US3901253A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Film processor chemical supply mechanism
Assignee: 3M Co
•
Filing: 1974-01-02
•
Granted: 1975-08-26
•
Expires: 1994-01-02
Abstract
Abstract A film processing machine for automatically processing a single strip of 35mm film by the insertion of a tray or package containing the different processing chemicals into the processor. The processor sequentially dumps the chemicals from the package for processing the film. The chemicals are dumped from individual cups of the chemical package into a reservoir in which the film is rotated for a predetermined period of time. The chemical is then dumped from the reservoir, a transport for the film chemical packages is then indexed and the second chemical is discharged from the package into the reservoir. This process continues until all of the chemicals have been dumped from the package and have been placed into the reservoir to process the film for the predetermined time intervals.
Inventors
- 👤 John E Collins
- 👤 Delmar A Dietsche
- 👤 David C Jones
- 👤 Donald J Mitchell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 18:04
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03D; G03D3/00; G03D3/02; G03D3/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
In an automatic film processor having a reservoir, support means for moving film through the reservoir, and means for supplying processing chemical to the reservoir, the improvement comprising a frame, support for a plurality of film processing solutions, fluid means for receiving solutions from said support and for discharging solutions into the reservoir, said fluid means being supported on said frame adjacent said support, means mounting said support for movement along a path past said fluid means, and means for dumping solutions on said support into said fluid means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
In an automatic film processor having a reservoir, support means for moving film through the reservoir, and means for supplying processing chemical to the reservoir, the improvement comprising a frame, support for a plurality of film processing solutions, fluid means for receiving solutions from said support and for discharging solutions into the reservoir, said fluid means being supported on said frame adjacent said support, means mounting said support for movement along a path past said fluid means, and means for dumping solutions on said support into said fluid means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A film processor according to claim 1 wherein: said support is provided with spaced wall members defining a receptacle to receive a package comprising three or more sealed containers for film processing solutions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
A film processor according to claim 2 wherein said means for dumping solutions comprises means at said fluid means for rupturing the seal on a said package when said support has a desired one of said sealed containers positioned at said fluid means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A film processor according to claim 1 wherein said processor comprises means for dumping solutions from said reservoir.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A film processor according to claim 4 wherein said reservoir is provided with a temperature sensitive variable impedance device for controlling the time a solution remains in the reservoir.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
85 words
A film processor according to claim 1 wherein said support comprises a plurality of spaced wall members to support and orient a package having sealed containers of processing solutions, said frame comprises guide means for guiding said support along said frame past said fluid means, and drive means are provided for driving said support along said guide means and said support has means positioned to actuate a switch for interrupting said drive and stop said support at predetermined locations in relationship to said fluid means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
A film processor according to claim 6 wherein said means for dumping solutions comprises a member having a prong to rupture a said sealed container to drain solution therein into said fluid means, and drive means for driving said member toward said container.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
162 words
A film processor for processing individual strips of film, said processor comprising: support means comprising spaced wall members for receiving a package of processing solutions, said package comprising a plurality of sealed containers disposed in a row, drive means for moving said support means along a path, a reservoir having means for supporting a strip of film for movement in said reservoir, means for dumping solutions from said reservoir, fluid means for receiving solutions dispensed from said package on said support means and for discharging said solutions into Said reservoir, said fluid means including means for rupturing a sealed container of a said package, means for sensing the temperature of the solutions in a said package and disabling the operation of said fluid means if a temperature within a desired range is not sensed, and means for sensing the temperature of the solution in said reservoir and sending signals to control the actuation of said means for dumping solutions from said reservoir.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
162 words
A film processor for processing individual strips of film, said processor comprising: support means comprising spaced wall members for receiving a package of processing solutions, said package comprising a plurality of sealed containers disposed in a row, drive means for moving said support means along a path, a reservoir having means for supporting a strip of film for movement in said reservoir, means for dumping solutions from said reservoir, fluid means for receiving solutions dispensed from said package on said support means and for discharging said solutions into Said reservoir, said fluid means including means for rupturing a sealed container of a said package, means for sensing the temperature of the solutions in a said package and disabling the operation of said fluid means if a temperature within a desired range is not sensed, and means for sensing the temperature of the solution in said reservoir and sending signals to control the actuation of said means for dumping solutions from said reservoir.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
63 words
A film processor according to claim 8 wherein said support means comprises a frame member having a bottom wall, a front wall having apertures to expose the face of the package containers and said spaced wall members being supported on said bottom wall and positioned normal to said front wall and spaced therefrom, and clamp means for securing a package to said support.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
A film processor according to claim 9 comprising: shoulder means for locating a said package on said support.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US1280675A
Cited
US2883922A
Cited
US3136609A
Cited
US3245586A
Cited
US3326531A
Cited
US3695162A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-08-25 | 1979-02-24 | 1979-08-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-08-25 | 1983-02-24 | 1983-08-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-08-25 | 1987-02-24 | 1987-08-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |