Abstract: A high speed motion picture film processor has a developer tank having a positive pressure relative to an ambient air pressure outside of the tank. A gas make-up system adds nitrogen inside of the developer tank while a system of seals minimizes leakage. Two seals are used along a periphery of the developer tank; one is below a sprocket level while the other is above the sprocket level. These two barriers can utilize a liquid reservoir that is filled by operation of the processor with excess liquid returning to the developer tank and they are constructed so as to allow movement. A film entrance sealing device and a film exit sealing device, each with its own housing, are also used with the developer tank; these units use a pair of rollers and a pair of flexible barriers to separate a tank gas chamber from an air chamber which is at a lower pressure and which contains a partial pressure of nitrogen fed into the entrance sealing device.

Abstract: A processor for photographic material includes a multitude of treatment tanks through which the photographic material to be treated is sequentially moved and in which photographic treatment solutions are found during operation, especially developing, bleaching, fixing and stabilizing solutions. The processor includes a refill pump and conduit system for pumping the treatment solutions and the water used from storage containers for treatment solutions and a water tank into the treatment tanks. A refill pump and a corresponding refill conduit is provided for each storage container and the water tank. A control for the refill pumps cooperates with level sensors associated with the storage containers in such a way that the refill process is stopped when one of the storage containers is empty.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for processing an exposed color reversal photographic film. This method enables the water consumption of the washing baths to be limited, the water levels being maintained by a counter-current coming from the bath placed downstream, an equivalent volume of water being discharged through an overflow. The wash waters are recovered and treated by a nanofiltration unit capable of giving a permeate which can be recycled to the washing baths. This method makes it possible to overcome the problem of the presence of tin (II) in the first washing bath supplied with water by a counter-current coming from the reversal bath. This process also makes it possible to overcome the problems of discharges of chemical substances to the drains while maintaining a good sensitometry of the developed films.

Abstract: A processor for photographic material includes a multitude of treatment tanks through which the photographic material to be treated is sequentially moved and in which photographic treatment solutions are found during operation, especially developing, bleaching, fixing and stabilizing solutions. The processor includes a refill pump and conduit system for pumping the treatment solutions and the water used from storage containers for treatment solutions and a water tank into the treatment tanks. A refill pump and a corresponding refill conduit is provided for each storage container and the water tank. A control for the refill pumps cooperates with level sensors associated with the storage containers in such a way that the refill process is stopped when one of the storage containers is empty.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

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: 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.

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: 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: 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: 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 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 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: 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: 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: In an apparatus for dissolving solid processing agent for photographic light-sensitive material in a dissolving tank in which a collecting section for collecting a supplied solid processing agent and a guide member for guiding the supplied solid processing agent to the collecting section, the apparatus comprises a pump for circulating the solution from a suction port and to a jetting port. The jetting port is arranged at a position corresponding to the collecting section so that the solution is jetted toward the solid processing agent collected by the collecting section.

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 photographic sheet material processing apparatus has a plurality of treatment cells (12', 12", 12'") mounted one above another in a vertical stack to define a substantially vertical sheet material path (20) through the apparatus. The apparatus is cleaned by feeding a cleaning liquid to a first cell (12'), allowing at least a portion of said cleaning liquid to pass by gravity from said first cell (12') to at least one further cell (12"), and discharging said cleaning liquid from the apparatus. This process provides a convenient and efficient method of cleaning a vertical photographic sheet material processing apparatus.

Abstract: A float sensor system for a replenishing tank 70 including an injection nozzle 80 attachable to a liquid feeding nozzle 60 of a replenishing device 70 for replenishing processing liquid to a development processing tank unit. This system includes a float 82 provided to the injection nozzle 80 of a replenishing tank 71-74 and movable between a first position and a second position, and a float detecting sensor 64 mounted to the liquid feeding nozzle 60. When an amount of liquid in the replenishing tank attached to the liquid feeding nozzle 60 exceeds a predetermined value, the float 82 is moved to the first position. When the liquid amount is lower than the predetermined level, the float 82 is moved to the second position. Also, the float detecting sensor 64 outputs a float detection signal when the float 82 is located at this second position.

Abstract: Apparatus for exposing and processing a photographic recording material, generally called imaging element, comprising (i) an exposing part, generally called imagesetter, in which the imaging element is imagewise exposed, and (ii) a processing part, generally called processor, in which the imaging element is wet processed, characterized in that the exposed imaging element is fed automatically from the imagesetter into the processor and in that the processing is carried out along a substantially vertical path. Also disclosed is a method for recording an image by using the above described apparatus for exposing and processing an imaging element.

Abstract: An automatic photosensitive material developing machine supplies a solid processing solution to be dissolved according to consumption of processing solution for a silver halide photosensitive material to be treated. The developing machine includes a solid processing solution supplying section for supplying the solid processing solution from a solid processing solution cartridge containing the solid processing solution, and a solid processing solution transferring section for receiving the solid processing solution supplied by the solid processing solution supplying section in a bucket, and for transferring the bucket upward.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a light-sensitive material includes a supply controlling section for controlling an amount of solid processing agents to be supplied per a unit time period in accordance with an amount of the light-sensitive material to be processed per a unit time period.

Abstract: A color filter is produced through the steps of: forming a layer of a color filter material including a colorant dispersed in a photosensitive resin on a substrate; and pre-baking, exposing and developing the color filter material layer to leave a color filter pattern on the substrate. In the developing step, a developer liquid is applied in the form of a curtain onto the exposed color filter material layer on the substrate, the substrate is allowed to stand in a substantially still state and then the substrate is supplied with an ultrasonic wave projected perpendicularly to the substrate while being in contact with the developer liquid. The ultrasonic wave is preferably uniformized by at least two rotating reflection or diffusion plates before it is projected onto the substrate. As a result, the color filter pattern can be developed with little development irregularity even on a large-size substrate.

Abstract: An automatic processor for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material with a processing solution, includes a processing tank containing the processing solution for processing the material; and a circulating path for circulating the processing solution, which communicates with the processing tank. The processor further includes a supplier for supplying a solid composition to the processing tank or the path, in which the expression of V.sub.w .ltoreq.Vf is satisfied, where V.sub.w represents an amount (liter) of the processing solution in a minute in the processing tank and Vf represents an amount (liter) of the processing solution in the path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a photosensitive material. The apparatus has a processing tank for holding and retaining a processing solution, an agitation propeller, and a motor for driving said agitation propeller so as to move the processing solution. The apparatus includes a device for monitoring a characteristic feature of the motor which can be correlated to the level of the processing fluid within the processing tank.

Abstract: An automatic photographic developing apparatus for photosensitive materials includes a number of processing baths which are filled with processing solutions of different types for processing silver halide coated photosensitive materials. A same number of solution tanks communicated with the respective processing baths are provided for supplying the processing solutions, produced by dissolving solid agents, to the respective processing baths. A level sensor is installed in each of the solution tanks which monitors the level of the processing solution in the respective solution tanks. A plurality of shield members are provided, each shield member surrounding and protecting a respective one of the level sensors, and each shield member being detachably mounted to its respective level sensor. Each of the shield members includes a plurality of split members which are separable from each other and which are connectable to each other to surround the respective level sensor.

Abstract: A wet processor comprises a plurality of cells (12, 12', 12") mounted one above the other in a stack to define a substantially vertical sheet material path (20) through the apparatus. Each cell comprises a housing within which is mounted rotatable roller (28) biased towards a reaction surface (31) to define a roller nip (36) there-between through which the sheet material path extends and associated sealing means (38, 39) serving to provide a gas- and liquid-tight seal between roller (28) and reaction surface (31) on the one hand and a wall (14) of the housing on the other. The roller (28) is a drive roller. Alternatively or additionally means (19, 21) are provided for connecting each cell to adjacent cells in the stack in a closed manner. By this simple construction, treatment liquid in one cell is not contaminated by contents of the adjacent cells. Furthermore, consumption of treatment liquids is reduced by reducing the evaporation, oxidation and carbonization thereof.

Abstract: A photographic processing apparatus including a processing tank unit formed with a small volume for holding a processing solution for processing a continuous web of photographic material is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first circulation system having a circulation pump for circulating the processing solution through the tank unit and a second circulation system for mixing a replenisher, supplied through a replenisher supply system, with the processing solution and circulating the mixture through the first circulation system and the tank unit.

Abstract: In an apparatus for processing a light-sensitive material, a plurality of processing tanks are serially arranged along a conveyance passage on which the light-sensitive material is conveyed in a conveying direction. The apparatus comprises a device for replenishing compensation water into a most-downstream tank arranged most downstream among the plurality of processing tanks in terms of the conveying direction under the following inequality:0.ltoreq.(E-C)/(P-R)<0.3E (ml/day): amount of evaporated water from the plurality of processing tanks per day,C (ml/day): amount of the compensation water to compensate the evaporated water,P (m.sup.1 /day): amount of the light-sensitive material processed per day,R (ml/m.sup.2): amount of replenishing processing solution per m.sup.2 of light-sensitive material.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for color photographic photosensitive materials comprises (a) processing tanks comprising a color developing tank, a desilvering tank, a washing tank and/or a stabilizing tank, (b) means for replenishing respective processing tanks, (c) means for controlling an amount of replenishing color developing solution to be charged into the color developing tank in such that an amount of overflow liquid from the color developing tank is at most 400 ml per m.sup.2 of the processed color photographic photosensitive materials, (d) one storage tank for collecting overflow liquids from all of the processing tanks and (e) means for introducing all overflow liquids from the processing tanks into the storage tank. This apparatus is small-size and has only one waste liquid tank with a low cost and a stable capacity without reducing efficiency of recovering silver and generating ammonia gas.

Abstract: In an apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic material with a processing solution, a processing agent supply section is movable between a first position and a second position. On the first position, the supply section is brought in connection with a dissolving section in which the agent is dissolved, and on the second position, the supply section is disconnected from the dissolving section. The supply section includes an accommodation member in which the agent is stored, and a supply member to supply the agent into the dissolving section on the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic material with a processing solution comprises a guide passage constructing member provided between a solid agent replenishing device and a processing solution in a tank. The guide passage constructing member forms a guide passage enclosed with an inner wall surface thereof so as to guide a dropped solid processing agent along the enclosed guide passage into the processing solution. The guide passage constructing member is so arranged that a part of the enclosed guide passage is inclined to a horizontal plane and has a ventilating opening to communicate between an enclosed space in the enclosed guide passage and an outer space of the enclosed guide passage.

Abstract: A photographic processing machine has at least two processing tanks for holding different processing solutions and a removable container containing at least two working strength processing solutions in separate sub-containers. The sub-container which feeds the first used processing tank comprises a level detector. When the level falls to a predetermined limit, an indicator means is activated signaling the necessity for changing the processing solution container.

Abstract: A method of processing an imagewise exposed photographic silver halide material in a machine containing a number of non-replenished processing tanks or processing tanks that are supplied from a non-replenished source, the method wherein the silver halide comprises at least 95% by weight silver chloride and processing in each tank is carried out with sufficient agitation to avoid the need for replenishment.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for processing a photographic sheet (9) which comprises at least one station (4) with inlet and outlet pressure roller pairs (42 to 45) for transporting the sheet, spray means (22) for spraying processing liquid (21) onto at least one surface of the sheet, characterised in that the station (4) comprises sealing means for maintaining a liquid seal (58, 59) between at least one roller of at least one roller pair and an adjacent wall of the washing station. Also provided is an apparatus for making an offset printing plate according to the silver salt diffusion transfer process, using the described station (4) as washing station. Also provided is a method for making an offset printing plate using the above described apparatus for processing an imaging element.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material with a processing solution is disclosed, comprising a processing tank containing the processing solution and replenishing means for replenishing the processing solution during the course of processing, wherein the replenishing means comprises two replenishing tanks each connected to the processing tank; a solid processing composition and water are supplied to each of the replenishing tanks to prepare a replenishing solution therein; while replenishment is being made from one of the replenishing tanks, the solid processing composition is supplied, together with water, to another replenishing tank to prepared another replenishing solution therein, and the preparation of the replenishing solution and replenishment thereof are repeated alternately in each of the replenishing tanks to perform continuous replenishment.

Abstract: A photographic processing machine having at least two processing tanks for holding different processing solutions and a removable container (100) containing working strength processing solutions and a washing-stabilizing solution in separate sub-containers (10-50) therein from which the processing tanks are fed, wherein the last sub-container that feeds the washing-stabilizing tank comprises electrodes (70 and 80) and, in that when the resistance falls to a predetermined value, an indicator means is activated signalling the necessity for changing the processing solution container.

Abstract: It is well known to process photographic materials in web and sheet form by passing the material through a photographic processor which comprises a plurality of processing stages. The material being processed is substantially immersed in the solution in each of the processing stages which results in the use of large volumes of processing solutions. Described herein is a multi-tank processing bath which utilizes low volumes of processing solution and in which the rate of flow of processing solution through the multi-tank processing bath is matched with the transport speed of the material being processed so that the processing solution effectively travels with the portion of the material being processed which it encounters when first introduced into the processing bath. This means that the processing solution is fully exhausted by the time it reaches the end of the processing bath and can be discarded. This ensures that each part of the material being processed has new processing solution.