US3787689A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Exposure scanner and replenisher control
Assignee: HOPE H X RAY PRODUCTS Inc
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Filing: 1972-05-16
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Granted: 1974-01-22
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Expires: 1992-05-16
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for automatically replenishing developer and fixer solution in an automatic photographic film processor in response to accumulated exposure density of processed film. The exposure of the continuously moving film is electronically scanned at the dryer exit. The scanner, whose timing cycle is responsive to the film speed, controls the transmission of exposure signals from the scanner photocell to an integrator. The exposure density accumulated by the integrator is applied to a threshold detector which controls a developer-replenisher-pump timer and a fixerreplenisher-pump timer. Developer and fixer replenisher bypasses are provided as well as a double replenisher option.
Inventors
- 👤 D Fidelman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 07:33
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03D; G03D3/00; G03D3/02; G03D3/06; G03D3/065
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
Exposure scanner for a photographic film processor comprising: scan sensor means for monitoring instantaneously a width of film and for producing an electrical signal proportional to the density of exposure; integrator means for integrating said scan sensor means'' electrical signal and for producing an output proportional to the cumulative amount of exposure; threshold sensing means for determining a preset level of the cumulative exposure signal and for producing an output signal when said level is reached; indicator means responsive to said threshold sensing means'' output to indicate that a preset level of exposure has accumulated; film switch means responsive to the rate at which said film moves for producing an output pulse; timer means responsive to said output pulse for producing an output for a predetermined period; and scanner switch means responsive to said timer means'' output for connecting said scan sensor means'' elecrical signal to said integrator means during said predetermined period, and physically disconnecting said scan sensor means'' electrical signal from said integrator means at all other times.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
Exposure scanner for a photographic film processor comprising: scan sensor means for monitoring instantaneously a width of film and for producing an electrical signal proportional to the density of exposure; integrator means for integrating said scan sensor means'' electrical signal and for producing an output proportional to the cumulative amount of exposure; threshold sensing means for determining a preset level of the cumulative exposure signal and for producing an output signal when said level is reached; indicator means responsive to said threshold sensing means'' output to indicate that a preset level of exposure has accumulated; film switch means responsive to the rate at which said film moves for producing an output pulse; timer means responsive to said output pulse for producing an output for a predetermined period; and scanner switch means responsive to said timer means'' output for connecting said scan sensor means'' elecrical signal to said integrator means during said predetermined period, and physically disconnecting said scan sensor means'' electrical signal from said integrator means at all other times.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
An exposure scanner as in claim 1 further including automatic reset means responsive to said threshold sensing means output to reset said integrator means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
An exposure scanner as in claim 2 wherein: said integrator means is an operational amplifier with capacitative feedback; and said threshold sensing means is a Schmitt trigger.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
An exposure scanner as in claim 1 wherein: said scan sensor means includes a light source means and photo-cell means for scanning the entire width of film; and said predetermined period of said timer means is shorter than the frequency of said output pulse.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
An exposure scanner as in claim 1 further including: film sensor means for sensing the presence of photographic film to be processed; and drift lockout means responsive to said film sensor for disconnecting said scan sensor means from said integrator means a predetermined time after said photographic film''s presence is sensed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
105 words
An esposure scanner and replenisher control for a photographic processor comprising: a scan sensor means for monitoring instantaneously a width of developed film and for producing a signal proportional to the density of exposure; integrator means for accumulating said exposure density signal; scan timer means responsive to film speed for connecting said scan sensor means'' signal to said integrator means for a predetermined period; threshold means for detecting a preset level of said accumulated exposure density signal and for producing an output when said preset level is detected; and control means for controlling the replenishment of photographic solutions in response to said threshold means'' output.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
105 words
An esposure scanner and replenisher control for a photographic processor comprising: a scan sensor means for monitoring instantaneously a width of developed film and for producing a signal proportional to the density of exposure; integrator means for accumulating said exposure density signal; scan timer means responsive to film speed for connecting said scan sensor means'' signal to said integrator means for a predetermined period; threshold means for detecting a preset level of said accumulated exposure density signal and for producing an output when said preset level is detected; and control means for controlling the replenishment of photographic solutions in response to said threshold means'' output.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
An exposure scanner and replenisher control of claim 6 wherein said control means includes replenishment timer means for allowing replenishment for a predetermined time in response to said threshold means'' output.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
An exposure scanner and replenisher control of claim 7 wherein said control means includes two of said replenishment timer means, one for developer solution and one for fixer solution; and replenishment periods of said replenishment timer means which are individually adjustable in duration.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
An exposure scanner and replenisher control as in claim 6 further including automatic reset means responsive to said threshold sensing means'' output to reset said integrator means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
38 words
An exposure scanner and replenisher control of claim 6 wherein said scan sensor means includes a switch means for modifying, when activated, said density exposure signal so that the amount of replenishment is changed by a predetermined amount.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
An exposure scanner and replenisher control of claim 8 wherein each of said replenishment timer means includes a bypass switch means for additional replenishment if activated.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
53 words
An exposure scanner and replenisher control as in claim 6 further including: film sensor means for sensing the leading or trailing edge of photographic film to be processed; and lockout means for disconnecting said scan sensor means from said integrator means a predetermined time after said film sensor means senses said leading edge.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
44 words
An exposure scanner as in claim 12 further comprising: indicator means for indicating when another photographic film may be inserted into said processor; and indicator control means for initiating said indicator means a predetermined time after said film sensor means senses said trailing edge.
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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) | 1977-01-21 | 1977-07-23 | 1978-01-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-21 | 1981-07-23 | 1982-01-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-21 | 1985-07-23 | 1986-01-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |