US2440314A - Method and means for photographic developing or the like - Google Patents

Description

C. R. TURNER April 27, 1948.

METHOD AND MEANS 1 0R PHOTOGRAPHIC DEVELOPING OR THE LIKE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 HMMQ Filed March 6, 1944 saw rm a S MW mm April 27, 1948. c. R. TURNER 2,440,314

METHOD AND MEANS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC DEVELOPING OR THE LIKE Filed March 6, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 WASH F Ix! N 6. WATER BAT H jizz'erzfbr maamwwwm flz orrz ays.

April 7, 9 8- c. R. TURNER 2,440,314

METHOD AND MEANS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC DEVELOPING OR THE LIKE Filed March 6, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 15206222502 Charles @yerfurrzer Patented Apr. 27, 1948 METHOD AND MEANS DEVELOPING FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC OR THE LIKE Charles Roger Turner, Philadelphia, Pa. Application March 6, 1944, Serial No. 525,186

19 Claims.

This invention relates to a new and improved method and means for handling articles under conditions of treatment where temperature variations in certain respects are vital to the results desired, such as in the art of photographic developing, or like chemical treatment.

A principal object of the present invention is to gain more uniform and accurate control than with prior expedients over the time-temperature relationship in such processes as employ a, fluid of variable temperature, as for example the chemical solutions used in the development of photographic or X-ray films, plates and prints, or in such other instances where the end result are entirely dependent upon the action or reaction of a fluid, or rather the active ingredients in the fluid, the activity of which is accelerated or decelerated in. response to temperature variations.

Another object is to provide a cyclical method and means for conducting the articles to be treated into a treating zone or series of such zones subject to temperature variations of such. character as to have an effect upon the end result of the treatment, and to condition the duration of the cycle or various intervals in the cycle relative to the prev-ailing zone temperature.

Another object is automatically to progress articles to be treated through a plurality of treat ing zon s which may be subject to the same or respectively different temperature conditions during the intervals of treatment to which the articles are subjected in such zones, and varying the intervals of treatment in the zones to compensate for temperature variations.

Another object is to provide a novel method and means for timing an operating interval or processing step involving the action of a fluid subject to temperature variations of such character as to influence the results of the fluid action, which includes a hydraulic timing system featured by the conducting of timer fiuid directly th push the fluid of variable temperature to attain correlation of the timing interval with the temperatum-influenced action of the variable fluid.

A further object is to provide a novel article heating apparatus utilizing power motivated mechanical and hydraulic features for attaining uniform results in the treatment accurately compensated for variations in temperature which would otherwise have an undesirable eifect upon the results of the treatment.

Still another object is to provide improved temperature-compensated hydraulic timing control for combined m chanical and electrical apparatus.

Another object is to provide novel hydraulic operation-timing and movement braking means.

Other objects, features and advantages will become apparent in the description and from theaccompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a hydraulically timed, intermittently operable power-actuated photographic developing apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic showing of a modified organization of a portion of the apparatus disclosed in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective View on a small scale to afford a better understanding of the article carrying and conveying structure of the apparatus in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of an operatiom controlling andtimer unit including the features of the apparatus diagrammatically shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of a modified apparatus;

Fig. 6 is a fragmental side partly in section, of another apparatus embodying features and Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 6.

By way of example, the invention may be applied to the processing of photographic units or articles such as film-s, plates or prints and involvelevational View modified form of of the invention,

ing subjecting the sensitized of the articles to the action of various chemicaland washing baths within a treating zone. All of the steps of the process in the treating zone are adapted to be carried out intermittently in timed sequence in an automatic operating cycle. Each step in the cycle is properly timed hydraulically in a novel manner which accurately compensates for variations in temperature in the treating zone. To this end the controlling fluid of a hydraulic timing system is conducted directly through the treating zone, such fluid being of a viscosity that is sensitive to temperatures or" the range encountered in said zone so that the duration of the time intervals of treatment of the articles in the zone will accurately reflect the temperature existing at any given time in the zone or a selected portion of the zone. Thus, as the viscosity of the timing fluid varies with temperature changes in the treating zone, there is a corresponding lengthening or shortening of the interval of treatment. for which the system is initially set.

In photographic processing, of course, a certain interval can be predetermined during which rying racks ll the photographic article must remain, for example, in the developing bath at an optimum temperature. A lower temperature than optimum requires lengthening of the development interval, a higher temperature requires that such interval be correspondingly shortened. It is quite dinicult, if not impossible, to maintain the developer solution at the predetermined optimum temperature. For that reason, the present invention, which attains minutely accurate compensation for deviation from the predetermined optimum temperature, is particularly valuable for obtaining substantially perfect results in development.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, a photographic developing apparatus embodying the features of the invention may include a relatively large receptacle l9 containing an elongated solution tank ll. At one end of the tank is a smaller tank l2 adapted to contain developer bath and at the other end is a second smaller tank l3 for fixing bath. The space intervening between the tanks {2 and I3 may be utilized for wash water that may be maintained clean and in circulation by a fresh supply entering through an inlet l4 while the used water is carried away through an overflow drain l5.

Photographic articles to be processed are loaded upon one or more preferably multi-clamp caradapted to be removably hooked over a conveyer bale l8 which has its ends fixedly assembled with respective axially aligned traveler gears l9 riding in tracks provided at the upper side edges of the receptacle and having racks 2B engaged by the gears. By driving the traveler gears l9 along the racks 20, the conveyer bale i8 is caused to swing about the axis of the gears l9 and dip down toward the tank I l and emerge above the receptacle l0 alternately, thus carrying the article rack or racks I1 into and out of the tank I I.

The construction and cooperative relationship of parts are such that two full revolutions of the traveler gears I9 will swing the bale l8 to dip it alternately into and out of all of the alternate baths in the tank ll. Thus, from a starting or loading position D, the bale I8 is successively swung into developing position A, next, by one full revolution of the traveler gears [9 into washing position B, followed by another full revolution of the gears to swing into fixing bath position C; then one revolution reversal of the gears to return it to washing position B; and finally, by a half revolution return of the traveler gears to return it to the starting position D for unloading and reloading.

Cyclical operation of the conveyer may be accomplished through the medium of a driving link 2| connecting the conveyer structure as shown in Figs. 1 and 3 to an endless type flexible driving element such as a chain 22 running over a 'pintle gear 23 defining one end of an elongated run and a driving gear 24 defining the opposite end of its run and keyed to or otherwise connected to a worm gear 25 driven by a worm 21 which is motivated through a shaft 28 by a motor 29. In this way, although the motor 29 drives in but one direction, the link 2| following the endless chain 22 nevertheless drives the conveyer back and forth through the various operating positions of each cycle.

Means for controlling and timing operation of the motor 29 preferably comprises a combination of mechanical, electrical and hydraulic features. Electrical energy from any suitable source is supplied for operating the motor 29 through a pria lobe D on the cam mary circuit 30 containing a normally open type of master switch 3| which, during operation of the apparatus, is adapted to be held closed by a switch closer 32. In control of the primary circuit 30 is an intermittently operable switch 33 which is adapted to be maintained open by a trigger type of latch 34 during periods of inactivity of the apparatus. Manual release of the latch 34 to initiate a cycle of operation of the apparatus is effected through the medium of a digitally operable release member 35. Thereafter automatic intermittent opening and closing of the switch 33 is accomplished by means of a set of actuating cams 31 and 38 carried by a cam shaft 39 mounted to be driven counterclockwise as seen in Fig. 1 by a rotary driving element 40. The latter may be a gear drivingly connected as by means of an endless transmission element such as a chain M engaging over or meshing with a driven element or sprocket adjacent to and permissibly forming part of the sprocket 24 which rotates with the worm wheel 25.

When the switch 33 is initially closed by release of the trigger latch 34, a cam follower 42 on the latch trigger enters a' starting notch 43 in the cam 31. This overcomes the open condition of the switch 33 existing at the termination of the preceding operating cycle, coincident with which 33 engages and holds in switch-opening position a switch-controlling cam follower M. Now, with the switch initially closed, the primary circuit 30 energizes the motor 29 and drives the apparatus to move the article carrier ll into the developing position A. In the course of this movement, the cam follower 42 leaves the starting notch 43 and rides onto the periphery of the cam 3'! whereby to reset the latch 34, But while this is taking place, the cam follower 44 leaves the lobe D' and. the switch 33 as a result remains closed, being opened again at the proper point in the cycle by engagement of the switchcontrolling follower id by a lobe A on the cam 38. This then breaks the primary circuit 30, the motor 29 is de-energized and the article carrier ll becomes stationary while developing of the articles carried thereby proceeds.

After a sufficient interval for developing to be completed, a secondary circuit 55 is closed by the closing of a switch ll to energize the motor again to drive the apparatus through the next step in the cycle, that is, to move the article carrier ll from the developer solution into the washing water at position B. The switch 41 is under the control of a timing unit 48 which is arranged to be cooked or set for each timing interval by a cam follower i9 riding a cam in the set carried by the cam shaft 39. At start of a cycle of operation the cam follower 49 is engaged by a lobe D" upon the cam 50 and thus is set for the developing phase of the cycle, the secondary circuit switch ii being open. Then, after the apparatus has come to rest in the developing position A, the timer 53 completes its development timing cycle, allowing the switch 41 to close and initiate the second phase in the operating cycle of the apparatus. In this second phase the switch-controlling follower M leaves the lobe A of the cam 38 to close the primary circuit switch 33, the timer-cocking follower 49 is engaged by a lobe B to set the timer for the washing interval that follows development and open the secondary switch ll, and closely following this the switch controlling follower 44 is engaged by a tripping lobe B on the cam 38 and the apparatus-comes to rest-with-the article carrier- IFin the-washing position-B:

After the washing interva'l timer 4 8 again allo close so that the-motor -29 drivesthe apparatus through the next phase-in the-operating cycle during-which-the timer-484s againcocked by engagement "of't-he cocking -follower- 49 by a lobe C on the cam 591 and closely thereafter a lobe C on thecamtBagain trips the switch controlling follower-44* to open= the switch 33, the apparatus coming to rest with-the article carrier l'l in the fixing bathposition--- 0. Since the fixing bath requires a longer interval-in the processingof the article than developing; the lobe C" ispreferably higher than the other lobes-of the cam 56 so as to coekthe-timer 43' for a longer timing cycle, therebyincreasing the-length of the-fiXing-interval overthe developing and washing-intervals of the cycle of operati'on.

At the endof the fixing int is-again= actuated by repetiti tent operation-throughclosing of the secondary switchflsothatas the motor 29 then drives the apparatus to'return the article carrier H to the washingposition-B; the timer 48 is again cooked by engagement of a lobe B with the-cocking follower 49'; whereaftera lobe B on the cam. 38 trips the switch-tripping follower 4 1' and brings the apparatus torest in: the washing position. After: termination: of the final washing interval, themotor 29 isagain-energized the-secondaryswitch 47 Then-the lobe D" and the lobe-D i engage and actuate their repsective followers, cockthe-timer 18 and open the secondary switch 4'! and open theprimaiy switch 33, thus terminating the cycle ofoperation and bringing the apparatus to rest carrier: H at the starting position D to be un-- loaded andreplaced by another carrier or carriers withiunprocessed articles.

Another cycle of the operation can then. he mitiatedi by the attendant or: user releasing the starter-trigger release-$5 at. will, as previously explained.

The timing'unit 485 ispreferably of thegkind broadly covered in. my copending: application SeriaLNo; 329',452;filed A pri1 13, 1940, nowiPatent No; 2 5433347, dated hydraulically on the principle of displacing liquid rapidly fromone portion of a hydraulic: circuit to another pcrtion-and 'thencontrolling the re-' turn of the liquid under conditions wherein the liquid will take a givenlength oftime for thereturn' under certai orifice, viscosity, and temperature. the timer unit includes apair of similarmetallic bellows 5-1 and 52 hermetically sealed and securedsto; respective opposite sides ofa base plate 53 fixedly-supportedby a suppo bracket '54; Within thechambers defined by the bellows iland 52 is'such a quantity of a liquid, such as'an' oil of predeterminedviscosity, aswill but'fill'the chambers equally'when the bellows are inbalance.

The bellows 51 is. cooperatively related to the cocking-q cam" follower. 49 in such manner that when the cam follower isengaged and actuated by the lobes Ofjthe cam 53; the liquid within the bellows 5| is driven through an orifice 55 inthe base plate 53..into.the bellows 52; thus compressingthebellows 5'! and expanding the bellows 52. Return ofthe liquid through the orifice 55 is preventedjby a one-waycheck val've51. As atre sult ofthis actiono-f'the' bellows; a switch arm58 has run out; the

erval, the apparatus on of the intermit- Tothis end ws the secondary switch 4! to with the article March '7, 1944, and operates n predetermined factors of rting frame or 1 creased by v dicatedzat B l'.

Therefore;-

drivenfrom the bellows 52 through 1 a bleederduct-- 6i) through the duo its respective e -sectional flow are erminable length of time t it Shouldthe temperat ismctivated toopen the secondary-circuit switch to the belows 5t which, as shown-, has ride through baseplate 53'.-

0 pass me be increased or decreased, however, there will beacorresponding acceleration or-dec how of the liquid through the eieration-in-theduct 60, and this phenomenon is taken advantage of toattainautomatic and self compensating: adjustment in thetiming cycle of ea For example; the-b the unit closely and continuvariations in temperature in ting zone of the apparatus.

leeder duct- 60* maybe of suf ficient length to form a loop adapted to-di'p'into the developer bath inthe tank I2 so. that thereturning liquid during the timing cycle is c0n--- ducteddirectly throu and is-thusbrought gh the liquid: of: the bath to the same temperatureas tiiebath; As a result, where the timing interval has been adjusted normalto an optimum temperature of'the developer bath, the lower temperature will cause" is become sluggish and to prolong the de should the develop perature than "the corespondingly and; time of the intervals.

siveness of the timer In: ordertto improve the;

he liquid in the duct 60'to' thus slow its travel whereby velopment interval; whereas,.

bath be of ahigher temoptirnum, travel of the timer v liquid through the: duct:

.60 will be accelerated appropriately shorten the Such temperature respone. is 2 thus atall times quite throughout the complete. ances inxtheideveloper bath; temperature; respon,-,

siveness-of: thetimer fiuid;.the=,most restricted portion of the" bleeder, i

s preferably so disposed aswto be; immersed in; the developer bath as; in-

Such complished in; same.

It: may be noted that in.

although the bleeder to: be temperature r tank I2. Likewise th flow: restrictionmay be aca round duct by flattening the,

the present instance, duct 60:. is. disposed 1 merely; esponsiveto: the developer bath isdisposed to be of a y corresponding to that of the which contacts thedevelopertacted by the'washing Water so that the fixing bath will be of aturei Thus, t in-the bleederduct 6 be equally applicable washing wate approximately the same temperemperature adjustments effected.

0 'inthe developer bath will: to the temperatures in the r and-'in the fixing bath.

Predetermined major adjustments in the timing interval for fected by set All of the features ting the various purposes are preferably efsecondary circuit switch 41- meanssuch asan eccentric cam adjuster 62:

of' the intermittent operating control and timer unit are incorporated' in th in spond to i the elemen in' Fig; 1; are identi e exemplary, compact, unitary assembly shown Fig. 4, wherein the visible parts which correts" diagrammatically shown fied by identical reference numerals, certain special details of slight strucdisregarded as mere matters of engineering choice. Certain environmental'details shown in Fig. 4 will, however, be described for a clearer understanding of the structure. For example, the entire carried by a framework 63 which in turn is rockably carried by the cam shaft 39 so as to be tiltable from the full line operative position to the broken outline position wherein the bleeder duct loop 60 clears the developer bath. The shaft 39 may be suitably journaled upon the sides of the receptacle 10. The master switch-3| may also be mounted upon the side of the container 16 while the switch closer 32 is carried by the frame 53 so that when the assembly is in the full line operating position, the switch is closed while when the assembly is tilted back to inoperative position, the switch is opened.

In Fig. 4, the latch releasing member 35 is shown as being in the form of an upstanding bar 611 arranged to project above a cover 65 for easy manipulation and guided for vertical reciprocation by screws 61 extending through respective slots 68 in the bar and secured to the frame 63. A spring 69 acts normally to urge the bar upwardly so as to interpose a lug 69a on the bar into the path of the pivotally mounted latch trigger 34. v

The adjusting cam 62 is shown as carried'by a vertical, rotatable shaft 19 for engagement with a switch adjusting follower 1| associated with the switch 41. The shaft 19 conveniently projects upwardly to clear the cover 65 and has an operating knob 12 which is adapted to be turned with respect to a calibrated plateor dial 13 on top of the cover which may carry suitable indicia showing various adjustment settings.

Where there tural differences being cycle of operation, wherein each interval may be affected by difierent variable temperature conditions, separate hydraulic timer units may be provided for each requirement substantially as indicated in the modification of Fig. 2. Here assembly is 7 is a requirement for individual. accurate timing of particular intervals in the two separate timing units 480. and 48b are provided so that one of the units may, for example, be utilized to time the developing bath phase of the cycle and the other for timing the fixing bath phase of the cycle where conditions are such that the two baths may be subject to .independent temperature variations. For this purpose, the functions of the timer cam 59 are divided amongst two separate cams 59a. and b for controlling respectively the unit 4811 and the unit-48b. The cam 59a may be formed with an initial cocking lobe DX" for the developing phase and a lobe BX" for the washing phase following development. After this, the cam 50a maintains the unit t8a inactive and the associated secondary circuit switch 41a open and the timing unit 1182) becomes operative by being cocked by lobe CX" on the cam 59b to time the fixing bath phase of the cycle while lobe BX cooks the unit 481) for the washing phase following fixing. Upon return of the apparatus to starting position, the cam 59b cocks the unit 48b and maintains the associated switch 41?) open continuously until the fixing bath phase of the next succeeding cycle is reached.

In another modified form of the invention, as shown in Fig. 5, the operation controlling and timing structure may be the same as described in connection with Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, but the article conveying structure may be of a nature 1 able idlers 11 and a set of drivers treatment. Ac-

bar 15 may be supported at its ends by endless conveyors such being trained over suit- 18 in such manner as to convey the carrying bar 15 into various positions which, in a photographic development apparatus, may comprise a loading and unloading position DY, a developer bath position AY, a wash water position BY, and a fixing bath position CY. Actuation of the conveyor may be through the medium of a shaft 19 acting upon the drivers 18 through endless driving elements and in turn driven through the medium of an endless driving element 8| trained over an oscillating actuator 82 of relatively large active radius. Motivation of the oscillating actuator 82 is effected by the motor 29a acting through a reduced radius rotary crank 83 and a link 84. As the crank 83 is intermittently rotated during an operating cycle, the link 84 successively assumes the several operating positions with respect to the crank 83, and drives the oscillating actuator 32 into the positions, as indicated by the characters DY, AY, BY, CY, corresponding to the various operating positions of the article carrier 15.

Up to this point power actuated apparatus has been described, but for some purposes a less elaborate, hand operated apparatus may be desired. Accordingly, the modified form of the invention shown in Figs. 6 and '1 may be found satisfactory. This comprises a tank or pan 85 which may be subdivided into two sections by a partition 86 with one of the sections, identified .by the legend Developing bath adapted to receive the developer solution and the other section wash water. Journaled across the top of the tank adjacent the partition 86, is a shaft 81 which is normally biased by means such as a. torsion spring 88 to assume an angular position wherein an article holder or rack 89 is within .the wash water. A handle 99 is provided upon the shaft 81 for turning the shaft in opposition to the torsion spring 86 to carry the article supporting rack 89 over into the developing bath. When the rack 89 has assumed the developing position, a latch arm 9i fixed upon the shaft 81 engages a trigger 92 normally urged by a spring 93 into latching position. The trigger carries a trip lever 94 which is adapted to be engaged by a trip 95 arranged a timer generally identified at 91.

The timer 91 comprises a fiexible bellows unit including a setting bellows 98 hermetically sealed and mounted upon the upper side of a horizontal base member 99 rigidly supported by a bracket I09 while a pump bellows Ifll is mounted in hermetically sealed relation upon the opposite side of the base 99. The chamber within the bellows 98 communicates with the chamber within the bellows Nil through an orifice 192 in the base as chains 16, the chains member 99 so that liquid of predetermined visperature as prevails in the bath, and is correto be engaged and operated by Y Hi5 extends into the developspondingly afiected as to viscosity, slowing down .-ln proportion to temperatures below optimum :and accelerating in proportion to increases in temperature. When the liquid has returned to "the'setting bellows -98 in sufiicient quantity, a dog 106 at :thBatGPFOf the bellows98 engages the trip memberte actuating the same to swing the trip arm 94 andreleases the trigger 92 whereupon the r loaded torsion spning flii causes the shaft 81 to rotateiand swing the carrier to out ofthe developing bath.

.Rotationof theshaft- 87in swinging the carrier -89 ut of thedeveloping bath is also-effective to set the timer unit for another timing cycle, and theti-m ing unitrsimultaneously serves as a brake luponthe shaft to prevent itsunduly rapid rotationunder the influence oftheloaded spring as whichmight cause the article carrier to flip up dangerouslyfast. For this purpose, the shaft?! is formed witha crank ltl'with whichis associsateda piston 38 operating slidably througha sleeve! 09 to engage witha cocking member H6 .pivotally secured to the top of the settingbellows as shownat Ill. The sleeve lot is fast-upon the member! I awhile the piston I 68 is slidable within the sleeve-to aiforda lost motion connection. The :angle of the crank is such that asthe carrier 89 swings around to thedot-dashposition shown -in.Fig.16,thepiston I08 acts to compressthesetting bellows as .which .by affording certain :amountpf resistance due to therelatively retarded .passage of .liquid thrcughthe orifice I62, .creates :the. braking efiect.

Upon the carrier. 89 reaching the dot-dash position of Fig. 6, a state of equilibrium isat- .tained dueitothe .resistance. afiorded by the bellows 9.8 whichcounterbalances th effect of the spring 88 at that position and the apparatus :comestorest. Thenthe user may, through the mediumsof thehandleilihswing thecarrier over intothe .wash water, where due to gravity the carrier will remain until returned to starting ,position-bymeans of the handle 38. The lost -motionconnection of the piston Hi8 permits it toslidewithin the sleeve His away from the member H9 when thedevicelis swunginto the wash water as-indicated. When the carrier isswung -outof-the wash water up toethe loading position, :thepistonliis-will againlact to cock the timer so that-when thecarrieris returned to the develop- .ingfbath -the-timer will be set for another developing :interval.

The-lcarriermise is preferably removably connectedintoasocket I I2 cnlthe shaftby a spring detent and-bayonet. slot connection. as indicated at 3. -Throughithis arrangement, the user may rapidly interchange various carriers as desired, taklng-acarrier of developediphotographic articles away and replacing itwitha carrier loaded with articles requiring. development. The carrier 'havlngdeveloped articles on it. can then be placed :lnto a .similar .rnachinefor further processing such as fixing or itlmaybeotherwise. handled.

-While;I: have shown in the drawings. and have :herein-describedindetail certain preferred embodiments, it is to be understood -thatl do-not .thereby intend to limit theinvention to the specific forms disclosed, but intend to coverall modifications and alternative constructions falling within the .spiritand scope ofsthe invention as expressed in theifollowing claims.

. 1.:.The method. of-timing thelength ofya treat- :ment which involves .use-of a vprocessing liquid subject'to variable temperature, conditions, which characterized in that the flow .ing a :timing liquid of characteristics 'fromone .in a .timingcircuit, and liquid to heat exchanging intimacy with the processing liquidso as to effect an adjustment in v the rate-a given quantity of-the timing-liquid will includes directing a timing liquid of predetermined viscosity characteristics through a circuit in .whichthe rate of flow. ofthe timing liquid from onepoint toanotheriat an optimum temperature and given pressure is known and constitutesthe of thetiming-liquid with the prevailingtemperature conditionv and thuseifect secondary adjustmentin thetiming interval.

2. The method according .to claim 1 further of the timing liquid'is severely-restricted at the point where the timin liquid is in exchange relation to the processing liquid while allowing the timing liquid "to new under relatively less restricted conditions in the remainder of the circuit.

v3. The methodof timing an operation involving-the use of aprocessing liquid subject to variable temperature conditions, which comprises orciblydireeting a timing liquid of a viscosity responsive to said variable temperature. conditions from one chamber to another chamber through a-severely restricted-passage through which at given pressure and temperature the timing liquid flows at a predetermined rate but varies as toifiow ratein accordance with-variations in term processing liquid in the viscosity of the timing Tliquid-andaccordingly regulatethefiow of the timingliquid through said restrictedpassage.

A. The method'of timinglan operation involving eprocessing liquid subject to variable temperature conditions, which comprises conduct- -predeterrnined viscosity point to a second point subjecting the timing completeaetiming cycle by flowing from said one pointtosaid; second i point under a given pressure which under optimum temperature conditions would cause a completion of the flow'in a given time.

5. Inicombination inapparatus of the charac- -ter.,described, means defining a processing zone adapted to contain a processing.liquidsubject to variable --temperature conditions, and means for timing a treatment interval in said processing aonezincluding aihydraulic circuit having therein .a timing liquid of predetermined viscosity characteristics, and means-for conducting the timing liquid from one point to another point in the circuit'at apressurewhich at at an optimum temperaturewill cause. a given volume of the timing .liquid to flcw fromsaid one point to the other inagiven length of time and thus constitutes the primary-adjustment for-which the timing circuit .is conditioned; said means being so related to said zone as to subject the timing liquid to heat-transference directly from the processing liquid withinthe-zone to condition the viscosity of the timin -liquid and thus efiect an-automatic secondary adjustmenticf. the timing'circuit.

.6..I:n combination in apparatus adapted for photographic article treatment, a :treating zone of variable tcmperatureequipped for av'plurality of stages of treatment, means for supporting the articles to be treated, intermittently operable means for moving the supporting means into and out of the treating zone while subjecting the articles successively to said plurality of stages of treatment, means for timing the intermittent interval during which said intermittently operable means remains inactive to maintain the article supporting means in each stage of treatment in the treating zone including a hydraulic timing circuit comprising a bellows unit having a bleeder duct within the treating zone, a liquid of temperature responsive viscosity in said circuit so as to be effected by the prevailing treating zone temperature as encountered in passing through said duct, and means operated by said intermittently operable means for cocking the bellows unit before each stage of treatment.

7. Cyclically operating apparatus for treating articles comprising, in combination, means adapted to, provide a treating zone subject to conditions directly affecting the character of the treatment, means for conducting the articles into the treating zone, a timer including a bellows adapted to determine the duration of the treating interval by expansion of the bellows from a compressed condition thereof, means arranged to be operated by the timer for controlling said conducting means to remove the articles from the treating zone and terminate the treatment after a predetermined interval of treatment as determined by the timer, and means operable automatically upon termination of the treatment, as determined by the expansion of the bellows, for compressing the bellows and thereby resetting the timer for the next treating cycle,

8. In apparatus for treating articles cyclically, means providing treating zones for a plurality of successive processing fluids which are independently subject to temperature variation, means for supporting the articles successively in each of the zones, means for actuating the article supporting means to enter into active position with respect to said treating zones in sequence, individual temperature compensating timing means associated with each of said zones for determining the treating interval in each of the processing fluids, means for operating said actuating means, and means coordinated by said individual timing means for controlling the activity of said operating means.

9. Apparatus for processing photographic articles or the like comprising in combination, means providing a plurality of treating zones for successively receiving the articles and each adapted to contain a processing fluid subject to variable temperature conditions, said means maintaining the processing fluids separate but in mutual heat exchanging relation so as to effect a common prevailing temperature in all the treating fluids, and timing means including a hydraulic circuit having means for directing into heat exchanging relation with one of the processing fluids a timing liquid of predetermined viscosity characteristics so as to correlate the rate of flow of the timing liquid with the prevailing temperature of the processing fluid and compensate for any deviation from an optimum temperature established as ideal and at which optimum temperature the timing liquid will travel the circuit under identical pressure at a predetermined rate, and means controlled by the timing means for successively conducting the articles into and out of the treating zones.

10. In apparatus of the character described, an

article carrier adapted to move from one position to a second position and return, load and fire mechanism for holding the carrier in the second position, and timing means adapted to operate said load and fire mechanism including a fluid controlled timing circuit having means for gradually bleeding the fluid following setting of the timing means to determine a time interval before the timing means operates said mechanism to release the carrier for return to said one posi tion, said timing means also having an operative connection with said carrier to restrain to a predetermined rate of movement return thereof to the one position.

11. In combination in timing apparatus of the character described, a metallic bellows unit having therein a liquid of predetermined viscosity characteristics, a passage of severely restricted cross-sectional flow area for flow of the liquid from one part of the bellows unit to another under given hydraulic pressure to determine an interval by the length of time required for such flow by a given volume of the liquid, and a member adapted to move from one position to a second position and return having an operative relation with said bellows unit whereby it is retained for said interval in the second position after movement thereto from the one position and then released for return, said bellows unit having another passage of greater but also restricted flow area adapted for return of the liquid to said one part coincident with return movement of said member and serving as a brake to restrain said member for relatively slow movement in said return.

12. In combination in apparatus for processing articles in a processing liquid of variable temperature characteristics and in which the temperature is a vital factor in the duration of the processing for any desired result, means providing a receptacle for the processing liquid, means for conducting the article into the liquid, and load and fire means for controlling the length of time said conducting means will maintain the article in the processing liquid, said controlling means including an interval timer operating with a liquid of predetermined temperature responsive viscosity characteristics at a given hydraulic pressure and temperature and having a conduit of high heat transfer efficiency and of such restricted flow area that at a given basic temperature a given quantity of the timing liquid under such pressure will travel through the conduit in a certain time interval, said conduit being immersed in said processing liquid to bring the timing liquid therein into intimate heat transfer relation to the processing liquid so as to be responsive in its viscosity to the prevailing temperature of the processing liquid.

13. Apparatus for treating an article, comprising in combination, a structure afiording a treating zone for the article and having means therein for supporting the article during treatment, means operable to commence an interval of treatment in said zone, means for timing the duration of the treatment interval including a pair of chambers and means for conducting a timing liquid of predetermined viscosity characteristics from one chamber to the second chamber, said conducting means providing a passage permitting the liquid to travel only at a slow rate so that a predetermined quantity of the liquid will require a predetermined length of time at a predetermined pressure to travel therethrough, means acted upon by the timer after a predeter- 13 mined quantity of the liquid has traveled through said conducting means from the one chamber to the second chamber to terminate the treatment interval, and means, operative coincident with said treatment terminating means in terminating the treatment interval, for acting upon.

the timer for returning the timing liquid rapidly from the second chamber to the one chamber in readiness for the next succeeding timing operation.

14. In combination in apparatus for treating articles in a plurality of successive stages in a cyclical process, means defining a treatin zone accommodating said successive stages of treatment, means for conducting the articles through said treating zone, means for controlling the operation of said conducting means to maintain the articles for a predetermined time interval in each successive stage of treatment in said zone, said means including a, timer unit for controlling the interval of operation for each of said stages of treatment, and means including a resetting element movable during action of said controlling means and an element carried by the timer unit, said elements acting together automatically following each stage of treatment to reset the timer unit to operate for the succeeding stage of trea ment.

15. Apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein at least one stage of treatment is subject to temperature variations of a nature to affect the character of treatment of the articles, and the timer unit operates with a timing liquid of temperatune-sensitive viscosity to compensate for said temperature variations, the timer unit being so related to the treating zone that the timing liquid is subject to the treatment-affecting variable temperatures therein.

16. In combination in a photographic developing device of the character described, means defining a treating zone and providing a receptacle for developer solution, means for supporting photographic articles to be immersed in the developer solution and movable into and out of article-immersing relation to said receptacle, means for eifecting the operative movement of said supporting means comprising a timer including a bellows unit having a pair of flexible bellows providing chambers carrying a temperature-sensitive timer liquid and from one of which chambers the liquid is adapted to be displaced rapidly into the other chamber, and a duct of restricted flow area connecting said chambers for timed return of the displaced liquid to said one chamber, said duct being in the form of a loop extending into said receptacle to be immersed in the developer solution so that the timer liquid will be constantly subjected to the temperature conditions prevailing in the solution.

17. A photographic developing device as defined in claim 16 wherein the timing unit is mounted for movement to carry said duct at will into and out of the receptacle.

19. In combination in apparatus of the character described, means defining a treating zone subject to variable temperature conditions, means for supporting an article to be treated in said zone, means for driving said supporting means into and out of article treating relation to said zone and including an intermittently operable actuating motor, and means for controlling the operation of said motor including a timing device having means acting under predetermined ideal temperature conditions to afford a given operational time interval and sensitive to and self-adjustable with respect to the prevailing temperature in said zone for determining the length of time the supporting means may remain in treating relation to said zone by accelerating or decelerating operation of the timing device to control the operational intermittencies of the motor, said article supporting means including an endless-type conveyor arranged to be intermittently motivated cyclically by the motor for recurrently carrying the article supporting means into and out of treating relation to the treating zone.

19. In combination in apparatus of the character described, a supporting structure, cyclically operating means including an electrical motor for intermittently actuating a member, controL ling cam structure including a cam shaft mounted rotatably on said supporting structure, an electrical circuit including electrical switch means actuated by the cam structure for determinin the operation of said motor, a master control switch for said circuit carried by said supporting structure, and a carrying frame supporting said electrical switch means, said carrying frame being rockably mounted upon said cam shaft and adapted in one position to close said master control switch for rendering the apparatus active, said frame being adapted to be rocked upon said cam shaft to open said master control switch to render the apparatus inactive.

CHARLES ROGER TURNER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,343,347 Turner Mar. 7, 1944 2,052,927 Hallwood Sept. 1, 1936 2,251,925 Edmunds et a1 Aug. 12, 1941 2,135,506 Hansch et a1. Nov. 8, 1938 1,004,947 Watkins Oct. 3, 1911 2,343,347 Turner Mar. 7, 1944 1,985,554 Smith Dec. 25, 1934 2,004,410 Houch et a1 June 11, 1935 2,117,279 Anson May 17, 1938 2,251,925 Edmunds et a1 Aug. 12, 1941 2,052,927 Hallwood Sept. 1, 1936 2,053,143 Frederick Sept. 1, 1936 2,076,290 Bliss Apr. 6, 1937 2,204,532 Erbguth et al June 11, 1940 2,254,795 Daniels Sept. 2, 1941 1,915,791 Klimis June 27, 1933 1,816,290 Klimis July 28, 1931 1,916,207 DeFrancisco et a1. July 4, 1933 1,832,296 Greene et al. Nov. 17, 1931 2,339,810 Richards Jan. 25, 1944 2,386,781 Daly Oct. 16, 1945

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