GB734110A - Improvements in or relating to photographic film processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

734,110. Photographic processing apparatus. INTERNATIONAL POLAROID CORPORATION. Feb. 15, 1952 [March 6, 1951; June 16, 1951], No. 732/54. Divided out of 734,084. Class 98 (2). For use in processing an exposed film assembly comprising overlying liquid-confining layers and a rupturable container holding a liquid composition located therebetween, the apparatus, which may, conveniently, be used in conjunction with a holder in which such film assembly is exposed as described in Specification 734,084, comprises a light-tight compartment having an opening adapted for light-tight closure and pressure-applying members and a support in alignment therewith inside the compartment, whereby the film assembly after exposure as in such holder may be drawn by means of a leader of the film assembly into the compartment and between the pressure-applying members, which members rupture the container and spread the composition, to effect processing while the film assembly lies on the support. Fig. 1 illustrates diagrammatically the apparatus 80 in the form of a box-like receptical having rigid members 83 to apply pressure to the container 26 of the film assembly 20 as the latter is drawn from holder 50 (in which exposure would have been effected) by leader strip 23 to rupture the container and spread the liquid, and thereby allow processing to take place in chamber 84, after which the film assembly may be drawn out through light seal 86, processing being usually of the type yielding a direct positive by migratory transfer. In Fig. 2 the pressure-applying members are sprung rollers 104, 105 and the film is drawn therebetween for processing into a flexible receptacle bounded by non-actinic bellows element 103. The apparatus of Fig. 5 (not shown) comprises an elongated box structure containing pressure rollers and grip members operated from outside the box to grasp the end of the film leader strip after the latter has been inserted between the rollers and draw the film into the box for processing, access to the processed film being attained by means of a light-tight door in the box. Figs. 6-8 and 9-12 (not shown) are, respectively, for two forms of large power-operated apparatus using the same principles and which may be caused to operate automatically on insertion of the end of a film holder with contained film into a lightsealed opening provided therefor.