Abstract: Provided are a treatment device and a treatment method capable of easily reusing a used rinsing liquid, and reducing the amount of waste liquid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices are disclosed. Embodiments include methods and apparatuses that heat and decrease pressure within the electronic device. Some embodiments increase and decrease pressure while adding heat energy, such as by using a heated platen in contact with the electronic device or by supplying a gas (e.g., air), which may be heated, into the interior of the electronic device. Embodiments include heating the gas supplied into the interior of the electronic device with pump used to decrease pressure within the electronic device and/or a separate heater. Still other embodiments include controlling the temperature of the gas supplied into the electronic device. Still further embodiments automatically control, such as by using an electronic processor, some or all aspects of the drying of the electronic device.

Abstract: A development device (100) for printing plates (112) includes a straight transport unit (116) adapted to transport printing plates inside the development device in a straight transport path (116), an immersed transport unit (120) adapted to transport printing plates inside the development device in an immersed path (120), and a switching element (232, 244b) adapted to switch between the straight transport unit (116) and the immersed transport unit (120).

Abstract: A development device (100) for printing plates (112) includes a straight transport unit (116) adapted to transport printing plates inside the development device in a straight transport path (116), an immersed transport unit (120) adapted to transport printing plates inside the development device in an immersed path (120), and a switching element (232, 244b) adapted to switch between the straight transport unit (116) and the immersed transport unit (120).

Abstract: In a substrate processing apparatus of the present invention, a buffer bath is provided at any point in a supplying passage of a processing solution supplying part, and a micro bubble generator is provided in the buffer bath. When a substrate is processed, large quantities of micro bubbles can be generated and stored in the buffer bath, and the micro bubbles can be supplied from the buffer bath to a processing bath. This enables the large quantities of micro bubbles to be supplied to the surrounding of the substrate, while the use of the small micro bubble generator avoids an increase in the size of the substrate processing apparatus.

Abstract: Developer is supplied to a first spray pipe disposed in a developing bath. The inside of the developing bath is provided with a heater. A liquid-flow generating unit comprises a liquid-flow generating head and a branch duct, which is connected to a branch pipe of the first spray pipe via a rubber hose. A part of the developer flowing in the first spray pipe is forwarded to the liquid-flow generating head. By a gap-forming ring, a gap is secured between an outer surface of the heater and an inner surface of the liquid-flow generating head so that the developer uniformly flows along the outer surface of the heater in a longitudinal direction thereof. A heater cover is attached to the liquid-flow generating head. An inner surface of the heater cover inclines in the longitudinal direction of the heater.

Abstract: A photographic paper processor includes plural liquid baths for containing liquid. The liquid baths have partition panels, and are adjacent to one another therewith. An opening formed in the partition panels has first and second inner surfaces opposed to one another. A submerged squeezing blade has a support end and a free end. The support end is secured to the first inner surface. The free end contacts the second inner surface, closes the opening in an openable manner, allows the photographic paper to pass through the opening, and blocks a flow of the liquid through the opening. The submerged squeezing blade is produced from metal having chemical resistance. Furthermore, a contact pressure changing cam increases a contact pressure of the free end on the second inner surface when the submerged squeezing blade closes the opening without passage of the photographic paper.

Abstract: Dry air is jetted from jet holes of a guide plate toward a conveyor belt to levitate a photosensitive sheet and to press it against the conveyor belt. The photosensitive sheet is supported and carried by the conveyor belt. The dry air dries the photosensitive sheet. A projection amount h of a guide roller projecting from the guide plate is defined so as to satisfy an expression of h?H×(W?P)/W. H is a gap between the guide plate and the conveyor belt. P is a length from a center line of the carried photosensitive sheet to an outer edge of the guide roller. W is a length from the center line to a lateral end of the photosensitive sheet. Even if a curl occurs on the photosensitive sheet, an edge thereof is prevented from contacting with the guide plate.

Abstract: A submerged processing device for a photosensitive material disposed at a partitioning wall which is provided within a processing tank main body and which is between processing chambers respectively storing a processing liquid, the submerged processing device includes: a housing at an interior of which is formed a processing space where the processing liquid is stored; a conveying path for conveying-in of the photosensitive material and which is formed in the housing so as to communicate with an interior of the processing space; a path for conveying-out of the photosensitive material and which is formed in the housing so as to communicate with the interior of the processing space; a processing liquid passage preventing mechanism disposed at the photosensitive material conveying path such that only the photosensitive material passes therethrough; and a processing liquid changing mechanism provided at the housing, for changing the processing liquid stored in the processing space.

Abstract: A photographic paper processor includes plural serially arranged liquid baths, for sequentially processing a first photographic paper sheet of one type. The plural liquid baths are constituted by bath groups G1 and G2. The bath group G1 includes a color developing bath. The bath group G2 is positioned downstream from the bath group G1, and includes rinsing baths. First and second motors are operable individually, and rotate to transport the first paper sheet through respectively the bath groups G1 and G2 at a speed V1. A controller sets the bath group G1 at a speed V2 according to information of a second photographic paper sheet of a different type for processing next to the first paper sheet. Subsequently, the bath group G2 is set at the speed V2, to transport the second paper sheet through the plural liquid baths at the speed V2.

Abstract: An automatic x-ray film feed uses a timer and relay system to automatically develop a multiplicity of film slides one-by-one in an x-ray processor without requiring a user to manually advance the slides after each slides in developed. The timer activates a motor through a relay system and the film feed advances a single slide into the processor with a motor and roller assembly. After the film leaves the magazine, a trip switch is triggered, shutting off the motor and halting advancement of the next slide in the magazine. The timer than reactivates the motor based on a pre-selected interval set on the timer, facilitating movement of the next undeveloped film slide in the magazine.

Abstract: A printing plate processing apparatus provides a step in which a printing plate which has undergone image exposure is processed by being immersed in a developing solution, and the printing plate is delivered while the developing solution is being squeezed out from the printing plate by a conveying roller pair which is partially immersed in the developing solution. A stoppage time of the apparatus is measured, and the conveying roller pair is driven to rotate for an amount of time set in accordance with a measured result of the stoppage time when operation of the apparatus is started, thereby allowing the conveying rollers to be cleaned. A concentration of carbon dioxide in an environment in which the apparatus is installed is detected, and based on the detected result and the measured result of the apparatus stoppage time, the driving time of the conveying roller pair is set.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate processor having an immersion developing tank followed by a developer exit tank in which a printing plate driven through the immersion tank is subjected to a spray of clean developer wherein the exit tank is isolated from the developing tank and there is associated with the exit tank developer spray system a clean developer recirculating loop. The recirculating loop includes a holding tank, a pump and a filter and its elements are isolated, separate and distinct from the developing tank.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photographic processor, such as a minilab, which includes at least an exposure section and a chemical development section. The exposure section of the minilab includes an inclined or slanted conveying path that receives photographic paper or media with the emulsion side in a first orientation, such as emulsion side-up; transports the photographic media emulsion side-up to an exposing position where the emulsion side of the photographic media is exposed to light, turns the exposed photographic media around so that the emulsion side is in a second orientation, such as emulsion side down; and conveys the photographic media emulsion side-down to an exit of the exposure station.

Abstract: A brush roller is structured such that a web body having wire members is wound in a helical manner around a roller main body to which an axial end member is mounted. A fastening member is mounted to a rotary shaft of the axial end member, and one end of the web body is fixed to a holding member which is arranged between the fastening member and the axial end member so as to freely rotate relatively. The holding member relatively rotates in a winding direction due to an urging force of a torsional coil spring when elongation occurs in the web body, thereby preventing slack from occurring in the web body.

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 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: 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: In a shutter facing an aperture portion in a partition plate in a photosensitive material processing device, a blocking member, formed substantially in a semicircular cylindrical shape, is placed by the rotation of a shaft between blades thereby closing the aperture portion. The opening between the blades is opened by rotating the blocking member integrally with the shaft so that a photosensitive material can pass through. Multi-leveled surfaces are formed on the top surface of a guide plate. Aperture portions for mounting rollers with adaptors are formed in an alternating pattern on the surfaces. A plurality of protruding guide ribs are provided extending across the surfaces. A plurality of brush roller parameters are adjusted so that a winding mark index defined by the parameters falls within a predetermined range. Rollers are washed when a finisher control system is restarted after an unforeseen long stoppage.

Abstract: In a photosensitive material processing apparatus of the present invention, a brush roller used in a pre-water-washing section and a developing section is formed by winding a slender band wherein bristles are woven into a knitted fabric onto the peripheral surface of a roller which is a core member. This makes it possible to arrange the bristles closely and uniformly on the whole of the peripheral surface of the roller. Therefore, the brush roller can be applied to a photopolymer plate, which uses a non-polymerizable layer as a photosensitive layer and requires strong rubbing without causing brushing unevenness.

Abstract: In a shutter facing an aperture portion in a partition plate in a photosensitive material processing device, a blocking member, formed substantially in a semicircular cylindrical shape, is placed by the rotation of a shaft between blades thereby closing the aperture portion. The opening between the blades is opened by rotating the blocking member integrally with the shaft so that a photosensitive material can pass through. Multi-leveled surfaces are formed on the top surface of a guide plate. Aperture portions for mounting rollers with adaptors are formed in an alternating pattern on the surfaces. A plurality of protruding guide ribs are provided extending across the surfaces. A plurality of brush roller parameters are adjusted so that a winding mark index defined by the parameters falls within a predetermined range. Rollers are washed when a finisher control system is restarted after an unforeseen long stoppage.

Abstract: A photographic processor and method of operation is disclosed. The processor includes a circular drum having first and second film processing paths, and a disk positioned inside the drum. The disk comprises a first set of disk teeth for engagement with perforations on a first type of film and a second set of disk teeth for engagement with perforations on a second type of film. The first and second set of disk teeth are positioned along a portion of an outer periphery of the disk. The processor also includes a circular dryer for drying the processed film. The dryer extends around an outer periphery of the drum.

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 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: An apparatus and method for developing a s photographic emulsion carrier in a plurality of processing tanks through which the emulsion carrier travels in succession, with at least one rotatable roller, the photographic emulsion carrier having a front section and an end section and the roller being arranged such that an end section of the photographic emulsion carrier comes into contact with the roller while travelling from a first to a second processing tank, the direction of rotation of the roller being designed so that the roller can wipe the end section in a direction is away from the emulsion carrier.

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: 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: 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 exposing apparatus provided with a drum to fixedly hold a sheet-shaped light sensitive material onto an outer peripheral surface thereof by suctioning; a rotating driver capable of rotating the drum at a rotational speed not less than 1200 rpm; and an exposing device for exposing on the basis of image data the light sensitive material fixedly held on the outer peripheral surface of the drum rotated by the rotating driving means.

Abstract: There is provided an automatic processing machine which comprises a processing-solution processing section in which a photographic photosensitive material is subjected to development processing, and a drying section for drying the photeosensitive material processed in the processing-solution processing section, particularly, an automatic processing machine in which an upper roller of conveying rollers or squeeze rollers, which are disposed at an upstream side of the drying section, is formed so that a contact angle of a water drop on a peripheral surface thereof is less than 135°, preferably 125°. The upper roller of silicone rubber in the conveying rollers or in the squeeze rollers includes a peripheral surface coated with a gelatin film. By conducting cross-linking using silicon for a long duration at the time of manufacturing silicone rubber, water repellency of the surface (that is, surface tension) is restrained and the contact angle of a water drop is thereby set to be less than 135°.

Abstract: When gears which drive rollers for transporting photographic printing paper are rotated to thereby transport the photographic printing paper, shutters retract from a photographic printing paper passage and rollers rotate so that the photographic printing paper is transported. When the gears are reversed after the completion of the transport of the photographic printing paper, the shutters block the photographic printing paper passage and are located above the rollers which protrude in the photographic printing paper passage to thereby prevent floating materials such as silver, sulfide, soiling and the like from precipitating on the surfaces of the rollers.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing exposed photosensitive elements comprising: a cylindrical container having an open end and having a plurality of circumferentially disposed containment vessels for containing processing fluids; an index plate which is rotatably mounted on the container at the open end; a holder for holding an exposed photosensitive element; support structure for mounting the holder on the index plate for movement downwardly and upwardly; and a member on the index plate for manually rotating the plate to sequentially align the holder with the plurality of containment vessels so that at each vessel the holder is manually moved downwardly to submerge the photosensitive element in the processing fluid contained in the vessel and then moved upwardly to remove the element from the fluid.

Abstract: As developing processing operation is completed, driving of a motor is stopped so that rotation of conveying rollers is stopped. Then, in association with stopping of the conveying rollers, a timer is started. At a time when the timer has counted a specified amount of time, a controller rotates the conveying rollers for a predetermined amount of time, and then stops rotation thereof. When the rotation of the conveying rollers is stopped, the timer is reset and is restarted. Above operations are repeated intermittently at the time when the timer has counted the specified amount of time. Alternatively, the timer may be started when power of a photosensitive material processing apparatus is turned off. Further, the timer may be started in association with a predetermined control (such as preheating) for the photosensitive material processing apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic developing apparatus which transports film while preventing treatment liquid from being passed up onto gears and the like located above the surface of the treatment liquid and which prevents treatment liquid from being oxidized or decreasing in quantity. A cylindrical shaft having an axis of rotation normal to a liquid surface of the treatment liquid is positioned so as to cross the liquid surface in order to transmit torque from above the liquid surface to below the liquid surface via a shaft. Since the shaft is rotated about the axis of rotation normal to the liquid surface, the treatment liquid in contact with the shaft is left in contact therewith at a specified height, thereby eliminating the likelihood that the treatment liquid is passed up onto bevel gears, etc. located above the liquid surface via the shaft. Further, the rotation of the shaft about its axis of rotation does not cause the treatment liquid near the liquid surface to be scooped up.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing photographic material has a plurality of stages for carrying out different processing steps. At least one stage has a series of processing regions each defined by an inclined surface that extends between sets of rollers. The surfaces may be of different length to provide different residence times for the material. Processing solution flows down the surfaces whilst the photographic material is driven upwards in counter-current mode. All the stages may be uni-directionally inclined end-to-end, or they may be arranged in a U-shape so as to minimize cross-contamination between the stages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a photosensitive material. The apparatus includes a narrow processing channel through which a photosensitive material passes. A drive mechanism for transporting of the photosensitive material through the processing channel, and a scrubbing roller which extends across at least a portion of the photosensitive material passing through the processing channel. The scrubbing roller is positioned such that it contacts the photosensitive material passing thereby and is rotated in the opposite direction to the direction of travel of the photosensitive material.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) useful for processing photosensitive media (16), such as photosensitive strips or sheets, in a corrosive environment has a transport mechanism (50) that includes first and second rollers (12, 14) each having a sleeve portion (26, 36) with bushings (28, 38) and intermeshing gears (30, 40) arranged thereon. The sleeve portions (26, 36), gears (30, 40) and bushings (28, 38) each comprise a ceramic material that resist wear, abrasion and corrosion when exposed to the corrosive environment.

Abstract: A machine part (24) is provided with a resilient seal (28) having an in-use condition in which the seal (28) protrudes beyond a sealing face (32) of the machine part (24). The seal (28) has an alternative condition in which it is accommodated in a cut-out portion (52) in the sealing face (32) of the machine part (24). The arrangement can be used in an apparatus comprising a number of machine parts, a first machine part (24) being provided with the resilient seal (28) which protrudes beyond a sealing face (32) of the first machine part (24) to seal the first machine part (24) to a second machine part (30). The arrangement enables such an apparatus to be dis-assembled with reduced risk of damaging the seal or tearing it from its mounting.

Abstract: A leader-less type photographic film automatic developing apparatus is described which provides for a maximally narrowed spacing between the centers of the development lines for respective films which can develop a plurality of kinds of film having different widths such as a 135 size film and an APS film. The apparatus includes a first development line for drawing a 135 size film from a film cartridge or the like and developing it, and a second development line for drawing an APS film from a special magazine and developing it. These lines are arranged in parallel to each other. The film cartridge and the special magazine are mounted on a common container holding table which is movable along a direction normal or oblique to the direction of the development lines.

Abstract: Exposed photographic film is washed in a multi-stage arrangement in which the film is guided through a container of solution and transferred from one stage to the next via air bubbles. The surface of solution that is exposed to the ambient atmosphere is minimized so that oxidation of the solution and the quantity needed is minimized.

Abstract: A method for processing a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material is disclosed. The method comprises the step of processing a color silver halide photographic material by a processing apparatus having the first processing tank in which the light-sensitive material is firstly processed, a turning portion positioned outside the processing solution between the first processing tank and the next processing tank, wherein the silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material has a coated silver amount of from 3 g/m.sup.2 to 10 g/m.sup.2, and a value of R.times.L.sub.1 /S is within the range from 1.5 to 5.0, or a value of L.sub.1 .times.K/S is within the range of from 26 to 70, when R is a curvature radius in centimeter of the turning portion, L.sub.

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

Abstract: An imaging element (15, 122) comprising on a lithographic base at least one radiation sensitive or heat-sensitive layer composition, is image-wise exposed to radiation or heat. The composition is such that when exposed and developed, a lithographic surface is formed. The exposed imaging element is then passed through a closed treatment cell (26, 64, 66) in a processing apparatus in which the imaging element is brought into contact with a single developing fluid (44, 124). The closed treatment cell (26; 64, 66) comprises a housing (24; 114) having an entrance (28; 116) and an exit (30; 118) each closed by a path-defining roller (32; 128) in contact with a reaction surface (33; 130) to form a nip (34; 136) therebetween, through which the plate path (36; 72) extends. Sealing means (38; 138, 139) seal each path-defining roller (32; 128) to the housing.

Abstract: A processing apparatus and method combines thin channel and nozzle technology, as well as cascading processing solution flow. The processing apparatus includes a base member that defines at least one opening which has a longitudinal axis that extends at an angle with respect to a horizontal axis, and at least one rack member which is removably insertable in the at least one opening. When inserted in the at least one opening, a processing path is defined between an inner surface of the opening and an outer surface of the rack member. The openings are configured so as to provided for a compact arrangement and the rack members are removable in a manner which facilitates maintenance and repair.

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: The present invention relates to a replaceable coating cartridge and a method of coating at least one surface of a photosensitive material using the replaceable coating cartridge. The method and apparatus can be used in a photographic processing device, and the apparatus can be built into an existing or new photographic processor or added on as an accessory. The method and apparatus are utilized to apply a viscous solution to at least one surface of processed photosensitive materials prior to drying in a manner that allows the solution to be uniformly applied to the at least one surface at a specific thickness. The viscous solution after drying functions as a protective coating which can protect the processed photosensitive material against scratches and moisture.

Abstract: A first roller, which contacts a photographic printing paper with the first roller being formed longer than the width of the photographic printing paper, is disposed at the conveying direction downstream side of the photographic printing paper with respect to a developing tank. A second roller, which contacts the photographic printing paper with the second roller being formed shorter than or equal to the width of the photographic printing paper, is disposed at a position at which the photographic printing paper can be nipped by the first and second rollers. The first and second rollers form squeeze rollers. Because the clearance between the sides of the squeeze rollers in the widthwise direction of the photographic printing paper is wide, the squeezed processing solution conveyed from the clearance to the downstream side of the photographic printing paper is small.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing photographic material having a delivery device and a removal device for developing fluid as well as an inlet and an outlet for the material to be developed with a narrow conduit that extends from the inlet to the outlet. A transport mechanism for transporting the photographic material to be developed from the inlet through the conduit to the outlet wherein the material to be developed comes into contact with the developing fluid as it is transported through the conduit and is developed. Two half shells are connectable to one another, with each half shell having two plates joined to make the half shell. The apparatus also has a central positive displacement element, which together with the inner wall of the half shells, defines the conduit in which the photographic material is developed. The conduit extends between the positive displacement element and the respective inner wall of the half shell.

Abstract: A rack which can completely expel air remaining in treating solution passages. The rack has a rack body formed with a downward feed path and an upward feed path. A rack plate is provided on the outer side of each feed path. Each plate has treating solution passages extending in a width direction of the plate, and nozzles for blowing treating solution fed into the treating solution passages into the feed paths. An air reservoir is formed in the longitudinal central portion of each treating solution passage. An air vent passage is connected to the top of each air reservoir. If there is any air remaining in the treating solution passages when the rack body is set, such air can be urged into the air reservoirs by treating solution flowing into the treating solution passages and expelled from the air vent passages.

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.