US3165998A - Photocopy machine with developer solution storage and supply means - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 19, 3965 K. R. REICK PHoTocoPY MACHINE WITH DEVELOPER SOLUTION STORAGE AND SUPPLY MEANS 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed June l, 1962 INVENTOR.

TTORNEYS Jan. 19, 1965 K. R. RElcK PHoTocoPY MACHINE wITx-xnEvELoPER SOLUTION STORAGE AND SUPPLY MEANS Filed June 1, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 4o ,4 INVENTOR. v ,few/vir e @676W /9 BY 7M M i c ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,165,998 PHTGCPY MACHINE WITH DEVELQPER SUIU- TION STURAGE AND SUPPLY MEANS Kenneth R. Reich, Downers Grove, Ill. (146 Home Ave., Villa Park, Ill.) Filed .lune 1, 1%2, Ser. No. 199,353

9 Claims. (Cl. 95-S9) The present invention relates to improvements in photocopy machines and more particularly concerns novel means for storage and supply of developer solution for and in association with such machines.

In photocopy machines comprising self-contained units, such as exemplified in my Patent 3,001,463 dated September 26, 1961, an assembly of photo-sensitive positive and negative paper sheets with `an original document to be copied therebetween are exposed to a light source, the original document then removed from between the sensitized sheets, and the sensitized sheets run through a developer solution and pressed together to afford a photoexact copy of the original on the positive sheet. Wetting with developer occurs in a developer tray in which the developing solution in adequate quantity is contained. In this tray the chemicals in the solu-tion are subject to oxidation and deterioration if left standing for any length of time as is customary between service requirements of the machine in ordinary office use. It is not practical after each intermittent or sporadic use of the machine to remove the developing solution from the tray as by pouring it back into a bottle.

It is accordingly an important object of the present invention to provide novel means for making available in a photocopy machine an adequate supply of developing solution as required but to protect the developing solution against deterioration during substantial non-service or down time intervals of the machine.

Another object of the invention is -to provide novel solution storage and supply means for photocopy machines.

A further object of the invention is to provide novel manually operable means for quickly supplying developing solution into a photocopy machine developer tray and for automatically returning the solution to a protective storage container during non-use whereby to keep the chemicals of the solution fresh and clean and ready for recharging the developer tray on demand.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved photocopy machine developer solution storage and supply means which is so constructed that it can serve as optional or auxiliary equipment.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide developer storage and supply means of simple, rugged and inexpensive construction for photocopy machines of the transfer process type.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a photocopy machine embodying features of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional detail view taken substantially on the line II-Il of FIGURE l, with certain parts depicted schematically;

FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 2, with the photocopy machine base and the developer storage tray displaced as is done during assembly; and

FIGURE 4 is a sectional detail view longitudinally through the developer tray taken substantially on the line IV-IV of FIGURE 3.

A photocopy machine 5 (FIG. 1) generally in accordance with the disclosure in my aforesaid Patent 3,001,463

3,165,998 Patented eIan. 1li, 1965 Mice comprises a removable housing '7 enclosing the mechanism of the machine mounted on a base plate 8 (FIGS. 2 and 3). Since the mechanism as such is not part of the present invention reference may be made -to said patent for disclosure thereof, and for the present purposes it will suiiice to state that such mechanism at least in part is supported by bracket or supporting plate structure 9 shown in phantom outline in FIGURES 2 and 3.

Included in the mechanism of the photocopy machine 5 is means for exposing the photographically sensitive paper assembly and original to be copied, a transverse slot 10 in the upper rear portion of the housing 7 being provided for access to and return of the paper assembly with respect to the exposure means. After exposure and removal of the original from between the positive and negative papers, the positive and negative papers are inserted through slot 11 atl the front of the cover 7 into a developer tray 12 and after development are returned from the machine through a suitable slot 13 located between the slots 10 and 11.

As will be observed in FIGURES 2 and 3, the developer tray 12 comprises a body portion 14 which is of dished curved form in f-ront-to-rear direction with a plurality of raised shallow spacer ribs 15 extending from front-to-rear lsubstantially throughout the extent of the tray body. At its opposite ends, the cavity or sump provided by the tray is closed by respective end walls 1'7 and 18 having lower marginal support-ing means herein in the form of legs 19 for the tray (FIGS. 2 and 4). Within the tray adjacent to the front wall defined by the tray 4body 14 a pair of divider pla-tes 20 extend between the side walls 17 and 18 and are maintained in substantially parallel downwardly and inwardly sloping spaced relation by coaction of end portions on the spacer panels within respective inwardly opening grooves 21 provided in the inner faces of the end walls 17 and 13. Both the tray 12 and the divider plates 20 are adapted to be made from suitable rigid or semi-rigid plastic material.

In the machine 5, the tray 12 rests through the feet 19 upon the base plate 3 with the rear portion of the tray disposed between mechanism supporting frame plates or brackets 9 and properly oriented by engagement of respective endwise outwardly projecting stop lugs 22 on the end walls 17 and 18 against the forward edges of the members 9 in relation to a pair of squeeze rolls 23 supported by the members 9 at a suitable elevation 4above the rear portion of the tray body 1li. Thereby photo-y graphic papers inserted through the slot 11 in the housing and down through spaces between the separator plates 20 into developer solution in the tray are guided upwardly as `a lamination by the rear portions of the ribs 15 to enter between the squeeze rolls 23. A rearwardly extending and upwardly sloping drainback iiange 2d on the rear portion of the tray body 1d underlies the rearmost of the squeeze rollers 23. The squeezed together nega- -tive and positive papers emerge through the slot 13 in the housing.

If the developer solution is left in the tray 12 for an indenite length of time oxidation and deterioration weaken and eventually render the solution ineffective. It is therefore highly desirable to return the developer' solution to a closed container where the solution will be protected from the air between extended periods of nonuse of the machine, such as overnight, over holidays, or other lengthy intervals of non-use. In fact, life of the developer solution can be substantially extended by returning it to a closed container `after each period of use even during any working day when there may be substantial time intervals of idleness, that is, no need for solution in the developer tray. On the other hand, it is highly desinable to have the developer solution quickly available in operative quantity in the tray when needed.

v protrusions.

, To this end, there is provided by the present invention novel developer solution storage and supply means conveniently in the form of a unit 25 constructed and arranged to serve as optional or auxiliary equipment with the machineS but when (assembled with the machine to appear as and serve as a portion of the base structure of the machine.

In a desirable form, the developer solution storage and supply means 25 includes a tray-like base member 27 having a preferably hat bottom wall 28 and integral upstanding side Walls 29 dimensioned to lit reasonably close ly though freely within downwardly projecting marginal reinforcing and retaining flanges Sii about the perimeter of the base panel of the machine (FlGS. 2 and 3). In the preferred form, the tray member 27 is of generally rectangular outline corresponding to the outline of the base panel S of the machine, and depending adjacent to the four opposite corners of the base tray are respective supporting bosses or casters or legs 3l. Desirably the tray 27 is molded or pressed from plastic sheet of selfsustaining thickness but some resilient flexibility. Reinforcement for the upstanding continuous integral side wall 29 is, of course, afforded by the vertical corners. Additionally, vertical reinforcing ribs 32 may be provided adjacent to the corners. Further reinforcement is aiiorded for the bottom wall 23 adjacent to the corners by having the supporting legs 3l in the form of embossed Additionally, reinforcement for the bottom wall 28 is afforded by a pair of raised ribs 33 located adjacent to the front and rear margins of the bottom wall 2S and extending throughout a substantial portion of the side-toside dimension of the bottom wall as best visualized in FIGURE 3.

A suitable depth is provided within the base tray 27 to accommodate a Flexible storage container bag 34 for developer solution, a presser plate 35" and an actuating assembly 37 within the chamber ailorded within the base tray Z7 under the base plate il of the machine. In a desirable form, the storage container bag 34 comprises a tough, thin wall suitable synthetic plastic liexibie bladder of substantially rectangular outline when collapsed and of 'a c-apacity sulicient to contain without stretching or back pressure a suhicient volume of developer solution to alford a full supply within the developer tray ld when desired. For example, in a small, portable desk type machine as exemplified by the machine 5, about one and one-half pints of the developer solution comprise a full supply for the developer tnay ld having a sump or Well of about nine and one-half by four inches at the top and about two and one quarter inches maximum depth, with developing solution to a level of about one-half inch from the top in service. Communication between the otherwise completely sealed solution storage and supply cartridge container 3d and the developer tray ld is effected through a flexible tube 33 communicating at one end with the front portion of the container adjacent to one side, and preferably the left-hand side as shown in FI- URES 3 and 4, and serving as a fluid duct leading to a hollow tubular nipple boss 39 providing a connector for the opposite end of the tube with the bottom of the developer tray 12. ln a practical form, the solution conveying duct tube 38 is made from a suitable synthetic plastic material, with the walls of the tube heavy enough to resist collapsing or kinking, but suthciently flexible to` enable reasonable bending manipulation for the present purpose. Furthermore, the material from which the tube 38 is made is selected to have a substantial coefficient of skin friction because while the storage and supply container end of the tube 38 is permanently secured in communication with the container 3d, the opposite, developer tnay end portion of the tube is preferably attached in a frictional, press fit retained engagement within a bore di) through the nipple 39. To afford a firm frictional seltsealing retained interengagement of the end portion of the tube 3S in the bore lill, the bore is tapered from a diameter at its outer end which is slightly oversize with respect to the outside diameter of the tube to a diameter at its inner end which is sutliciently undersize or smaller than the outside diameter of theytube to prevent pushing the tube end entirely through the bore. As a result, thrusting of the end portion of the tube iirmly into the bore 4t) which is symmetrically truste-conical causes the terminal portion of the tube to jam in uniform frictionally retained liquid sealing relation in the nipple 39 but because of the form retaining character of the tube avoids any signicant reduction in size of the tip opening from the tube bore passage.

Since the storage and supply container 3d is located below fthe developer tray M, the developing solution must be forcibly propelled or pumped from the container, against the force of gravity into the well of the developer tray l2. This is accomplished by means of the pressure plate 35 overlying the flexible container 34. ln a practical form, the plate 35 is made from `a lightweight hard metal such as hard aluminum alloy, since the plate must be light enough to avoid a dead weight which would tend of its own accord to apply any pumping pressure to the container 3d but which nevertheless in a dimension which will adequately overlie the container 3d for pumping pressure thereagainst will not bend or dent when localized force is applied to the plate for applying the pumping pressure. At its corner nearest the connection of the tube 38, the pressure plate 35 is preferably cut black as at 41 to avoid any interference with the tube connection.

Operation of the pumping pressure plate 35 is conveniently effected like a treadle by having it pivotally, swingably movable up and down about its rear margin. For this purpose, the rear margin of the plate 35 has a central rearwardly opening notch i2 slotted therein. Within the notch d2 is received a reduced diameter vertical shank 43 of a iixed pivot stud dd mounted at the proper location on the base wall 23 of the base tray member. As will be observed in FIGURES 2 and 3, the pivot stud receiving notch l2 is of ample Width to receive 4the shank d3 freely, but is narrower than the width of the overhanging head of the stud 44 and the depth of the notch is such that the rear margin of the plate 35 is retained adjacent to the bottom wall 28 but is free to enable swinging of the plate 35 treadle fashion with movement of the forward margin of the plate throughout the available vertical space between the base plate 8 of the machine and the bottom wall 23, without any binding at fthe pivot stud. A single central pivot stud is practical because the rear edge of the plate 35 closely approaches, without necessarily engaging, the rear upraised reinforcing rib 33 which thus serves as a shoulder freely opposing the edge of the plate to avoid swivelling displacement of the plate about the vertical -axis of the stud lid with nevertheless freedom of the plate for minor adjustments and operating tolerances. As a result or this arrangement, the rear portion of the plate 35 by its retention through the stud i4 normally presses against the rear portion of the flexible container 34 and thus displaces the bulk of the container contents toward the front portion of 'the container in a generally wedge-shaped relation as shown in FIG. 2, with the plate 35 thus normally supported on the upper wall of the container 34 in a downwardly :and rearwardly sloping relationship.

In I-a simple and effective construction, the pumping pressure applying mechanism 37 comprises a cylindrically cross-sectioned rod 45 rotatably mounted in L-shaped bearing brackets 47 secured as by means of screws dilV Location of the rod 45 is preferably over the central portion of the plate 35 between the front and rear edges of the plate. At one end, herein the left end, the rod 45 projects into a limited space between the bracket 47 and the wall 29 of the base tray member and is thus retained against displacement toward the left by engagement of the tip of the rod with the Wall, while displacement toward the right is prevented by means such as a Cotter pin 49. At its opposite end portion, the rod 45 projects through -a vertical clearance slot 5i) in the right-hand portion of the wall 2@ and has outwardly of the wall a manually operable crank handle 5l of suitable length. By means of the handle 5l, the operating rod 45 is adapted to be pivotally moved to drive an offset, eccentric pressure applying portion 52 against the upper face of the pressure plate 35 to drive it pumpingly against the flexible lstorage and supply container 34 whereby to pump the developer solution therefrom through the tube 38 and into the developer tray 12. After the crank arm 51 has been swung from the full line position to the dash line position shown in FlG. '2, with corresponding movement of the pressure eccentric 52 from the non-operating full line position to the dash line position substantially complete evacuation of the flexible container 34 is effected wherein the container is fiattened out between the pressure pumping plate 35 and the base wall 28, substantially as shown in dash outline.

A locked contracted condition of the container 34 against unintentional return of developing solution from the developer tray 12 to the storage container 34 is attained simply and effectively by releasable retaining means, comprising having the offset distance of the eccentric 52 from the axis of the rod 45 slightly greater than the distance from the axis of the rod to the tray bottom 28 and by having the length of the crank rod 5l such that after it has forced turning of the rod to swing the eccentric rearwardly beyond dead center as shown in dot dash outline in FIG. 2 the free end of the rod by coming to rest against the support on which the machine rests maintains the pressure plate 35 and thereby the container 34 locked against expansion of the container from its fully collapsed condition. By virtue of resilience of the base tray bottom wall 28 it will yield sufiiciently to accommodate the eccentric 4locking action. A protective rubber cap knob 53 is preferably mounted on the free end of the crank handle 51 to cushion engagement with the supporting base against which the free end of the arm thrusts in the eccentric lock position.

While the storage and supply container 34 is locked in its compressed evacuated condition, the supply of developing solution remains in the developer tray l2. When it is desired to return the developing solution from the developer tray 12 to the container 34, all that need be done is to shift the crank arm lever 51 from its locked positioned to its upright position and the solution flows by gravity from the developer tray 12 through the tube 38 and returns into the container 34 which automatically expands as it fills and swingably raises the lightweight pressure plate 35. Return fiow of the developing solution is facilitated by the provision in the bottom of the developer tray body 14 of a trough groove 54 which gradually deepens and slopes toward and merges with the inner end of the nipple bore 4t) (FIG. 4).

In order to enable ready access into the base tray 27 for loading the developing solution container 34 thereinto or for replacing the container after the solution therein has lost its effectiveness after a long period of use, the base plate 8 of the machine is adapted to be slid rearwardly from the fully assembled relation to the base tray 27 as shown in FIGURE 2 to a relative clearance position as shown in FIGURE 3. This is enabled by having lat least the front corners of the depending fiange 30 trimmed away or separated, as for example by a beveled cutting away of the corners of the base plate as shown at 55. Thereby by lifting the front of the base t3 plate 3 to clear the front portion of the ange 30 over the front portion of the base tray wall 29 it can be cleared from the lapping interlocking relation of FGURE 2 and the base plate then slid rearwardly on the upper edges of the side portions of the upstanding wall 2.9.

Downward tipping of the rear portion of the base plate S to an undesirable extent as it is slid rearwardly is avoided by a downwardly projecting central rear leg 57 secured as by means of a screw 58 to the underside of the base plate 8 contiguous the rear portion of the depending ange 3u. At its lower end the leg 57 is preferably provided with a cushioning rubber foot knob 59 to engage a supporting surface without damage.

In order to maintain the flexible communication tube 38 in proper orientation to the adjacent cut back corner which alfords a clearance passage for the tube from within the base tray chamber, a suitable retaining clip et) is mounted on the base plate 8 and releasably held in position as by means of a screw el. The screw is adapted to be received through one of a set of similar holes 62 provided adjacent to the corners of the base panel 8 and adapted to receive retaining screws of foot members that may be attached to the underside of the base plate when the machine is to be used without the assembly 25.

In preparing the machine for use, the machine is shifted rearwardly relative to the base tray 27 into substantially the position shown in FIG. 3. If for any reason any difficulty is experienced due to sticking or the like in effecting separation 0f the front part of the base plate 8 from the base tray 27, the rock lever handle 5l can be moved rearwardly until the eccentric 52 engages the underside of the base plate 3 and forces the base plate and base tray apart. After separation has been effected to expose the front portion of the base tray chamber, if the pressure plate 35 is in the chamber, the pressure plate is easily removed by sliding it forwardly from under the eccentric rod. Then the filled cartridge container 34 is placed into position by sliding it on the base wall 23 toward the rear rib 33 and the stud member 44 which serve as stops. Next, the pressure plate 35 is placed in position on the container 34 and the stud shank 43 engaged in the notch 42 in the back margin of the pressure plate. This serves to orient the Vpressure plate properly and the container 34 can then be properly aligned with the pressure plate. As the next step in assembly, the communication tube 38 is threaded through the retaining clip or bracket 60 and a plug or cap (not shown) closing the free end of the tube is removed and such free end is forced into the nipple 39 of the developer tray. Finally, the machine is shifted forwardly and the base plate S placed in closing relation to the top of the base tray 27 whereupon the machine is ready for service. Rapid charging of the developer tray 12. with developing solution is effected by manipulating the crank handle 51 as previously described. When the machine is shut down, the handle v51 is returned to its upright position and the container 34 released for automatic gravity return of the developing solution from the developer tray 12 into the container 34 wherein the solution is stored substantially free from exposure to the air until it is again desired to use the machine whereupon the solution can again be quickly pumped into the developer tray.

Although the storage and supply container 34 and the pressure plate 35 are relatively loosely mounted within the base tray 27, the transverse spaced opstanding ribs 33 and the stud 44 maintain the container and pressure plate substantially centered within the base tray. In addition, of course, the ribs 33 afford reinforcement for the base wall 28 which is desirable to enhance the resilience of such base wall, especially for the resilient deflection to which it is subjected during locking of the container 34 in its collapsed condition by the eccentric 52.

In addition to providing a chamber and housing for the solution container 34 and the coactive operating mechanism, the base tray 27 provides an ample container sump within which the developing solution will be retained arenoso should for any reason the iiexible Wall ot the container 34 develop a leak, or the tube 38 Work loose from the nipple 39.

It will be understood that modications and variations may be effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the present invention.

I claim as my invention: 1. In a photocopy machine including a developer solution tray mounted at a substantial elevation,

an expansible and contractable solution container mounted at a lower elevation than said tray,

a pivotally mounted pressure plate on said container,

means for actuating said pressure plate including a crank arm manually operable to iactuate said pressure plate to contract said container for supplying solution to said tray and for releasing said pressure plate for expansion of said container for return ofthe solution from the tnay to the container for storage and means for releasably retaining the crank arm in position to maintain pressure on said plate to maintain the container contracted.

2,. In a photocopy machine assembly including a base structure supporting a developer solution tray,

a base tray having a bottom wall and surrounding upstanding walls defining an upwardly opening chamber under said base structure and normally closed by said base structure,

a flexible developer solution storage and supply bag container on said bottom wall of said base tray,

a pressure plate resting on said container and diverging upwardly relative to said bottom wall under said base structure,

means on the base tray engaging a margin of said pressure plate to hinge the pressure plate for treadlelike action,

a conduit connecting said container with said solution tray,

means mounted on said tray over said pressure plate having an operating arm externally of said base tray for operation of said means to actuate said pressure plate to compress said container to pump the solution therefrom through said conduit into said solution tray and for releasing said means from said pressure plate to enable gravity return of solution from the solution tray through said conduit into said container,

said means including a rotatable rod to which said arm is attached and which rod has an eccentric portion which engages and actuates said pressure plate to compress the container, and means for releasably retaining the rod and eccentric portion in position to maintain pressure on said plate to maintain the container compressed.

3. In a photocopy machine construction,

a tray member having upstanding side walls and a base wall,

a ilexible bag solution storage and supply container on said base wall and having a conduit extending therefrom for attachment to a solution tray to be supplied with solution,

a swingably mounted pressure plate in said tray having a margin pivotally retained in relation to said base wall,

a rotary rod mounted on said tray across said plate and having an eccentric portion engageable with said plate,

an operating lever crank arm on said rod for rotating the rod to drive said eccentric portion against said plate to compress said container to drive solution therefrom through said conduit, and means for releasably retaining the rod and eccentric portion in position to maintain compressive pressure on said plate to maintain the container compressed.

4. In a photocopy machine construction,

a tray member having upstanding side walls and a base wall,

a iiexible bag solution storage and supply container on said base wall and having a conduit extending therefrom for attachment toa solution tray to be supplied with solution,

a swingably mounted pressure plate in said tray having a margin pivotally retained in relation to said base wall,

a rotary rod mounted on said tray across said plate and having an eccentric portion engageable with said plate, and an operating lever crank arm on said rod for rotating the rod to drive said eccentric portion against said plate to compress said container to drive solution therefrom through said conduit,

said base wall being resiliently flexible and having means supporting it above a supporting surface and said eccentric after collapsing said container through said pressure plate being movable beyond dead center as permitted by resiilent flexing of said base wall to lock the container against expansion and return of solution thereto.

5. In a photocopy machine construction,

a tray member having upstanding side walls and a base wall,

a flexible bag solution storage and supply container on said base wall and having a conduit extending therefrom for attachment to a solution tray to be supplied with solution,

a swingably mounted pressure plate in said tray having a margin pivotally retained in relation to said base wall,

a rotary rod mounted on said tray across said plate and having an eccentric portion engageable with said plate, and an operating lever crank arm on said rod for rotating the rod to drive said eccentric portion against said plate to compress said container to drive solution therefrom through said conduit,

said base wall being resiliently iiexible and having means supporting it above a supporting surface and said eccentric after collapsing said container through said pressure plate being movable beyond dead center as permitted hy resilient flexing of said base wall to lock the container against expansion and return of solution thereto,

said base wall having a spaced pair of upstanding reinforcing ribs thereon which function also to maintain said container and pressure plate generally in position on said oase wall.

6. In a photocopy machine including a base plate having downwardly projecting marginaly reinforcing flanges,

a solution tray supported on said base plate,

a base tray having upstanding walls supporting said base plate and dimensioned to engage inside said depending flanges,

an expansible and contractable solution container in said base tray under said base plate, a tube connecting said container and said solution tray,

I. means carried by said base tray under said base plate and including an eccentric operable for contracting said container to drive solution therefrom through said tube into said solution tray and also being operable when moved away from said container to engage the underside of said base plate to litt said base plate to clear a portion of said depending flange to enable sliding of the base plate along said upstanding wall of the base tray for shifting the base plate relative to the base tray for access to said container, and means for releasably retaining said eccentric in position to maintain the container contracted.

7. A photocopy machine construction comprising,

a base, A Y

a iiexible developer solution-containing bag mounted 9 on said base and adapted to be compressed for ejecting solution therefrom,

means for compressing the bag including a pressure plate, n

and means for retaining the pressure plate in treadle- `like relation on the bag comprising a stud mounted on said base and slot means on a margin of the plate engaging the stud and enabling pumping swinging of the pressure plate treadle fashion. Y

8; A photocopy machine construction comprising,

a base,

a flexible developer solution-containing bag mounted on said base and adapted to be compressed for ejecting solution therefrom,

means for compressing the bag including a pressure plate,

and means for retaining a margin of the plate adjacent to said ybase so that the plate can function treadle fashion to swing toward the base in pumping relation to the bag and comprising stud means retaining a margin of the plate adjacent to the base for pumping swinging of the plate treadle fashion and shoulder means on the base freely opposing the edge Yof said margin of the plate to retain the plate against any substantial pivotal misalignment about the stud means. 9. AV photocopy machine construction including: an upwardly opening base tray defining a chamber,

an expansible and contractante developer solution container in said chamber,

a horizontally movable base plate structure supported on said base tray and adapted to support a solution tray thereabove, said plate structure having an opening therethrough for passage of a llexible conduit from the solution container to communicate with the solution tray support-` ed by the base plate,

and means on the base plate releasably engageable with the iexible conduit to retain it in position relative to the solution tray.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS 1,176,076 11/58 France.

NORTON ANSI-1ER, Primary Examiner.

D. B. LOWE, EVON C. BLUNK, Examiners.

Claims (1)

1. IN A PHOTOCOPY MACHINE INCLUDING A DEVELOPER SOLUTION TRAY MOUNTED AT A SUBSTANTIAL ELEVATION, AN EXPANSIBLE AND CONTRACTABLE SOLUTION CONTAINER MOUNTED AT A LOWER ELEVATION THAN SAID TRAY, A PIVOTALLY MOUNTED PRESSURE PLATE ON SAID CONTAINER, MEANS FOR ACTUATING SAID PRESSURE PLATE INCLUDING A CRANK ARM MANUALLY OPERABLE TO ACTUATE SAID PRESSURE PLATE TO CONTRACT SAID CONTAINER FOR SUPPLYING SOLUTON TO SAID TRAY AND FOR RELEASING SAID PRESSURE PLATE FOR EXPANSION OF SAID CONTAINER FOR RETURN OF THE SOLUTION FROM THE TRAY TO THE CONTAINER FOR STORAGE AND MEANS FOR RELEASABLY RETAINING THE CRANK ARM TO POSITION TO MAINTAIN PRESSURE ON SAID PLATE TO MAINTAIN THE CONTAINER CONTRACTED.

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