Having Fluid-circulating Means Patents (Class 396/626)
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Patent number: 6402398Abstract: A photographic material processing apparatus and method provides for a homogeneous application of processing solution which leads to homogeneous development. The apparatus utilizes a spreader member in the form of, for example, a spreader bar that applies a limited quantity of developer solution to photographic material such as imagewise exposed film. A pressure member in the form of, for example, a weighted roller or spring-loaded roller acts a squeegee roller and improves contact of the film with a support and/or a heating source. A roller arrangement which includes at least the spreader member and pressure member is configured to enable multiple contacts of the spreader member and pressure member with the photographic material to aid in the agitation of the applied developer solution. In a further embodiment, an additional member in the form of, for example, a mixer member can be utilized to further agitate the applied solution.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Richard P. Szajewski, Wanda K. Swartz
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Patent number: 6402397Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Walter D. Foley, Daniel C. Davis
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Patent number: 6384894Abstract: The present invention is a method for developing a substrate by supplying a developing solution from a developing solution supply nozzle onto a surface of the substrate mounted on a predetermined position, and comprises the steps of moving the developing solution supply nozzle from a standby position of the developing solution supply nozzle outside one end of the substrate to at least the other end of the substrate without supplying the developing solution, and thereafter, moving the developing solution supply nozzle from the other end to at least the one end while supplying the developing solution. Therefore, the developing solution supply nozzle which is used once and has a possibility of a drip of the developing solution does not pass above the substrate, so that the developing solution never drips from the developing solution supply nozzle onto the substrate before and after supplying the developing solution for some reason or other.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Yuji Matsuyama, Shuichi Nagamine
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Patent number: 6364544Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2001Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., LTDInventors: Hiroyuki Sasayama, Chikashi Oishi
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Patent number: 6354751Abstract: Device for processing photographic material comprising a plurality of treating baths (1-9) containing developing, bleaching, fixing and stabilizing solutions. During the working operations, the treating baths are successively crossed by the photographic material to be treated. The refilling of the treating baths is obtained by means of pumps (41-47) and pipes (31-37) which draw the treating solutions from each restoring container (11-13) as well as the treating water from a water-reservoir (24). A driving device (50) of the refilling pumps cooperates with the level sensors (S1-S6) of the restoring containers in order to stop the refilling process and to actuate an auxiliary pump (71-73) as soon as one of the restoring containers is empty. The auxiliary pump (71-73) removes the residual treating solutions from the restoring containers through an additional pipe (61-63) connected with each restoring container (11-13).Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: San Marco Imaging S.R.L.Inventors: Fracas Franco, Scodellaro Eni
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Patent number: 6340253Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2000Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Seiji Muranaka, Hiroshi Tanaka, Yoshiyuki Hori
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Patent number: 6318913Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise a new device and technique to realize an improved temperature control for a chemical photoresist developer utilizing a preexisting integrated single reservoir. This improvement is achieved by providing for a modified temperature control unit and procedure. The temperature control unit preferably comprises a plurality of heat exchanger conduits that are each supplied by an inlet manifold, and then exhausted via an outlet manifold. The temperature control unit preferably extends fully within the modified nozzle unit. By utilizing the improved temperature control unit, a first and second volumetric allocation of developer may be issued so that both may be dispensed within a relatively short period of time upon a photoresist layer surface in a temperature controlled state.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventors: Ted Wakamiya, Eric Kent, Vincent L. Marinaro
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Patent number: 6315467Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2000Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chikashi Oishi, Hiroyuki Sasayama, Takashi Nakamura, Shuichi Takamiya
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Publication number: 20010036367Abstract: A recirculating system including a fluid supply tank with a plurality of flow sites for directing flow in and out of the tank along with a pump for driving the fluid flow and a set of fluid connectors providing fluid communication between such tank and a medical image processor which is particularly useful for sustaining prolonged operation of such processor during times of inadequate water supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Inventors: Kenneth S. Wrye, David W. Crowe
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Patent number: 6305854Abstract: A method of processing photosensitive material which passes through at least two processing solutions in which the material is rinsed after passing through a first solution and prior to passing through the second solution. The mixture of rinse solution and recovered first solution is returned to the process cycle to replenish the first solution.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1999Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Anthony Earle, Peter J. Twist, Nigel R. Wildman, Richard N. Vernon, Charles S. Christ, Jr.
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Publication number: 20010031146Abstract: Multiple widths of fluid may be extruded onto portions of material without requiring a complex reconfiguration of the system or replacing the extruding device. In at least one embodiment, various extrusion widths are provided by altering the angle at which materials are guided with respect to the extruding device along a lateral plane with the extruder. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for the manipulation of the position of the extruding device with respect to the material, or alternately, by manipulation of the position of the material with respect to the extruding device. Another embodiment provides a single extruder with multiple applicator heads of different sizes. An additional embodiment provides a single coater head with multiple applicator openings of different sizes. Yet another embodiment provides an extruding device capable of moving laterally over the material to achieve the proper angle of approach.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2000Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventors: Michael R. Thering, Joseph B. Gault, John Straigis, Matthew R. Thomas, William C. May
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Patent number: 6302600Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignees: Nagase & Co., Ltd., Hirama Rika Kenkyujo Ltd.Inventors: Hideo Nagase, Shu Ogawa, Kiyoshi Kamibayashi, Makoto Kikukawa, Takahiro Houzan, Toshimoto Nakagawa, Mitsumoto Nakagawa
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Patent number: 6300034Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing an imaged element comprising a support, an image-receiving layer and a silver halide emulsion layer. The apparatus comprises a tank for holding a processing liquid, driving means for propelling the imaged element through the tank, guide means for directing the path of the imaged element through the tank and developer circulation means for promoting circulation of the processing liquid in the tank. The circulation means includes flow control means to provide substantially fresh processing liquid to the surface of the imaged element and to disperse exhausted processing liquid present at the surface of the element, thereby eliminating the difficulties associated with local developer exhaustion and ensuring that consistently high image quality is maintained across the whole area of the imaged element.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1999Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Agfa-GevaertInventors: Simon John Blanchard, Malcolm Bryan Gwilt
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Patent number: 6287026Abstract: A method of replenishing a processing solution by adding the replenisher directly to the surface of the emulsion side of the material to be processed. This accelerates the processing of the material and maintains the sensitometry of the processing solution.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Peter J. Twist
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Patent number: 6276395Abstract: The processing installation comprises a processing machine 12 provided with a tank 14 and a recycling device 22 linked to the tank 14 by a feeding pipe 26 enabling a first pump 24 firmly attached to the recycling device 22 to take the liquid from the tank with a set flow rate, to treat the liquid taken and to send the treated liquid back to the tank through a return pipe 28. The feeding pipe has at least one zone that is situated at a lower level than the tank level and that is provided with two conduits 30 and 32 arranged parallel, and a second pump 34 arranged on one of the two conduits 30 as to automatically un-primed the first pump 24.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Olivier Poncelet, Gilles Clavellier, Pierre Thevenet
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Patent number: 6270267Abstract: A method of developing a photosensitive resin plate comprising, in order to greatly prolonging the service life of a developing solution and increase the number of plates that can be developed using a specified amount of the developing solution, supplying under circulation a developing solution (2) stored in a developer tank (1) and containing a surfactant to the surface of the tank (1), characterized in that a porous sheet (6) impregnated with a defoamer is disposed on or in the vicinity of the liquid surface of the developer tank (1) so that the developing solution (2) dropped from the surface of the photosensitive resin plate (5) passes through the porous sheet (6).Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Nobuo Ogawa, Tsutomu Kojima
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Patent number: 6247856Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Shibano, Yoshihiro Kasho, Kazuo Takahashi
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Patent number: 6238110Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation of a bath (15) for processing photographic material comprises a tank (14) adapted for holding the bath, a container (18) for holding a feedstock fluid and a separator (1) in fluid communication with the container to receive feedstock fluid from the container. The separator comprises a fluid inlet port (2), a liquid outlet (4), a vent opening (3) and means adapted for separating liquid and gas by a cyclone action. The separator provides a manifold for merging inlet flow connections from several containers. The invention provides an apparatus, a method, a manifold, and a use of a manifold.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2000Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Glunz & Jensen A/SInventors: Tommy Jensen, Jens Havn Thorup, Henrik Wegge
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Patent number: 6238109Abstract: A circulating path from a supply pipe to a filter, from the filter through a vent pipe, returning to the supply pipe is formed, and a first three-way valve is provided at the vent pipe. On the other hand, a circulating path from the supply pipe to a discharge pump, from the discharge pump through a purge pipe, returning to the supply pipe is formed, and a second three-way valve is provided at the purge pipe. The first three-way valve and the second three-way valve are switched, thereby performing an operation of removal of bubbles in the piping.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventor: Tomohide Minami
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Patent number: 6231247Abstract: A recirculating system including a fluid supply tank with a plurality of flow sites for directing flow in and out of the tank along with a pump for driving the fluid flow and a set of fluid connectors providing fluid communication between such tank and a medical image processor which is particularly useful for sustaining prolonged operation of such processor during times of inadequate water supply.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2000Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Dow Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth S. Wrye, David W. Crowe
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Patent number: 6228557Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising an aluminium support, an image-receiving layer and a silver halide emulsion layer. The apparatus comprises a tank for holding a processing liquid, at least one set of driving rollers, at least one guide roller or guide plate and means for providing direct electrical contact between the lithographic printing plate precursor and other electrically conducting surfaces in the apparatus which are in contact with the processing liquid. A method of processing a lithographic printing plate precursor using the apparatus is also disclosed. Undesirable electrochemical cell formation during processing, and the consequent deleterious effects on silver image formation, are prevented and subsequent problems with poor plate run length can therefore be avoided.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Agfa-GevaertInventors: Simon John Blanchard, John Michael Kitteridge
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Patent number: 6224273Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Mario Ferrante
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Patent number: 6217238Abstract: A compact and energy efficient apparatus for processing and drying an elongated strip of photographic film having a succession of film processing tanks containing selected processing liquids; drive system which advances the film strip endwise through the tanks to selected depths in liquids corresponding to required exposure times of the film to the different liquids while reducing the tank to tank contamination caused by the transport of treatment of liquids from tank to tank, and a heater system which reuses the waste heat generated by the mechanical and electrical components of the apparatus to dry the film strip as it emerges from the successive processing tanks.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Phototrader, Inc.Inventors: Nando Alfonso Mastrodicasa, David Bradley Marett
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Patent number: 6213657Abstract: An automatic processor for a silver halide light sensitive photographic material is disclosed. The automatic processor comprises at least two reservoirs storing partial processing compositions separately, and a supply means to supply each of said partial compositions to said silver halide light-sensitive photographic material after mixing said partial compositions.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1998Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Konica CorporationInventor: Hiroaki Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6193424Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Ogiso
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Patent number: 6186681Abstract: A thermoelectric Peltier heat transfer device is used to treat a fluid, such as a photographic processing solution to reduce or prevent biogrowth. The device include both hot and cold sides that are in direct fluid flow communication so that the same fluid is treated on both sides of the device. The treated fluid is subjected to flash pasteurization on the hot side of the device, and immediately and rapidly cooled on the cold side without loss of volume. Thus, the same fluid is treated on both sides of the heat transfer device in a closed system before being returned to desired chemical, photographic or other processes.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Albert R. Szembrot, Charles S. Christ, Daniel C. Davis
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Patent number: 6183147Abstract: A process solution supply system, comprising a process solution supply source from which a process solution is supplied, an intermediate storage mechanism for temporarily storing the process solution supplied from the process solution supply source and for supplying the process solution with predetermined pressure applied thereto, and a fluid supply mechanism for supplying the intermediate storage mechanism with a fluid which applies pressure to the process solution stored in the intermediate storage mechanism, the intermediate storage mechanism including a vessel which has an introduction port and a discharge port for the process solution, stores the process solution supplied through the introduction port and can discharge the process solution, and a compressing member, arranged inside the vessel to be located between the process solution and the fluid supplied from the fluid supply mechanism, for permitting pressure of the fluid to act on the process solution.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Yoshio Kimura, Takahiro Okubo
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Patent number: 6176628Abstract: Apparatus for processing photographic material comprises a succession of processing regions formed by inclined planes extending between sets of rollers. As the material is driven up the planes with its emulsion side down, wash solution flows down beneath it. The length of each plane can be different so that the material is washed for different times in each region, achieving chemical equilibrium in the final region before passing on to the drying stage.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1998Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Henry H. Adam, Anthony Earle, Leslie R. Wells
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Patent number: 6165690Abstract: A method of development is disclosed, wherein printing plate precursors capable of being exposed with an infrared laser can be developed over a prolonged period without causing image defects, etc. The method comprises conducting the development of a photosensitive lithographic printing plate precursor using an automatic developing apparatus having a substantially closed developing tank in which a developing solution is introduced and a conveying means for conveying the plate precursor disposed within the developing tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Susumu Yoshida, Tadao Toyama, Keitaro Aoshima
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Patent number: 6152618Abstract: An apparatus for the processing of photographic material, and in particular for the development of photographically exposed plates intended for printing plates in a printing operation, comprises an upwardly open tank (5) containing a bath of liquid, conveyor means for conveying the plates (2) along a path (4) in which they are descended obliquely down into the bath and withdrawn again, and at least one movable brush (9) for brushing the top face of the plate. According to the invention the brush is enclosed in a downwards open cavity (12) which has its lower edge immersed into the bath and which is evacuated in order that liquid is sucked thereinto. The invention also comprises a washing apparatus and a method for the processing of photographic material.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Glunz & Jensen A/SInventors: Tommy Jensen, Finn Hougaard, Henrik Bockmann Petersen
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Patent number: 6137965Abstract: The invention relates to a container 1 for receiving and distributing liquids, which are employed in the development of photographic images. The container 1 comprises a liquid duct 2, which extending from a point in the vicinity of the floor of the container, extends to a connection member 3, arranged in the top region of the container, for receiving a connection means.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: GID GmbHInventors: Werner Burgeios, Georg Daffner
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Patent number: 6132114Abstract: A photo film processor has a bath component, which contains processing liquid and processes photo film by use of the processing liquid. A processor body contains the bath component. A replenisher supply device has two cartridge holders loadable with two replenisher cartridges, which contain replenisher liquid for adjustment of the processing liquid. Two tanks store the replenisher liquid having flowed out of the replenisher cartridges. A maintenance opening is formed in the processor body. A panel is secured to the maintenance opening movably between closed and open positions. On the panel, the cartridge holders and the tanks are mounted. The panel, when in the closed position, closes the maintenance opening, and when in the open position, is positioned outside the maintenance opening, for allowing inspection and/or maintenance of the bath component.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1999Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Aso, Tetsuya Ishizuka
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Patent number: 6126339Abstract: In an apparatus for automatically processing a silver halide photographic light sensitive material by plural processes, provided with a conveyor for relatively conveying the material to the plural processes; and a processing solution supplying device for supplying a processing solution onto the material in at least one of the plural processes, the processing solution supplying device having plural jetting channels, each jetting channel comprising a jetting chamber in which the processing solution is accommodated, a jetting head provided with plural orifices each communicating with the jetting chamber, and a converting element to change the volume of the jetting chamber so that the processing solution is jetted through the plural orifices from the jetting chamber to an outside; each orifice has a length L and a diameter R and a ratio (L/R) is made within a range of 5 to 200.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1999Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Konica CorporationInventor: Hiroaki Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6126336Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1997Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Photomeca/EggInventor: Mario Ferrante
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Patent number: 6120195Abstract: When level sensors detect the fall of the levels of treatment liquids from standard levels to supply levels while a photo-developing apparatus having treatment tanks containing treatment liquids is in operation, water supply devices are activated to supply water to the standard levels in the respective treatment tanks. When the photo-developing apparatus is restarted after a suspended time, the water supply devices are activated to supply amounts of water corresponding to predicted evaporation amounts of the treatment liquids within a time set in relation to the suspended time. A sufficient development stability can be ensured by keeping the concentrations of the treatment liquids at proper values even at an operation starting point, such as when the photo-developing apparatus is restarted.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsukasa Nakano
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Patent number: 6120194Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1999Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Metafix Inc.Inventors: Denis Brunelle, John Riviere, Bernard Gravel, Jian Min Ren
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Patent number: 6106169Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for washing exposed photographic material in less time and with a reduced replenishment rate compared with conventional processing. Multi-stage counter-current washing is employed, in which the time that the material spends in each stage is such that equilibrium of chemical concentration between solution contained in the material and solution contained in the stages (a) is reached in the final stage, but (b) is reached in fewer than all the stages, and wherein the material resides in at least one stage for a time that is different from that in at least one other of the stages. Preferably the longest time is spent in the final stage. The time distribution throughout the stages can be optimized to produce a final tank concentration comparable to that obtained with conventional processing.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Henry H. Adam, Gareth B. Evans
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Patent number: 6106166Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Robert W. Spurr, Timothy J. Tredwell, Lynn D. Dann, Arthur A. Whitfield
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Patent number: 6102588Abstract: An apparatus for the processing of photographic sheet material comprises a plurality of treatment cells (12.sup.1, 12.sup.2, 12.sup.3) mounted one beside another to define a substantially horizontal sheet material path (14). Each cell comprises a housing (16) having a sheet material inlet (18) and a sheet material outlet (20) each being closed by a rotatable path-defining roller (28) biased into contact with a reaction surface (26) to form a nip (30) there-between through which the sheet material path (14) extends. The apparatus is characterized by sealing means (33) to seal each path-defining roller (28) to the housing (16) and means (36) to define a static liquid level (S) above the nip plane (P).Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1996Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Agfa-GevaertInventors: Bartholomeus Verlinden, Patrick Van den Bergen
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Patent number: 6102589Abstract: A method of processing an exposed black-and-white silver halide photographic film material, the method having the steps of developing in a developer solution, fixing in a fixer solution, replenishing of fixer and developer solution, rinsing in a washing solution and drying, characterized in that fixing is performed in one step and under such conditions that a "silver equilibrium ratio" of less than 2.0 is maintained, the said ratio being defined as the ratio between actual by the film material in the rinsing step through carry-over (cross-over) of silver from the fixing solution to the washing solution and amount of silver brought into the washing solution and the total amount of silver that theoretically could be brought into the washing solution by the film material by such carry-over; a "fixer to film silver ratio" of less than 0.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert, N.V.Inventors: Frank Michiels, Benedictus Jansen
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Patent number: 6092938Abstract: Photographic processing apparatus feeds photographic material downwards between successive pairs of drive rollers. Processing solution is directed into the nips of the rollers. A nozzle at each end of the roller pairs directs compressed air into the nips so as to prevent the solution overflowing at the ends of the rollers.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1998Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Anthony Earle, Leslie R. Wells
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Patent number: 6086270Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Anthony Earle, Leslie R. Wells, Henry H. Adam
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Patent number: 6082909Abstract: Black-and-white elements, such as radiographic films, can be processed in roomlight because they include certain light absorbing dyes and desensitizers. Processing of such elements can be achieved using a processing kit and a two-stage process carried out in the same light- and fluid-tight processing apparatus. In the first stage, development is initiated with a developing composition having a pH of from about 10 to about 12.5, and comprising an appropriate black-and-white developing agent and a sulfite. After an appropriate time, a non-sulfite fixing agent is introduced into the processing apparatus or container to provide a combined developing/fixing composition, and development and fixing are carried out simultaneously. The processing method is carried out quickly, usually within about 90 seconds. The presence of sulfite and high pH in both stages decolorizes or deactivates the particulate dyes.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Alan S. Fitterman, Robert E. Dickerson, Peter J. Kelch, Ronald J. Perry, David G. Sherburne, James T. Samuels
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Patent number: 6071020Abstract: An apparatus, having relatively low capital cost, for the processing of photographic sheet material (22) comprises a plurality of closed treatment cells (12.sup.1, 12.sup.2, 12.sup.3, 12.sup.4) and a sheet material path (20) extending through the cells in sequence. A following cell (12.sup.3) has a treatment liquid inlet (40) and a treatment liquid outlet (42). The treatment liquid outlet (42) is connected to a treatment liquid inlet (44) of a preceding cell (12.sup.2) by way of a connecting passage (46). A single pump (48) is sufficient to transfer treatment liquid through the cells.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Agfa-GevaertInventors: Bartholomeus Verlinden, Patrick Van den Bergen
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Patent number: 6058954Abstract: It is known to supply solution to a process and to collect effluent therefrom using `bag-in-box` arrangement each having a predetermined volume. However, if the process must be supplied with greater volumes of solution, the use of larger `bag-in-box` arrangements is limited by weight restrictions that an operator can handle. Described herein is a method of using a number of `bag-in-box` arrangements coupled together to provide a larger volume of replenisher solution to a process and to collect of effluent therefrom than would be the case if only a single `bag-in-box` arrangement is used. An automatic changeover system can be utilised which allows the process to be supplied with a greater volume of solution than that which corresponds to the legal weight limit without having to empty the supply `bag-in-box` arrangements into a large replenisher tank.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1996Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Edward Charles Glover, Anthony Earle, Christopher Barrie Rider
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Patent number: 6053643Abstract: In a container for storing plural different kinds of photosensitive material processing agents provided with a first storing room having a first opening; a second storing room having a second opening; a third storing room having a third opening; a first flange section to enclose the periphery of the first opening; a second flange section to enclose the periphery of both the second opening and the third opening; and a cover member to cover the first opening, the second opening and the third opening, the second storing room is located between the first storing room and the third storing room and a first distance between the first storing room and the second storing room and is made larger than a second distance between the second storing room and the third storing room.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1999Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: Konica CorporationInventors: Kiyokazu Tanahashi, Nobuaki Takahashi, Toshio Kato, Michihide Murase, Hideo Kobayashi, Naoki Shimizu, Osamu Shibazaki, Tomohiro Uchida, Masahiko Taguchi
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Patent number: 6053642Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Katsuhiko Tanaka
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Patent number: 6048112Abstract: A processor for photographic emulsion carrier is disclosed in which the emulsion carriers are transported sequentially first though a plurality of processing stages and the through a washing unit. A rinse unit is placed between two processing stages. The rinse unit and the washing unit are connected with each other so that the rinse water from the rinse unit reaches the washing unit in a controllable way.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1998Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert AGInventors: Christoph Jung, Rainer Schuster
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Patent number: 6045273Abstract: An apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material, the apparatus having plural processes of at least a developing process, a bleaching process and a fixing process, comprises a supplying device to supply a processing solution to a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material in at least one process of the plural processes, whereby a point of the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material is supplied with the processing solution during a supplying time, wherein the point of the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material is processed during a processing time in the process and the supplying time is not longer than 70% of the processing time; and a heater to heat the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material in such a manner that a surface temperature of the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material when the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material is supplied with the processing solution by the supplying device is 40.degree.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1998Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Konica CorporationInventors: Moeko Hagiwara, Yutaka Ueda
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Patent number: 6043862Abstract: A wet-type plate-making machine is disclosed in which the amount of a developer in a developing tank and the toner concentration of the developer are maintained constant. In accordance with the detection values of two liquid level detection switches mounted in the developing tank, the developer is supplied from a developer refill pump thereby to maintain a constant amount of developer. The toner concentration of the developer is maintained constant by supplying the toner from a toner refill pump when the detection value of a concentration detection unit of light-transmission type is low, and by supplying the developer from a developer refill pump when the detection value of the concentration detection unit is high. In the case where the developer concentration or the toner concentration fails to change in this control operation, an alarm signal is outputted indicating that the developer bottle or the toner bottle, as the case may be, is empty.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1998Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Inventors: Yutaka Ishiyama, Kimiya Yamada, Hiroyuki Nagakura, Eisuke Tsuda