Abstract: In one illustrative embodiment, the method comprises initiating a develop process on a layer of photoresist formed above a wafer, indicating an endpoint of the develop process, determining a duration of the endpoint develop process, and determining if the determined duration of the develop process is not within a preselected range. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a system that comprises a develop station for performing a develop process on a layer of photoresist formed above a wafer, a develop endpoint detector for indicating an endpoint of the develop process, and a controller for determining if a duration of the develop process is not within a preselected range.

Abstract: A photosensitive media cartridge includes an ambient condition sensor mounted in the cartridge for sensing ambient conditions in the cartridge. When the cartridge is positioned at a media transfer position on an image-forming device that permits the conveyance of media from the cartridge to the image-forming device, image development or printing on the media in the image-forming device is controlled based on the sensed ambient conditions in the cartridge. The ambient condition sensor includes a cover layer and a conductive layer, wherein a rate of response to ambient conditions of the cover layer matches rate of response to ambient conditions of the photosensitive media to be developed. As a further option, the media itself can include a conductive layer so that the media can be the sensor.

Abstract: There is described a thermal development apparatus, which makes it possible to prevent generation of density variations caused by changes of the processing temperature during the thermal developing operation when the thermal developing photosensitive material is continuously processed, without increasing the cost of the apparatus so much. The thermal development apparatus includes a thermal developing processor to apply a thermal development processing to the thermal developing photosensitive material, a detector to detect the thermal developing photosensitive material to be conveyed into the thermal developing processor and a controller to control the thermal developing processor in a feed forward controlling mode based on a processing condition of the thermal developing processor. The processing condition is established in advance, corresponding to a load of processing the thermal developing photosensitive material detected in advance by the detector.

Abstract: A method for processing a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material is disclosed, comprising processing a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material A for photographing containing a high silver bromide emulsion having a silver bromide content of from 50 to 100 mol % and a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material B for photographing containing a high silver chloride emulsion having a silver chloride content of from 50 to 100 mol % with a common color developer, wherein both the replenishing amount and the concentration of the replenisher for the color developer are changed according to the processed amount of said two types of light-sensitive materials.

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. This developer producing equipment comprises a preparation tank to which a developer stock solution and pure water are supplied, and in which these are agitated, first liquid amount measuring means for measuring the amount of the alkali type developer inside the preparation tank, first alkali concentration measuring means for measuring the alkali concentration of the abovementioned alkali type developer, first liquid amount control means for adjusting the amount of the alkali type developer inside the preparation tank on the basis of the measured value obtained by the abovementioned first liquid amount measuring means the abovementioned first alkali concentration measuring means, and liquid supply control means.

Abstract: In a developing method for performing developing treatment of a substrate by supplying a developing solution onto a resist film formed on a surface of the substrate, the present invention controls a zeta potential of the surface of the substrate at a predetermined potential in the same polarity as that of a zeta potential of insoluble substances floating in the developing solution, thereby preventing or reducing the adhesion of the insoluble substances to the resist film and the substrate. This remedies the occurrence of development defects. The adhesion of the insoluble substances to the resist film and the substrate can also be prevented or inhibited by supplying an acid liquid to a liquid on the substrate, or controlling a pH value of the liquid on the substrate to control an absolute value of the zeta potential of the insoluble substances.

Abstract: A control tool for monitoring a predetermined process condition in a photographic process and method of making the control tool. The control tool includes a support element having a plurality of rows, each row having a plurality of visual density patches and representing a different process condition. At least one of the rows is used for monitoring a process condition being monitored and at least one of the other of the rows identifies an out-of-control process condition. The plurality of rows of visual density patches are designed to be correlated with a process control strip that has been processed in the photographic process to be monitored, the support element further having textual information identifying at least one process condition and describing the process condition that may need to be corrected in response to correlation of the control strip to the control tool.

Abstract: The present invention has the object of supplying an alkali-based treating liquid capable of reducing the amount used for treatment and the amount of liquid wastes produced, having an excellent solubility with respect to an exposed organic film such as a photoresist, and an equipment for supplying the same. In a developing liquid supplying equipment of the present invention, a receiving bath is connected to a development treating equipment via a line, and a pre-treating portion such as a filter, an adjusting bath and a leveling bath are sequentially provided in the following stages of the receiving bath. A liquid supplying system and a control device are connected to the adjusting bath, and the concentrations of the dissolved photoresist component and the alkali component in a used liquid can be adjusted to certain values, based on actually measured values obtained with a densitometer. The obtained regenerated liquid is supplied to the development treating equipment through a line.

Abstract: A system and method provide reliable and effective notification to customers that film rolls they have deposited with a vendor for processing have been returned and are available for retrieval. The method includes storing customer identification data in a data repository that accompanies a film roll container, reading customer identification data from the data repository after development of the film roll in the film container, and generating a notification message for delivery to the customer corresponding to the customer identification data. The notification message informs the customer that the developed film is available for retrieval from the deposit site. Entry of the data for storage in the data repository may be performed by a customer or deposit site employee through a keypad or through a scanning device that reads a customer token.

Abstract: A method of identifying whether a particular brand of photochemicals 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 method for thermally processing a sheet of a thermographic material provides good flatness and dimensional stability together with a high optical homogeneity. The method incorporates the steps of supplying a sheet of thermographic material m (1) to a thermal processor (10) having a processing chamber (12), heating the processing chamber to a predetermined processing temperature, and transporting the sheet of thermographic material through the processing chamber in a sinuous way (4). This transporting is carried out by a first drivable belt (21), a second drivable belt (22) and backing means (27).

Abstract: A chemical or processing solution delivery system and method for use in a photographic processor is disclosed. The system includes a heating chamber which is adapted to receive a predetermined amount of processing solution therein, and heat the processing solution prior to delivery of the solution to an associated processor. The heating chamber includes a member which functions as a supply tube for supplying solution to the chamber and a level detection sensor for detecting the level of solution in the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing system and method for processing photographic material. The processing system and method of the invention is adapted to recover water from humid air for reuse in the processor, as well as convert a liquid waste processing solution into a dry waste for disposal. In the system and method of the present invention, heated air is circulated through the processor and comes into contact with a cold surface to condense the heated air. The water resulting from this contacting of the heated air with the cold surface can be collected and recycled back to the processor for reuse in the processor. Further, waste solution can be absorbed by a matting material appropriately placed in the processor which evaporates the waste solution to a solid waste for subsequent disposal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of processing a photoresist on a semiconductor structure, involving the steps of exposing and developing the photoresist; evaluating the exposed and developed photoresist to determine if negative charges exist thereon; contacting the exposed and developed photoresist with a positive ion carrier thereby reducing any negative charges thereon; and evaluating the exposed and developed photoresist with an electron beam.

Abstract: A photosensitive media cartridge includes an ambient condition sensor mounted in the cartridge for sensing ambient conditions in the cartridge. When the cartridge is positioned at a media transfer position on an image-forming device that permits the conveyance of media from the cartridge to the image-forming device, image development or printing on the media in the image-forming device is controlled based on the sensed ambient conditions in the cartridge. The ambient condition sensor includes a cover layer and a conductive layer, wherein a rate of response to ambient conditions of the cover layer matches rate of response to ambient conditions of the photosensitive media to be developed. As a further option, the media itself can include a conductive layer so that the media can be the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for radiant thermal development of photothermal film comprising a receiving chamber for a film cartridge, drive means to advance thermal film from said film cartridge and rewind film into said film cartridge, an accumulator to gather said film after it has left the cartridge, a source of radiant energy, a guiding means to guide said radiant energy to develop said thermal film as said thermal film passes between said cartridge and said accumulator, a radiant energy absorbing material incorporated into said photothermal film, and a lighttight container for said chamber, heater, and accumulator.

Abstract: A substrate processing method for forming a resist film on a wafer with a base film being formed, and performing an exposure processing and a developing processing for the resist film to thereby form a desired resist pattern, has a base reflected light analyzing step of radiating a light of the same wavelength as an exposure light radiated during the exposure processing to the base film and analyzing a reflected light, before forming the resist film, and a processing condition control step of controlling at least one of a resist film forming condition and an exposure processing condition, based on the analysis of the reflected light. The method makes it possible to control a line width of a resist pattern with high precision.

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: 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: 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.

Abstract: A photosensitive media cartridge includes an ambient condition sensor mounted in the cartridge for sensing ambient conditions in the cartridge. When the cartridge is positioned at a media transfer position on an image-forming device that permits the conveyance of media from the cartridge to the image-forming device, image development or printing on the media in the image-forming device is controlled based on the sensed ambient conditions in the cartridge. The ambient condition sensor includes a cover layer and a conductive layer, wherein a rate of response to ambient conditions of the cover layer matches rate of response to ambient conditions of the photosensitive media to be developed. As a further option, the media itself can include a conductive layer so that the media can be the sensor.

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: An imaging assembly includes a media cartridge for holding a stack of media therein. The media cartridge includes a linkage assembly at least a portion of which is made of a material that is responsive to ambient conditions within the cartridge. An image forming device of the imaging assembly is adapted to control a development of images on the photosensitive media based on the sensed ambient conditions.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for delivering a processing solution to a processing tank in a processor containing a processing solution. The delivery system is designed to provide a replenishment solution to the processing tank from a package having at least two separate containers. Each of the containers having a processing solution that is to be provided to the at least one processing tank. The delivery system substantially empties each of the at least two separate containers in the package in an accurate predetermined rate so that all of the at least two containers in the package will be substantially empty at the same time. The delivery system includes a mechanism for filling and emptying the predetermined amount of replenishment solution from the retaining vessel in response to the liquid level sensing system.

Abstract: In order to compensate the reduction of a developing activity during working and/or stopped period, a replenisher and/or a diluent is added to the developer according to predetermined replenishing conditions, and also in order to compensate the reduction of the developing activity caused by processing photosensitive materials, the replenisher and/or the diluent is added to the developer. Then, in cases where the electric conductivity of the thus replenished developer exceeds a predetermined target value, the diluent is replenished to the developer tank until the electric conductivity of the developer falls below the target value.

Abstract: A resist peeling system includes a peeling solution tank for storing a resist peeling solution; an electric conductivity monitor for monitoring the electric conductivity of a resist peeling solution; and a additive components tank for estimating the components ratio in the resist peeling solution on the basis of the electric conductivity thereof and adding, when a component of the resist peeling solution is estimated to be insufficient on the basis of the estimated result, the component lacking for the resist peeling solution to the resist peeling solution by a suitable amount.

Abstract: A method for developing a material having a photosensitive resin composition or a photosensitive lithographic printing original plate is disclosed, comprising developing a material having a plurality of photosensitive resin composition sheets in sequence with a developer or developing a photosensitive lithographic printing plate precursor with an alkaline developer, wherein the activity of developer is maintained by detecting the exhaustion of developer occurring with the development and passing a current between two electrodes through a developer according to the degree of exhaustion detected.

Abstract: The apparatus for treating surface of boards includes treating means for treating surface of boards by supplying sequentially a treating solution and a rinse liquid on boards placed on a treating table; solution collecting means for collecting waste treating solution separately from waste rinse liquid; waste solution storing, concentrating detecting and solution supplementing means for storing the waste treating solution, detecting the concentration of at least one ingredient in the waste treating solution by an electric conductivity meter and/or an absorption photometer, supplementing treating solution for adjusting containing necessary ingredients depending on the detected value, and adjusting the treating solution; and treating solution feed means for feeding the adjusted treating solution into the treating means. By thus constructing, the treating solution can be recycled, and if recycling is repeated, the performance of the treating solution itself can be maintained.

Abstract: Before forming a resist pattern, the light reflectivity of the undercoat of the wafer is measured by a reflectivity measuring unit. The conditions are controlled according to the measured reflectivity when forming the resist pattern. The conditions when forming the resist pattern are the rotation speed when supplying the resist solution while rotating the wafer inside the resist coating unit, the exposure time in the exposing unit, the developing time in the developing unit, and so forth. Thus, by controlling the conditions when forming the resist pattern according to the light reflectivity of the wafer's undercoat, a highly fine control of the line width of the resist pattern is made possible.

Abstract: A device for automatically measuring a concentration of a developing agent in a developing bath includes a voltage generator capable of generating at least one voltage ramp provided to feed a three-electrode cell; a potentiostat provided to maintain a constant potential difference between two electrodes; a peak detector provided to identify the maximum current flowing in the three-electrode cell that corresponds to the developing agent concentration; and a display unit provided to show the maximum current.

Abstract: A digital photofinishing station is capable of being loaded with one or more distinct films in need of photofinishing. The digital photofinishing station has the capability to identify the film and apply a specific correction algorithm based on the identified film. More specifically, the digital photofinishing station is capable of handling films of different density forming properties, process these films using a common developing process, and apply a proper correction algorithm based on the type of film. Further, chemical constituents of the developer solution in the development process can be monitored, and based on known deviations in development caused by specific deviations in the developer solution, a proper correction algorithm is applied. In a further feature of the present invention, film can be developed and scanned at the digital photofinishing station.

Abstract: A system and method provide reliable and effective notification to itinerants that film rolls they have deposited at a place of lodging or a point-of-interest site for processing have been returned to the itinerant's place of lodging and are available for retrieval. A system that provides such notification for film deposited at a place of lodging includes a data capture device for reading customer identification data from an itinerant's electronic room key and film roll data from a film roll. A data server coupled to the data capture device stores the data in a data repository that accompanies the film roll to the film processing site. The data server also generates a data record for storage in a database. Upon return of the developed film, a notification message generator generates a notification message to the itinerant regarding return of the developed film roll.

Abstract: A system for regulating temperature of a developer is provided. The system includes a plurality of optical fibers, each optical fiber directing radiation to respective portions of the developer. Radiation reflected from the respective portions are collected by a measuring system which processes the collected radiation. The reflected radiation are indicative of the temperature of the respective portions of the developer. The measuring system provides developer temperature related data to a processor which determines the temperature of the respective portions of the developer. The system also includes a plurality of heating devices; each heating device corresponds to a respective portion of the developer and provides for the heating thereof. The processor selectively controls the heating devices so as to regulate temperature of the respective portions of the developer.

Abstract: Provided is a concentrated replenisher automatic diluting apparatus and method that can easily and accurately dilute concentrated replenishers and that can set the amount of agents included in the replenishers supplied to processing tanks to ideal values in a system where a variety of concentrated replenishers are supplied from a processing agent kit at the same time and the concentrated replenishers are diluted. When a liquid level detector of one of replenisher tanks detects that a replenisher held in the replenisher tank has reached a lower limit level, predetermined amounts of different kinds of concentrated replenishers are supplied to the replenisher tanks from a replenishing agent kit. Water is supplied to the replenisher tanks through a wash pump and a wash valve in order to dilute the concentrated replenishers.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of inspecting a patterned substrate using an SEM, involving the steps of evaluating the patterned substrate to determine if charges exist thereon; introducing the patterned substrate having charges thereon into a processing chamber of the SEM; inspecting the patterned resist using an electron beam generated by the SEM; and introducing a cleaner containing ozone into the processing chamber of the SEM.

Abstract: Processing of photographic material is carried out by sensing the quantity of material passing through a processor and supplying replenishment solution in accordance therewith. The level of solution in the processing tanks is also sensed during processing, and a second solution is supplied in the event that the level falls below a predetermined value. The second solution is less concentrated than the normal replenishment solution, thereby to maintain the chemical activity of the tank closer to its required, seasoned state. Furthermore, by controlling the solution levels during processing, less replenishment solution need be added during normal replenishment, thus minimizing the amount of solutions needed.

Abstract: A photoprocessing apparatus for sensing type of photoprocessing consumable and method of assembling the apparatus. The invention includes a photographic printing and developing apparatus (10) adapted to allow the apparatus to sense types of supplied consumable photosensitive paper and photoprocessing chemicals and method for assembling the consumable paper and chemicals for sensing. An electrically programmable read/write memory contained in a transponder (54) is integrally attached to the consumable paper or chemicals package. The transponder (54) is capable of receiving a first, RF frequency electromagnetic field and deriving power and address information from the first frequency, then generating a second RF frequency electromagnetic field in response, where the second electromagnetic field is characteristic of the data stored in memory. A transceiver (50) is disposed within the photographic printing and developing apparatus (10) with antenna (56) and support components for polling each transponder (54).

Abstract: A method for processing a photographic material can be carried out by surface application. A device for processing a silver halide photographic material comprises a means for measuring the surface temperature of the material. This device affords more efficient and more reproducible processing.

Abstract: The inventive dispenser mechanism uniformly develops a photosensitive layer on a substrate. The mechanism uses a developer head that moves in a substantially linear relative motion with respect to the substrate and dispenses a developer at a controlled rate. Contact of the developer material with the photosensitive layer commences a chemical reaction of developing. The mechanism also uses a rinse head that has the same motion as the developer head and travels at the same velocity. The rinse head dispenses a rinse material at a controlled rate. Contact of the rinse material with the developer material on the photosensitive layer retards the chemical reaction of developing. The rinse head waits for a predetermined dwell period after the developer head has dispensed the developer material before dispensing the rinse material. The mechanism may also use a suction head that has the same motion and velocity and removes loose material on a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test material storage and feed device with a light-proof container, into which either chemical film test strips, or pre-exposed photographic paper sections can be inserted. The container has a delivery mouth for taking the test strips or paper sections out of the container. A connecting device can be provided on the delivery mouth of the container which can be placed against a corresponding feed opening of a printer or a film processor, or can be inserted at least partially into the feed opening.

Abstract: If processing agents and dilution water are supplied to replenishing tanks, the level of the resulting solutions may become higher than an upper limit level. This results in a different quantity processed of photosensitive material among the different replenishing tanks. A controlling device calculates the volume of the replenishing solution at a level higher than the upper limit level after the supply of cleaning water, and compares the calculated volume with the quantity of the replenishing solution when the replenishment is effected a prescribed number of times. The controlling device changes the driving time of a container cleaning pump to correspond to that ratio, and subsequently causes the actual number of replenishings to agree with a prescribed number of replenishings.

Abstract: A valve assembly and a bottom-draining container having the valve assembly. The valve assembly comprising a first body member, a guide member supported by the first body member so that the guide member will extend upward into the container, and a float mounted for movement along the guide member, the float being buoyant in a liquid to be drained from the container, the float having a mating surface for engaging a second mating surface on the valve assembly when the float is in the unsensed position, the mating surface of the float having a configuration for minimizing sticking of the float with respect to the valve assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling the activity of a development composition which comprises, as a developing agent, an organometallic complex. The method includes measuring the variations in optical density difference of the composition that varies with the degree of oxidation of the organometallic complex. The method also makes it possible to regenerate the development composition by means of an electrolysis current. A device for controlling the activity of the development composition includes two light-emitting diodes of different wavelengths, the light beams of which pass through the development composition, and photodiodes to receive transmitted light.

Abstract: A processor for processing a photosensitive material. The processor includes a discharge device for discharging a processing solution stored in a processing tank, a replenishment device for replenishing a replenisher solution to the processing tank, a processing solution acquiring device for acquiring the quantity of the processing solution stored in the processing tank, and a water adding device for adding water to the processing tank. The discharge device is able to measure the processing solution to be discharged, and the replenishment device is able to measure the replenisher solution to be replenished.

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: An apparatus for is disclosed for detecting low liquid level in a bottom-draining container (12), the apparatus including a spout (14, 48) extended outwardly from the container, the spout having a central bore (18) through which liquid can drain from a bottom of the container; at least one guide member (26, 56, 62) positioned in the spout; at least one float (38) mounted for movement in the spout along the guide member, the float being buoyant in a liquid to be drained from the container; a source (42) for directing a beam of radiation into the spout along a path intersected by the float when a liquid drains to a preselected level within the spout; and a device (44, 46) for detecting when the float intersects the beam. The guide member may be omitted in one embodiment.

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: In an automatic film developer, measurements are taken of internal temperature parameters during a warm up phase. Based on measured temperature values a time for completing the warm up phase is calculated. The calculated time for warm up is displayed so that it can be read by an operator. When the calculated time for warm up completion has elapsed, an indication is displayed that the film developer is operational. During the warm up phase, film is not allowed to advance through the automatic film developer. When the calculated time for warm up completion has elapsed, advance of film through the film developer is automatically started.

Abstract: A photo filmstrip includes two side portions extending in a longitudinal direction, and has a leader, a trailer, and a series of effective frame regions arranged between the leader and the trailer. A series of bar codes are recorded on one of the side portions optically in a predetermined exposing condition, i.e., with light of an intensity suitable for the film speed. The bar codes are associated with the series of the effective frame regions. A test dot is recorded optically in the predetermined exposing condition, disposed in each of the leader and the trailer, for inspection of the optical recording.

Abstract: A photographic film cartridge is disclosed comprising a housing with an outer surface, and a time and temperature integrating device for providing a visually observable indication of cumulative thermal exposure on the outer surface, wherein the time and temperature integrating device is thin enough so as to not interfere with performance of the cartridge in a photographic camera and comprises a thermally sensitive image-forming area and indicating indicia in association with the image-forming area for indicating when the film cartridge has been exposed to a predetermined cumulative thermal exposure.