GB1061240A - Automatic film processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

1,061,240. Photographic processing apparatus. T.H. HILLS. Nov. 24, 1965 [Nov. 25, 1964; July 30, 1965], Nos. 47885/64 and 32630/65. Heading G2A. In apparatus for processing cut photographic film the transport means comprises a rotatable paddle wheel 6, for each of a plurality of stages in the process, arranged so as to receive a portion F of cut film between adjacent paddles and to support and convey the film through a container 1, and a pair of rollers 7, 8 associated with each paddle wheel arranged to receive each portion of film from its paddle wheel at the completion of its movement through the container and to transfer the film to the paddle wheel of the next following container. Each paddle wheel is provided with means for moving each portion of film radially outwards at the end of its movement through the container to cause the outer edge of the film to enter the nip of the rollers. In the embodiment shown, the paddle wheels are of wire mesh and are welded to stainless steel rings 9-12 and to tubular members 14 rotatable on a fixed axle 15. The axle also carries a cam 19 for moving the film radially outwards at the end of its travel through the processing liquid, the paddle wheels being cut away where necessary to avoid contacting the cam 19. The film is prevented from falling out of the wheel by a curved guide 18. A plurality of stages, one of which may be drying, in processing the film are arranged one after the other in a light tight box 20 having a removable lid 21. The paddle wheels for each stage may be of different diameters and have different numbers of paddles if the periods to be occupied in passing through different stages are different. In another embodiment Figs. 3-5 (not shown) the paddle wheel is in skeleton form, i. e. the paddles comprises flanges 24 upon spokes 25 which thus support the cut film along its opposite edges. To move the film into the nip between the rollers 41 a hinged flap 52 is provided hung from a fixed rod 53. The flap is urged into contact with a film F by a spring lever 55 attached to a rotatable block 56. Mechanism 61-65 is engaged by each flange 24 in turn as the paddle wheel rotates, thus pivoting the block 56 and moving the flap 52. To add developer and fixer to the appropriate tanks in a volume proportional to the number of films processed, films leaving the drying compartment interrupt a light beam to a photo-cell which thus operates a solenoid to release the chemical solutions. The apparatus may be made of a synthetic resin or of stainless steel.