Abstract: 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.

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

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

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

Abstract: A processing apparatus and method for processing photosensitive material includes processing paths which comprise downwardly inclined and upwardly inclined portions with respect to a conveying direction of photosensitive material. The processing paths are thin channel paths and are oriented so as to provide for a compact processor. Also, the processing apparatus includes several processing sections which are structured to permit an easy assembly and disassembly of the apparatus and thereby facilitate maintenance. The processing apparatus combines the concept of cascading solution flow and nozzle delivery of processing solution for recirculation and replenishment.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for processing photosensitive material combines thin channel technology with nozzles, and an inclined processing path. Processing solution can be introduced into the inclined processing path so as to cause the solution to flow along the inclined processing path in a direction which is opposite to a direction of travel of the photosensitive material in the inclined processing path. With the arrangement of the present invention, photosensitive material can be processed in the first processing path by way of the nozzle spray arrangement and can be subjected to further processing along the inclined processing path.

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

Abstract: A housing (10) defines a liquid treatment chamber (12). The chamber (12) has entrance and exit openings (16, 18) each closed by a pair of co-operating path defining rollers (20), rotatable about a horizontal axis (26) and in contact with each other to form a nip (22) through which a material transport path segment (24) extends. Sealing means (28) seal the path defining rollers (20) to the housing (10). A drip tray (30) is so shaped and positioned as to collect treatment liquid dripping from the roller (20), both when the material path segment (24) is vertical and when it is horizontal. The vessel may be connected in a closed manner to one or more further treatment vessels to constitute a apparatus for processing photographic material. The vessel can be successfully used in either orientation.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a developing station (10), a second treatment station (12), a third treatment station (14). A liquid connection (52) is provided between the third treatment station (14) and the second treatment station (12). In a cleaning mode, liquid is fed from the developing station (10) to the third treatment station (14) to assist in cleaning of the third and second treatment stations (12, 14). The apparatus can be cleaned in a particularly convenient and efficient method, enabling optimum use of cleaning liquids and enabling automation of the cleaning process.

Abstract: The vessel (10) comprises a housing (12) having openings (14, 16) closed by pairs of rotatable path-defining rollers (18, 20, 22, 24) through which a sheet material path (30) extends. Liquid level control means (38) define a dynamic liquid level (L) in the treatment chamber (32) above the sheet material path (30). A buffer comprises one or more drip chambers (34, 36) positioned to receive liquid escaping from the treatment chamber (32) through the nips (26, 28) and between the rotatable path-defining rollers (18, 20, 22, 24) and the housing (12). The buffer has a maximum total volume such that a static liquid level (S) is established below the sheet material path (30), without the buffer overflowing. In a non-operative condition, treatment liquid, which escapes through the nips and between the path-defining rollers and the housing, is all retained in the buffer, for later re-use as desired.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an auto developing apparatus for a photosensitive material. The auto-developing-apparatus of this invention includes a treatment tank that is filled with a liquid; a supply unit for supplying the liquid to the treatment tank; a waste liquid tank for storing a waste liquid discharged from the treatment tank; a power supply line for supplying a drive power to the supply unit; and a shut down unit for disconnecting the power supply line when a liquid level in the waste liquid tank reached a predetermined level.

Abstract: A rack for use in a low volume thin tank of a photosensitive web processing apparatus. The rack comprises a plurality of fluid circulation ports in a face of the rack for applying fluid to a photosensitive web during processing. The fluid circulation ports are arranged, in use, to discharge fluid into and withdraw fluid from the tank in which the rack is situated. The rack has a textured surface structure over which the fluid passes in use to provide agitation of the fluid in the tank. Improved processing of the photosensitive web can result, thereby also reducing the time taken to process the web. Additionally, the rack may be modular in construction, thereby facilitating the installation of the rack into the tank of the processing apparatus.

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: An exposed photographic film is processed by being passed from a first tank into a second tank containing processing solution through an air bubble. The solution is supplied to the second tank and is arranged to flow into the first tank, such that the film is processed in a counter-current mode.

Abstract: A process for processing light sensitive photographic materials in which oxidation of replenisher solution in a tubing between replenisher and processing tanks is prevented comprises the steps of processing the light sensitive photographic material in a tank containing a processing solution; and supplying replenisher solution to the processing tank and causing the processing solution to be displaced from the processing tank. Replenisher solution which is supplied to the processing tank is conveyed in a tubing which is coaxial with a further tubing of larger diameter containing a solution of an oxygen scavenger such as a reducing agent which can be provided by displaced processing solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing radiation-sensitive, exposed printing forms into printing plates is disclosed. The apparatus has a developer pan in which a developer bath 2 is situated. The individual printing form runs through the developing station of this apparatus in a running-through plane. On both sides of the running-through plane there are a first pair of transport rollers, two brushing rollers with their counter-rollers and a second pair of transport rollers at the end of the developing station. Arranged between the first pair of transport rollers and the first brushing roller with its counter-roller, on the underside of the running-through plane, are guide rollers. A closed vessel, filled with developing solution, is connected via a developer circuit and a pump to the developer bath. In the vessel there are a temperature sensor and a measuring electrode for the electric conductivity of the developing solution.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for processing photosensitive material combines thin channel technology with nozzles, and an inclined processing path. Processing solution can be introduced into the inclined processing path so as to cause the solution to flow along the inclined processing path in a direction which is opposite to a direction of travel of the photosensitive material in the inclined processing path. With the arrangement of the present invention, photosensitive material can be processed in the first processing path by way of the nozzle spray arrangement and can be subjected to further processing along the inclined processing path.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly includes a channel or tubular member that has openings or slots along its length to permit a passage of solution flowing within the channel or tubular member therethrough. A partition or splitter member is positioned within the channel or tubular member and has a cross-section that outwardly diverges in a direction from an inlet of the channel or tubular member to an end of the channel or tubular member downstream of the inlet. This serves to equalize a pressure of the solution along the length of the channel or tubular member as the solution exits the channel or tubular member through the openings. The nozzle assembly can supply processing solution to a processing path of a processing tank that processes photosensitive material and is structured so as to provide a uniform processing of the photosensitive material within the processing path.

Abstract: A feed rack in which a substantially U-shaped film passage is formed, and disposed in a processing tank such that the processing solution level of the processing tank is located below the top surface of a block by a predetermined dimension so as to reduce the area of contact between the processing solution and outside air. The processing tank is equipped with a solution level regulation tank or replenisher tank in which air-isolating member is floated on a contained solution. Between the replenisher tank and the processing tank are provided a transport mechanism for transporting a replenisher from the replenisher tank to the processing tank and a prevention mechanism for preventing the air-isolating member from entering the processing tank.

Abstract: A light-sensitive material processing apparatus comprises a circulating path through which processing solution in a processing tank is circulated; a pump for circulating the processing solution through the circulating path; and an oxidation promoting section provided to at least one of a part of the processing tank and a part of the circulating path, the oxidation promoting section having a depth shallower than that of the processing tank and a upper portion open to atmosphere, wherein a flow speed of the processing solution at the oxidation promoting section is not slower than 1.times.10.sup.3 mm/min.

Abstract: A photographic processing apparatus and method for processing a photosensitive material. The apparatus comprises a processing tank containing a processing solution through which a photosensitive material is passed for processing. A transport system is provided for transporting of the photosensitive material through the processing solution contained with the tank. The transport system includes at least one transport roller which is partially submerged in the processing solution. The replenishment system includes a dispensing tube for dispensing the replenishment solution directly on the transport roller, such that the replenishment solution is on the roller.

Abstract: A processing assembly includes a processing tank that has a processing path for photosensitive material. The processing tank includes at least one first processing assembly along a downward portion of the processing path and at least one second processing assembly along an upward portion of the processing path. The processing assemblies include a tray assembly and a guide path or slot which extends from the tray assembly. The guide path or slot receives over flow processing solution from the tray assembly and also guides the photosensitive material.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a housing (10) defining a treatment vessel (12.sup.2) having entrance and exit openings (16, 20) defining a sheet material path (22) therethrough. The lower opening (20) is closed by a pair of path-defining rollers (28, 26) biased into contact with each other to form a nip (28) through which the sheet material path (22) extends. The housing (10) includes a collecting chamber (50) positioned to collect treatment liquid which in use falls from the treatment vessel (12.sup.2) through one or both of the openings. The collecting chamber (50) is a closed chamber (50) and means (52) are provided to return treatment liquid from the collecting chamber (50) to the treatment vessel (12.sup.2). The construction has the advantage that the wastage of treatment liquid is reduced without requiring the use of complicated and costly sealing devices.

Abstract: A development processing apparatus includes: a plurality of stock tanks which stores a plurality of types of processing solutions; a small-volume single processing tank including an entrance/exit port for a film which enables the entering/exiting of the film, the processing tank accommodating the film via the entrance/exit port for a film and developing the film in the plurality of types of processing solutions; processing solution supply which supplies the plurality of types of processing solutions from the plurality of stock tanks to the processing tank in a predetermined order; a sensor which measures the temperature of the processing solution within the processing tank; a heater which is disposed at the stock tanks or the processing solution supply and heats the processing solution; and control which is connected to the processing solution supply and the heater and controls the processing solution supply such that the last processing solution supplied to the processing tank is filled within the processing

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: A photographic processing apparatus (100) for processing photographic materials and comprising at least one processing stage (10,20), a washing/stabilizing stage (30), replenishment system (14,15,16,24,25,26,34,35,36) for replenishing each processing and washing/stabilizing stage (10,20,30), and a treatment system (50,60,65,66,70,72) for treating effluent displaced at least from each replenished processing stage (10,20,30) during replenishment. The treatment system (50,60,65,66,70,72) comprises a collecting tank (50) in which the effluent is collected and at least one treatment chemistry holding tank (60) which contains treatment chemistry for the collected effluent. A pump head (66) controlled by a pump-motor (40) is provided for each holding tank and is used to deliver treatment chemistry to the collecting tank (50) in accordance with the amount of photographic material processed.

Abstract: The present invention is for a method for treating photographic waste comprising dispensing at least one photographic waste treatment agent from a holder containing at least one treatment agent receptacle and selectively operable releasing means for releasing at least one photographic waste treatment agent from the treatment agent receptacle into a photographic waste receptacle for treating photographic waste received therein; wherein the holder is capable of being arranged in association with the waste receptacle such that on operation of the releasing means, photographic waste treatment agent is released into the waste receptacle.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include two half shells that can be operably joined together, in whose walls pouches are provided. Two elements, approximately formed as ladders, each include first transport rollers, the two ladderlike elements being configured for insertion in the joined together half-shells. The first transport rollers are disposed on the respective ladderlike elements in such a way that upon insertion of the ladderlike elements into the joined together half-shells, the transport rollers fit into the pouches of the walls of the respective half shells. Exemplary embodiments also include a central element which, after the insertion of the two ladderlike elements, can be placed between the two ladderlike elements to maintain the two ladderlike elements in position and which, together with the respective ladderlike elements and the respective walls of the half-shells, defines a conduit for photographic material to be developed.

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: An automatic film processor is provided for developing high resolution, large sheet-format film in such a manner that fluid flow across the film will be uniform during all phases of film production, in order to avoid gradients, ridge lines and streaking sometimes associated with development of high resolution film. The film processor facilitates the uniform application of chemistry to the film by rapidly applying film-developing chemistry to the film, agitating and washing the chemistry over the film and quickly removing the chemistry from the film.

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: 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 method of processing photographic sheet material comprises passing the sheet material along a sheet material path (20) through a processing apparatus comprising a plurality of processing cells (12, 12', 12"), and causing processing liquid to pass across the surface of the sheet in at least one of the cells. The cell is a closed cell the speed of liquid flow across the sheet material, as measured in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the sheet material path (20), is at least 3 times the speed of the sheet material along the sheet material path (20) and the resultant liquid flow speed is at least 100 mm/sec. The consistency of reaction kinetics at the sheet material surface are improved.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing apparatus includes a processing tank and a rack placed in the processing tank. A processing solution is introduced into the interior of the processing tank through the bottom portion of the processing tank. The processing solution introduced from the bottom portion of the processing tank enters a space formed between a bottom turn cover and a bottom turn guide of the rack, and jets from a jetting opening formed in the bottom turn guide toward a transport path for a photosensitive material. Alternatively, the processing solution introduced from the bottom portion of the processing tank enters the space between the bottom turn cover and the bottom turn guide of the rack, passes through a jetting opening formed in the bottom turn guide and a processing solution jetting passage formed in a rack plate, and jets from a jetting opening formed in the rack plate toward the transport path. Accordingly, the processing solution can be agitated effectively.

Abstract: A developing liquid circulation controlling system includes a circulating pump 61-67 for providing circulation of processing liquid from an upper region of a processing tank 41-47, an auxiliary tank 41a-47a, a circulating passage 51-57, a lower region of the processing tank and then back to the upper region of the processing tank. The circulating pump provides at least two selectable differing circulation amounts. For providing this, the system includes a use condition detecting sensor 10 for detecting at least two different use conditions of the processing tank, and a controller 100, 101 operatively connected with the sensor. The controller sets the circulating pump to a high circulation amount mode when the sensor detects a first use condition and sets the pump to a low circulation amount mode when the sensor detects a second use condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a liquid from a container which has an opening through which the liquid can be removed. The apparatus comprises a lid for the opening in the container, an aperture in the lid through which a tube projects for access to the interior of the container, a liquid-tight seal in the aperture through which the tube passes, with the tube being movable through the seal, at least one opening in the wall of the tube adjacent the end of the tube having access to the interior of the container, a closure arrangement at the end of the tube preventing the passage of liquid through the end of the tube into the container, and an arrangement for preventing the withdrawal of the end of the tube through the aperture in the lid. When the tube has been withdrawn through the seal until prevented from further withdrawal, said opening in the wall of the tube is closed by the seal.

Abstract: A photographic processing apparatus includes a unit for supplying processing liquid to a processing tank, a unit for forcibly draining processing liquid from the tank, a unit for means for measuring an amount of processing liquid in the tank and a unit for supplying water to the tank. The apparatus further includes a unit for determining an amount of water evaporated from the liquid in the tank based on amounts of liquid coming in and out of the tank. The water supplying unit supplies an amount of additional water to the tank based on the amount of water evaporation determined by the evaporation amount determining unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a light sensitive material comprises a conveying roller which provides a drop of water with a contact angle .theta.0 on a surface of the conveying roller, wherein the contact angle satisfies the following relation: 60.degree..ltoreq..theta..ltoreq.160.degree., and a flow-creating device. The conveyor roller and the flow-creating device are adjusted so that the synthetic flow velocity is not slower than 80 mm/sec, wherein a synthetic flow velocity is composed of the conveying speed of the light sensitive material and the flow velocity of the developing solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for processing water wash photopolymer solution includes a washout unit for washing a flexographic printing plate with water, a holding tank for holding an effluent from the washout unit, and a mixing cone for mixing an amount of the effluent supplied from the holding tank with a coagulant so as to coagulate a solid content of the effluent with the coagulant.

Abstract: A modular photographic processor for processing a photosensitive material. The processor comprising a modular processing section containing at least one removable processing tank for holding a processing solution therein, the 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 the inlet port by a first fluid connection and the second end being connected to the outlet port by a second fluid connection. The recirculation system including at least one replaceable fluid processing component which is connected to the recirculation system by a fluid connection, and the replaceable tank and/or component being configured such that they may be easily stacked together to minimize space and provide stability when stacked.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a photosensitive material. The apparatus comprises a narrow processing channel for containing a processing solution for processing of a photographic material passing through the processing channel. A discharge nozzle is provided in the processing channel for dispensing of processing solution against the photographic material as it passes through the processing channel. A step is provided in the processing channel for lifting the leading edge of the photosensitive material from the bottom surface of the processing channel such that the photosensitive material will pass easily by the discharge nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a photosensitive material. The apparatus has a narrow processing channel for containing a processing solution for processing a photographic material. The processing channel has an inlet and an outlet. An entrance fluid retention area is provided adjacent the inlet and an exit fluid retention area is provided adjacent the outlet. A fluid balancing channel is provided which extends between said entrance fluid retention area and said exit fluid retention area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for supplying an image-forming solution, and a method for heating control.

Abstract: A system for processing photographic material has a series of processing vessels containing different water-based processing baths. A reference vessel is mounted on one of the processing vessels and serves to compensate for the evaporation of water from the processing vessels. To this end, the reference vessel accommodates a body of water as well as a float switch having an upper contact and a lower contact. The reference vessel and processing vessels are open at the top and a feeding arrangement is provided to admit water into the respective vessels through their open tops. The feeding arrangement includes one or more pumps connected to a control unit which is further connected to the float switch. When evaporation causes the water in the reference vessel to fall to the level of the lower contact of the float switch, the control unit activates the pump or pumps to replace the water lost from each of the vessels by evaporation.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing device having a processing tank in which is stored a processing solution for processing photosensitive materials. The processing tank is formed such that, given that a tank volume is V milliliters and a path length is L centimeters, a value V/L is less than or equal to 25. A circulating path which circulates the processing solution within the processing tank is provided. A cast heater which heats the processing solution in the circulating path to a predetermined temperature is provided on the circulating path. Accordingly, because the processing tank is long and thin, stores a small amount of processing solution, and has a value V/L of less than or equal to 25, the cast heater heats the processing solution to the predetermined temperature in a short time and stably maintains the predetermined temperature. The photosensitive material processing device is advantageous in terms of cost and environmental preservation.

Abstract: Described herein is a countercurrent multi-tank washing stage (10) for photographic processing apparatus which comprises a first washing tank (500), a last washing tank (100) and at least one intermediate washing tank (200, 300, 400), each washing tank having a recirculation system (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) associated therewith. The first washing tank (500) is positioned upstream from the last washing tank (100). Each of the last washing tank (100) and the intermediate washing tanks (200, 300, 400) is fluidly connected to the recirculation system of an adjacent upstream washing tank (200, 300, 400, 500). Level sensors (112, 114, 212, 214, 312, 314, 412, 414, 512) are provided in each of the washing tanks (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) to control an operating level (116, 216, 316, 416, 516) of washing solution in each of the tanks (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) and a fill level (118, 218, 318, 418) in the last and intermediate tanks (100, 200, 300, 400).

Abstract: It is known to supply processing chemicals for photographic processing apparatus in chemical supply cartridges. These cartridges may include ion-exchange resins for cleaning wash solutions therein before they are delivered to the processing apparatus. However, efficient use of such resins is not always made. Described herein is a method and apparatus which improves the efficiency of use of ion-exchange resins in the wash solution compartment of a chemical supply cartridge.

Abstract: A developing apparatus includes a developing tank (2) for developing photosensitive material, an auxiliary tank (3) communicated with the developing tank, a replenishing container (70) communicated with the auxiliary tank and holding therein processing liquid, a replenishing pump (91-94) for feeding the processing liquid from the replenishing container to the auxiliary tank, a replenishing pump operation instructing unit (100B) for activating the replenishing pump in accordance with a condition of the processing tank. The apparatus further includes a detector (91a-94a) for detecting a work amount of the replenishing pump, a determining unit (100B) for determining whether a cumulative value of detected work amount has reached a preset reference work amount or not and a notifying unit for notifying arrival of the cumulative value at the reference work amount in response to the determining unit.

Abstract: A photographic processing apparatus includes a replenisher supplying mechanism for forcibly supplying a remaining portion of a replenisher if the replenisher remains in a replenisher container or pack when the processing of a predetermined quantity of photosensitive material has been finished and a controlling mechanism which displays an abnormality message on a display if the forcibly supplied quantity of replenisher has exceeded a predetermined quantity. If it is detected that the replenisher pack has become empty before the processing of the predetermined quantity of photosensitive material is finished, the abnormality message is displayed. If all the quantities of replenishers forcibly supplied from a plurality of replenisher packs are not more than predetermined quantities, only a message for replacing the replenisher packs is displayed.

Abstract: A water replenishing device is disclosed which makes it possible to supply the necessary volume of water in response to a decrease in the processing solution in the processing tank due to evaporation. A water supply guide member is attached to an upper part of a processing solution tank. A discharge opening is formed at one end of the water supply guide member. Water supplied from a water replenishing pipe is fed to the water supply guide member and then it is supplied into the processing solution tank. When the processing solution level in the processing solution tank reaches an overflow opening, the excess water supplied to the water supply guide member is discharged outside the processing solution tank through the discharge opening.