Photofinishing processing system and a processing solution supply cartridge for the processing system

#The present invention relates to a photofinishing processing solution supply cartridge, container or packaging system, as well as a processing system having a supply cartridge, container or packaging system that is adapted to hold processing solution and collect spent processing or cleaning solution. More particularly, the present invention relates to a chemical supply cartridge, container or packaging system having an integrated silver recovery process for photoprocessing systems.

#Current photographic processing machines are typically large, costly systems which are highly dependent on infrastructure, such as water supply and access to drain(s). The quantity of chemicals used in processing photographic materials has been historically high. Further, many processes rely on the use of concentrated chemistry and necessitate an additional source of water. As an added factor, almost all processors require significant infrastructure to support the treatment of spent solution and silver recovery.

#There are a number of chemical delivery cartridges available that supply fresh photo-chemicals to photoprocessing machines. The machine operators who use the photo-chemicals are typically required by law to treat the effluent or spent processing solution from the process to reduce the level of aqueous silver before discharging the spent processing solution or effluent to municipal waste water treatment systems. These silver recovery treatment systems are typically sold as add-ons to the processors and require additional maintenance and operator intervention.

#FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a processing system including a processor and a supply cartridge in accordance with the present invention;

#FIG. 2 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a supply cartridge utilized in the processing system of FIG. 1;

#FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a further embodiment of a supply cartridge in accordance with the present invention;

#Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a processor 5 is schematically shown in FIG. 1. Processor 5 can be a known processor having individual processing tanks, areas or sections, and a photosensitive media path which passes through the appropriate sections for processing photosensitive media in a known manner. Processor 5 is further adapted to receive fresh processing solution from a supply cartridge, or container or packaging system 7. More specifically, as is illustrated in FIG. 1, and using cartridge 7 of FIGS. 1 and 2 as an example, processor 5 is adapted to be operationally or fluidly connected with processing solution or chemical supply cartridge or container 7. With regard to the details of chemical supply cartridge or container 7, reference is made to FIG. 2.

#As illustrated in FIG. 2, chemical supply cartridge 7 can include a rigid and reusable outer shell 9 that can be opened to gain access to or facilitate the removal of internal chambers, vessels, containers or areas 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d and 11e. Rigid shell 9 can be made of a combination of materials including but not limited to LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene), nylon, EVOH (Ethylene vinyl Alcohol), (Saran PVDC Polyvinlyadene Chloride) or HDPE (High density polyethylene). In a preferred embodiment outer shell 9 can be either a corrugated fiber board, HDPE or polypropylene.

#As is also shown in FIG. 2, chemical supply cartridge 7 includes valves 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e and 14f which can be either internal or external to rigid outer shell 9 and can be quick release valves or release fittings for fluidly connecting the cartridge to the processor in a known manner. Valves 14a-14d are respectively associated with chambers 11a-11d, while valves 14e-14f are associated with chamber 11e.