US2157128A - Photographic developing machine - Google Patents

Photographic developing machine Download PDF

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US2157128A
US2157128A US25647A US2564735A US2157128A US 2157128 A US2157128 A US 2157128A US 25647 A US25647 A US 25647A US 2564735 A US2564735 A US 2564735A US 2157128 A US2157128 A US 2157128A
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sheet
sheets
plate
magazine
shaft
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US25647A
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Hershberg Samuel
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03DAPPARATUS FOR PROCESSING EXPOSED PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIALS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03D3/00Liquid processing apparatus involving immersion; Washing apparatus involving immersion
    • G03D3/08Liquid processing apparatus involving immersion; Washing apparatus involving immersion having progressive mechanical movement of exposed material
    • G03D3/10Liquid processing apparatus involving immersion; Washing apparatus involving immersion having progressive mechanical movement of exposed material for plates, films, or prints held individually

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  • This invention relates generally to photographic developing machines and more particu;'- larly to such machines wherein all of the photographic finishing processes are completed automatically.
  • the main object of this invention is the provision of structure wherein great economy of operation is afforded, together with an increase in the size and quality of finished pictures. All this is accomplished by virtue of a compact and conjunctive arrangement of the various subassemblies; a saving in the cost of chemicals by eliminating inter-tank pollution; a saving in labor costs owing to the automatic operation of the machine, and the manipulation and transfer therethrough of the sensitized material; and by virtue of the production of a higher average of perfect rints, the result of precise timing of the development steps and exact mechanical manipulation thereof.
  • Another object of this invention is the provision of structure permitting the light-proof communication between this developing machine and a camera, capable of movement independently of the said machine.
  • a further object of this machine is the furnishing of means whereby individual sheets of sensitized material, larger than heretofore, are manipulated through the developing machine with-.
  • Figure l is a fragmentary side elevational view of the machine with the outer casing thereof removed.
  • Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan view, with the greater portion of the intake conveyor broken away.
  • Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevational view showing the magazine and clip loading mechanism.
  • Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view 'of Figure 3 along the line 4-4- thereof showing one of the paper retaining-pawls or dogs.
  • Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of Figure 3 along the line 55 thereof showing one of the clips and actuating mechanism therefor,
  • Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of Figure"? along the plane 5-6 thereof showing Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view I! of the electro-mechanical timing device.
  • Figure 11 is an enlarged sectional view of Figure I 0 along the line IlH thereof.
  • Figure 12 is an enlarged sectional view of Figure 10 along the line l2l2 thereof.
  • Figure 13 is an enlarged sectional View of Figure 10 along the line [3-13 thereof.
  • the invention contemplates a rectangularly shaped box-like casing which encloses the developing machine, said casing having an angularly disposed top wall.
  • a camera adapted for movement along-the top wall maintains a light-proof connection therewith and deposits exposed sheets of sensitized material upon a moving conveyor in the developing machine casing. All this is clearly set forth in co-pending applications for Letters Patent by the same inventor as follows: System of photography, filed September 15, 1934, Serial Number 744,225; Photographic developing machine, filed September 21, 1934, Serial Number 744,886; Camera, filed September 21, 1934, Serial Number 744,887.
  • the sensitized sheets are then carried through the machine by mechanism to be described below and deposited into a receptacle as finished prints or pictures.
  • the aforesaid box-like casing is composed of removable lightproof sidewalls detachably afilxed to a skeletal framework of angle iron, and the various assemblies in the machine are suitably supported from said framework.
  • Numeral 2U designates one of the horizontal longitudinal angle irons, there being two, which constitute the longitudinal base members of the machine and support therebetween a base plate 21 forming the flooring of the machine.
  • Motor 22 is positioned Sheet intake conveyor Numeral 28 designates a; continuous conveyor belt operating longitudinally and pitched as shown in Figure 1, and thus travels parallel to and below the tracks 29 which carry a. camera or other depositing equipment.
  • the belt 28 is carried by a pair of rollers, only the lower drivihg' roller 30 being shown, and both rollers are suitably trunnioned in brackets affixed to the framework adjacent thereto, said brackets not being shown in the accompanying drawings.
  • Roller 30 is mounted upon a spindle 3
  • the sprocket 32 aflixed to the outer end ofspindle 3
  • Spindle 31 operates at approximately 43 R. P. M
  • Magazine and magazine inlet chamber 35 Situated forward of and below the lower bight of belt 28 is a magazine inlet chamber 35 comprised of a rear wall 36, a forward wall 37, andtwo side walls which are forward portions of two large vertical and parallel spaced plates 38 and 39. Plates 38 and 39 extend up and rearwardly to form side walls for the conveyor belt 28 and thus prevent any undesirable transverse displacement of the sheets of sensitized material being I carried on the said belt.
  • the rear wall 36 is transversely and vertically disposed, while the middle portion thereof is gently bent in two opposed right angles so that the lower portion of said wall is rearwardly offset and parallel to the upper portion, and constitutes the rear wall 40 of the magazine 4
  • a pair of frustum rollers 42 Located to the rear of the forward wall 31 are mounted a pair of frustum rollers 42.
  • Rollers 42 each have a flattened portion, and the axes of the said rollers are in a vertical plane parallel with front wall 31. Both of the rollers 32 rotate in synchronism at approximately 33 R. P. M., in the same direction, the flat faces thereof always parallel. Said rollers derive motion from spindle 35 by means of a pulley 43 on spindle'3i, a belt 54, a pair of idler pulleys 45, a double pulley 48 on one of the rollers 42, a connecting belt 47, anda pulley 48 on the other one of the rollers 42.
  • the bottom of the magazine inlet chamber 35 is a gently curved convex plate 49, the configuration thereof being best shown in Figure 9,
  • Plate 49 is pivotally mounted at the forward upper edge thereof, by means of two downwardly projecting integral bosses 58 co-axially penetrated by a spindle 5
  • Integral with bosses 58 are two irregularly shaped pusher fingers 54, which extend downwardly and are then upwardly and arcuately bent tothe rear as best seen in Figure 9.
  • the plate 49 and fingers 54 are caused to oscillate by means of the bellcrank lever 55 and cam 55.
  • Lever 55 is provided with laterally projecting integral studs at each end thereof, each carrying a roller.
  • the upper roller bears against the under surface of plate 49, while the lower roller acts as a follower for cam 58;
  • the lever is radially mounted upon a shaft 51 which after penetrating plates 38 and 39 1s suitably trunnioned in supports 52 and 53, the details of said trunnioning being omitted from the drawings for the purpose of clarity.
  • Cam 58 is mounted upona transverse shaft 58 which similarly penetrates plates 38 and 39 and is Journalled in supports 52 and 53.
  • Shaft 58 is driven by sprocket 59, concentrically afdxed. thereto adjacent its inner terminal, a connecting chain 80, and a sprocket 8
  • Shaft 58 rotates at approximately 22 R. P. M.
  • the floor of magazine 4] is formed by a horizontal shelf 52 suitably supported from the skeletal framework adjacent thereto, and extending laterally sufficient to form a flooring 'for the clip loading mechanism as will be more particularly described below.
  • a pair of pawls or dogs 83 Situated within the magazine 4
  • the lower terminals of dogs 63 are wedge shaped and downwardly pointed, while the upper terminals thereof are provided with laterally projecting studs with rollers thereon which serve as followers for a pair of cams 65 mounted on a shaft 88.
  • Shaft 86 is trunnioned similarly to shaft 51 set forth above and adjacent its outer end carries a gear 81 which engages a gear 88 carried by shaft 58, thus deriving its rotation from shaft 58.
  • the rotation of shaft 56 causes dogs 83 to rock as best seen in Figure 4.
  • the rear wall 40 of magazine 41 has a horizontal rectangular slot therein and within said slot a resiliently faced plate 89 is adapted for transverse reciprocation.
  • Plate 89 is provided with two longitudinal flanges 10 which engage corresponding channels in a guideway plate 1
  • Guideway plate 1! contains a horizontal slot 13, so that a stud 14 integral with plate 69 projects rearwardly from said plate through the slot 13.
  • a link bar 15 is pivotally connected to a crank 18 and the stud 14.
  • Crank 16 is radially aflixed to the forward end of a short shaft 11 which is journalled in two uprights 18 and 19' projecting from shelf 82.
  • a horizontal plate 88 carries a resilient facing 8
  • Horizontal plate 88 and arm 82 are adapted for vertical reciprocation by reason of the slideable mounting of arm 82 in the upright 83.
  • Arm 82 has. longitudinal flanges which engage a corresponding vertical channel guideway in the upper portion of upright 83.
  • the said channel in upright 83 is open to the rear to permit the projection therethrough of a short stud, 84 which projects rearwardly from the lower end of arm 82 and serves a follower for the cam 85 mounted on shaft 11.
  • Stud 84 is maintained in operative engagement with cam 85 by the contractile spring 88 connecting plate 88 and upright 19.
  • Rotation of shaft 11 thus causes plate 89 to laterally reciprocate and plate 80 to vertically reciprocate.
  • Shaft 11 derives rotation through a sprocket 81 thereon, a connecting chain 88 ⁇ and a sprocket 89 mounted immediately to the rear of upright 21' on shaft 21.
  • the forward wall of the magazine H is formed by a rectangular compressor'plate 90, vertically and transversely disposed, and adapted for forward and rearward reciprocation.
  • Compressor plate 90 is provided with two integral and parallel rods 9I projecting perpendicularly from the front face thereof, and these rods are slideably mounted in the orificed upper ends of two uprights 92 vertically projecting from shelf 62.
  • Plate 90 also contains two vertically disposed slots 93 to permit the rearward penetration therethrough of the pusher fingers 54.
  • An irregularly shaped bell-crank lever 94 is pivotally mounted below magazine 4I for movement in a vertical plane, by means of a short integral axle which is journalled between the upper ends of a bifurcated upright support 95.
  • a stud 96 on the upper end of lever 94 contacts plate 49 and displaces it upwardly and rearwardly when lever 94 is actuated, while the pivotal connection of lever 94 to plate 90 through the sliding clevis assembly 91, causes "a concurrent rearward displacement of plate 90.
  • the clevis is integral with plate 90 while the clevis pin penetrates a slot in'lever 94 thereat.
  • the rear and lower end of lever 94 is provided with an integral stud and roller thereon which serves as a follower for the actions of the upper arm of a rock-lever 98.
  • Bell-crank lever 94 is maintained in operative engagement with rock-lever 98 by the action of a contractile spring 99 connecting the lower arm of lever 94 and the upright support 95.
  • Rock-lever 98 is pivotally mounted for movement in a vertical plane, by means of a short integral axle which is journalled between the upper ends of a bifurcated upright support. I00. Supports 95 and I00 project perpendicularly from base plate 2I.
  • the lower and rear arm of rock-lever 98 is provided with an integral stud and roller thereon which serves as a follower for a plate cam IIlI, approximating a semi-circle in shape, and mounted upon a long transverse shaft I02.
  • cam IN is best seen in Figure l, but it is omitted from Figure 2 for purposes of clarity.
  • Shaft I02 is journalled in two uprights I03 and I04 at the ends thereof, and derives rotation 1 through a sprocket I05 mounted thereon adjacent'upright I03, a chain I05, and a sprocket I01.
  • Sprocket I01 is mounted on a short transverse shaft I08 journalled in uprights I09 and III! perpendicularly projecting from base plate 2I, just forward of the speed reduction gear box 25.
  • Short shaft I08 penetrates upright H0 and projects therethrough to have concentrically mounted upon the inner end of-said shaft a bevel gear III which engages another bevel gear II2 the latter bevel being concentrically mounted upon shaft 21 just forward of box 25.
  • Shaft I08 operates at one half the speed of shaft 21, and shaft I02 operates at the same speed as shaft I08 so that shaft I02 operates at the speed of 7 of tanks is arbitrary, and depends upon a consideration of the type of development process to be used or upon limitations of space.
  • Trough I2I has vertical longitudinal side walls, and a verticalfront wall, while the rear wall thereof is angularly disposed.
  • the bottom of trough I2I is not-horizontal, so that drainage will be accomplished, and a suitable outlet leading to a sewer or other disposal means communicates with the trough at its lowest point, said outlet not being specifically shown in the drawings.
  • Trough I2I is supported by attachment to the skeletal framework adjacent thereto. The contiguous front and rear walls of the tanks II3-I20 contact each other at the upper edges thereof, but converge so that the bottom of each tank is reduced in size.
  • the side walls of the tanks are parallel and vertical.
  • Each of the tanks is provided with a manually controlled petcock I22 in the bottom thereof, while communicating with the mouth of each tank is an inlet pipe I23.
  • Pipes I23 connect with the water supply I24 and are each provided with a manually operable control valve.
  • the ends of the inlet pipes I23 and the water supply I24 gate I26 and the rear edge of gate I21 are hinged slightly below the mouth of box I25 to the front and rear walls, respectively, of said box.
  • the free edge of gate I26 is notched as will be set forth in detail below.
  • the hinged edges are adapted for pivotal movement by virtue of their radial afiixation to two transverse spindles I28 which are journalled in orifices in the side walls of box I25.
  • Spindles I28 project through the outer side wall of box I25 and have cranks I29 radially affixed to the outer ends thereof.
  • cranks I29 carry integral studs and rollers thereon which serve as followers for the cam surfaces on an actuating plate I30.
  • Plate I30 is vertically disposed, parallel to the outer side wall of box I25, and is supported in position by an inwardly bent integral right angled arm I3 I, said arm being affixed to the under surfaces of the longitudinal tie bars of the transfer carriage, as set forth below.
  • Plate I30 has two parallel operating edges I32, and two converging operating edges I33, as best seen in Figure l Where it is shown in its lowered position.
  • Re-exposing box I25 has the lowermost portion of the forward wall thereof expanded to contain an incandescent bulb I35 or other illuminating source, and within said box adjacent said bulb, an angularly disposed translucent plate I36 mounted inwardly and downwardly from the inner surface of the said forward wall.
  • Plate I36 serves to diffuse the light emitted from bulb I35 during the re-exposing process so that uniform illumination is obtained on the actinio surfa a of a sheet of sensitized material sus pended in box I25. Where a development process is used in which re-exposure is not necessary or is otherwise undesirable the box I25 and the other parts integrally attached thereto may be completely removed and another tank identical to the others may be substituted. Vertical reciprocation of plate I30 will then have no operative eflfcct.
  • Numeral I38 denotes a similar heater associated with tank 4. These heaters may he placed adjacent any of the tanks whenever desired, in the interstices formed owing to the downwardly converging front and rear walls of the tanks. The energizatlon of the heater units is controlled either thermostatically and/or predeterminately, although the structure as shown displays the latter type of control.
  • Numeral I39 designates a thermometer having its sensitive element immersed in tank 3 and its recording or indicating element external to the machine casing. Similar instruments may he used with any of the other tanks where temperature control is deemed sufficiently important.
  • the transfer carriage 40 For the manipulation of the sheets of sensitized material through the various steps of de velopment a transfer carriage 40 is positioned above the row of tanks II3I20.
  • the carriage I40 comprises generally a substantially rectangular frame horizontally and longitudinally disposed and adapted for vertical reciprocation and carrying thereon an endless chain adapted for intermittent motionin synchronism with the oscillations of the rectangular frame.
  • the endless chain in turn carries the clips which are capable of limited independent movement and carry the sheets of sensitized material in their jaws.
  • Numerals I41 and I42 represent inner and outer horizontal longitudinal tie bars which are rigidly ailixed to two non-rotating transverse axles I43 and 144 by means retaining hubs I45.
  • Axles I43 and I44 are horizontal and project inwardly from ofiset bosses 146 which constitute 90 degrees angle elbows of sleeves 1, as best shown in Figure 3.
  • Sleeves I41 are slideably mounted upon two upright rods I48 and are thus capable of vertical I48 are rigidly displacement thereon. Rods mounted in parallel and vertical position by pedestals at the bottoms thereof, affixed to base plate 21 thereunder, while the upper terminals of said rods are inter-braced by a horizontal tie bar H9 affixed thereto by hubs 356.
  • the rear axle lid has concentrically mounted thereon a large idler sprocket 153 which though free to rotate is prevented from lateral displacement.
  • Forward axle 3 has similarly mounted thereon a large driving sprocket Q52, which integral with the hub 353 thereof has an expanded concentric flange l54.
  • Flange i54 has concentrically mounted upon the outer face thereof a ratchet wheel I55 having four equi-distant peripheral teeth.
  • Outwardly of ratchet wheel I55 is a pinion I56 concentrically mounted on axle I43 and free to rotate thereabout.
  • pinion I56 carries a radial arm I51, having pivotally attached to the free end of said arm a pawl I58 cooperatively engaging the aforefrom the forward end of tie bar I49.
  • Encircllng sprockets II and I52 is a large endless band or chain I6I which is maintained under tension so that it is taut.
  • Chain I6'I carries equidistantly spaced thereabout a plurality of brackets I62 which are integral with the pairs of side links I63 thereat, as best seen in Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.
  • Brackets I62 carry retaining means or clips I64 pivotally mounted thereon by pins "I.
  • the general construction of clips I64 is seen in Figures 3 and 5 while in the other views said clips are indicated by the center lines thereof, for purposes of clarity.
  • Each of the clips I64 is comprised of a fixed jaw I65 (that is, not capable of longitudinal movement with relation to the chain I 6!) and a movable jaw I66.
  • Jaws I65 and I66 are each provided with a pair of inwardly bent integral offset ears, having aligned orifices therein and being pivotaliy interconnected by -a pintle I61, retained in place by expanded ends thereon.
  • the jaws of the clips are maintained in a normally closed position by the action .ofexpansive springs I68, which force the gripping teeth I69 in intimate contact.
  • the gripping faces of these teeth when desired are provided with corresponding pin point projections and depressions, or other surface irregularities to prevent slippage of the sheets of sensitized material therefrom.
  • each of the clips I64 are provided withintegral actuating arms I10, disposed transversely and inwardly with relation to the entire machine and longitudinally with respect to' the clips I64. These arms I control the radial displacement of the clips I64 about the pins I11. Since clipsI 64 are associated essentially with the chain 16 I, their travel may be described by two opposed semicirclesthe inturned ends of which are joined by two parallel lines in a longitudinal vertical plane, and said clips may be spoken of generally as being at one time in an active or down position, or at another'time in an inactive, inverted or up position. There are two horizontal positions in which the clips are travel ing from or to the active position.
  • arms I10 are provided with studs and rollers thereon which act as followers for a series of eccentric circular plate cams i12 mounted along a longitudinal shaft I13 suitably journalled at the ends thereof in a forward upright 414 and a rear upright I15.
  • Uprights l7! and 515 project from base plate 2! and are an exact height so that when clips 164 come to rest in their loading or discharging position the tops of the said uprights contact arms I10 and properly align the clips in a true horizontal position.
  • arms H0 is best seen in Figure 3 in which the lower arm shown is that belonging to the clip directly to the rear of the one shown in the loading position, from which last mentioned clip the arm I10 is deleted and the upright I14 is omitted to better display the magazine and the clip loading mechanism.
  • cam I16 which is concentrically mounted upon shaft I13 opposite the re-exposing box I25 so that the sheet of sensitized material within said box may remain at rest during re-exposure.
  • Cam I16 may be replaced by an eccentric cam when a tank is substituted for box I25.
  • Shaft I 13 operates at approximately 43 R. P. M. and derives rotation by means of a gear I11 mounted thereon forward of upright I15; said gear I11 engaging a gear I18 mounted on a short shaft I19.
  • Shaft I19 is horizontally and longitudinally disposed and is Journalledin uprights I88 and I8I. The forward end of shaft I19 penetrates the forward upright I8I and terminates in a bevel gear I82 which meshes with anot er bevel gear I83 mounted upon the inner end 0 a transverse horizontal shaft I84.
  • Shaft I84 is .journalled in uprights I85 and I86, penetrating the latter to terminate in a sprocket I81 which is connected by a chain I88 to a sprocket I99 on the outer'end of shaft 26.
  • a shelf I4I' integral with the tie bar I and shown only on Figure 3 serves a double function by carrying of! water which has drained from the tilted clips and by conducting it over the tanks I I3I 28 and discharging said'water into the trough I2I or,
  • the transfer carriage elevating mechanism The transfer carriage I48 is elevated by the actuation of a double bell crank assembly I98 having a power arm I9I and front and rear load arms I92 and I93 respectively. Arm's I92 and I93 form an angle of 180 degrees with each other while arm I9I is slightly outwardly offset and bisects this angle.
  • Crank assembly I98 is pivotally mounted, by means of an integral transverse axle I94, in a bracket I95 depending from tie bar I49.
  • the free ends of the load arms are connected by flexible chains to clevises I91 on bosses I46.
  • the chains I96 rise vertically from said bosses and after passing over idler pulleys I98 approach each other to terminate at the load arms I92 and I93.
  • Pulleys I98 are mounted proximate the ends of tie bar I49.
  • power arm I9I is pivotally connected to the upper end of a vertical link bar I99, in turn pivotally attached to the free end of a radial arm 288; Tie bar I49 is cut away slightly as indicated by numeral '28I to allow clearance when arm I9I is rotated.
  • a horizontal transverse shaft 282 suitably journalled in uprights off base plate 2! carries radial arm 288 integrally on the outer terminal thereof and a gear 283 at the inner end thereof.
  • Gear 283 engages an arcuate rack 284 concentrically mounted on the rear or load arm of a lever 285.
  • Lever 285 has an integral collar medially thereof by which it is rotatably mounted on a short transverse shaft 286 which is journalled in two uprights off the base plate 2
  • the forward or power arm of lever 285 is provided with an offset stud and roller thereon which acts as a follower for the steep rise plate cam 281.
  • Cam 281 is integrally mounted on shaft I82, inwardly of cam I8I and directly beneath shaft 21. Since shaft I82 operates at approximately 2 R. P. M. as set forth above, cam 281 through the mechanism just described, causes the transfer carriage I48 to rise during 3 seconds, fall during 1 seconds, and to remain stationary during 25 seconds, two complete cycles of oscillation being completed every minute.
  • the transfer carriage in its upper position is adapted to operate the control toggle arm I24" of a valve I24 situated in the main water supply line I24as shown in Figure 1.
  • the free end of arm I24" is provided with a mounted stud and roller thereon which is actuated by tie-bar I42 when in the upper position thereof. Since the machine always ceases operation with the transfer carriage I48 in its upper position, as will be described below, valve I24 is adjusted to close whenever the transfer carriage is in that position.
  • the clip loading mechanism Situated immediately inward of the rear wall 48 of the magazine are a pair of upright contacting resilient rollers comprising an idler roller 288 and a driving roller 289. These rollers are mounted on upright axles 2I8 projecting from on the inner terminal of shaft 58.
  • shelf 2I8 Situated immediately opposite the point of engagement of rollers 288 and 289, and directly below one of the clips I64 when in its loading position is a small horizontal transverse shelf 2I8 suitably supported by shelf 62 at a height thereabove slightly less than the width of a sheet of sensitized material, said support not being shown in the drawings.
  • Shelf 2I8 is slotted longitudinally and centrally thereof, the slot communicating with the inner edge of said shelf.
  • a pair of upper sheet edge guides 2I9 while directly vertically therebelow are a similar pair of corresponding lower sheet edge guides 228 affixed to the upper surface of shelf 62.
  • Upper .guides 2I9 and lower guides 228 position the upper and lower edges respectively of a sheet of sensitized material after it has been ejected by the action of rollers 288 and 289, so that said sheet is in an exactly aligned position to be grasped by the said clip.
  • the upper edge of said sheet projects through guides 2I9 and shelf 2I8 to allow a sufficient surface thereof to be grasped by said clip as best seen in Figure 5.
  • a right angle bracket 223 supported in an upright position by shelf 2 I8 carries a face plate 224 on the forward vertical surface thereof, said plate being suitably shaped to conformto the rear face of the clip brackets I62.
  • the function of bracket 223 and plate 224 is to prevent disalignment of .the fixed jaws I65 when the movable jaw I66 is actuated by a transverse horizontal rod 225.
  • Rod 225 is carried between two radial arms 226 and 221 which pivot aboutthe point of attachment thereof to two lugs 228 projecting from shelf 2I8.
  • the outer radial arm 221 is extended upwardly and is pivotally attached to the forward end of a horizontal, longitudinally disposed, link bar 229.
  • link bar 229 is connected to the clip unloading or discharging mechanism to be described below. Rearward motion of link bar 226 causes the rod 226, which thus acts as a crank, to open one of the clips I64 in the loading position, while forward motion of said bar closes,
  • Link bar 226 is longitudinally reciprocated by a long vertical lever 238.
  • the upper or load arm of lever 226 is slotted and connects with a pin projecting outwardly from link bar 228 adjacent its forward end, while the lower end of lever 228 is provided with an integral stud and roller thereon which acts as a follower for a plate cam 22L
  • Lever 238 is pivotally mounted medially thereof on a bracket affixed to the adjacent skeletal frame said bracket being omitted from the drawings.
  • Cam 22I is mounted on the outer end ofshaft I82.
  • the clip' unloading mechanism One of the clips I64 when it is in position to be unloaded lies directly below rear axle I44, andto the rear of a small rectangular shelf 232, horizontally and transversely disposed. Shelf 222 corresponds with plate 2I9 and supports an assembly identical with that described in conshaft 234 carries a cam 235 which is actuated by a finger 236 carried by link bar 229.
  • the dryer Situated below a clip in its unloading position, is a gently curved plate 231, vertical at its upper portion and diverging to the rear at its lower portion.
  • Numerals 238 and 233 designate a pair of vertical, longitudinally disposed, spaced parallel plates which project from base plate 2!. Plates 238 and 233 carry trunnioned therebetween four transverse rollers 248, 2, 242, and 243. Rollers 248 and 24S are composed of any suitably resilient material, and the peripheries thereof engage each other at a pointproximate the lower edge of curved plate 231. Rollers 240 and '24! act as wringers and the liquidwhich they squeeze from the sensitized sheet as it passes therebetween falls into the trough l2! therebelow.
  • Rollers 242 and 243 are encircled by a continuous belt 244 composed of any suitable material such as canvas, while between the inner surfaces of said belt and between said rollers is an enclosed electrical heater 245.
  • the upper and lower walls of heater 245 contact the inner face of the belt 244, thereby not only drying the sensitized sheet by direct conduction and radiation of heat thereto, but by drying the belt itself, since the belt is of absorbent construction.
  • Rnller 243 is an idler, while roller 242 is driven by asprocket 246 mounted on the outer end of its spindle. a connecting chain 241, and a aprocktation through a sprocket 248, a chain 258, a
  • Sprocket 248 is mounted on the inner end of the spindle of roller 248.
  • Sprocket 26! and gear 263 are mounted on shaft 262 which is suitably journalled in uprights oil. the base plate 2
  • Rollers 248 and 242 operate at approximately 3 R. P. M.
  • Proximate the roller 243 and at the rear-of the machine is an irregularly shaped receptacle 246 adapted to receive finished sensitized sheets. It is substantially wider than belt 244, and is lacking the outer side wall thereof. This side opening communicates with a similar opening in the casing of the machine which is closed by a flexible light-proof curtain, and through which opening the finished pictures may be obtained.
  • the receptacle is designed to prevent the entrance of light therethrough into the machine casing.
  • the timing mechanism order that the heat generated by heaters constructed that it normally sets a trigger 281 which keeps the electrical circuit closed to the main motor 22 whenever a spiral spring 256 is allowed tov unwind.
  • the release of spring 256 occurs whenever a solenoid. 252 is energized, which energization takes place simultaneous with the depositing of each separate exposed sensitized sheet on conveyor belt 28.
  • motor 22 As soon as motor 22 operates, however, it begins to rewind forward end thereof, a chain 260, and a sprocket 26I on shaft 21.
  • Shaft 258 is horizontally and longitudinally disposed above shelf 255, and is journalled in three uprights 262 which each carry pivotally mounted thereon one of the mercury switches 263, 264, and 265.
  • Switch 263 is in series with heater 245; switch 264 with heaters I3! and I38; and switch 265 is in series with the incandescent bulb I35.
  • Shaft 258 carries mounted thereon four cams 266, 261, 268, and 269.
  • Switches 263, 264 and 265 are pivotally mounted and springs 263' rotate them so that plus projecting from the side walls thereof act as followers for cams 266, 261, and 268, respectively, said cams being uniform with each other.
  • Cam 268 actuates the lower arm of a vertically disposed rock lever 216, while the upper arm there-- of is connected by a link 2' to the free end of a radial arm 212.
  • Lever 218 is pivotally mounted on an upright 213 projecting from shelf 255, while wheel 219.
  • Pawl 218 is mounted on the rear face of upright 216, opposite ratchet wheel 218 which is free to rotate on axle 214.
  • Proximate the periphery of wheel 219, and projecting perpendicularly from the rear face thereof is an annular row of spaced pins 280.
  • Afiixed to axle 214 and immediately rearward of wheel 219 is the spiral spring 256.
  • the outer end of spring 256 is affixed to the forward face of a' disc 28
  • lug 292' projecting from shelf 255 serves'as a stop against which the pin 292 strikes to limit the The out counter-clockwise rotation of disc 28I.
  • er end of spring 256 is attached to the forward face of disc 28
  • constitutes an enlarged flange of a sleeve 283, adapted to rotate about the axle 214, and capable of limited longitudinal movement therealong.
  • a cam 284 mounted upon said sleeve and im-- mediately to the rear of disc 28! is a cam 284 adapted to actuate a follower 285 which projects from the front face of a mercury switch 286 in series with the motor 22.
  • a spring 286' causes follower 285 to contact cam 284.
  • cam 284 rotates counter-clockwise as viewed in Figure 13, it strikesa trigger 281 by means of a lug 288 perpendicularly projecting from the rear face of said cam.
  • Trigger 281 is mounted on an offset arm 289 of an upright 290 which carries the switch 286 pivotally mounted thereon.
  • An expansive spring 29I about the rear portion of axle 214 serves to force the sleeve 283 forward so that pin 292 projecting from the front face of disc 28I engages one of the interstices of the row of pins 280, while a lever 293 having abifurcated free end riding on the sleeve 283 is adapted to strike a collar 294 mounted on the rear end of sleeve 283 and thereby disengage disc 28I and wheel 219 with the rearward displacement of said sleeve.
  • Lever 293 is adapted for movement in a horizontal plane by the pivotal mounting of the outer end thereof on an upright 294, the actuation of said lever being accomplished by the link 295 attached to the armature of solenoid 251.
  • the contractile spring 296 of the trigger 281 is anchored in lever 293.
  • cam 269 on shaft 258 is correlated with the radial position of cam 201 on shaft I02 so that the machine comes to rest with the transfer carriage I40 in its elevated position, and earns 266, 261, and 268 elevating switches 253, 264, and 265 to their off position, thus opening all electrical circuits and closing the water supply.
  • Exposed sheets of sensitized material are deposited on the conveyor belt 28 with the greatest length of the sheets transversely thereof, and are carried downwardly by the said belt and deposited in the magazine inlet chamber 35, long edge first.
  • a sensitized sheet is deposited on belt 28 with its greatest length parallel to the belt, or at any angle therewith not a right angle, rollers 42 turn it about by contacting the edges thereof.
  • the narrowest width of the upper mouth of the chamber 35 is less than half the length of a sensitized sheet, so that the center of gravity of a sheet coming down the conveyor prevents it from pitching head first into chamber 35.
  • the resilient facing contacts the upper edge of the sheet, rising momentarilly when the fingers 54 enter the magazine.
  • the dogs 63 rise to allow the sheet edge to pass rearwardly thereunder, and then these dogs fall to retain the sheet in position as fingers 54 withdraw.
  • other sheets are deposited on belt'28, they too are carried through the chamber 35 and are stacked up edgewise and consecutively in front of those already in the magazine.
  • compressor plate 90 moves rearward thus forcing the rearmost sheet in the magazine into contact with the laterally reciprocating resilient plate 69, which as it moves outwardly of the magazine 4
  • Resilient plate 69 is composed preferably of rubber and actuates the rearmost sensitized sheet because of the frictional or adhesive qualities of said plate.
  • is similarly composed preferably of rubber and grips the edges of all of the sheets stacked within the magazine, but allows the rearmost sheet to move because the action of plate 69 has a more effective grip on the flat surface of said rearmost sheet, while the frictional engagement of the front face of the rearmost sheet and the rear face of the sheet directly in front is less than the frictional-engagement of plate 8
  • plate 69 Although plate 69 is constantly in motion, it only affects sheets which are brought into intimate contact therewithby the action of compressor plate 90.
  • the latter plate moves rearward only when an open clip is in position to be loaded, which occurs every 30 seconds.
  • the curved plate 49 is raised so that it closes the bottom opening of the magazine inlet chamber 35 thus effectively preventing sheets from falling into the magazine while the actual clip loading operation is taking place.
  • the clip I64 then closes upon the upper edge of the sheet and grips it, while the transfer carriage I40 consecutively immerses the gripping teeth I69 and the sheet therebetween in each of the tanks 3 to I20, and inserts it into the box oping solutions they are subjected to gentle agitation owing to the action of cams I12 on arms I10, which thereby agitates the solutions which as is well known in the art expedites the development process and assures uniformity of chemical action.
  • the solutions in the various tanks may be arranged in any suitablemanner.
  • Those tanks desired to contain chemical solutions have the petcocks thereon closed and are filled manually. When, however, it is desired to flush and refill these tanks with fresh solutions, it is only necessary to open the petcocks and the water inlets thereabove to completely clean them preparatory to refilling.
  • the clip upon reaching its discharging or unloading position is opened and the sheet falls therefrom. Simultaneous with the discharging operation another clip is loaded at the loading position. Where the sheet tends to stick to the clip owing to the adhesion of the gelatine coating thereon or for anyother reasons, said sheet is forceably ejected by means of the fingers 233. The sheet is then wrung and dried as set forth above and finally deposited in receptacle 248.
  • the machine as disclosed shows timing of the various operations to permit a separate sheet to be loaded into the clips every 30 seconds and a complete picture to be produced in about 6 minutes.
  • the timing mechanism as set for a 7 /2 minute period of operation allows a sufficient margin of time-to completely finish all of the pictures if they are not placed upon conveyor 28 at a greater frequency than one every 30 seconds. This timing has been found ample in practice as at least 30 seconds are consumed in posing the subject, and adjusting the portrait lights. Where however, exposed sheets of sensitized material are deposited on the conveyor 28 in greater frequency, the timing mechanism may be altered to increase the period above 7 minutes or auxiliary means may be-included to re-energize solenoid 25'! so that all of the sheets deposited in the magazine 4
  • this machine is adapted for use as an automatic developing machine working independently of a movable camera, or in conjunction with a fixed camera, in which case the angularly disposed top wall of the casing may be level instead, and some of the feeding mechanism (for example: belt 28 and/or rollers 42) may be dispensed with, I
  • a magazine adapted to stack said sheets horizontally on edge therewithin; the magazine having a friction plate adapted to engage the edges of said sheets and retain said sheets within the magazine; and discharging means associated with the magazine to discharge single sheets in the same order in which said sheets are deposited therein; and a transfer carriage adapted to advance said sheets through the process of development and having a movable endless band with sheet retaining means thereon for grasping said sheets;
  • a magazine adapted to stack said sheets horizontally on edge therewithin, comprising stationary side walls and bottom, a movable front wall, and a stationary rear wall, a pusher finger penetrating said movable wall and adapted to reciprocate therethrough, a movable dog situated adjacent the said rear wall, and means to actuate said finger and said dog in synchronism whereby said sheets are retained stacked between said dog and said stationary rear wall in the order in which they are deposited in the magazine, and.
  • a transfer carriage adapted to advance said sheets through the process of development and having a movable endless band with a plurality of sheet retaining means thereon for grasping said sheets and mechanism for actuating said ejecting means and said sheet retaining means whereby a sheet ejected from said magazine is received by the,
  • a magazine and a transfer carriage having a movable endless band with a; plurality of spaced sheet retaining means thereon, means to impart unidirectional intermittent displacement to said band whereby each of the retaining means is consecutively posivtioned opposite said magazine, and mechanism to actuate said feeder in correlation with the positioning of the said retaining means, said mechanism comprising a pusher plate adapted to press a sensitized sheet into contact with said oscil-- lating plate.
  • a transfer carriage having a movable endless band; a plurality of sheet retaining means independently pivotally mounted on said band in fixed spatial relation; elevating mechanism for vertically reciprocating said carriage; agitating mechanism, independent of said elevating mechanism, to selectively agitate less than all of said retaining means.
  • a transfer carriage adapted to advance said sheets through the process of development and having a movable endless band with a. plurality of sheet retaining means thereon for grasping said sheets, said. sheet retaining means being independently feeder therewith including an oscillating plate, a
  • said sheet retaining means being independently and pivotally mounted and having a radial extension arm aflixed thereto whereby the center of gravity occurs to one side of the pivot so that a rectangular sheet held by said means will .hang with one corner lowermost, and means to actuate said arm whereby the retaining means are correspondingly agitated.
  • a magazine a magazine inlet chamber having a movable gate adapted in the closed position thereof to retain sensitized sheets within the said inlet chamber and in the open position thereof to permit said sheets to travel to said magazine, a feeder associated with the magazine for ejecting sheets therefrom, a transfer carriage having a movable endless band with a plurality of spaced sheet retaining means thereon, means to impart unidirectional intermittent displacement to said band whereby each of the retaining means is consecutively positioned adjacent the magazine, mechanism to actuate said feeder in correlation with the positioning of the said retaining means whereby a sheet may be fed to one of theretaining means, and means to move the gate of the magazine inlet chamber into its closed position, thereby preventing the influx of sensitized sheets into the magazine, while the feeder is in operation feeding a sensitized sheet into one of the sheet retaining means.
  • a magazine a magazine inlet chamber having a movable gate adapted in the closed position thereof to retain sensitized sheets within said inlet chamber and in the open position thereof to permit said sheets to travel.
  • a feeder associated with the magazine and including a movable plate, a transfer carriage having a movable endless band with a plurality of spaced sheet retaining means thereon, means to impart unidirectional intermittent displacement to said band whereby each of the sheet retaining means is conpurpose of feeding a'sensitized sheet out of the magazine.
  • a magazine adapted to stack said sheets horizontally on edge therewithgin; the magazine having a movable friction plate adapted in the engaging position thereof to frictionally engage and retain said sheets -within the magazine and in the disengaging position thereof to allow additional sheets to be added to the stack; discharging means associated with the magazine to discharge single sheets in the same order in which said sheets are deposited therein; means to move the friction plate to its disengaging position when sheets are being placed in the magazine and to move said friction plate to its engaging position when the discharging means is discharging a single sheet from the magazine; a transfer carriage adapted to advance said sheets through the process of development and having a movable endless band with sheet retaining means thereon for holding said sheets; and mechanism for actuating said discharging means and said sheet retaining means whereby a sheet discharged from said magazine is received by said retaining means.
  • a light-proof re-exposing box having a movable closure at the top thereof; a transfer carriage adapted for vertical reciprocation; a crank connected to said closure; a plate cam movable with the transfer carriage, the crank acting as a follower for said cam whereby vertical movement of the carriage results in movement of the closure.
  • a transfer carriage having a movable endless band; a. plurality of sheet retaining means independently pivotally mounted on said band in fixed spatial relation; loading and unloading mechanism for the sheet retaining means, said mechanism being stationary and fixed with relation to the loading and unloading positions of the sheet retaining means; elevating mechanism for vertically reciprocating said carriage; agitating mechanism independent of said elevating mechanism to agitate less than all of the said pivotally mounted retaining means, whereby the sheet retaining means when in the loading and unloading positions receive no agitation from the agitating mechanism.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Photographic Developing Apparatuses (AREA)

Description

May 9, 1939.
s. HERSHBERG PHOTOGRAPHI C DEVELOP ING MACHINE Original Filed June 8, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet l NE mi May 9, 1939. s. HERSHBERG v PHOTOGRAPHIC DEVELOPING MACHINE Original Filed June 8, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 WWI/K 7M ATTORNEY.
May 9, 1939.
S. HERSHBERG PHOTOGRAPHIQ DEVELOPING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed June 8, 1955 M p/2M ATTORNEY;
y 9, 1 s. HERSHBERG 2,157,128
PHOTOGRAPHIC DEVELOPING MACHINE Original Filed June 8, 19:55 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 ATTORNEY y 9, 1939- s. HERSHBERG 2,157,128
PHOTOGRAPHIC DEVELOPING MACHINE Original Filed June 8, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 IIIII/l/l/l/ [Ill/[J II I III\ BY W MM ATTORNEY.
Patented May 9, 1939 UNITED STATES- PATENT OFFICE Application June 8, 1935, Serial No. 25,847 Renewed August 3, 1938 11 Claims.
This invention relates generally to photographic developing machines and more particu;'- larly to such machines wherein all of the photographic finishing processes are completed automatically.
The main object of this invention is the provision of structure wherein great economy of operation is afforded, together with an increase in the size and quality of finished pictures. All this is accomplished by virtue of a compact and conjunctive arrangement of the various subassemblies; a saving in the cost of chemicals by eliminating inter-tank pollution; a saving in labor costs owing to the automatic operation of the machine, and the manipulation and transfer therethrough of the sensitized material; and by virtue of the production of a higher average of perfect rints, the result of precise timing of the development steps and exact mechanical manipulation thereof.
Another object of this invention is the provision of structure permitting the light-proof communication between this developing machine and a camera, capable of movement independently of the said machine.
A further object of this machine is the furnishing of means whereby individual sheets of sensitized material, larger than heretofore, are manipulated through the developing machine with-.
out the use of backing pieces or frames to reinforce the said sheets or without the necessity of feeding the developing machine with long continuous strips of sensitized material.
These objects, further features, and other incidental ends and advantages will more fully appear in the progress of this disclosure and as pointed out in the appended claims.
In the accompanying drawings similar reference characters denote similar parts throughout the several views:
Figure l is a fragmentary side elevational view of the machine with the outer casing thereof removed.
Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan view, with the greater portion of the intake conveyor broken away.
Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevational view showing the magazine and clip loading mechanism.
Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view 'of Figure 3 along the line 4-4- thereof showing one of the paper retaining-pawls or dogs.
Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of Figure 3 along the line 55 thereof showing one of the clips and actuating mechanism therefor,
Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of Figure"? along the plane 5-6 thereof showing Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view I! of the electro-mechanical timing device.
Figure 11 is an enlarged sectional view of Figure I 0 along the line IlH thereof.
Figure 12 is an enlarged sectional view of Figure 10 along the line l2l2 thereof.
Figure 13 is an enlarged sectional View of Figure 10 along the line [3-13 thereof.
Generally speaking, the invention contemplates a rectangularly shaped box-like casing which encloses the developing machine, said casing having an angularly disposed top wall. A camera adapted for movement along-the top wall maintains a light-proof connection therewith and deposits exposed sheets of sensitized material upon a moving conveyor in the developing machine casing. All this is clearly set forth in co-pending applications for Letters Patent by the same inventor as follows: System of photography, filed September 15, 1934, Serial Number 744,225; Photographic developing machine, filed September 21, 1934, Serial Number 744,886; Camera, filed September 21, 1934, Serial Number 744,887. The sensitized sheets are then carried through the machine by mechanism to be described below and deposited into a receptacle as finished prints or pictures.
The aforesaid box-like casing is composed of removable lightproof sidewalls detachably afilxed to a skeletal framework of angle iron, and the various assemblies in the machine are suitably supported from said framework. Numeral 2U designates one of the horizontal longitudinal angle irons, there being two, which constitute the longitudinal base members of the machine and support therebetween a base plate 21 forming the flooring of the machine.
Power source An electric motor 22, preferably operating'at 1750 R. P. M., constitutes the main motive power source of the machine. Motor 22 is positioned Sheet intake conveyor Numeral 28 designates a; continuous conveyor belt operating longitudinally and pitched as shown in Figure 1, and thus travels parallel to and below the tracks 29 which carry a. camera or other depositing equipment. The belt 28 is carried by a pair of rollers, only the lower drivihg' roller 30 being shown, and both rollers are suitably trunnioned in brackets affixed to the framework adjacent thereto, said brackets not being shown in the accompanying drawings. Roller 30 is mounted upon a spindle 3| having a sprocket affixed at each end thereof. The sprocket 32 aflixed to the outer end ofspindle 3| is connected by a chain 33 to a sprocket 34 mounted on shaft 28. Spindle 31 operates at approximately 43 R. P. M
Magazine and magazine inlet chamber Situated forward of and below the lower bight of belt 28 is a magazine inlet chamber 35 comprised of a rear wall 36, a forward wall 37, andtwo side walls which are forward portions of two large vertical and parallel spaced plates 38 and 39. Plates 38 and 39 extend up and rearwardly to form side walls for the conveyor belt 28 and thus prevent any undesirable transverse displacement of the sheets of sensitized material being I carried on the said belt. The rear wall 36 is transversely and vertically disposed, while the middle portion thereof is gently bent in two opposed right angles so that the lower portion of said wall is rearwardly offset and parallel to the upper portion, and constitutes the rear wall 40 of the magazine 4|. Immediately to the rear of the forward wall 31 are mounted a pair of frustum rollers 42. Rollers 42 each have a flattened portion, and the axes of the said rollers are in a vertical plane parallel with front wall 31. Both of the rollers 32 rotate in synchronism at approximately 33 R. P. M., in the same direction, the flat faces thereof always parallel. Said rollers derive motion from spindle 35 by means of a pulley 43 on spindle'3i, a belt 54, a pair of idler pulleys 45, a double pulley 48 on one of the rollers 42, a connecting belt 47, anda pulley 48 on the other one of the rollers 42.
The bottom of the magazine inlet chamber 35 is a gently curved convex plate 49, the configuration thereof being best shown in Figure 9, Plate 49 is pivotally mounted at the forward upper edge thereof, by means of two downwardly projecting integral bosses 58 co-axially penetrated by a spindle 5|, the latter penetrating the side walls formed by plates 38 and 39 and being suitably trunnioned at its ends in horizontal bearing supports 52 and 53, said supports projecting rearwardly from the front skeletal framework. Integral with bosses 58 are two irregularly shaped pusher fingers 54, which extend downwardly and are then upwardly and arcuately bent tothe rear as best seen in Figure 9. The plate 49 and fingers 54 are caused to oscillate by means of the bellcrank lever 55 and cam 55. Lever 55 is provided with laterally projecting integral studs at each end thereof, each carrying a roller. The upper roller bears against the under surface of plate 49, while the lower roller acts as a follower for cam 58; The lever is radially mounted upon a shaft 51 which after penetrating plates 38 and 39 1s suitably trunnioned in supports 52 and 53, the details of said trunnioning being omitted from the drawings for the purpose of clarity. Cam 58 is mounted upona transverse shaft 58 which similarly penetrates plates 38 and 39 and is Journalled in supports 52 and 53. Shaft 58 is driven by sprocket 59, concentrically afdxed. thereto adjacent its inner terminal, a connecting chain 80, and a sprocket 8| concentrically aflixed to spindle 3! adjacent the inner end thereof. Shaft 58 rotates at approximately 22 R. P. M.
The floor of magazine 4] is formed by a horizontal shelf 52 suitably supported from the skeletal framework adjacent thereto, and extending laterally sufficient to form a flooring 'for the clip loading mechanism as will be more particularly described below. Situated within the magazine 4| directly in front of rear'wall 49 and at a height above shelf 82 slightly greater than the width of a sheet of sensitized material stood on edge therein. are a pair of pawls or dogs 83. Dogs 63 are pivotally mounted by reason of their aflixation to a shaft 54 which is trunnioned similarly to shaft 51 set forth above. The lower terminals of dogs 63 are wedge shaped and downwardly pointed, while the upper terminals thereof are provided with laterally projecting studs with rollers thereon which serve as followers for a pair of cams 65 mounted on a shaft 88. Shaft 86 is trunnioned similarly to shaft 51 set forth above and adjacent its outer end carries a gear 81 which engages a gear 88 carried by shaft 58, thus deriving its rotation from shaft 58. The rotation of shaft 56 causes dogs 83 to rock as best seen in Figure 4.
The rear wall 40 of magazine 41 has a horizontal rectangular slot therein and within said slot a resiliently faced plate 89 is adapted for transverse reciprocation. Plate 89 is provided with two longitudinal flanges 10 which engage corresponding channels in a guideway plate 1| supported horizontally and transversely of the machine by two uprights 12 vertically projecting from shelf 52. Guideway plate 1! contains a horizontal slot 13, so that a stud 14 integral with plate 69 projects rearwardly from said plate through the slot 13. A link bar 15 is pivotally connected to a crank 18 and the stud 14. Crank 16 is radially aflixed to the forward end of a short shaft 11 which is journalled in two uprights 18 and 19' projecting from shelf 82. A horizontal plate 88 carries a resilient facing 8| and is supported by an integral downwardly bent arm 82 offset at a 90 degree angle thereto. Horizontal plate 88 and arm 82 are adapted for vertical reciprocation by reason of the slideable mounting of arm 82 in the upright 83. Arm 82 has. longitudinal flanges which engage a corresponding vertical channel guideway in the upper portion of upright 83. The said channel in upright 83 is open to the rear to permit the projection therethrough of a short stud, 84 which projects rearwardly from the lower end of arm 82 and serves a follower for the cam 85 mounted on shaft 11. Stud 84 is maintained in operative engagement with cam 85 by the contractile spring 88 connecting plate 88 and upright 19. Rotation of shaft 11 thus causes plate 89 to laterally reciprocate and plate 80 to vertically reciprocate. Shaft 11 derives rotation through a sprocket 81 thereon, a connecting chain 88} and a sprocket 89 mounted immediately to the rear of upright 21' on shaft 21.
The forward wall of the magazine H is formed by a rectangular compressor'plate 90, vertically and transversely disposed, and adapted for forward and rearward reciprocation. Compressor plate 90 is provided with two integral and parallel rods 9I projecting perpendicularly from the front face thereof, and these rods are slideably mounted in the orificed upper ends of two uprights 92 vertically projecting from shelf 62. Plate 90 also contains two vertically disposed slots 93 to permit the rearward penetration therethrough of the pusher fingers 54.
An irregularly shaped bell-crank lever 94 is pivotally mounted below magazine 4I for movement in a vertical plane, by means of a short integral axle which is journalled between the upper ends of a bifurcated upright support 95.
A stud 96 on the upper end of lever 94 contacts plate 49 and displaces it upwardly and rearwardly when lever 94 is actuated, while the pivotal connection of lever 94 to plate 90 through the sliding clevis assembly 91, causes "a concurrent rearward displacement of plate 90. In assembly 91 the clevis is integral with plate 90 while the clevis pin penetrates a slot in'lever 94 thereat. The rear and lower end of lever 94 is provided with an integral stud and roller thereon which serves as a follower for the actions of the upper arm of a rock-lever 98. Bell-crank lever 94 is maintained in operative engagement with rock-lever 98 by the action of a contractile spring 99 connecting the lower arm of lever 94 and the upright support 95. Rock-lever 98 is pivotally mounted for movement in a vertical plane, by means of a short integral axle which is journalled between the upper ends of a bifurcated upright support. I00. Supports 95 and I00 project perpendicularly from base plate 2I. The lower and rear arm of rock-lever 98 is provided with an integral stud and roller thereon which serves as a follower for a plate cam IIlI, approximating a semi-circle in shape, and mounted upon a long transverse shaft I02. The configuration of cam IN is best seen in Figure l, but it is omitted from Figure 2 for purposes of clarity. Shaft I02 is journalled in two uprights I03 and I04 at the ends thereof, and derives rotation 1 through a sprocket I05 mounted thereon adjacent'upright I03, a chain I05, and a sprocket I01. Sprocket I01 is mounted on a short transverse shaft I08 journalled in uprights I09 and III! perpendicularly projecting from base plate 2I, just forward of the speed reduction gear box 25. Short shaft I08 penetrates upright H0 and projects therethrough to have concentrically mounted upon the inner end of-said shaft a bevel gear III which engages another bevel gear II2 the latter bevel being concentrically mounted upon shaft 21 just forward of box 25. Shaft I08 operates at one half the speed of shaft 21, and shaft I02 operates at the same speed as shaft I08 so that shaft I02 operates at the speed of 7 of tanks is arbitrary, and depends upon a consideration of the type of development process to be used or upon limitations of space. The
several tanks are supported in operative position in any suitable manner such as by nesting them in brackets projecting from the floor of a drainage trough I2.I. Trough I2I has vertical longitudinal side walls, and a verticalfront wall, while the rear wall thereof is angularly disposed. The bottom of trough I2I is not-horizontal, so that drainage will be accomplished, and a suitable outlet leading to a sewer or other disposal means communicates with the trough at its lowest point, said outlet not being specifically shown in the drawings. Trough I2I is supported by attachment to the skeletal framework adjacent thereto. The contiguous front and rear walls of the tanks II3-I20 contact each other at the upper edges thereof, but converge so that the bottom of each tank is reduced in size. The side walls of the tanks are parallel and vertical. Each of the tanks is provided with a manually controlled petcock I22 in the bottom thereof, while communicating with the mouth of each tank is an inlet pipe I23.. Pipes I23 connect with the water supply I24 and are each provided with a manually operable control valve. The ends of the inlet pipes I23 and the water supply I24 gate I26 and the rear edge of gate I21 are hinged slightly below the mouth of box I25 to the front and rear walls, respectively, of said box. The free edge of gate I26 is notched as will be set forth in detail below. The hinged edges are adapted for pivotal movement by virtue of their radial afiixation to two transverse spindles I28 which are journalled in orifices in the side walls of box I25. Spindles I28 project through the outer side wall of box I25 and have cranks I29 radially affixed to the outer ends thereof. The free ends of cranks I29 carry integral studs and rollers thereon which serve as followers for the cam surfaces on an actuating plate I30. Plate I30 is vertically disposed, parallel to the outer side wall of box I25, and is supported in position by an inwardly bent integral right angled arm I3 I, said arm being affixed to the under surfaces of the longitudinal tie bars of the transfer carriage, as set forth below. Plate I30 has two parallel operating edges I32, and two converging operating edges I33, as best seen in Figure l Where it is shown in its lowered position. As plate I30 is raised, converging operating edges I33 act as cam surfaces and force cranks I29 apart thereby opening gates I26 and I21, while the parallel operating edges I32 keep the gates open as the plate I30 is raised farther. The descent of plate I30 reverses this procedure, the action of gravity upon gates I25 and I21 being aided by a contractile spring interconnecting the studs on the free ends of cranks I29. Re-exposing box I25 has the lowermost portion of the forward wall thereof expanded to contain an incandescent bulb I35 or other illuminating source, and within said box adjacent said bulb, an angularly disposed translucent plate I36 mounted inwardly and downwardly from the inner surface of the said forward wall. Plate I36 serves to diffuse the light emitted from bulb I35 during the re-exposing process so that uniform illumination is obtained on the actinio surfa a of a sheet of sensitized material sus pended in box I25. Where a development process is used in which re-exposure is not necessary or is otherwise undesirable the box I25 and the other parts integrally attached thereto may be completely removed and another tank identical to the others may be substituted. Vertical reciprocation of plate I30 will then have no operative eflfcct.
Situated forwardly of tank 3 and in associa, tion therewith is an enclosed electrical heater l3] which is used to alter the temperature of the chemical solution in said tank. Numeral I38 denotes a similar heater associated with tank 4. These heaters may he placed adjacent any of the tanks whenever desired, in the interstices formed owing to the downwardly converging front and rear walls of the tanks. The energizatlon of the heater units is controlled either thermostatically and/or predeterminately, although the structure as shown displays the latter type of control. Numeral I39 designates a thermometer having its sensitive element immersed in tank 3 and its recording or indicating element external to the machine casing. Similar instruments may he used with any of the other tanks where temperature control is deemed sufficiently important.
The transfer carriage For the manipulation of the sheets of sensitized material through the various steps of de velopment a transfer carriage 40 is positioned above the row of tanks II3I20. The carriage I40 comprises generally a substantially rectangular frame horizontally and longitudinally disposed and adapted for vertical reciprocation and carrying thereon an endless chain adapted for intermittent motionin synchronism with the oscillations of the rectangular frame. The endless chain in turn carries the clips which are capable of limited independent movement and carry the sheets of sensitized material in their jaws. v
Numerals I41 and I42 represent inner and outer horizontal longitudinal tie bars which are rigidly ailixed to two non-rotating transverse axles I43 and 144 by means retaining hubs I45. Axles I43 and I44 are horizontal and project inwardly from ofiset bosses 146 which constitute 90 degrees angle elbows of sleeves 1, as best shown in Figure 3.
' Sleeves I41 are slideably mounted upon two upright rods I48 and are thus capable of vertical I48 are rigidly displacement thereon. Rods mounted in parallel and vertical position by pedestals at the bottoms thereof, affixed to base plate 21 thereunder, while the upper terminals of said rods are inter-braced by a horizontal tie bar H9 affixed thereto by hubs 356.
The rear axle lid has concentrically mounted thereon a large idler sprocket 153 which though free to rotate is prevented from lateral displacement. Forward axle 3 has similarly mounted thereon a large driving sprocket Q52, which integral with the hub 353 thereof has an expanded concentric flange l54. Flange i54 has concentrically mounted upon the outer face thereof a ratchet wheel I55 having four equi-distant peripheral teeth. Outwardly of ratchet wheel I55 is a pinion I56 concentrically mounted on axle I43 and free to rotate thereabout. The inner face of pinion I56 carries a radial arm I51, having pivotally attached to the free end of said arm a pawl I58 cooperatively engaging the aforefrom the forward end of tie bar I49. It may now be seen that each complete cycle of raising and lowering the transfer carriage I40 will result-in a uni-directional quarter revolution of large driving sprocket I52.
Encircllng sprockets II and I52 is a large endless band or chain I6I which is maintained under tension so that it is taut. Chain I6'I carries equidistantly spaced thereabout a plurality of brackets I62 which are integral with the pairs of side links I63 thereat, as best seen in Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings. Brackets I62 carry retaining means or clips I64 pivotally mounted thereon by pins "I. The general construction of clips I64 is seen in Figures 3 and 5 while in the other views said clips are indicated by the center lines thereof, for purposes of clarity. Each of the clips I64 is comprised of a fixed jaw I65 (that is, not capable of longitudinal movement with relation to the chain I 6!) and a movable jaw I66. Jaws I65 and I66 are each provided with a pair of inwardly bent integral offset ears, having aligned orifices therein and being pivotaliy interconnected by -a pintle I61, retained in place by expanded ends thereon. The jaws of the clips are maintained in a normally closed position by the action .ofexpansive springs I68, which force the gripping teeth I69 in intimate contact. The gripping faces of these teeth when desired are provided with corresponding pin point projections and depressions, or other surface irregularities to prevent slippage of the sheets of sensitized material therefrom. The fixed jaws I65 of each of the clips I64 are provided withintegral actuating arms I10, disposed transversely and inwardly with relation to the entire machine and longitudinally with respect to' the clips I64. These arms I control the radial displacement of the clips I64 about the pins I11. Since clipsI 64 are associated essentially with the chain 16 I, their travel may be described by two opposed semicirclesthe inturned ends of which are joined by two parallel lines in a longitudinal vertical plane, and said clips may be spoken of generally as being at one time in an active or down position, or at another'time in an inactive, inverted or up position. There are two horizontal positions in which the clips are travel ing from or to the active position.
When the clips I64 are in their active position,
or over the developing tanks II3 to I20 inclusive they are subjected to a gentle radial oscillation in the following manner. The free ends of arms I10 are provided with studs and rollers thereon which act as followers for a series of eccentric circular plate cams i12 mounted along a longitudinal shaft I13 suitably journalled at the ends thereof in a forward upright 414 and a rear upright I15. Uprights l7! and 515 project from base plate 2! and are an exact height so that when clips 164 come to rest in their loading or discharging position the tops of the said uprights contact arms I10 and properly align the clips in a true horizontal position. The shape of arms H0 is best seen in Figure 3 in which the lower arm shown is that belonging to the clip directly to the rear of the one shown in the loading position, from which last mentioned clip the arm I10 is deleted and the upright I14 is omitted to better display the magazine and the clip loading mechanism.
' At this point may also be noted a peculiarity of cam I16 which is concentrically mounted upon shaft I13 opposite the re-exposing box I25 so that the sheet of sensitized material within said box may remain at rest during re-exposure. Cam I16 may be replaced by an eccentric cam when a tank is substituted for box I25.
Shaft I 13 operates at approximately 43 R. P. M. and derives rotation by means of a gear I11 mounted thereon forward of upright I15; said gear I11 engaging a gear I18 mounted on a short shaft I19. Shaft I19 is horizontally and longitudinally disposed and is Journalledin uprights I88 and I8I. The forward end of shaft I19 penetrates the forward upright I8I and terminates in a bevel gear I82 which meshes with anot er bevel gear I83 mounted upon the inner end 0 a transverse horizontal shaft I84. Shaft I84 is .journalled in uprights I85 and I86, penetrating the latter to terminate in a sprocket I81 which is connected by a chain I88 to a sprocket I99 on the outer'end of shaft 26.
The clips I64. when in their inverted or inactive position assume the position shown in Figure 3,
caused by the off center weight of arms I18. The
degree of tilt is controlled when the arms I18 come to rest against brackets I62. A shelf I4I' integral with the tie bar I and shown only on Figure 3 serves a double function by carrying of! water which has drained from the tilted clips and by conducting it over the tanks I I3I 28 and discharging said'water into the trough I2I or,
other suitable outlet.
When clips I64 are in their active or down position and the transfer carriage I48 is raised, the off center weight of a ms I18 causes the clips I64 to tilt and allow one corner of the sheet to hang lowermost. This facilitates the draining of excess solution from the surfaces of the sheet and reduces inter-tank pollution.
When the transfer carriage I48 is lowered the entrance of the sheet is likewise facilitated by the one point lowermost? position of the sheet in that when damp the said sheet is comparatively limp and buckling is avoided, the point first entering the solution in the tank producing this effect.
The transfer carriage elevating mechanism The transfer carriage I48 is elevated by the actuation of a double bell crank assembly I98 having a power arm I9I and front and rear load arms I92 and I93 respectively. Arm's I92 and I93 form an angle of 180 degrees with each other while arm I9I is slightly outwardly offset and bisects this angle. Crank assembly I98 is pivotally mounted, by means of an integral transverse axle I94, in a bracket I95 depending from tie bar I49. The free ends of the load arms are connected by flexible chains to clevises I91 on bosses I46. The chains I96 rise vertically from said bosses and after passing over idler pulleys I98 approach each other to terminate at the load arms I92 and I93. Pulleys I98 are mounted proximate the ends of tie bar I49.
The free end of power arm I9I is pivotally connected to the upper end of a vertical link bar I99, in turn pivotally attached to the free end of a radial arm 288; Tie bar I49 is cut away slightly as indicated by numeral '28I to allow clearance when arm I9I is rotated. A horizontal transverse shaft 282 suitably journalled in uprights off base plate 2! carries radial arm 288 integrally on the outer terminal thereof and a gear 283 at the inner end thereof. Gear 283 engages an arcuate rack 284 concentrically mounted on the rear or load arm of a lever 285. Lever 285 has an integral collar medially thereof by which it is rotatably mounted on a short transverse shaft 286 which is journalled in two uprights off the base plate 2|. The forward or power arm of lever 285 is provided with an offset stud and roller thereon which acts as a follower for the steep rise plate cam 281. Cam 281 is integrally mounted on shaft I82, inwardly of cam I8I and directly beneath shaft 21. Since shaft I82 operates at approximately 2 R. P. M. as set forth above, cam 281 through the mechanism just described, causes the transfer carriage I48 to rise during 3 seconds, fall during 1 seconds, and to remain stationary during 25 seconds, two complete cycles of oscillation being completed every minute.
The transfer carriage in its upper position is adapted to operate the control toggle arm I24" of a valve I24 situated in the main water supply line I24as shown in Figure 1. The free end of arm I24" is provided with a mounted stud and roller thereon which is actuated by tie-bar I42 when in the upper position thereof. Since the machine always ceases operation with the transfer carriage I48 in its upper position, as will be described below, valve I24 is adjusted to close whenever the transfer carriage is in that position.
The clip loading mechanism Situated immediately inward of the rear wall 48 of the magazine are a pair of upright contacting resilient rollers comprising an idler roller 288 and a driving roller 289. These rollers are mounted on upright axles 2I8 projecting from on the inner terminal of shaft 58.
Situated immediately opposite the point of engagement of rollers 288 and 289, and directly below one of the clips I64 when in its loading position is a small horizontal transverse shelf 2I8 suitably supported by shelf 62 at a height thereabove slightly less than the width of a sheet of sensitized material, said support not being shown in the drawings. Shelf 2I8 is slotted longitudinally and centrally thereof, the slot communicating with the inner edge of said shelf. Aflixed to the under surface of shelf 2I8 and coextensive with the edges of the aforesaid slot are a pair of upper sheet edge guides 2I9 while directly vertically therebelow are a similar pair of corresponding lower sheet edge guides 228 affixed to the upper surface of shelf 62. Upper .guides 2I9 and lower guides 228 position the upper and lower edges respectively of a sheet of sensitized material after it has been ejected by the action of rollers 288 and 289, so that said sheet is in an exactly aligned position to be grasped by the said clip. The upper edge of said sheet projects through guides 2I9 and shelf 2I8 to allow a sufficient surface thereof to be grasped by said clip as best seen in Figure 5.
A right angle bracket 223 supported in an upright position by shelf 2 I8 carries a face plate 224 on the forward vertical surface thereof, said plate being suitably shaped to conformto the rear face of the clip brackets I62. The function of bracket 223 and plate 224 is to prevent disalignment of .the fixed jaws I65 when the movable jaw I66 is actuated by a transverse horizontal rod 225. Rod 225 is carried between two radial arms 226 and 221 which pivot aboutthe point of attachment thereof to two lugs 228 projecting from shelf 2I8. The outer radial arm 221 is extended upwardly and is pivotally attached to the forward end of a horizontal, longitudinally disposed, link bar 229.
The rear end of link bar 229 is connected to the clip unloading or discharging mechanism to be described below. Rearward motion of link bar 226 causes the rod 226, which thus acts as a crank, to open one of the clips I64 in the loading position, while forward motion of said bar closes,
or more specifically, allows the clip to close.
Link bar 226 is longitudinally reciprocated by a long vertical lever 238. The upper or load arm of lever 226 is slotted and connects with a pin projecting outwardly from link bar 228 adjacent its forward end, while the lower end of lever 228 is provided with an integral stud and roller thereon which acts as a follower for a plate cam 22L Lever 238 is pivotally mounted medially thereof on a bracket affixed to the adjacent skeletal frame said bracket being omitted from the drawings. Cam 22I is mounted on the outer end ofshaft I82.
The clip' unloading mechanism One of the clips I64 when it is in position to be unloaded lies directly below rear axle I44, andto the rear of a small rectangular shelf 232, horizontally and transversely disposed. Shelf 222 corresponds with plate 2I9 and supports an assembly identical with that described in conshaft 234 carries a cam 235 which is actuated by a finger 236 carried by link bar 229.
A contractile spring, interconnecting rear rod I 46 and a small offset radial arm vertically depending oif shaft 234 immediately inwardof cam 235, serves to keep fingers 233 in inoperative position and to keep the earn 235 in cooperative engagement with finger 236.
The dryer Situated below a clip in its unloading position, is a gently curved plate 231, vertical at its upper portion and diverging to the rear at its lower portion.
Numerals 238 and 233 designate a pair of vertical, longitudinally disposed, spaced parallel plates which project from base plate 2!. Plates 238 and 233 carry trunnioned therebetween four transverse rollers 248, 2, 242, and 243. Rollers 248 and 24S are composed of any suitably resilient material, and the peripheries thereof engage each other at a pointproximate the lower edge of curved plate 231. Rollers 240 and '24! act as wringers and the liquidwhich they squeeze from the sensitized sheet as it passes therebetween falls into the trough l2! therebelow. Rollers 242 and 243 are encircled by a continuous belt 244 composed of any suitable material such as canvas, while between the inner surfaces of said belt and between said rollers is an enclosed electrical heater 245. The upper and lower walls of heater 245 contact the inner face of the belt 244, thereby not only drying the sensitized sheet by direct conduction and radiation of heat thereto, but by drying the belt itself, since the belt is of absorbent construction.
Rnller 243 is an idler, while roller 242 is driven by asprocket 246 mounted on the outer end of its spindle. a connecting chain 241, and a aprocktation through a sprocket 248, a chain 258, a
sprocket 26I, a transverse horizontal short shaft 252, a gear 253 and a pinion 254 on shaft I84.
I Sprocket 248 is mounted on the inner end of the spindle of roller 248. Sprocket 26! and gear 263 are mounted on shaft 262 which is suitably journalled in uprights oil. the base plate 2|. Rollers 248 and 242 operate at approximately 3 R. P. M.
Proximate the roller 243 and at the rear-of the machine is an irregularly shaped receptacle 246 adapted to receive finished sensitized sheets. It is substantially wider than belt 244, and is lacking the outer side wall thereof. This side opening communicates with a similar opening in the casing of the machine which is closed by a flexible light-proof curtain, and through which opening the finished pictures may be obtained. The receptacle is designed to prevent the entrance of light therethrough into the machine casing.
The timing mechanism order that the heat generated by heaters constructed that it normally sets a trigger 281 which keeps the electrical circuit closed to the main motor 22 whenever a spiral spring 256 is allowed tov unwind. The release of spring 256 occurs whenever a solenoid. 252 is energized, which energization takes place simultaneous with the depositing of each separate exposed sensitized sheet on conveyor belt 28. As soon as motor 22 operates, however, it begins to rewind forward end thereof, a chain 260, and a sprocket 26I on shaft 21. Shaft 258 is horizontally and longitudinally disposed above shelf 255, and is journalled in three uprights 262 which each carry pivotally mounted thereon one of the mercury switches 263, 264, and 265. Switch 263 is in series with heater 245; switch 264 with heaters I3! and I38; and switch 265 is in series with the incandescent bulb I35. Shaft 258 carries mounted thereon four cams 266, 261, 268, and 269. Switches 263, 264 and 265 are pivotally mounted and springs 263' rotate them so that plus projecting from the side walls thereof act as followers for cams 266, 261, and 268, respectively, said cams being uniform with each other. Cam 268 actuates the lower arm of a vertically disposed rock lever 216, while the upper arm there-- of is connected by a link 2' to the free end of a radial arm 212. Lever 218 is pivotally mounted on an upright 213 projecting from shelf 255, while wheel 219. Pawl 218 is mounted on the rear face of upright 216, opposite ratchet wheel 218 which is free to rotate on axle 214. Proximate the periphery of wheel 219, and projecting perpendicularly from the rear face thereof is an annular row of spaced pins 280. Afiixed to axle 214 and immediately rearward of wheel 219 is the spiral spring 256. The outer end of spring 256 is affixed to the forward face of a' disc 28| and thus serves to rotate said disc in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 12, whenever disc 28I is disengaged from wheel 219. A
lug 292' projecting from shelf 255 serves'as a stop against which the pin 292 strikes to limit the The out counter-clockwise rotation of disc 28I. er end of spring 256 is attached to the forward face of disc 28| by means of a pin 282 perpendicularly projecting from the said forward face.
The disc 28| constitutes an enlarged flange of a sleeve 283, adapted to rotate about the axle 214, and capable of limited longitudinal movement therealong. Mounted upon said sleeve and im-- mediately to the rear of disc 28! is a cam 284 adapted to actuate a follower 285 which projects from the front face of a mercury switch 286 in series with the motor 22. A spring 286' causes follower 285 to contact cam 284. When cam 284 rotates counter-clockwise as viewed in Figure 13, it strikesa trigger 281 by means of a lug 288 perpendicularly projecting from the rear face of said cam. When cam 284 rotates clockwise it raises switch 286 to its on position where said switch is latched by the trigger 281. Trigger 281 is mounted on an offset arm 289 of an upright 290 which carries the switch 286 pivotally mounted thereon. An expansive spring 29I about the rear portion of axle 214 serves to force the sleeve 283 forward so that pin 292 projecting from the front face of disc 28I engages one of the interstices of the row of pins 280, while a lever 293 having abifurcated free end riding on the sleeve 283 is adapted to strike a collar 294 mounted on the rear end of sleeve 283 and thereby disengage disc 28I and wheel 219 with the rearward displacement of said sleeve. Lever 293 is adapted for movement in a horizontal plane by the pivotal mounting of the outer end thereof on an upright 294, the actuation of said lever being accomplished by the link 295 attached to the armature of solenoid 251. The contractile spring 296 of the trigger 281 is anchored in lever 293.
It is to be noted at this point that the radial position of cam 269 on shaft 258 is correlated with the radial position of cam 201 on shaft I02 so that the machine comes to rest with the transfer carriage I40 in its elevated position, and earns 266, 261, and 268 elevating switches 253, 264, and 265 to their off position, thus opening all electrical circuits and closing the water supply.
General operation Exposed sheets of sensitized material, preferably rectangular in shape, are deposited on the conveyor belt 28 with the greatest length of the sheets transversely thereof, and are carried downwardly by the said belt and deposited in the magazine inlet chamber 35, long edge first. Where for some reason a sensitized sheet is deposited on belt 28 with its greatest length parallel to the belt, or at any angle therewith not a right angle, rollers 42 turn it about by contacting the edges thereof. The narrowest width of the upper mouth of the chamber 35 is less than half the length of a sensitized sheet, so that the center of gravity of a sheet coming down the conveyor prevents it from pitching head first into chamber 35.
The oscillations of curved plate 49 jog the sheet so that it falls from chamber 35 into the magazine'4I where fingers 54 push the sheet rearwardly with its lower edge resting on shelf 62.
The resilient facing contacts the upper edge of the sheet, rising momentarilly when the fingers 54 enter the magazine. As fingers 54 enter the magazine, the dogs 63 rise to allow the sheet edge to pass rearwardly thereunder, and then these dogs fall to retain the sheet in position as fingers 54 withdraw. As other sheets are deposited on belt'28, they too are carried through the chamber 35 and are stacked up edgewise and consecutively in front of those already in the magazine.
As soon as an empty clip I64 is positioned opposite rollers 208 and 209, compressor plate 90 moves rearward thus forcing the rearmost sheet in the magazine into contact with the laterally reciprocating resilient plate 69, which as it moves outwardly of the magazine 4| carries the rearmost sheet out of the magazine so that it may be pulled between the said rollers and fed into the awaiting open jaws of the clip I64.
Resilient plate 69 is composed preferably of rubber and actuates the rearmost sensitized sheet because of the frictional or adhesive qualities of said plate. Plate 8| is similarly composed preferably of rubber and grips the edges of all of the sheets stacked within the magazine, but allows the rearmost sheet to move because the action of plate 69 has a more effective grip on the flat surface of said rearmost sheet, while the frictional engagement of the front face of the rearmost sheet and the rear face of the sheet directly in front is less than the frictional-engagement of plate 8| on the edge of the last mentioned sheet.
Although plate 69 is constantly in motion, it only affects sheets which are brought into intimate contact therewithby the action of compressor plate 90. The latter plate moves rearward only when an open clip is in position to be loaded, which occurs every 30 seconds. Simultaneous with the rearward movement of plate 90, the curved plate 49 is raised so that it closes the bottom opening of the magazine inlet chamber 35 thus effectively preventing sheets from falling into the magazine while the actual clip loading operation is taking place.
The clip I64 then closes upon the upper edge of the sheet and grips it, while the transfer carriage I40 consecutively immerses the gripping teeth I69 and the sheet therebetween in each of the tanks 3 to I20, and inserts it into the box oping solutions they are subjected to gentle agitation owing to the action of cams I12 on arms I10, which thereby agitates the solutions which as is well known in the art expedites the development process and assures uniformity of chemical action.
As is obvious to those skilled in the art, the solutions in the various tanks may be arranged in any suitablemanner. Those tanks desired I25. While the sheets are immersed in the develas washing tanks have the petcocks I22 thereon opened, and the water inlet pipe valves adjusted so that a constant level of circulating water is maintained. The position of the petcocks at the bottom of the tanks allows the water made heavy by the chemicals dissolved therein to flow out by the action of gravity. Those tanks desired to contain chemical solutions have the petcocks thereon closed and are filled manually. When, however, it is desired to flush and refill these tanks with fresh solutions, it is only necessary to open the petcocks and the water inlets thereabove to completely clean them preparatory to refilling.
When a clip IE4 is placed within the re-exposing box I25 the notched edge of gate I26 overlaps gate I21 and encircles the gripping teeth I89 directly above the sensitized sheet thereby promoting a light-proof seal at this point. This prevents light escaping from box I25 and fogging other sheets in different stages of the development process.
The clip upon reaching its discharging or unloading position is opened and the sheet falls therefrom. Simultaneous with the discharging operation another clip is loaded at the loading position. Where the sheet tends to stick to the clip owing to the adhesion of the gelatine coating thereon or for anyother reasons, said sheet is forceably ejected by means of the fingers 233. The sheet is then wrung and dried as set forth above and finally deposited in receptacle 248.
The machine as disclosed shows timing of the various operations to permit a separate sheet to be loaded into the clips every 30 seconds and a complete picture to be produced in about 6 minutes. The timing mechanism as set for a 7 /2 minute period of operation allows a sufficient margin of time-to completely finish all of the pictures if they are not placed upon conveyor 28 at a greater frequency than one every 30 seconds. This timing has been found ample in practice as at least 30 seconds are consumed in posing the subject, and adjusting the portrait lights. Where however, exposed sheets of sensitized material are deposited on the conveyor 28 in greater frequency, the timing mechanism may be altered to increase the period above 7 minutes or auxiliary means may be-included to re-energize solenoid 25'! so that all of the sheets deposited in the magazine 4| may be completed.
. Furthermore, this machine is adapted for use as an automatic developing machine working independently of a movable camera, or in conjunction with a fixed camera, in which case the angularly disposed top wall of the casing may be level instead, and some of the feeding mechanism (for example: belt 28 and/or rollers 42) may be dispensed with, I
I wish it distinctly understood that variations in the materials, construction, integration, and arrangement of the parts and assemblies may be indulged in without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
I claim:
1. In an automatic machine for finishing'and developing sheets of sensitized material; a magazine adapted to stack said sheets horizontally on edge therewithin; the magazine having a friction plate adapted to engage the edges of said sheets and retain said sheets within the magazine; and discharging means associated with the magazine to discharge single sheets in the same order in which said sheets are deposited therein; and a transfer carriage adapted to advance said sheets through the process of development and having a movable endless band with sheet retaining means thereon for grasping said sheets;
and mechanism for actuating said discharging means and said sheet retaining means whereby a sheet discharged. from said magazine is received by said retaining means.
2. In an automatic machine for finishing and developing sheets'of sensitized material; a magazine adapted to stack said sheets horizontally on edge therewithin, comprising stationary side walls and bottom, a movable front wall, and a stationary rear wall, a pusher finger penetrating said movable wall and adapted to reciprocate therethrough, a movable dog situated adjacent the said rear wall, and means to actuate said finger and said dog in synchronism whereby said sheets are retained stacked between said dog and said stationary rear wall in the order in which they are deposited in the magazine, and. a transfer carriage adapted to advance said sheets through the process of development and having a movable endless band with a plurality of sheet retaining means thereon for grasping said sheets and mechanism for actuating said ejecting means and said sheet retaining means whereby a sheet ejected from said magazine is received by the,
retaining means.
3. In an automatic photographic developing machine for sensitized sheets; a magazine and a transfer carriage having a movable endless band with a; plurality of spaced sheet retaining means thereon, means to impart unidirectional intermittent displacement to said band whereby each of the retaining means is consecutively posivtioned opposite said magazine, and mechanism to actuate said feeder in correlation with the positioning of the said retaining means, said mechanism comprising a pusher plate adapted to press a sensitized sheet into contact with said oscil-- lating plate.
,4. In an automatic photographic developing machine for sensitized sheets: a transfer carriage having a movable endless band; a plurality of sheet retaining means independently pivotally mounted on said band in fixed spatial relation; elevating mechanism for vertically reciprocating said carriage; agitating mechanism, independent of said elevating mechanism, to selectively agitate less than all of said retaining means.
5. In an automatic machine for developing and finishing sheets of sensitized material, a. transfer carriage adapted to advance said sheets through the process of development and having a movable endless band with a. plurality of sheet retaining means thereon for grasping said sheets, said. sheet retaining means being independently feeder therewith including an oscillating plate, a
pivotally mounted and having a. radial extension arm afiixed' thereto whereby the center of gravity retaining means thereon for grasping said sheets,
said sheet retaining means being independently and pivotally mounted and having a radial extension arm aflixed thereto whereby the center of gravity occurs to one side of the pivot so that a rectangular sheet held by said means will .hang with one corner lowermost, and means to actuate said arm whereby the retaining means are correspondingly agitated.
7. In an automatic machine for finishing and developing sheets of sensitized material: a magazine, a magazine inlet chamber having a movable gate adapted in the closed position thereof to retain sensitized sheets within the said inlet chamber and in the open position thereof to permit said sheets to travel to said magazine, a feeder associated with the magazine for ejecting sheets therefrom, a transfer carriage having a movable endless band with a plurality of spaced sheet retaining means thereon, means to impart unidirectional intermittent displacement to said band whereby each of the retaining means is consecutively positioned adjacent the magazine, mechanism to actuate said feeder in correlation with the positioning of the said retaining means whereby a sheet may be fed to one of theretaining means, and means to move the gate of the magazine inlet chamber into its closed position, thereby preventing the influx of sensitized sheets into the magazine, while the feeder is in operation feeding a sensitized sheet into one of the sheet retaining means.
8. In an automatic photographic developing machine for sensitized sheets: a magazine, a magazine inlet chamber having a movable gate adapted in the closed position thereof to retain sensitized sheets within said inlet chamber and in the open position thereof to permit said sheets to travel. into said magazine, a feeder associated with the magazine and including a movable plate, a transfer carriage having a movable endless band with a plurality of spaced sheet retaining means thereon, means to impart unidirectional intermittent displacement to said band whereby each of the sheet retaining means is conpurpose of feeding a'sensitized sheet out of the magazine.
9 In an automatic machine for finishing and developing sheets of sensitized material: a magazine adapted to stack said sheets horizontally on edge therewithgin; the magazine having a movable friction plate adapted in the engaging position thereof to frictionally engage and retain said sheets -within the magazine and in the disengaging position thereof to allow additional sheets to be added to the stack; discharging means associated with the magazine to discharge single sheets in the same order in which said sheets are deposited therein; means to move the friction plate to its disengaging position when sheets are being placed in the magazine and to move said friction plate to its engaging position when the discharging means is discharging a single sheet from the magazine; a transfer carriage adapted to advance said sheets through the process of development and having a movable endless band with sheet retaining means thereon for holding said sheets; and mechanism for actuating said discharging means and said sheet retaining means whereby a sheet discharged from said magazine is received by said retaining means.
10. In an automatic photographic machine for developing sensitized sheets: a light-proof re-exposing box having a movable closure at the top thereof; a transfer carriage adapted for vertical reciprocation; a crank connected to said closure; a plate cam movable with the transfer carriage, the crank acting as a follower for said cam whereby vertical movement of the carriage results in movement of the closure.
11. In an automatic photographic developing machine for sensitized sheets: a transfer carriage having a movable endless band; a. plurality of sheet retaining means independently pivotally mounted on said band in fixed spatial relation; loading and unloading mechanism for the sheet retaining means, said mechanism being stationary and fixed with relation to the loading and unloading positions of the sheet retaining means; elevating mechanism for vertically reciprocating said carriage; agitating mechanism independent of said elevating mechanism to agitate less than all of the said pivotally mounted retaining means, whereby the sheet retaining means when in the loading and unloading positions receive no agitation from the agitating mechanism.
SAMUEL HERSHIBERAG.
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Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2459509A (en) * 1943-03-25 1949-01-18 Pako Corp Film processing machine
US2518034A (en) * 1945-07-05 1950-08-08 Ludwig Anthony Photographic developing machine
US2920548A (en) * 1955-12-21 1960-01-12 Brown Forman Distillers Corp Photographic film developing apparatus
US2933032A (en) * 1957-02-25 1960-04-19 Edward L E Pardee Photographic film and paper processing machine
US2971445A (en) * 1957-12-03 1961-02-14 Orlando Carl Photographic method and apparatus
US2980006A (en) * 1956-07-07 1961-04-18 Optische Ind De Oude Delft Nv Automatic processing device for cut photographic films
US3349688A (en) * 1964-02-03 1967-10-31 Werner W Buechner Temperature controlling photographic bath
US3624728A (en) * 1967-11-20 1971-11-30 Charles W Clark Photographic apparatus
US4561235A (en) * 1981-12-21 1985-12-31 Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. Apparatus for and method of processing and packaging photographic film

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2459509A (en) * 1943-03-25 1949-01-18 Pako Corp Film processing machine
US2518034A (en) * 1945-07-05 1950-08-08 Ludwig Anthony Photographic developing machine
US2920548A (en) * 1955-12-21 1960-01-12 Brown Forman Distillers Corp Photographic film developing apparatus
US2980006A (en) * 1956-07-07 1961-04-18 Optische Ind De Oude Delft Nv Automatic processing device for cut photographic films
US2933032A (en) * 1957-02-25 1960-04-19 Edward L E Pardee Photographic film and paper processing machine
US2971445A (en) * 1957-12-03 1961-02-14 Orlando Carl Photographic method and apparatus
US3349688A (en) * 1964-02-03 1967-10-31 Werner W Buechner Temperature controlling photographic bath
US3624728A (en) * 1967-11-20 1971-11-30 Charles W Clark Photographic apparatus
US4561235A (en) * 1981-12-21 1985-12-31 Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. Apparatus for and method of processing and packaging photographic film

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