US2483014A

US2483014A - Self-developing camera apparatus

Info

Publication number: US2483014A
Application number: US790064A
Authority: US
Inventors: Edwin H Land; Murry N Fairbank; David S Grey
Original assignee: Polaroid Corp
Current assignee: Polaroid Corp
Priority date: 1947-12-06
Filing date: 1947-12-06
Publication date: 1949-09-27
Anticipated expiration: 1966-09-27

Description

Sept. 27, 1949.

E. H. LAND ETAL 2,483,014 SELF-DEVELOPING CAMERA APPARATUS Filed Dec. 6, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet l' Sept. 27, 1949. E. H. LAND ETAL SELF-DEVELOPING CAMERA APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 6, 1947 dam/M Patented Sept. 27, 1949 SELF-DEVELOPING CAMERA APPARATUS Edwin H. Land, Cambrid Belmont, and David assignors to Polaroid 8 Claims.

This invention relates to photographic apparatusfor exposing a layer of photosensitive material to record thereon an image of an object and for processing said. photosensitive layer wherein. a: liquid. is spread in a layer of predetermined thickness between two sheets of flexible material, one of. which is said photosensitive material.

There is disclosed. in. application, Serial No. 576,254 filed February 5, 1 945 by Edwin H. Land for Photographic process, apparatus. and prod act, now abandoned, a method of processing a photosensitive layer by spreading a thin layer of aliquid containing. one or more photographic reagents, or which is a solvent for a photographic reagent, between said. photosensitive layer and a second layer of material. The liquid may be of a type adapted to enter into a reaction with the photosensitive layer, e. g., a liquid adapted to cause the development of a latent image in a silver halide emulsion. layer and may also cause the formation. of a positive image on the second layer of material. It is desirable in practicing the inventionv disclosed in the above-mentioned application Serial No. 576 254 that the layer of liquid spread between the photosensitive layer and the second layer of material be of a uniform predetermined thicknesstoinsure that-every unit area of the photosensitive material. and the second layer of material is. in contact with a predetermined quantity of the liquid.

object of thepresent invention is to provide a photographic apparatus for spreading a liquid photographic reagent or solvent for a photographic reagent in a layer of predetermined uniform thickness between an exposed photosensitive surface and another surface wherein the speed with. which. the liquid is spread and/or the viscosity of said. liquid does not affect the thicknessof the layer of liquid to any appreciable degree.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a photographic apparatus for carrying out the process, of spreading a liquid photographic reagent or. solvent for a photographic reagent in. a layer of predetermined uniform thickbetween a photosensitive layer comprising one surface of a sheet of deformable material and the surface of a second. sheet of deformable material. wherein variations in the thickness of P the layers of sheet. material cause only minor variations in the thickness of the layer of liquid.

A. further object ofthe present invention is to provide a photographic. apparatus, comprising a slot having a fixed predetermined width,

ge, Murry N. Fairbank,

. Grey, Weston, Mass.,

Corporation, Cambridge, Mass, a corporation of Delaware Application December .6, 1947, Serial'No. 790,064

adapted to carry out the process of spreading a liquid photographic reagent or solvent for a photographic reagent in a layer of predetermined uniform thickness between a photosensitive layer comprising one surface of a sheet of deformable material and the surface of a second sheet of deformable material wherein said sheets of material. are drawn through said slot to spread a layer of liquid thinner than the difference. between the width of said slot and the total thickness of said sheetlike materials.

A further object of the present invention is to. provide a photographic apparatus for carrylng. out the process of spreading a liquid photographic reagent or solvent for a photographic reagent in a layer of predetermined uniform thickness between a photosensitive layer comprising one surface of a sheet of deformable material and the surface of a second sheet of deformable material wherein the speed with which the liquid is spread and/or the viscosity of the liquid does not affect the thickness of the layer of liquid to any appreciable degree and wherein variations in the thickness ofeither of the sheet materials cause only minor variations in the thickness of the layer of liquid.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a photographic apparatus for carryingout the process wherein a liquid composition containing a photographic reagent or a solvent for a photographic reagent is spread in a layer of predetermined uniform thickness between a layer of photosensitive material having a latent n gative image formed. therein and a second layer of material adapted to receive a visible positive image of said latent image and wherein the speed with which said liquid composition is spread does not affect the thickness of said liquid layer to any appreciable degree.

other objects of the invention will inv part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the apparatus possessing. the construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which are exemplified in the following detailed, disclosure, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure l is a diagrammatic view of one form of apparatus embodying the present invention;

Figs. .2 and Bare diagrammatic sectional views illustrating one form of pressure-applying means capable of forming a part of the apparatus of Fig. 1 and illustrating one way in which the photographic reagent, or a solvent therefor, can be positioned between the two sheetlike materials;

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic sectional view illustrating a modified form of pressure-applying means;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic sectional view of another form of pressure-applying means wherein two spaced rollers are employed to spread a liquid between two sheetlike materials; and

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic sectional view of yet another form of pressure-applying means wherein a roller and a fixed backing member are employed to spread a liquid between two sheetlike materials.

Fig. '7 illustrates an alternate form of pressure-applying means.

The present invention provides a photographic camera apparatus capable of exposing a sheet of photosensitive material to actinic light and spreading a liquid between the surface of said photosensitive material and another layer of material in a uniform layer of predetermined thickness. The sheet of photosensitive material may comprise any photosensitive material as, for example, silver halide.

The other layer of sheetlike material preferably comprises a surface adapted to receive a visible positive image of a latent negative image formed in said photosensitive material. The liquid preferably is quite viscous and comprises a reagent which preferably contains at least a solvent for a substance capable of differentially reacting with portions of said exposed photosensitive material to create a visible effect therein and preferably capable of being transferred to said other layer of sheetlike material to form a visible positive image. The apparatus is simple, reliable, easy to operate and results in a layer of liquid composition of a predetermined desired thickness regardless of the speed with which said composition is spread and/or the viscosity of the liquid composition.

One form of a camera apparatus embodying the present invention is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 1. The camera disclosed in Fig. 1 comprises a bellows i0, lens and shutter assembly 12 and an upper compartment M for holding a roll l5 of photosensitive sheet material [8. The photosensitive material i8 is adapted to be drawn from the roll is and pass in back of an exposure aperture 29 in back of the lens and shutter assembly at which point the photosensitive material la is adapted to be exposed to actinic light to have formed therein a latent negative image. After passing the exposure aperture 20, the photosensitive material l8 passes into a lower compartment 22 which is adapted to hold a cartridge 26 which carries a roll of sheetlike material 24- which, in turn, has liquid-carrying containers 28 adhesively secured thereto at regular predetermined intervals greater than the length of said exposure aperture. An opening or slot 30 is provided in the bottom of the lower compartment 22 to permit the photosensitive layer l8 and the sheetlike material 24 to be drawn from the camera. A pair of novel pressure-applying liquid-spreading members 32, which will subsequently be explained in detail, are located in the lower compartment 22 adjacent the slot so that after the photosensitive layer l8 has been exposed it and the sheetlike material 24 are advanced with respect to said spreading members 32 out of said compartment 22 to rupture the container 28 and spread the contained liquid in a uniform predetermined layer between said photosensitive material iS and sheetlike material 24 as they are advanced together between members 32 and out of the camera. The entire back of the camera including the upper compartment 14, the portion in back of the exposure aperture 20 and the lower compartment 22 are enclosed by a cover 34 which is hingedly attached to the edge of the upper compartment I4. Light seals 36 are provided in the slot 38, between the lower compartment 22 and the exposure aperture 20, and between the upper compartment I4 and the exposure aperture 29 to prevent unwanted actinic light from leaking into the camera to fog the photosensitive layer H3.

The pressure-applying members employed in the photographic apparatus of the present invention for spreading a liquid between the interface surfaces of the exposed photosensitive material and a second sheetlike material comprise two substantially rigid members mounted in spaced relation to each other so as to prevent, for all practical purposes, any movement toward or away from each other to form a fixed gap or slot of substantially the same width throughout its length. The surfaces of the substantially rigid members which form the fixed gap or slot which are contacted by the outer surfaces of the sheetlike materials as they are advanced through said gap or slot are shaped to form an entrance or throat which together with the sheetlike materials which are caused to conform thereto cause a pressure to build up within the liquid between said sheetlike members. The pressure thus generated causes a predetermined quantity of said liquid to pass through the gap or slot with each unit area of said sheetlike materials to form the desired liquid layer therebetween. For a given pressure, the quantity of liquid which will pass through a given gap or slot is an inverse function of the viscosity of said liquid, i. e., as the viscosity of the liquid increases, the quantity of the liquid passing through said gap or slot will decrease. For a given viscosity, the quantity of liquid which will pass through a gap or slot is a function of the pressure generated in said liquid, 1. e., as the pressure increases, the quantity of liquid passing through said gap or slot increases. The pressure generated in the liquid is a function of the speed at which the sheetlike materials are drawn through a given gap or slot and the viscosity of the liquid, i. e., the pressure generated within the liquid increases as the speed at which the sheetlike materials are advanced through the gap or slot increases and/or as the viscosity of the liquid increases. The opposite is also trueas speed and viscosity decrease, the hydraulic pressure decreases.

The preferred embodiments of the pressureapplying members of the present invention are proportioned to utilize the above characteristics to such an extent that a layer of liquid having a substantially uniform predetermined thickness is spread between the two sheetlike materials iiidependently of the speed at which said sheetlike materials are advanced between said pressure-applying members and the viscosity of the liquid. This is possible because an increase in viscosity would result in less liquid passing through the gap or slot, but an increase in viscosity causes the hydraulic pressure generated to increase and the increased pressure causes sub- .sta-n-tially the same quantity of liquid to pass =through the slot or gap per unit area of sheet- :like material as passed through before the vis- ;:throughthe slot of gap per unit area of .sheetlike material as passed through before the speed was increased.

The preferred embodiments of the photograph- :ic apparatus of the present invention :employ the principle set forth above in generating a pres- :sure in the'liq-uid which is of such a magnitude, .in relation to the Speed with which the sheet-like materials are advanced through the slot or gap, that the layeroi liquid spread between the sheetlike. materials is thinner than the difference between the total thickness of the two layers of sheetlike materials and the width of the slot or gap. This is preferred so that variations in either. or both of the sheetlike materials will .cause. only minor variations, which are within acceptable limits, in the thickness of the liquid layer.

In the practice of the present invention it is preferred to shape the throat portion of the slot or;ga-prs that the thickness of the layer of liquid deposited between the two sheetlihe materials will beone-thircl to two-thirds of the difference between the total thickness of the two layers of sheetlike materials and the width of the slot or :gap. For example, if the throat and slot or gap :are shaped to give a ratio of reduction that is three to one and the minimum width of the slot or gap is such that the dilierence between the total thickness of the two layers of sheetlike materials and said minimum width is substantially .003 inch a layer of liquid composition substantially .001 inch thick will be spread. If the ratio of reduction is three to two the same spacing will spread layer of liquid substantially :062 inch thick. Therefore, if the thickness of one f thesheetlilre materials should vary at a given area the variation in the thickness of the liquid layer will only be a fraction of that variation. For example, if one of the sheetlik-e materials should be .001 inch thicker than desired at some area or spot, so that the difierence between the total thickness of said sheetlike materials and the minimum width of the slot or gap at that area or spot is only .002 inch, the thickness of the liquid layer spread on that area :or spot will be .00856 inch thick if the slot or gap has a ratio of reduction of three to one. If the slot or gap has a ratio of reduction of three to two the same variation in the sheetlike material would result .in a liquid layer @0133 inch thick.

Figs. 2 and 3 are enlarged diagrammatic views of the pressure--applying means, comprising two substantially rig-id bars 32 employed in the photographic apparatus of Fig. 1 for spreading a liquid between two sheetlike materials. Figs. .2 also illustrate the manner in which a liquid-car- :rying container 2.8 releasably carrying a predetermined quantity of liquid composition may be employed to deposit a predetermined quantity of liquid composition between the interiace sur- 7 .faces of the sheetlike materials is and .24. Each of the substantially similar rigid bars .32 comprises a flat portion .38 and a leading edge 40 fixedly mounted in spaced relation to each other with the .fiat portions '38 in tace-to-face relation and .3 1

to rprovideaslot or gap 42.. Two sheets of flexible material is and 24, having a supply of liquid M therebetween, are shown being drawn through the slot or gap :42 in the direction of the arrow 3 spread the liquid 44 in a layer of uniform predetermined thickness between the sheets i8 and 2:1. The sheet of material It comprises an inner layer 19 which may comprise any photosensitive :mater-ial as, for example, silver halide which is carried by .a base layer 21 which may comprise any flexible sheet material as, for example, paper, cellulose acetate, or cellulose nitrate. The sheet of material 24 may compriseany flexible material as, for example, paper, thin wood, metal, plastic, or the material known to the art as .baryta paper. The liquid 44 may comprise a solvent fora photographic reagent or it may include a photographic reagent. In one satisfactory form of the embodiment disclosed in Figs. 2 and 3 the leading edges 40 which form the throat of the slot .or gap 42 curve outwardly f om the fiat portions 38. in the arcof a circle preferably having a radius of substantially inch. The width of the gap or slot 42 is preferably substantially .023 inch so that when sheet materials i8 and 2-4, having a total thickness of substantially .029 inch, are drawn therethrough the difference between the width of the gap or slot 42 and said total thickness is substantially .003 inch. When this form of the embodiment of 2 and 3 is employed to spread a liquid 44, having a viscosity of from 1000 centipoises to 200,030 centipoises, between two sheet materials =18 and 2 whose combined thickness totals substantially .020 inch 'a pressure will be generated said liquid 44 which will cause a layer of said liquidtd substantially .001 inch thick to be spread between said two sheet materials H5 and -24. The radius of the leading edges 40 may be increased .or decreased to vary the thickness of the layer of liquid 44 which will be spread. When the radius of the leading edges 45 is increased the thickness of the layer of liquid will be increased with increase in the width of the slot or gap 1.2. This is because increasing the radius of the leading edges 40 decreases the angle of the throat which results in a higher pressure-to-speed ratio than is the case with a smaller radius of curvature. The higher pressure-to-speed ratio results in a larger quantity of liquid 44 being forced through the gap or slot 52 for each unit area of the sheet materials 48 and 2!; to give a thicker layer of liquid. By the same token, when the radius of curvature of the leading edges 40 is reduced the angle of the throat is increased resulting in a lower pressure-to-speed ratio :and a smaller quantity of liquid passing through the slot or gap 42 .for each unit area of sheet materials i8 and 2-4 with the result that a thinner layer of liquid is spread for the same width of the gap or slot 42.

A liquid-carrying container 2 3 releasably carrying a predetermined quantity of liquid composition is positioned between the interface surfaces of the

sheet materials

58 and 24 adjacent to the areas thereon between which it is desired to spread said liquid. The liquidwarrying container 28 maybe placed between the

sheetlike materials

18 and 24 after they have been started through the slot or gap 42, but it is preferred to .adhes-ively secure one of said liquid-carrying containers 28 to one of said sheetlike materials l8 and 24. The container 28 is adapted upon the application of a mechanical stress thereto as, for example, compression of the walls thereof, to

open along a predetermined edge to release the contained liquid 44.

The container 28 is preferably made from a sheet of material which is inert and impervious to the contained liquid 44 and also to oxygen and water vapor as, for example, a multilayer sheet comprising a base layer of kraft paper or fabric, an intermediate layer of metal foil laminated to said base layer and a third layer of heat-sealing plastic substantially impervious and inert to the fluid 44. Preferably, the container 28 is an envelope or saclike structure formed by folding said multilayer sheet of material and heat sealing the edges together. The container 28 is preferably of a length substantially equal to the width of the sheet materials l8 and 24 so that when placed in the position illustrated in Fig. 2 it will extend substantially across the width of said sheet materials. The multilayer sheet material used to make the container 28 preferably has a thickness of not greater than one-half the space between the two sheetlike materials I8 and 24 as they pass through the slot or gap 42, and the filled container 28 is substantially thicker than the space between the sheetlike materials [8 and 24 as they pass through the slot or gap 42.

It will thus be seen that when the two sheets of material I8 and 24 having the liquid-carrying container 28 located therebetween are drawn through the slot or gap 42 to pull the liquidcarrying container 28 between the barlike members 32 a stress is applied to the walls of said container '28 by the barlike members 32. This stress generates a pressure in the liquid 44 inside of the liquid-carrying container 28 and as the container 28 continues to be drawn into said slot or gap 42 said pressure becomes high enough to cause the sealed edge 48 of said container 28 to open and release the liquid 44. Continued movement of the

sheets

18 and 24 through the slot or gap causes substantially all the liquid 44 to be squeezed or pressed out of the container 28 and deposited at the throat portion of the slot or gap 42. After the liquid 44 has been removed from the container 28 said container 28 in its collapsed position passes through the slot or gap and said slot or gap on continued movement of the sheets i8 and 24 therethrough causes the liquid 44 to be spread in a layer of uniform predetermined thickness between the two sheetlike materials in the manner set forth above.

Fig. 4 discloses diagrammatically a modification of the embodiment disclosed in Figs. 2 and 3 wherein the arc of the leadin edge of the embodiment of Figs. 2 and 3 has been continued to give a semicircular leading edge 50 on each of the rigid bars 52. The embodiment of Fig. 4 is adapted for use where it is desired to change the direction of the sheet materials [8 and 24 through 180 before they pass through the slot or gap 42. This modification is also useful with sheet materials that are somewhat stifi and tend to not conform readily to the configuration of the throat.

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic showing of another embodiment of a pressure-applying means for spreading a liquid between two sheetlike materials and also adapted for use with the photographic apparatus of the present invention, comprising two substantially similar rigid rollers 54 rotatably mounted a fixed distance from each other to provide a fixed gap or slot 42.

In one satisfactory form of the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 5 the rollers 54 preferably have a diameter of substantially inch and are preferably so positioned with respect to each other that a gap or slot 42 substantially .023 inch wide is provided therebetween. As the sheet materials i3 and 24 and the liquid 44, all similar to those disclosed in connection with the embodiment of Figs. 2 and 3, are drawn through the slot or gap 42, the rollers 54 are rotated by their contact with the outer surfaces of the

sheet materials

18 and 24 and a leading edge comprising an are having inch radius is constantly presented by the circumference of each roller 54. These leading edges generate a pressure in the liquid 44 which forces said liquid through the slot 42 to form a thin layer of uniform predetermined thickness between the sheet materials I8 and 24. When sheet materials I8 and 24 and liquid 44, as described in connection with the embodiment of Figs. 2 and 3, are passed through the slot or gap 42 between rollers 54 having the above dimensions, the ratio of the thickness of the layer of liquid deposited between the interface surfaces of the

layers

18 and 24 to the difference between the total thickness of said two layers [8 and 24 and the width of the slot or gap 42 is substantially three to one so that a liquid layer .001 inch thick is spread between said interface surfaces.

The diameter of the rollers 54 may be increased or decreased to vary the thickness of the liquid 44 which will be spread. When the diameter is increased the thickness of the layer of liquid will be increased with no increase in the width of the slot or gap 42 between the rollers 54. This is because increasing the diameter of the rollers 54 decreases the angle of the throat which results in a higher pressure to-speed ratio than is the case with smaller diameter rollers. The higher pressure-to-speed ratio results in a larger quantity of liquid 44 being forced through the gap or slot 42 for each unit area of sheet materials l8 and 24 and therefore gives a thicker layer of liquid. By the same token, when the diameter of the rollers 54 is reduced, the angle of the throat is increased resulting in a lower pressure-to-speed ratio and a smaller quantity of liquid passing through the slot or gap 42 for each unit area of sheet materials I8 and 24 with the result that a thinner layer of liquid is spread for the same width of slot or gap.

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic showing of another embodiment of a pressure-applying means for spreading a liquid between two sheetlike materials and also adapted for use with the Photographic apparatus of the present invention, comprising a fixed substantially rigid backing plate or bar 56 and a substantially rigid roller 58 rotatably mounted a fixed predetermined distance from said plate 55 to provide a gap or slot 42 of predetermined uniform width. Sheet materials i8 and 24 and liquid 44, as described in connection with the embodiment of Figs. 2 and 3, are drawn through the slot or gap 42 in the direction of the arrow 45 to spread said liquid 44 between the interface surfaces of said sheet materials l8 and 24 in a layer Of uniform predetermined thickness. If roller 58 is of the same diameter as the rollers 54 of Fig. 5, it; will cause a thicker layer of liquid to be spread between the sheet members l8 and 24 than will the two rollers 54 of Fig. 5. This is because the backing member 56 is fiat and has no leading edge, at least in the sense that the term leading edge is used in the description of the three preceding embodiments. This results in a throat portion having a smaller angle than the throat formed by two rollers and, as set forth above, a'low throat'angle gives ahig'her pressureto speed ratiothan a large throat angle. The "thickness o'fxthe l ayer'of'liqui'd 4'4 spread between the sheet materials l8 and 24 ma be varied by increasing "or decre'asing'the diameter of the roll 58. An'in'crease in the diameter will'result in an increase in 'thethicknessof the liquid layer because such increases and decreases change the angle of the throat of the gap or slot 42.

'Whereas the use of .the liquid-carrying container 28 has been specifically shown and described in connection with the embodiment disclosed in Figs. 2 and 3 'itwill be readily appreciated that the container 28 can be used to deposit the liquid composition 44 betweenthe'sheetlikematerials i3 and'-2"'4 when any of .the-erhbodi ment's disclosed in Figs. 2through-6 are used.

It will also be appreciated that the liquid 44 maybe located'between the interface surfaces of the sheetlike materials it and 24 in other ways asfifor example, it may be injected between the .two -sheetlilre materials or it can be spread on the'surface' of either or both of the sheets before theyiare started through the slot or gap 42.

It will also be appreciated that it may be desirable to pass objects having greater thickness than the difference between the Width of said slot or gap4'2 and the total'thickness of the two sheet- "like'materials l8 and 24 through said slot or gap 42. For example, it might be desirable'to make the liquid-"carrying container from a thicker sheet material. Iopermit enlarged solid objects ito'pass through the slot or gap 42 between the interface surfaces of the sheetlike materials [8 and 24 the two elements forming said gap or slot 42 canbe held a predetermined mini-mum distance apart bymeans of a springiiil strong enough to resist the "pressure generated in the liquid both in rupturing the container 28 and in spreading the liquid between said sheetlike materials 18 and '24. Such a spring loading will permit the slot or gap 42 to open to pass incompressible objects but remain fixed while spreading the liquid 44. As shown in Fig. 7, spring 60 is provided in a spreader arrangement which is otherwise generally like that shown in Fig. 1.

The apparatus of the present invention has been disclosed primarily in connection with the processing of a layer of photosensitive material having a latent negative image formed therein by differentially reacting a photographic reagent with said latent image to form visible imageforming components which are deposited on a second layer of material to give a visible positive image. The present invention is not limited to this specific use only but is adapted to other uses as, for example, to spread a liquid reagent over the surface of any photosensitive material to develop and/ or fix a latent or visible image formed therein, or to spread a liquid reagent over the v 1 surface of a photosensitive layer prior to exposing it to lightso that .the image formed by said exposure will be developed and/or fixed without any further processing.

If the photosensitive material It comprises a diazonium photosensitive material the liquid reagent i l can be such that it will-develop avisible positive image in said material I 8. If the photosensitive material l8 comprises astandard silver halide photosensitive material theliquid reagent may develop a negative image therein and it may also fix the negative image. Ina preferred form of the invention the liquid also creates a positive image of the latent negative =-image--on the surface of a second sheet of mateill 10 rial. If suchapositive image is desired a liquid composition is preferably formedwas set forth in the following nonlimiting example:

Ewample 1 Grams Water 1860 Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose 93 Sodium-sulfite 78 Sodiumh-ydroxide 74.6 Sodiumthiosulfate 14.5 'Citric acid 38.5 *Hydroquinone s 52.0

Four embodiments of pressure-applying means, each capable of being incorporated in the photographic apparatus of the present invention, have been disclosed. In two of the embodiments the barlike members are rigidly mounted against rotation so that the sheetlike materials I8 and 24 slide across their surfaces as they are advanced through the slot or gap '22. In a third embodiment the b'arlike members are rollers rotatably mounted on fixed axes parallel to each other. In this embodiment the sheetlike materials l8 and it are, in effect, rolled across their surfaces as they are advanced through theslot or gap 42, In the fourthem-bodiment one ofthe lbarlike members is rigidly inounted'against rotation and the otheris aroller'rotat-ably mounted on a fixed axis parallel to the first barlike member.

'Each'of the above three types of pressure-applying means has certain advantages over the other-"two. For'exampla'itis desirable that it be possible to advance or draw the sheetlike materials it; and through the slot Sit and outof materials '18 and Zilreinain in substantial registration, i. e., with their respective edges substantially in alignment, as they are advanced 'or drawn out or the camera apparatus. When pressure-applying means which are rigidly mounted against rotation (the embodiments of Figs. 2, '3 and 4) are used, the two sheetlike materials l8 and 24 remain" in substantial registration as they are drawn from the camera apparatus but the force required to draw them out is relatively high. Apparently the desired registration is obtained because of "the fact that substantially the same frictional force must be overcome to move the 'she'etlike materials in any direction and therefore any'tendency of either of said sheetlike materials'to creep or wander is overcome by the force drawing it from'the camera apparatus. When roller type pressure-applying means (Fig. 5) are usedythe force necessary to draw the sheetlike inat'erialsit 'and'2'4 from the camera apparatus is relativelylow'but said sheetlike materials have a tendencytocreep'or wander'sideways if the roll liijcartridge '28, and pressure-applying means 54 "are "not absolutely parallel. Apparently this is because of the factthat a much larger force is necessary to overcome friction and cause said "sheetlike material to slide sideways on the pressure-applying means to correct the tendency'to creep or wander-than is necessary to draw'said sheetlike-materials out of the camera apparatus.

Whereas the'modification disclosed in Figs. 2

and 3' has been specifically shown and described in connection with the camera apparatus of'Fig. '1 it Will be understood that any of the modifica- "tions disclosed in Figs. 4, 5 and 6 may beused therewith.

-Since certain changes may be made in the 75above apparatus without departing from the 11 scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. A photographic apparatus comprising means for positioning an image area of a photosensitive layer in position to be exposed to actinic light modified by a subject image and for releasably holding a second layer of material, said means so positioning said layers with respect to each other that said layers can be drawn therefrom in faceto-face relation, two substantially parallel rigid members spaced from each other a predetermined distance, said parallel members being so positioned with respect to said means that said two layers can be drawn therebetween in face-to-face relation, the space between said parallel members comprising a pressure-generating throat whereby a hydraulic pressure can be generated in a liquid located between said layers to spread said liquid between the interface surfaces of said layers as they are drawn between said members, and means for maintaining said members spaced, in their operative position, by a distance greater than the combined thickness of the two layers between which said liquid is spread, said last-named means applying a suficient holding force to said parallel members to keep the same from moving apart under the influence of the hydraulic pressure generated during the spreading.

2. A photographic apparatus comprising means for positioning an image area of a photosensitive layer in position to be exposed to actinic light modified by a subject image and for releasably holding a second layer of material, said means so positioning said layers with respect to each other that said layers can be drawn therefrom in face-to-face relation, two substantially parallel rigid members spaced from each other a predetermined distance, said parallel members being fixed against rotation and being so positioned with respect to said means that said two layers can be drawn therebetween in face-to-face relation, the space between said parallel members comprising a pressure-generating throat whereby a hydraulic pressure can be generated in a liquid located between said layers to spread said liquid between the interface surfaces of said layers as r they are drawn between said members, and means for maintaining said members spaced, in their operative position, by a distance greater than the combined thickness of the two layers between which said liquid is spread, said last-named means applying a sufiicient holding force to said parallel members to keep the same from moving apart under the influence of the hydraulic pressure generated during the spreading.

3. A photographic apparatus comprising means for positioning an image area of a photosensitive layer in position to be exposed to actinic light modified by a subject image and for releasably holding a second layer of material, said means so positioning said layers with respect to each other that said layers can be drawn therefrom in face-to-face relation, two substantially parallel rigid members spaced from each other a predetermined distance, said parallel members being so positioned with respect to said means that said two layers can be drawn therebetween in face-toiace relation, a curved surface on one of said parallel members forming a pressure-generating throat in the space between said parallel members whereby a hydraulic pressure can be generated in a liquid located between said layers to spread said liquid between the interface surfaces or said layers as they are drawn between said members, and means for maintaining said members spaced, in their operative position, by a. distance greater than the combined thickness of the two layers between which said liquid is spread, said last-named means applying a sufficient holding force to said parallel members to keep the same from moving apart under the influence of the hydraulic pressure generated during the spreading.

4. A photographic apparatus comprising means for positioning an image area of a photosensitive layer in position to be exposed to actinic light modified by a subject image and for releasably holding a second layer of material, said means so positioning said layers with respect to each other that said layers can be drawn therefrom in face-to-face relation, two substantially parallel rigid members spaced from each other a predetermined distance, said parallel members being fixed against rotation and being so positioned with respect to said means that said two layers can be drawn therebetween in face-to-face relation, each of said parallel members having a curved surface and a flat surface, said curved surfaces cooperating to form a pressure-generaating throat in the space between said parallel members whereby a hydraulic pressure can be generated in a liquid located between said layers to spread said liquid between the interface surfaces of said layers as they are drawn between said members, and means for maintaining said members spaced, in their operative position, by a distance greater than the combined thickness of the two layers between which said liquid is spread, said last-named means applying a sufficient holding force to said parallel members to keep the same from moving apart under the influence of the hydraulic pressure generated during the spreading.

5. A photographic apparatus comprising means for positioning an image area of a photosensitive layer in position to be exposed to actinic light modified by a subject image and for releasably holding a second layer of material, said means so positioning said layers with respect to each other that said layers can be drawn therefrom in faceto-face relation, two substantially parallel rigid members spaced from each other a predetermined distance and rotatably mounted, said parallel members being so positioned with respect to said means that said two layers can be drawn therebetween in face-to-face relation, a portion of the space between said parallel members comprising a pressure-generating throat whereby a hydraulic pressure can be generated in a liquid located between said layers to spread said liquid between the interface surfaces of said layers in a uniform layer of predetermined thickness which is thinner than the difference between said space and the total thickness of said first-mentioned two layers as said two layers are drawn between said members, and means for maintaining said parallel members in said spaced relationship, said last-named means applying a sufficient holding force to said parallel members to keep the same from moving apart under the influence of the hydraulic pressure generated during the spread- 6. A photographic apparatus comprising means for positioning an image area of a photosensitive layer in position to be exposed to actinic light modified by a subject image and for releasably holding a second layer of material, said means so positioning said layers with respect to each other that said layers can be drawn therefrom in face-to-face relation, two substantially parallel rigid members spaced from each other a predetermined distance, said parallel members being so positioned with respect to said means that said two layers can be drawn therebetween in face-toface relation, the space between said parallel members comprising a pressure-generating throat whereby a hydraulic pressure can be generated in a rupturable liquid-carrying container located between said layers to rupture said liquidcarrying container to release the contained liquid and to spread said liquid between the interface surfaces of said layers as they are drawn between said members, and means for maintaining said members spaced, in their operative position, by a distance greater than the combined thickness of the two layers between which said liquid is spread, said last-named means applying a sufficient holding force to said parallel members to keep the same from moving apart under the influence of the hydraulic pressure generated during the spreading.

'7. A photographic apparatus comprising means for positioning an image area of a photosensitive layer in position to be exposed to actinic light modified by a subject image and for releasably holding a second layer of material having mounted thereon a rupturable liquid-carrying container, said means so positioning said layers with respect to each other that said layers can be drawn therefrom in faceto-face relation with said rupturable liquid-carrying container located between their interface surfaces, two substantially parallel rigid members spaced from each other a predetermined distance, said predetermined distance being greater than the total thickness of said two layers but less than the total thickness of said two layers and said rupturable liquid-carrying container, said parallel members being so positioned with respect to said means that said two layers can be drawn therebetween in faceto-face relation, the space between said parallel members comprising a pressure-generating throat whereby a hydraulic pressure can be generated in the liquid carried by said liquid-carrying container to rupture and release said contained liquid and to spread said liquid between the interface surfaces of said layers as they are drawn between said members, and means for maintaining said parallel members in their spaced relationship, said last-named means applying a sufficient holding force to said parallel members to keep the same from moving apart under the influence of the hydraulic pressure generated during the spreading of the liquid.

8, A photographic apparatus comprising means for positioning an image area of a photosensitive layer having mounted thereon a rupturable liquid-carrying container in position to be exposed to actinic light modified by a subject image and for releasably holding a second layer of material, said means so positioning said layers with respect to each other that said layers can be drawn therefrom in face-to-face relation with said rupturable liquid-carrying container located between their interface surfaces, two substantially parallel rigid members spaced from each other a predetermined distance, said predetermined distance being greater than the total thickness of said two layers but less than the total thickness of said two layers and said rupturable liquid-carrying container, said parallel members being so positioned with respect to said means that said two layers can be drawn therebetween in face-to-face relation, the space between said parallel members comprising a pressure-generating throat whereby a hydraulic pressure can be generated in the liquid carried by said liquid-carrying container to rupture and release said contained liquid and to spread said liquid between the interface surfaces of said layers as they are drawn between said members, and means for maintaining said parallel members in their spaced relationship, said last-named means applying a sufficient holding force to said parallel members to keep the same from moving apart under the influence of the hydraulic pressure generated during the spreading of the liquid.

EDWIN H. LAND. MURRY N. FAIRBANK. DAVID S. GREY.

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

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,424,816 Grillone Aug. 8, 1922 1,758,326 Langsner May 13, 1930