US3264970A

US3264970A - Photographic processing apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3264970A
Application number: US365217A
Authority: US
Inventors: Seymour L Hersh; Levy Marilyn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1964-05-05
Filing date: 1964-05-05
Publication date: 1966-08-09
Anticipated expiration: 1983-08-09

Description

g- 9, 1966 s. HERSH ETAL PHOTQGRAPHIC PROCESSING APPARATUS Filed May 5, 1964 FIG! ADJUSTABLE CONSTANT 3 SLIPPING OVERDRIVE FOR TAKE UP SPOOL FIG. 4

SPEED DRIVE //v VEN TORS,

SEYMOUR L HERSH 8 MAR/LYN ZEZMF C n r, v

A T TURNER United States Patent 3,264,971 PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSING APPARATUS Seymour L. Hersh, Freehold, and Marilyn Levy, Red Bank, N.J., assignors to the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army Filed May 5, 1964, Ser. No. 365,217 12 Claims. (Cl. 95-94) processing cycle.

To provide flexibility in timing the processing cycle in such systems the length of film strip immersed in each tank is made adjustable. This adjustment together with a feed thru driving means whose speed is adjustable provides the required range of processing times to insure high quality in the finished product.

In equipments of the above nature a dip roll is used to maintain the film loop extending into the processing solutions. The dip roll is arranged to be raised and lowered in the tank and thus to change the length of film dipping into solution. To accomplish this the prior practice has been to provide one or more vertical adjusting rods secured to the roll and extending upward thru a support member at the top of the tank having locking means to secure the roll in its adjusted position.

This structure or other similar structures are unsatisfactory because they impose mechanical and chemical difficulties and also interfere with maintaining light tight protection for the sensitive material. In prior structures the manipulating rod or other elevating means must have close sliding engagement at the point where it passes thru the tank covering means to prevent light entering the tank. The unavoidable corrosive action of the chemicals upon even the most resistant materials act in time to interfere with adjustment of the dip rolls particularly at the point of sliding friction. In this construction there is always the possibility of light leaks where the operation is carried on in actinic room lighting.

The structure of the present invention overcomes the above adverse features. In the invention the suspension and adjustment of the dip rolls is accomplished from outside the tank walls with no openings or slots in the tank. This is made possible by the transmission of mag netic flux from outside the tank to freely movable dip roll bearing blocks of magnetic material inside the tank and contacting the tank wall. Trunnion shafts at the ends of the dip roll are received in bearing apertures in the bearing blocks. External magnets disposed opposite the bearing blocks act to secure the roll in a fixed position and when moved up or down cause the roll to follow such movement thereby providing external manipulation of the roll to position it at any height within the tank. Desirably the external magnets are provided with means for locking them in adjusted position.

It is a primary object of the invention to provide a processing apparatus wherein the adjustment of dip rolls for controlling the length of the immersed film loops is controlled by completely light tight means necessitating no wall or cover apertures.

A further object of the invention is to provide strip film processing apparatus wherein the dip rolls for adjusting Patented August 9, 1966 ing system wherein most of the dip roller manipulator parts are not contacted by the corrosive processing solutions.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a processing system wherein the location and use of mixers and heaters in the tanks is not restricted by dip roll elevator mechanisms.

A further object of the invention is to provide a processing system wherein the inside surfaces of the tanks are smooth and without obstruction thereby permitting easy and thorough cleaning. 7

Other objects and features of the invention will more fully appear from the following detailed description and will be particularly pointed out in the claims.

To provide a better understanding of the invention a suitable embodiment thereof will be described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a general view of the apparatus partly in section.

FIG. 2 is a cross section on line 2-2 FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view on line 33 FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail cross section on line 44 FIG. 1.

The invention will be described in connection with a container having a plurality of tank sections for containing different processing solutions. However the invention may be applied to one or more such tank sections. A suitable arrangement is shown in the drawings wherein the apparatus consists of a unitary tank structure 10 provided with four tank sections each of which contain different chemicals. For example the tank 11 may contain developer, the tank 12 acid rinse, the tank 13 fixer and the tank 14 wash water.

The apparatus shown may be used in connection with a complete photographic system for exposing the sensitive strip and including different types of treatment after chemical processing. In the latter case a dark room with nonactinic lighting would be required. In this type of system the film strip would pass from an exposing device directly into the developing tank and then thru the remaining chemical processing steps after which the strip would be dried and given any other final treatment. Other suitable arrangements may be made to make use of the advantages of the invention.

The apparatus shown in the drawings is a self contained system wherein a strip of exposed film 15 may be processed while being protected from actinic light by the processing vessel itself. In this structure the exposed film 15 is placed in a light tight compartment 16 secured to the unit 10. Desirably the film strip or other sensitive material is wound upon a spool such as that which is used to receive the exposed film in a camera and the spool is rotatively supported in the compartment. In addition a conventional friction left-oif device should be coupled to the spool to control the film as it is unwound from the spool. The strip after processing is wound upon a spool 17 at the opposite end of the unit 10 in a compartment 18 integral with the unit.

The tank unit is provided with rolls for guiding the film into successive processing tank sections. The path of the exposed strip during processing is first over the roll 19 into the solution in tank 11 around the dip roll 20 up and 3 over guide roll 21 into tank section 12 around dip roll 22 from Where it passes up and over guide roll 23. The strip continues in the same manner engaging successively dip roll 24, guide roll 25, dip roll 26 and finally the processed strip passes over roll 27 and enters compartment 18.

To facilitate threading the dry strip thru the system the dip rolls desirably are moved into a position above the level of the solutions in the tanks in a manner to be described which permits a substantially straight feed thru movement of the strip and avoids undesirable contact with solutions while performing the threading operation. The dip rolls are then moved down into their processing positions which are individually predetermined to provide their necessary processing time period.

After the lead portion of the strip 15 has been threaded thru the apparatus it is connected to suitable driving means to transport the strip during the processing cycle. Such means may he manual but preferably should be power means designed to feed the strip at a predetermined uniform rate based upon the type of emulsion, the characteristics of the solutions and their temperature. Such means may consist of a take up spool and a constant speed film feeding means. Any suitable arrangement may be provided for driving these elements. As shown the roll 27 over which the finished film travels has its shaft 28 extended outside the tank unit and coupled to an adjustable constant speed drive unit 29. If desired the bearing for the extended shaft may be light trapped as shown at 30.

To provide positive traction between roll 27 and the film strip 15 a pinch roll 31 is journaled in the sides of the tank in position to engage the film and press it against the drive roll 27. If desired the roll 31 may engage only the marginal edges of the strip to thus protect the emulsion containing the image.

The take up spool 17 is rotatably supported at one end in the compartmentlS by a short stud not shown fixed to the compartment wall and extending into an axial aperture in the spool. The other end of the spool is supported by a short shaft 32 projecting a short distance into the spool aperture and provided with a disengageable clutch device 33 which couples the shaft to the spool 17. The shaft 32 extends thru a bearing in the compartment wall and is coupled at its outer end to a slipping overdrive unit 34 which loosely winds the film fed to it by the roll 27 upon the spool 17.

To remove the spool containing the processed film strip the shaft 32 and its drive unit are pulled axially outward which acts to disengage the coupling clutch 33 and remove the shaft 32 from the spool thus permitting removal of the spool from the apparatus. To prepare for processing another film an empty spool is placed on the fixed pivot in compartment 18 and the shaft 32 reinserted in driving position in the spool which act reengages the coupling clutch. The apparatus is then ready for threading another film along the same path as described above. With the solutions at predetermined temperature and the timing of the drive unit 27 adjusted the

units

29 and 33 are started to process the film. It should be noted that the apparatus described is provided with a light tight removable cover 35 which when removed provides complete access for threading the film and changing film strips.

An important feature of the invention resides in its capability for readily adjusting the length of film strip immersed in the various solutions with optimum facility, complete protection from light leaks, and avoidance of the disadvantages of prior devices. Each of the guide rolls are made of non-corrosive material such as plastic or non-magnetic stainless steel and are provided with trunnion shafts at their ends. Each of the dip rolls are rotatably received in apertures 36 formed in bearing blocks 37 made of magnetic material positioned against the inner surface of the tank. The blocks 37 have a coating 38 of non-corrosive material such as polytetrafluoroethylene completely covering the metal and lining the apertures 36. The walls of the tank unit are made of nonmagnetic stainless steel or a suitable plastic material.

The blocks 37 are held in position by strong magnets 39 situated outside the tank walls opposite the blocks 37. In this manner the dip rolls are held at the desired elevation in the respective tank sections. The magnets shown are of the permanent type. However electromagnets may also be used in which case a degree of control over the flux intensity of the magnets is available and also the magnets may be switched off to permit ready removal of the dip rolls.

Each magnet has an aperture therein thru which an external vertical guide rod 40 extends. The rods 40 are of non-magnetic metal and are secured at top and bottom to the tank walls. Each magnet may be supplied with a locking thumb screw acting to secure the magnets in adjusted position on the rods. To adjust the length of the immersed loop of film in the individual tank sections the magnets are raised or lowered to the desired degree and locked in position. The magnetic coupling between the magnets and the blocks move the blocks and dip rolls a corresponding amount and thereby provide for their adjustment from outside the tank unit 10. Such adjustments may be made with the tank cover in position and during the processing cycle.

When making these adjustments the magnetic coupling between the magnets and the blocks 37 is suflicient to cause the blocks to be carried along the inner face of the tank walls when the magnets are moved. The coating 38 assists in reducing the sliding friction between the tank walls and the blocks 37.

Reference scales 41 may be inscribed upon the outer face of the tank sections to serve as a guide in setting the dip rolls to their proper height.

Rolls

19, 21, 23 and 25 are rotatably supported in bearings 42 fixed upon the inner face of the tank walls.

What is claimed is:

1. Photographic processing apparatus comprising at least one solution containing tank, means for feeding an exposed photosensitive strip into and out of said solution, a dip roll submerged in said solution around which the sensitive strip is passed to thus establish the length of the submerged loop of sensitive material, a bearing block of magnetic material at each end of said dip roll, each block having a journal within which the roll is rotatively received, vertically adjustable magnets situated outside of the tank wall opposite said bearing blocks and magnetically coupled thereto.

2. Photographic processing apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein said bearing blocks are completely coated with non-corrodible material.

3. Photographic processing apparatus according to claim 1 and means to lock said magnets in adjusted position.

4. Photographic processing apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein the said tank is made of nonmagnetic material.

5. Photographic processing apparatus comprising a plurality of solution containing tanks arranged in linear sequence, each tank containing a processing solution, a strip of exposed photosensitive material, a plurality of guide rolls for conveying said sensitive material from tank to tank, a dip roll for each tank submerged in solution and around which the strip is passed to determine the length of the submerged loop of sensitive material, a freely movable magnetic bearing block at each end of said dip rolls bearing against the tank wall and having a journal in which the dip rolls rotate, magnets outside of the tanks opposite the bearing blocks whereby the hearing blocks become armatures movable with the magnets and constitute the sole support for the rolls, and means to guide the magnets vertically along the tank walls.

6. Photographic processing apparatus according to claim 5 and means to lock said adjustable magnets in adjusted position.

7. Photographic processing apparatus according to claim 5 and wherein said bearing blocks are completely coated with non-corrodible material.

8. Photographic processing apparatus according to claim 5 and wherein the tank walls are made of nonmagnetic material.

9. Photographic processing apparatus according to claim 5 and a removable light tight cover for the Whole tank group.

10. Photographic processing apparatus for sensitive strip material comprising a plurality of processing solution tanks arranged closely adjacent each other, a removable light tight cover means providing access to all tanks and protecting the sensitive strip from actinic light during processing, roller means for guiding the strip from tank to tank, a dip roll for each tank submerged in solution and around which the strip passes to determine the length of the submerged loop of sensitive material in each tank, freelymovable bearing blocks at each end of said dip rolls having journals thereon for rotatably sup porting said rolls, said blocks constituting the sole support for said rolls and being positioned close to the inner face of the tank walls, magnets outside the tanks opposite said bearing blocks and magnetically coupled thereto, means to guide the magnets vertically along the tank Walls 6 whereby the height of the dip rolls in the tank may be adjusted, a dry light tight compartment to receive an unprocessed film strip and adjustable constant speed power means to feed the strip thru the apparatus during processing thereof.

11. Photographic processing apparatus according to claim 10 and a power driven take up spool to receive the processed film.

12. Photographic processing apparatus according to claim 10 and wherein the tank walls are made of nonmagnetic material.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,967,889 7/1934 Kitroser 95-94 2,781,192 2/ 1957 Gilfillon. 3,023,686 3/1962 Meyer 95-94 3,092,763 6/1963 Cherel 317-159 XR 3,156,173 11/1964 Meyer 9594 FOREIGN PATENTS 863,254 3/1961 Great Britain.

NORTON ANSHER, Primary Examiner.

Claims

1. PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSING APPARATUS COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE SOLUTION CONTAINING TANK, MEANS FOR FEEDING AN EXPOSED PHOTOSENSITIVE STRIP INTO AND OUT OF SAID SOLUTION, A DIP ROLL SUBMERGED IN SAID SOLUTION AROUND WHICH THE SENSITIVE STRIP IS PASSED TO THUS ESTABLISHED THE LENGTH OF THE SUBMERGED LOOP OF SENSITIVE MATERIAL, A BEARING BLOCK OF MAGNETIC MATERIAL AT EACH END OF SAID DIP ROLL, EACH BLOCK HAVING A JOURNAL WITHIN WHICH THE ROLL IS ROTATATIVELY RECEIVED, VERTICALLY ADJUSTABLE MAGNETS SITUATED OUTSIDE OF THE TANK WALL OPPOSITE SAID BEARING BLOCKS AND MAGNETICALLY COUPLED THERETO.