US3283684A

US3283684A - Photographic apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3283684A
Application number: US494118A
Authority: US
Inventors: Edwin H Land
Original assignee: Polaroid Corp
Current assignee: Polaroid Corp
Priority date: 1965-10-08
Filing date: 1965-10-08
Publication date: 1966-11-08
Anticipated expiration: 1983-11-08

Description

2 69 R. 4 4 mv BG m S 8 mnh o FIM d nw l 5 F V Nn 26 2 Jlwazm 2, M 3

a ,M 4 wv.. 5 n 5' N N I 'l 6 8 Mv. G B 4 l u OI M rr Sl O U I T 4 /j 8 Mw 6 5 u DM. 4 l NP w O w l MAN 6 m 1 .ww ma m HMH l 4 TMF w Om SMI I mm o 4&5.. n PND nl.. nm mm MI l r l l 0 f i United States Patent O 3,283,684 PHOTGGRAPHIC APPARATUS Edwin H. Land, Cambridge, Mass., assignor to Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, Mass., a corporation of Delaware Continuation of application Ser. No. 322,485, Nov. 8, 1963, which is a division of application Ser. No. 116,641, May 19, 1961, which is in turn a division of application Ser. No. 624,787, Nov. 28, 1956. This application Oct. 8, 1965, Ser. No. 494,118 13 Claims. (Cl. 95-13) This application is a continuation of application Serial No. 322,485 filed November4 8, 1963, in turn, a division of application Serial No. 116,641 filed May 19, 1961, and now Patent No. 3,115,024 dated November 3, 1964, which application was, in turn, a division of application Serial No. 624,787 filed November 28, 1956 (now abandoned and replaced by application Serial No. 111,268 filed May 19, 1961). A number of forms of apparatus, usually cameras, of the .general type with which the present invention is concerned have been proposed and these usually include means for storing a photosensitive sheet and a second sheet, exposing the photosensitive sheet, superposing the exposed photosensitive sheet with the second sheet and distributing a fluid processing composition between the superposed sheets. It is the usual practice to provide the fluid composition in a rupturable container associated with one of the sheets and to move the container and superposed sheets between a pair of pressure-applying members for causing the fluid contents of the container to be discharged therefrom and spread in a layer between the sheets. In my copending United States application Serial No. 522,605, led July 18, 1955, (now abandoned and replaced by application Serial No. 820,266, filed June 15, 1959), there is disclosed a method of photography, together with photographic products useful therein, wherein a container carrying a fluid composition is withdrawn from association with the sheets, and its fluid contents are discharged in a mass on one of the sheets as the container is withdrawn, prior to movement of the sheets between a pair of pressure-applying members for spreading the fluid in a layer between the superposed sheets. Containers of this type are generally elongated and each is positioned transversely of the sheets so that its fluid contents are discharged in an elongated mass transversely of the sheets as the container is withdrawn in the direction of its elongation. As a rule, the container is associated with the sheets or, in any event, is loaded into the camera and located in position for withdrawal therefrom at the same time the sheets are loaded into the camera.

An object of the invention is to provide novel and improved photographic apparat-us in the form of a camera for exposing and treating with a liquid a succession of unconnected photosensitive image-recording sheets.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the type described designed to utilize individual unconnected photosensitive and second sheets and includes means for moving an exposed photosensitive sheet and a second sheet into superposition, applying a processing liquid to at least one of the sheets and advancing the sheets in superposition from the apparatus.

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

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

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

FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic elevational View, partially in section, of one form of camera embodying the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. l.

The apparatus of the invention is adapted to produce photographic prints by exposing a photosensitive sheet and thereafter treating the exposed photosensitive sheet with a fluid processing reagent in conjunction with a second sheet. The expression second sheet as used herein is intended to mean a second sheet which may merely cooperate with the photosensitive sheet to aid in the spreading of the processing fluid on the photosensitive sheet or, in a preferred form, provides a support for a positive print formed by diffusion transfer reversal. The photosensitive sheet may comprise a support and a layer of any of the light-sensitive materials known to the art and, in a preferred form, comprises a silver halide emulsion. The fluid processing composition is selected in accordance with the particular light-sensitive material which is employed and the type of processing intended and, in a preferred form wherein the photosensitive material is a silver halide emulsion and it is intended that a print be produced by silver halide diffusion transfer reversal on the second sheet, includes a silver halide developer and a silver halide solvent. The developer reduces exposed silver halide t0 silver and the solvent reacts with -unreduced silver halide to form a soluble silver complex which is reduced in the presence of a silver precipitating environment to form a positive print, preferably on the second sheet. Further examples of processes of this type, together with materials useful therein, are described in detail in Patent No. 2,- 543,181, issued February 27, 1951 in the name of Edwin H. Land.

The apparatus of the invention is shown, for purposes of illustration in the form of a camera, a construction for which it is particularly suited, arranged for exposing a frame of a photosensitive sheet and processing the exposed frame by superposing it with a second sheet and spreading a fluid composition in a layer between the sheets. The apparatus includes a housing providing a first chamber wherein a frame of the photosensitive sheet is positioned for exposure, a second chamber wherein the second sheet is positioned during exposure of the photosensitive sheet, and at least a third chamber which is isolated in a lighttight fashion from at least the first chamber. Means, in the form of a pair of pressure-applying members, are provided at one side of this third chamber for superposing the sheets and spreading a fluid composition therebetween as the sheets are withdrawn from the third chamber between the pressure-applying members.

The third chamber is so constructed and arranged that portions of the photosensitive and second sheets rnay be located therein with a fluid-receiving space between the sheets. Also associated with the third Chamb r are means whereby an elongated container, filled 'th a fluid processing composition, may be introduced into the camera into the fluid-receiving space between the sheets and then withdrawn in the direction of its elongation transversely of the sheets While the container is progressively compressed to effect the discharge of its fluid contents into the fluid-receiving space. The third chamber, being isolated from the first chamber, permits the introduction of a container into a fluid-receiving space between the sheets without exposing the exposure frame of the photosensitive sheet located in the first chamber. The construction of the third chamber is such that it may be sealed against the admission of light following withdrawal of the container, permitting the photosensitive and second sheets to be moved through 4the container between the pressure-applying-members in a. ilighttight environment.

' Only a portionv of the photosensitive sheet located adjacent the exposure frame4 is positioned within the third chamber during introduction and wit'hdrawal of a container and is subjected to exposure to light which may enter the chamber. The third chamber may also be isolated 'from rthe second chamber as well, although, in a preferredvform, this in unnecessary since the second sheet is not sensitive to light and the second chamber for storing the second sheet is light-sealed from the first chamber. Also, it is possible to eliminate t-he second chamber entirely and store the second sheet in what is defined as the third chamber.

The camera embodying the present invention is designed for use with photosensitive and second sheets in cut form, that is, as individual sheets with each photosensitive sheet including a single exposure frame and with the sheets separatev from one another. The camera is of the so-called box type and is intended for use with photographic sheet materials having light-transmitting supports or backings or opaque backings. The present invention-is also adapted to incorporation into the structure of film magazines or yholders of the cut film type adapted to be associated with another means for making an exposure or may tbe incorporated into apparatus such as an X-ray cassette wherein the photosensitive material is exposed to penetrative radiation.

Reference is now made to FIGS. l and 2 of the drawings wherein there is shown apparatus embodying lthe invention in the form of a camera of the type wherein an exposed photosensitive sheet is superposed with a second sheet and a fluid processing composition is spread-between the sheets as they are withdrawn from the camera between a pair of pressure-applying members. The camera generally includes means for storing a plurality of photosensitive sheets and second sheets and means for advancing a photosensitive and second sheet following exposure of the former into superposition with one another with a lighttight chamber which is isolated from the exposure chamber by light-sealing means, and within which a fluid container may be positioned :between the sheets. This camera, designated 100, includes a housing cornprising an upper wall 102, side walls 104, rear wall 106 and lower wall 108. At least the lower wall is inclined at an angle with respect tothe rear wall and in this case is inclined upward, while the side walls rnay converge toward one another. An exposure means, such as a conventional lens and shutter assemblage 110, is mounted on the forward portions of the upper, lower and side walls. yRear wall 106 is located with its rear surface substantially in the focal surface of the exposure means and is provided with an exposure aperture 107 through which light from fthe exposure means is transmitted to a photosensitive sheet positioned for exposure against the rear surface of the rear wall. A pair of pressure-applying

members

112 and 114 are provided mounted between side walls 104 land form a pressure-generating gap 116 located substantially at the line at which rear wall 106 and Ilower wall 108 would intersect if extended.

l Means are provided for closing the rear of the camera housing, storing a plurality of photosensitive sheets in stacked relation and locating the foremost (end) photosensitive sheet of a stack thereof in position for exposure against the rear surface of wall 106. This means comprises a box-shaped magazine 118 adapted to be secured to the rear of the camera housing. The magazine contains a plurality of photosensitive sheets, designated 120, positioned in stacked relation within magazine 118 and urged forward by a pressure plate 122 and spring 123 mounted on rear wall 124 of the magazine. The magazine includes an upper end wall 126 having a raised boss 127 at which it is secured by means such as a detent spring attached to upper wall 102 of the camera housing and la lower wall 128 `having a boss or tongue 129 adapted to rbe locked in a matching recess 131 in the upper portion of pressure-applying member 112. Suitable means are provided for forming a lighttight seal 'between the walls of magazine 118 and the upper and side walls of the camera housing and pressure-applying member 112..

Means are provided for enclosing the stack of second sheets 140 and, in the form shown, comprise a similar 'box-shaped magazine 132 secured to the lower portion of the camera housing to provide, in conjunction with lower wall 108, a chamber within which the second sheets are stored and positioned during exposure of the photosensitive sheet. Magazine 132 includes a rear wall 133 and two

end walls

134 and 136. The magazine is secured to the camera housing and rear end wall 134 by a boss or tongue 135 which is seated in a matching recess 138 in pressure-applying member 114 and at its forward end by a detent spring 139 attached to the forward portion of the camera housing. Suitable lightsealing means are provided for preventing light from entering the camera between the Walls of magazine 132 and the side and lower walls of the housing and pressureapplying member 114. A pressure plate 142 and spring 143 are provided secured to rear wall 133 of the magazine for engaging and urging the rear end portions of second sheets upward and rearward and serve a function to be described more fully hereinafter.

As a means for simultaneously advancing the foremost photosensitive sheet 120, located adjacent rear wall 106, and the foremost (end) second sheet 140, located adjacent lower wall 108, into superposition with one another and through gap 116 between pressure-applying

members

112 and 114, there is provide a pair of

rolls

144 and 146 mounted with the axes parallel and with their surfaces in engagement with one another and respectively tangent to the plane of the rear surface of rear wall 106 and the lower surface of lower wall 108. By virtue of this arrangement, the lower portion of the foremost photosensitive sheet 120 is pressed into frictional engagement with roll 114 by spring 123, while the rear portion of the foremost second sheet 140 is pressed into frictional engagement with roll 146 by spring 143. Rolls 144 and 146 are provided with friction-generating surfaces, for example of rubber, so that, when they are pivoted, respectively, in counterclockwise and clockwise directions, the foremost photosensitive and second sheets are moved substantially in their planes into contact with one another in superposition with. one another through gap 116 between pressure-applying

members

112 and 114. The `adjacent surfaces of pressure-applying members 112 which define gap 116 are preferably cylindrical and are tangent to the planes of the foremost photosensitive and second sheets whereby the sheets are readily guided between the pressure-applying members through the gap.

Rolls

144 and 146, being in frictional engagement with one another, may be both rotated at the same speed through the same angle by rotation of one of the rolls, and for this purpose suitable manually operable crank means (not shown) are provided exterior of the camera connected to one of the rolls for rotating

rolls

144 and 146 through an angle sufficient to advance a photosensitive sheet 120 and a second sheet 140 from their respective magazines through gap 116 a sufficient distance to provide a leader by which the two sheets may be grasped for drawing them through the gap from the camera.

The foremost photosensitive and second sheets are disposed in planes located at right angles with respect to one another andare moved in said planes into superposition with one another so that they define a fluid-receiving space closely `adjacent a line of contact within which the fiuid contents of a container of the type described are intended to be discharged. According to the invention, the portions of the sheets defining the fluid-receiving space are positioned within a processing chamber which is light-sealed from another chamber wherein the photosensitive sheets are exposed so that the exposure frame of the photosensitive sheet is not exposed when the processing chamber is open to permit the introduction and withdrawal of a iluid container. In the form shown, exposure chamber 148 is separated from a processing chamber, designated 150, by a wall 152 extending between the lower end of rear wall 106 `and the rear end of lower wall 108.

Rolls

144 and 146 are located adjacent wall 152 between the latter and gap 116.

In the operation of the camera following exposure of a photosensitive sheet, rolls 144 and 146 are rotated through equal predetermined angles whereby portions of the photosensitive and second sheets are advanced through chamber 150 into superposition with one another within gap 116 and through the gap to the outside of the camera where they provide a leader for grasping and drawing the remainder of the sheets through the gap from the camera. As the photosensitive sheet is advanced downward by roll 144, a portion of the exposure frame is moved from across yaperture 107 beneath roll 144 into processing chamber 150. To prevent exposure of this portion of the exposure frame during introduction of a container into the processing chamber, there is provided a light-shielding element 154 located between the rolls and passage 116 and having a flexible light-shielding member 156 for engaging the photosensitive sheet in the region of end wall 128 of magazine 118 whereby light is prevented from striking the portion of the photosensitive sheet extending between member 156 4and roll 144. Light-shielding member 156 may comprise, as shown for example, a resilient metal plate or spring to which is secured ya material such as a pile fabric, flocking, or the like adapted to engage the photosensitive sheet in a lighttight manner without scratching the sheet. In this regard, it might be noted that contact between the exposure frame of the photosensitive sheet and roll 144 may be prevented by constructing the 1'oll so that ity only engages the margins of the photosensitive sheet `and not the intermediate portions thereof.

In Ian alternative embodiment, element 154 and member 156'may be eliminated with

rolls

144 and 146 being located closer to the pressure-applying members. In this embodiment, the container would be introduced into chamber 150 before the photosensitive and second sheets have been moved into superposition.. The construction of the means for compressing the container and lightsealing the opening through which it is moved is shown in FIG. 2 and is adapted to prevent light from entering the chamber during yand after withdrawal of the container. The sheets would then be moved into the processing chamber with the container already located in position and then the container would be withdrawn and its fluid contents spread between the sheets.

The construction of means for permitting containers of the type described to be introduced into and withdrawn from chamber 150, the means for compressing the containers as they are withdrawn, the means for sealing the opening or openings through which the containers are introduced into and withdrawn, the openings and the containers themselves may be substantially as shown in FIG. 2. The photosensitive and

second sheets

120 and 140 are, of course, opaque to actinic light, and gap 116, between pressure-applying

members

112 and 114, is of a predetermined width greater than the combined thickness of the two sheets and controls the thickness of the layer of processing fluid spread therebetween.

The uid processing composition to be spread between the sheets is provided in an elongated tubular container, designated 50, of the type described in detail in my aforementioned copending application Serial No. 820,266. Container 50 may be cylindrical, as shown, or oblate in cross section, and is formed of sheet material which is sufficiently rigid to resist deformation due to hydraulic pressure in its uid contents, yet is flexible enough so that the container can be compressed or flattened by movement between a pair of pressure-applying members. The container is substantially longer than the transverse dimension of the sheets to be processed and includes a liquid-carrying cavity substantially equal in length to the width of the exposure frame. Both ends of the fluid-filled container are sealed closed with at least one of the ends being sealed so that it will open, for example, in response to hydraulic pressure generated in the fluid contents of the container. In the form shown in FIG. 2, the leading end of the container, designated 52, is sealed by compressing the wall of the container and securing or bonding the inner faces thereof to one another. A plug 54 having recessed anges 64 is provided in the opposite or trailing end of the container for closing said end.

Container 50 is adapted to be introduced Abetween the portions of

sheets

120 and 140 located within third chamber 150 in a position transversely of the sheets. For this purpose the end walls of chamber 150, eg., side walls 104, are provided with openings, designated 56 and 58, located opposite one another in the end of the chamber. Opening 56 is shaped to conform substantially to the shape of the container and plug so that the container may be introduced into chamber 150 therethrough. Opening 158 .at the opposite end of chamber 150 is in the form of a narrow slot having dimensions just sufficient to admit the container in a flattened condition whereby the sides of the opening will engage the container and function as pressureapplying members for progressively compressing the container as it is withdrawn, -in the direction of its leading end, through opening 58. The container is adapted to be introduced into chamber 150 between the sheets until the container is located, as shown, with the leading end portion extending through opening 58 exteriorly of the camera, where it provides a leader by which the container may be grasped for withdrawing the container through the opening. A recess 60 is provided in the wall surrounding opening 56 ltogether with a projecting lip 62 immediately surrounding the opening. Flange 64 of plug 54 is so formed as to extend around and engage lip 62 when the container is in the position shown, whereby a lighttight seal is formed between the plug and the end wall of chamber 150, and the plug is retained in covering relation to opening 56 when the container is withdrawn from the cham-ber through opening 58.

As the container is withdrawn from, between the portions of

sheets

120 and 140 located within chamber 150, its trailing end is withdrawn from engagement with plug 54, thereby providing an open mouth through which the fluid contents of the container are discharged in the form of an elongated mass across the sheets as portions of the container succeeding from the leading end are compressed by the walls of opening 58. Generally the fluid should be quite viscous so that it can be readily controlled after being discharged, -i.e., so that it will not flow freely of its own accord from the elongated mass which it rst assumes when it is discharged from the container. It has been found that a fluid should have a viscosity ranging between and 200,000 centipoises at a temperature of 20 C. if the uid is to be spread readily from the elongated mass between the sheets.

Light-sealing means, for example, in the form of a sliding member 66 mounted on one of side walls 104 is provided for closing opening 58 following withdrawal of a container therefrom. Opening 56, as previously noted, is closed by plug 54 so that the only opening into chamber 150 from the exterior of the camera is gap 116 through which sheets and 140 project and are adapted to be withdrawn. In an alternative form of the camera, suitable pressure-applying means may be provided in association with opening 58 for compressing the wall of the container as it is withdrawn from chamber and this pressure-applying means may also act as a light-sealing element for closing the opening after the container has been withdrawn.

As the sheets are withdrawn through gap 116 from chamber 150, hydraulic pressure is generated within the fluid between the sheets, causing the fluid to be spread in a thin layer therebetween. Pressure-applying

members

112 and 114, of course, engage the surface of the sheets Very yclosely so that substantially no light can enter cham.- ber 150 and thereby expose other portions of the photosensitive sheet as they are drawn through the chamber. The layer of processing uid, being quite viscous, causes the two sheets to remain adhered to one another as they are drawn from the camera; and, since the sheets are opaque, prevents exposure of the frame of the photosensitive sheet. To insure that light does not enter between the superposed sheets, a material, such as a light-opaque or light-absorbing pigment, may be provided in the processing fluid. At the end of the predetermined processing period, the photosensitive and second sheets may be stripped apart.

Other forms of container may be employed including containers sealed at both ends in the same manner, that is, by compressing the walls together and either adhering them in this position or holding them together by suitable retaining means. To adapt it to use with this type of container, the camera would include a slot in one end of the processing chamber through which the container is withdrawn, this slot being substantially the same as the above described opening 58 for compressing the container as it is moved through the slot; and a suitable closure, similar to closure member 66, would be provided for closing the slot. An opening would be provided in the opposite end of the processing chamber whereby the container may be introduced into the chamber between the sheets together with means such as a pivotable cap for closing the opening against lthe admission of light into the processing chamber. The structure of each of the containers and the camera shown is such that the container is introduced into the third chamber through an opening in one end and is Withdrawn in the same direction through an opening in the opposite end of the chamber. However, the third chamber may be provided with a single opening, through which the container is both introduced and withdrawn, together with means for applying compressive pressure to the container as it is withdrawn through the opening and for closing the opening against the admission of actinic light after the container has been withdrawn.

Other forms of containers and methods of introducing a selected one of several containers between the sheets are possible and may be performed in the present invention. For example, the fluid reagents may be provided in containers which are adapted to be moved with the sheets between a pair of pressure-applying members for causing their fluid contents to be discharged between the sheets. Containers of this type may be introduced into the camera from the outside in a number of different ways or a plurality of different containers may be provided initially within the camera, which includes a device for introducing selected containers, one at a time, between the sheets. The pressure-applying members, instead of being fixed, may be urged toward one another by springs so that they will separate slightly for the added thickness of the container located between each pair of sheets.

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

What is claimed is:

1. Photographic apparatus for exposing and treating with a liquid a succession of unconnected photosensitive image-recording sheets comprising, in combination:

.a housing for enlpsing the components of said apparatus;

hexposure means mounted on said housing for photoexposing said image-recording sheets within said housing;

means within said housing for holding a plurality of said image-recording sheets in a first stack with an end sheet of said first stack located in position for exposure;

means within said housing for holding an equal number of second sheets in a second stack disposed apart from said first stack with end portions of said stacks located adjacent one another;

advancement means including a first member for frictionally engaging said end image-recording sheet, a second member for frictionally engaging an end second sheet of said second stack and means for moving said first and second members in engagement with said end sheets to move said end sheets edge foremost simultaneously and at substantially the same speed from said stacks;

a pair of juxtaposed pressure members for applying compressive pressure to said sheets during movement thereof;

guide means for guiding said sheets during movement thereof from said stacks along convergent paths into superposed relation and in superposition between said pressure members; and

means adjacent said pressure members between the latter and said stacks for applying a liquid to the facing surface of at least one of said sheets.

2. The photographic apparatus of claim 1 in which the last-mentioned means include means for holding a container filled with said liquid.

3. The photographic apparatus 0f claim 1 in which the last-mentioned means include means defining a chamber closed off from other sections of said housing containing said stacks and having openings for admitting said end sheets, one at a time, from said stacks into said chamber.

4. The photographic apparatus of claim 3 in which said last-mentioned means include means for holding a quantity of said liquid sufcient to effect the treatment of said image-recording sheets when distributed in Contact therewith.

5. The photographic apparatus of claim 1 in which the last-mentioned means include means for applying said liquid to the facing surfaces of both of said end sheets.

6. The photographic apparatus of claim 1 in which said first and second members comprise rolls mounted for rotation in engagement with said end sheets and said means for holding said stacks include means for urging said end sheets against said rolls.

7. The photographic apparatus of claim 1 in which said housing includes means dening at least three chambers including an exposure chamber in which said imagerecording sheets are positioned for exposure, a second chamber separated from said exposure chamber for enclosing said second sheets and a third chamber separated from said exposure and second chambers enclosing said means for applying said liquid to said one sheet.

8. The photographic apparatus of claim 1 in which said means for holding said stacks position said end sheets substantially equidistant from said pressure members. 9. Photographic apparatus for exposing and treating with a liquid a succession of unconnected photosensitive image-recording sheets comprising, in combination:

a housing for enclosing the components of said apparatus;

exposure means mounted on said housing for photoexposing said image-recording sheet within said housing;

means within saidhousing for holding a plurality of second sheets in a second stack disposed apart from said first stack with end portions of said stacks located adjacent one another;

a pair of juxtaposed pressure members for applying compressive pressure to said sheets during movement thereof between said members;

advancement means including a first member for frictionally engaging said end image-recording sheet, a second member for frictionally engaging an end second sheet of said second `stack and means for moving said first and second members in engagement with said end sheets to move said end sheets edge foremost toward said pressure members into superposition with one another between said members with the leading edges of said sheets predeterminedly oriented;

guide means for guiding said sheets during movement thereof from said stacks along convergent paths into sheets, one at a time, from said stacks into said chamber, and means for holding a quantity of said liquid sufiicient to eiTect the treatment of at least one of said imagerecording sheets when distributed in contact therewith.

11. The photographic apparatus of claim 9 in which said rst and second members comprise rolls mounted for rotation in engagement with said end sheets and said means for holding said stacks include means for urging said end sheets against said rolls.

12. The photographic apparatus of claim 9 in which said housing includes means defining at least three chambers including an exposure chamber in which said imagerecording sheets are positioned for exposure, a second chamber separated from said exposure chamber for enclosing said second sheets and a third chamber separated from `said exposure and second chambers enclosing said means for applying said liquid to said one sheet.

13. The photographic apparatus of claim 9 in which said means for holding said stacks position the leading edges of said end sheet substantially equidistant from said pressure members.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,930,301 3/1960 Land 95-13 JOHN M. HORAN, Primary Examiner.

Claims

1. PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS FOR EXPOSING AND TREATING WITH A LIQUID A SUCCESSION OF UNCONNECTED PHOTOSENSITIVE IMAGE-RECORDING SHEETS COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION: A HOUSING FOR ENCLOSING THE COMPONENTS OF SAID APPARATUS; EXPOSURE MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID HOUSING FOR PHOTOEXPOSING SAID IMAGE-RECORDING SHEETS WITHIN SAID HOUSING; MEANS WITHIN SAID HOUSING FOR HOLDING A PLURALITY OF SAID IMAGE-RECORDING SHEETS IN A FIRST STACK WITH AN END SHEET OF SAID FIRST STACK LOCATED IN POSITION FOR EXPOSURE; MEANS WITHIN SAID HOUSING FOR HOLDING AN EQUAL NUMBER OF SAID SHEETS IN A SECOND STACK DISPOSED APART FROM SAID FIRST STACK WITH END PORTIONS OF SAID STACKS LOCATED ADJACENT ONE ANOTHER; ADVANCEMENT MEANS INCLUDING A FIRST MEMBER FOR FIRCTIONALLY ENGAGING SAID END IMAGE-RECORDING SHEET, A SECOND MEMBER FOR FRICTIONALLY ENGAGING AN END SECOND SHEET OF SAID SECOND STACK AND MEANS FOR MOVING SAID FIRST AND SECOND MEMBERS IN ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID ENDS SHEETS TO MOVE SAID END SHEETS EDGE FOREMOST SIMULTANEOUSLY AND AT SUBSTANTIALY THE SAME SPEED FROM SAID STACKS; A PAIR OF JUXTAPOSED PRESSURE MEMBERS FOR APPLYING COMPRESSIVE PRESSURE TO SAID SHEETS DURING MOVEMENT THEREOF; GUIDE MEANS FOR GUIDING SAID SHEETS DURING MOVEMENT THEREOF FROM SAID STACKS LONG CONVERGENT PATHS INTO SUPERPOSED RELATION AND IN SUPERPOSITION BETWEEN AND PRESSURE MEMBERS; AND MEANS ADJACENT SAID PRESSURE MEMBERS BETWEEN THE LATTER AND SAID STACKS FOR APPLYING A LIQUID TO THE FACING SURFACE OF AT LEAST ONE OF SAID SHEETS.