US1890366A - Developing unit for x-ray and other photographic films - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 6, 1932. J. E. BOWKER 1,890,366

DEVELOPING UNIT FOR X-RAY AND OTHER PHOTOGRAF .C FILMS Filed April 50, 1930 s Sheets-Sheet 1 J. E. BOWKER Dec. 6, 1932.

DEVELOPING UNIT FOR X-RAY AND OTHER PHOTOGRAPHIC FILMS Filed April 30, 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet -2 Jnv #259??? :7 46 a J. E. BOWKEIR Dec. 6, 1932.

DEVELOPING UNIT FOR X-HAY AND OTHER PHOTOGRAPHIC FILMS Filed April 30, 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Dec, 6, 1932. J. E. BOWKER DEVELOPING UNIT FOR X-RAY AND OTHER PHOTOGRAPHIC FILMS Filed April 30, 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet. 4

Dec. 6, 1932. J. E. BOWKER 1,390,365

DEVELOPING UNIT FOR X-RAY AND OTHER PHQTOGRAPHIC FILMS Filed April 30, 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 L 323 f7 .g j. v

Dec. 6, 1932. J, ow 1,890,366

DEVELOPING UNIT FOR X-RAY AND OTHER PHOTOGRAPHIC FILMS Filed April 30, 1930 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 wander.

. Patented Dec. 6, 1932 UNITED STATES -PATENT OFFICE JOHN EARL BOWKER, OF IVANHOE, NEAR MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA DEVELOPING UNIT FOR x-RAY AND OTHER PHOTOGRAPIEHC FILMS Application filed April 30, 1980, Serial No. 448,687, and in Australia June 26, 1929.

The invention is directed to a self contained 13 unitary or composite cabinet for the development of X-ray and other photographic films in an expeditious manner, the cabinet bein usable in a room open to light thus eliminating the necessity for a dark room, while the compactness of the cabinet enables it to be readily transported, and'further advantages and features thereof will be apparent from the fore oing'description.

The invention has or its object the provi- -si0n of a self contained'cabinet'of the handinsertion type having embodied therein a dark chamber and means combined therewith whereby the operator standing in a room open to light may carry out all the steps necessary in film development within the cabinet, including the unloading of the film from a cassette, immersion of the film in a. developing tank, rinsing tank, fixing tank and washing tank, and then effect the passing of the 3 developed film into a drying chamber.

A further object of the invention is to provide a self contained cabinet with light-tight means to permit the insertion of the operar tors hands into a dark chamber embodied in the cabinetwhich also incorporates 0. cassette, film, and hanger magazines and developing, fixing, washing and rinsing tanks and means whereby the film can be transferred to any one of the members and thence to a drying chamber, all the members described being disposed within the cabinet which is provided with inspection panels or windows and means for diffusing the interior of the dark chamber with varying colored lights, as will be hereinafter described.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood it .will now be described with reference to the accompanying draw- C ings in which Figure 1 is a view in front elevation of one form of the developing unit, and

Figure 2 is a plan thereof.

Figure 3 is a view in front elevation of the developing unit illustrating the interior'o-f the cabinet.

Figure 4 is a sectional plan taken on line AA, Figure 1. I

Figure 5 is a vertical central section of the developing unit.- 60 Figure 6 is a fragmentary plan view in detail of the hanger magazine.

Figure 7 is a plan view of one of the tanks employed in'the developin unit, and

Fi re 8 is a section ta en on line BB of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a transverse sectional view of the tank illustrated in Figures 7 and 8.

Figure 10 is a view in transverse section of a film tray, and 70 Figure 11 is a fragmentary plan thereof.

Fi are 12 is a sectional view of the drying cham er of the developing unit illustrating the movement of the film tray.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a film hanger employed in this invention, and

Figure 14 is a fragmentary view in elevation of the adjustablearm on the hanger.

Figure 15 is a fragmentary erspective view of a modified form of film anger.

Figure 16 is a side sectional view illustrating the shape of the leaves of the cassette magazine.

Figures 17 and 18 are views of the wiring diagrams of the heating and dr ing system l and the lighting system respectively of the developing unit.

Figure 19 is a fr'a entary sectional view embodying automatlc means for emptying and filling the tanks employed in the unit.

Figure 20 is a. sectional view of an alternative upper door usable in the developing unit.

Figure 21 is a section taken on line C-C, Figure 2Q.

Figure 22'is a view in plan of a magazine for use in dental or small photographic film work, and

Figure 23 is a section taken on line DD,

Fl 6 22. I Figure is a front elevation of 9. developing unit embodying the principle of the larger unit but usab e where the volume of work does not warrant the installation of the laiiger unit.

igure 25 is a vertical section of the unit illustrated in Figure 24.

Fi re 26 is a erspective view illustrating t e interior 0 a developing unit for use in handlin smaller photographs.

.Figure 2 is a view 'in elevation of a hanger employed in developing small photographs.

The invention is directed to a roduct or unit which is self-contained an which is directed to a cabinet to replace thedark rooms now employed for the development of X-ray and other photographic films. FAccording to the a parat-us illustrated in 1 terial is divided into upper and lower compartments 6, 7 from the horizontal centre 8.

The lower compartment 7 is divided into a plurality of smaller compartments 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, while the upper compartment 6 is adapted to be opened to all the said smaller cogpartments 9 to 13.

e u per compartment 6 at one end is provide with a drying compartment 14 normally closed from said compartment 6 by a hinged door 15 and this compartment 14 is open to the lower drying compartment 13 in line therewith at that end of the cabinet.

- The up r compartment 6 forms tre workin cham r ofthe unit and in work is light tig t, while at the back of this chamber 6 is a window 16 behind which a white light 17 and also (if desired) a red'light is dis osed, the glass of the window being froste or is formed of flashed opal or other suitable diffusion material so that while in work the completed films can be i ected in the man ner. required in pathological surveys if so desired.

A red or ruby glass inspection window 18 or windows is or are positioned at an inclination at the front top position or inany other suitable position ofthe cabinet 5 and a red or ruby lamp'or lamps 19 is or are provided with the rear of the cabinet 5 to throw the light into the enclosed compartment 6 in the required position, so that in this comartment the correct.light.tone necessaryor developing is achieved in the compartment 6, as this light is required for inspec tion and work in the chamber and the ruby or red light does not throw any shadow during the working operations.

- The compartment 6 during the developing period'is closed by a light tight door or preferably two doors 20, 21, adapted to open outwardly and close inwardly to the centre These doors 20, 21 are:providedwi thopem ings 23 aroun d whichfare-1mounted r eeve covers 24 of fabric or other flexible opaque res 1 to 19, a ca inet 5 of suitable ma-' ers being suspen material, the material used bein preferably elastic or stretchable so that the hands of the operator are free to work within the cabinet 5 to effect all the ste s of developin the films thus providing lig t covers for t e arms 0 the operator and when not in use these sleeve covers may he covered by hinged flaps (not shown) to maintain the cabinet appearance of the unit.

The compartment 9 is divided at 25 to provide a stora e chamber 26 and a cassette magazine cham r 27, the magazine chambers being formed by partitions and'are graduated as at 26a toaccommodate var ing sizes of cassettes and so that they are al in alignment at the top.

The cassette magazine 27 is open at the top but is normall closed from the compartment 6 by a sli ing cover 28, preferably lead lined, which is adapted to be moved over the top 29 of the compaitment 26 so that the cassettes can be removed as required from the ma azine 27 by the hands of the operator woi lring within the compartment 6.

These magazine chambers 27. are preferably open at the front 27a to facilitate the placing of the cassettes in the magazine,

which is more conveniently effected the opening of the door 30 at the front 27a and passing the cassettes into the front to the rear. v

Below the'magazine chambers 27 is a space in which is placed a slidable tray 31 which receives waste matter such as the paper or the magazine from other covers of the used films, aspace '32 being provided at the back of the magazine 27 by stepping as illustrated to allow the" waste matter to drop through from the compartmentGintO-the tray 31. Y

After the removal of the required films from the cassettes the slide 28 is returnedto cover the magazine 27 The compartment 10 receives a sliding film hanger magazine in the'form .of a'drawer 33 which is provided with a plurality"ofcham-.

bars 34 formed by the partitions 35 in which.

the supply of han ers is positioned, the hangded therein by projections formed thereon as hereinafter described .which rest in grooves. as formed in the top of the chambers 34. a

In the compartment 11 a film' box magazine 37 is disposed, the magazine compartments.

38 of which are shaped to receive boxes of films of vary sizes but with the top of the boxes .flush wlth the top of the compartments 38'.-

These compartments 10 and 11 are normal-' 1y closed bya door 39 positioned in the front of the cabinet; I

Covering the compartments 10 and 11. is a working tray or bench 40 which is adapted to slide so that it, covers or uncovers. the magazines 33 and 37, it being obvious that when the operator is at work in the compartment 6,

the bench covers these magazines 33 and 37. At the rear of the compartment 6 above these magazines 33 and 37 is a V or other shaped pocket 41 to receive the cassettes or hangers during any of the operations required in developing the films.

The compartment 12 has mounted or depending therein a plurality of tanks which may be of any number as required according to the work, but as illustrated, four tanks are shown, comprising a developing tank 42, a rinsing tank 43, fixing tank 44 and washing tank 45.

These tanks are provided with rims 42a around the top thereof which seat on a transverse member 425 in the compartment 12 having openings 42c therein through which the tanks depend, to provide for the suspension thereof.

A cover 46 is provided for the tanks 42, 43 and 44, and this cover functions to automatically drain into the washing tank which is uncovered by means of a corresponding opening 46a in the cover 46 which is preferably set at a slight incline as at 46?) towards the tank 45.

The cover 46 normally fits over the tanks so as to exclude the light from the developing and fixing tanks,42 and 44 respectively and also to allow theiwater draining off the films being viewed to run back into the washing tank 45 thereby maintaining the solutions in the developing a d fixing tanks free from contamination and at a constant strength.

By maintaining the washing tank 45 uncovered as illustrated, films may be readily removed therefrom for inspection purposes.

The cover 46 is hinged at 47 so that it can be swung out of the way as desired against the door 15 of the drying chamber 14 as illustrated in Figure 5.

An auxiliary heating lamp or unit 48 is disposed in the chamber 12 to provide the required temperature therein, while the developing tank 42 has mounted thereon a hea ing unit or units 49 which form a part thereof adapted to maintain a temperature in the tank from 50 F. to 70 F. and to maintain a positive temperature of approximately 65 F. for any length of time.

These electrical heating units on the tank .42fi'a're mounted at any suitable 'point'or points around or adjacent to the outer surface ofthe tank 42 containing the developer but preferably at the bottom thereof as illustrated in Figure 3. I

After the films have been developed the operator opens the door 15 and slides a support or supports 50 fitted with books 51 from the upper rying chamber 14 into the compartment 6 so that he can suspend the hangers carrying the developed films on said,. hooks 51, and after hanging the films, the slide 50 is moved back into the drying chamber 14 and the door 15 closed to allow further do? veloping in the compartment 6 and the films suspended in the drying compartment remain there during the drying period.

On the accumulation of films in the drying compartment 14 the door 52 is opened and the dried or partly dried films are removed therefrom but if necessary the films are hung in thelowcr drying chamber 13 on a similar slide 53 fitted with suspension hooks and thus the films can be subjected to a further drying operation.

The slide 53 can be moved outwardly after the opening of the door 55 of the lower drying compartment 13.

In the lower drying compartment 13 is a combined air fan and heating element 56 of any su'table type, which ci culates the heated ail-through the chambers 13 and 14 to assist the drying of the films.

The developing, fixing and washing tanks 42, 44 and 45 respectively are provided with a tbcrmo siphon system of circulation which consists in providing spaced battles 57 at each end of the tanks with a clearance 58 between the walls, the baflles 57 terminating at a point above the bottom of the tanks and are united at the top with spaced distance pieces 59, the distance pieces forming guides for hangers carrying the films and so that a maxinmm number of hangers may be placed in the tanks without abrading the neigbbouring films.

Should excess heat be im mrtcd for any reason the chemical or liquid is prevented from spilling o\cr the top of the tanks by the hermo s phon action of the liqu d which will circulate upwardly over the battles 57 and down through the clearances 58 back into the tank 44 or 45.

This circulation of the solution also acts as an automatic solution agitation whereby an even density of the solution is maintained.

The film hangers are preferably of special construction and of non-corrosive material and are illustrated in Figures 13, 14 and 15.

These hangers are directed, firstly. to hold the films without the undue bulging that occurs in using the present type; secondly, in the rapid and effective manner in which the films are dropped or inserted therein and maintaining the said films in a substantially flat position in said hangers; and thirdly, in

roviding means whereby the smallest to the liirgest hanger can be suspended in the tanks.

In the construction of hanger as illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, an upper plate 59 is provided and from the sides at the top lugs or ears 60 longitudinally extend. which when in position, rest on theflanges 61 of the developing tanks 42, 43, 44 and 45.

From thisplate 59 a skeleton framework 62 of rectangular or other shape depends and .the sides and bottom of this framework 62 are grooved as at 63 inwardly from the inner is provided for the edges of the film, but t e front face H 62a does not extend to the top of the upper plate 59 being cut out as at 64 some distance below, and has its up er edge 65 flanged or flared outwardly, so tl iat the flaring and the upper top late 59 form a support for the leading end of the film as it is sli ped into the hanger into position in the cii the sides and bottom of the hanger.

The bottom edge and the sides of the hanger are formed with a series of spaced holes 66 to allow of the drainage of the solution therefrom when the hanger is removed from the tanks. I

As illustrated in Figure the hanger is designed fcr dropping the films vertically therein and inthis construction the front upper plate 620. is extended up to the level of the top of the back plate 59 and one or both of these plates is or are flared outwardly as at 67 to provide a simple lead in for the edge of the film.

Combined with the hangers are'meansto allow the smallest hanger to be suspended in the tanks and magazines and these means preferably consist of an arm 68 pivoted at 69 to one of the lugs and which arm- 68 is adapted to swing to horizontal position to extend and rest on the opposite side of the tank or magazine and when not in use the arm 68 is adapted to swing down and remain in line with one of the sides of the ban er.

The various magazines 27, 3 and 37 are cut away as at 70 at their top and sides to facilitate the removal of the articles stored therein.

As above described the red lamps 19 are disposed-so that the rays thereof are spread into the upper developing chamber 6, while the rear right hand side at the back is'.pro' vided with a sheet or pane of frosted or flashed opal glass 16 or other material capable of diffusion behind which is dis used as at 1.7 red or white and red and white ightsv so as to allow of the rays lighting up the fin-.

ishing end of the chamber tor inspection of j the film or for-other purposes such as a pathological re ort.

The wh te lamp 17 and the red lamps 19 are arranged in circuit as illustrated in Figure 18 with switches 71, 72 in said circuit to control 'the lighting requirements, the switch 71 controlling the lamps 19 and the switch 72 controlling the lamp17.

The heating lamp 48, the heating unit 49 of the developing tank 42 and the drying fan 56 are arranged in a common circuit i lustrated in Figure 17, the respectivee ements being controlled by separate switches respectively 73, 74 and 75.

. In order to preventdamage by the undue retentionof the heat caused by the elements,

annel at.

a pilot light or other indicator may be disposed in the circuit or if desired, the elements ma be under thermostatic control.

ach of the tanks 42, 43, 44 and 45 is r vided with a delivery outlet 76 and each fitted with a non-corrosive flexible delivery pipe 77 fitted with valves or clips 78 to normally close'tbe delivery ends thereof.

As illustrated in Figure 19 the tanks 42, 43, 44, 45 may be automatically filled from or emptied'into supply tanks 79 by means of non-corrosive pipes 83, the tanks 79 being arranged on a platform 80 vertically disposed 1n a frame or compartment of the cabinet 5, the. platform 80 sliding on guides 81 against the pull of compensating weights 82 so that when the supply tanks 79 are below the level of their'respective tanks 42, 43, 44, 45 the liquid in said latter tanks flows by gravity into the receiving tanks 79 but when the tanks 79 are in their raised position, as illustrated, the liquid in the said tanks 42, 43, 44, 45 is maintained at a constant level.

In the modification illustrated in Figures 20 and 21, the double doors 2021 of the compartment 6 may be dis ensed with and in lieu thereof a door 83 hinged along the bot-' tom edge may be employed, the said door being fitted with a plurality of sleeve covers 24 along the length thereof while the lower rail 84 of the door may be cut away to receive a flap door 85 which when opened, as illustrated in Figure 21, allows the insertion of cassettes and/or hangers or other articles into the compartment 6.'

The doors, slides, walls and any other portionof the-cabinet 5 as required are l1ned with lead or non-corrosive material and in such a manner that all the parts relating to the compartment 6 are immune to light rays while the lead linings are non-penetrative thereby preventing stray X-ray or secondary rays from-reaching or affecting the films in the magazine.

In the modificati llustrated in Fi res 24 and 25 a cabinet is shown to be emp oyed where the volume of work is not 'suflicient to warrant the use of the larger cabinet and parts above described.

According to this construction the cabinet is formed with the upper compartment 6 fitted with a hinged door 86 along the rail 87, the door being rovided with sleeve covers 88, inspection window of red or ruby material, a red lamp holder 90, a glass pathological survey pane 160 with a white or red, or both white and red lam s 170 behind it.

It will be notice thih drying chambers 13, 14 are dispensed wi The lower portion of the cabinet 5a is divided into two separate compartments 91, 92 the one compartment 91 being lead lined an utilized for the storage of cassettes, hangers, films and other articles required in the dethat in this construction velopment of the films and these articles are transferred to the upper compartment 6 by the operator prior to commencing the work.

Above this compartment 91 is the work bench 93 which is adapted to slide over the developing tanks as and when required.

The developing tanks in this instance are of suitable number, three being illustrated, comprising a developing tank 94, fixing tank 95'and washing tank 90, the developing tank 94 being provided with a heating element 97 mounted on the base or other portion thereof, the tanks being disposed in the compartment 92 and the compartments 91, 92 are covered by hinged doors 98.

In the construction of cabinet illustrated in Fi ures 22, 23 and 26, the apparatus is modi ed so as to be adapted for small film work such as is requiredby dentists and apprehends a self-contained cabinet 99, a film till or magazine 100 and a special construction of hanger.

This cabinet 99 follows the outline illustrated and comprises an upper compartment 101 extending along the entire width which is normally closed by the hinged doors 102 and a hinged frame provided with a ruby red inspection window 104, each door 102 having a sleeve cover 103 fitted therein.

The top of the cabinet is provided with ruby red inspection windows 104, 105 and a pathological inspection window 106 and lamps are arranged substantially as and for the purposes above described.

The inspection window 101 is formed in a casing 107 which is adapted to close over the space between the doors 102 to normally insure that the compartment 101 is immune from light rays.

This casing 107 is adapted to swing upwardly and rearwardly as illustrated on its hinges 108, or it may be adapted to slide up wardly and rearwardly to allow of the cabinet to be used as a desk and also to allow of an inspection of the developed films in the hanger 109 when it is disposed in the developing compartment,

At the bottom of the developing compartment 101 is a work bench 110 and to the side thereof is a hinged cover 111 normally covering the developing tanks, three in number being illustrated, comprisin a developin tank 112, fixing tank 113 and washing tan 114, the said tanks being sus ended in the lower compartment 115 whic is-norma'lly closed at the front thereof by a door 116, the developing tanks being heated in the manner above described.

The hinged cover 111 durin izhe developing of the films is adapted to swun u wardly against the adjacent wall 117 0% tlie cabinet and is held thereto by a suitable catch.

The lower compartment 118 fitted with a lead lined closure door 119 is adapted to store the magazine for the finished films, a magazine or carrier for undeveloped films, hangers and other articles required for developing.

The central rail 120 of the cabinet is fitted with a pass drawer 121 positioned below the bench 102 which is hinged at the front edge so that it can be raised and the films to be developed removed from the pass drawer 121 and fitted into the hanger 109 within thedeveloping compartment 101.

The bench 102 is then returned to allow of the necessary development stages.

I desire it to be understood that by a simple variation the left hand side of the dark chamber 6 can be provided with a series of spaced shelves or partitions adapted to receive the cassettes-and hangers before, during or after the operations of film development in said dark chamber 6.

The hanger 109 employed in this work consists of a frame set with spaced tiers 122 of film receivers 123 arranged one below the other, some of which, as at 124, may be adapted to allow the films to be set with the short ends lengthwise and some as at 123 with the shortends sidewise in the hanger according to the method of photography.

On the face of the cross members of the frame is a plurality of narrow spaced vertical flanges or lugs 125 turned inwardly and between these spaced vertical flanges at the bottom is a further flange or lug'126 bent outwardly and upwardly, the space between the wall 127 of the hanger and the flanges 125,126 beingsufficient to allow of the easy sliding therein of the edges of the film, a plurality of which can thus be supported in a single hanger.

It will be obvious that the means for suspendin the films in the hanger may be varied if so desired.

The hanger frame 109 thus provides for the mounting of multiple film carriers and the carriers may receive the films in the sequence of exposure of the films as above described.

The hanger frame 109 may also be provided at the top with the side suspension lugs 60 and ivoted extension arm 68 as above described The referred form of till or magazine for small films such as required for dentists use is illustrated in Figures 22 and 23 and consists of-, a rectangular box 127 with a row of compartments 128 on either side of the loagitudinal centre, each compartment bein of a size to comfortabl receive an exposed fihn which is received herein at an inclination owing to each wall 129 cf the compartments being set box.

- his box 127 forms a magazine for the films and at one or both ends of the magazine is a compartment 130 which is adapted to reat an angle to the side edges of the ceive a-. st ck of uncovered films, the wrappers of which are marked with an indicator to allow of the use in sequence as above de- "scribed, while the compartments 128 are also marked in sequence to follow the proper form of lacing as the exposed films are arranged t erein.

Each row of compartments 128 in the magazine 127 is fittediwith a lid 127a hinging along the centre and closing over its respective compartment.

Prior to commencing operations the solutions for the developing and fixing tanks 42 and 44 respectively. are prepared and the tanks filled and also the rinsin and wash ing tanks 43 and 45 are filled wit water and the cover 46 closed over the tanks as illustrated.

The arms of the operator are inserted in the extensible sleeve covers 24 through the orifices or openings thereof.

1n the operation embodied in the invention the steps are effected in the following cycle The cassette c'ar g the exposed film is transferred from t he maga'zine 27 to the chamber 6 after the cover 28 to one side.

The light is prevented after this step from enteringbthe inside of the cabinet compartment 6 y the slide 28 which is returned to cover the magazine 27 and the ruby red li hts 19 are switched on so that the interior 0 the said compartment is diffused with a corresponding color essential-for the proc-- solution therein reaches the correct temperamoved by the other hand of the. operator from the magazine 33.

The hanger 59 .with theexposed him is then removed from the slide'28 and placedin the developing tank 42 which is uncovered together with the adjacent-tanks 43 and 44 by raising the.cover.46 to the vertical position against the door 15. f After the exposed film in the-hanger 59 has been inserted in the developing tank 42 by the right hand of the operator, the slide 28 is returned to normal position over the magazines 27, 83 with the lef hand.

The cassette is then returned to the magszine27or'chamber26tobeusedforafur- The slide 28 is then pushed to the left hand; side to allow of access to the ban r mags-i sine and the film is then droppe or placedf m a hanger 59 of suitable size which i's -re- 1,eso,seo

ther exposure of films when required.

After 5 minutes, indication is given by a time bell or other-timing mechamsm or si nal, preferably a clock 131, that the film 1s deve oped and the hands are then placed inside the extensible sleeves and the slide '28 5 is then ushed to the left.

The is taken from the developer 42 rinsed in the water tank 43 and placed in the fixi tank 44. l

A r 10 minutes or thereabouts, the film is taken from the fixing tank 44 and placed in the washing tank 45 This last operation can be effected in daylight with the door or doors of the dark chamber 6 open.

After suitable washing, the film with the hanger can then be placed in a special container or be arrangedin front ofthe view light 17 and over a gutter to allow drainage back to the washing tank 45 and the cover 46 is returned over the tanks 42, 43, 44, 45.

The white light 17 at the rear of the pathological survey window 16 is then switched on whereby the can then be viewed and reported on pathologically or otherwise.

- After this'step, the inner door 15 of the drying chamber 14 is opened to allow the slide 50 on whichthe hanger is supported to be moved into the drying chamber 14 and this operation, if neoessary,can be effected in the dark.

The drying fan 56 is then switched on to facilitate the drying of the -After drying the film is taken from the drying chamber 14 without the admission of ii ht, into theinside dark chamber 6 or the fi may be removed for storage or inspection.

After the drying of the film or films has been completed all switches are turned ofi'.

Behind the sleeve covers 24 a covering flap adapted'to drop when the arms are removed to ensure a light-tight mounting while, in some instances, the apparatus may be made up with or without several of the features such as the pass drawer, the mags zine, white light, the drying chamber and -emptying--a d filling appliance and still-be able to'operate' for developing purposes as above described! -I-desire it to be understood that the parts liable to be efiected by the solutions are preferably formed of non-corrosive material and other parts or chambers. suitably lined, such as with lead to protect them from the stray or secondary rays.

. The a paratus and method embodying the essentia featuresand functions and for the pn oses above described will be of great utility and embodies parts which in their ordinary and separate use, will be of great yalue in developing'films and a distinct advaries in the art; and "I desire it to be understood that modifications;-'improvements and variations may well be evolved within the ambit of the invention as herein described without departing from its spirit and scope.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. Means for developing X-ray and other photographic films, comprising a unitar cabinet of the hand insertion type in whic all the operations required in a dark room m ".y be eflected, a dark chamber within said cabinet having in combination therewith cas sette and hanger magazines, developing, rinsing, fixing and washing tanks and a drying chamber, and light-tight sleeve cov rs for the reception of the operators arm. .0 permit 21 film to be transferred to and from any one of the units within the cabinet.

2. In means for developing X-ray and other photographic films, a unitary cabinet,

light-tight and flexible sleeve covers disposed at the front -thereof, to permit the insertion of the operators arms within the cabinet, a dark chamber within said cabinet, and a series of lead-lined compartments positioned below the dark chamber in which are disposed respectively cassette, film and hanger magazines, developing, rinsing, fixing and washing tanks, and a drying chamber.

3. In means for developing X-ray and other photographic films, a unitary cabinet of the hand insertion type, comprising in combination a casing, the upper portion of which is formed as a dark chamber, the lower portion of said casing being divided into a series of lead-lined compartment-.5 to provide space for a storage chamber, cassette, film and hanger magazines and developing, rinsing, fixing and washing tanks respectively, a drying chamber communicating with the dark chamber but normally closed therefrom, a lead-lined slide in the bottom of the said dark chamber disposed over the magazine compartments and usable as a working bench, light-tight and flexible sleeve covers for the reception of the operators arms whereby the films may be transferred to and from the various units within the cabinet, means for difl using varying colored lights into the dark chamber, and an inspection panel of ruby glass at the front of the cabinet near the top thereof.

4. In means for developing X-ray and other photographic films, a unitary cabinet of the hand-insertion ty e, a dark chamber in the upper portion of said cabinet, the lower portion of which is divided to provide storage space and a further space for suspending a developing tank, a fixing tank, a rinsing tank, and a washing tank, means attached to the developing tank for supplying heat thereto, means to provide access to the said tanks from inside the dark chamber, a red or ruby colored inspection panel directed into said chamber, doors at the front of said dark chamber, light-tight and flexible sleeve covers fitted in the said doors for the reception of the arms of the operator, means for diffusing the interior of the dark chamber with a ruby colored li ht, an inspection window within the said d ark chamber with exterior means for difl'using a white light therethrough for the )urposes herein specified.

5. n means for developing X-ray and other photographic films, a cabinet of the hand-insertion type, comprising a casing embodying in combination a compartment above a central table adapted to form a dark chamber, a work bench slidably mounted on said table in the dark chamber, doors to close the dark chamber while in operation in conjunction with a movable central portion hingedly mounted on the cabinet, light-tight and flexlble sleeve covers in the dark chamber doors, a storage chamber below the central table, an adjacent chamber below the said table in wnich is suspended developin fixing and washing tanks, means on said developing tank for supplying heat thereto, a hinged cover normally closing the said tanks from the dark chamber, a drawer in the casing adapted to pass articles or material into the said dark chamber, an inspection panel of ruby red in the central movable portion adapted to be directed into the dark chamber, an additional inspection window at the back of the said chamber, and means for dif-' fusing, as desired, a red light or white light into the dark chamber.

6. In means for developing X-ray and other photographic films, a unitary cabinet wherein a dark chamber has incorporated therewith cassette film and hanger magazines, and a series of developing tanks, the magazines being divided into a plurality of compartments of varying sizes to receive cassettes and hangers of corresponding sizes, means to prevent lateral movement of the hangers carrying films when in the developing tanks, comprising guideways disposed therein, and means for heating the main developing tank and automatically agitating the solution therein.

7. In means for developing X-ray and other photographic films, a cabinet having in combination a dark chamber, magazines for cassettes, films and hangers, a developing tank, fixing tank, and washing tanks, the compartments of the magazines being cut away at the top' and sides thereof to facilitate the removal of the contents, and spacing members disposed in the develo ing tanks to prevent lateral displacement o the hangers and contact between the films held thereby when suspended in the tanks.

8. In means for developin X-ray and other photographic films, a cabinet containing a dark chamber the doors of which are fitted with light-tight and flexible sleeves, covers, stora spaces below the said dark room in whic are disposed cassette, film and hanger magazines, and a series of developin tanks, a drying chamber in combination wit the dark chamber and developinl tanks, means for slidably supporting t e m carrying hangers in the drying chamber for assmg the films from the said dark chamr into the dr in chamber, door closure means between tii e irl: chamber and drying chamber, and means for circulating hea air through the drying chamber as herein described.

9. In means for developin X-ray and other photo raphic films, a umtary cabinet of the ban -insertion type, in combination therewith a film magaain'e formed with a plurality of compartments arranged in rows, compartments at each end of the magazine adapted to receive uncovered films arranged in sequence, intermediate compartments in said cabinet, havin inclined bases, each compartment being in icated whereby each film is arranged, and developed in sequence in the dark chamber of the cabinet.

Signed at Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, this 31st day of March A. D. 1930.

JOHN EARL BOWKER.

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