US3832730A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for processing photographic films
Assignee: Agfa Gevaert AG
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Filing: 1973-09-04
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Granted: 1974-08-27
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Expires: 1993-09-04
Abstract
Abstract A processing apparatus wherein a dryer follows a first vessel for a supply of developing solution, a second vessel for a fixing bath and a third vessel for a rinse bath. The duct for evacuation of spent gaseous fluid from the dryer contains a heat exchanger whose coil conveys a stream of fresh water which is heated in the coil prior to entering additional heat exchangers in the first two vessels. The additional heat exchangers heat the respective liquids and the last additional heat exchanger discharges heated water into the rinse bath. The vessel for developing solution further contains a thermostatically controlled heating unit. The heat exchanger in the dryer receives unheated water from a supply pipe through a valve which is opened in automatic response to admission of films into the first vessel and remains open as long as at least one film travels between the inlet of the first vessel and a receptacle which receives films from the dryer.
Inventors
- 👤 E Geyken
- 👤 G Schwarzmaier
- 👤 P Dawidowitsch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 05:54
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03D; G03D3/00; G03D3/08; G03D3/13; G03D3/132; G03D13/00; G03D13/006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
In a processing apparatus for exposed films or analogous sheet- or web-like carriers of photosensitive material, a combination comprising a series of vessels each containing a supply of a processing liquid; a dryer; means for circulating in said dryer a heated gaseous fluid; means for transporting carriers of photosensitive material through successive vessels of said series and thereupon through said dryer; a source of unheated liquid; a first heat exchanger connectable with said source and installed in said dryer so that unheated liquid which is supplied by said source is heated in said heat exchanger; and at least one additional heat exchanger connected with said first heat exchanger and arranged to circulate heated liquid in one of said vessels so that heated liquid supplied by said first heat exchanger and flowing in said additional heat exchanger heats the supply of liquid in said one vessel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
145 words
In a processing apparatus for exposed films or analogous sheet- or web-like carriers of photosensitive material, a combination comprising a series of vessels each containing a supply of a processing liquid; a dryer; means for circulating in said dryer a heated gaseous fluid; means for transporting carriers of photosensitive material through successive vessels of said series and thereupon through said dryer; a source of unheated liquid; a first heat exchanger connectable with said source and installed in said dryer so that unheated liquid which is supplied by said source is heated in said heat exchanger; and at least one additional heat exchanger connected with said first heat exchanger and arranged to circulate heated liquid in one of said vessels so that heated liquid supplied by said first heat exchanger and flowing in said additional heat exchanger heats the supply of liquid in said one vessel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising thermostatically controlled heating means provided in and arranged to heat the supply of liquid in at least one of said vessels.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said unheated liquid is fresh water and the supply of liquid in another of said vessels is a rinse bath, said additional heat exchanger having an outlet arranged to discharge heated water into said rinse bath.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
80 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said dryer comprises a first portion and a second portion located downstream of said first portion, as considered in the direction of circulation of gaseous fluid in said dryer, said means for transporting being arranged to transport carriers of photosensitve material through said first portion and said first heat exchanger being arranged to effect an exchanger of heat between unheated liquid and the gaseous fluid in said second portion of said dryer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A combination as defined in claim 4, wherein said second portion of said dryer is a duct wherein said gaseous fluid flows on its way from said dryer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first heat exchanger comprises a coil for unheated liquid and heat exchanging fins surrounding said coil.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said dryer comprises a frame and said first heat exchanger forms parT of said frame.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said dryer comprises a jacket and said first heat exchanger forms part of said jacket.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
56 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising means for circulating the processing liquid in said one vessel and thermostatically controlled heating means for processing liquid in said one vessel, said additional heat exchanger being located upstream of said heating means as considered in the direction of circulation of processing liquid in said one vessel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
52 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising valve means installed between said first heat exchanger and said source of unheated liquid and control means for maintaining said valve means in open position while at least one of said vessels or said dryer contains at least one carrier of photosensitive material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
A combination as defined in claim 10, wherein said control means comprises detector means arranged to monitor the admission of carriers into the foremost vessel of said series of vessels.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
A combination as defined in claim 11, wherein said valve means comprises electromagnet means which is energized in the open position of said valve means and said detector means comprises means for energizing said electromagnet means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
A combination as defined in claim 10, wherein said control means comprises an impulse storing device.
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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) | 1977-08-26 | 1978-02-25 | 1978-08-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-08-26 | 1982-02-25 | 1982-08-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-08-26 | 1986-02-25 | 1986-08-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |