Photographic film assemblage

Claim 2

Photographic film assemblage for use with photographic apparatus of the type including pressure-applying means for distributing a fluid processing composition within a film unit that is advanced relative to the pressure-applying means, said film assemblage comprising: a film container for holding at least one film unit, said film container having a withdrawal slot therein through which a film unit held in said film container is adapted to be advanced to bring it into operative relationship with the pressure-applying means of the apparatus; at least one film unit in said film container, said one film unit comprising a plurality of layers, including photosensitive and image-receiving layers, each having lateral edges, and a container of fluid processing composition at one end of said one film unit, said one film unit being adapted to be advanced, container of fluid first, relative to the pressure-applying means of the apparatus with said plurality of layers in superposed relation for distributing said fluid between a predetermined pair of said layers and thereby causing said predetermined pair of layers to separate; and means on said film container so as to form an integral part of said film assemblage for controlling the distribution of said fluid between said predetermined pair of layers, said distribution control means including resilient means deflectable in the direction of film advancement for engaging said one film unit and limiting the separation of said predetermined layers caused by the introduction of said fluid therebetween, thereby directing a portion of said fluid towards said lateral edges of said predetermined pair of layers.

Claim 3

Photographic film assembLage as defined in claim 1 wherein said resilient means includes means for engaging a medial portion of one of said plurality of layers intermediate its said lateral edges.

Claim 4

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 2 wherein said means for engaging a medial portion of said one layer extends part way across said withdrawal slot of said film container.

Claim 5

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 1 wherein said one film unit is adapted to be exposed prior to advancement relative to the pressure-applying means of the apparatus and said plurality of layers are adapted to be in superposed relation during exposure.

Claim 6

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 4 wherein said plurality of layers form a laminate.

Claim 7

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 1 wherein said one film unit is adapted to be exposed prior to advancement relative to the pressure-applying means of the apparatus and certain of said plurality of layers are adapted to be brought into superposition with other of said plurality of layers subsequent to exposure but prior to advancement relative to the pressure-applying means of the apparatus.

Claim 8

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 1 wherein said one layer is transparent.

Claim 9

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 1 wherein said one layer is opaque.

Claim 10

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 1 wherein said distribution control means further includes support means for supporting said one film unit while said resilient means limits the separation of said predetermined pair of layers.

Claim 11

Photographic film assemblage for use with photographic apparatus of the type including pressure-applying means for distributing a fluid processing composition within a film unit that is advanced relative to the pressure-applying means, said film assemblage comprising: a film container for holding at least one film unit, said film container having a forward wall and an end wall defining a withdrawal slot at one end of said film container through which a film unit held in said film container is adapted to be advanced to bring it into operative relationship with the pressure-applying means of the apparatus; at least one film unit in said film container, said one film unit comprising a plurality of layers, including photosensitive and image-receiving layers, each having lateral edges, and a container of fluid processing composition at one end of said film unit, said one film unit being adapted to be advanced, container of fluid first, relative to the pressure-applying means of the apparatus with said plurality of layers in superposition for distributing said fluid between a predetermined pair of said plurality of layers; and means on said film container so as to form an integral part of said film assemblage for controlling the distribution of said fluid between said predetermined pair of layers, said distribution control means including resilient means integrally formed with said end wall of said film container for selectively engaging a medial portion of one of said layers intermediate said lateral edges to direct at least a portion of said fluid being distributed by the pressure-applying means of the apparatus towards said lateral edges of said predetermined pair of layers, said resilient means being initially positioned in the path of advancement of said film unit through said withdrawal slot and being deflectable by said film unit to allow said container of fluid to advance past said resilient means without said fluid being discharged therefrom and thereafter moving towards said initial position to engage said medial portion of one of said layers to effect the controlled distribution of said fluid.

Claim 12

Photographic film assemblage for use with photographic apparatus of the type including pressure-applying means for distributing a fluid processing composition within a film unit that is advanced relative to the pressure-applying means, said film assemblage comprising: a film container for holding at least one film unit, said film container having a forward wall and an end wall defining a withdrawal slot at one end of said film container through which a film unit held in said film container is adapted to be advanced to bring it into operative relationship with the pressure-applying means of the apparatus; at least one film unit in said film container, said one film unit comprising a plurality of layers, including photosensitive and image-receiving layers, each having lateral edges, and a container of fluid processing composition at one end of said film unit, said one film unit being adapted to be advanced, container of fluid first, relative to the pressure-applying means of the apparatus with said plurality of layers in superposition for distributing said fluid between a predetermined pair of said plurality of layers; and means on said film container so as to form an integral part of said film assemblage for controlling the distribution of said fluid between said predetermined pair of layers, said distribution control means including resilient means integrally formed with said end wall of said film container for selectively engaging a medial portion of one of said layers intermediate said lateral edges to direct at least a portion of said fluid being distributed by the pressure-applying means of the apparatus towards said lateral edges of said predetermined pair of layers, said resilient means being initially positioned in the path of advancement of said film unit through said withdrawal slot and being deflectable by said film unit to allow said container of fluid to advance past said resilient means without said fluid being discharged therefrom and thereafter moving towards said initial position to engage said medial portion of one of said layers to effect the controlled distribution of said fluid.

Claim 13

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 10 wherein said one layer defines an exterior surface of said one film unit and is transparent.

Claim 14

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 10 wherein said one layer defines an exterior surface of said one film unit And is opaque.

Claim 15

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 10 wherein said one film unit is adapted to be exposed prior to advancement relative to the pressure-applying means of the apparatus and said plurality of layers are adapted to be in superposition during exposure.

Claim 16

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 13 wherein said plurality of layers form a laminate.

Claim 17

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 10 wherein said one film unit is adapted to be exposed prior to advancement relative to the pressure-applying means of the apparatus and certain of said plurality of layers are adapted to be brought into superposition with other of said plurality of layers subsequent to exposure but prior to advancement relative to the pressure-applying means of the apparatus.

Claim 18

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 10 wherein said film container includes a forward wall defining an upper edge of said withdrawal slot and an end wall defining an opposed lower edge of said withdrawal slot, said one film unit being positionable in said film container so that it may be advanced through said slot with said one layer adjacent said lower edge and said resilient means being located in position to engage said medial portion of said one layer.

Claim 19

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 10 further including support means for supporting said one film unit while said resilient means engages said medial portion of said one layer.

Claim 20

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 17 wherein said one layer defines a first exterior surface of said one film unit and another of said plurality of layers defines a second exterior surface of said one film unit and said support means is adapted to engage said second exterior surface while said resilient means engages said first exterior surface.

Claim 21

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 17 wherein the pressure-applying means of the apparatus is adapted to apply a first compressive pressure to said one film unit for distributing said fluid between said predetermined pair of layers and said resilient means and said support means cooperate to selectively apply a second compressive pressure to said medial portion of said one film unit in the path of said fluid to direct a portion of said fluid towards said lateral edges.

Claim 22

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 10 including a plurality of said film unit arranged in stacked relation within said film container.

Claim 23

A photographic system comprising: photographic apparatus including: a housing; means associated with said housing for receiving and supporting a film container holding at least one film unit; and pressure-applying means for distributing a fluid processing composition within a film unit that is advanced relative to the pressure-applying means; in combination with a photographic film assemblage including: a film container for holding at least one film unit, said film container having a withdrawal slot therein through which a film unit held in said film container is adapted to be advanced to bring it in operative relationship with said pressure-applying means of said apparatus; at least one film unit in said film container, said one film unit comprising a plurality of layers, including photosensitive and image-receiving layers, each having lateral edges, and a container of fluid processing composition at one end of said one film unit, said one film unit being adapted to be advanced, container of fluid first, relative to said pressure-applying means of said apparatus with said plurality of layers in superposed relation for distributing said fluid between a predetermined pair of said layers and thereby causing said predetermined pair of layers to separate; and means on said film container for controlling the distribution of said fluid between said predetermined pair of layers, said distribution control means including resilient means integrally formed with said Film container and being deflectable in the direction of film advancement for limiting the separation of said predetermined pair of layers caused by the introduction of said fluid therebetween and thereby directing a portion of said fluid towards said lateral edges of said predetermined pair of layers.

Claim 24

A photographic system comprising: photographic apparatus including: a housing; means associated with said housing for receiving and supporting a film container holding at least one film unit; and pressure-applying means for distributing a fluid processing composition within a film unit that is advanced relative to the pressure-applying means; in combination with a photographic film assemblage including: a film container for holding at least one film unit, said film container having a withdrawal slot therein through which a film unit held in said film container is adapted to be advanced to bring it in operative relationship with said pressure-applying means of said apparatus; at least one film unit in said film container, said one film unit comprising a plurality of layers, including photosensitive and image-receiving layers, each having lateral edges, and a container of fluid processing composition at one end of said one film unit, said one film unit being adapted to be advanced, container of fluid first, relative to said pressure-applying means of said apparatus with said plurality of layers in superposed relation for distributing said fluid between a predetermined pair of said layers and thereby causing said predetermined pair of layers to separate; and means on said film container for controlling the distribution of said fluid between said predetermined pair of layers, said distribution control means including resilient means integrally formed with said Film container and being deflectable in the direction of film advancement for limiting the separation of said predetermined pair of layers caused by the introduction of said fluid therebetween and thereby directing a portion of said fluid towards said lateral edges of said predetermined pair of layers.

Claim 25

Photographic film assemblage for use with photographic apparatus of the type including elongated pressure-applying means, said film assemblage comprising: at least one film unit comprising a plurality of layers, including photosensitive and image-receiving layers, and a container of fluid processing composition, said container of fluid processing composition being arranged to release its said fluid processing composition between selected layers of said film unit as said film unit is progressively advanced into operative relationship with said pressure-applying means, said pressure-applying means serving to subsequently progressively distribute said composition between said selected layers as said selected layers are then progressively advanced into operative relationship therewith; and a film container in which said film unit is initially retained, said film container having an elongated withdrawal slot through which said film unit may be advanced from said container towards said pressure-applying means and including means for exerting a compressive force on a medial transverse section of said film unit as said fluid processing composition is being distributed between said selected layers to control the distribution of said fluid processing composition between said selected layers, said compressive force exerting means including a member extending into the path of advancement of said film unit to engage said film unit as it is advanced from said film container and structured to be deflected by the portion of said film unit containing said fluid processing composition container to permit said fluid processing container to traverse said flexible member as it is advanced towards said pressure-applying means without said member causing a release of the fluid processing composition therefrom and to return towards its initial position after said fluid processing composition container has advanced therepast to exert a compressive force on said film unit downstream from said fluid processing composition container.

Claim 26

Photographic film assemblage for use with photographic apparatus of the type including elongated pressure-applying means, said film assemblage comprising: at least one film unit comprising a plurality of layers, including photosensitive and image-receiving layers, and a container of fluid processing composition, said container of fluid processing composition being arranged to release its said fluid processing composition between selected layers of said film unit as said film unit is progressively advanced into operative relationship with said pressure-applying means, said pressure-applying means serving to subsequently progressively distribute said composition between said selected layers as said selected layers are then progressively advanced into operative relationship therewith; and a film container in which said film unit is initially retained, said film container having an elongated withdrawal slot through which said film unit may be advanced from said container towards said pressure-applying means and including means for exerting a compressive force on a medial transverse section of said film unit as said fluid processing composition is being distributed between said selected layers to control the distribution of said fluid processing composition between said selected layers, said compressive force exerting means including a member extending into the path of advancement of said film unit to engage said film unit as it is advanced from said film container and structured to be deflected by the portion of said film unit containing said fluid processing composition container to permit said fluid processing container to traverse said flexible member as it is advanced towards said pressure-applying means without said member causing a release of the fluid processing composition therefrom and to return towards its initial position after said fluid processing composition container has advanced therepast to exert a compressive force on said film unit downstream from said fluid processing composition container.

Claim 27

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 22 wherein said member is resilient.

Claim 28

Photographic film assemblage for use with photographic apparatus of the type including pressure-applying means for distributing a fluid processing composition within a film unit that is advanced relative to the pressure-applying means, said film assemblage comprising: a film container for holding at least one film unit, said film container having forward and end walls defining upper and lower edges, respectively, of a withdrawal slot in said film container through which a film unit held in said film container is adapted to be advanced to bring it into operative relationship with the pressure-applying means of the apparatus; at least one film unit in said film container, said one film unit comprising a plurality of layers, including photosensitive and image-receiving layers, each having lateral edges, and a container of fluid processing composition at one end of said one film unit, said one film unit being adapted to be advanced, container of fluid first, relative to the pressure-applying means of the apparatus with said plurality of layers in superposed relation for distributing said fluid between a predetermined pair of said layers and thereby causing said predetermined pair of layers to separate; and means associated with said film container for controlling the distribution of said fluid between said predetermined pair of layers, said distribution control means including resilient means for limiting the separation of said predetermined layers caused by the introduction of said fluid therebetween and thereby directing a portion of said fLuid towards said lateral edges of said predetermined pair of layers, said resilient means including means for engaging a medial portion of one of said plurality of layers of said film unit intermediate said lateral edges of said one layer, said engaging means being disposed on said film container to extend upwardly from said lower edge and part way across said withdrawal slot towards said upper edge of said withdrawal slot.

Claim 29

Photographic film assemblage for use with photographic apparatus of the type including pressure-applying means for distributing a fluid processing composition within a film unit that is advanced relative to the pressure-applying means, said film assemblage comprising: a film container for holding at least one film unit, said film container having forward and end walls defining upper and lower edges, respectively, of a withdrawal slot in said film container through which a film unit held in said film container is adapted to be advanced to bring it into operative relationship with the pressure-applying means of the apparatus; at least one film unit in said film container, said one film unit comprising a plurality of layers, including photosensitive and image-receiving layers, each having lateral edges, and a container of fluid processing composition at one end of said one film unit, said one film unit being adapted to be advanced, container of fluid first, relative to the pressure-applying means of the apparatus with said plurality of layers in superposed relation for distributing said fluid between a predetermined pair of said layers and thereby causing said predetermined pair of layers to separate; and means associated with said film container for controlling the distribution of said fluid between said predetermined pair of layers, said distribution control means including resilient means for limiting the separation of said predetermined layers caused by the introduction of said fluid therebetween and thereby directing a portion of said fLuid towards said lateral edges of said predetermined pair of layers, said resilient means including means for engaging a medial portion of one of said plurality of layers of said film unit intermediate said lateral edges of said one layer, said engaging means being disposed on said film container to extend upwardly from said lower edge and part way across said withdrawal slot towards said upper edge of said withdrawal slot.

Claim 30

Photographic film assemblage for use with photographic apparatus of the type including pressure-applying means for distributing a fluid processing composition within a film unit that is advanced relative to the pressure applying means, said film assemblage comprising: a film container for holding at least one film unit, said film container having a withdrawal slot therein through which a film unit held in said film container is adapted to be advanced to bring it into operative relationship with the pressure-applying means of the apparatus, said film container including a forward wall defining an upper edge of said withdrawal slot and an end wall defining an opposed lower edge of said withdrawal slot; at least one film unit in said film container, said one film unit comprising a plurality of layers, including photosensitive and image-receiving layers, each having lateral edges, and a container of fluid processing composition at one end of said film unit, said one film unit being adapted to be advanced, container of fluid first, relative to the pressure-applying means of the apparatus with said plurality of layers in superposition for distributing said fluid between a predetermined pair of said plurality of layers, said one film unit being positionable in said film container so that it may be advanced through said withdrawal slot with said one layer adjacent said lower edge thereof; and means associated with said film container for controlling the distribution of said fluid between said predetermined pair of layers, said distribution control means including resilient means for selectively engaging a medial portion of one of said layers intermediate said lateral edges to direct at least a portion of said fluid being distributed by the pressure-applying means of the apparatus towards said lateral edges of said predetermined pair of layers, said resilient means being in position to extend part way across said withdrawal slot upwardly from said lower edge towards said upper for engaging said medial portion of said one layer.

Claim 31

Photographic film assemblage for use with photographic apparatus of the type including pressure-applying means for distributing a fluid processing composition within a film unit that is advanced relative to the pressure applying means, said film assemblage comprising: a film container for holding at least one film unit, said film container having a withdrawal slot therein through which a film unit held in said film container is adapted to be advanced to bring it into operative relationship with the pressure-applying means of the apparatus, said film container including a forward wall defining an upper edge of said withdrawal slot and an end wall defining an opposed lower edge of said withdrawal slot; at least one film unit in said film container, said one film unit comprising a plurality of layers, including photosensitive and image-receiving layers, each having lateral edges, and a container of fluid processing composition at one end of said film unit, said one film unit being adapted to be advanced, container of fluid first, relative to the pressure-applying means of the apparatus with said plurality of layers in superposition for distributing said fluid between a predetermined pair of said plurality of layers, said one film unit being positionable in said film container so that it may be advanced through said withdrawal slot with said one layer adjacent said lower edge thereof; and means associated with said film container for controlling the distribution of said fluid between said predetermined pair of layers, said distribution control means including resilient means for selectively engaging a medial portion of one of said layers intermediate said lateral edges to direct at least a portion of said fluid being distributed by the pressure-applying means of the apparatus towards said lateral edges of said predetermined pair of layers, said resilient means being in position to extend part way across said withdrawal slot upwardly from said lower edge towards said upper for engaging said medial portion of said one layer.

Claim 32

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 25 wherein said resilient means is integrally formed with said end wall.

Claim 33

Photographic film assemblage for use with photographic apparatus of the type including pressure-applying means for distributing a fluid processing composition within a film unit that is advanced relative to the pressure-applying means, said film assemblage comprising: a film container for holding at least one film unit, said film container having a withdrawal slot therein through which a film unit held in said film container is adapted to be advanced to bring it into operative relationship with the pressure-applying means of the apparatus, said film container including a forward wall defining an upper edge of said withdrawal slot and an end wall defining a lower edge of said withdrawal slot; at least one film unit in said film container, said one film unit comprising a plurality of layers, including photosensitive and image-receiving layers, each having lateral edges, and a container of fluid processing composition at one end of said film unit, said one film unit being adapted to be advanced, container of fluid first, relative to the pressure-applying means of the apparatus with said plurality of layers in superposition for distributing said fluid between a predetermined pair of said plurality of layers, one of said plurality of layers defining a first exterior surface of said film unit and another of said plurality of layers defining a second exterior surface of said one fiLm unit; means associated with said film container for controlling the distribution of said fluid between said predetermined pair of layers, said distribution control means including resilient means integrally formed with said end wall for selectively engaging a medial portion of said first exterior surface intermediate said lateral edges to direct at least a portion of said fluid being distributed by the pressure-applying means of the apparatus towards said lateral edges of said predetermined pair of layers; and support means integrally formed with said forward wall of said film container for engaging said second exterior surface of said film unit and for supporting said one film unit while said resilient means is in engagement with said first exterior surface of said one film unit.

Claim 34

Photographic film assemblage for use with photographic apparatus of the type including pressure-applying means for distributing a fluid processing composition within a film unit that is advanced relative to the pressure-applying means, said film assemblage comprising: a film container for holding at least one film unit, said film container having a withdrawal slot therein through which a film unit held in said film container is adapted to be advanced to bring it into operative relationship with the pressure-applying means of the apparatus, said film container including a forward wall defining an upper edge of said withdrawal slot and an end wall defining a lower edge of said withdrawal slot; at least one film unit in said film container, said one film unit comprising a plurality of layers, including photosensitive and image-receiving layers, each having lateral edges, and a container of fluid processing composition at one end of said film unit, said one film unit being adapted to be advanced, container of fluid first, relative to the pressure-applying means of the apparatus with said plurality of layers in superposition for distributing said fluid between a predetermined pair of said plurality of layers, one of said plurality of layers defining a first exterior surface of said film unit and another of said plurality of layers defining a second exterior surface of said one fiLm unit; means associated with said film container for controlling the distribution of said fluid between said predetermined pair of layers, said distribution control means including resilient means integrally formed with said end wall for selectively engaging a medial portion of said first exterior surface intermediate said lateral edges to direct at least a portion of said fluid being distributed by the pressure-applying means of the apparatus towards said lateral edges of said predetermined pair of layers; and support means integrally formed with said forward wall of said film container for engaging said second exterior surface of said film unit and for supporting said one film unit while said resilient means is in engagement with said first exterior surface of said one film unit.

Claim 35

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 27 wherein said support means is configured to selectively engage only a medial portion of said second exterior surface.

Claim 36

Photographic film assemblage for use with photographic apparatus of the type including pressure-applying means for distributing a liquid processing composition within a film unit that is advanced relative to the pressure-applying means, said film assemblage comprising: a container for holding at least one film unit, said container including a forward wall and an end wall which cooperate to define, respectively, upper and lower edges of a film withdrawal slot therebetween through which a film unit located in said container is adapted to be advanced to bring it into operative relationship with the pressure-applying means of the apparatus; at least one film unit in said container, said one film unit comprising a plurality of superposed layers, including photosensitive and image-receiving layers, each having lateral edges, said one film unit being adapted to be advanced through said withdrawal slot with one of said plurality of layers adjacent said lower edge and into operative relationship with the pressure-applying means of the apparatus to distribute said fluid between a predetermined pair of said layers; and means associated with said container for controlling the distribution of said fluid between said predetermined layers as said film unit is advanced through said withdrawal slot and relative to the pressure-applying means of the apparatus, said distribution control means including means for engaging only a medial portion of said one layer and for urging said medial portion towards said upper edge of said withdrawal slot to direct a portion of said fluid towards said lateral edges of said predetermined pair of layers, said engaging and urging means including a resilient finger integrally formed with said end wall of said film container and extending part way across said withdrawal slot upwardly from said lower edge towards said upper edge.

Claim 37

Photographic film assemblage for use with photographic apparatus of the type including pressure-applying means for distributing a liquid processing composition within a film unit that is advanced relative to the pressure-applying means, said film assemblage comprising: a container for holding at least one film unit, said container including a forward wall and an end wall which cooperate to define, respectively, upper and lower edges of a film withdrawal slot therebetween through which a film unit located in said container is adapted to be advanced to bring it into operative relationship with the pressure-applying means of the apparatus; at least one film unit in said container, said one film unit comprising a plurality of superposed layers, including photosensitive and image-receiving layers, each having lateral edges, said one film unit being adapted to be advanced through said withdrawal slot with one of said plurality of layers adjacent said lower edge and into operative relationship with the pressure-applying means of the apparatus to distribute said fluid between a predetermined pair of said layers; and means associated with said container for controlling the distribution of said fluid between said predetermined layers as said film unit is advanced through said withdrawal slot and relative to the pressure-applying means of the apparatus, said distribution control means including means for engaging only a medial portion of said one layer and for urging said medial portion towards said upper edge of said withdrawal slot to direct a portion of said fluid towards said lateral edges of said predetermined pair of layers, said engaging and urging means including a resilient finger integrally formed with said end wall of said film container and extending part way across said withdrawal slot upwardly from said lower edge towards said upper edge.

Claim 38

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 29 wherein said distribution control means further includes support means for supporting said one film unit while said one layer is engaged by said finger.

Claim 39

Photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 30 wherein said support means includes an interior surface of said forward wall adjacent said withdrawal slot.