# US 4,508,686 A · Film strip for rapid test of a film processor

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- Number: US 4,508,686 A
- Document ID: US4508686A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 06/379,981
- Filed: 1982-05-19
- Granted: 1985-04-02
- Earliest claimed: 1980-12-03
- Assignees: ProbeX Inc.
- Inventors: Gary S. Shaber; Charles W. Buenzli, Jr.
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US4508686A

## CPC

- G03D 13/007: {Processing control, e.g. test strip, timing devices}
- G01N 21/86: Investigating moving sheets (G01N21/89 takes precedence)
- G03D: APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING EXPOSED PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIALS (apparatus specially adapted for photomechanical production of textured or patterned surfaces G03F); ACCESSORIES THEREFOR (photosensitive materials or processes for photographic purposes G03C; electrographic, electrophotographic, or magnetographic methods or apparatus G03G)
- G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q)

## Abstract

Apparatus and test film strip for evaluation of a film processor, particularly an x-ray film processor, based on a photodetector signal sequentially indicating the optical density of graded density test areas on a developed film and comparing the output thereof to a preselected voltage relating to the acceptable/too dark threshold of an unexposed or base fog area, the acceptable or too light threshold of a maximum density or dark area and the acceptable/too light and acceptable/too dark threshold of a medium density test area. Sequence testing of the graded density areas is functionally related on a single film strip to timing marks, adapted to be read by photodetector and timing circuitry, the timing marks and graded density test areas being linearly spaced and relatively disposed along the length of film strip.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A test film adapted for automatic testing of film processor function, said film having a lengthwise direction and including a plurality of test areas disposed at preselected locations along said lengthwise direction and preselected lengthwise test positions associated therewith, said film further including a lengthwise track comprising alternating signal and non-signal areas disposed at preselected lengthwise positions along said track, the length, position and spacing of said signal and non-signal areas being adapted to provide a continuous output signal indicative of the presence of said film in a reader therefor, counting signals indicative of the passage of said film lengthwise through a preselected number and sequence of positions relative to a reader therefor and to provide signals indicative of the relative locations of said test positions.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A test film, as recited in claim 1, wherein said preselected signal and non-signal area locations also bear a fixed relation to an edge of said film adapted to serve as a reference point for locating said film relative to said locations.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

A test film as recited in claim 1, wherein said lengthwise position indicating track is located along a side edge of said film.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

A test film, as recited in claim 1, wherein said signal and non-signal areas are light and dark areas adapted to be detected by a photo detector in an associated light source.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1, 3)

A test film, as recited in claims 1 or 3, wherein said film includes duplicative sets of said test areas and position indicating means, said sets being adapted to be tested separately.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

A test film, as recited in claim 5, wherein said duplicative sets are symmetrically disposed along the longitudinal center line of said film.