Abstract: The present invention provides a direct sampler and detector for analytes found in exhaled breath condensate. Analytes in the breath condensate are detected instantaneously as they condense prior to reaching the sensor surface or condense directly on the sensor surface. Because the analysis or assay is performed immediately after patient exhalation, analyte stability is significantly improved providing accurate, reliable, consistent, and clinically applicable results. In certain embodiments, combined breath condensate/breath samplers and detectors are provided, enabling multiplexed analysis of condensed and vapor-phase analytes provided in a single sampling session. Breath is collected and directed to one or more subsystems. Within each subsystem, the breath portion is either condensed or prevented from condensing.

Abstract: A liquid developer transport device includes a channel switching part that dispenses liquid developer to a first channel or a second channel. A filtering part filters liquid developer flowing in the first channel, and a first storage part stores the filter liquid developer. A second storage part stores liquid developer flowing in the second channel. The channel switching part switches channels when a toner particle concentration is more than a predetermined concentration.

Abstract: A thermal processor includes an oven for thermally developing an imaging media which produces gaseous contaminants during development. The gaseous contaminants includes odorous portions and condensable portions which have a condensation temperature. A contaminant removal cartridge has a housing configured to couple to the oven, a heat exchanger, and a filter module. The heat exchanger receives from the oven at least a first air flow at a first temperature, wherein the first temperature is above the condensation temperature, and including gaseous contaminants. The heat exchanger cools the first air flow to a desired filtering temperature, which is below the condensation temperature, to condense and collect the condensable portion of the gaseous contaminants and form a filtering air flow. The filter module receives the filtering air flow, to collect the remaining condensed contaminants, and to absorb the odorous portion of the gaseous contaminants to form an exhaust air flow.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of photographic processing, comprising the steps of applying a first component of a processing solution to the surface of a silver halide photographic material to be processed and applying a second component of the processing solution to the surface of photographic material to be processed. When the applied first and second components have mixed together, the processing solution is active to oxidise silver in the photographic material. The invention also provides a photographic processor suitable for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a tank that has a body charged with a solution that processes the photosensitive material, the apparatus comprising a filter for purifying the processing solution, and a conduit for circulating the processing solution from a lower region of the tank body to an upper region of the tank body. Further, a pleated cartridge filter for use in a photosensitive material processing comprises a cylindrical pleated filter body formed by folding a filtering sheet member; and a blocking member, including a hole that communicates between an interior of the filter body and the outside, for blocking at least one end of the filter body, wherein a portion of the blocking member contacting the fitting portion is compressed when the blocking member is fitted to the fitting portion to closely contact the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for processing an exposed color reversal photographic film. This method enables the water consumption of the washing baths to be limited, the water levels being maintained by a counter-current coming from the bath placed downstream, an equivalent volume of water being discharged through an overflow. The wash waters are recovered and treated by a nanofiltration unit capable of giving a permeate which can be recycled to the washing baths. This method makes it possible to overcome the problem of the presence of tin (II) in the first washing bath supplied with water by a counter-current coming from the reversal bath. This process also makes it possible to overcome the problems of discharges of chemical substances to the drains while maintaining a good sensitometry of the developed films.

Abstract: A method and processor for processing photosensitive media. The processor includes a narrow processing channel for holding a processing solution, at least one delivery opening for delivering the processing solution to the narrow processing channel, an outlet for allowing processing solution to be withdrawn from the narrow processing channel, and a recirculation system for delivering and circulating a predetermined batch amount of the processing solution through the narrow processing channel from the outlet to the at least one narrow delivery opening for processing a predetermined amount of photosensitive media passing through the narrow processing solution. The batch amount of processing solution only when media is provided in the processing channel. The processor also included an emptying system for removing the processing solution from the narrow processing channel and the recirculation system when the photosensitive media is not being processed through the narrow processing channel.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a tank that has a body charged with a solution that processes the photosensitive material, the apparatus comprising a filter for purifying the processing solution, and a conduit for circulating the processing solution from a lower region of the tank body to an upper region of the tank body. Further, a pleated cartridge filter for use in a photosensitive material processing comprises a cylindrical pleated filter body formed by folding a filtering sheet member; and a blocking member, including a hole that communicates between an interior of the filter body and the outside, for blocking at least one end of the filter body, wherein a portion of the blocking member contacting the fitting portion is compressed when the blocking member is fitted to the fitting portion to closely contact the same.

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: A method and processor for processing of photosensitive media. The processor includes a narrow processing channel for holding a processing solution, at least one delivery opening for delivering the processing solution to the narrow processing channel, an outlet for allowing processing solution to be withdrawn from the narrow processing channel, and a recirculation system for delivering and circulating a predetermined batch amount of the processing solution through the narrow processing channel from the outlet to the at least one narrow delivery opening for processing a predetermined amount of photosensitive media passing through the narrow processing solution. The batch amount of processing solution only when media is provided in the processing channel. The processor also included an emptying system for removing the processing solution from the narrow processing channel and the recirculation system when the photosensitive media is not being processed through the narrow processing channel.

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: A processing apparatus includes a housing, a plurality of process units arranged within the housing for subjecting an object to a series of processes including coating of processing solution, exposure and development, a transport mechanism for conveying the object to and from the process units, an air cleaning mechanism having a filter for removing impurity which is contained in air introduced into the housing and which lowers resolution, a concentration detection mechanism for detecting the concentration of the impurity in a region outside of the filter, and a life estimation section for estimating the life of the filter in accordance with the result of detection by the concentration detection mechanism.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for developing photosensitive resin plates with an aqueous developing solution and for disposing of a waste developing solution. In the system, a fresh developing solution is added to a developing unit in a continuous manner or at intervals of a fixed period, while a part of the resin-containing developing solution is removed from the developing unit, whereby the resin content of the developing solution in the developing unit is kept substantially constant and the disposal of the waste developing solution is carried out in parallel with the development. Also disclosed herein are apparatus used in the developing system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of photopolymer printing blocks, which are utilizable for producing printed matter by flexography, typography or dry offset, of the type including a stage for polymerizing areas by exposure to ultraviolet rays; a stage for engraving non-polymerized areas by immersion and brushing in an engraving bath contained in an engraving tank, the bath becoming loaded with dissolved particles or particles in suspension during the engraving stage; and a separation of the constituents of the engraving bath, with the liquid obtained at the time of separation being injected back into the engraving tank, characterized in that the separation consists of filtration, during which the particles are progressively eliminated. The invention also relates to an engraving device for carrying out the process.

Abstract: An etching device for preparing flexible blocks which can be used for printing in flexography, typography or dry offset generally includes an etching tank containing a bath (22) and brushes (3), a stirring and heating device, and an overfill system (20) for discharging the solution from the etching tank through an outlet duct (21) to a separation device. The separation device includes a reception vat (14) having an upper part which is equipped with a device (10) for separating the water and the polymer, and at least one filtering membrane (7).

Abstract: Spent color photography liquids comprising alkaline developer liquid and fixer liquid loaded with iron ions generate a dischargeable effluent, in which clogging of drains and conduits with precipitated iron oxides is minimized or avoided; the liquids are fed through separate feed ports into a vessel to form a liquid bath, the feed ports being isolated from each other and from the liquid bath; liquid effluent is pumped from the bath to form an effluent flow; preferably the pumping employs a suction generated by flow of a carrier liquid such as water through a venturi passage, whereby the liquid effluent is entrained in the flowing water and discharged under pressure, the precipitated iron oxides being retained in a dispersed non-clogging state.

Abstract: A liquid channel (411a) is formed in an upper end of a partition wall (411) between subtanks (41) and (42) each filled with a fixing liquid to draw the fixing liquid from the subtank (42) into the subtank (41), and a guide plate including an opposing plate (411d) is provided in the subtank (41) to guide the fixing liquid downward. A liquid channel (431a) is formed in an upper end of a partition wall (431) between subtanks (43) and (44) each filled with a stabilizing liquid to draw the stabilizing liquid from the subtank (44) into the subtank (43), and a guide plate including an opposing plate (431d) is provided in the subtank (43) to guide the stabilizing liquid downward. A liquid channel (441a) is formed in an upper end of a partition wall (441) between subtanks (44) and (45) each filled with a stabilizing liquid, and a guide plate including an opposing plate (441d) is provided in the subtank (44).

Abstract: A resist processing system comprising a resist processing chamber 11, an air filter 14 and an air intake unit 15 for introducing air into the processing chamber 11 through the air filter 14, the air filter 14 having a housing 18 and a diffusion scrubber 19 separating a first space and a second space within the housing 18, the first space having a liquid inlet port 21A and a liquid outlet port 21B for passing a liquid therethrough, the second space having an air inlet port 20A and an air outlet port 20B for passing the air from the air intake unit therethrough.

Abstract: An automatic photographic developing apparatus for photosensitive materials includes a number of processing baths which are filled with processing solutions of different types for processing silver halide coated photosensitive materials. A same number of solution tanks communicated with the respective processing baths are provided for supplying the processing solutions, produced by dissolving solid agents, to the respective processing baths. Each of the solution tanks is protected with an openable cover and is provided with a guide along which the respective solid agents can be loaded into the respective solution tanks for dissolution as the solid agents run down by their own weight. The guide is pivotably mounted for movement between a guiding position and a non-guiding position and is urged by a return spring so that the guide can automatically return to the guiding position.

Abstract: A developing solution feed system for a semiconductor photolithography process feeds the developing solution while removing any gas contained in the solution at a high solution feed pressure. The developing solution feed system has a plurality of feed tanks and a developing solution feed line having a plurality of first connecting pipes, each connected to the feed tanks, a second connecting pipe connected to the first connecting pipe to be converged into one passage, and a plurality of third connecting pipes branching out from the second connecting pipe.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a developer-circulating method and an apparatus for carrying out the method in making a flexographic printing plate which prevents dissolved chemical substance from adversely affecting human bodies and has excellent safety; capable of preventing the increase of the viscosity of developer; and capable of effectively preventing the dissolved chemical substance from adhering to the apparatus, thus preventing the life of the apparatus from being reduced and collecting the dissolved chemical substance in a short period of time and which is superior in operation efficiency, work efficiency, and treating efficiency. Solid content of liquid containing resin component which has eluted from flexographic printing plates 3, 42 and dispersed in developer is flocculated by flocculating agent, and the liquid containing the flocculated solid content is separated into the liquid and solid contents.

Abstract: A quick disconnect filter assembly and manifold assembly for use in a photographic processor having a recirculating system designed for receiving a filter assembly in line. The filter assembly comprising: a housing having an internal chamber, a chamber inlet for allowing processing fluid to flow into the internal chamber and an chamber outlet for allowing processing solution to flow out of the internal chamber. The housing has a quick disconnect valve for allowing quick connection and disconnecting of the filter assembly with the recirculating system without any substantial loss of fluid. The manifold assembly comprising: a body having an inlet port and an outlet port and a fluid connecting passage therethrough connecting the inlet to the outlet. A wall member is provided for dividing the connecting passage into a first receiving section and an outer delivery section.

Abstract: This invention discloses a novel process to maintain constant developer strength in a printing plate manufacturing operation. Such a process enables development of more plates than conventional processes allow, while at the same time using less quantity of developer and generating fewer liquid waste. The process is suitable for both batch type and continuous plate development operations. The invention also describes an apparatus suitable for the above-described process.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in a photographic processing apparatus. The filter assembly comprising a housing having an internal chamber, a chamber inlet for allowing a processing solution to flow into the internal chamber, a chamber outlet for allowing processing solution to flow out of the internal chamber, an air bleed passage having a first connecting end in fluid communication with the receiving section and an outlet connecting end in fluid communication with the chamber outlet, the first connecting end being located with respect to the receiving section so that trapped air will be removed from the receiving section.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for processing a photographic film.The process comprises the following steps: a) circulating the film (2) in a series of processing baths (5, 6, 7, 8), each of the baths having a rinsing zone (53, 62, 73, 82) including one or more tanks; b) recovering and treating the waste water coming from all the rinsing zones in a single nanofiltration device (100), common to all the processing baths; and c) recycling the permeate (106) from the nanofiltration device (100) in each of the rinsing zones (43, 62, 73, 82) of each of the processing baths (5, 6, 7, 8).Application to the processing of photographic films.

Abstract: A thermal developing unit for the thermal development of photothermographic media which comprises a means for thermally developing photothermographic media by placing said media in contact with a heated element within a case, a first and second opening for venting gas from said case, said first opening being connected to an area surrounding said heated element said second opening being connected to an area within said unit where said media passes after it has been thermally developed, and in a path by which said gas can be vented through at least one of said first or second openings from said case there is a filter cartridge comprising a filter housing containing a chemical filtration media having no bonded absorbent partculates therein.