Abstract: A tape-and-reel system for processing components is disclosed. In the embodiment, the tape-and-reel system includes a first carrier tape reel for holding unloaded carrier tape, a component loading system for loading components into pockets of the unloaded carrier tape, an air-guided cover tape feeder through which cover tape travels, an alignment tool for guiding the cover tape into alignment with the loaded carrier tape and adhering the cover tape to the loaded carrier tape to secure the components into the loaded carrier tape, and a second carrier tape reel for holding the loaded carrier tape.

Abstract: A substrate transfer apparatus that is designed provide an inclined transfer function that improves liquid saving efficiency of a process solution (developing solution) during the transfer of the substrate. The substrate transfer apparatus includes a first transfer unit for transferring a substrate, a second transfer unit spaced apart from an end of the first transfer unit, a third transfer unit disposed between the first and second transfer units and providing an inclined transfer that is capable of saving a developing solution adhered to the substrate during transfer of the substrate, and a transfer controller for controlling an inclined transfer angle and a connection state of the third transfer unit.

Abstract: A dryer for drying photographic material and a transfer assembly for transferring processed photographic film from a processor to the dryer. The dryer comprises a path through which the photographic material extends wherein at least one slack loop is provided in the photographic material. An adjustable roller is provided along the path to adjust a size of the slack loop and an air supply arrangement is adapted to provide drying air to the slack loop.

Abstract: An automatic photo film feeding apparatus includes a transport mechanism for successively transporting a plurality of film cartridges to a feed position. Transport mechanism includes a first transport unit for supporting the film cartridges with photo films drawn downward and successively transporting film cartridges substantially horizontally to a transfer position, and a second transport unit for receiving film cartridges transported to the transfer position by the first transport unit, and transporting film cartridges horizontally to the feed position. Second transport unit has a posture change mechanism for changing film cartridges to a posture having photo films drawn from film cartridges being directed substantially horizontally. Feeding apparatus includes a feed mechanism for drawing photo films out of film cartridges transported to the feed position, and feeding photo films to a processing section.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a circular processing drum that defines a processing chamber therein. The circular processing drum includes a first media path for media of a first type which includes a first set of grooves in opposing walls of the processing drum, and a second media path which includes a further set of grooves in the opposing walls of the processing drum. The combination of the first and second media paths provides for a drum that is capable of processing multiple types of media while utilizing a minimum amount of space.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for developing films, particularly movie films, comprising a plurality of substantially vertical frames (1), for supporting and winding the film (3), placed within the different treatment rooms, each one of said frames (1) providing a plurality of transmission turns for the film, each one of said turns substantially comprising an upper pulley (2) and a lower pulley (4), and tensioning means of the film acting on the lower pulley (4), said apparatus being characterized in that said tensioning means of the film (3) in the single turns are comprised of piston means (11), provided under the lower pulley (4) of said turn, a single feeding system being provided for the piston means (11) of each frame (1).

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for transferring pre-processed sheet materials discharged from an outlet of a sheet processing apparatus includes a transfer unit provided outside of the outlet for receiving the sheet materials discharged from the outlet and transferring the sheet materials to a plurality of collecting sites. The transfer unit is capable of selectively shifting the transfer direction thereof in such a manner as to transfer each of the sheet materials to a predetermined collecting site.

Abstract: A device (1) for the intermediate storage of photographic material (4-8) in sheet form includes an entrance (2) for receiving the material (4-8), an exit (3) for discharging the material (4-8) and several rotatably supported rollers (9-16; 40, 41) which are provided to transport of the material in sheet form (4-8) from the entrance (2) to the exit (3) and can be driven by at least one drive means (17-22). A monitoring means (23, 24A, 24B) for monitoring positions of intermediately stored sheets (4-8) of the photographic material (4-8) is also provided. A control means (23) controls the rotation speeds of the driveable rollers (9-16; 40, 41) in such a way that during operation the rotation speed of at least one of the rollers (9-16; 40, 41) can be adjusted independently of the rotation speeds of the other rollers (9-16; 40, 41) in response to the monitored positions.

Abstract: A photographic processing method and apparatus. The apparatus includes a processor for developing an exposed photographic paper, a first entry point into the processor for transferring of the exposed photographic paper to the main processing path of the processor, and a second entry point into the processor to receive a photosensitive material of a second format different from the first format and leading the photosensitive material to the main processing path. An adapter is provided having a first end which is arranged to mate with a cassette in a light-tight manner having a second end which is connectable in a light-tight manner with the second entry point on the processor. The cassette contains a photosensitive material of a second format and the cassette may be fed directly into the processor via the adapter and the second entry point of the processor.

Abstract: The improved apparatus for processing a photosensitive medium comprises a tank 1, having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape and provided with an input opening 1a and output opening 1b.A transporting means 50 is provided above the tank 1, consisting of a pair of input rollers 51, a pair of output rollers 52 and a conveyor 53, fit to route a sheet 2 from the output opening 1b to the input opening 1a.There are also provided an input guide 41 and an output guide 42, fit to guide the sheet 2 along a closed loop including the tank 1, or to the apparatus exit door.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning a previously developed photosensitive material. The method includes subjecting the photosensitive material to a liquid bath prior to scanning or printing the photosensitive material and the apparatus includes a second processing path for subjecting the previously developed photosensitive material to only some of the processing baths used for processing an undeveloped exposed photosensitive material.

Abstract: A photographic film processing apparatus for processing long developed film (10b) formed by joining photographic films with a splicing material (13). The apparatus includes a first transport device (40a) for transporting the long developed film. A region of the splicing material in the long developed film is detected in order to cut the long film. A main cutter (60) cuts the long developed film transported by the first transport device, in the region of the splicing material into short films (10a) prior to an exposing process. A second transport device (40b) is provided for transporting the short films to exposure processing units (20, 30). Further, an auxiliary cutter (70) is provided for cutting lateral portions of the region of the splicing material in the long developed film. The region of the splicing material is cut such that a width of an upstream short film is contained within a width at a forward end of a downstream short film.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing apparatus feeds an elongated film, which is wound on a spool shaft, out from an entrance/exit opening of a film accommodating container, and carries out developing processing of the film. The photosensitive material processing apparatus includes a loading section in which the film accommodating container which accommodates the film is loaded; a feeder which feeds the film out from the film accommodating container loaded in the loading section, in a state in which one longitudinal direction end of the film is anchored to the spool shaft of the film accommodating container; and a processing tank which is sheath-shaped and whose length is longer than a length of a portion of the film which portion is to be processed and which portion has been fed out to an exterior of the film accommodating container, the processing tank having at only one longitudinal direction end portion a film entrance/exit opening through which the film enters and exits.

Abstract: A method for processing photosensitive materials in which photosensitive materials are conveyed along a serial conveyance passage while guiding the photosensitive materials on both sides thereof by using pairs of guide members to successively perform development processing steps comprises the steps of dividing the conveyance passage into a plurality of blocks, a spacing distance between the pair of guide members on the conveyance passage being changeable in each of the divided blocks, and changing the spacing distance between the pair of guide members in each of the blocks, when a photosensitive material having a different widthwise dimension is introduced into the conveyance passage, in accordance with the widthwise dimension of the photosensitive material before introducing a forward end of the photosensitive material having the different widthwise dimension into each of the blocks.

Abstract: A processing assembly includes a processing tank having a processing path through which a photosensitive material to be processed travels. The tank includes a processing path length adjusting mechanism which forms a part of the processing path and is capable of adjusting a length of the processing path between at least a first predetermined length and a second predetermined length which is different than the first predetermined length. This provides for a versatile processing tank that is adjustable between a normal processing path length for normal photoprocessing and a shorter processing path length for processing applications in which a shorter processing path length is sufficient.

Abstract: Minilab paper processors are known for giving an exposure to photographic paper, processing the exposed paper and then drying the paper to produce photographic prints corresponding to negative filmstrips. Such processors have a second entry slot to the processing stage thereof through which a test strip can be introduced for processing. Described herein is an adapter for utilizing the second entry slot to supply paper for processing in the processor which has been exposed in apparatus other than that processor. The adapter comprises an elongate portion, which engages with the second entry slot of the processor section, a central slot, and a recess, lined with velvet plush material to ensure that the connection is light-tight, for receiving a cassette containing a roll of previously exposed photographic paper. One end of the cassette has an elongate protrusion having a slot formed therein and through which the paper can pass.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive material processing apparatus which is inexpensive, which automatically withdraws a photosensitive material from a cartridge, and which carries out efficient developing processing by carrying out developing processing of photosensitive materials in parallel.

Abstract: A photo-processing apparatus equipped with a stock tank section which contains and stores a strip-shaped photo-sensitive material between a pair of guide plates provided so as to sandwich the transversal direction of the photo-sensitive material; wherein the apparatus includes a tank width changing mechanism which changes a distance between the pair of guide plates depending on the width of the photo-sensitive material to be passed through the stock tank section. The paper to be contained and stored in the stock tank section does not twist and is smoothly pulled out from the exit section by a method wherein the distance between one pair of guide plates restricting the movement of the paper in the transversal direction is adjusted depending on the width of the paper to be passed through the stock tank section.

Abstract: A method and a mechanism for setting a proper guide width corresponding to an actually used photosensitive material is disclosed. In adjusting a guide width L of a width guide installed in the conveyance course of photographic processing apparatus in order to guide the photosensitive material with respect to width direction, the width guide is initially adjusted so that the width L has an initial set point. This initial set point is wider than the width of the photosensitive material and, then, the width L of the width guide is narrowed until the width guide contacts the edges of the photosensitive material. Finally, the width L of the width guide is widened until a desired width is obtained.

Abstract: A modular photographic processor for processing a photosensitive material and a diverting assembly for use therewith. The processor comprising a processing section containing at least one removable processing tank for holding a processing solution therein, said removable processing tank having an outlet port and an inlet port, and a modular recirculation system having a first end and a second end. The first end being connected to said inlet port by a first fluid connection and said second end being connected to said outlet port by a second fluid connection The processing section having at least two distinct photosensitive processing paths, one path designed to process photosensitive material according to a first processing chemicals and said second path designed to process photosensitive material having a second processing chemicals. The at least one processing tank having two fluid containing section each capable of containing a different processing solution.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing light-sensitive materials for efficiently processing a plurality of light-sensitive materials of different processing times are disclosed. A pair of movable guides and a pair of variable guide members are provided to feed a film for standard processing into a bleach-fixing bath after passing a first coloring development bath, and a film for rapid processing into the bleach-fixing bath after passing a second coloring development bath. Each processing bath and a drying section are variable in speed. In the case where the film for standard processing is processed in advance of the film for rapid processing, the processing rate of a predetermined processing bath is changed to suit the film for rapid processing after the trailing end of the film for standard processing passes through the particular processing bath along the direction in which the films are fed.

Abstract: Described herein is an improved variable speed processor (10) in which the path length for material to be processed can be varied in a processing tank whilst maintaining a substantially constant volume of processing solution in that tank. The processor (10) comprises a plurality of processing tanks (12,14,16) in which a respective movable rack member (42,44,46) is located, each rack member (42,44,46) extending through bottom wall (52,54,56) of its associated tank (12,14,16). The path length is determined by the relative position of roller (32,34,36) mounted on rack member (42,44,46) with respect to a fixed location in the processing tank (12,14,16). For path lengths shorter than the maximum for a particular processing tank, the rack member (42,44,46) acts as a spacer in the tank (12,14,16) to maintain the volume of processing solution at a substantially constant level.

Abstract: An apparatus (274, 276) for reading optical code on an edge of a web of photographic film includes a housing (284) having a slot (286) through which an edge of the web may be transported; a light source (290) mounted on one side of the slot; a code reader (294) mounted on the other side of the slot; a frame (138, 140) for supporting the housing; and a mechanism (302-310) for moving the housing relative to the frame to adjust a location of the code reader relative to an edge of a web.

Abstract: A photo-processing apparatus comprising at least a developing part for developing a photographic paper to which an image recorded on a developed photographic film is printed and a drying part for drying the developed photographic paper by the developing part. The apparatus includes a guide width synchronizing mechanism for synchronizing the width movement of a pair of guides being located between a guide width changing mechanism installed to a rack part for guiding the photographic paper in the developing part and the drying part, respectively, so as to adjust the spacing of a pair of the guides for guiding both side edges of the photographic paper. There can be provided an apparatus for processing photosensitive material which can precisely set the guide width of the rack for guiding conveyance of the photographic paper and which is easy to maintain and at the same time is inexpensive.

Abstract: A photographic material developing apparatus having processing tanks (8), and rack units (10) removably mounted in the processing tanks, respectively. Each of the rack units supports a pair of guide members (11) for guiding a photographic material (1) passing through the processing tanks. The guide members are movable relative to each other to vary a distance therebetween defining a passage width of the photographic material. The relative position between the guide members is variable to adjust the passage width of the photographic material. This relative position is variable by a first drive line disposed outside each rack unit, and a second drive line provided for each rack unit. The first drive line and the second drive line are selectively connected and disconnected, which is carried out through a connected member (85) disposed on the first drive line, and a connecting member (81) disposed on the second drive line.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading optical code on a moving web of photographic film includes a first frame (84); a pair of parallel tracks (132, 134) supported by the fast frame; a pair of carriage members (138, 140) mounted for movement along the tracks; a pair of oppositely facing edge guides (148, 156, 158) each supported by one of the carriage members, each edge guide including a serpentine contact surface (160) with a central portion (162) for engaging an edge surface of a moving web; and a mechanism (106-120) for moving the carriage members back and forth along the tracks; and a pair of flexures (122, 124) for resiliently engaging the mechanism for moving with the carriage members, to resiliently load the edges of the web.

Abstract: A photo-developing apparatus comprises direction switching means in a transfer passage shifting a sheet paper to a developing unit from a printing unit and is disposed for rotating the sheet paper sent from the printing unit to change its direction within the range from 70 degree to 110 degree or from 250 degree to 290 degree.