Patent US3709472A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3709472A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Development device
Assignee: 3M Co
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Filing: 1971-02-01
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Granted: 1973-01-09
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Expires: 1991-02-01
Abstract
Abstract A device for high speed development of a latent image on a strip of heat developable film moved by a drive means along a path in the device. The device includes a heated rotatable drum about which the film is tensioned and which affords conduction of a uniform predetermined quantity of heat to all areas of the film to effect even development thereof. The device includes means to thoroughly clean the surface of the film and of the drum prior to contact therebetween, and provides a cooling means to terminate development of the film after the film is separated from the drum.
Inventors
- 👤 R Kreitz
- 👤 J Svendsen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 22:51
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03D; G03D13/00; G03D13/002
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 27
Claim 1
Independent Claim
247 words
A device for developing a latent photographic image on a strip of material having a heat developable photographic coating comprising: a frame, means mounted on said frame for defining a path for a said strip to be developed, a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted on said frame with a portion of the cylindrical peripheral surface of said drum defining a portion of said path, said peripheral surface of said drum being continuous and having a smooth surface finish, heating means mounted in said drum for heating said peripheral surface and for producing a uniform heat transfer from said peripheral surface of said drum to said strip, enclosure means mounted on said frame around said drum for providing a uniform thermal environment about said drum, said enclosure means having openings to afford movement of said strip along said path into said enclosure means, into contact with said drum, and out of said enclosure means, cleaning means mounted on said frame for removing foreign particles from said peripheral surface of said drum and for removing foreign particles from the surface of said strip moving along said path prior to contact with said drum, and drive means mounted on said frame for driving said strip along said path and rotating said peripheral surface of said drum in synchronism with said strip moving along said path, and for tensioning the portion of said strip positioned about said drum to afford intimate contact between said peripheral surface of said drum and said strip.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
247 words
A device for developing a latent photographic image on a strip of material having a heat developable photographic coating comprising: a frame, means mounted on said frame for defining a path for a said strip to be developed, a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted on said frame with a portion of the cylindrical peripheral surface of said drum defining a portion of said path, said peripheral surface of said drum being continuous and having a smooth surface finish, heating means mounted in said drum for heating said peripheral surface and for producing a uniform heat transfer from said peripheral surface of said drum to said strip, enclosure means mounted on said frame around said drum for providing a uniform thermal environment about said drum, said enclosure means having openings to afford movement of said strip along said path into said enclosure means, into contact with said drum, and out of said enclosure means, cleaning means mounted on said frame for removing foreign particles from said peripheral surface of said drum and for removing foreign particles from the surface of said strip moving along said path prior to contact with said drum, and drive means mounted on said frame for driving said strip along said path and rotating said peripheral surface of said drum in synchronism with said strip moving along said path, and for tensioning the portion of said strip positioned about said drum to afford intimate contact between said peripheral surface of said drum and said strip.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
68 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein the surface roughness of said peripheral surface of said drum is in the range of 125 to 63 microinches, and wherein the finish marks on said peripheral surface are aligned axially of said drum to afford sufficient frictional engagement between said peripheral surface and said strip to afford driving of said drum by said drive means via driving of said strip.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said cleaning means for said strip comprises ionizing means for removing electrostatic charges on said strip, and means for contacting foreign particles on said strip with a surface having relatively greater surface tack than the surface of said strip to remove said particles.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said device further includes cooling means mounted on said frame for cooling said strip subsequent to separation of said strip from said peripheral surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said path extends around a major portion of said peripheral surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 5, wherein said path covers at least three quarters of said peripheral surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
55 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said device further comprises means mounted on said frame for rotating said drum when said heating means is activated and said strip is not positioned along said path, thereby affording retention of an even temperature on said peripheral surface when said strip is not positionEd along said path.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
74 words
A device according to claim 1 comprising a supply spool and a take-up spool each rotatably and removably mounted on said frame and connected to said driving means, wherein said strip is driven by said drive means from said supply spool to said take-up spool along said path to afford development of said strip, and wherein said drive means further provides means for rewinding said strip between said take-up spool and said supply spool.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
128 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said drive means comprises: a first roller rotatably mounted on said frame, a portion of the peripheral surface of said first roller defining a portion of said path subsequent to said path portion defined by said drum and providing frictional contact with said strip; and a second roller rotatably mounted on said frame, a portion of the peripheral surface of said second roller defining a portion of said path prior to said path portion defined by said drum and providing frictional contact with said strip; and wherein said drive means drives said first roller to drive said strip along said path, and provides a resistive torque on said second roller for tensioning said strip about said peripheral surface of said drum.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
57 words
A device according to claim 9 wherein the peripheral surfaces of said first and of said second rollers are defined by a polydimethyl siloxane silicone elastomer composition having an adhesive property for particulate material, and wherein the peripheral surface of said second roller comprises said portion of said cleaning means for removing foreign particles from said strip.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
241 words
A device for developing a latent photographic image on a strip of material having a heat developable photographic coating comprising: a frame; means mounted on said frame for defining a path for a said strip of material to be developed; a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted on said frame with a portion of the cylindrical peripheral surface of said drum defining a portion of said path, said peripheral surface of said drum being continuous and having a surface finish in the range of 125 to 63 microinches with the finish marks on said peripheral surface aligned axially of said drum; heating means mounted in said drum for heating said peripheral surface and for producing a uniform heat transfer from said peripheral surface of said drum to said strip of material; cleaning means mounted on said frame for removing foreign particles from said peripheral surface of said drum and from the surface of said strip of material prior to contact with said drum; and drive means mounted on said frame for driving said strip of material along said path and rotating said peripheral surface of said drum in synchronism with said strip of material moving along said path, and for tensioning the portion of a said strip of material extending about said drum to provide intimate contact between said peripheral surface of said drum and said strip of material, said drive means driving said drum only via driving of said strip of material.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
241 words
A device for developing a latent photographic image on a strip of material having a heat developable photographic coating comprising: a frame; means mounted on said frame for defining a path for a said strip of material to be developed; a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted on said frame with a portion of the cylindrical peripheral surface of said drum defining a portion of said path, said peripheral surface of said drum being continuous and having a surface finish in the range of 125 to 63 microinches with the finish marks on said peripheral surface aligned axially of said drum; heating means mounted in said drum for heating said peripheral surface and for producing a uniform heat transfer from said peripheral surface of said drum to said strip of material; cleaning means mounted on said frame for removing foreign particles from said peripheral surface of said drum and from the surface of said strip of material prior to contact with said drum; and drive means mounted on said frame for driving said strip of material along said path and rotating said peripheral surface of said drum in synchronism with said strip of material moving along said path, and for tensioning the portion of a said strip of material extending about said drum to provide intimate contact between said peripheral surface of said drum and said strip of material, said drive means driving said drum only via driving of said strip of material.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
248 words
A device for developing a latent photographic image on a strip of material having a heat developable photographic coating comprising: a frame; means mounted on said frame for defining a path for a said strip of material to be developed; a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted on said frame with a portion of the cylindrical peripheral surface of said drum defining a portion of said path, said peripheral surface of said drum being continuous and having a smooth surface finish; heating means mounted in said drum for heating said peripheral surface and for producing a uniform heat transfer from said peripheral surface of said drum to said strip of material; cleaning means mounted on said frame for removing foreign particles from said peripheral surface of said drum and from the surface of said strip of material prior to contact with said drum, comprising ionizing means for removing electrostatic charges on sAid strip of material, and means for contacting foreign particles on the surface of said strip with a surface having relatively greater surface tack than the surface of said strip to remove said particles; and drive means mounted on said frame for driving said strip of material along said path and rotating said peripheral surface of said drum in synchronism with said strip of material moving along said path, and for tensioning the portion of said strip of material extending about said drum to provide intimate contact between said peripheral surface of said drum and said strip of material.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
248 words
A device for developing a latent photographic image on a strip of material having a heat developable photographic coating comprising: a frame; means mounted on said frame for defining a path for a said strip of material to be developed; a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted on said frame with a portion of the cylindrical peripheral surface of said drum defining a portion of said path, said peripheral surface of said drum being continuous and having a smooth surface finish; heating means mounted in said drum for heating said peripheral surface and for producing a uniform heat transfer from said peripheral surface of said drum to said strip of material; cleaning means mounted on said frame for removing foreign particles from said peripheral surface of said drum and from the surface of said strip of material prior to contact with said drum, comprising ionizing means for removing electrostatic charges on sAid strip of material, and means for contacting foreign particles on the surface of said strip with a surface having relatively greater surface tack than the surface of said strip to remove said particles; and drive means mounted on said frame for driving said strip of material along said path and rotating said peripheral surface of said drum in synchronism with said strip of material moving along said path, and for tensioning the portion of said strip of material extending about said drum to provide intimate contact between said peripheral surface of said drum and said strip of material.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
231 words
A device for developing a latent photographic image on a strip of material having a heat developable photographic coating comprising: a frame; means mounted on said frame for defining a path for a said strip of material to be developed; a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted on said frame with a portion of the cylindrical peripheral surface of said drum defining a portion of said path, said peripheral surface of said drum being continuous and having a smooth surface finish; heating means mounted in said drum for heating said peripheral surface and for producing a uniform heat transfer from said peripheral surface of said drum to said strip of material; cleaning means mounted on said frame for removing foreign particles from said peripheral surface of said drum and from the surface of said strip of material prior to contact with said drum; drive means mounted on said frame for driving said strip of material along said path and rotating said peripheral surface of said drum in synchronism with said strip of material moving along said path, and for tensioning the portion of said strip of material extending about said drum to provide intimate contact between said peripheral surface of said drum and said strip of material; and cooling means mounted on said frame for cooling said strip of material immediately subsequent to separation of said strip of material from said peripheral surface.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
231 words
A device for developing a latent photographic image on a strip of material having a heat developable photographic coating comprising: a frame; means mounted on said frame for defining a path for a said strip of material to be developed; a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted on said frame with a portion of the cylindrical peripheral surface of said drum defining a portion of said path, said peripheral surface of said drum being continuous and having a smooth surface finish; heating means mounted in said drum for heating said peripheral surface and for producing a uniform heat transfer from said peripheral surface of said drum to said strip of material; cleaning means mounted on said frame for removing foreign particles from said peripheral surface of said drum and from the surface of said strip of material prior to contact with said drum; drive means mounted on said frame for driving said strip of material along said path and rotating said peripheral surface of said drum in synchronism with said strip of material moving along said path, and for tensioning the portion of said strip of material extending about said drum to provide intimate contact between said peripheral surface of said drum and said strip of material; and cooling means mounted on said frame for cooling said strip of material immediately subsequent to separation of said strip of material from said peripheral surface.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
207 words
A device for developing a latent photographic image on a strip of material having a heat developable photographic coating comprising: a frame; means mounted on said frame for defining a path for a said strip of material to be developed; a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted on said frame with a major portion of the cylindrical peripheral surface of said drum defining a portion of said path, said peripheral surface of said drum being continuous and having a smooth surface finish; heating means mounted in said drum for heating said peripheral surface and for producing a uniform heat transfer from said peripheral surface of said drum to said strip of material; cleaning means mounted on said frame for removing foreign particles from said peripheral surface of said drum and from the surface of said strip of material prior to contact with said drum; and drive means mounted on said frame for driving said strip of material along said path and rotating said peripheral surface of said drum in synchronism with said strip of material moving along said path, and for tensioning the portion of said strip of material extending about said drum to provide intimate contact between said peripheral surface of said drum and said strip of material.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
207 words
A device for developing a latent photographic image on a strip of material having a heat developable photographic coating comprising: a frame; means mounted on said frame for defining a path for a said strip of material to be developed; a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted on said frame with a major portion of the cylindrical peripheral surface of said drum defining a portion of said path, said peripheral surface of said drum being continuous and having a smooth surface finish; heating means mounted in said drum for heating said peripheral surface and for producing a uniform heat transfer from said peripheral surface of said drum to said strip of material; cleaning means mounted on said frame for removing foreign particles from said peripheral surface of said drum and from the surface of said strip of material prior to contact with said drum; and drive means mounted on said frame for driving said strip of material along said path and rotating said peripheral surface of said drum in synchronism with said strip of material moving along said path, and for tensioning the portion of said strip of material extending about said drum to provide intimate contact between said peripheral surface of said drum and said strip of material.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 14 wherein said path extends around at least three quarters of the peripheral surface of said drum.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
256 words
A device for developing a latent photographic image on a strip of material having a heat developable photographic coating comprising: a frame; means mounted on said frame for defining a path for a said strip of material to be developed; a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted on said frame with a portion of the cylindrical peripheral surface of said drum defining a portion of said path, said peripheral surface of said drum being continuous and having a smooth surface finish; heating means mounted in said drum for heating said peripheral surface and for proDucing a uniform heat transfer from said peripheral surface of said drum to said strip of material; cleaning means mounted on said frame for removing foreign particles from said peripheral surface of said drum and from the surface of said strip of material prior to contact with said drum; drive means mounted on said frame for driving said strip of material along said path and rotating said peripheral surface of said drum in synchronism with said strip of material moving along said path, and for tensioning the portion of a said strip of material extending about said drum to provide intimate contact between said peripheral surface of saId drum and said strip of material; and means mounted on saId frame for rotating said drum when said heating means is activated and said strip of material is not positioned along said path, thereby affording retention of an even temperature on said peripheral surface when a said strip of material is not positioned along said path.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
256 words
A device for developing a latent photographic image on a strip of material having a heat developable photographic coating comprising: a frame; means mounted on said frame for defining a path for a said strip of material to be developed; a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted on said frame with a portion of the cylindrical peripheral surface of said drum defining a portion of said path, said peripheral surface of said drum being continuous and having a smooth surface finish; heating means mounted in said drum for heating said peripheral surface and for proDucing a uniform heat transfer from said peripheral surface of said drum to said strip of material; cleaning means mounted on said frame for removing foreign particles from said peripheral surface of said drum and from the surface of said strip of material prior to contact with said drum; drive means mounted on said frame for driving said strip of material along said path and rotating said peripheral surface of said drum in synchronism with said strip of material moving along said path, and for tensioning the portion of a said strip of material extending about said drum to provide intimate contact between said peripheral surface of saId drum and said strip of material; and means mounted on saId frame for rotating said drum when said heating means is activated and said strip of material is not positioned along said path, thereby affording retention of an even temperature on said peripheral surface when a said strip of material is not positioned along said path.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
253 words
A device for developing a latent photographic image on a strip of material having a heat developable photographic coating comprising: a frame; a supply spool and a take-up spool each rotatably and removably mounted on said frame; means mounted on said frame for defining a path for said strip of material to be developed from said supply to said take-up spool; a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted on said frame with a portion of the cylindrical peripheral surface of said drum defining a portion of said path, said peripheral surface of said drum being continuous and having a smooth surface finish; heating means mounted in said drum for heating said peripheral surface and for producing a uniform heat transfer from said peripheral surface of said drum to said strip of material; cleaning means mounted on said frame for removing foreign particles from said peripheral surface of said drum and from the surface of said strip of material prior to contact with said drum; drive means connected to said spools and mounted on said frame for driving a said strip of material along said path between said spools and rotating said peripheral surface of said drum in synchronism with said strip of material moving along said path, and for tensioning the portion of said strip of material extending about said drum to provide intimate contact between said peripheral surface of said drum and said strip of material, said drive means further including means for rewinding said strip between said take-up spool and said supply spool.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
253 words
A device for developing a latent photographic image on a strip of material having a heat developable photographic coating comprising: a frame; a supply spool and a take-up spool each rotatably and removably mounted on said frame; means mounted on said frame for defining a path for said strip of material to be developed from said supply to said take-up spool; a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted on said frame with a portion of the cylindrical peripheral surface of said drum defining a portion of said path, said peripheral surface of said drum being continuous and having a smooth surface finish; heating means mounted in said drum for heating said peripheral surface and for producing a uniform heat transfer from said peripheral surface of said drum to said strip of material; cleaning means mounted on said frame for removing foreign particles from said peripheral surface of said drum and from the surface of said strip of material prior to contact with said drum; drive means connected to said spools and mounted on said frame for driving a said strip of material along said path between said spools and rotating said peripheral surface of said drum in synchronism with said strip of material moving along said path, and for tensioning the portion of said strip of material extending about said drum to provide intimate contact between said peripheral surface of said drum and said strip of material, said drive means further including means for rewinding said strip between said take-up spool and said supply spool.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
310 words
A device for developing a latent photographic image on a strip of material having a heat developable photographic coating comprising: a frame; means mounted on said frame for defining a path for a said strip of material to be developed; a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted on said frame with a portion of the cylindrical peripheral surface of said drum defining a portion of said path, said peripheral surface of said drum being continuous and having a smooth surface finish; heating means mounted in said drum for heating said peripheral surface and for producing a uniform heat transfer from said peripheral surface of said drum to said strip of material; cleaning means mounted on said frame for removing foreign particles from said peripheral surface of said drum and from the surface of said strip of material prior to contact with said drum; drive means mounted on said frame for driving said strip of material along said path and rotating said peripheral surface of said drum in synchronism with said strip of material moving along said path, and comprising; a first roller rotatably mounted on said frame, a portion of the peripheral surface of said roller defining a portion of said path subsequent to said path portion defined by said drum and providing frictional contact with said strip of material; and a second roller rotatably mounted on said frame, a portion of the peripheral surface of said second roller defining a portion of sAid path prior to said path portion defined by said drum and providing frictional contact with said strip of material, said drive means driving said first roller to drive said strip along said path, and providing a resistive torque on said second roller for tensioning said strip of material about said peripheral surface to provide intimate contact between said peripheral surface of said drum and said strip of material.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
310 words
A device for developing a latent photographic image on a strip of material having a heat developable photographic coating comprising: a frame; means mounted on said frame for defining a path for a said strip of material to be developed; a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted on said frame with a portion of the cylindrical peripheral surface of said drum defining a portion of said path, said peripheral surface of said drum being continuous and having a smooth surface finish; heating means mounted in said drum for heating said peripheral surface and for producing a uniform heat transfer from said peripheral surface of said drum to said strip of material; cleaning means mounted on said frame for removing foreign particles from said peripheral surface of said drum and from the surface of said strip of material prior to contact with said drum; drive means mounted on said frame for driving said strip of material along said path and rotating said peripheral surface of said drum in synchronism with said strip of material moving along said path, and comprising; a first roller rotatably mounted on said frame, a portion of the peripheral surface of said roller defining a portion of said path subsequent to said path portion defined by said drum and providing frictional contact with said strip of material; and a second roller rotatably mounted on said frame, a portion of the peripheral surface of said second roller defining a portion of sAid path prior to said path portion defined by said drum and providing frictional contact with said strip of material, said drive means driving said first roller to drive said strip along said path, and providing a resistive torque on said second roller for tensioning said strip of material about said peripheral surface to provide intimate contact between said peripheral surface of said drum and said strip of material.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
56 words
A device according to claim 18 wherein the peripheral surfaces of said first and second rollers are defined by a polydimethyl siloxane silicone elastomer composition, having an adhesive property for particulate material, and the peripheral surface of said second roller comprises said portion of said cleaning means for removing foreign particles from said strip of material.
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) | 1976-01-09 | 1976-07-10 | 1977-01-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-09 | 1980-07-10 | 1981-01-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-09 | 1984-07-10 | 1985-01-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |