US2957401A

US2957401A - Photographic film processing device

Info

Publication number: US2957401A
Application number: US605521A
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul C Hutton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1956-08-22
Filing date: 1956-08-22
Publication date: 1960-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 1977-10-25

Description

Oct. 25, 1960 P. c. HUTTON PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM PROCESSING DEVICE! 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 22, 1956 III/Ill INVENTOR. PcuLl C [idiom \l/ulllllll llllllllll Oct. 25, 1960 P. c. HUTTON 2,957,401

PHOTOGRAPHI/QTILM PROCESSING DEVICE Filed Aug. 22, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 J1 vea Z INVENTOR. a; F Pauli C. 77/

Oct. 25, 1960 P. c. HUTTON PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM PROCESSING DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 22, 1956 INVENTOR. Paul C HZLZZD W WW BY g j PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM PROCESSING DEVICE Paul C. Hutton, 7858 S. Harlem, Oak Lawn, Ill.

Filed Aug. 22, 1956, Ser. No. 605,521

12 Claims. (Cl. 95-90.5)

This invention relates to a processing device and in particular to a device for processing photographic materials.

The necessity for accurately controlling various factors, such as temperature, in the processing of photographic materials such as film is well known. With the advent of color photographic material the need for accurate maintenance of temperature, timing of each of the processing steps, and efiicient and proper disposition of the processing chemicals relative to the photographic material is even more critical.

The principal feature of this invention is the provision of a new and improved photographic material processing device.

Another feature is that the device is arranged for automatic operation effecting accurate control of the several factors involved in the processing of photographic material.

A further feature is that the device is arranged so that the wash water which is maintained accurately at the proper temperature, is utilized for maintaining the temperature of the processing chemicals.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of a new and improved liquid distributing manifold for delivering processing liquids uniformly to the film processing chamber.

A further feature is the provision of a water jacket structure surrounding the processing ohmber with means for utilizing portions of the wash water to maintain the temperature of the water jacket uniform at all times.

Yet another feature is the provision of a new and improved processing well structure wherein different forms of photographic material such as roll film and plates may be properly disposed for effective processing including reversal, said well structure being adapted for accommodation of a plurality of rolls of film material as well as a single roll.

A yet further feature is the provision of a photographic material processing device having new and improved agitating means, including means for repeatedly withdrawing and returning a portion of the processing fluids to the processing well.

A further feature is the provision of a photographic material processing device wherein the processing chemicals are stored in collapsible containers disposed within a pressure chamber, with means for varying the pressure in the chamber concurrently with the control of suitable valves leading from each of the containers for delivering desired chemicals to the processing Well.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision "nited rates Pater of automatic means for actuating valves leading from the chemical supply containers to the processing well and desired auxiliary devices such as the reversal illumination source, agitating solenoid means, and visual or aural indicators.

Other features and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a photographic material processing unit embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is an elevation thereof with portions broken away;

Figure 3 is a section taken approximately along the line 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken approximately along the line 4-4 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary section of a modified form of processing structure;

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view of another form of device embodying the invention;

Figure 7 is a section taken approximately along the line 77 of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a section taken approximately along the line S-S of Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a top plan view of another form of device embodying the invention;

Figure 10 is an elevation of the form of Figure 9, with portions thereof broken away;

Figure 11 is a section taken approximately along the line 11-11 of Figure 9; and

Figure 12 is a section taken approximately along the line 12-12 of Figure 11.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention as disclosed in Figures 1 to 4 of the drawings, a device, generally designated 10, for processing photographic materials is seen to comprise an upper, supply portion 11 and a lower, processing portion 12. The desired liquid processing chemicals, in solution form, and the wash water are held in supply portion 11 until delivered to the processing portion wherein the photographic material is processed. in this embodiment of the invention the processing liquids are delivered to the processing portion by the force of gravity and are discharged from the processing portion similarly by the force of gravity to be discarded or delivered to suitable containers for subsequent re-use as desired. To control the steps of the processing, automatic timing means may be employed for actuating suitable valves at the proper time and for the proper duration.

More specifically, supply portion 11 comprises a tank 13 having an open top and a transversely extending bottom 14. While it should be understood that tank 13 may have any suitable cross sectional configuration, for illustrative purposes I have shown the tank as circular. Disposed circumferentially in tank 13 adjacent the side walls thereof is a plurality of upwardly opening chemical storage containers 15, each container having an opening 15a through the bottom thereof in registry with a corresponding opening 14a in the tank bottom. A valve 16 is associated with each of the containers 15 for controlling openings 15a, valve 16 being of a mechanical or solenoid operated type as desired. In the embodiment illustrated, as best seen in Figure 4, a submersible, solenoid operated valve 16 is employed, being disposed within the container s3 and having a closure member 16a removably seated across container opening 15a. In the processing of present day color film, the maximum number of separate chemical supplies required is nine and, thus, nine such containers 15 are disposed within tank 13, it being understood that the number could vary as desired or necessary.

Also provided in tank bottom 14 on the common circle on which containers 15 are arranged is a wash water outlet opening 14b controlled by a valve 17 which may be similar to valves 16. Centrally of the tank is provided another opening 140, upstanding around which opening is a cylindrical tube 14d through which a suitable reversal illumination source such as an electric light bulb 18 is extended to project into processing portion 12. If desired a heating means 19 may be disposed within tank 13 for maintaining the wash water therein at a desired temperature.

Lower, processing portion 12 comprises a cylindrical housing 20 having a radially inturned flange 20a at its upper end forming an annular support for upper portion 11 which may be secured thereto by suitable means such as screws 20b. Within housing 20 is an annular processing tank, indicated generally at 21, defined by a bottom 21a, an inner transparent upright wall 21b and an outer upright wall 210. An upright annular partition wall 21d divides the annular tank into an inner film processing well 22 and an outer water jacket 23. Where, as seen in Figure 4, a single roll of film F is to be processed in the well 22, a V-shaped groove 21e may be provided in the upper portion of bottom 21a for centering the film between walls 211) and 21d. An annular clip 21] may be used to position the upper end of the film centrally of the well as desired. Bottom 21a of the processing tank is provided with a first outlet opening 22a leading from processing well 22 and a second outlet opening 23a leading from water jacket portion 23. A valve 22b controls outlet 22a to discharge the processing liquids from the well 22 when desired. To maintain the level of the water in jacket 23, a stand pipe device 23b extends upwardly from outlet 23a to a point below the upper edge 21g of the center Wall of processing tank 21. A similar stand pipe Me extends through tank bottom 14 to terminate at its upper end slightly below the top of tank 13 and at its lower end over water jacket 23. Thus, should the level of wash water in tank 13 be above the upper end of stand pipe 14a the water will be passed therefrom into water jacket space 23, and thence through outlet discharge pipe 23!).

To assure uniform distribution of the processing chemicals and the wash water over the entire film in processing Well 22, an annular manifold 24 is provided, arranged under tank bottom 14 on the common circle of containers 15. A downwardly opening V-shaped groove 24:: extends annularly around the manifold, opening upwardly to have communication with each of openings 14a and 14b. The bottom of the manifold is formed to provide a relatively small cross-sectional area passage 24b extending circumferentially around the entire manifold for passing liquid from groove 24a into processing well 22 disposed directly therebelow. By making passage 24b relatively small, the entire body of liquid discharged from a container 15 or through opening 14b does not pass immediately into the processing well at a point directly below the container or outlet, but rather tends to flow circumferentially and fill groove 24a before passing through passage 24b and falling into the processing space. Thus, the liquid chemical or wash water is evenly dispersed over the entire film in the processing well providing improved treatment of the film. I have found a very eificient means of forming passage 24b is to provide a split manifold, with the inner portion thereof, spaced radially inwardly of the outer portion to form a continuous slot therebeween.

Means for agitating the liquid in the processing well are provided, illustratively comprising a horizontally reciprocable solenoid 25 connected to processing tank 21 by suitable arms 25a. Tank 21 is carried on horizontally yieldable means herein disclosed as a plurality of spring 26 allowing oscillatory rotation of the processing tank under the reciprocal urging of the solenoid 25.

The means for co-ordinating and timing the operation of the various solenoid valves, light source, and agitator solenoid comprises a timer 27 which may be exteriorly mounted on housing 20. Where the processing device is to be used with different types of photographic material requiring diiferent processing steps, timer 27 may be of an adjustable type allowing setting thereof to provide the desired functioning of the electrical components of the processing device. Where only a single type of photographic material is to be processed the timer may have fixed elements providing a fixed cycle of operation of the device. Visual or aural means for indicating the completion of steps or the entire process may be provided such as signal bell 28 also operable by means of timer 27.

Because of the unique construction of processing device 10 an extremely compact and eificient overall structure is obtained. For example, in such a device for processing a single roll of 20 exposure 35 mm. film, the outside diameter of inner wall 21b may be 11" and the inside diameter of center wall 21a may be 11% thereby requiring a total volume of liquid chemical in the processing Well of only 4.65 cubic inches.

To illustrate the operation of device 10, the procedure in processing a roll of color film therewith will now be described. Film F is placed in processing well 22 and upper portion 11 is placed on top of processing portion 12 so that manifold 24 is disposed directly above processing well 22. With all valves of upper portion 11 closed, suitable chemicals are placed in each of containers 15 and wash water of the proper temperature is placed in tank 13 so as to surround the containers and completely fill the tank, a sufficient excess quantity being provided to flow through stand pipe 142 into water jacket space 23 to maintain the processing tank also at the desired temperature. Where the room temperature is substantially below the desired processing temperature heating means 19 may be utilized to maintain the wash water temperature at the proper point. Containers 15 are preferably formed of a material such as metal having a high heat conductivity, and thus the chemical solutions therein are maintained at the desired temperature by the surrounding Wash water.

Timer 27 is now actuated to commence the automatic processing of the film. A valve 16 controlling a container 15 housing the first developer is opened by the timer allowing he first developer to pass from the container through the manifold and into the processing well to cover the film therein. Timer 27 may then actuate solenoid 25 at repeated intervals to effect an agitation of processing tank 21 during the development of the film. At the end of a predetermined time interval such as 10 minutes, the timer :aotuates outlet valve 22b to eifect disposal of the developer, completing the first step of the development of the film. Valve 22b is then closed and a second valve 16 opened to transfer a shortstop from its container 15 through manifold 24 into the processing well to stop the action of the developer. After a suitable period of time such as one minute valve 22b is opened and the shortstop discharged from the processing well. Subsequently a hardener may be delivered to the processing well from a third container 15; and upon completion of its use and discharge, valve 17 is opened to deliver a predetermined quantity of wash water from the main body of tank 13 into the processing well. To obtain proper washing action a quantity of water substantially greater than may be contained in the processing well is delivered thereto, the excess water flowing over center wall edge 21g into water jackets space 23, thereby causing the water in water jacket to be at least partially replenished and maintaining accurately the temperature asset-act of the jacket. Subsequent to the wash operation which and a final ten minute wash may be automatically effected through operation of timer 27. Where it is desired to reuse any or all of the chemicals they may be collected, when passed from outlet 22a, in suitable containers (not shown) disposed below valve 22b.

A modified form of processing tank 31 is shown in Figure for concurrent processing of a plurality of film rolls. As it is necessary that all portions of the film be exposed to lamp bulb 18 during the reversal exposure, the films must be disposed with no opaque objects between them and the bulb. To this end, a vertical ar rangement of the films is provided by means of a vertic'ally extended carrier ring 32 receivable within the proc essing well 33 of tank 31. Suitable annular guides 32a are provided on ring 32 to hold the film in place thereon and the ring is preferably foraminous .to permit movement of solutions and wash water over all surfaces of the film F. Tank 31 is generally similar to processing tank 21 of the first described embodiment except that it is elongated substantially vertically and the bottom portion 310: thereof defining the bottom of processing well 33 is provided with a horizontal upper surface 31b upon which ring 52 is carried, in lieu of the V-shaped groove 212 of the first form.

Reference now being had more particularly to Figures 6 to 8, another form of film processing device 40 embodying the invention is shown to comprise an upper, processing portion 41 and a lower, supply portion 42. A cylindrical housing 43 forms the outer wall of both portions and a double walled bottom structure 44 extends transversely across :the interior of housing 43 to define the boundary between the upper and

lower portions

41 and 42. An annular processing tank 45 is formed in upper portion 41 including an inner, cylindrical, transparent wall 45a and a central wall 45b generally similar to

walls

21b and 21d respectively of device 10. Central wall 45b divides the processing tank into an inner processing well 46 and an outer water jacket space 47, with a stand pipe 47a extending upwardly through water jacket 47 to terminate slightly below the upper edge of central wall 45b and pass overflow wash water from the water jacket to a suitable disposal means (not shown).

In this form of processing device double bottom 44 functions as a manifold similar to manifold 24 of device 10, in distributing the incoming solutions and wash water evenly to all portions of the processing well. To this end, the space 44a between the walls is relatively narrow and the bottom of processing well 46 is open. Centrally of lower portion 42, the lower bottom wall 44b is formed downwardly to define a chamber 44c into which the chemicals and wash water are originally passed from the supply means and into which the chemicals and supply water may return in being passed back to the supply means. As best seen in Figures 6 and 7, the chemical supply means comprise a plurality of collapsible members, herein disclosed as elastic bladders 48, formed of a material such as rubber and adapted to hold suitable quantities of each of the desired solutions. The bladders are connected through suitable valves 49 to bottom wall 44b to have communication with chamber 440 when desired and extend into a pressure chamber 50 defined by bottom 44, housing wall 43, and a lower transversally extending, displaceable diaphragm 51. Chamber 50 is thus sealingly closed and the pressure therein is readily controlled by proper displacement of diaphragm 51.

To maintain accurately the temperature within chamber 50 art a desired predetermined point and to provide a relatively incompressible connection between diaphragm 51 and bladders 48, the chamber is filled with a liquid such as water at the desired temperature, by means of an inlet means 43a in the housing wall. To maintain the temperature of this fill water in the chamber, a heating element 52 may be extended thereinto. The means for displacing diaphragm 51 may be of any suitable type, a solenoid-operated, spring-return device 53 being illustratively shown for this purpose.

In device it is not intended that the fill water within chamber be utilized as the wash water and a separate supply conduit 54 is provided to have communication with chamber 44c through a wash water valve 54a. Means for discharging liquids from chamber 44c when desired, comprise an outlet conduit 55 controlled by a suitable valve 55a to communicate with stand pipe 47a.

A cover 56 may be provided to close the upper end of the processing portion 41 to make device 40 lightproof. For reversing the film in the processing well, an illumination source, such as light bulb 57 may be mounted to extend downwardly from the cover into the center of the upper processing portion 41.

In utilizing processing device 4%, which generally comprises a pump type device, in contradistinction to the gravity operated device 10, the bladders 48 are filled with suitable chemicals with diaphragm 51 arranged in its lower position (as shown in full lines in Figure 6). Water of the proper temperature is then caused to fill chamber 50 through inlet 43a and upper portion 41 is positioned on lower portion 42, as seen in Figure 6. The material to be processed is placed in processing well 46 and cover 56 placed over upper portion 41 to render the device lightproof and ready for processing the material. Through a suitable timing means (not shown) a valve 49 is opened to allow a first developer contained within the associated bladder 48 to be forced upwardly through chamber 440 and space 440 into the processing well 46 by the concurrent upward displacement of diaphragm 51. A sufficient quantity of solution is urged from the bladder to cause the processing well to be filled to a point above the upper edge of the film therein (not shown). To effect agitation, repeated downward and upward movement of diaphragm 51 may be efiected, thereby repeatedly withdrawing and returning solution from and to the processing well. If desired, operation of the diaphragm may be such as to effect withdrawal and return of only a portion of the total volume of liquid in the processing well. Upon completion of the development with the first developer, the diaphragm is allowed to move to the lower position thereby drawing the entire first developer solution back into its bladder 48 and the associated valve 49 is then automatically closed. The solutions contained in the other bladders are automatically delivered to the processing well in a similar manner when desired. In the wash steps of the processing, the water supply valve 54a may be first opened only sufiiciently long to fill the processing well but not to cause an overflow into the water jacket 4'7. The valve 54:: is then closed and outlet valve 55a is then opened allowing this highly contaminated water to pass out through outlet conduit 55. Outlet valve 55:: is then closed and the wash water valve 54a is again opened for the remainder of the wash period with the wash Water passing through the processing well and spilling over into the water jacket from whence it flows outwardly through stand pipe 47a.

It should be noted that if it is desired to discard the chemical solution, the device may be operated so that subsequent to the processing of the film therewith, the associated bladder valve is closed and outlet valve 55a is opened. Similarly to effect a washing of the interior of the bladders such as when they have been so emptied of the chemical solutions, wash Water may first be run into the processing well. Outlet valve 55a is closed and the wash water is passed into the bladder by the opening of its associated valve and the moving of diaphragm 51 downwardly.

Still another form of processing device, generally designated 60, is shown in Figures 9 to 12 wherein an upper supply portion 61 is provided which is generally similar to upper supply portion 11 of device 10. As shown in Figure 10, portion 61 is of substantially greater height than supply portion 11 as seen in Figure 2, it being understood, however, that the height of either

portions

11 or 61 may be varied to suit the quantity requirements of the specific device. In all other respects the structure of supply portion 61 is similar to that of supply portion 11 and the functioning thereof is identical.

A modified form of lower processing portion 62 is provided in device 66, having a processing tank 63 generally similar to processing tank 21 except that the bottom 63a is provided with a plurality of openings 63b through which liquid in a processing well 64- thereof may pass downwardly. Extending transversely across the center of the processing tank is a double-walled structure 65 comprising an upper, rigid wall 65a and a lower flexible wall 65!), said walls defining between them a chamber 650 having communication with processing well 64 through openings 63b. Means for displacing lower wall 65b are rovided, illustratively comprising a solenoidoperated lever structure 66 mounted below double wall 65. For discharging liquids from the device when desired, an outlet conduit 67 is arranged in communication with chamber 65c through a suitable valve 67a.

Particular reference now being had to Figure 11, it may be seen that when processing liquids are delivered into processing well 64, at least a portion thereof may pass downwardly through opening 63b into chamber 65c. It is preferred that the space between

walls

65a and 65b, when wall 65b is in the lower position, be at least equal in volume to the processing well space so that the entire volume of liquid may be disposed in space 650 when desired, such as when discharging the liquid subsequent to a processing operation thereby to preclude a slow drain age from the processing well. To effect agitation of the liquid in processing well 64, lever structure 66 is operated to reciprocate lower wall 65b, it being obvious that when the lower wall is moved away from upper wall 65a solution will be drawn from well 64 and when wall 65b is moved toward upper wall 65a solution will be returned to well 64 thereby causing an agitating flow through well 64. It is preferred that when wall 65b is disposed in the uppermost position, the volume of space 650 is substantially zero, thus effectively minimizing the total volume of solution required. Upon completion of the use of the specific solution, wall 65b is lowered thereby draining quickly the solution from well 64 into chamber 650, the opening of valve 670 at this time allowing discharging of the solution through outlet conduit 67. If saving of the solution is desired, it may be collected from the outlet conduit. A timer 68 may be provided to efiect the automatic operation of the device, which operation except for the above described operation of the agitating means may be generally similar to the operation of processing device it).

While I have shown and described certain embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that it is capable of many modifications. Changes, therefore, in the construction and arrangement may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A device, of the character described, for processing photographic material with wash water and chemical solutions, comprising: an annular processing tank having an open top; a supply means disposed over said tank top and including a relatively large Wash water tank and a plurality of chemical solution holding containers arranged in said wash water tank on a circle superposed over said processing tank; and controlled means for selectively 8 1 delivering wash water and solutions from said wash water tank and said containers to said processing tank including an annular manifold interposed between said supply means and said processing tank for distributing the wash water and solutions uniformly over the processing tank when delivered thereto.

2. A device, of the character described, for processing photographic material, comprising: a processing tank having an opening in the bottom; means defining a sealed; chamber having a volume of fluid therein; constrictible means in said chamber for holding liquid for use in processing photographic material; controlled means for conducting liquid between said constrictible means and said tank through said opening; and means for varying the pressure of the fiuid within said chamber alternately to effect constriction of said constrictible means thereby forcing liquid therefrom through the conducting means and into said tank, and to etfect expansion of said constrictible means to draw liquid from said tank through the conducting means and back into said constrictible means.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the constrictible means comprises at least one elastic bladder.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein the chamber is filled with a substantially incompressible liquid.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein means are provided to maintain the liquid in said chamber at a predetermined temperature, and the liquid surrounds the constrictible means to maintain the temperature of liquid therein at the predetermined temperature.

6. The device of claim 2 wherein the means for varying the pressure with said chamber comprises a flexible bounding portion of the chamber defining means and a reciprocable lever structure operably associated with the bounding portion.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein the lever structure is provided with a spring-return means urging the bounding portion outwardly to effect minimum pressure in the chamber.

8. In a device, of the character described, for processing photographic material, a horizontally extended processing tank having a bottom provided with a plurality of openings uniformly distributed over substantially the entire extent of said bottom, means sealingly connected to said tank and defining a plurality of chambers each having communication with the interior of the tank through all of said openings, a portion of each chamber being displaceable to vary the volume thereof alternately to deliver to and withdraw from said tank processing liquids provided in said chambers, said chamber defining means being disposed below said tank bottom, and a controlled discharge outlet being provided therein at the lowest point thereof for discharging processing liquids from the tank and chambers when desired.

9. A device, of the character described, for processing photographic material, comprising: a processing tank having an opening in the bottom; means defining a sealed chamber having a volume of fluid therein; variable volume means confronting said chamber for holding liquid for use in processing photographic material; controlled means for conducting liquid between the interior of said variable volume means and said tank through said opening; and means for varying the pressure of the fluid within said chamber alternately for effecting a decrease in the volume of the interior of said variable volume means thereby forcing liquid therefrom through the conducting means and into said tank and for restoring said variable volume means to its original volume to effect liquid flow from said tank through the conducting means and back into said variable volume means.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein the variable volume means comprises a plurality of yieldable containers.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein the containers are disposed generally in successive radial segments of a vertical cylinder.

12., The device of claim 9 wherein a controlled opening is provided in the means defining the sealed chamber adjacent the top thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Caballero Nov. 18, 1913 Baker Jan. 22, 1918 Caute Mar. 18, 1930 Peckham Aug. 6, 1946 Great Britain Ian. 7, 1953