US3699869A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Film processing apparatus for processing films of different type
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1970-08-06
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Granted: 1972-10-24
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Expires: 1990-08-06
Abstract
Abstract A processing apparatus having two chambers, one for properly processing a film of one type or ASA number, and the other for properly processing a film of a different ASA number or type. Each of the processing chambers is provided with a film supporting rack movable between an enabled position, in which the rack transports film, and a disabled position in which the film is not transported. Each chamber further has processing solution circulation, replenishment and temperature control systems. The film racks in the two processing chambers are coupled together such that movement of a rack in any one processing chamber to its enabled position results in movement of the rack in the other processing chamber to its disabled position. Once the threaded rack is moved to its enabled position and the processing apparatus threaded through all of its stations for properly processing a film of a predetermined type, an interlock system is actuated for (1) accepting for introduction into the processing apparatus only film of the predetermined type and rejecting all other types of film, and (2) activating recirculation, temperature control and replenishment systems for only the processing solution being used.
Inventors
- 👤 Einar W Jensen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 05:04
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03D; G03D3/00; G03D3/02; G03D3/06; G03D3/065; G03D13/00; G03D13/006; G03D13/007; G03D3/08; G03D3/13; G03D3/135
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
In a film processing apparatus having (a) a plurality of chambers for respectively containing film processing solutions which are respectively adapted to process films of different types, (b) film transport means actuatable for transporting film of a selected one of such different types through film processing solution which is adapted to process the last-mentioned film and which is contained in any one of said chambers, and (c) film processing solution regulating means activatable for controlling film processing solution for effecting film processing, the combination comprising: means for actuating said film transport means to transport film of such selected type through film processing solution which is adapted to process the last-mentioned film and which is contained in any one of said chambers; and means responsive to actuation of said film transport means for activating said film processing solution regulating means to control film processing solution for processing film of such selected type.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
In a film processing apparatus having (a) a plurality of chambers for respectively containing film processing solutions which are respectively adapted to process films of different types, (b) film transport means actuatable for transporting film of a selected one of such different types through film processing solution which is adapted to process the last-mentioned film and which is contained in any one of said chambers, and (c) film processing solution regulating means activatable for controlling film processing solution for effecting film processing, the combination comprising: means for actuating said film transport means to transport film of such selected type through film processing solution which is adapted to process the last-mentioned film and which is contained in any one of said chambers; and means responsive to actuation of said film transport means for activating said film processing solution regulating means to control film processing solution for processing film of such selected type.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
77 words
The invention as recited in claim 1, wherein said film processing solution regulating means has a plurality of recirculation, replenishment and temperature control systems respectively for film processing solutions which are respectively adapted to process films of different types, and wherein said activating means includes: means responsive to actuation of said film transport means for activating said recirculation, replenishment and temperature control system for film processing solution which is adapted to process film of such selected type.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
190 words
In a film processing apparatus having (a) a plurality of chambers for respectively containing film processing solutions which are respectively adapted to process films of different types, (b) film transport means actuatable for transporting film of a selected one of such different types through film processing solution which is adapted to process the last-mentioned film and which is contained in any one of said chambers, (c) a film receiving station for accepting film of such selected type for introduction into said film processing apparatus and (d) film processing solution regulating means activatable for controlling film processing solution for effecting film processing, the combination comprising: means for actuating said film transport means to transport film of such selected type through film processing solution which is adapted to process the last-mentioned film and which is contained in any one of said chambers; means responsive to actuation of said film transport means for activating said film processing solution regulating means to control film processing solution for processing film of such selected type; and means for only accepting film of such selected type at said film receiving station and rejecting films of other types.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
190 words
In a film processing apparatus having (a) a plurality of chambers for respectively containing film processing solutions which are respectively adapted to process films of different types, (b) film transport means actuatable for transporting film of a selected one of such different types through film processing solution which is adapted to process the last-mentioned film and which is contained in any one of said chambers, (c) a film receiving station for accepting film of such selected type for introduction into said film processing apparatus and (d) film processing solution regulating means activatable for controlling film processing solution for effecting film processing, the combination comprising: means for actuating said film transport means to transport film of such selected type through film processing solution which is adapted to process the last-mentioned film and which is contained in any one of said chambers; means responsive to actuation of said film transport means for activating said film processing solution regulating means to control film processing solution for processing film of such selected type; and means for only accepting film of such selected type at said film receiving station and rejecting films of other types.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
69 words
The invention as recited in claim 3, wherein said film transport means has (a) drive means and (b) a plurality of film support means respectively located in said chambers and individually engageable with said drive means, and wherein said actuating means includes: means for substantially simultaneously engagIng one of said film support means with said drive means and disengaging another of said film support means from said drive means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
88 words
The invention as recited in claim 3, wherein said film processing apparatus further has film advance enabling means actuatable for allowing film advance from said film receiving station, wherein the combination further comprises: film sensing means for sensing film of such selected type at said film receiving station, and wherein said accepting and rejecting means includes: electrical circuit means responsive to the last-mentioned film sensing for actuating said film advance enabling means so as to allow advance of film of such selected type from said film receiving station.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
160 words
In a film processing apparatus having first and second chambers for respectively containing film processing solutions which are respectively adapted to process films of different types, the combination comprising: first and second film transport means respectively located in said first and second chambers, said first film transport means being movable between disabled and enabled positions and effective in said enabled position for transporting film through film processing solution which is contained in said first chamber, and said second film transport means being movable between disabled and enabled positions and effective in said enabled position for transporting film through film processing solution which is contained in said second chamber; and means coupling said first and second film transport means for substantially simultaneous movement in a manner such that movement of one of said first and second film transport means to said enabled position is accompanied by movement of another of said first and second film transport means to said disabled position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
160 words
In a film processing apparatus having first and second chambers for respectively containing film processing solutions which are respectively adapted to process films of different types, the combination comprising: first and second film transport means respectively located in said first and second chambers, said first film transport means being movable between disabled and enabled positions and effective in said enabled position for transporting film through film processing solution which is contained in said first chamber, and said second film transport means being movable between disabled and enabled positions and effective in said enabled position for transporting film through film processing solution which is contained in said second chamber; and means coupling said first and second film transport means for substantially simultaneous movement in a manner such that movement of one of said first and second film transport means to said enabled position is accompanied by movement of another of said first and second film transport means to said disabled position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
74 words
The invention as recited in claim 6, wherein said first and second film transport means includes: drive means; and first and second film support means respectively located in said first and second chambers and individually engageable with said drive means, and wherein said coupling means includes: means for respectively engaging said first and second film support means with said drive means when said first and second film transport means are in said enabled position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
94 words
The invention as recited in claim 7, wherein said first and second film support means respectively includes: first and second film roller racks separately movable into and out of engagement with said drive means, and wherein said coupling means further includes: pivotal lever means having opposite ends respectively connected to said first and second film roller racks for substantially simultaneously moving one of said first and second film roller racks into engagement with said drive means and moving another of said first and second film roller racks out of engagement with said drive means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
89 words
In a film processing apparatus for accepting and processing films of first and second different types, the combination comprising: means for selectively effecting first and second operational modes respectively for processing films of first and second different types; and means (1) responsive to effecting of said first operational mode for accepting only film of a first type for processing in said film processing apparatus and (2) responsive to effecting of said second operational mode for accepting only film of a second type for processing in said film processing apparatus.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
89 words
In a film processing apparatus for accepting and processing films of first and second different types, the combination comprising: means for selectively effecting first and second operational modes respectively for processing films of first and second different types; and means (1) responsive to effecting of said first operational mode for accepting only film of a first type for processing in said film processing apparatus and (2) responsive to effecting of said second operational mode for accepting only film of a second type for processing in said film processing apparatus.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention as recited in claim 9, wherein said effecting means includes: first and second film transport means separately actuatable for respectively transporting films of first and second different types in said film processing apparatus.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-10-24 | 1976-04-24 | 1976-10-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-10-24 | 1980-04-24 | 1980-10-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-10-24 | 1984-04-24 | 1984-10-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |