US 5,669,032 A · Constrained film heat processor and method of developing digital film using conduction 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 heat is applied by conduction and 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.

Claims15

Dependent claims

An apparatus for processing film, comprising:

a film support and constraining device;
a heating device for developing the film on said film support and constraining device without contacting the film wherein said heating device is a conductive heating element and wherein said film support and constraining device comprises:
a vacuum source;
a plenum chamber adapted to be connected to said vacuum source;
a porous support surface connected to said plenum so that the film on said surface is held thereto by a vacuum wherein said porous support surface comprises a structural substrate and a smooth porous insulative layer between said structural substrate and the film.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

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

Life of this patent

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

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15