted laterally into the chamber, transversely of the path of advancement of photographic material and at about the level of such path.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is disclosed for photographic film and paper processing machines employing a plurality of processing tanks in succession and with roller transports therein for the film and paper, as well as for other components of film processing machines including area measuring apparatus and driers for the film and paper, which drive mechanism eliminates the necessity for careful alignment of the transverse drive shafts for the respective components, the transverse drive shafts for each of the components preferably being loosely pivotally mounted in the frame of the component at one end and loosely carried in the frame of the component at the other end, with provisions associated with the main frame of the machine for retention of the transverse drive shafts, a drive gear mounted on each transverse drive shaft meshing with a worm gear mounted on a longitudinal drive shaft which is supported by the machine frame at spaced locations along its length.

Abstract: The deposit of solid residue upon the exit squeeze rollers following immersion of sheet- or weblike materials in a bath of treatment liquid and the transfer of the residue to the materials themselves is avoided by an applicator which applies a film of moistening liquid to the periphery of one such exit roller so that the exit rollers are sufficiently wetted as to dissolve the solid residue before a sheet or web passes therethrough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for uniformly developing a graphic arts process photosensitive film by producing a uniform laminar flow of treating liquid over the surface of the film as it passes through a treatment bath. The film is conveyed vertically on a rack through the bath with a U-turn near the bottom. Treatment fluid is flowed horizontally below the U-turn. Discharge and withdrawal pipes in the treatment bath container and apertures in the rack positioned at disclosed preferred locations provide the desired flow pattern.

Abstract: A uniform developing method of a film for use in an automatic developer in which the film light-exposed is moved in developing solution in a developing vessel, wherein the moving speed of the film is gradually reduced depending on a deterioration rate of the developing solution with respect to the length of the film to be developed.

Abstract: A conveying system with snake motion prevention members incorporated therein for a photo-treatment apparatus in which a variety of treatments are applied to a plurality of long length photo-sensitive sheet materials such as long length photo films, while a wide leader is adapted to lead and pull said long length photo-sensitive sheet materials which are connected to the tail portion of said leader, wherein said conveying system is provided with pendulum type snake motion prevention members of which snake motion prevention portions are energized to normally protrude into the travelling passage of the leader which proceeds along guide members and on both sides of the travelling passage of the long length photo-sensitive sheet materials which proceed along another guide and curl prevention members so that when the leader is to pass, said pendulum type snake motion prevention members are rotated outside the travelling passage of the leader by means of the front end portion thereof and then when the whole leader h

Abstract: The invention refers to a spray nozzle arrangement for metal strand casting plants, particularly steel strand casting plants with several nozzles on one spray plane, such nozzles being adjustable with respect to the distance from the casting strand, and with each other in parallel direction; they are also adjustable at right angle with the course of direction of the strand by means of parallel adjusting devices. Adjustment of the spray nozzles serves the purpose to either control the cooling intensity via the impact energy, or to adapt the spray angle of a certain spray nozzle to a change in strand width. Both steps may be used in combination for the adjustment required.

Abstract: A developing tank wherein means is provided to divide the surface of the developer charged into the tank into two separate portions, into one of which the film enters as it enters the developer, and out of the other of which the film leaves as it leaves the developer. Thus the contaminants and exhausted developer accumulating at the point where the film leaves the developer are prevented from directly moving along the surface of the developer to the point where the film enters the developer, and thereby streaking and uneven development are substantially reduced. The dividing means may be combined with a film entry guide plate.

Abstract: A photographic processing machine has a plurality of rollers for transporting the photographic materials through a processing bath. According to this invention, alternate ones of adjacent rollers are provided with a flexible casing subject to internal hydraulic pressure. The flexible casing is formed of a textile fabric. The fabric encased rollers each have openings through their walls, the film treating bath liquid fed under pressure to the interior of each roller and then through the wall openings. The flexible textile casing thereby expands, to produce squeezing force on the photographic material being processed as the material passes between a rigid roller and its associated textile encased roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultra-sonically cleaning any information bearing material, web, sheet, fiche, film or similar strip material is operable in two modes. The first mode is directed to cleaning the film, and employs a pair of air nozzles for nonevaporatively stripping cleaning solvent from the surface of the film, after the film has been immersed in the solvent. The action of the air nozzles creates a mist of solvent about the nozzles, which is condensed by a plurality of cooling coils and collected, and circulates same through a purification system and returns the solvent to the cleaning tank for subsequent reuse in the film cleaning mode of operation. The air emerging from the nozzles is returned to the air compressor, thereby forming a closed loop compressor system which minimizes escape of solvent vapors into the atmosphere.

Abstract: During the processing of an image-wise exposed radiation sensitive device, such as a radiation sensitive plate for lithographic printing plate production, by contacting the device with developer liquid, a temperature sensitive member is immersed in the developer liquid. The member produces an output signal in dependence on the temperature of the developer liquid. This signal is used to control the degree to which the device is processed in a manner dependent on the temperature of the developer liquid for example by controlling the residence time of the device in the developer liquid, by controlling the degree to which the developer liquid is agitated in contact with the device, or by controlling the degree to which the device is subjected to an overall exposure to radiation prior to or during contact with the developer liquid.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for cleaning endless strips of motion picture film, magnetic tape, magnetic film, or the like contained in a reel formed on a rotatable hub housed in a casing, wherein cleaning is accomplished without opening the casing or removing the reel of film or magnetic tape therefrom. Successive portions of the film or tape stored in the reel are withdrawn as a continuous strip from the center of the reel. The strip is then continuously fed through an access opening in said casing to form a loop outside of the casing, wherein the strip is subjected to a cleaning means. The strip from the loop is introduced back through said opening to guide means within said casing. The guide means directs the strip of film or tape past an operational opening in the casing which is separate and apart from the access opening. The strip is then continuously returned to the reel.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a washing unit at which film is washed with wash water, including a wash-water tank containing a body of wash water, and also a drier unit from which drying air is continually exhausted. Exhausted drying air from the drier unit is transmitted into the body of wash water in the wash-water tank. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, exhausted drying air is transmitted into the outflow conduit system for spent wash water. The wash water becomes oxygen-enriched and when sewered the oxygen demand of any processing fluids in the wash water poses a reduced threat to lifeforms in rivers and streams. Disposal of exhausted drying air in this way eliminates the need for chimney discharge, and the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting exposed films or webs of photographic paper along a helical path through a vessel in a developing machine has a set of parallel rings mounted between and rotated by three shafts which are parallel to the axis of the helical path. The planes of the rings make acute angles with the axis of the helical path, and each ring is rotated about its own axis. The leader of a web which is fed into the space within the rings is engaged by the inner surfaces of successive rings and is transported along the helical path. During transport along such path, the web travels around a stationary or rotating twin-walled foraminous pipe which discharges a pressurized fluid whereby the fluid impinges against the emulsion-coated inner side of the web and urges the web against the inner surfaces of the rings so that the pressure of fluid assists the centrifugal force and cohesion between the web and the rings to maintain the web in the helical path.

Abstract: A film squeegee mechanism of an automatic film developing apparatus including developing, fixing and washing means. Film squeegee means incorporated in the film transport means contacting with film to be treated with proper pressure and relative speed to film surface are provided between two liquid treating tanks of film transport means of the automatic film developing apparatus, scraping off liquid and minimizing the amount of treating liquids carried over by the film from one tank to the next.

Abstract: An automatic photographic film processor or like device for treating sheets of materials of the type provided with a plurality of approximately equal-length, annularly arranged parallel rollers positioned in longitudinally contacting relation to form the periphery of a chamber adapted to contain a processing solution, fluid-tight seals being provided between the ends of such rollers and flat side plates. The rollers are each comprised of a rigid shaft having a resilient covering of a thickness at least comparable to that of the roller shaft. The end of the roller and the side plate are contoured so that a portion of the roller adjacent to the outer diameter thereof provides a seal when brought into flush contact with the side plate. This contouring also permits the rollers to be longitudinally compressed to assist in providing the seal, while providing strain relief to the roller end in the vicinity of the shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for wet treatment of X-ray films, photographic paper or analogous carriers of photosensitive material has at least one treatingunit for carriers, and such treating unit has a liquid-containing vessel with an inlet opening for carriers at the top and an outlet opening for carriers at the bottom, or vice versa. Liquid which escapes from the vessel via opening in the bottom is intercepted by the tank of a sealing device with two squeegees located in the tank above a horizontal passage in line with the openings of the vessel. One or more pairs of advancing rolls in the vessel transport the carriers along a vertical path which extends between the openings of the vessel. The carriers which move downwardly from the upper toward and beyond the lower opening of the vessel thereupon advance along a second vertical path which extends through the nip of the squeegees and through the passage.

Abstract: In a film conveyor for use in developing films comprising a first and a second belt racks consisting of a plurality of narrow belts and pressure rollers, and a roller rack consisting of a plurality of squeegee rollers and spray tubes arranged between said two belt racks, the pressure rollers of the two belt racks are so positioned as to press the belts at the mid points of two vertically adjacent squeegee rollers, and the squeegee rollers of the roller rack are arranged in two vertical rows between which an adequate number of said spray tubes are horizontally disposed so that developing solution may be sprayed out directly toward between said two rows of squeegee rollers. Further, the squeegee rollers of the roller rack are driven in synchronism with the moving speed of the belts so as to effect smooth conveyance of the film held between the belts and the squeegee rollers.

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.

Abstract: An X-ray film processor comprises a developing station, fixing station, rinsing station and drying station compactly arranged in a casing. Gear driven rollers transport the films continuously from a feed slot at the front of the casing, through the processing and drying stations and out of a discharge slot which faces forwardly but is above and back of the feed slot. The films are discharged onto an illuminated viewing screen located above the developing and fixing stations. The transport rollers are arranged in sets, one for each of the processing stations, which can be readily removed as a unit for cleaning, servicing or replacement. A system for continuously supplying fresh water to the rinsing station during operation prevents entry of contaminants back into the supply line. The drying station is located above the rinsing station and has a single heater and single fan so arranged in cooperation with the transport system as to dry both sides of the films.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for processing spent photographic wash water, so that it may be recycled for reuse in the washing apparatus involving passing the spent wash water through an oxidation reaction apparatus to convert any thiosulfate salts in the spent wash water to sulfate salts, and then returning the sulfate water to the developing apparatus for reuse as wash water. In the reactor, the thiosulfate salts in the wash water react in the presence of an oxidation catalyst with oxygen from spent drying air passed to the reactor.

Abstract: The apparatus has at least two containers for baths of treating liquid. Each container accommodates a plurality of guide rollers which guide the carrier in a loop-shaped path through the container, the path having a bight, and a deflecting roller which deflects the carrier in the bight. All of the rollers are at least partly immersed in the respective bath. A receptacle is provided for accommodating a body of fresh rinsing water, and a carrier transfer roller is at least partly immersed in the body of water in the receptacle and engages and transfers the carrier from one to the other of the containers.

Abstract: A miniaturized object cleaning apparatus which is portable and adjustable including two juxtaposed concave, allochiral, elongated tubular jaws containing opposed openings for passage of ionized air in the form of jets to remove fine dust particles from said article.

Abstract: Apparatus for wet treatment of webs of photographic material has a series of chambers each of which defines an upper and a lower horizontal path for the transport of webs therethrough and a discrete liquid collecting tank below each chamber. Each chamber has an upper section above the upper path, a median section between the two paths and a lower section below the lower path, and each section has an inlet which receives liquid from the tank through the medium of a pump and an upright pipe which latter can constitute a support for the respective chamber. The liquid which issues from the inlet of the median section of a chamber is divided into two streams which respectively contact the undersides and upper sides of webs in the upper and lower paths. The upper sides of webs in the upper path are contacted by liquid issuing from the inlet of the upper section, and the undersides of webs in the lower path are contacted by liquid issuing from the inlet of the lower section.

Abstract: The apparatus has at least two containers for baths of treating liquid. Each container accommodates a plurality of guide rollers which guide the carrier in a loop-shaped path through the container, the path having a bight .[.,.]. and a deflecting roller which deflects the carrier in the bight. All of the rollers are at least partly immersed in the respective bath. A receptacle is provided for accommodating a body of fresh rinsing water, and a carrier transfer roller is at least partly immersed in the body of water in the receptacle and engages and transfers the carrier from one to the other of the containers.