US3628440A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for processing photographic material with radiation
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1969-01-27
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Granted: 1971-12-21
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Expires: 1989-01-27
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for receiving photographic materials exposed to radiation images and for processing resultant latent images. More specifically, one illustrative embodiment comprises a feed mechanism including a drive roller and first and second idler rollers for respectively inserting and withdrawing the photographically sensitized paper, a passageway for guiding the sensitized paper from and to the drive roller, and a single source of radiation. The single source of radiation serves the dual purpose of heating the sensitized paper to thereby retard the development of nonexposed portions of the sensitized material and, after heating, for developing the latent image by photolysis.
Inventors
- 👤 George K Czarnikow
- 👤 William S Owen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 08:28
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03D; G03D13/00; G03D13/002; G05; G05D; G05D23/00; G05D23/19; G05D23/1906; G05D23/1909; G05D23/20; G05D23/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
Apparatus for processing latent images recorded on sensitized material comprising: means defining a developing path disposed between inlet and outlet openings, and including a tubular member; means for driving the sensitized material along said developing path; and a source of radiation disposed within said tubular member, said tubular member having an inner surface and a transmissive portion, at least a portion of said inner surface having the property of absorbing and converting radiation derived from said source into thermal energy for heating the sensitized material, said transmissive portion disposed to allow radiation derived from said source to be directed onto the sensitized material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
103 words
Apparatus for processing latent images recorded on sensitized material comprising: means defining a developing path disposed between inlet and outlet openings, and including a tubular member; means for driving the sensitized material along said developing path; and a source of radiation disposed within said tubular member, said tubular member having an inner surface and a transmissive portion, at least a portion of said inner surface having the property of absorbing and converting radiation derived from said source into thermal energy for heating the sensitized material, said transmissive portion disposed to allow radiation derived from said source to be directed onto the sensitized material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including means for cooling disposed along said developing path to remove thermal energy from the sensitized material prior to exposure of the sensitized material to radiation through said transmissive portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said means for cooling comprises a heat sink disposed adjacent said developing path.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further including: means for sensing the temperature of the sensitized material; and means responsive to said means for sensing for directing a cooling fluid through said tubular member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
77 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein a second tubular member is disposed about said first-mentioned tubular member, said first and second tubular members defining at least a portion of said developing path, said first-mentioned tubular member and said second tubular member presenting respectively first and second surfaces to said developing path, at least one of said first and second surfaces having a sufficiently low coefficient of friction to facilitate the passage of the sensitized material therebetween.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
61 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said second tubular member has means for defining an opening therein, said opening extending through said second surface at a point along said developing path prior to said transmissive portion, and therE is further included a heat sink disposed within said opening of said second tubular member in intimate relation with said developing path.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said first-mentioned tubular member and said second tubular member are disposed within a housing, said housing being divided into at least first and second compartments, said first compartment being substantially filled with a heat-insulating medium, said second compartment enclosing said heat sink and having access means through said housing to allow the ambient environment to circulate therethrough.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
47 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said means for driving includes a drive roller, and first and second idler rollers forming with said drive roller respectively first and second nips, said first and second nips being disposed to drive the sensitized material along the developing path.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
55 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the sensitized material has a predetermined dimension along said developing path, said first-mentioned tubular member is disposed in a stationary relationship with respect to said second tubular member, and the distance between said first and second nips along said developing path is not greater than the predetermined dimension.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including resilient means for placing the sensitized material into intimate contact with at least a portion of said tubular member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including: a second tubular member disposed about said first mentioned tubular member, said first and second tubular members defining at least a portion of said developing path; and resilient means disposed upon said second tubular member to press the sensitized material into intimate contact with said first tubular member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein said resilient means comprises a layer of felt coated with a material having such a coefficient of friction to facilitate the movement of the sensitized material along said developing path.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-12-20 | 1975-06-21 | 1975-12-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-20 | 1979-06-21 | 1979-12-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-20 | 1983-06-21 | 1983-12-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |