Apparatus for developing photosensitive material

In apparatus for the fluid processing of a photosensitive material comprising a support and at least one photosensitive layer bearing a latent image area of a predetermined size and shape, the combination comprising:

• a first member having an open-end chamber of a size and shape larger than the latent image area, at least one duct having an entry into the open-end chamber outwardly of an area of the open-end chamber generally equivalent to that of the latent image area for interconnecting the open-end chamber to a first source of air under pressure, at least one inlet and at least one outlet interconnecting the open-end chamber within the area to a second source of air under pressure and to at least one source of processing fluid;
• sealing means arranged within the open-end chamber comprising a pair of similar flexible, extending members arranged in spaced and coaxial relation with one another, the outermost member being of a size larger than the latent image area and arranged outwardly of the duct entry for engaging the photosensitive layer when the material is arranged with respect thereto, and the innermost member being of a size for engaging the photosensitive layer immediately adjacent the latent image area and arranged between the duct entry and the inlet and the outlet for confining the processing fluid to the latent image area;
• a second member movable relative to the first member for clamping the material therebetween with the latent image area generally aligned with the sealing means;
• means interconnected to the second member for moving the latter into a material clamping position relative to the first member;
• and
• control means associated with the, first and second sources of air and with the source of processing fluids and operable when the first and second members are in the material clamping position, for introducing a flow of the processing fluid and a first flow of air from the second source through the open-end chamber and over the latent image area within the confines of the innermost member, and a second flow of air from the first source between the outermost and innermost members to increase the effective seal of the outermost member with the material and at the same time to disengage the innermost member from the material, whereby the second flow of air removes any accumulation of the processing fluid at the effective seal of the innermost member.