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US 6,322,261 B1Granted
Photographic developer with automated mixing and replenishing
AssigneePhoto-Therm, L.P.
InventorRoman Kuzyk
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A film developing apparatus is provided for developing photographic film by an automated batch process. The apparatus provides automated preparation of precise mixtures of the processing liquids at various stages of the batch process. The mixtures are made on-demand and are pre-heated just before use in the batch process. Additionally, the apparatus provides a method to reuse used processing fluids in future processing. In particular, the apparatus makes use of its mixing capability to combine a reserved processing fluid with a fresh processing fluid to create a replenished processing fluid.
Claims130
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- a plurality of connectors for fluid communication with a plurality of source reservoirs each containing a processing liquid;
- a mixing tank in fluid communication with the plurality of reservoirs for receiving and mixing selected processing liquids to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a valve for fluid communication with the source reservoirs and in fluid communication with the mixing tank for controlling the flow of processing liquid from the source reservoirs to the mixing tank;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank;
- and
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum.
3 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least one connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving and mixing the processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank;
- rotary selector valving for communication with the connector to control the flow of liquid into the processing drum;
- and
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum.
3 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least a first connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving the first processing liquid supplied from the first connector and mixing the first processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank;
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum;
- a second connector for connection with a second source reservoir for a second processing liquid including water to supply to the mixing tank to create the selected fluid mixture as a fresh mixture for processing film;
- and
- a third connector for connection with a third source reservoir for a third processing liquid including another selected processing liquid concentrate for supply to the mixing tank.
4 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least one connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving and mixing the processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank;
- and
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum;
- a liquid detector to enable the start of a liquid flow to be detected to enable metering of each processing liquid into the mixing tank;
- and
- a flow sensor to detect the volume of fluid flow at the flow sensor, the flow sensor cooperating with the liquid detector to enable liquid flow of each processing liquid to be metered into the mixing tank.
5 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least one connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving and mixing the processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank;
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum;
- at least a second connector for connection with a second source reservoir for a second processing liquid including water to supply to the mixing tank to create the selected fluid mixture as a fresh mixture for processing film;
- a liquid detector to enable the start of a liquid flow to be detected to enable metering of each processing liquid into the mixing tank;
- and
- a flow sensor to detect the volume of fluid flow at the flow sensor, the flow sensor cooperating with the liquid detector to enable liquid flow of each processing liquid to be metered into the mixing tank.
5 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least one connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving and mixing the processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank;
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum;
- at least a second connector for connection with a second source reservoir for a second processing liquid including water to supply to the mixing tank to create the selected fluid mixture as a fresh mixture for processing film;
- a third connector for connection with a third source reservoir for a third processing liquid including another selected processing liquid concentrate for supply to the mixing tank;
- a liquid detector to enable the start of a liquid flow to be detected to enable metering of each processing liquid into the mixing tank;
- and
- a flow sensor to detect the volume of fluid flow at the flow sensor, the flow sensor cooperating with the liquid detector to enable liquid flow of each processing liquid to be metered into the mixing tank.
6 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least one connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving and mixing the processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank;
- and
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum;
- and
- a liquid detector to enable the start of a liquid flow to be detected to enable metering of each processing liquid into the mixing tank;
- and
- a positive displacement pump cooperating with the liquid detector to enable a precise amount of each processing liquid to be dispensed into the mixing tank upon detection of a liquid flow by the liquid detector.
6 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least one connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving and mixing the processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank;
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum;
- at least a second connector for connection with a second source reservoir for a second processing liquid including water to supply to the mixing tank to create the selected fluid mixture as a fresh mixture for processing film;
- a liquid detector to enable the start of a liquid flow to be detected to enable metering of each processing liquid into the mixing tank;
- and
- a positive displacement pump cooperating with the liquid detector to enable a precise amount of each processing liquid to be dispensed into the mixing tank upon detection of a liquid flow by the liquid detector.
5 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least one connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving and mixing the processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank;
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum;
- at least a second connector for connection with a second source reservoir for a second processing liquid including water to supply to the mixing tank to create the selected fluid mixture as a fresh mixture for processing film;
- a third connector for connection with a third source reservoir for a third processing liquid including another selected processing liquid concentrate for supply to the mixing tank;
- a liquid detector to enable the start of a liquid flow to be detected to enable metering of each processing liquid into the mixing tank;
- and
- a positive displacement pump cooperating with the liquid detector to enable a precise amount of each processing liquid to be dispensed into the mixing tank upon detection of a liquid flow by the liquid detector.
6 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least one connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving and mixing the processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank;
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum;
- at least a second connector for connection with a second source reservoir for a second processing liquid including water to supply to the mixing tank to create the selected fluid mixture as a fresh mixture for processing film;
- and
- a valve intermediate the reservoir and the mixing tank to control liquid flow to the mixing tank.
4 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least one connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving and mixing the processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank;
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum;
- and
- at least one discharge connector for connection with a discharge reservoir for receiving used fluid mixture from the processing drum.
3 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least one connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving and mixing the processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank;
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum;
- and
- a heater for heating the fluid mixture in the mixing tank.
3 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least one connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving and mixing the processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank;
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum;
- and
- a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the fluid mixture in the mixing tank.
3 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least one connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving and mixing the processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank;
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum;
- and
- a magnetic stirrer for mixing the fluid mixture in the mixing tank.
3 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least one connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving and mixing the processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank;
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum;
- a first pump in fluid communication with the mixing tank for pumping the processing liquid from the reservoir into the mixing tank;
- and
- a level sensor operably connected to the mixing tank for measuring the fluid level within the mixing tank.
4 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least one connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving and mixing the processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank;
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum;
- a first pump in fluid communication with the mixing tank for pumping the processing liquid from the reservoir into the mixing tank, wherein said first pump is a positive displacement pump;
- and
- a level sensor operably connected to the mixing tank for measuring the fluid level within the mixing tank.
4 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least one connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving and mixing the processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank;
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum;
- a first pump in fluid communication with the mixing tank for pumping the processing liquid from the reservoir into the mixing tank;
- and
- a second pump in fluid communication with the mixing tank and in fluid communication with the processing drum for pumping the fluid mixture from the mixing tank to the processing drum.
4 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least one connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving and mixing the processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank, said processing drum including a heater for heating the fluid mixture in the drum;
- and
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum.
2 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least one connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving and mixing the processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank;
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum;
- and
- at least a plurality of discharge reservoirs and at least one drain valve in fluid communication with the processing drum and in fluid communication with the discharge reservoirs, the drain valve selecting a discharge reservoir to receive the fluid mixture from the processing drum.
3 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least one connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving and mixing the processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a processing drum in fluid communication with the mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the mixing tank;
- a film holder located within the processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the drum;
- and
- an agitator, included with said processing drum, for attachment to the film holder and for agitating the film within the fluid mixture.
3 more elements
An apparatus for batch processing film comprising:
- at least one connector for connection to a source reservoir containing at least a first processing liquid including a first processing chemical concentrate;
- a single mixing tank for fluid communication with the source reservoir for receiving and mixing the processing liquid with another processing liquid to provide a selected fluid mixture;
- a single processing drum in fluid communication with the single mixing tank for receiving the selected fluid mixture from the single mixing tank;
- rotary selector valving for communication with the connector to control the flow of liquid into the single processing drum;
- and
- a film holder located within the single processing drum for holding a batch of film to be processed in position contained within the drum for processing in the selected fluid mixture within the single processing drum.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.