DE2358731A1 - METHOD FOR DEVELOPING A PIECE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM THAT IS IN A WINDOW OF A CARRIER, AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD - Google Patents

Description

PATENT LAWYERS

Dr.-fng. Wolff
H. Bartels

Dipr.-Chem. Dr. Brandes 3 5873 1 Dr.-fng. hero

Dipf.-Phys. VVofff

7 Stuttgart 1, Lange Strasse Γ.1

Tel. (0711} 29 S310 and 25 72 95

Telex 07 22312 (patwod)

Telegram address:

«Χ 07 22a 12 wolf f Stuttgart

Postal check account Stuttgart 7211 BLZ 600 100 70
Deutsche Bank AG, 14/286 SO BLZ 600 700 70

Börozeii: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. except saturdays

November 22, 1973

Our reference: 124 199/487333 kdk

Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, New York State,
United States of America

A method of developing a piece of photographic film, which is located in a window of a card serving as a carrier and a device for carrying out the method

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The invention relates to a method of developing an exposed photographic film piece _; which is arranged in an aligned position on a window recessed in a card serving as a carrier, the film piece being supplied with at least one treatment fluid while at the same time being prevented from being taken up by the card. The invention also relates to a device for performing this method.

Processes of the type mentioned above are already known. To prevent the acting on the piece of film of the card Treatment fluid is absorbed by the card, causing damage to the cardboard, which is usually made of cardboard So-called "window cards" would be caused by swelling, denting or the like. This can be done in a known manner (see U.S. Patent 3,423,204) that a treatment head is used that has knife-like cutting edges which are sealingly applied to the outer edges of the emulsion layer of the film piece. This will make the central area of the emulsion layer of the piece of film to be developed opposite the outer edge areas of the emulsion layer isolated so that treatment solutions can be applied to the piece of film between the cutting edges. It is true that this effectively protects the card material from the influence of treatment solutions. It does occur, however it has other disadvantages. One disadvantage is that only. that lying within the range of the cutting edges Area of the emulsion layer can be developed. The entire surface area of the piece of filin can therefore not be used can be used to record information. In many cases it is necessary to change the optics of the devices by means of which the piece of film is exposed to change so that the image field is squeezed into a smaller area. Further-

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the cutting edges must have an extremely uniform course, a very good surface finish and have a correspondingly high dimensional accuracy so that the cutting edges can act as a seal in the desired manner. It ' This disadvantageously results in considerable costs for the manufacture and maintenance of such devices. The cutting edges must be continuously monitored during operation. Furthermore, the cutting edges can be attached to the emulsion layer stick, which means that small pieces of the emulsion layer are drawn along with them when they are removed. When developing The next piece of film attached to a card can then be formed by the previously taken emulsion piece prevent a perfect sealing connection between the cutting edges and the piece of film and thus the risk of damage cause of the card in question. The cutting edges> must also be made relatively thin, in order that they do not cover too large an area of the surface of the emulsion layer of the film piece, on the other hand

- ζ but
the cutting edges / should rest flat on the emulsion layer in order to avoid cutting or scratching the layer if possible. It can be seen that this disadvantageously gives rise to a number of serious problems.

Another disadvantage is that the masking of the film piece caused by the cutting over all of the card Maintain the necessary treatment steps must stay. This entails the need for all treatment steps to be carried out at a single treatment station must be or that, if you do not want this, the masking edges together with the relevant card of, have to be transported from one treatment station to the next, which is an additional complication,

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reduces operational safety and the costs for which Facility increases. . ·

Finally, there are disadvantages due to the fact that

an edge region of the emulsion layer remains undeveloped. This is not only unsightly in terms of appearance, but also brings with it pollution problems because the Emulsion layer is much softer in the undeveloped edge area than is the case in the developed area. at Subsequent evaluation of the piece of film in a reader can result in difficulties because flakes or peel emulsion scraps from the unhardened area of the emulsion layer, thereby recording on the piece of film cover or contaminate the optics of the evaluation device.

In order to avoid these problems, as is known from the German Offenlegungsschrift 2 111 756, one has proceeded to the card in the area adjoining the window with a fluid-impermeable coating, for example with a plastic coating. In this case, a treatment head can seal against this coating on the card are created so that treatment solutions can be applied in the area of the window of the card without that the card can accommodate these treatment solutions. the essential difficulties of the previously discussed known method are thereby eliminated, in disadvantageous For catfish, however, a card provided with a fluid-impermeable coating is required. For the production A finished card therefore requires an additional work step with a corresponding expenditure of materials. So becomes the advantage that the entire exposed area of the film piece can be developed, with the disadvantage that it is higher costs incurred.

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Invention has for its object to provide a method

of the type in question, which makes it possible to develop the entire exposed area of the film piece without using a card would have to be provided with a fluid-impermeable coating.

In a method of the type mentioned at the outset, this is The object of the invention is achieved in that when using. a card made of compressible material, an area of the card surrounding the window thereof to prevent the Ingestion of treatment fluid is compressed and thereby is made impervious to the treatment fluid. By this compression, which is carried out in a simple manner during the treatment of the film piece with the relevant treatment ' fluid can be made> essentially the same effect is achieved as was previously achieved by applying the fluid-impermeable Coating was achieved. Thus, the disadvantages of the known method in which only a part the exposed surface of the film piece is developable, avoided without a fluid-tight coating on the card would have to be applied without this advantage having to be paid for by a corresponding cost disadvantage.

There is no need to compress the relevant areas of the card during the entire course of the treatment to be carried out continuously. One can, for example, proceed in such a way that one takes at a first treatment station Compression of the relevant areas of the card carries out a treatment with a first treatment fluid that Compressing then finished the card to another Spends handling station, there again compresses the relevant areas of the card and the piece of film of the card

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treated there with another treatment fluid.

The invention is also based on the object of creating a simply constructed device with which the indicated Process is economically feasible.

This object is achieved in the device according to the invention by a treatment body, the at least the exposed one at edge areas that delimit an area Comprises surface of the piece of film, has surfaces for bearing against an area of the card surrounding the window, by a pressing device, by means of which the on the surfaces the area of the card adjacent to the edge areas can be acted upon with compressive force, as well as by a device for Feeding at least one treatment fluid into the area located between the edge areas of the treatment body.

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The invention is explained in detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing. ·

Show it:

1 shows a partially broken away and schematically simplified drawn perspective View of an embodiment of a device for performing the method according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a broken and partly schematically simplified cross-section through part of the device according to FIG. 1;

Fig. 3 partly broken off and cut open

Drawn view of a valve device V for use with the devices described here and

FIG. 4 shows a partial section similar to FIG. 2

by a modified embodiment.

Since photographic film processing equipment and the like Operation per se are known, this is aimed at Description mainly of those parts of such devices that belong directly to the invention or are more closely related to this. It goes without saying that parts not specifically shown or described formed in the usual way known to the person skilled in the art could be"

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If within the scope of the present description and claims the term "treatment fluid" is used, this term is intended to denote not only photographic developing solution and fixing solution, but also liquid ones or gaseous fluids for washing and drying the photographic ones previously treated with processing solutions Materials denote / so for example water and air as well as other common fluids used in the context of photographic Development process to apply.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, a so-called window card 10 is shown shown. The window card IO has a compressible card part made of cardboard on which alphanumeric data can be recorded. Inside the card is one Opening or a window 14 cut out. A piece of film 18 is in alignment with the window 14 in the Area of the window arranged in that it is glued on by a suitable adhesive 16. As best seen in Fig. As can be seen, a shoulder 20 of reduced thickness is provided around the edge of the window 14, through which a Recessed contact surface is formed for the piece of film 18, which is attached to this so that the emulsion side of the film piece 18 facing the shoulder 20 of the window card.

A development station 22 for window cards from which in FIG. 1 shows a piece in a perspective illustration, has a housing 24 with a table 26. With the Table 26 is connected to a developing plate 28, which is in a

right away
/ Above the table 26 extending plane arranged

is, as can best be seen from Fig. 2 and in the two elongated, mutually spaced from each other arranged openings 30 and 32 are recessed.

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The openings 30 and 32 are by casting or compression molding generated in the developing plate 28 and on both opposite sides Arranged ends of the same, their spacing substantially corresponding to the width of the window 14. the end For reasons outlined below, the development plate 28 is slightly larger in size than its counterpart Dimensions of the window 14.

A turret 34 is disposed above the table 26 and includes means for aligning the window cards 10 with the developing station 22 and, more particularly, for positioning the film piece 18 in an aligned position relative to the developing plate 28. The turret 34 is provided with at least one card holder 36, which has a device for holding a window card IO in the usual way, for example a suction cup or a recess 38, which can be seen in Fig. 2, through a suction device is operable. The turret 34 is attached to a rotatable shaft 40 and can perform a rotary movement as well as be lowered and raised in the vertical direction. In Fig. 1, only the upper end of the shaft 40 is shown. However, this is, preferably at its lower end, connected to a drive motor, not shown. This drive motor gives the shaft 40 a rotary or indexing movement in order to align a window card IO over the development station 22. The drive motor also causes the shaft 40 to move vertically to align the film piece 18 with the developing plate 28. As indicated in Fig. 1, downwardly projecting alignment pins 42 are provided on the card holder 36, which engage in associated alignment holes A4 in the table 26 to ensure precise alignment.

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Because the developing plate 28 is taller than the table 26 and because the developing plate 28 is larger in size is slightly larger than the window 14, when the turret 34 is lowered will contact edge areas 28a of the development plate 28 the underside of the window card IO in the area of its shoulder 20. This touch serves to open the window card 10 to be provided with a seal to restrict the treatment fluid to an area of the card that contains the entire area of the piece of film aligned with the window 14, i.e. the entire exposed area of the film piece 18..

In the upper part of the card holder 36, a compression spring 46 is arranged, which is indicated schematically in FIG. 2 and serves to move the shoulder 20 of the window card over the card holder 36 and the edge areas 28a of the development plate 28 OK to apply pressure force. When the window card 10 is aligned with the development station 22, the shoulder 20 is compressed and thereby rendered substantially impervious to treatment fluids.

A control device 50 is provided to control the development station 22 to be provided with treatment fluids in the appropriate quantities and for appropriate periods of time. As indicated schematically in FIG. 2, the control device 50 has a valve device 52 with a Outlet 54, which is connected to one end of a conduit 56, and a pump 58 to supply one or more treatment f fluid to the developing plate 28 through the valve means.

Figures 1 and 2 show only a single development station 22 and a single control unit assigned to this station

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direction for the supply of treatment fluid. It understands however, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of development stations have Associated feeders can be provided for a photographic development of the film piece in individual Steps to which a station is assigned. In this way, the feed device for the treatment fluid can be produced easily and cheaply, since this feed device in question is only here a single treatment fluid of the respectively arranged Has to feed the station. Here, the window card 10 can be transported from one development station 22 to the next are by rotating or advancing the turret 34 so that, for example, in a first station Development and washing process, a fixation and washing process in a second station and a third station ' drying can be carried out.

In a preferred embodiment, the valve device 52 can have a plurality of pipe valves 60, FIG. 3, which can be of the type manufactured by Gorman-Rupp Industries. A valve device 52 equipped in this way has a plurality of inlets 62, each of which is connected to an elastic valve body 64, one of which is shown cut open in the part on the right of FIG at the other end of which a spherical foot body 70 is arranged. The Vantil body 64 is arranged within a tubular part 72, which at one end has a relatively narrow opening 74 for receiving the spherical

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Foot body 7O and at the other end a funnel-like widened Has opening 76, in which the double cone ring »Valve head 68 is included. An opening is made in the side of the tubular member 72 by casting or press molding 78 formed through the treatment fluid into the interior of the tubular part 72 occurs when the treatment fluid in question the valve device 52 is supplied. When the treatment fluid passes through inlet 62 and into the Inside the associated tubular part 72 flows, then through the between the walls of the tubular part 72 and the double conical valve head acting flow forces the shaft 66 is stretched so that the valve head 68 is directed towards the central region of the valve device 52 is moved and comes into a position with respect to the inner tip of the valve head 68 in Fig. 3 by dashed lines Linen is indicated. This movement creates an annular opening between the outer side edges of the double conical valve head 68 and the walls of the tubular Part 72 so that treatment fluid can flow into a central chamber 80 and reach outlet 54, as indicated in the drawing.

As shown in Fig. 2, each inlet 62 is connected to an associated reservoir or tank 84 via conduits 82 Supply of the treatment fluids in question connected, so with tanks containing, for example, photographic developer, fixing solution, water or compressed air. The compressed air serves to dry the film piece 18 during development, but can also replace the pump 58 by removing the Compressed air is used to convey the other treatment fluids under pressure into the development station 22. Because of certain circumstances known in development technology

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it may be necessary to use the tanks 84 for desegers and to provide for fixing solution with a heating device, not shown, so that these treatment fluids on a predetermined temperature can be maintained. To the feeder of the treatment fluids to the valve device 52 reach, the pump 58 is connected to each of the lines 82, as indicated schematically in Fig. 2, if compressed air is not used for this purpose ». the Pump 58 is provided with a suitable drive device, not shown coupled, which the pump automatically after closing a microswitch, also not shown drives. Such a switch can be closed by the presence of a window card 10 which oriented towards the development stations 22 Location is located. -

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the line 56 leads to the opening 30, so that the treatment fluid can be introduced through this opening 30 into a treatment cavity 85 can that go up through the film piece 18 and down bounded by the development plate 28 and its side edges are delimited by the compressed shoulder 20 of the window card 10 * Located below the opening 32 an outlet line 86 to the treatment fluid, after it has flowed through the treatment cavity 85, and to a suitable, not shown waste container to feed.

The treatment fluids are sent to development station 22 supplied by compressed air or by means of the pump 58 so that they can be moved in the direction indicated by arrows in FIGS across the emulsion side of the piece of film 18 through the Flow through treatment cavity 85, the entire free

40982 3/0838

lying surface of the film piece 18 is coated and whereby from the window card existing as a cardboard box IO only the free end faces of the shoulder 20 are wetted. The remaining parts of the window card 10 are prior to exposure the treatment fluids due to the seal-like Effect protected, which comes about by the pressure forces acting on the shoulder 2O. It can also be seen that through the seal-like effect of the compressed shoulder 2O of the window card small irregularities in the surface structure in the edge areas 28a of the developing plate 28 in equilibrium without leakage of the treatment fluid. As a result, of course, if the sealing surfaces are to be kept leak-free, during the manufacture of the device and its maintenance no tight tolerance limits to be adhered to, so that a remarkable economy in terms of manufacturing cost and the maintenance costs of the facility in question are given.

In the preferred exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the edge region 28a overlaps the. Developing plate 28 a Part of the film piece 18 that is within the range of the Window 14 is located, but the development plans 28 is in this area away from the film piece 18 at least by the thickness of the shoulder 20, so that the entire region of the film piece 18 is exposed to the treatment fluids. In this case, only the end face of the shoulder 20 comes with the treatment fluids in touch.

In a modified embodiment shown in Fig. 4, parts are similar to the previous one Embodiments correspond, with the same reference numbers, however, they are preceded by the number 1. In this embodiment, the edge area is 128a

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the development plans Ϊ28 to the outside opposite the window ·. 114 staggered. In this embodiment, a slightly larger part of the shoulder 120 comes into contact with the treatment fluids, however, the seal-like effect is also achieved here, so that the remaining part of the window card 110 is exposed to the treatment fluids is not exposed. In this embodiment, the card holder 136 is designed flat and with Holding device serving passages 139, the suction lines form, provided. The treatment chamber 185 is through a Well of the developing plate 128 is formed. In the off. Management example according to FIG. 4 are both of these aforementioned Changes shown as being present at the same time. It goes without saying, however, that only one of the two mentioned Modifications to an otherwise designed according to FIG Facility could be provided.

It can be seen that here a method and an apparatus for developing an exposed film piece shown in a window card -.sind _t wobei.sowohl the window Map of the harmful effects of the treatment fluids is protected as it is also ensured that the entire surface of the film piece treated will. In addition, this is achieved without contacting the emulsion surface of the film piece, which would risk damaging the same.

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Claims (4)

Claims A method for developing an exposed photographic _t film piece, which is arranged on a recessed in a serving as a support map window in an aligned position, - wherein the film piece is supplied to at least one treatment fluid, while preventing at the same time that this is received by the card, characterized characterized in that when a card made of compressible material is used, an area of the card surrounding the window thereof is compressed to prevent the absorption of treatment fluid and is thereby made impermeable to the treatment fluid. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the card for compressing the surrounding the window Area is applied to a treatment body, which with the surface of edge areas, at least the entire The area within which the piece of film is exposed at the window of the card, leave between you on the card is applied that compressive force is transmitted over these edge areas to the card and that between the treatment fluid is supplied to these edge regions so that the entire exposed surface of the film piece is developed will. 3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the treatment fluid between the edge regions of the treatment body is fed under pressure so that it is fed from one end of the exposed surface of the film piece flows over this to the other end of this area. 4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the treatment fluid is supplied by means of a pressurized gas. 409823/0838 5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that that by applying the card to the treatment body between this and that a treatment cavity is formed, to which the treatment fluid is supplied. 6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the treatment fluid is supplied at one end of the treatment cavity and at the opposite end the same is discharged, so that the treatment fluid over the exposed surface of the "Fi lies tu cks flows. ? · Method according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that that the card to the treatment body of a first of several existing treatment stations applied and treated there with a first treatment fluid is and that the card then to the treatment body at least one further treatment station .bewegen and - is treated there with a second treatment fluid. 8. Device for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized ■ by a treatment body (28, 128), which at edge regions (28a, 128a) which delimit an area which at least the exposed area of the film piece (18, 118), has surfaces for contact with a region of the card (10, 110) surrounding the window (14, 114) by pressing means (36, 46, 136, 146) by means of the on the surfaces of the edge regions (28a , 128a) abutting portion of the card (10, 110) is acted upon by compressive force, and by means (30, 32, 5O _F 52 "130, 132) for supplying at least one treatment fluid in between the edge regions (28a, 128a) of the Treatment body (28, 128) areas * 4098 23/0838 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the compressive force transmitting surfaces of the edge areas " (28a, 128a) of the treatment body (28, 128) the adjacent cover the compressed area of the card (10, 110) so that only the part of the card (10, 110), which is located within the edge areas (28a, 128a) transmitting the compressive force, with the treatment fluicl comes into contact. 10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that when using a card (10) with one at the edge of her Window (14) provided shoulder (20) of reduced thickness, on which the piece of film (18) with the shoulder. (20) is adhered to the adjacent emulsion side, the surface of the edge areas (28a) of the treatment body (2S) extends over at least the edge of the shoulder (20) delimiting the window (14) and from the. Emulsion layer of the film piece (18) is removed a distance at least equal to the compressed strength of the shoulder (20) is so that only the inner end face of the shoulder (20) comes into contact with the treatment fluid. 11. Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that that several tanks (84) are provided for holding a supply of different treatment fluids, that a plurality of treatment bodies belonging to one of a plurality of existing treatment stations (22, 122) (28, 128) are provided, which can be connected to the tanks (84) via pipes (3O, 32, 130, 132, 56, 62, 82, 86) are that an indexing device (34, 4O) for the gradual transport of the cards (10, 110) to and from the treatment stations (22, 122) are present and that a control device (50, 52, 54, 58) is provided, 4 0 9 8 2 3/0838 by means of the treatment stations (22, 122) depending on, the activity of the port switching facility {34, 40) predetermined quantities of the treatment stations concerned (20, 122) associated treatment fluids can be supplied. 40982370838