Abstract: There is provided a light-sensitive material processing apparatus comprising a development section having processing baths including a development bath, a fixing bath and washing baths, a drying section and a sorter section, wherein at least one of the processing baths is a pan-shaped horizontal processing bath with its upper surface opened that is disposed at a horizontal position, transports light-sensitive materials in processing solutions in the processing baths in a horizontal direction and can be drawn out in a horizontal direction which is parallel with or normal to the transport direction of the light-sensitive materials. The processing baths can be handled at ease and a space occupied by the apparatus can be reduced. Maintenance such as the cleaning, repair, replacement of the respective processing baths and the transport mechanism racks becomes also unnecessary. As a result, prints of high quality can be finished at all times.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for thermal development comprising a receiving chamber for a thrust cartridge, drive means to advance thermal film from said thrust cartridge and rewind film into said thrust cartridge, a magnetic reader and writer to read and write magnetic information onto the film, an accumulator to gather said film after it has left the cartridge, a heater located between said chamber and said accumulator to develop said thermal film as it passes between said cartridge and said accumulator, and a lighttight container for said chamber, heater, and accumulator.

Abstract: A wet-type plate-making machine is disclosed in which the amount of a developer in a developing tank and the toner concentration of the developer are maintained constant. In accordance with the detection values of two liquid level detection switches mounted in the developing tank, the developer is supplied from a developer refill pump thereby to maintain a constant amount of developer. The toner concentration of the developer is maintained constant by supplying the toner from a toner refill pump when the detection value of a concentration detection unit of light-transmission type is low, and by supplying the developer from a developer refill pump when the detection value of the concentration detection unit is high. In the case where the developer concentration or the toner concentration fails to change in this control operation, an alarm signal is outputted indicating that the developer bottle or the toner bottle, as the case may be, is empty.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a silver halide light sensitive material having an emulsion surface with a processing solution, is provided with a cutter to cut the silver halide light sensitive material into a sheet-shaped silver halide light sensitive material; a heater to heat the sheet-shaped silver halide light sensitive material so as to raise a temperature of the sheet-shaped silver halide light sensitive material to be not lower than 40.degree. C.; and a coater to coat the emulsion surface of the sheet-shaped silver halide light sensitive material with the processing solution.

Abstract: In a photographic processing system for processing a photographic film for each order without splicing it to other photographic film, a destination of each of plural photographic films having a different destination from each other is determined based on photographic film destination determining information recorded on a photographic film to be processed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an optical exposure unit for forming an image on photosensitive material by exposing the material with light beam generated from a first light beam source and transmitted through a photographic film; and a digital exposure unit for forming an image on the photosensitive material by exposing the material with light beam generated from a second light beam source according to digital image data. The optical exposure unit and the digital exposure unit share a single common exposure point. The optical exposure unit includes a masking mechanism for delimiting an exposure area on the photosensitive material, and this masking mechanism and a head module of the digital exposure unit are integrated together as a unit.

Abstract: An automatic correction method is used in connection with a device for correcting an image on a surface light source that can be reproduced with a high degree of quality on a print or a developed film by compensating for the effects of a lens system and the photosensitive material properties as well as the effects of the properties of the surface light source. Photographic printing paper is exposed to a calibration pattern and is transferred to the development section to be developed. Thus, the calibration pattern image is formed on the print paper. The density of each portion of the calibration pattern image on the print is measured in a density measurement section and stored in a memory device. A microprocessor reads the measured values out of a memory device and corrects the image data stored in a frame memory based on the measured values.

Abstract: The method for acquiring and printing electronic images comprises the following phases: acquiring and digitizing an image by means of input means (1) on a computer 10; displaying said image on primary display means (11) and on secondary display means (12); exposing an end portion (33) of a web (32) of photosensitive medium with the image displayed by said secondary display means (12), through conveying means (50); forwarding the end portion (33) and cutting it by means of a cutter (7), to obtain a sheet (5) of photosensitive medium; developing the hidden image by means of single sheet developing means (40); drying the said sheet (5) and forwarding it to the outside.The exposing phase preferably comprises three different filtered exposing steps, each one for a different primary color.

Abstract: A photographic processing apparatus having a checking function to collating negative films and prints. The photographic processing apparatus includes a trouble detecting device 5j for detecting a trouble of collating disagreement occurring during processing of the negative films 2 and printing paper 3 to affect collation between the negative films 2 and prints 3 in one unit, and a notifying device 180 operable in response to trouble information provided by the trouble detecting device 5j for notifying that finished products transported by a collating transport device 70 have the trouble of collating disagreement.

Abstract: Presence or absence of paper is detected by individual sensors and data content stored in a backup RAM is checked out at the time when an external power source begins to supply electric power, and paper feeding operation is automatically performed by a CPU in accordance with detected states and the stored data content.

Abstract: A system for producing prints of a professional motion picture film by dye transfer, including a roll tank, a pin belt, and a transfer cabinet. A dye imbibed matrix film and blank film are superimposed together in a predetermined registration by rollers in the roll tank, creating a two-film sandwich, which is directed onto the pin belt. The pin belt includes a plurality of pins traveling in an orbital path, which detachably engage the two-film sandwich, thereby directing the two-film sandwich along a portion of the orbital path. The transfer cabinet includes a plurality of relatively large diameter rollers in a predetermined relationship to one another, and an elevator mechanism for adjusting the predetermined relationship. The rollers define a substantially rectilinear film path along which the two-film sandwich from the pin belt is directed. The film path has a length sufficient to allow complete dye transfer to occur at high drive speeds within the transfer cabinet.

Abstract: An elongated record medium, such as motion picture film, is stored and transported in a plurality of banks of successive loop-forming rollers, with smaller banks of rollers being nested within the loops formed by a bank of larger rollers, and the record medium is transferred between the banks of rollers. The invention provides a relatively high capacity storage system which is very compact. It is used, for example, in storing film for feeding through a negative motion picture film printer, and for storing negatives in release print film production, and in accumulators for use in a variety of handling uses.

Abstract: In a method for copying originals onto photographic single-sheet copy material, the original is scanned, and on the basis of the scanning values obtained the requisite quantities of copying light for the ensuing copying of the original onto the single-sheet copy material are ascertained. First, the unexposed single-sheet copy material is transported into the exposure beam path, then acted upon by the quantities of copying light ascertained previously, and finally removed for further processing. During the removal of the exposed single-sheet copy material, the next piece of unexposed single-sheet copy material is being transported into the exposure beam path.

Abstract: A negative sheet (1) for storing piece negatives (10) has reorder information recording sections (6) formed thereon for recording reorder information on the piece negatives (10), respectively. A printer/processor (100) determines additional printing conditions for image frames (10a) to be additionally printed, based on the reorder information read by a detector (93) from the reorder information recording sections (6) of the negative sheet (1) fed to the printer/processor (100). The piece negatives (10) to be additionally printed are drawn out of the negative sheet (1), and the image frames (10a) are printed on printing paper with the additional printing conditions determined.

Abstract: In the improved method of distributing sheets of light-sensitive material for use in an image recording apparatus, the sheets of light-sensitive material are distributed in a lateral direction perpendicular to their transport through a developing machine to form a plurality of rows. The method uses two distributing units that lift the sheets of light-sensitive material and transport the sheets in the lateral direction. The two distributing units are alternately put into action to distribute the sheets of light-sensitive material into a plurality of rows. The improved distributing device comprises two lift units, a substrate having guide members, two paddle plates, a spring and a motor. Employing a short pathlength, the method is capable of distributing individual sheets of light-sensitive material into two or three rows, practically keeping pace with rapid print production (imagewise exposure) such as processing one print every two seconds.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing and digitizing an exposed silver halide photographic film comprises processing means in which said exposed photographic film is processed to form an analog image on said film, and digitizing means in which said analog image is photoelectrically read-out to form a digital image representing said analog image. Means for processing the exposed photographic film comprises means for developing, stabilizing and drying of said film. Digitization is effected on a photographic film which has been developed but not fixed and which retains both image-wise developed metallic silver and undeveloped silver halide grains.

Abstract: There is provided a thermal developing apparatus comprising a heating medium for heating a light-sensitive thermally developable recording material, the heating medium having fine asperities on its contact surface to come in contact with the light-sensitive thermally developable recording material and a nip transport member for pinching and transporting the light-sensitive thermally developable recording material in cooperation with the heating medium as the light-sensitive thermally developable recording material is held in two-dimensional contact with at least one portion of the contact surface of the heating medium.

Abstract: Film frames are scanned preparatory to copying and a set of density values is generated for each frame. When a frame exhibits excessive contrast, a mask is calculated using the respective set of density values. The calculated mask is formed on an LCD or LED matrix which is in register with the frame. An image of the masked frame is then projected onto copy paper by a zoom objective. The mask has a size which is a function of the magnification factor and/or the mask-to-frame distance.

Abstract: A method for determining a state of a processing solution in a printer processor which exposes a photosensitive material to a light emitted from a light source and processes the material with processing solution, the printer processor having a function to correct exposure conditions in response to at least the amount of light from the light source, a characteristic of the photosensitive material, and a state of the processing solution by adjusting a plurality of exposure condition correction parameter values, comprising the steps of: (a) storing change history of at least one of the exposure condition correction parameter values; and (b) determining whether or not the state of the processing solution is in a preferable state based on the stored change history of at least one of the correction parameter values. Therefore, the characteristics of the change in the processing solution state appear in the history of change of the exposure condition correction parameter values.

Abstract: A printer/processor for performing printing processes on both piece negatives taken out of a negative sheet and an elongate negative film. This printer/processor includes a negative sheet loader (2a) for receiving the negative sheet (10) containing the piece negatives (NP), a handling device (6) for drawing the piece negatives out of the negative sheet, an elongate negative film inlet (2c) for receiving the elongate negative film NF, a transport line (130) extending to an exposing section (110), and a branching device (8) selectively movable between a first position to form a passage for connecting the handling device and the transport line, and a second position to form a passage for connecting the elongate negative film inlet and the transport line.

Abstract: The roller comprises a core (56) having an elastomeric covering which comprises an outer exposed region (60) and an intermediate region (58) positioned between the outer region (60) and the core (56). The outer region (60) has a thickness which decreases towards each end of the roller and the intermediate region (58) has a thickness which increases towards each end of the roller. When associated with another such roller to form a nip in an apparatus for wet processing sheet materials, carry-over is reduced, leakage when no sheet material is passing through the nip is reduced, and the risk of physical damage to the sheet material is reduced.

Abstract: An enlargement lens is moved to a retracted position by driving a lens moving deck, and temporarily transferred onto a lens storing deck. After the lens moving deck is returned to its initial position, the enlargement lens is rotatably supported on support rails and rotated about its rotatable shaft to expose a lens surface to the outside for the cleaning. Accordingly, the enlargement lens can easily be cleaned.

Abstract: A photographic processing apparatus includes a negative film outlet (60), a printing paper developing section (30), a print outlet (50) for cutting printing paper developed to predetermined lengths, and discharging the cut printing paper as prints, and a collating transport device (70) for receiving the negative films in units from the negative film outlet and the prints in units from the print outlet, and combining and transporting the negative films and prints as finished products. A piece negative inlet (15) is provided for feeding piece negatives (2) cut from one negative film to the photographic processing apparatus for passing the piece negatives through an exposing process therein.

Abstract: An image recording method in which stored image data are read in a fixed reading direction from a storage medium, and an image is recorded in a recording range in a fixed recording direction based on the read image data and is recorded on a recording material conveyed to a recording section in a photographic printer or similar device, according to the method an inclination of the recording material in the recording section's detected. Image data is read by effecting either an operation in which an area from which image data is read from the storage medium is varied to coincide with the detected inclination of the recording material based on the detected inclination of the recording material and the reading and recording directions, or an operation in which the image data stored in the storage medium is processed to correspond to the detected inclination of the recording material. An image is recorded on the recording material based on the read image data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image by exposing and developing the photosensitive record medium, the photosensitive record medium having a first microcapsule whose strength is changed by being emitted a blue light, a second microcapsule whose strength is changed by being emitted a green light, and a third microcapsule whose strength is changed by being emitted a red light, the image forming apparatus comprising: an exposing device on which a first light emitting device for emitting the blue light, a second light emitting device for emitting the green light and a third light emitting device for emitting the red light are mounted, for exposing the photosensitive record medium by the blue light, the green light and the red light; a developing device for developing the exposed photosensitive record medium by applying a pressure to the exposed photosensitive record medium; and a transporting unit for transporting the photosensitive record medium from an exposing position where the exposing device is mo

Abstract: A system operates to handle and print images from a film slide having a first slide mount and a film segment mounted therein. The system includes a film segment extractor, a scanner, a printer, and a film segment mounter. The extractor extracts the film segment from the first slide mount of the film slide. The scanner scans image data from the film segment. Digital scanning may be performed by a digitizer. The printer prints an image from the scanned image data either optically or digitally. The film segment mounter mounts the film segment into a second slide mount as a second film slide. The second slide mount may be a new slide mount, or may be the original slide mount which is being reused. Magnetically encoded information stored on magnetic material disposed on the first slide mount and/or the film slide is read by respective magnetic readers. The information is then written on magnetic material disposed on the film segment and/or the second slide mount after printing from the film segment.

Abstract: A heating device, in which a photosensitive material and an image receiving material can be heated quickly and which has a reduced number of parts. A plate-shaped heating plate, which can move reciprocally within the device, is provided at a heat development transfer section. Attaching/peeling rollers, which can move closer to and away from the heating plate, are disposed above the heating plate. Further, a photosensitive material peeling pawl and an image receiving material peeling pawl are provided on the sides of the attaching/peeling rollers. During two reciprocal movements of the heating plate, the photosensitive material and the image receiving material are loaded on the heating plate, heat-development-transferred, and peeled. Because the respective materials are pressed by the attaching/peeling rollers and adhered to the heating plate, good heat development transfer can be effected in a short time.

Abstract: A photographic developing/printing apparatus has analog and digital exposure units arranged midway along the convey path for printing paper to obtain a silver halide photographs upon analog exposure and digital exposure.

Abstract: An adapter for use in a processing assembly can interface paper in magazines or cassettes from external printers with a minilab printer so that the paper printed externally can be processed using the minilab's processor and the processor's replenishment system. The adapter which includes a light-tight feed slot is configured to receive a cassette thereon and the adapter can be mounted onto the processing assembly. When mounted on the processing assembly the adapter along with the feed slot forms a light-tight path from the cassette to the printer. Printer functions such as back-marking, printing, punching, etc. can be deactivated during use of the adapter, and photosensitive material which enters the printer through the feed-slot of the adapter will follow the printing path of the printer and thereby trigger checks which are utilized to control replenishment in the processor of the processing assembly.

Abstract: A photographic printing apparatus includes a pause transfer device disposed on a transfer passage between a printing station and a development station for holding temporarily an excess of printed sheets of a photosensitive material over that which can be handled by the development station and for transferring printed sheets of the photosensitive material to the development station one after another depending on the developing process.

Abstract: A method for use with a system that combines an input image with a border selected from a storage medium of borders to provide a composite image that is hard copy ready incorporating the steps of, providing each border with an expiration date and storing the borders and their respective expiration dates in the system's files. Each border with an associated expiration date is automatically deactivated on its expiration date. That in turn makes available for selection only those borders that have not yet been deactivated.

Abstract: An average density of an image is calculated based on image data of an original and a calculated average density is compared with a previously determined threshold value. When the average density is less than or equal to the threshold value, the image is recorded on a negative photosensitive material of which density becomes higher with an increase in exposure amount. When the average density exceeds the threshold value, the image is recorded on a positive photosensitive material of which density becomes low with an increase in exposure amount. When the average density is less than or equal to the threshold value and the image is recorded on the positive photosensitive material, a density value of image data is converted to be suitable for the positive photosensitive material and when the average density exceeds the threshold value and the image is recorded on the negative photosensitive material, a density value of image data is converted to be suitable for the negative photosensitive material.

Abstract: A vending machine system for printing postage stamps, the vending machine system includes an enclosed housing having a front panel with an aperture therein; a camera, mounted in the housing, for receiving through the aperture an image of at least one person and for creating an electronic image of the at least one person based on the received image of the at least one person; a printer; a payment receiving device for accepting payment and for providing a payment signal indicative that payment has been made; a computer including a memory, the computer 1) causing the camera to create the electronic image of the at least one person upon receipt of the payment signal, 2) saving the electronic image of the at least one person in the memory, and 3) utilizing the electronic image of the at least one person for controlling the printer to print a first personalized postage stamp on a recording medium, the first personalized postage stamp including predetermined data required by a postal authority and a picture of the a

Abstract: A photographic processing apparatus having an exposing section (20) for printing images of negative films (2) received from a negative film feeder (10) on printing paper (3), a negative film outlet (60) for discharging the negative films used in the exposing section, and a developing section (30) for developing the printing paper printed. This apparatus includes a negative film ID allocating device (5f) for generating a negative film ID code and allocating the negative film ID code to the negative films to be subjected to a printing process, and a link manager (5k) for managing a linked relationship between the negative film ID code and information relating to the negative films.

Abstract: A cassette type electronic image printing apparatus 200 is attached to a photosensitive material entrance opening 101 of a photographic processing apparatus 100 for developing photosensitive material 2 exposed with a film image. After the photosensitive material, e.g. a print paper, is exposed with an electronic image by the electronic image printing apparatus, the print paper is introduced, through the photosensitive material entrance opening 101, into the photographic processing apparatus, in which the print paper is transported by a transport mechanism 5 to a developing unit 4 to be developed thereby. By exposing the print paper also with a film image by a film exposing unit 3 of the photographic processing apparatus, a composite image print of the electronic image and the film image may be obtained optionally.

Abstract: A photographic processing system is disclosed. The system includes a bar-code reader for reading processing information of a photographic film, a sorter station for sorting the film in accordance with the processing information read from the film, a photographic processing apparatus for effecting a photographic processing operation in accordance with the processing information and a conveying device for conveying the film sorted at the sorter station to the photographic processing apparatus.

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 photo and pressure sensitive printer permitting the feeding and discharging of a photosensitive recording medium at the front of the printer housing, having a compact design and slim built, which can easily be integrated into other equipment, such as a personal computer, etc., at low cost. A self-coloring microcapsule sheet supporting microcapsules is ejected from a cartridge at the front of the printer housing in the Y direction, and being preheated by a film heater to increase the sensitivity, a latent image is formed by exposure on the front face thereof while the exposure-scan is performed by a movement in the main scanning direction of a LED-type exposure head.

Abstract: A photographic printing and developing apparatus includes a turnout device for separating a transfer path, along which sheets of printed paper are conveyed from a printing station to a development station, into a main transfer path and a branch transfer path. A joining device joins the branch transfer path to the main transfer path at a position downstream of the separating position. The turnout device selectively transfers sheets of printed paper of a given size to the branch transfer path.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing film has two processing units and transport rollers for conveying film past the units. One of the units may include a scanning device and the other unit may include a copying device. Alternatively, the two units can comprise a prescanning device and a main scanning device, respectively. The apparatus further has a receiving station for film cartridges and at least one separate receiving station for film which is not confined in cartridges. Film can be fed to the transport rollers from either station.

Abstract: For forming multiple images on a single sheet of film (F) for medical use, specific data to the film (F) such as a patient name are extracted from one of the images, and the extracted data are enlarged, and the enlarged data are output to an optical processing system, of which exposing position is controlled, and then the data is exposed onto the film (F) in a designated location, for example, at the bottom of the film (F) thereby.

Abstract: A film digital radiological imaging apparatus to capture the image formed on a dental x-ray film during its developing process and convert it into a video and digital image, while allowing the completed development of the x-ray film, comprising a reaction tank having a window of tinted-clear material to allow a video camera to capture the image forming on a film during its development. A computer programmed to accept the image and to allow the image to be digitized for storage, modification, and transmission to a video monitor for display, or to a printer for printing is also provided. A method for capturing the image forming on dental x-ray film during the opaque stage of the development process and converting it into a video and digital image comprising developing the film to form an opaque image, capturing the image with a video camera, and transferring the image to a computer for digitizing, to a monitor for viewing, zooming, or further enhancing, and to a printer for printing is further provided.

Abstract: A photographic print processing apparatus, comprises (a) a first exposing section to expose an image of a photographic film onto an unexposed photographic paper; (b) a development processing section to develop the exposed photographic paper; (c) a first conveying passage to convey the exposed photographic paper from the first exposing section to the development processing section; (d) a second conveying passage branched from the first conveying passage and joined with the first conveying passage; (e) a second exposing section, provided on the second conveying passage, to expose an image onto a photographic paper; and (f) a control section to control the first passage and the second passage so as to convey the photographic paper.

Abstract: A developing liquid circulation controlling system includes a circulating pump 61-67 for providing circulation of processing liquid from an upper region of a processing tank 41-47, an auxiliary tank 41a-47a, a circulating passage 51-57, a lower region of the processing tank and then back to the upper region of the processing tank. The circulating pump provides at least two selectable differing circulation amounts. For providing this, the system includes a use condition detecting sensor 10 for detecting at least two different use conditions of the processing tank, and a controller 100, 101 operatively connected with the sensor. The controller sets the circulating pump to a high circulation amount mode when the sensor detects a first use condition and sets the pump to a low circulation amount mode when the sensor detects a second use condition.

Abstract: A trouble identifying device 5h identifies a process disrupting trouble occurring during a process of printing images of negative films 2 on printing paper 3. When a process disrupting trouble occurs, error information on the process disrupting trouble identified by the trouble identifying device is linked to an ID code of a corresponding negative film. The error information is printed by printer 26 in the region of the printing paper for printing the image of the negative film having caused the process disrupting trouble. When the process disrupting trouble occurs, an error indicating image showing occurrence of the process disrupting trouble is formed in the region of the printing paper for printing the image of the negative film having caused the process disrupting trouble. The error indicating image on the printing paper is cut to a predetermined length, and discharged from a print outlet 50 as an error indicating print 3a.

Abstract: A discharge bypass line 200 is formed for forcibly discharging printing paper 3 from a print transport line extending from a paper cutter 51 to a collating station 74. A no-cut discharge control device 5f discharges the printing paper 3 fed to the paper cutter 51 to the discharge bypass line 200 without cutting the printing paper, in response to a signal from a print transport trouble detecting device 5g for detecting a print transport disrupting trouble occurring in the print transport line.

Abstract: The resist processing apparatus comprises a loader/unloader section provided with a plurality of cassettes, a first convey mechanism provided in the loader/unloader section, and for taking out an unprocessed substrate from the cassette, and for putting a processed substrate into the cassette, a first processing section provided at one side of the loader/unloader section and having a resist coating section for coating a resist to the substrate, a second processing section provided at another side of the loader/unloader section to be apart from the first processing section, and having a development processing section for developing the resist coated to the substrate, a second convey mechanism for receiving an unprocessed substrate from the first convey mechanism, for conveying the unprocessed substrate to the first processing section, and for delivering the substrate coated with a resist by the resist coating section, to the first convey mechanism, and a third convey mechanism for receiving an unprocessed subst

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus having improved processing and cleanliness characteristics is provided with a developer unit (160) and an exposure unit (170) that are positioned with operation parts of these units being arranged linearly. An interface mechanism (IFD), disposed between the developer unit (160) and the exposure unit (170), includes a substrate transport apparatus (TR2) which supports a peripheral portion of a substrate while transporting the latter. The interface mechanism (IFD) also includes a substrate container cassette (120) serving as a substrate buffer in which a substrate is supported from the back by three pins. Ejection of a substrate from an indexer (IDA) is controlled in accordance with the number of substrates which are present in a reciprocal path between the processing units (160) and (170).

Abstract: Photographic processing apparatus in which both exposing and processing stages of a photographic process are combined to form a single unit or linked so that a continuous web of photographic film or paper is used in both units at the same time is known. However, due to differences in speed of the exposing and processing stages, there is a need to store a "buffer" length of the material being processed between the two stages. Described herein is a method of varying the speed of the processing stage of photographic processing apparatus to compensate for changes in the capacity of a processor while maintaining a constant path length. This achieved by changing its activity of one of the steps in the processing stage, for instance, by changing the temperature of the development step. This is feasible without unacceptable time delays or energy or chemical consumption associated with changing the solution activity by the use of low volume tanks with low capacity.

Abstract: A film cartridge storage apparatus for storing a plurality of film cartridges 20 stacked one on another. The stored film cartridges 20 are extracted from the apparatus one after another from the lowermost cartridge in association with a pivotal member 83 of an individual feed mechanism 80; 18; 280 having a first arm portion 83a and a second arm portion 83b. The first arm portion 83a of the pivotal member 83 pivots between a first area and a second area to hold the lowermost film cartridge in the first area and also to feed the lowermost film cartridge in the second area. The second arm portion 83b of the pivotal member allows a film cartridge to fall toward the first arm portion in the first area and also prevents a film cartridge from falling toward the first arm portion in the second area.