Film developing system for microimage recording apparatus

Apparatus for developing latent image areas on a film strip by the application of heat against one surface of said film strip comprising;

• means for supporting a length of said film between spaced apart supports on a first film path extending directly between said supports;
• means for tensioning said film between said supports;
• developer means including a heated surface engageable with said one surface of said film while tensioned along said first film path and movable to deflect and bend said film toward a convex curved second film path in intimate contact with said heated surface away from said first film path and
• heat shield means movable between a heat shielding position interposed between said heated surface of said developer means and said film on said first film path and a retracted position for permitting direct intimate heated contact between said heated surface of said developer means and said one surface of said film when said film is developed while positioned on said second film path.

Apparatus for developing latent image areas on a film strip by the application of heat against one surface of said film strip comprising;

• means for supporting a length of said film between spaced apart supports on a first film path extending directly between said supports;
• means for tensioning said film between said supports;
• developer means including a heated surface engageable with said one surface of said film while tensioned along said first film path and movable to deflect and bend said film toward a convex curved second film path in intimate contact with said heated surface away from said first film path;
• and
• back-up means adjacent said second film path for engagement with an opposite surface of said film for retaining heat provided for developing said film by said developer means.

Apparatus for developing latent image areas on a film strip by the application of heat against one surface of said film strip comprising;

• means for supporting a length of said film between spaced apart supports on a first film path extending directly between said supports;
• means for tensioning said film between said supports;
• developer means including a heated surface engageable with said one surface of said film while tensioned along said first film path and movable to deflect and bend said film toward a convex curved second film path in intimate contact with said heated surface away from said first film path;
• and
• heat insulating means adjacent said supports for containing heat generated during the developing of said film on said second film path for retarding the flow of heat along said film toward portions of said film on opposite sides of said supports.

Apparatus for developing latent image areas on a film strip by the application of heat against one surface of said film strip comprising;

• means for supporting a length of said film between spaced apart supports on a first film path extending directly between said supports;
• means for increasing the tension on said film between said supports as said film is moved from said first film path toward a second film path for film developing;
• developer means including a heated surface engageable with said one surface of said film while tensioned along said first film path and movable to deflect and bend said film toward said second film path of convex curved shape into intimate contact with said heated surface away from said first film path;
• means for clamping said film at spaced apart locations thereon outside of said supports;
• and
• tension adjustment means engageable with said film between said spaced apart locations for increasing said tension on said film between said supports.