Constrained film heat processor and method of developing digital film using radiant heat transfer

Abstract

An apparatus and method of developing a heat developing film includes a film support surface for supporting and constraining a film and heaters for developing the film supported on the film constraining surface. The film constraining surface may either be stationary or form part of a film transport. The film transport may either be a continuous film transport or a reciprocating film transport. The continuous film transport may be inclined or include an input pinch roller. In addition, the heaters may either be stationary, reciprocatable, or pivotable. The heaters are radiant heaters which may include a profiled heater output to control uniformity of the temperature. The apparatus may be provided as a stand-alone unit or may be coupled, either externally to or within, a film exposure device.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.