US3646873A

US3646873A - Single use film developer

Info

Publication number: US3646873A
Application number: US814243A
Authority: US
Inventors: James F G Bowlby
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: BOWLBY ASSOCIATES Inc; Scopas Technology Corp
Priority date: 1969-04-08
Filing date: 1969-04-08
Publication date: 1972-03-07
Anticipated expiration: 1989-03-07

Abstract

A length of exposed, photographic film is coupled to a pliable package containing a developer. The pliable package and the film are drawn through a rigid container that discharges the developer from the pliable package into the rigid container and onto the film.

Description

I United States Patent [151 3,646,873

Bowlby [451 v Mar. 7, 1972 [541 SINGLE USE FILM DEVELOPER 2,706,939 4/1955 Fairbank ..95/89 [72] Inventor: James F. G. Bowlby, 124 Demarest Road, 2'708864 5/l955 Bloomin dale N J 07403 2,747,103 5/1956 Falrbank... g 2,854,908 10/1958 Eloranta... [22] Filed: Apr. 8, 1969 3,108,525 10/1963 Ebum ..95/89 X [2]] Appl 814343 Primary Examiner-Samuel S. Matthews Assistant Examiner-Monroe H. Hayes [52] U.S. Cl. ..95/89 R, 95/ 13 A torney-Leonard [-1. King [51] Int. Cl. ..G03d 5/02 [58] Field 01 Search 95/89, 89 R, 13 [57] ABSTRACT A length of exposed, photographic film is coupled to a pliable [56] References Cited package containing a developer. The pliable package and the UNITED STATES PATENTS film are drawn through a rigid container that discharges the developer from the pliable package into the rigid container 2,854,904 10/1958 Bishop ..95/ 13 and onto the fi| 3,442,195 5/1969 Guynes...

Land ..95/89 X 3 Claims, 23 Drawing Figures PATENTEIJHAR H972 3.646.873

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INVENTOR. 40165 I? 6. BOWL 8) arromveri SINGLE USE FILM DEVELOPER This invention relates generally to the art of photography and more particularly to a low-cost film developer that is disposable after a single use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A need exists for a low-cost, simple, developing apparatus for exposed light-sensitive material. In field use of X-rays, such as at accident scenes and military operations for the examination, as well as in connection with industrial use of X- rays for inspection purposes and the like, it is highly desirable that the X-ray film be developed on the site. Presently, this requires use of darkroom facilities limiting the use of X-rays, or involving a time delay between the time of exposure and the time the doctor or technician has available to him the remotely processed X-rays.

An example of the prior art in this field is my copending application, Ser. No. 760,231, filed on Sept. 17, I968. Therein a system is disclosed which utilizes a supply of film developer contained within a rigid compartment. The exposed film is attached to a pull tab which is then drawn through the developer carrying with it the exposed film.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION By way of contrast, the present invention provides that the developer is contained in a separate, pliable plastic package that is open only at one end. The exposed film is coupled or otherwise suitably attached to the open end of the pliable developer package. A rigid plastic container having two open ends and an enlarged compartment therebetween is alsoprovided. By drawing the pliable developer package through the rigid container the developer is squeezed out of the pliable package. The developer is deposited in the enlarged compartment of the rigid container and thereby contacts the exposed film which at this time is also within the rigid container.

In the more detailed description of the invention to be made hereinafter there will be disclosed different means for temporarily closing the pliable package in such a manner that the developer is discharged therefrom when the pliable package is drawn through the rigid container. Structure that provides a combined pliable package and rigid container will also be described as will he means for making the device very compact. A disclosure will also be made of the applicability of the present invention to X-ray film; film other than X-ray and positive transfer paper used in combination with a negative film.

Accordingly, it is the primary object of this invention to provide a low-cost, single-use film developing pack.

It is another important object of this invention to provide a disposable film developing pack, as described above, that does not require the use of a darkroom.

A particular object of this invention is to provide a film developing pack, as described above, wherein the developer is initially contained within a pliable package and is discharged therefrom into a rigid container by drawing the pliable package into and through the rigid container, the exposed film being coupled to and movable together with the pliable package.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will, in part, be pointed out with particularity and will, in part, become obvious from the following more detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing which forms an integral part thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING In the various figures of the drawing like reference characters designate like parts.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view illustrating two basic components of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an assembled, perspective view of the components shown in FIG. I;

FIG. 3 is a sectional, elevational view taken along the longitudinal line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7 are longitudinal, sectional views, in elevation, illustrating the sequence of the various steps used in developing film with the structure shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are longitudinal, sectional views, in elevation, illustrating a modification of the structure shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3;

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal, sectional view, in elevation, illustrating another modification of the structure shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3;

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal, sectional view, in elevation, illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal, sectional view, in elevation, illustrating a modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 1;

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal, sectional view, in elevation, illustrating another modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 1;

FIGS. l4, l5 and 16 are longitudinal, sectional views, in elevation, illustrating the sequence of the various steps used in developing film with the structure of still another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 17, I8 and 19 are longitudinal, sectional views, in elevation, illustrating the sequence of the various steps used in developing film with the structure of a further embodiment of this invention;

FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 are longitudinal, sectional views, in elevation, illustrating the sequence of the various steps used in developing film with the structure of yet another embodiment of the present invention; and- FIGS. 23 is a longitudinal sectional view, in elevation, of a still different embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIGS. 1-7 illustrate the structure and method by which the present invention is used. Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 it will be seen that the first embodiment 30 is comprised basically of a pliable, plastic package 32, a fluid composition 34 contained in the package 32 for treating the exposed light sensitive film F and an elongated container 36 into which the fluid composition 34 is dispensed and through which the exposed film F is drawn for processing. All of the embodiments and modifications thereof have at least these three basic components in common.

The pliable package 32 shown in FIGS. I-7 is comprised of upper and lower

sheetlike surfaces

38 and 40, respectively, that are heat sealed or otherwise secured to each other by suitable means such as adhesives along

longitudinal edges

42 and 44 and one transverse end edge 46. Preferably an extension 48 is provided opposite to the unsealed transverse end edge 50 for a purpose to be made evident by the following discussion relating to the method of using the present invention. A thermoplastic flexible material such as polyethylene is presently preferred for the package 32.

The fluid composition 34 is viscous in nature, and while it can flow from the pliable package 32 into the container 36, it does not run freely. The fluid composition is selected in accordance with the process being carried out. A developer is referred to but a fixing agent or other processing material may also be used.

The elongated container 36 is comprised of upper and

lower sheets

52 and 54, respectively. A medium impact material that may be vacuum formed or molded such as polystyrene is preferred. The primary characteristics required are that the sheets, or at least one particular portion of the sheets, be relatively rigid and that the sheets be nonporous. Accordingly, a nonporous paper or porous papers coated with a nonporous material such as polyethylene may be used. Where paper is used it should be locally rigidized in a suitable manner to permit the present invention to operate in the manner that will be described subsequently in connection with FIGS. 4-7.

Sheets

52 and 54 of the container 36 are heat sealed to each other or otherwise secured by suitable adhesive means along

longitudinal edges

56 and 58. Both ends are left unsealed. The upper sheet 52 is shorter than the lower sheet 54 and is provided at one end with an offset portion 60 that defines, in combination with the opposed flat portion of the lower sheet 54, a light shield. The top sheet 52 is also provided with a second offset portion or recess 62 axially spaced from the light shield 60 and near the opposite end of both the upper and lower sheets. A recess 64 is also provided in the lower sheet 54 in opposition to the recess 62 to define a developer chamber 66 therebetween. As noted above, both ends of the container 36 are unsealed so that a path for the film F is provided therethrough as well as a developer chamber 66 for the fluid composition 34.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 4-7, there is shown the sequence of the various steps used in developing film with the structure of this invention. It will be noted that, in this embodiment, the film F is removably positioned in a holder H and is also attached, by any suitable means such as adhesive or double surfaced tape, etc., to the open end 50 of the plastic package 32. FIG. 4 also illustrates that the plastic package 32 has already been positioned within the developer compartment or chamber 66 but that the fluid composition 34 has not,

as yet, been discharged completely.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the result of pulling the extension or tab 48 in the direction of the arrow. Two separate steps have been shown merely for convenience of illustration and description. It should be understood, however, that there is i only a single continuous pull until the film F is completely within the compartment 66 as shown in FIG. 6, at which time the pulling is stopped to permit the film to be developed. As the pliable package 32 is drawn to the right it will pull with it the film F and will leave behind the holder H. At the same time the plastic package passes through the right-hand open end of the container 36 so that the fluid composition 32 is squeezed out of the open end 50 of the package 32 into the developer chamber 66 and around the film F which is also moving to the 7 right. It should be particularly noted that only the portion of the container 36 through which the pliable package 32 is squeezed need be rigid in order to act against the pliable package 32 to discharge the fluid composition. However, it is just as simple to make the entire container 36 of a rigid plastic. After the film is developed the pliable package 32 is once again pulled to the right as shown in FIG. 7, thus freeing the film F which is then removed from the pliable package 32. The container 36, the fluid composition 34 and the pliable package 32 are then discarded.

In order to prevent the possibility of leakage of the fluid composition 34 prior to the start of the developing process described above, a modification of the basic concept that is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 may be employed. All of the structure previously described is the same (and like reference characters are used) except that the open end of the pliable package 32 is provided with cinch 70. That is a reverse or S-shaped fold is made. This structure creates a dam and effectively prevents leakage of the fluid composition. As the pliable package is pulled to the right in the direction of the arrow, the cinch 70 unfolds as shown in FIG. 9. The pliable package 32 may be pulled as described in connection with the basic embodiment previously described.

Another modification of this invention is shown in FIG. 10. To prevent the possibility of leakage of the fluid composition 34 from the right-hand open end of the container 36 and in order to insure that excess fluid composition 34 is wiped from the film F, a pair of opposed,

resilient strips

72 and 74 are provided integrally with the upper and

lower sheets

52 and 54, respectively, of the container 36. While the pliable package 32 is being pulled to the right, as described above, oppositely directed finger pressure is applied to the

strips

72 and 74, so that they act as a squeegee, first on the pliable package 32 and then on the film F. Prior to pulling the pliable package 32, the inherent resilience of the strips applies sufficient pressure so as to preclude the possibility of leakage. It should be noted v that the cinch 70 of the previously discussed modification may also be used.

The alternative embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 11 and the modifications thereof shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are useful in understanding the broad applicability of the basic concept. For example, the structure shown in FIG. 11 is useful in X-ray and radiation badge applications. The film F is secured proximate the open end of the pliable package 32 as previously described but in this embodiment the container 34 is provided with an extension 76 that encases the film. All other structure and the method of using it is the same so that repetition thereof is not needed at this time. The structure shown in FIG. 12 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 11 except that a window or opening 78 is formed in one of the surfaces of extension 76 so as to permit the film to be exposed by means other than X-rays. The structure illustrated in FIG. 13 is a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 11 in that the overall length of the assembly is reduced. The film F, which may be encased or not in an extension such as is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, is doubled back onto the outside surface of the basic container 36 and may be exposed in this position. Even though the material of the container 36 is relatively rigid for the purpose of discharging the fluid composition 34 as described above, it may still be flexed so as to position the film in substantially the same plane as the open end at the left side of the container 36. When fabricating the container 36, the portion designated by the reference character 80 may be made somewhat thinner to define an integral hinge.

In FIGS. I4, 15 and 16 another embodiment of this invention is illustrated which is suitable, in particular, for X-ray and radiation applications. The pliable package 32 is opaque in this embodiment and includes a chamber 82 that is integral with and in fluid communication with that portion of the package 32 that initially containsthe fluid composition 34. It should be noted at this time that a cinch seal, as described above in connection with the modification shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, may be provided between compartment or chamber 82 and the fluid composition 34. Further, the pliable

transverse strips

72 and 74 described first in connection with the structure of FIG. 10 may also be used even though neither one of these last two mentioned features is shown in combination with the embodiment of FIGS. l4, l5 and 16.

The film F is positioned in the opaque chamber 82 and, if desired, the end 84 thereof may be folded, crimped or otherwise suitably closed to prevent the admission of light. By pulling the pliable package in the direction of the arrow, as described above, the pliable package 32 is moved outwardly of the container 36'while at the same time the fluid composition 34 is squeezed into the opaque chamber 82 that contains the film and which has been drawn into the developer chamber 66 by the initial pulling. After a suitable time'period for developing the film F has elapsed, the pliable package 32 is once again pulled to the right (FIG. 16) thus removing both the film F and the opaque chamber 82 from the developer chamber 66. It should be noted that, at this last step, the fluid composition 34 is discharged through the initially closed but unsealed end 84 of the opaque chamber 82 into the developer chamber 66 and is then discarded. If desired, a tab or pull string 86 may be included integrally and in a well known manner with the opaque chamber 82 to aid in the removal of the developed film F from the opaque chamber 82.

FIGS. 17, 18 and I9 illustrate the applicability of the basic concept of this invention to the developing of positive images as well as negatives. For convenience, the pliable package 32, the fluid composition 34 and the container 36 described in conjunction with the first embodiment is used for purposes of illustration. It should be understood, however, that the various modifications hereinbefore described may also be used.

A length of negative film N and a length of positive transfer film P are secured suitably, as described above, to the pliable package 32 that contains an appropriate fluid composition 34 and which is positioned within the container 36. For convenience, and to minimize the overall size of the structure, the negative film N is folded back over the top surface of the container 36 and the positive transfer paper P is folded back under the bottom surface of container 36. In order to print the image on the paper P the film N and the paper P are first swung clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively, to the position shown in FIG. 18, and while in that relative position they are drawn into the developer chamber 66 as shown in FIG. 19. Since all other aspects of the developing process are the same as described in connection with one or more of the previous embodiments, it need not be repeated now. A reduced orifice 88 is provided at the right hand open end of the container 36 to assure that there is intimate contact between the negative N and the paper P as they are withdrawn.

Still another embodiment of this invention assures that there will be no leakage of the fluid composition 34 prior to the start of the developing process. Further, this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 20, 21 and 22, assures proper opening of the cinch seal arrangement shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, which structure will now be used for purposes of illustration. The top surface 52 of the container 36 is provided with an inwardly directed, first transverse rib 90 proximate the upstream end thereof and the lower surface 54 of the container 36 is provided with an inwardly directed second transverse rib 92 downstream of the first rib 90. One leg of a V-shaped cleat 94 is bonded to the inside surface of the sheet 52 just downstream of the first rib 90 and the other leg of the cleat 94 is allowed to hang free just upstream of the second rib 92. As used herein upstream and downstream" refer to the direction of travel of the pliable package 32 and the film associated therewith.

As shown in FIG. the free leg of the cleat 94 blocks the open end of the container 36 together with a cinch-type seal that is formed by the pliable package 32 against the upstream surface of the cleat 94. Should the container 36, and hence the pliable package 32, be inadvertently compressed, the acute angle between the legs of the cleat 94 will be reduced causing an even tighter seal. Further, since the free handing edge of the cleat 94 is in opposition to the second or downstream fold in the cinch, there is assurance that the cinch will unfold in proper sequence when the pliable package 32 is pulled to the right. That is, the upstream fold of the cinch will unfold first since it is relatively unrestricted and the downstream fold will unfold second since it is initially restrained by confronting surfaces of the free edge of the cleat 94 and the second rib 92 (FIG. 21). Finally, as shown in FIG. 22, the cleat 94 will tend to fold upwardly using the apex of its two legs as a hinge when the cinch is completely unfolded. After the film F has passed, the cleat 94 will then swing downwardly and act as a shutoff valve with its free leg extending traversely of the container 36 in a plane intermediate the two

ribs

90 and 92.

In FIG. 23, there is shown a still different embodiment of the invention. This embodiment differs from the earlier discussed versions in that the clinch 96 is placed on the inside of the compartment containing the developer. This configuration provides a tight seal since the liquid in the bag adjusts itself to provide uniform clamping action. As the bag is withdrawn from the chamber there is a sliding action between mating surfaces of the cinched bag which permits unlocking of the cinch with minimal tension applied. A further advantage of this configuration is that it is not essential that the opposed chamber walls may be made of lighter stock than for the other version where we are relying on the opposed faces to securely clamp the opposed tube walls.

All of the embodiments and modifications thereof described above and shown in the drawings have several important and distinctive advantages and features in common. All are of sufficiently low cost making them applicable to single usage situations. All of the embodiments utilize a rigidized, outer container through which is drawn a pliable package containing a fluid composition. By drawing the pliable package through the container the fluid composition is discharged into a developer chamber formed in the container and which the film enters the chamber by subsequent pulling of the pliable package, it can be developed in the conventional manner.

The several embodiments and modifications disclose different sealing means to prevent leakage of the fluid composition and means to assure complete removal of the fluid composition as the film is pulled from the container. The present invention is applicable to X-ray, radiation and other forms of photography by reason of the structure disclosed. The present invention may also be used with the printing of images on positive transfer paper.

Having thus disclosed the best embodiment of the invention presently contemplated, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Iclaim:

l. A single usage, disposable processorfor exposed, light sensitive film, comprising the combination of:

a. an elongated, rigid container open at both transverse end edges, said container having a first chamber through which the film is adapted to be drawn for processing;

b. an elongated, pliable package initially contained within said chamber, said pliable package being sealed along two longitudinal side edges and one transverse line to define a first compartment having an unsealed discharge end opposite said sealed transverse line;

c. means for removably coupling the film to said pliable package proximate said discharge end thereof and outside of said first chamber;

d. a fluid composition for treating the film, said fluid composition being initially contained within said first compartment of said pliable package and arranged for release through said unsealed discharge end into said first chamber of said rigid container; and

e. closure means for preventing leakage of said fluid composition from said first chamber of said rigid container after the film is drawn therethrough, said closure means comprising a cleat hingedly secured to an inner surface of said container, the free end of said cleat having a periphery closely bounded by the interior surfaces of said container, said fluid composition being downstream of said cleat.

2. The processor in accordance with claim 1 wherein the inner surface of said container, opposite to the surface on which said cleat is secured, includes a transverse rib immediately downstream of the edge of the free end of said cleat.

3. The processor in accordance with claim 2 wherein said pliable package includes closure means defined by a transversely positioned reverse fold proximate said discharge end of said pliable package, said reverse fold being positioned immediately downstream of the free end of said cleat.

Claims

1. A single usage, disposable processor for exposed, light sensitive film, comprising the combination of: a. an elongated, rigid container open at both transverse end edges, said container having a first chamber through which the film is adapted to be drawn for processing; b. an elongated, pliable package initially contained within said chamber, said pliable package being sealed along two longitudinal side edges and one transverse line to define a first compartment having an unsealed discharge end opposite said sealed transverse line; c. means for removably coupling the film to said pliable package proximate said discharge end thereof and outside of said first chamber; d. a fluid composition for treating the film, said fluid composition being initially contained within said first compartment of said pliable package and arranged for release through said unsealed discharge end into said first chamber of said rigid container; and e. closure means for preventing leakage of said fluid composition from said first chamber of said rigid container after the film is drawn therethrough, said closure means comprising a cleat hingedly secured to an inner surface of said container, the free end of said cleat having a periphery closely bounded by the interior surfaces of said container, said fluid composition being downstream of said cleat.