Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a liquid delivery system. The liquid delivery system generally includes a plurality of vessels flexibly coupled to a frame to provide vibration isolation therefrom. In one embodiment, the liquid delivery system includes tubing coupling liquids to/from the plurality of vessels, wherein the tubing is selected to minimize the transmission of mechanical noise to the plurality of vessels. In another embodiment, the liquid delivery system includes a controller adapted to monitor and control the delivery of the liquids throughout the system. In another embodiment, a method is provided to deliver liquids from storage vessels to substrate processing systems.

Abstract: 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.

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: The invention concerns a method of testing the state of development of a photographic film in a light-proof cartridge. According to the invention, the leading edge of the film is pulled out of the cartridge, the film is positioned between a light source and a photosensor, and the amount of light passing between the light source and photosensor is measured. The state of the film is recognized as being undeveloped if a small amount of light passes therebetween.

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 photoresist storage and supply device. The device includes a control unit for generating a number of on/off signals. A number of gas supply valves are open to let gas pass according to the on/off signals. A number of photoresist solution storage vessels store photoresist solution and receive the gas from a corresponding gas supply valve. A buffer vessel receives the photoresist solution, under pressure of the gas, from a selected photoresist solution storage vessel. A liquid level sensor mounted on the buffer vessel detects the solution level in the buffer vessel and generates a control signal when the photoresist solution level in the buffer vessel is below a certain threshold. A gas exhaust valve is coupled to the control unit, and expels gas from inside the buffer vessel according to an on/off signal.

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: 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.