GB1602492A - Method and apparatus for treating elements of photographic film - Google Patents

Description

(54) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING ELEMENTS OF PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM (71) We. EASTMAN KODAK COM PANY. a Company organized under the Laws of the State of New Jersey, United States of America of 343 State Street.

Rochester. New York 14650, United States of America do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us. and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to apparatus and method for treating elements of photographic film. each of which elements includes a hub having a central opening and a disc of film which is secured to the hub.

In U.S. Patent Specification No.

3.882.527 there is described apparatus and method for developing exceptionally thin and small size film such as dental X-ray and other similar film. The film is held by an annular film holder and rollingly passed automatically through a plurality of bath chambers for development. The individual pieces of film are each mounted in special individual holders and are passed independently of one another through the apparatus. Because the pieces of film are independent of one another the apparatus and method are not suitable for processing large numbers of pieces of film to a high standard.

We desire to process large numbers of film elements to a high standard.

According to the present invention we provide apparatus for treating. in a container of processing solution, photographic film elements each of which includes a hub having a central opening and a disc of photographic film which is secured to the hub. The apparatus includes a spindle for carrying a plurality of film elements by extending through the central openings of the hubs of the elements, the spindle being so formed as to transmit rotary motion of the spindle to the elements, and means for rotating the spindle while the film elements are both in processing solution for processing the film element and out of the solution for centrifuging off processing solution.

By putting a plurality of film elements on the spindle the plurality of elements can be handled as a single unit, which facilitates management and control of them, and also prevents them contacting and scratching one another. Having a plurality of elements on the spindle also enables them to be rotated to cause agitation in- the processing solution, which improves processing, and out of the solution for centrifuging off processing solution either to prevent one solution being carried into the next solution or to aid in drying.

In order to ensure that rotation of the spindle is transmitted to the film elements, the spindle may have a key.

Advantageously, the apparatus includes means for moving the spindle and rotating means from a first container for a first processing solution to a second container for a second processing solution. With such moving means processing may be semi- or fully automated.

Advantageously, there are first drive means for rotating the spindle whilst the film elements are in processing solution and second drive means for rotating the spindle whilst the film elements are in air. Such an arrangement readily allows the speed of rotation in air to be greater than that in processing solution whereby speeds most appropriate for centrifuging and processing, respectively, are readily achieved.

Advantageously. the spindle includes end caps so formed as to create for the film elements immediately adjacent them environments when in processing solution similar to the environments which exist for film elements not adjacent the end caps. In this way uniformity of processing of all the film elements, regardless of their positions on the spindle, may be achieved.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of treating photographic film elements each of which includes a hub having a central opening and a disc of film which is secured to and thinner than the hub, including threading a spindle through the central opening of a plurality of the elements, introducing the elements on the spindle into processing solution, removing the elements in the processing solution, and rotating the elements while out of contact with the solution to remove solution from the elements.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I is a perspective view of one side of a disc-shaped film element of a form suitable for being processed in apparatus, and by a method, according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the other side of the film element illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3 is an enlarged part-sectional view of the film element taken on line 3-3 in Figure 2; Figure 4 is an elevation of a first embodiment of processor according to the present invention, shown partly in section; Figure 5 illustrates a method of operation of the processor illustrated in Figure 4, in accordance with the present invention, the processor being shown partly broken away;; Figure 6 is a graph showing results of processing film elements in accordance with the present invention and by conventional tray processing; Figure 7 is a partly exploded isometric view of a rack portion of a second embodiment of the present invention, also including a spindle for accommodating a plurality of film elements; Figure 8 is a perspective view of portions of the second embodiment, including the rack illustrated in Figure 7, a plurality of baths of chemical processing solutions, spin drives for agitating the film elements in the solutions and for removing excess solution from the film elements, and a transport for conveying the film between the respective baths and spin drives; Figure 9 is a view similar to that of Figure 8 but showing the apparatus in a different operative condition; and Figure 10 schematically represents stages in the processing sequence of the second embodiment apparatus.

Because photographic processing apparatus and methods are well known, the present description will be directed in particular to elements forming part of, or cooperating directly with, the present invention. Elements or steps not specifically shown or described herein are understood to be selectable from those known in the art.

Apparatus in accordance with the present invention is particularly suitable for use in processing film units described in Patent Application 9038/78 (Serial No. 1597071).

As seen in Figure 1, a film element generally designated 10, of a form to be processed in apparatus and by a method according to the present invention, includes a film disc 12 having a segmental notch 14.

A film support member comprising a moulded plastics hub 16 is permanently attached to the centre of the filrn disc 12 and includes indexing ears 18, a hole 20 for a spindle, and a key slot 22. As viewed from the underside (see Figure 2), the moulded plastics hub 16 includes a raised peripheral rim 26 and a recessed central portion 28. As can be seen in the sectional view in Figure 3, the raised peripheral rim 26 has a thickness t in the radial direction slightly less than the dimension T, in the same radial direction, of the indexing ears 18 and has the same outside diameter as the indexing ears 18, the purpose of which will be explained below.

One embodiment of the processor according to the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 4. The spin processor generally designated 30 includes a base 32 having a central opening 34 and a peripheral groove 36. A motor 38, shown for the sake of example as a pneumatic motor but which could alternatively be an electric motor, has an air supply 40, a drive shaft 42, and a chuck 44. The motor 38 is mounted on top of the base 32 so that the shaft 42 extends through the central opening 34. A pair of handles 46 are also mounted on the top of the base 32. A cylindrical splash guard 48 is mounted on the bottom of the base 32 and is centered around the shaft 42. A hole 49 is provided in the splash guard 48 so that a chuck wrench may be inserted to operate the chuck 44. A spindle, generally designated 50, has a central portion 52 with a longitudinal key, a top end portion 54 that is so formed as to be received in the chuck 44 and a threaded bottom end portion 56. A top washer 58 and a bottom washer 60 having ears similar to the indexing ears 18 of the hub 16 of the film element are placed at the upper and lower ends, respectively, of the central portion 52 of the spindle 50, and a retaining nut 62 is threaded on the threaded end portion 56 of the spindle 50.

The top washer 58 is attached to the spindle 50, but the bottom washer 60 is removable and is held on the spindle by the nut 62. The processor is shown placed over a container 64 of processing solution. In this position, the lip of the container 64 is received by the peripheral groove 36 of the base 32.

Individual film elements 10 requiring pro cessing are assembled on the spindle 50 in stacked coaxial relation and are held on the spindle, between the top washer 58 and the bottom washer 60, by the retaining nut 62.

The key on the central portion 52 of the spindle 50 cooperates with the key slots 22 in the film elements 10 to prevent the film elements 10 from rotating relative to the spindle 50. When the film elements 10 are stacked on the spindle 50 and secured by the retaining nut 62, the spindle 50 can be used to handle the film elements without touching the film discs and any image areas thereon. After the spindle 50 is loaded with film elements 10, its top end portion 54 is secured in the chuck 44 of the processor.

When the processor is lowered onto the container 64, filled to the proper level with processing solution (as shown in Figure 4), all of the film elements 10 are beneath the surface of the processing solution.

When the film elements are stacked on the spindle, the raised peripheral rim 26 of the molded plastic hub 16 of each film element 10 rests on the indexing ears 18 of the hub immediately below it. Since the rim 26 is narrower in the radial direction than the indexing ears 18, passageways are thereby provided from the cavity formed by the recessed central portion 28 of the molded plastic hub 16 so that any processing solution trapped between adjacent hubs may escape during the removal of excess processing solution as described below.

The operation of the processor will now be described with reference to Figure 5.

Two containers 64 and 66 containing two different processing solutions are shown by way of example in Figure 5. However, the number of solutions and containers could be more or less than this, depending upon the nature of the process. To begin the processing, the motor 38 is energized to rotate the shaft 42 and thereby rotate the spindle 50 bearing the film elements 10. The operator, holding the processor by handles 46, places the processor over the first container 64 of processing solution and lowers the processor so that the spindle and film elements enter the processing solution to the position shown in Figure 4. The film elements 10 are rotated while in the processing solution (shown as position ''a" in Figure 5) for a predetermined processing time.The rotation of the film elements 10 provides the required relative motion between the film and the processing solution. After a predetermined time, the operator lifts the processor so that the film elements leave the first processing solution (position "b") while the spindle 50 continues to rotate. Rotating the film elements 10 after they have been withdrawn from the solution tends to expel, by centrifugal force, excess solution that may tend to cling to the film as it is removed from container 64. The excess solution thus expelled from the rotating film elements is trapped by the cylindrical splash guard 48 and drips back into the solution container 64. The operator then positions the processor over the next container 66 of processing solution and repeats the steps of spinning the discs in the processing solution (position "c") and out of the processing solution (position "d").The processing steps of spinning the elements in solution and then out of solution are repeated for as many different solutions as are required to completely treat the film. After processing in all the solutions has been completed, the. elements are spun until dry.

An experiment to compare the relative processing efficiency of spin processing and the more traditional technique of placing the film elements in a tray of processing solution and rocking the tray to provide agitation was conducted and the results are plotted in Figure 6. A series of photosensitive film elements were identically exposed for five seconds to tungsten illumination.

The thus exposed film elements were processed for varying amounts of time by both the spin processing method and the more conventional method of placing the elements in a tray of processing solution and rocking the tray. The processed elements were evaluated by means of a densitometer and the results were plotted to show density versus processing time. As can be seen from the graph, spin processing yielded a higher developed film density for comparable processing times.

A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 7 to 10 and will now be described.

As depicted most clearly in Figure 7, the processing apparatus includes a spindle 119 for accumulating a plurality of the film elements on a common axis. The spindle 119 comprises an elongate shaft 121 and key 123 which are of a constant cross-section dimensionally similar to the film element hub apertures 20 and keyways 22. Circular end caps 125 and 127 clamp the film elements snugly together in side-by-side relation, but one or both of the caps is removable so the spindle can be inserted through the film elements from one end, much like a skewer.

The caps 125, 127 also provide a processing environment adjacent the endmost units which approximates that of the more centrally located units.

When clamped on the spindle 119, the film disks 12 are disposed close to one another but spaced apart a distance approaching that of the axial width of the hubs 16. Appropriate spacing from the end caps 125 and 127 is achieved by hemispheric protrusions 130 which contact the discs 12 outside the image areas. Such spacing pro vides a compact arrangement of film elements, yet maintains sufficient access to the imaging surfaces for processing. Supported in this manner, the film elements are sufficiently stiff to hold the required spacing of the film discs 12 when stationary or rotated.

The spindle 119 with its accumulated film elements 10 is suspended and supported for rotation during processing from a carrier 129. Spaced hangers 131 and 133 of the carrier are notched at their distal ends 135 and 137 for rotatably supporting end bearings 139 and 141 of the spindle 119.

The bearings 139 and 141 and the corresponding notches of the hangers 131 and 133 can be shaped to ensure a one-way fit of the spindle 119 in the carrier 129. Preferably, the bearing 141 is smaller in diameter than the bearing 139, and the notch in the end 137 is too small to receive the larger bearing. Similarly, although not depicted in the drawings, the key 123 and the key slot 22 can have an "L" shaped configuration to ensure a one-way fit of the film elements 10 on the spindle 119.

Ordinarily, there need be no concern over the orientation of the spindle relative to the carrier 129. A known orientation, however, can facilitate the employment of appropriate logic for sensing the position of one or both end caps 125 and 127, thereby to determine the number of film units on the spindle, and then to control chemical replenishment rates, or the like, in accordance with the number of film discs processed.

Magnetic sensing means, assuming the end caps are of magnetic material, and digital logic, are among the sensing and control means suitable for this purpose.

The spindle hangers 131 and 133 are connected by a tie-rod 143, a drip-bar 145, and. when in position, by the spindle 119 itself. The tie-rod 143 serves as a drive shaft and facilitates handling in the apparatus.

For these purposes, as will become apparent from the following description, the rod 143 is extended beyond the hangers at 147 and 149 where it carries collars 151 and 153 and first and second drive couplers illustrated as a worm gear 155 and a pulley 157. The arrangement including the hangers 131 and 133, the tie-rod 143 and drip-bar 145 may be termed a rack.

A mechanical transmission device, including a drive wheel 159 and a gear 161 is pinned to the hanger 131. The gear 161 is part of a train 161, 163 and 165 for transmitting motion from the tie-rod 143 to a knurled peripheral surface of the end cap 125 and thence to the spindle 119. The drive wheel 159, which may include a high friction surface 167, transfers the driving force from the train 165. 163, 161 to the knurled surface of the end cap 125.

Referring now to Figures 8 and 10, the processing apparatus includes a plurality of tanks 169 and 170, which hold baths of chemical processing solutions or washes.

The tanks are configured and arranged for receiving the assemblages of the film units on spindles successively in one tank after another. As depicted, they are closely spaced in line and supported on a frame by engagement between lips 172 on the tanks and crossbars 175 and 177 of a frame 179.

Replenishment pumps, overflows, valves, fluid lines, temperature controls, and the like, also are intended to be provided but are represented on the drawings only by the tube 181.

Processing is carried out by immersing the film elements in the respective chemical baths one-after-another to carry out a plurality of film-treatment steps which establish a visibly apparent image from a latent image. Immersion of the film elements is accomplished, without touching the walls of the tanks, by suspending the carrier 129, from its tie-rod 143 on selected notch pairs 183, 185, 187, in spaced parallel support bars 189 and 191. When the rack is so suspended, the film discs will be generally centrally located in the respective chemical baths.

In the illustrated embodiment, a single pair of notches 183, 185, or 187 is associated with each tank, but one or more additional pairs could be provided, for example, to increase the treatment time in selected tanks. In such case, of course, the positions of the notched pairs would have to be changed appropriately.

The high packing density of the film elements 10 on the spindle 119 permits the use of smaller tanks which improve the efficiency of using the processing solution.

The smaller tanks, in combination with other features, permit quicker transfer of the units from one tank to another.

After passing through the various chemical treatment steps, the film elements are conditioned in a hot air dryer 193 (Figure 10) for immediate handling and are depo- sited on exit ramp 195 for collection.

A loading station 197 (Figure 10) also has been provided. As depicted in Figures 8 and 10, this station is essentially the same as a tank station, but with the tank removed.

The film elements are conveyed between the respective notch pairs by a rack transport 201, which includes rectangularly disposed drive means 203, connecting bars 205, adjustable clamps 207, 208, 209, and 210, pairs of lifting bars 211, 212, 213, and 214 and a counter weight device 215. The drive means is an endless chain 217 coupled to a driving sprocket 219 and trained to follow a rectangular path by idler sprockets 220, 221, and 222. The chain is attached to the connecting bar 205 by a pin 223 so the bar will follow the chain in a rectangular path including an upward vertical leg corresponding to chain reach 224, a rightward horizontal leg corresponding to chain reach 225, a downward vertical leg corresponding to chain reach 226, and a leftward horizontal leg corresponding to chain reach 227.

Although only one of the chains is depicted in Figure 8, it should be understood that a second similar drive at the opposite end of the connecting bar 205 (see Figure 10) operates in synchronism with the one shown in Figure 8. Similarly. a second connecting bar (see Figure 9) is provided on the opposite side of the tanks from, and operates in synchronism with, the connecting bar illustrated in Figure 8.

The lifter bars 211, 212, 213 and 214 are spaced along the connecting bar 205 by a distance between adjacent lifting bars, i.e.

212 and 213, which is equal to the distance between adjacent notch pairs, i.e. 183 and 185. When the connecting bar is in the position depicted in Figure 8, one lifter pair will be positioned laterally adjacent each notch pair. and, as the pin 223 moves upwardly along the vertical reach 224. the forked ends 228 of one pair of the lifting bars 212 will engage the carrier drive shaft 143, lifting the carrier and film discs from the tank 169 in which they were suspended (see Figure 9).

The rightward horizontal reach 225 of the chain drive also is equal in length to the distance between adjacent notches, i.e. 183 and 185. Thus. as the pin 223 continues in its rectangular path, after causing the forked lifting bars to raise the rack from one tank.

the pin will move connecting bar and forked lifting bars horizontally to position the rack over the next successive processing position.

From this position the rack is lowered, as the pin 223 moves along the vertical reach 226, the rack is deposited with its drive shaft 143 in the next notch pair 185. and the film elements are suspended in the next tank 170. Completing the cycle. the forked lifting bars are disengaged from the rack. the pin 223 moves along the leftward horizontal reach 227. and the lifting bars are returned to the starting position depicted in Figure 8.

Agitation of the film elements in the chemical processing solutions is accomplished by rotating the spindle 119 while it is suspended in a respective tank. Rotation within the rage of 5 to 400 RPM (revolutions per minute) should provide suitable agitation, with 200 RPM being preferred. The agitation drive includes a rod 229. which is rotatably supported in bearings 230, 231, and 232, and driven by a chain and sprocket 233. A series of worms, 235. 237, 239 and 240 are spaced along the shaft 229, for meshing with and drivingly engaging the frame worm-gear 155 when the rack is suspended in one of the tanks. A bracket 242 bears against and brakes the shaft 143 when the shaft is carried by the lifter but is disengaged from the shaft when the shaft is carried by the support bars.

In order to remove solution from the film elements as they move between successive tanks, a spin mechanism 241 is located to act on the rack in its raised position. This mechanism 241 includes a drive pulley 243, belt 245 and tension devices 247, 248 and 249. When the rack is in its fully raised position depicted in Figure 9, the belt 245 will drivingly engage rack pulley 157 and rotate the spindle at approximately 2000 RPM. Curtains or the like may be hung on the rack or between adjacent tanks to redirect any solution removed in this manner into the appropriate tank.

Referring now to Figure 10, the overall operation of the processing apparatus is represented schematically with the carrier depicted in a number of selected positions occupied during its progression through the apparatus.

Beginning at the loading station 197, a plurality of the film elements have been clamped on the spindle 1.19, snapped into the carrier 129 and positioned in the statiqn 197. Although manual. loading is depicted in the figure, the carriers can be queued on a ramp (not shown) similar to the exit ramp 195, from which they could be released one-at-a-time to the position represented at 197.

From the loading position, the carrier is picked up by the lifter bars 211, moved to the right over the tank 169 and then lowered to position "e", where the drive gear 155 is coupled to worm 237, and the spindle 121 is immersed horizontally in the first bath of processing solution.

The spindle is rotated in position "e" to agitate the film elements in the first solution. This mixes the chemicals in the solution, improves the migration of the chemicals in the boundary layers between the film elements and the solution, and disperses pockets starved of chemicals by the process.

The rack and film elements remain - in tank 169 while the pin 223 of the transport drive travels from position "A" to position "B", and the lifting bar 212 moves horizontally to the left into position under the shaft 143 of the film rack 129. Then, as the pin 223 continues to move in its rectangular path from "B" to "C", the lifter bar raises the rack and film elements out of the tank 169 and into engagement with the spin drive as the pin 223 reaches position "C".

When the pin 223 is in position "C", the spindle 121 and film elements are rotated to remove processing solution before immersion in the next solution in the tank 170.

This reduces carryover to the next chemical bath. It also prevents spotting and uneven processing due to non-uniform retention of the solution on the film elements.

As the pin 223 of the transport drive continues to move, from "C" to "D", the spin mechanism 241 is discontinued and the carrier moves horizontally from "g" to "h".

Then, from position "h" the carrier begins to drop for immersion in the next bath in tank 70.

The transport cycle is repeated from tank-to-tank and from agitation-drive to solution-removing drive until all of the liquid treatments are completed and the film elements have passed through the dryer 193.

From the dryer, the carrier and film elements are deposited for collection on exit ramp 195.

Coordination of the various functions of the apparatus and timing of the process treatments can be accomplished in a number of ways including mechanical cams or other time cycling devices, electrical circuits including micro-processors and full-scale computers. In the illustrated embodiment, the agitation drive through chain and sprocket 233 and solution-removing spin drive 241, and the drive means 203, stop and start at programmed intervals. They could be operated continuously, however. in a mechanical cycle, so the processing times would be established by the configuration and speed of the respective parts.

The subject matter of the present application is closely related to that of our copending application No. 9041/78 (Serial No.

1602491).

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. Apparatus for treating, in a container of processing solution. photographic film elements each of which includes a hub having a central opening and a disc of photographic film which is secured to and thinner than the hub, comprising a spindle for carrying a plurality of film elements by extending through the central openings of the hubs of the elements, the spindle being so formed as to transmit rotary motion of the spindle to the elements, and means for rotating the spindle while the film elements are in the processing solution for processing the film elements, and while wholly out of the solution for centrifuging off processing solution.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the spindle has a key for transmitting rotary motion to the elements.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the means for rotating the spindle includes a motor and a shaft having means for drivingly connecting the spindle to the shaft, means being provided for supporting the shaft and spindle with the spindle extending vertically downwards into a container.

4. Apparatus according to Claim 1, Claim 2 or Claim 3, including means for moving the spindle and rotating means from a first container for a first processing solution to a second container for a second processing solution.

5. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 4 when appendant to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the means for rotating the spindle while the film elements are both in processing solution and in air includes first drive means for rotating the film elements whilst in processing solution and second drive means for rotating the film elements whilst they are out of processing solution.

6. Apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein the first drive means is constructed to rotate the film elements at a first speed and the second drive means is constructed to rotate the film elements at a second, higher speed.

7. Apparatus according to Claim 5 or Claim 6 when appendant to Claim 4,- wherein the first drive means is common for driving the spindle in each of the containers.

8. Apparatus according to Claim 5, Claim 6 or Claim 7, when appendant to Claim 4, wherein the second drive means is common for driving the spindle in air after the spindle has been in each of the containers.

9. Apparatus according to Claim 4, or Claim 5, Claim 6, Claim 7 or Claim 8 when appendant to Claim 4, wherein the axis of the spindle is horizontal when the spindle is in a container.

10. Apparatus according to Claims 4 and 5 or to any one of Claims 6 to 9 when appendant to Claims 4 and 5, wherein the first and second containers are two of a plurality of containers disposed in side by side relation along a progression path through the apparatus, the means for moving the spindle including means for lifting the spindle out of a first container, means for moving the spindle along the path and means for lowering the spindle into the container adjacent the first container.

11. Apparatus according to Claim 10, characterized in that as the said means for lifting the spindle lifts the spindle it initially disconnects the first drive means and subsequently connects the second drive means.

12. Apparatus according to Claim 10 or 11, wherein the means for lifting. the means for moving and the means for lowering are so constructed as to operate on a closed loop path and include means for engaging a spindle which after lowering the spindle into the container adjacent the first container is moved back along said path so as subsequently to be movable to lift a spindle out of said first container.

13. Apparatus according to any one of

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (18)

1. **WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **.

   bath. It also prevents spotting and uneven processing due to non-uniform retention of the solution on the film elements.

   As the pin 223 of the transport drive continues to move, from "C" to "D", the spin mechanism 241 is discontinued and the carrier moves horizontally from "g" to "h".

   Then, from position "h" the carrier begins to drop for immersion in the next bath in tank 70.

   The transport cycle is repeated from tank-to-tank and from agitation-drive to solution-removing drive until all of the liquid treatments are completed and the film elements have passed through the dryer 193.

   From the dryer, the carrier and film elements are deposited for collection on exit ramp 195.

   Coordination of the various functions of the apparatus and timing of the process treatments can be accomplished in a number of ways including mechanical cams or other time cycling devices, electrical circuits including micro-processors and full-scale computers. In the illustrated embodiment, the agitation drive through chain and sprocket 233 and solution-removing spin drive 241, and the drive means 203, stop and start at programmed intervals. They could be operated continuously, however. in a mechanical cycle, so the processing times would be established by the configuration and speed of the respective parts.

   The subject matter of the present application is closely related to that of our copending application No. 9041/78 (Serial No.

   1602491).

   WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. Apparatus for treating, in a container of processing solution. photographic film elements each of which includes a hub having a central opening and a disc of photographic film which is secured to and thinner than the hub, comprising a spindle for carrying a plurality of film elements by extending through the central openings of the hubs of the elements, the spindle being so formed as to transmit rotary motion of the spindle to the elements, and means for rotating the spindle while the film elements are in the processing solution for processing the film elements, and while wholly out of the solution for centrifuging off processing solution.
2. 2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the spindle has a key for transmitting rotary motion to the elements.
3. 3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the means for rotating the spindle includes a motor and a shaft having means for drivingly connecting the spindle to the shaft, means being provided for supporting the shaft and spindle with the spindle extending vertically downwards into a container.
4. 4. Apparatus according to Claim 1, Claim 2 or Claim 3, including means for moving the spindle and rotating means from a first container for a first processing solution to a second container for a second processing solution.
5. 5. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 4 when appendant to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the means for rotating the spindle while the film elements are both in processing solution and in air includes first drive means for rotating the film elements whilst in processing solution and second drive means for rotating the film elements whilst they are out of processing solution.
6. 6. Apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein the first drive means is constructed to rotate the film elements at a first speed and the second drive means is constructed to rotate the film elements at a second, higher speed.
7. 7. Apparatus according to Claim 5 or Claim 6 when appendant to Claim 4,- wherein the first drive means is common for driving the spindle in each of the containers.
8. 8. Apparatus according to Claim 5, Claim 6 or Claim 7, when appendant to Claim 4, wherein the second drive means is common for driving the spindle in air after the spindle has been in each of the containers.
9. 9. Apparatus according to Claim 4, or Claim 5, Claim 6, Claim 7 or Claim 8 when appendant to Claim 4, wherein the axis of the spindle is horizontal when the spindle is in a container.
10. 10. Apparatus according to Claims 4 and 5 or to any one of Claims 6 to 9 when appendant to Claims 4 and 5, wherein the first and second containers are two of a plurality of containers disposed in side by side relation along a progression path through the apparatus, the means for moving the spindle including means for lifting the spindle out of a first container, means for moving the spindle along the path and means for lowering the spindle into the container adjacent the first container.
11. 11. Apparatus according to Claim 10, characterized in that as the said means for lifting the spindle lifts the spindle it initially disconnects the first drive means and subsequently connects the second drive means.
12. 12. Apparatus according to Claim 10 or 11, wherein the means for lifting. the means for moving and the means for lowering are so constructed as to operate on a closed loop path and include means for engaging a spindle which after lowering the spindle into the container adjacent the first container is moved back along said path so as subsequently to be movable to lift a spindle out of said first container.
13. 13. Apparatus according to any one of

    the preceding claims, wherein the spindle includes end caps so formed as to create for the film elements immediately adjacent to them environments when in processing solution similar to the environments which exist for film elements not adjacent to the end caps.
14. 14. A method of treating photographic film elements each of which includes a hub having a central opening and a disc of film which is secured to the hub, comprising the steps of assembling the hubs on a spindle rotating the elements on the spindle in a processing solution, removing the elements from the processing solution, and rotating the elements after removal from the solution to remove solution from the elements.
15. 15. A method according to Claim 14, characterized by introducing the elements on the spindle into a second processing solution after they have been removed from the first-mentioned processing solution and after they have been rotated out of contact with the first-mentioned processing solution, introducing the elements on the spindle into the second processing solution rotating the elements in the second processing solution. removing the elements from the second processing solution, and rotating the elements while out of contact with the solution to remove solution from the elements.
16. 16. A method according to Claim 14, characterized by rotating and drying the elements.

    17. Apparatus for processing a plurality of film elements substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.
17. 17. A method of processing a plurality of film elements substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.
18. 18. Apparatus for processing a plurality of film elements substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 of the accompanying drawings.