Abstract: The image reader reads photoelectrically an original image including a visible image and an invisible image. The image reader includes an image reading device for reading said original image with visible light and invisible light and a detecting unit which generates correlational pixel distribution information based on visible light signals and invisible light signals read by the image reading device and detects noise components in the original image by use of said pixel distribution information. The image reading method shortens time to perform processing for washing off silver components remaining in a film upon developing an original image on the film and eliminates an influence of residual silver components remaining in an original image on a developed film by image signal processing subsequent to reading of the original image on the developed film.

Abstract: A removal liquid is supplied to a substrate on which a thin film formed is patterned by dry etching using a resist film as a mask, and cleaning is made with de-ionized water, thereby removing a reaction product generated on the surface of the substrate. After that, the processed substrate is heated, thereby completely drying the substrate from which the reaction product has been eliminated.

Abstract: The method and apparatus supplies processing solution directly to the surface of a web of sensitized material by means of a movable applicator. The web and applicator are moved relative to each other to enable good mixing of the solution on the surface. The movable applicators can be moved in and out of contact with the material as required so that the process can be varied.

Abstract: At least two (groups of) sensors forming an insertion detection sensor are offset from each other in the conveyance direction of a photosensitive material. An insertion speed, which is different for each manual insertion event, is obtained based on the time difference when sensors that has been offset from each other detect the leading end of the photosensitive material. The length of the photosensitive material in the conveyance direction thereof is accurately computed based on the insertion speed and other information. According to the present invention, by correcting the errors due to the changeable insertion state of the photosensitive material caused by manual insertion by the operator, the process area of the photosensitive material, required for calculating the amount of replenisher to be replenished, can be accurately obtained.

Abstract: Device for the self-service collection of photographic material, such as rolls of film, throwaway cameras, negatives for reprinting or otherwise, to be subjected to processing, said photographic material being placed by users in envelopes (13), or in other similar containing means, solidly bearing an identification code and equipped with a corresponding ticket or receipt which can be detached and kept by the customer to collect the processed photographic material, the envelopes (13) being first compiled by the users with their own identification data and with data regarding the processing required and then introduced into collection means (19), such as a sack, a box or similar, equipped with introduction slits (18), said device comprising detection means (26, 27) located upstream of said collection means (19) and suitable to verify at least the validity of said identification code, said detection means (26, 27) governing closing means (20) which can be selectively activated and suitable to prevent the passage

Abstract: A device for removing moisture from individual sheets of a photographic material has a pair of transport rollers at the incoming side and another pair of transport rollers at the exit side of the device. Arranged between the roller pairs is a squeeze-out surface with a wiper blade set against the squeeze-out surface.

Abstract: A photo minilab includes a computer or other device for estimating processing times of jobs accepted by the minilab.

Abstract: A method of providing photoprocessing services utilizes a packaging system in which photoprocessing solutions are distributed from a source of manufacture to a photofinishing site. The packaging system includes a rigid or semi-rigid outer container and at least one internal container. The internal container includes the processing solution, and can be made of a rigid or flexible material. The internal container may be separable from the outer container or may be in the form of an internal compartment that is integral with the outer container. As an option, the outer container can house a further container that is designed to collect waste or spent solution from the photoprocessing site. With the system of the present invention, a designated supplier entity can follow the packaging system through an entire usage cycle of the system.

Abstract: When any of facilities of a film producing and packaging system suffers a failure, a film processing controller shuts off the film producing and packaging system. The operator repairs a failing facility and manually discharges a length of an elongate film which may possibly be defective. After the failing facility is repaired, the film processing controller is restarted to operate the film producing and packaging system, which then automatically discharges a length of the elongate film corresponding to a preset number of sized films. It is possible to easily and quickly discard a portion of the elongate film which has been made defective by the facility failure.

Abstract: When any of facilities of a film producing and packaging system suffers a failure, a film processing controller shuts off the film producing and packaging system. The operator repairs a failing facility and manually discharges a length of an elongate film which may possibly be defective. After the failing facility is repaired, the film processing controller is restarted to operate the film producing and packaging system, which then automatically discharges a length of the elongate film corresponding to a preset number of sized films. It is possible to easily and quickly discard a portion of the elongate film which has been made defective by the facility failure.

Abstract: A processing drum is located within an enclosed chamber. The processing drum is rotated within the chamber, the chamber being provided with means to heat and circulate air throughout the interior thereof. At least one fin is provided around the outer periphery of the drum to aid heat conduction.

Abstract: In electronic film development, a film is scanned, using light, multiple times during development. The light is reflected from an emulsion containing milky undeveloped silver halide embedded with developing grains. The undeveloped halide layer has a finite depth over which photons from a light source scatter backward. This depth is within the range of the coherency length of infrared sources commonly used in electronic film development, causing coherency speckle noise in the scanned image. A prescan made after the emulsion swells, but before the silver grains develop, normalizes subsequent scans, pixel by pixel, to cancel coherency speckle and other defects.

Abstract: Method of processing photographs in a photographic laboratory by means of a photographic processing system, comprising the steps of: receiving customer orders and processing information, respectively assigned to the customer orders, each order comprising at least one photographic image and each processing information defining processing tasks, wherein a number of processing tasks is assigned to at least one processing site based on the processing skills of a number of operators available at the processing site, and if particular processing information of said received processing information, which is assigned to a corresponding order, requires the execution of at least one of said assigned processing tasks, the corresponding order is processed at the at least one assigned processing site for said execution.

Abstract: The non-water-based resist stripping liquid management apparatus according to the present invention manages in an adjusting bath a non-water-based resist stripping liquid that is used in resist stripping equipment. In this apparatus, an absorptiometer that measures the MEA concentration in the non-water-based resist stripping liquid and an analyzer that measures the degraded component concentration in the non-water-based resist stripping liquid are connected to a resist stripping treatment bath (adjusting bath) via pipelines, and at least one of a resist stripping stock liquid, an MEA stock liquid, a resist stripping reclaimed liquid, and a premixed resist stripping new liquid are fed into the resist stripping treatment bath in accordance with the measurement values obtained. As a result, the resist stripping performance of the non-water-based resist stripping liquid can be stably maintained, the amount of liquid used can be reduced, and the time for which operation is shut down can be reduced.

Abstract: A cartridge that supplies fresh photographic processing solution or chemistry to a photoprocessing machine and recovers silver from spent processing solution. The cartridge is designed to integrate a solution supply system and a silver recovery system to facilitate the collection of silver from spent processing solution, form a less-regulated spent solution and reduce chemical exposures to operators of photoprocessing systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing photographic material has a chamber which is manufactured such that temperature uniformity is maintained across the chamber.

Abstract: A photographic processing system has a first processing stage to process photographic material. A second processing stage is also provided to further process the photographic material. A storage device is provided between the first processing stage and the second processing stage to receive and store photographic material output from the first processing stage prior to output to the second processing stage. This enables the photographic material to be output from the first processing stage at a different rate than that at which it is input to the second processing stage. Accordingly, the first processing stage can be vacated for use by subsequent photographic material before processing in the second processing stage is complete.

Abstract: An aqueous developer solution for use in digital film processing. The developer solution includes a developing agent and at least one surfactant or thickener. A method of processing a photographic film is also provided, and includes the steps of coating an aqueous developer solution containing at least one surfactant or thickener onto the film, thereby developing the film, and scanning the film through the coating of developer solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning treatment composition containers are disclosed which are capable of taking out photographic treatment compositions in the form of powder, granules, tablets or slurry from the containers without adhesion of the components to the inner wall of the container and residue of the coagulated and solidified substances and as well as cleaning the inside portions of the containers. The method and apparatus for cleaning the containers for the photographic treatment compositions have the steps of mounting containers filled with treatment compositions in the form of powder, granules, tablets or slurry and comprising as a resin, only high-density polyethylene (HDPE) having a density of 0.941 to 0.969 g/cm3 and a melt index of 0.3 g/10 min to 5.0 g/10 min to a cleaning apparatus; opening an opening portion of the container to inject the treatment material into a dissolving tank, and spraying cleaning water into the empty container from a nozzle.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to make it possible to convey developer from a transfer residual developer accommodating portion to an unused developer accommodating portion without the transfer residual developer accommodating portion being increased in size more than necessary. A first accommodating portion for accommodating unused developer is formed in a housing. A second accommodating portion for accommodating transfer residual developer is arranged adjacent to the first accommodating portion. A conveying member extending over the first and second accommodating portions, when an amount of transfer residual developer to be stored in the second accommodating portion exceeds a predetermined level, conveys the transfer residual developer from the second accommodating portion to the first accommodating portion.

Abstract: The developer producing equipment of the present invention is connected via piping to working equipment in which electronic circuits, on which fine working is performed, are formed, and produces an alkali type developer used in the abovementioned working equipment.

Abstract: A method of providing photoprocessing services utilizes a packaging system in which photoprocessing solutions are distributed from a source of manufacture to a photofinishing site. The packaging system includes a rigid or semi-rigid outer container and at least one internal container. The internal container includes the processing solution, and can be made of a rigid or flexible material. The internal container may be separable from the outer container or may be in the form of an internal compartment that is integral with the outer container. As an option, the outer container can house a further container that is designed to collect waste or spent solution from the photoprocessing site. With the system of the present invention, a designated supplier entity can follow the packaging system through an entire usage cycle of the system.

Abstract: A cartridge that supplies fresh photographic processing solution or chemistry to a photoprocessing machine and recovers silver from spent processing solution. The cartridge is designed to integrate a solution supply system and a silver recovery system to facilitate the collection of silver from spent processing solution, form a less-regulated spent solution and reduce chemical exposures to operators of photoprocessing systems.

Abstract: A photographic processor for a silver halide photographic material is disclosed, comprising a means for supplying a replenisher or water in accordance with processing amount information, wherein the processor further comprises a correction means for correcting the replenisher- or water-supplying rate on the basis of measurement data of a specific gravity or a pH of the processing solution. A remote control system of the processor is also disclosed, which is connected to a host computer through communication network.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus, for use in fluid dispensing systems for the controlled application, metering, and/or dispensing of fluid from a plurality of orifices. The apparatus comprises a body having at least one cavity, at least one fluid inlet for introducing the fluid into the cavity, and at least one fluid outlet for discharging the fluid from the cavity. A plurality of orifices are in communication with the fluid outlet and at least one piezoelectric actuator is selectively coupled to the body and operable to pressurize the fluid within the cavity and permit the controlled discharge of the fluid through the plurality of orifices onto a substrate.

Abstract: On shafts 91, 92 which support two pressing rollers 82, 84 forming pairs with two driving rollers 81, 83 which are arranged in the carrying direction of a photographic paper 2 while sandwiching an exposure position therebetween, pulleys 96, 97 are supported. The pressing rollers 82, 84 are shiftable between a press-contact position at which the pressing rollers 82, 84 are rotated as followers while sandwiching the photographic paper 2 between the driving rollers 81, 83 and a press-contact releasing position at which the pressing rollers 82, 84 are disposed away from the driving rollers 81, 83. Since a belt 98 having a circular cross section is extended between the pulleys 96, 97, even when only one of two pressing rollers 82, 84 is at the press-contact position and is rotated as a follower, the other pressing roller is rotated in an interlocking manner with one pressing roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for thermal development having a receiver for receiving an imagewise exposed thermal film, an accumulator for gathering the film, a drive for advancing the film from the receiver to the accumulator, a heater located between the receiver and the accumulator for developing the film as it passes between the receiver and the accumulator, a compound image scanner for scanning the film after it has been thermally developed, the scanner having a first light source and a first sensor placed for forming a first electronic record of the image formed on the developed thermal film by reflection, a second light source and a second sensor placed for forming a second electronic record of the image formed on the developed thermal film by an opposing reflection, and a third sensor and a third light source placed for forming a third electronic record of the image formed on the developed thermal film by transmission, and a lighttight container for the receiver and the heater.

Abstract: A drum chamber in which photographic material is processed is provided with a section in which the walls overlap to form a narrow channel therebetween. The channel acts as the entrance to and exit from the chamber for the material being processed.

Abstract: A method and system (100) for using reference patches (108) to enhance electronic film processing of a scene image (104) contained on a first area of a film (112) include creating a reference patch (108) on a second area of the film (112); coating the film (112) with a developing solution to form a scene image (104) and a patch image (108); scanning the film (112) coated with the developing solution to generate signals corresponding to digital representations of the scene image (104) and the patch image (108); calculating image processing parameters from the signals associated with the patch image (108); and processing the digital representations of the scene image (104) using the image processing parameters calculated from the patch image (108) to produce color values which more accurately reflect the original scene and which are pleasing to the eye.

Abstract: In a thermal developing method for continuously and thermally developing thermal developing sheets which have a latent image formed thereon by exposure and various sizes, a minimum temperature recovery time required for thermally developing a next thermal developing sheet is determined from physical information about a thermally developed sheet, and the next thermal developing sheet is started to be developed after the minimum temperature recovery time passes.

Abstract: A method of processing photographic material in which a reciprocable member is plunged into a tank containing a small volume of processing solution. The solution is rapidly displaced through the channels created between the tank wall and the plunger and across the surface of the photographic material.

Abstract: A method of identifying whether a particular brand of photo-chemicals has been used in the processing of photographic prints by providing information relating to the process chemistry on the back of the prints.

Abstract: A processing apparatus is provided which can be easily transported to whatever location is required. The apparatus has no open tanks of processing solution, the possibility of spillage of the solutions being therefore eliminated.

Abstract: A processing apparatus, method and recirculation system utilizes a level sensing probe in a filter housing of the filter assembly. The level sensing probe is adapted to provide a signal to a controller arrangement that includes at least a level sensing circuit, a central processing unit and a solid state relay. The controller arrangement is adapted to shut off a heating element of the filter assembly whenever the solution in the filter housing as defined by the level sensing probe falls below an acceptable minimum level of processing solution. With the arrangement of the present invention, it is possible to maintain re-circulated and/or replenished processing solution in the filter housing at an acceptable minimum level, and whenever the solution falls below such a level the heating element is shut off so as to prevent the overheating of the components of the filter assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a processor or processing arrangement which includes a replenishment system that meters or dispenses an amount of replenishment solution in direct relation to an amount of photosensitive media that passes through the processor or processing arrangement. The replenishment system includes a dispensing chamber and a cam roller that is operationally associated with a conveying roller. The cam roller engages a valve on the dispensing chamber. When the valve is moved to an open position in relation to a rotation of the cam roller, an amount of processing solution is metered out of the chamber in an amount related to the amount of rotation of the conveying roller. With this arrangement, the amount of replenishment solution that is dispensed is based on the amount or size of photosensitive material being conveyed along the processing channel, and more particularly, the length of the photosensitive material.

Abstract: Photosensitive material is processed by passing the material through a chamber holding processing solution, the temperature of the solution being raised as the material passes through the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a substrate comprising a substrate holding mechanism for holding the substrate substantially horizontally, a chemical solution discharge/suction mechanism having a chemical solution discharge/suction portion which has a chemical solution outlet for discharging a chemical solution onto the substrate and chemical solution inlets for sucking up the chemical solution present on the substrate, and a chemical solution supply/suction system for supplying the chemical solution to the chemical solution discharge/suction mechanism simultaneously with sucking the chemical solution by the chemical solution supply/suction mechanism.

Abstract: A method of reducing the volume of a processing tank by only filtering processing solution when it is either drawn into the tank and circulation system or when it is returned to the supply container.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging effluent from a photographic process, such as developing liquid to a drain. The effluent can be, for example, de-silvered, spent fixer liquid, and spent developer liquid, which if mixed together, particularly in the presence of oxygen, form a solid iron oxide precipitate which becomes a sludge and eventually clogs pipes and drains. The apparatus includes two separate reservoirs for holding the liquids and two separate pumps for pumping the liquids to a drain, while reducing the risk of clogging in the pipes and drain from precipitate formation.

Abstract: An automated static film processor that will allow for the running of additional processing cycles of X-ray film while a previous cycle is running, comprising a housing having a pair of chemical storage reservoirs and multiple reaction chambers. The advantage of this apparatus is that a secondary operator may start processing X-ray film immediately without having to wait for completion of a previous cycle. The reaction chambers are configured so that tubing, connectors, and valves will allow chemicals to flow into and out of each reaction chamber from a single set of developer and fixer storage reservoirs. Each reaction chamber is provided with water and drain valves, and overflow protection. Each reaction chamber includes a lid that prevents light damage while X-ray film is being processed. A drying device that forces warm air into each reaction chamber is disclosed.

Abstract: A photographic guide print for guiding how to print image data corresponding to a photographic image; comprises a sheet on which the image data are printed in form of a standard sample image on a basis of a standard image processing condition; and a remark section provided on the sheet so that information to designate an image processing condition how to retouch the standard sample image is written in the remark section in view of the standard sample image.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for processing photographic material, said device comprising at least one low volume processing and transport channel which does not include any transport means, wherein the level of the transport liquid is held within the boarders of the processing and transport channel.

Abstract: A method of processing a photographic material in which the material is loaded into a rotatable chamber and a metered amount of solution is introduced into the chamber. The chamber is rotated and the solution is continuously swept along the surface of the material, forming a wave through which the material passes to enable uniform processing.

Abstract: A low volume processing apparatus having a narrow processing channel has the processing solution entering via passages located towards the inlet and outlet of the channel. The solution leaves the channel via a passage located in the middle thereof, the flow of solution pulling the film into a fixed position within the channel. The reversal of flow minimizes the amount of air entrained with the returning flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing photographic material comprises a chamber adapted to hold the material therein, means for introducing solution into the chamber, means for removing the solution from the chamber, and a member located within the chamber and filling a central part thereof. A gap is defined between the inner wall of the chamber and the central member in which the material is held, thereby retaining the material around the inner circumference of the chamber.

Abstract: A removal liquid is supplied to a substrate on which a thin film formed is patterned by dry etching using a resist film as a mask, and cleaning is made with de-ionized water, thereby removing a reaction product generated on the surface of the substrate. After that, the processed substrate is heated, thereby completely drying the substrate from which the reaction product has been eliminated.

Abstract: A developing device according to the present invention includes a developer carrying member, a storage portion for storing a toner to be supplied to the developer carrying member, and a regulating member disposed in contacting relation with a surface of the developer carrying member for regulating the amount of toner carried on the developer carrying member, the surface of the developer carrying member having a rubber hardness of 20 to 70 degrees, an elongation of 400 to 1200% and a volume electrical resistance of 1×104 to 1×109 &OHgr;·cm, the toner containing an organic aromatic solvent and a vinyl monomer in combined concentrations of not more than 500 ppm.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a processing vessel for processing photographic material, said vessel comprising a low volume processing and transport channel which does not contain any transport means, wherein the level of the processing liquid is held within the borders of the processing and transport channel.

Abstract: A high-speed digital photographic printing system and method includes image-specific backprinting and automatic tracking and sorting of printed jobs. The system includes one or more photographic printers, where each printer can have a different printing rate. A scheduler schedules printing orders to the different printers. The printer-independent image rendering is conducted asynchronous to the printing to maximize the printing throughput. In some embodiments, the rendering image processor does the vast majority of the image processing and outputs a printer-independent data file (generally much larger than the source image data file) that requires little if any further data manipulations or processing in the exposure unit.

Abstract: An automatic processing apparatus for processing an exposed photographic light-sensitive material by coating a processing solution on the photographic material, comprising: a conveying device having a conveying path for conveying the photographic material in a conveying direction while inclining the photographic material downward in the conveying direction; and a coating device for coating the processing solution on an inclined portion of the photographic material in a line form in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.