Apparatus for processing light-sensitive materials

Abstract

High-quality and very rapid processing of light-sensitive materials are accomplished by a wet method with a compact apparatus. A process roller is at least partially submerged in a processing solution in a processing tank. Light-sensitive material is transported as it engages the periperal surface of that part of the process roller which is submerged in the processing solution. The absolute value of the peripheral speed of process roller is greater than the absolute value of the transport speed of the light-sensitive material. The roller is rotated at a speed of at least 75 rpm. With the invention, the light-sensitive material can be processed in a very rapid and yet satisfactory manner since the processing solution is rapidly replaced by fresh solution at the surface of the light-sensitive material. In addition, only a small amount of the processing solution need be used, which contributes to a reduction in the size of the processing apparatus.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.