US2638828A

US2638828A - Photographic processing apparatus

Info

Publication number: US2638828A
Application number: US231996A
Authority: US
Inventors: Albert J Bachelder; Otto E Wolff
Original assignee: Polaroid Corp
Current assignee: Polaroid Corp
Priority date: 1951-06-16
Filing date: 1951-06-16
Publication date: 1953-05-19
Anticipated expiration: 1970-05-19

Description

y 1953 A. J. BACHELDER ETAL 8 PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSING APPARATUS Filed June 16, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 j INVENTORS M .W

' ATTORNEY A. J. BACHE-LDER EIAL 2,633,828 PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSING APPARATUS May 19, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 16, 1951 INVENTORS W 2/3954 MM 6 ATTORNEY FIG. 3

M y 1953 A. J. BACHELDER EI'AL 2,633,828

PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSING APPARATUS Filed June 16, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 0 O "I N54 54 57 73 5 2 64% i ,2: V59

6 4 INVENTORS placed within and to beremove'd from the ap- Pa tented May 19, 1953 ore-res PHOTUGRAPHIC PROCESSING KPP AR A TUS :Albert J. Bachelden-LexingtomandOtto Wolfi,

Concord, Mass., assignors to Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, Mass.,:'-a corporatiomof-Delaware Applicationll'lhelb',

-25 Claims.

This invention relates to photographic processing apparatus and more particularly has i reference tophotographic 'apparatus tfor use in processing a self-developing type of photographic fi'l'm assembly.

Objects of the invention *are toprovide apparatus for processing a -self'-'developing-phetographiefilm assembly in the presence "of light actinic to said film assembly andhav-inga lighttight receptacle with-in which there is mounted stress=applying -means for applyin pressure to the opposite sides'of the film assembly andfor drawing the film assembly therethroug-h for discharge within apart of the=receptacle, means "for engaging the stress-applying means with the film-assembly and for causing-the "stress-apply- 'ing means to draw the film assembly'therethrough, means for controlling"the-initiation of the film assembly Withdrawing action of "the stress applyingmeans, means i for arresting the I film assembly withdrawing action -of--sa-id stressa-pplying means, and-means for predeterminedly separating-said stress-applying means.

Further objects of the invention-aretoprovide apparatusfor processing a self-developin photographic film assembly having alightti ght main compartment wherein there arelocatecl means of the character set forth for carr'ying'out the processing of a 'film assemblypositioned-within the main compartmentand wherein said apparatus is provided with an auxiliary 1ightti ht-- coii1pa1't- "ment communicatingy/i'th the main compartmerit and Within which said film assembly is deposited after passage through said -'stress-'applying means; to provide apparatus wherein the main compartmentis'provided witha platform for-supporting said film assembly as well asa 'holder for said assembly an d Wherein-sai'd'platform-is provided with means foraligning said holder withsaid pressure-applying means and for maintaining said holder in said alignment; to provide processing apparatus having-means for gainingaccessto said main and auxiliary compartmentsto permit a -iilrn assemblyto be bodily 'paratus, said-means beingengageable in lighttight contact with said apparatus; and topro- -vi'de film-processing apparatus possessing the features s'et forth incorporated in'a design providing a portable and substantially lighttight receptacle.

Other objects of the invention will in part be "obvious and will in'pai't appear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the apparatus possessing the construction, combination 10 Fig-ure-1-is a perspectiveWiew ofthe process- *i-ng apparat-us -of *this' -invention "showing the "housing-o1"receptacle (if said apparatus;

Fig is-a plan view of the-apparatus f- Figs1 with "the cover of the-receptacle removed;

3 is a longit-zid-i-nal sectional elevation of "the-apparatr1s--of Fig. 2 *With =pa-rts thereof a removedand shows a filmholder with iiiinassembly contained ther'ein as rriounted w'ithin the apparatus;

Y Fig. 4 "is a broken-away, transverse elevation =oi' the apparatus of Fig. 2 with parts in section and with-parts removed;

Figi 5 is a=sehematic-sectionai View taken longima-ma of =a filnTasseih-blywith whicirtheapparati s o'f' Fi'gs-l through is -usahle; and

Figkfi -is -ap'schema'tic plan Vievroha: film holder er cassette sec. with the apparatus er Figs. 1 throuh i and diagrammaticallylliistrates'aassembly as mounted within the ho'iiler. 3O The film prccessing apparatusof this inventi'on inakesuse of a substantially ii'g-httight hex- -l ik-e i receptacle 01" structure "containing mechanism f'o'r processir ig "a photographic iilm assembly'renrovably mounted within a film holder i or cassette, -whichissupportahle Within ea-id receptacle. This receptacle; generally indicated Joy the reference numeral 'lfi, is shown in perspective-iin-Fi'g. =1 and-comprises "a =maih com-part- "ment l lan'd an auxiliary compartment 2. The -maincompartment 'is' provided with bottom "or "base 'l5 s'ee ig.- 3land-wailmembers 11,49, 2 Palad n. ns-shown particularl well in "Figs. L-and Z, the maincompartment li isproyided witha cover member i 5 hinged-to the wall memb'er' n 'of said main'coinpartment. Cover ine'mber 25 is adapted-to provide a lighttig'ht closure for "'there'ceptacle'lWand-is'secur'able in closed position by conventional-latchmeans til-carried on the v cover- 25'andthe wall 21-. Main-compaitment l I --may he rectangular or may be substantially squaredasillustrated. Similar shapes are employable for -the auxiliary compartment 12. The 'reo'epta'cle lu is formed-of suitable' construction materiai opaque-to light whichis actinic-to the -ii lm -asseinbly to be processed. -Ma-ny such ma terials are known and include metal, wood, organic plastics and combinations thereof.

Side wall I! of the main compartment H is provided with an aperture 21 therein which is adapted to communicate with the auxiliary compartment l2. Auxiliary compartment I2 is provided with top, bottom and side walls and is closed at one end as by an end wall I4. At its opposite end, the auxiliary compartment [2 is open and has an aperture IS with a flange I8. formed around the mouth of the aperture which is adapted to be seated and secured in lighttight contact with the outer face of the side wall I! of the main compartment so that said aperture it is in cooperative alignment with the aperture 27! in said side wall I1. Thus, a continuation of the main compartment H is extendable outwardly from the outer surface of the side wall I! by the auxiliary compartment [2 (see'Fig. 2).

Auxiliary compartment [2 may be permanently fixed to the main compartment I l or may be detachable therefrom. The mounting means for the auxiliary compartment are preferably made detachable whereby the auxiliary compartment may be removed from connection with the main compartment for storage, as for example within the main compartment.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, auxiliary compartment I2 is pivotally connected to the main compartment II for movement toward and away from said main compartment. By this construction, the auxiliary compartment I2 is hinged at one corner thereof to the end wall ll of the main compartment as by any conventional and detachable hinge means, such as the means illustrated at 22 provided with a removable hinge pin. A conventional latch member 20 pivotally supported on the side wall ll of the main compartment is engageable with the fiange it of the auxiliary compartment for fastening said auxiliary compartment in lighttight engagement with the main compartment Fig. 1 illustrates the auxiliarycompartment E2 in open or swung-away relation to the main compartment ll, while Fig. 2 discloses the auxiliary compartment as secured in lighttight contact with the main compartment. As will presently appear, in the embodiment of the invention forming the subject of illustration, hinging of the auxiliary compartment [2 is designed to facilitate removal f a processed film assembly. However, the receptacle ll) may be so constructed and arranged that a processed film assembly may be removed or extracted from the auxiliary compartment from within the main compartment and without the necessity of opening the auxiliary compartment. Under such conditions, the auxiliary compartment may be removably secured to the main compartment by threaded fastenings or other conventional securing means engaged with the flange I8 on the auxiliary compartment and with the wall ll of the main compartment. In this embodiment, the auxiliary compartment is maintained in lighttight engage- -ment with the main compartment at all times when the apparatus is in use and is only detached or opened for the purpose of storing it when the apparatus is moved.

As previously pointed out, the mechanism for processing the film assembly is housed within the main compartment ll of the processing receptacle. Important components of this mechanism comprise a platform 30 supported above the bottom or base of the main compartment and extending from adjacent wall l9 toward wall l1 and further comprise stress-applying means 40 in the form of a pair of wringer or ressureapplying rolls supported above the bottom I5 of the main compartment at a location between the end of said platform and said wall I! of the main compartment.

The platform 3!} is adapted to support a film holder or cassette 5!], such as that shown in Fig. 6, which in turn is adapted to have a photographic film assembly 60 removably mounted within the holder 50. The holder 50 is provided with an opening in at least one end thereof through which the photographic film assembly 60 is withdrawable, and the film assembly is provided with a leader portion adapted to extend through said opening and engageable with said stress-applying means. The film holder 50 is supported on platform 30 in operative alignment with the stress-applying means 40 which are in turn operatively aligned with the aperture 21 in the wall member ll of the main compartment.

In processing a film assembly mounted Within a film holder supported upon the platform 30, the stress-applying means 40 are adapted to be brought into pressure contact with the opposite sides of said film assembly, including the leader portion thereof, and are caused to draw the film assembly therethrough and discharge it into the auxiliary compartment l2.

Before describing the processing mechanism in detail, it is desirable to give some consider: ation to the nature of the article to be processed as well as the preferred manner for holding said article prior to processing. The article to be processed, namely, a photographic film assembly 60, is illustrated in Fig. 5, while a holder 50 therefor is shown in Fig. 6. A full disclosure of photographic film assemblies of the character illustrated in Fig. 5 is contained in the copending application of Albert J. Bachelder et al., Serial No. 232,284, filed June 19, 1951, for Photographic Flm Assembly and a full disclosure of a film holder for such assemblies is disclosed in the copending application of Albert J. Bachelder et al., Serial No. 227,2 8, filed May 19, 1951 for X-ray Cassette, and reference to the details thereof is made herewith. A brief description of the photographic film assembly and the film holder will be helpful in obtaining an understanding of the present invention.

With particular reference to Fig. 5, there is shown a photographic film assembly 60 of the self-developing type which makes use of two superposable liquid-confining layers El and 62 adapted to be connected together at one end by suitable flexible leader means 63 which hinge said layers together. Leader means 63 is secured at one end to the end of the layer 6| as by an adhesive strip or tape and the leader means is also secured at a position intermediate its ends to the outer surface of liquid-confining layer 62 as by an adhesive strip or tape 66. The portion of the leader 63 between the connection 66 and the free end of the leader provides an extension 64 which is used in processing the film assembly and which may be straightened or pulled out as shown in Fig. 5. When not pulled out, leader extension 64 is folded upon itself and into contact with itself and the hinge part of the leader. The portion of the leader means 63 connected to the layers SI and 62 has a width substantially equal to that of said layers, while the width of the leader extension portion 64 is considerably less. Preferably, the leader extension 64 has a width slightly less than the cutaway portions 59 formed, for 'a purpose which will presently appear, in the end members of the 1 frames of the holder 59. Conventional leader stock may be used to form leader B3.

The liquid-confining layer 6| comprises aconventi'onal photographic film support having a silver halide emulsion coated on the inner "surface thereof, i. e., the surface adapted'to face liquid-'confining layer' 62. In eifect,-layer. 6 l constitutes a photosensitive "element. The liquidconfining layer-62, in the embodiment shownyis adapted to receive a transfer image and-constitutes-a-print eceiving element. A suitable material for layer -62 comprises baryta paper. Transparent material suitable for --use with layer '62 comprises such organic plastics as regenerated cellulose; polyhydroxy alkanes such as polyvinyl alcohol; sodium alginate; and cellulose ethers, such asenethyl cellulose or other cellulose derivatives-such as carboxymethyl celluloseor hydroxyethyl cellulose. For purposes of defining onthe-im1er surface of the layer-52 'an'imagesarea whichoverlies the picture'area on the layer il, use is'ma'de ofa mask'65 which is strippabl'ysecured to the inner-surface of the liquid-confining layer 62 andis provided with an aperture 68 therein adapted to define said image area. A suitable material for mask 65 is a thin-paper, such as condenser 1 paper.

Alsoassociated with the liquid-confining layers 8i and 62 is a rupturable container fil adaptedto hold a -liquid-processing-composition. Container 51 '-is=p'ositioned adjacent theleaderend of -s'aid layers "5i 1 and 52 and is hingedly secured 'to -the leader as byineans of the adhesive strip or 'tape shown as connected to said container and the leader 63. Preferably, for the-purpose-of carrying out a photographic transfer-process, container 6! holds a solution of -a photographic developer panda silver halide-fixer and-preferably includes a thickening agent in said solution.

container -51 is formed of a substantially liquidand oxygen-impervious material and has marginal portions-of the walls thereof releasably sealecl'together whereby pressure applied to opposite sides of the container will force the liquid in the container to rupture the sealalongthe trailing 'edgeof the container and discharge the liquid'content for spreading between the liquidconfining layers-5| and 62. His sufficiently long to extend almost fully across the liquid-confining layers 6! and 62.

For processing purposes, the film assembly 150 isadapted tobe drawn between a pair of pressure-applying members with thehinge andcontainer end of the assembly in the lead whereby said end is the leading end of the assembly. These pressure-applying members are adapted .to effect the rupture of the container and to spread the released liquid between the layers GI and 152 r,

in a thin film. The spread liquid develops a latent image in the photosensitive layer 16! and forms with the unexposed silver halide a solution of silver complex which is transferredby imbibiation totheimage-receiving layer 62 and thesilver K D of said complex is'there precipitated to provide In length; container 1 6 sufficient liquid to process said film assembly, it is desirable to trap or collect excess liquid whereby 'to prevent manual contact therewith when handling the processedfilm assembly, as well as to 'p'revent fouling of the stress-applying means for processing *said assembly.

If theprocessingpressure applied-to theifilm assembly is released or relieved before :the fil-m assembly' -has been. completely drawn through the pressure-applying means/the liquid composition will no 'longer'be-spread in a thin filmebut will begin to collect. The film assembly fill is designed" to eflect trapping of the excess processing liquid "by 'separation of the pressure-applying means nearthe trailingendof the'film assembly. In this-connection, the film assembly s60 extends themaskifi-db'eyondlthe trailing end of the liquidconfining layer -62 :to provide mask extension I! 0 capable.offunctioning as. atrap for collecting excess liquid 'composition. Thus, the film assembly lfifl ls specially: designed for use-with apparatus suchJas -that disclosecl'in Figs. l throu'gh' l whereinameans" areLprOVid'ed for separating the pressure-applying members at a position between the trailing end of the image receivin'g layer 62- and the trailing end of the mask extension Till.

The *film assemblytt '-is provided with :a handlin 'tab 13 which :is fixedito'the outersurface of the liquid-confining layer 1 62 near the leading 'errd bf said' 'layer, as by being' providedwith a suitable adhesive sealable to the layer by:;pressure and/or heat. I-Iandling tab 13 may comprise sappropriate film leader'stock and is-usable in -handling the film assembly, for example when loading the filmassembly into a holder and when preparing the film assembly for exposure and processing.

(Film rassem-bly iill, as described, is unprotected from'exposure iby-actinic light. It is desirable to provide means which permit the assembly to be handled in daylight orunder other illumination. For this purpose, a lighttight envelope, formedofsubstantially opaque material such-as :filmleader-stook, is adapted to be releasably engaged around the liquid-confining or photosensitivelayer fii and to be provided with an extension-fiap which is wrapped around the leading .edgeof "the assembly and is secured as 'bya tape er=-adhesive-:strip H to the outer surface of-the liquid-confining layer-62. The extension portion E loithe-leader-63 is adapted to be fitted within the folded-overenvelope flap secured to the liquid-confining layer --62.

'F'ig fi shows the film assembly after theremoval of the envelope and as noted with the leader B3 in straightened-condition. Removal of the envelope is effected by use of a tear string which is employed to sever the envelope flap to permit the envelope-to be pulled off the film assembly from .the trailing end thereof. When the envelope is severed, a portion of the envelope-extension flap remains attached to 'the liquid-confining layer '82 and saidenvelope portion is indicatedby the reference numeral 72.

rum assembly Gil, for exposure purposes,--is preferably enjclosed within a holder which is characterized by being penetrable by X-rays, gamma rays andothertypes of nuclear radiation while'being substantially opaque to visibleand near visible light and which may beconstructed with .aislide member-operable to permitfilrn exposure by-actinic light. Foroptim-um utility with a film-assembly Ell which-includes a' lightprotectling envelope around the photosensitive portion thereof, the film holder 7 should be constructed so that both the film assembly 60 and said envelope may be removed therefrom without opening the film holder for access of actinic light. In such a case, the film holder is provided at opposite ends thereof with an opening or passageway which is closed by flexible light-seal means whereby an envelope associated with the film assembly may be drawn or pulled out of the holder through one end thereof and whereby the film assembly may be similarly withdrawn through the opposite end of the holder. Film holder possesses these features and characteristics.

For this purpose, the holder 50 comprises two frame members hinged together by conventional hinge means of the character shown and superposable on each other. Fig. 6 shows a frame 5| which provides a back frame for the holder 50. These frames, when in contact, are securable together by spring-loaded latch mechanism having operating levers 53. Said frame members, when superposed and latched together, are adapted to provide a holding compartment for a film assembly and for this purpose the aperture in each said frame is closed by a plate member. Fig. 5

shows the back plate 52 for closing the back I manently fixed therein and comprises a suitable element of a phenolic material. Alternatively, the front plate may be in the nature of a slide whereby the aperture in the front frame may be opened for carrying out an exposure by actinic light and then closed following exposure. The term front, as employed herein in connection with the holder, is with reference to the side from which an exposure is made and the term back is with reference to the opposite side of said holder.

The back plate 52, which closes the aperture of the back frame member 5|, is mounted for movement within the frame member 5| toward and away from the front plate and is urged toward the front plate by means of a pair of spring member 54 fixed to the back plate adjacent opposite ends thereof and engaged with recesses in the side members of the frame 5|. It is desirable to urge the back plate member 52 toward the front plate for the purpose of maintaining the liquidconfining layers 5| and 62 under pressure during exposure of the film assembly, especially for X- ray work wherein an intensifying screen (not shown) is adapted to be mounted within the film holder 5!? at a position where it is located between the liquid-confining layers 6| and 62 of a film assembly carried by the holder. Plate 52 exerts pressure for maintaining the layers 6| and 52 in intimate contact with the intensifying screen.

Lever mechanism for overcoming the springloading of the back plate and for retracting it to its furthermost position from the front plate is associated with the back plate 52. This lever mechanism comprises a cam bar 55 provided at opposite ends with stub shafts which are eccentric with respect to the bar and which are rotatably supported in bearings 56 fixed to the outer surface of the back plate. Cam bar 55 is provided with cam surfaces adapted to operatively contact a pair of lever members 5? which are individually located at opposite ends of the cam bar and which extend transversely of the plate element 52 and over the cam bar and are fixed to the plate by suitable rivets. An operating handle 58 i fixed to the cam bar 55 centrally thereof.

Lever members 51 have their free ends engaged within recesses (not shown) in the side members of the back frame and each lever member comprises two relatively rigid or stifi metal plates fixed to the back plate and a resilient central section such as a strip of flat spring material which is joined to the end sections and which extends over the cam bar.

The just described lever mechanism provides means for overcoming the force created by the springs 54 whereby to move the back plate 52 in its-frame. Pivotal movement of the handle 58 through and to an upright position with respect to the back plate, is adapted to cause the lever members to be lifted and consequently the back plate to which they are connected will be retracted to its most rearward position.

Preparation of the film holder 5|] and the film assembly 50 for use is carried out by preferably placing the film holder upon a support surface, such as a table top, with the back frame 5| uppermost, following which the operating handle 58 is moved to raised position, the latch members 53 are released and the back frame 5| is pivoted about its hinges to open the holder. The hinge means 52 and handle 58 are so constructed that the handle 58 may be utilized as a prop or brace for holding the frame 5| in open relation by employment of the free end of said handle as a foot adapted to contact the support surface on which the holder is seated.

The photographic film assembly 5|] i then placed within the open cassette so that the photosensitive or liquid-confining layer 5| is down or seated against the front plate of the holder. If an intensifying screen is to be employed, the liquid-confining layer 52 is pivoted about its hinged end and the screen is placed within the holder adjacent the liquid-confinin layer 6|, after which the liquid-confining layer 62 is returned to its normal position where it will be in contact with the intensifying screen. The film holder is then closed and locked.

Assuming that the film assembly 60, When loaded into the film holder, is provided with a lighttight envelope, a portion of said envelope will extend from one end of the film holder, 1. e., the right end of the film holder as shown in Fig. 6, while the severing cord for the envelope will extend from the other end of the holder. With the handle 58 in its upright position, the film assembly and the envelope may be withdrawn from the film holder. The end 01 the envelope extending from the cassette is held while the severing cord is pulled, after which the film assembly is held at its front end as by pressure on the handling tab '53 which extends within the cutout portion 59at each end of each frame of the holder, while the portion of the envelope extending from the other end of the holder is pulled so as to withdraw the envelope.

Following this procedure, the plate operating handle 58 is depressed whereby to permit the plate 52 to exert pressure upon the film assembly mounted within the holder. The film is then ready for exposure. After exposure, the operating handle 58 is raised so as to retract the plate 52 and the leader extension 64 is pulled outwardly to extend from the film holder, this being carried out without substantially disturbing the position of the film within the holder. The film assembly and holder are now ready for processing, which is effected through the processing mechanism mounted within the receptacle NJ.

Once the film assembly 66 is mounted within 2&335 82.8

9 the:- fi n kholderr 50, it is protected fromiactinic light whereby I the film holder maybe handled in illuminated surroundings; It will be. apparent that film processing will be-facilitated if it can be carried out under illuminatedconditions, This ismade possible by the; useof the lighttight box orreceptacle It; With specific reference'to the processing mechanism within the main compartment I I, such mechanism as noted comprises the platform .331 l and stress-applying means- 40. Plat,- form isadapted to be elevated abovethe bottom .1 5; of the maincompartmentand maybe supported at one end as shown by. uprightposts 3i and-at the other end may. besecuredto apair of; spaced-apart plate members. 8.3. which. extend upwardly from therbottom of themain compartr ment and, in addition provideasupportfon the stressrapplying means 40.

Posts; 3| and,plate members-83am mounted upon a. base plate 31 which. may be removahly secured .tothe bottom. [5 and/or wallmemberslj and 23, of. the main compartment. Thislastmentioned expedient. permits, the. processing niechflnismto be removed from the. mainvcompertinent. IL foradjustment and repair, Alter.- natiyely, the, platform 3.9,..and support for the stresseapplying means.-mayc be. formed as a ;one,- piecercas ting which may be. provided with legs detachablyisecurable within the compartment.. l Lso that the platforrn.and ..the stressrapplying means may. be. removed. from the maincompartment as i.t-

D ta ls of theplatform areparticularlywell shown, in Figs. 2 .and The platfor m isboth wider, and longer. than the. film holder 50 an :has a fiatupper surface upon which the. film holder is seated. An individual enlarged. aperture, or cutaway' portion 33 is formed in. each. side o f. the platform near the, end. thereof furthest; removed fromthe stress-applying means 40; These cutaway. p rtions 3mavhave any s dl dse ontour andare intendedito facilitate placementof h lo dedcass t pon h p fo m husith filmholder. 50, h n. anua ly srasned. 1. 9..- p site id s. mar e adi y ow ed andseated n he platform 30,.

Add t onally h pl orm 3 s... prqvidedw th guide members 224' in the form. oi rails or strips w ch arc oca d a n a h. ongitu inal, ed ofgthe f lm holder, Guide members 34 areemployed for the purpose of aligning the end; oithefilm holder; SQ'betWeen the ends .ofthe stress-applying means ,40. As may be noted, a pair of guide members are positioned on each side of the platform and'extendfrom opposite edges of the cutaway portions 33; Astop member 35'is. associated'with each side. plate 83' adjacent the end -of'the platform 3ll'for limiting movement of'a film holder longitudinally of the platform. Stops'35not only permit a film holder to be located in, predeterminedly spaced relation tothe stress-applying means 40 but are used'to maintain this relationship duringwithdrawal of. the film assembly from the film holder.

The stress-applying meansAU-are constructed.

and arranged-to apply pressure to the-opposite sides of a film assembly and'to draw the film assembly therethrough. One embodiment of suc h stresseapplying means makes use of a pair of rotatably. mounted, wringer or pressure-applying hown. inal enment withthe. aper ur which.

pr v des a ommu ica in p s age a between the.m a .in and auxiliary, compartments II and I2. Whi e sur p1rme rolls. are a preferred echan sm f r p e sin purp ther m a capable. of carrying outthe functions of. said rolls re-u ab e W hi he entnv n on a iare ntended tofall, within the scope thereof. Constructionmaterials for the rolls 8|, and 32 comprise steel, rubber, suitable organic plastics, and n ludi e c mpos tio mate ials. Both. rol s may be f. h am r ofi ifi re tmat r. n o bo h t lls max be formedof omb e m e i l In this latter regard; E 4 1011 may comprise a metal c t a nc sedinaru b r sheath- In, the drawingsroll 8 l(comprise s. the bottom roll. of 'saidroll pair. and, hasits opposite ends rotatab r mounted nv u tab e b a n s carried the side plates. (seelfig. 4.) The spacing between the side plates and' the length of; the rolls, 1 5 the: width... f: the p at or 0. w l; be controlledby the width of thefilm assembly to be Pr ess -v Roll, 81. adapted, to be driven and" for this u pos has s sha connected. to a. sui source of. ower as. or xamp e h le t i to 84. wh ch s untedu onan ate as fiXedto the base plate, 31-. and. extending upwardly therefrom. To take care. ofiinstanoes wherein power for the motor 84.. isunavailab l a i a ex n 8i; may, be provided onor cohnected to the roll shaft for the bottom. roll '81, at the end of" the roll urthestremov dir n a dimo 8 Ex e s is adapted to exton d through'thewall member 24!. andis provided at its free endwith means for enga ng a. and fira li no sho m- The p ing through the wall 21' is rendered substantially light Bight by suitable light-seal-means 8;! such as the spring and flexible washer construction bQWninFia 22:

The upper roll 82', of the roll pair is adapted to be rotatably supported" between spaced-apart arms 83, which are individually and pivotally mounted'on individual= pivot pins ail extending through each plate 83*. The pivot; arms 8'8;provid'e means for supporting theroll ez'ro movement toward and'away from the roll-81- upon appropriate rocking ofthearms88; about their pivot pins 89;: Each arm 88 is pivotally mounted at a position intermediate its ends.

Arms-88 -'are;ad apte d tobe-spring-loaded whereby to urge the roll82 into pressure contact with the roll 8|; The means for-spring loading arms 88"are;deta iled in Figs; 2 and3. These means associa-t-ea secondary arm 9-!) with each roll support arm 8'8-*and pivot' one-end of each arm 90 on-apin 89-.- The opposite end of-eachsecondary arm 90 is positionedrearwardly of themain compartment; i. e., toward the endof' the compartmen-t furthestremoved from the stress-applying means); and islocated adjacent to theend of the arm- B8= with which-it is associated. As may be observed, eacharm 88- is located outside of its corresponding support plate 83 while each arm 91'! is located inside of itscorresponding support plate. The rearendsof the-arms 9-8 are connected together-by a cross bar =91 which is securedtobosses formed' on-said ends of said arms 90-: The bottom of thecrossbar 9| is adapted to be seatedon'one of; two steps-9'2 and 96 provided on a pivotallymountedstopmember' or dog 93 controllable bya;straight-line-solenoid 94 and a spring 95 connected tothestop member 93 and-to a projection on thecross bar- 91. Stop member 9; is supported on-base plateji.

By this arrangementeach arm, 9ois usable to .b-ar.

crossbar to be seated on the higher step 96. A

1 1 spring load its corresponding roll support arm 88 and also to rock said arm 88. For this purpose, each arm 08 is provided at its rearward end with an adjustable stud member 91 which extends through the arm and cooperates with a fixed stud carried on the cross bar 9| and extending above said cross bar. A spring 90 is associated with each arm bar 08 and 90 and is mounted therebetween and retained in its mounted position by each said arm pair.

For the purpose of raising the bar 9| whereby to spring-load the roll support arm 88 and cause the roll 82 to be moved toward roll 8|, use is made of a cam member I05 fixed to a shaft I06 rotatably mounted on the base plate 31 and extending transversely of the main compartment H, i. e., at right angles to walls 2| and 23. As shown, shaft I06 extends through the wall 2| of the main compartment and, adjacent to the inner surface of said wall, is provided with lightseal means I01 similar to the light-seal means 81. The end of the shaft I06 which extends through said wall 2| is provided with an operating handle I08 whereby the shaft may be rocked or rotated upon actuation of said handle.

Assuming that the cross bar 9| is seated on the first or lower step 92 of the stop 93, as shown in Fig. 3, appropriate movement of the operating handle I08 will cause the cam I05 to be brought into contact with the cross bar 9| and elevate the cross bar above said step 92 for a sufficient distance so that the bottom of the cross bar will clear the second or upper step 96 of the stop member. With the solenoid 94 in unenergized condition, raising of the cross bar 9| by the cam I05 will permit stop member 93 to be pivoted in a counterclockwise direction by reason of the spring 95 whereby to move the higher or second step 96 on the stop member 93 under the cross Release of handle I08 will then permit the spring I09, shown as connected to the roll support arm 88 and to the base plate 31, will maintain the cross bar 9| in contact with the stop member 93. Cam member I05 may be springloaded whereby it is returned to the inoperative position shown on release of handle I08, which will also be returned to inoperative position.

As may be observed from Fig. 2, the cam member I05, stop member 93 and solenoid 94 are located centrally of the main compartment. The connection between solenoid 94 and the pivoted stop member 93 is by suitable linkage means I I0.

When the cross bar 9| is seated on the upper step 96 of the stop member 99, roll support arm 88 will be spring-loaded and the roll thereof will be urged underspring pressure toward the bottom roll 8|. The amount of this pressure is controlled by means of the adjusting nut on the stud 91, which will also control the gap between the rolls BI and 82. When the solenoid 94 is energized, stop member 93 will be pivoted in a clockwise direction to locate the lower step 92 under the cross bar 9|. When this occurs, the spring-loading of the arm 88 is released and the

arms

88 and 90 are caused to pivot in a clockwise direction by spring I09 to seat the cross bar 9| on the bottom step 92 of the stop member 93.

Actuation of the handle I08 will spring-load the pressure-applying rolls 9| and 82 and move the roll 9| toward the roll 02 to provide a predetermined gap between the rolls equal to that needed for processing. As pointed out, one feature of the invention resides in means for predeterminedly separating the stress-applying means. In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, this predetermined roll separation is accomplished by feeler mechanism making use of a spring-pressed feeler rod III which is slidably mounted in an upright position on a bar I I2 carried by the arms 86 at a position ahead of the roll pair ill, 02 and elevated over the plane of platform 30. The feeler rod I II is adapted to be spring-loaded upon closure of the container cover 25. For this purpose a suitable bar member H4 is shown as mounted on the cover 25 for contact with the upper end of the feeler rod III.

The feeler rod III is located centrally of the maincompartment I and is provided with a foot which supports a feeler roller I I5 adapted to contact the upper surface of the film assembly during the processing thereof. As the trailing end of the film assembly is drawn between pressure rolls 8| and 02 and past the feeler roller I I5, the spring-pressed feeler rod III moves the roller 5 downwardly and into contact with one end of a pivotally mounted lever IIB, carried by the platform 30, and moves lever H6 in a counterclockwise direction to cause the lever to actuate a normally open microswitch II'I. Closing of switch III effects the energization of the solenoid 94 to cause the solenoid to position the lower step 92 of the stop member 93 below the cross bar 9| and causes roll separation and removal of the spring-loading of the rolls.

As may be observed in Fig. 3, a horizontal plane parallel to the platform 30 and in contact with the roll 8| will be coincident with the lower surface of a film assembly mounted in a film holder carried on the platform. To obtain uniform spreading, it is desirable for this relationship to be maintained substantially throughout the movement of the film assembly through the pressure-applying rolls 8| and 82.

For this purpose, a film assembly support and guide member I20 is fixed to the end of the platform 30 adjacent the rolls 8| and 82. This member I20 has a portion inclined upwardly from the platform and is then extended in a horizontal direction. The film assembly, during movement through the rolls, is supported upon the horizontal portion of the member I20. The inclined portion of said member I20 will assist in guiding the end portion 04 of the leader into processing position between the rolls BI and 82 when the rolls are separated. Member I20 comprises a sheet metal plate and is provided with a slot |2I centrally thereof and in alignment with the spring-operated feeler mechanism so as to permit the roll ||5 thereof to pass through the member I20 for actuation of lever H6.

Details of the processing mechanism are completed with reference to a microswitch I22 carried by the cover member 25 of the main compartment II and microswitch I25 mounted upon the base plate 31 in the main compartment. Microswitch I22 is of the normally open type and is adapted to be closed by contact with the cam bar operating handle 58 when the cover is in down or inclosed position. For this purpose, handle 58 must be in raised position to relieve the pressure on a aeaasas film assembly within the holder Elli-by retracting the back plate 52 of' the holder. Microswitch is also of the normally opentype and is adapted to be-closed by an arm or projection I26 carried on one of the pivoted arms 90. Switch I 25 closedupon actuation of the operating handle H355 to spring-load the pressure rolls and'move the r-ollsrelatively toward cachother.

Conventional and simple circuit means are employed for effecting the actuation of the motor 84 and the solenoid 9t and include the switch means Ill, I22 and I25. For initiating the actuation of the motor, both microsw-itcheslitand I25- must be in closed position. When the

switches

122 and 125 are so closed, motor will continue to be driven until the feeler rod. Hi causes roll H5 to actuate the lever [it to close the normally open switch H! for energizingthe solenoid 94 whereby to relieve the spring-loading of the rolls and carry out their separation; As the cross bar FBI is moved downwardly toseaton the first step 92 of the stop member, switch 525 is opened whereby to arrest actuation of the motor and consequently the drive of the bottom roll 8|.

Operation of the processing apparatus to process a film assembly mounted within a cassette Fad-will be apparent in thelight of fore going description; The holder Elliwith-the film'as. sembly therein is placed upon the platform 39 01? the processing mechanism with the leader extension 64 extending outwardly from. the holder. Guide members 34 locate the film holclerin alignment with the

roll pair

84, 82 while s'tops-35'wil1 position the leading end of the film holder at the desired spacing from the rolls. The guide and support member lifiiwillguide the leaderextension 64 into the position between the rollsshown in Eig. 3, the rolls being separated since the processing mechanism is in an inoperativecondition. In placing the film holder on the platform of the main compartment, it is necessary to have the cam bar operating handle. 5am its raised position so thatthe switch i221in the electric circuit means is closed'by contact with the handlewhereby to permit actuation of themotor llil upon closing theswitch I25:

With the holder and leader-extension of the film assembly/located asdescrihed; the cover 25"- of the processing apparatus shown in Figs. 1 through 4;is closed andlatched. The operating handle ms is then operated to cause the [9.5 t c-raise the. cross bar 9! and bring rolls into processing relation withrespect to thefilm assembly while closing'the switch lZfi-andefiecting the actuation of themotorflfi.

While operating handle i Elli-or the cam ltd-has been shown as located outside oi the main conipartment I. it may bepositioned within the main compartment. When this justvmentioned expedient is followed, the handle N38 is actuated to cfiect processing positioning for the rolls 6!. and 82 before the cover 25 of the compartment. H is closed. In this instance, switch I22 is used for initiating the actuation of the motor which will occur upon closure of the cover25.

With the cover closed and the rolls El and '82 being rotated in pressure contact withthe leader extension E i, the film assembly is completely drawn from the film holder. As the film assembly passes through the rolls 8! and ,82, itisdischarged into the auxiliary compartment l2. When the trailing end of the mask portion passes the-feeler roll H 5; thefeeler 'mechanisni'isactuatedto close the'switch i ii; energize the solenoidfi l,

1.4 separate the rolls 81" and B2 and arrest actuation of the motor 84;

As the pressure-applying roll-s81 and 32 rupture container Bl and spread its liquid content; chemi: cal processing of the filmassembly is initiated.

This chemical processing continues within the lighttight' auxiliary compartment l2; which is-in effect an imbibitionchamber. Alter theimbibition time period of about one minutathe film assembly is removed from the auxiliarycompartment' I2. In the case of the apparatus-- disclosed in the drawings. this is accomplishedrby releas inc the latch 25? and pivoting thecompartmentxlZ about the hinge 22 to the: open position shown-in Fig. 1 whereby the-endor the film assemblyis easily accessible for removal. The film-assembly, once. removed from the auxiliary compartment! 2, has the layers thereof stripped apart; following which the layers are completely separated from each other.

Removal of the processed film assembly from the. auxiliary compartment may also becarried out from the main compartment by: locating the rolls 8-! 'and 32 ata. distance from the wallu H which provides sufficient space between said wall and said rolls for accessto-theauxiliary compartment. H from Within the maincompartment H when the coverof the latterisopem Such construction is employed in. instances where the auxiliary compartment. is. permanently. fixed? to the main compartment or-is adaptedftobe; retained in lighttight contactawith' the. maincompatrment except for storage purposes.

During. processing, the greatest; separation between the pressure-applying rolls .9 andrilzwwill occur when the. container of 1 the. film assembly passes through the rolls. Roll separationm-ay be maintained at a generally fixedgap'duringpassage or'the entire assembly through the rol-ls by utilizing'a-second spring, similar. to thespring 98 and similarly mounted betweeneacharm pair 88: and 86 at a location; betweenxthe springv 9.3 and pivotBQ: The secondementioned:spring only comes into efiectas-jthe. rolls pass over-the container but is. inactive during the. spreading operation.

While the use of the processing, apparatus has been disclosed in. con-junction with the: film as sembly- Bil mounted withinthe holden .0-. it will be wellunderstood-that the holder 5ll-zis notessential to carrying out the processing -ofthe film assembly. Thus,v the film: assembly: 60.;mayhe processed without the use of-v any holder and merely by placing it Withinthe m.ain.,compartment H. on the platform 30with the, leader extension fi l located between the separated pressure-applying rolls SI and 82. Infact, film. assembly 5i! may be processed without being held in a holder and'without. being supported on a platform in the absence of interfering contact of the film. assembly with various component parts of the apparatus. However, when either of the just-mentioned practices is followed, it will be necessary to place the film assembly in, the processing apparatus iii in a dark room or under safe light since the film assembly will be, unprotected from exposure by actinic light.

While the general details of the processing apparatus have been set forth in the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various modifications thereof fall within the scope of the invention. For example, in instanceswherethe auxiliary compartment is. removably mounted on the main compartment, an additional microswitch of'the normally open type may beincludedin the means for controlling the motoral 'and located forop- '15 eration into closed position only when the auxiliary compartment is secured in lighttight contact with the main compartment of the apparatus.

Additionally, the processing apparatus may be equipped with timing mechanism adapted to indicate when a processing film assembly has remained in the auxiliary compartment for a sufficient imbibition time. Such mechanism may be either electrically or mechanically driven and its actuation may be initiated upon operation of the starting handle it or at the time the rolls are separated after passage of the trailing end of the mask beyond the feeler roll I I of the feeler mechanism.

Furthermore, the guide members 34 may be mounted on the platform 30 so that they are -movable toward and away from each other in a direction transversely of the platform. By such construction, the side guides may be individual- 1y movable or may be connected through suitable mechanical linkages whereby they may be moved simultaneously. The processing apparatus will thus be adapted to accommodate different sizes of film holders due to the fact that the side guides are adjustable. In instances where the side guides are adjustably movable, stop means for locating the leading end of the film holder will be mounted on the leading end of the side guides whereby the stops will be adjustable with the guides.

Also, as a variation in the platform construction, while two cutaway portions 33 have been disclosed for the purpose of facilitating placement of the film holder on the platform, it will be appreciated that a greater or lesser number of cutaway portions located at other or additional places may be utilized.

In the design shown, the main compartment II is adapted to be employed as a storage compartment when the apparatus is not in use.

film assembly having a pair of superposable liquid-confining layers provided with a photosensitive portion on the inner surface of one layer and adapted to be processed bya processing liquid spread between the layers and wherein leader means are attached to said layers to extend from said layers, said apparatus comprising housing means having a main compartment and in communication therewith an auxiliary compartment, said housing means including a movably mounted member providing closure 1 means for gaining access to said main co1npartment whereby to permit the placement of a film assembly therein and also providing means for rendering said housing means substantially lighttight when in closed position, means within said main compartment comprising a pair of pressure-applying members engageable in pressure contact with opposite sides of said film assembly and actuatable for effecting the advancement of said film assembly therebetween while effecting the spreading of said liquid composition between the layers of said film assembly, means normally urging said pressure-applying members in separated relation to each other whereby to facilitate the positioning of the leader means of said film assembly between said pressure-applying members, means for engaging said pressure-applying members with said film assembly, including the leader meansthereof, and means for effecting the actuation of said pressure-applying members, said auxiliary compartment being aligned with said pressure ap plying members on the discharge side thereof in a position to receive said film assembly as it is advanced upon the actuation of said pressure-- applying members to effect said advance.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 for process ing a photographic film assembly, including a platform mounted within said main compartment in alignment with said pair of pressureapplying members and providing means for supporting a film assembly for engagement by said pressure-applying members for movement therebetween.

3. In apparatus for processing a photographic film assembly which is withdrawably mounted within a film holder and which comprises a pair of superposable liquid-confining layers provided with a photosensitive portion of the in ner surface of one layer and adapted to be processed by a processing liquid spread between the layers and wherein leader means are attached to said layers to extend from said layers and through an opening in said film holder, housing means having a main compartment and in communication therewith an auxiliary compartment, said housing means including a movably mounted member providing closure means for gaining access to said main compartment whereby to permit the placement of a film assembly therein and also providing means for rendering said housing means substantially lighttight when in closed position, means within said main compartment comprising a pair of pressure-applying members engageable in pressure contact with opposite sides of the portion of said film assembly extending from said film holder and actuatable for effecting the advancement of said film assembly therebetween while withdrawing the film assembly from the film holder and effecting the spreading of said liquid composition between the layers of said film assembly, a platformmounted within said main compartment on one side of said pressureapplying members and in alignment therewith and providing means for supporting said film holder and film assembly, means associated with said platform for positioning said film holder in processing alignment with said pressure-applying members for location of said leader means between said pressure-applying members, said positioning means also maintaining said film holder in said processing alignment during withdrawal of the film assembly therefrom, means normally urging said pressure-applying members in separated relation to each other whereby to facilitate the positioning of the leader means of said film assembly between said pressureapplying members, means for engaging said pressure-applying members with said film assembly, including the leader means thereof, and means for effecting the actuation of said pressureap-' plying members, said auxiliary compartment being aligned with said pressure-applying mem- 1 1 hers the opposite side thereof r-re'm said platror m and in a position to receive said him assembl upon its advancement between said preslayers, said a paratus comprising hoil's'i'ngmeans having a. main compartment communication therewith an auxiliary com rtment, said housing means including a 'anovabiy med" ea memberproviding closure means for access to said main compartment whereby to permit the lacement of afilm assembly there: in and also providing for rendering said hoii'sin'g means substantially ligh'ttig'ht in closed position and means within said main compartment engageable in pressure contact with opposite sides of said filin assembly, including said leader means, and aetiiatable for effecting the advancement of said film; assembly and for applying a surfi'cient mechanicalstress to said container to cause the release or its home com tent and the spreading or the released lioui'd between said layers as said film assembly is eo= vanced, the means of applying said stress and. advancing said film assembly 'jng a pair of pressure-applying members normally ositinned in separated relation to each other where-: a

by to facilitate the positioning of the leader means of said film assembly between said pres-1 sure'applying members, means for engaging said pressure-applying members with said 'illin assembl and means for effecting the a'cti'iatio'n of said. pressure-applying members, said auxiliary compartment being aligned with said pressure applying members in a position to receive said film assembly upon its advancement between said pressure-applying members.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 for process ing a photographic film assembly wherein said pressure-applying members comprise a pair of rotatably mounted rolls.

6. Apparatus for processing a photosensitive film assembly which is withdrawably mounted within a film holder and which, comprises a pair of superposable liquid-confining layers, memes ing a photosensitive portion on the inner stirface of one of the layers, a rupturable container holding a liquid composition mounted between the layers adjacent, one end thereof and leader means attached to said lave-17S at the container end of the layers and adapted to extend out= wardly from the end of said layers and through an opening in Said film holder, said a paratus comprising housing means having a main com partment and in communication therewith an auxiliary compartment; said housing means including a movably mounted member providing closure means for gaining access to saidmam compartment whereby to permit the placement of a film assembly therein and also providing means for rendering said housing means substantially -tight when in closed position, means with in said main compartment, comprising a pair of movably mounted pressure applying meta bers, engageable in pressure contact with one posite sidesof said film assembly; including said leader means. and ctuatable tor effecti t ,ment on one Side Of Said predate-ap lyin members and in alignment tliefewifll 'ahfi fife-'- Vl'dllli; means. I01 SllppOlti'lIg 'sai'd hbld'ei afid film assembly in processing alignment with said pressure-applying membfs f? engagement of said film assembly including s'aid reader means therebe'tween, said auxiliary Ii ghtti-ght compart- 'm'ent communicating with Said Thain compartinent and aligned with said pressure-applying membersv on the opposite side thereof from said platform and in a position to receive said assembly as it is drawn through said pressuie ap plying members, means normally urging said pres sure appl'ying members in separated relation to each other whereby to'fa'cilitat'e the positioning of the leader means of said fllm assembly be tween said rir ur wiiiplyin members; means for engaging said pressure-applying members with said film assembly, including the leader means thereof and means for effectingthe actoation of said pressure-applying members to ad Vance said film assembly therebetween and into said auxiliary compartment. v

'7'. Apparatus as defined in claim 6 for processing a photosensitive assembly and including means for, separating said pressiire appl yin'g' members before said film assembly has been com pletely advanced between said pressure-"applying members;

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 6 for processing a photosensitive film assembly wherein said pressure-applying means com rises a pair of retatablysupported rolls mounted for relative movement toward and away from each other.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 for eeoeese ing a photosensitive film assembly and memeins means for moving said rolls out of pressureapplying engagement with respect to a film assembly being advanced therebetween at a locat-ion near the. end or the film assembly which is furthest removed from said container.

10; Apparatus as defi'nedin claim 8 for rocess ing a photosensitive film assembly wherein said platform is provided with at least "one cutaway portion providing means for facilitating the placement of said film holdei' on said platform for alignment with said prssureapplying members;

11. Apparatus as defined in claim '6 for processes ing a. photosensitive film assembly aria including means associated with said platform for assisting in placing Said film holder in processing alignment with said pressure=applying members;

12-; Apparatus as defined in claim 6 f6! iiiTiIX-E'Si ing a photosensitive film assembly and including means associated with said platform 're'r locating said film holder in processing alignment with said pressure=applying members, said means also being capable of maintaining said filth newer in said processing alignment during the Withdrawal of Said film assembly thereirem.

13., Apparatus as defined in laiffi 12 for treeseeing a photosensitive mm assembly and inelud= ing means for separating said pressure-applying members after said film assembly has been completely withdrawn from said filth holder and Betore said film assembly has been completely a'd Vanced. between said pressureq plyim idem 1a.. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 far apsasas essing a photosensitive film assembly and wherein guide means, contactable. withthe'sides of said film holder for aligning said film holder with said pressure-applying members, are associated with said platform and wherein stop-means, against which said film holder is adapted to be positioned in bearing contact, are associated with said platform for maintaining the end of said film holder through which said film assembly is withdrawn in spaced relation to said pressure-applying members.

15. In apparatus for processinga photosensitive film assembly mounted within a film holder having an opening in an end thereof through which said film. assembly is withdrawable and wherein said film assembly comprises a pair of superposable liquid-confining layers; including a-photosensitive portion err-the inner surface of one of the layers, a rupturable container holding a liquid composition mounted between the layers adjacent one end thereof and leader means attached to said'layers at the container end of the layers and adapted to extend outwardly from the end of said layers and through the opening in said film holder, in combination, housing means having a main compartment and in communication therewith an'auxiliary compartment; said housing means including a movably mounted member providing closure means for gaining access to said main compartment whereby to permit the placement of a film assembly therein and also providing'means for renderingsaid housing means substantially lighttight when in closed position, a platform mounted Within said main compartment in alignment with said'auxiliary compartment, said platform providing means for supportingsaid film-holder and a film assembly within said main'compar'tment for withdrawing said filmassembly from said film holder and for processing said-film assembly, means, within said main compartment, located between said platform and said auxiliary compartment in alignment therewith for engagement with opposite sides of said film assembly; including said leader means, for advancing said "film-assembly therebetween and into said auxiliary compartment while applying sufiicient mechanical stress to said container of said film assembly to cause the release of its liquid content and the spreading of the-released-liq'uid between said liquid confining layers as said film assembly is advanced therebetween,-said stress-applyingmean's comprising a pair of pressure-applying "members movable into pressure contact with said'film assemblyon opposite sides thereof, means normally urging said pressure-applying members in separated relation to. each-other whereby to facilitate'the positioning of the leader means-of said film assembly between said pressure-applying members, means for engaging said pressure-applying members with said leader means extending from said film holder, 'means for efie'cting the actuation of said pressure-applying membersto advance said film assembly for discharge into said auxiliary compartment, and means associated with said receptacle and operably dependent upon contact with a film holder on saidplatform upon closure of said closure means for controlling the initiation of the film assembly advancing action of said pressure-applying means."

. 16. In apparatus-for processing a photosensitive film assembly-mounted within a film holder having an epening in an'end thereof through which said'filmassembly is withdrawablefand wherein said film assembly comprises a pair of superposable liquid-confining layers, including a photosensitive portion on the inner surface of one of the layers, a rupturable container holding a liquid composition mounted between the layers adjacent one end thereof and leader means attached to said layers and adapted to extend outwardly from the container end of said layers and through the opening in said film, holder, in combination, housing means having a main compartment and in communication therewith an auxiliary compartment, said housing means including a movably mounted member providing closure means for gaining access to said main compartment wherebyto permit the placement of a film assembly therein and also providing means for rendering said housing means substantially lighttight when in closed position, a plat-' form mounted within said main compartment in alignment with said auxiliary compartment, said platform providing means for supporting said film holder and a film assembly within said main compartment for Withdrawing said film assembly from said film holder and for processing said film assembly, means, within said main compartment, located between said platform and said auxiliary compartment in alignment therewith for engage ment with opposite sides of said film assembly, including said leader means, for advancing said film assembly therebetween and into said auxiliary compartment while applying sufficient mechanical stress to said container of said film assembly to cause the release of its liquid content and the spreading of the released liquid between said liquid-confining layers as said film assembly is advanced therebetween, said stress-applying means comprising a pair of pressure-applying members movable into pressure contact with said film assembly on opposite sides thereof, means normally urging said pressure-applying members in separated relation to each other whereby to facilitate the positioning of the leader means of said film assembly between said pressure-applying members, means for engaging said pressureapplying members with said leader means extending from said film holder, means for effecting the actuation of said pressure-applying members to advance said film assembly for discharge into said auxiliary compartment, and means for arresting the film assembly advancing action of said pressure-applying means.

-17. In apparatus as defined in claim 16 for processing a photosensitive film assembly, means for predeterminedly separating said pressure-applying members from engagement with said film assembly.

18. In apparatus as defined in claim 17 for processing a photosensitive film assembly, means, associated with said housing means and operably dependent upon contact with a film holder on said platform upon closure of said closure means, for controlling the initiation of the film assembly withdrawing action of said pressure-applying means.

19. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 for pr0cessing a photographic film assembly wherein said auxiliary lighttight compartment is mounted on an outer surface of said main compartment to extend outwardly therefrom and wherein said main compartment and said auxiliary compartment are provided with cooperating apertures whereby to permit passage of said film assembly from main compartment into his auxiliary compart ment.

' 20. In apparatus as defined in claim 1 for processing a ,photographic'film assembly. means for mounting said auxiliary lighttight compartment on an outer surface of said main compartment for pivotal movement toward and away from said outer surface, and fastening means for securing said auxiliary compartment in light-tight contact with the outer surface of said main compartment upon which it is mounted, said main compartment and said auxiliary compartment being provided with cooperating apertures which are aligned with each other when said auxiliary compartment is in lighttight contact with said main compartment whereby to permit passage of said film assembly from said main compartment to said auxiliary compartment.

21. In apparatus as defined in claim 4 for processing a photographic film assembly, a platform mounted in said main compartment and providing means for supporting said film assembly, said platform being operatively aligned with said pressure-applying members on the side thereof removed from said auxiliary compartment and with the end of said platform adjacent said pressure-applying members being spaced from said pressure-applying members, and means mounted on said end of said platform and extending said platform toward said pressure-applying members for supporting said film, assembly for movement through said pressure-applying means, said means which extend said platform also serving as means for guiding the leader means of said film assembly into operative relation with said pressure-applying means for engagement thereby upon moving said film assembly along said platform and toward said pressure-applying means.

22. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 for processing a photographic film assembly wherein said pressure-applying members comprise a pair of pressure-applying rolls rotatably mounted in superposed relation to each other, one of said rolls being rotatably supported between spacedapart support members mounted within said main compartment, a pair of spaced-apart pivot arms, a second pair of spaced-apart support members, means for pivoting each individual pivot arm to an individual support member of said second pair of support members, said pivot arms being pivoted at a location intermediately of the ends thereof, said pivot arms having one end thereof located adjacent the first of said rolls, said second roll being rotatably mounted between said pivot arms at the end thereof adjacent said first roll, means for spring-loading said pivot arms and for urging the roll carried therebetween toward said first roll, and means for predeterminedly releasing said spring-loading of said pivot arms and for moving said second roll away from said first roll.

23. In apparatus for processing a photosensitive film assembly mounted within a film holder having an opening in an end thereof through which said film assembly is withdrawable and wherein said film assembly comprises a pair of superposable liquid-confining layers which are paced in said superposed relation when said film assembly is mounted within said film holder, and said film assembly also comprising a photosensitive portion on the inner surface of one of said liquid-confining layers, a rupturable container holding a liquid composition and mounted between the layers adjacent an end thereof which constitutes the leading end of the film assembly, and leader means attached to said layers and adapted to extend outwardly from said leading end of said film assembly and through the opening in said film holder, the other end of: said film assembly constituting the trailing. end there. of, in combination, housingm'eans having a main compartment and in communication therewith an auxiliary compartment, said housing means including a niovably mounted member providing closure" means for gaining access to said maincompartment whereby to permit the placement of a film holder'therein and also providing meansfor rendering said housing means substantially lighttight when in closed position, a platform mounted within said main compartment in align-- ment with said auxiliary compartment, said platform providing means for supporting said film holder and said film assembly within said main compartment in position to permit the withdrawal of said film assembly from said film holder to process said film assembly and discharge it into said auxiliary compartment, means, within said main compartment, located between said platform and said auxiliary compartment and in alignment therewith for engagement with opposite sides of said film assembly and comprising a pair of pressure-applying rolls, support means rotatably mounting a first ofsaid rolls in said main compartment, means rotatably mounting the second of said rolls in superposed relation to said first roll and for movement toward and away from said first roll, spring means supportedin said main compartment and operable for urging said second roll into processing relation and toward said first roll upon loading said spring means whereby to engage said rolls with opposite sides of a film asseinbly, including the leader means thereof, positioned between said rolls, means for loading said spring means for effecting the positioning of said rolls in said processing relation, said rolls, when in spring-loaded condition and in processing relation, developing s'ufiicient mechanical stress to rupture said container of said film assembly and to release its liquid content and spread the released liquid between said liquid confining layers as said film assembly is drawn through said rolls by the rotation of said rolls, said rolls also providing means for discharging the film assembly into said auxiliary compartment, drive means for rotating said first roll, feeler mechanism oontactable with one surface of said film assembly as said film assembly is withdrawn from said film holder, said feeler mechanism being mounted within said main compartment at a location in the path along which said film assembly is moved as it is withdrawn from said film holder by said rolls and at a position in said path between the end of said platform and said rolls, means for predeterminedly separating said rolls from said processing relation by releasing the loading of said spring means, means for arresting the actuation of said drive means, said feeler mechanism providing means for initiating the actuation of said means for predeterminedly separating said rolls at times when said feeler mechanism is free of contact with said film assembly, and means carried by said housing means and operably dependent on contact with said film holder for controlling the initiation of the actuation of said drive means, said apparatus including means for actuating said drive means.

24. In apparatus for processing a photosensitive film assembly mounted within a film holder having an opening in an end thereof through which said film assembly is withdrawable and wherein said film assembly comprises a pair of su-perposable liquidwconfining layers which are placed in said superposed relation-when said film assembly is mounted within-said-film holder, andsaid film assembly also comprising a photosensitive portion on the inner surface of one of said liquid-confining layers, a vrupturable con-' tainer holding a liquid composition and mounted between the layers adjacent an end thereof which constitutes the leading end f the film assembly, and leader means attached to said" layers and adapted to extend outwardly from saidleading end of said film assembly and through the opening in said film holder, theother end of said film assembly constituting the trailing end thereof, in combination, housing means having a main compartment and in com-- munication therewith an auxiliary compartment, said housing means including a movably mountedmember providing closure means for gaining access to said main compartment whereby topermit the placement of a film holder therein and also providing means for rendering said housing means substantially lighttight when in closed position, a platform mountedwithin said main compartment in alignment with said auxiliary compartment, said platform providing means for supporting said film holder and said film assembly within saidmain compartment in position to permit the withdrawal of said film assembly from said film holder to process said film assembly and discharge it into said auxiliary compartment, means, within said main compartment, located between said platform and said auxiliary compartment and-.in alignment therewith for engagement with opposite sides of said film assembly and comprising a pair of pressureapplying rolls, support means rotatably mounting a first of said rolls in said main compartment, a pair of. pivot arms, means pivotally supporting said pivot arms in spaced-apart relation to each other within said main compartment, each said pivot arm being pivotally supported intermediate of the ends thereof and both said pivot arms having one end in common which is located adjacent the first of said rolls, means rotatably mounting the second of said rolls between said pivot arms at the end thereof adjacent said first roll whereby said rolls are rotatably supported in superposed relation for relative movement towardand away from each other, spring means supported in said main compartment and operably connected to said pivot arms for moving said pivot arms and the roll carried thereby into processing relation and toward said first roll upon loading said spring means whereby to engage said rolls with opposite sides of a film assembly, including the leader means thereof, positioned between said rolls, means for loading said spring means for effecting the positioning of said rolls in said processing relation, said rolls, when in spring-loaded condition and in processing relation, developing sufficient mechanical stress to rupture said container of said film assembly and to release its liquid content and spread the released liquid between said liquidconfining layers as said film assembly is drawn through said rolls by the rotation of said rolls, said rolls also providing means for discharging the film assembly into said auxiliary compartment, drive means for rotating said first roll, feeler mechanism contactable with one surface of said film assembly as said filmassembly is withdrawn from said film holder, said feeler mechanism being mounted within said main compartment at a location in the path along which said filmfassembly is moved as it is. withdrawn from saidfilm holder by said rolls and at a position in said path between the end of said platform and said rolls, means for predeterminedly separating said rolls from said processing relation by releasing the loading of said spring means, means for arresting the actuation of said drive means, said feeler mechanism providing means for initiating the actuation of said means for predeterminedly separating said rolls at times when said feeler mechanism is free of contact with said film assembly, and means carried by said housing means and operably dependent on contact with said film holder for controlling the initiation of the actuation of said drive means, said apparatus including means for actuating said drive means.

25. In apparatus for processing a photosensitive film assembly mounted within a film holder having an opening in an end thereof through which said film assembly is withdrawable and wherein said film assembly comprises a pair of' superposable liquid-confining layers which are placed in said superposed relation when said film assembly is mounted within said film holder, and said film assembly also comprising a photosensitive portion on the inner surface of one of said liquid-confining layers, a rupturable container holding a liquid composition and mounted between the layers adjacent an end thereof which constitutes the leading end of the film assembly, and leader means attached to said layers and adapted to extend outwardly from said leading end of said film assembly and through the opening in said film holder, the other end of said film assembly constituting the trailing end thereof, in combination, housing means having a main compartment and in communication therewith an auxiliary compartment, said housing means including a movably mounted member providing closure means for gaining access to said main compartment whereby to permit the placement of afilm holder therein and also providing means for rendering said housing means substantially lighttight when in closed position, a platform mounted within said main compartment in alignment with said auxiliary compartment, said platform providing means for supporting said film holder and said film assembly within said main compartment in position to permit the Withdrawal of said film assembly from said film holder to process said film assembly and discharge it into said auxiliary compartment, means, within said main compartment, located between said platform and said auxiliary compartment and in alignment therewith for engagein spaced-apart relation to each other within said main compartment, each said pivot arm being pivotally supported intermediate of the ends thereof and both said pivot arms having one end in common which is located adjacent the first of said rolls, means rotatably mounting the second of said rolls between said pivot arms at the end thereof adjacent said first roll whereby said rolls are rotatably supported in superposed relation for relative movement toward and away from each other, spring means supported in said main compartment and operably connected to said pivot arms for moving said pivot arms and the roll carried thereby into processing relation and toward said first roll upon loading said 25 spring means whereby to engage said rolls with opposite sides of a film assembly, including the leader means thereof, positioned between said rolls, means for loading said spring means for effecting the positioning of said rolls in said processing relation, said rolls, when in spring-loaded condition and in processing relation, developing sufiicient mechanical stress to rupture said container of said film assembly and to release its liquid content and spread the released liquid between said liquid-confining layers as said film assembly is drawn through said rolls by the rotation of said rolls, said rolls also providing means for discharging the film assembly into said auxiliary compartment, drive means for rotating said first roll, feeler mechanism contactable with one surface of said film assembly as said film assembly is withdrawn from said film holder, said feeler mechanism being mounted within said main compartment at a location in the path along which said film assembly is moved as it is withdrawn from said film holder by said rolls and at a position in said path between the end of said platform and said rolls, means for predeterminedly separating said rolls from said processing relation by releasing the loading of said spring means, means for arresting the actuation of said drive means, said feeler mechanism providing means for initiating the actuation of said means for predeterminedly separating said rolls at times when said feeler mechanism is free of contact with said film assembly, means carried by said housing means and operably dependent on contact with said film holder for controlling the initiation of the actuation of said drive means, said apparatus including means for actuating said drive means, said platform having guide means positioned along the sides thereof for contact with the sides of said film holder when said film holder is supported on said platform, said guide means being efiective to locate said film holder when positioned on said platform in processing alignment with said pressureapplying rolls, stop means positioned adjacent the end of said platform nearest said pressureapplying rolls for contact with an end of said film holder when the film holder is supported on said platform, said stop means being effective for maintaining the end of said film holder through which said film assembly is withdrawn in spaced relation to said pressure-applying rolls during the withdrawal and processing of the film assembly from the film holder, and means mounted on said end of said platform and extending said platform toward said pressure-applying rolls for supporting said film assembly for movement through said rolls, said means which extend said platform also serving as means for guiding the leader means of said film assembly between said pressure-applying rolls when said leader means is extended from said film holder and said film holder is placed upon said platform and moved toward said pressure-applying rolls and into contact with said stop means at a time when said pressure-applying rolls are in unloaded condition.

ALBERT J. BACHELDER. OTTO E. WOLFE.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number