Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
182 words
Apparatus for processing a strip of exposed photographic material contained in a film handling cassette, such cassette including a container in which processing fluid is initially stored, such container having a portion adapted to release such fluid when such fluid is subjected to a predetermined pressure responsive to a force applying member being pressed against such container, an applicator, means for feeding such fluid to such applicator when such fluid is released from such container and means adapted to be driven by external drive means for progressively advancing such strip of exposed photographic material across such applicator, comprising: first means for receiving such cassette; second means for automatically expelling such fluid from such container in the process of inserting such cassette into said receiving means and for locking such cassette in position when fully inserted into said receiving means; third means for selectively driving such advancing means of such cassette to cause such applicator to apply a coating of such fluid along the length of such strip of exposed photographic material; and fourth means for selectively ejecting such cassette from said apparatus.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
182 words
Apparatus for processing a strip of exposed photographic material contained in a film handling cassette, such cassette including a container in which processing fluid is initially stored, such container having a portion adapted to release such fluid when such fluid is subjected to a predetermined pressure responsive to a force applying member being pressed against such container, an applicator, means for feeding such fluid to such applicator when such fluid is released from such container and means adapted to be driven by external drive means for progressively advancing such strip of exposed photographic material across such applicator, comprising: first means for receiving such cassette; second means for automatically expelling such fluid from such container in the process of inserting such cassette into said receiving means and for locking such cassette in position when fully inserted into said receiving means; third means for selectively driving such advancing means of such cassette to cause such applicator to apply a coating of such fluid along the length of such strip of exposed photographic material; and fourth means for selectively ejecting such cassette from said apparatus.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
83 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second means comprises at least one resiliently compressible member positioned to be compressed by such cassette and to progressively exert a force against such container causing such fluid to be expelled from such container during the insertion of such cassette into said first means and to subsequently expand when such cassette is fully inserted in said first means to exert a force against such cassette tending to lock such cassette in position within said first means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said resiliently compressible member comprises a roller.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
80 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said second means additionally comprises a second resiliently compressible roller positioned on the other side of such cassette from said first mentioned roller as such cassette is inserted into said first means to be compressed by such cassette during such insertion process and to subsequently expand when such cassette is fully inserted in said first means to exert a force against such cassette tending to lock such cassette in position within said first means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said first means includes a support against which such cassette seats when fully Inserted in said first means and said force exerted against such cassette by said resiliently compressible member when such cassette is seated against said support firmly urges such cassette against said support.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said first means includes a support against which such cassette is seated when fully inserted in said first means and said force exerted on such cassette by said roller when such cassette is seated against said support firmly urges such cassette against said support.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
65 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fourth means includes a pivotably mounted lever arm, one end of said arm adapted to be selectively displaced from a first to a second position and the other end thereof adapted to contact such cassette and eject such cassette from said apparatus as said one end is displaced from its said first position into its said second position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
96 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fourth means includes a substantially rigid member adapted to be displaced from a first position wherein it does not tend to eject such cassette from said apparatus into a second position, said rigid member exerting a force on such cassette during said displacement thereof effecting an ejection of such cassette from said apparatus, a rack on said rigid member, a pinion engaging said rack and a motor connected to said pinion, whereby said pinion may be selectively driven by said motor to effect said displacement of said rigid member.