US3852793A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for conserving the use of water electricity, and the like in automatic film processors
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-01-31
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Granted: 1974-12-03
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Expires: 1993-01-31
Abstract
Abstract An electronic switch monitors the arrival of a film element to a photographic film processor and transmits a signal to an electronic unit which controls the flow of water into said processor. When a piece of film enters said processor the electronic unit begins a timing cycle at the end of which the water to said processor is turned off. If a subsequent piece of film enters the processor during the timing cycle, then the electronic unit is reset to the beginning and the timing cycle is re-initiated. The water to the processor is turned off only after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the entry into the processor of the last element of film. The electronic unit is provided with a switch for selecting an automatic or manual mode of operation.
Inventors
- 👤 E Mcclintock
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 05:12
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03D; G03D13/00; G03D13/007; G03D3/00; G03D3/02; G03D3/06; G03D3/065; G03D3/08; G03D3/13; G03D3/135
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
An apparatus for conserving the resources consumed by a conventional photagraphic processor in which a plurality of film elements are treated, comprising: a mechanically operable switch means for detecting the presence of a film element as it enters said processor; an electronic unit actuatable by said switch means; and a valve means responsive to said electronic unit for controlling the flow of water into said processor, said electronic unit including: a resettable motorized timer means; and a relay type means including means for resetting said resettable motorized timer means when said switch means detects the presence of another film element as it enters said processor; wherein Said electronic unit controls the duration of the flow of said water through said valve means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
122 words
An apparatus for conserving the resources consumed by a conventional photagraphic processor in which a plurality of film elements are treated, comprising: a mechanically operable switch means for detecting the presence of a film element as it enters said processor; an electronic unit actuatable by said switch means; and a valve means responsive to said electronic unit for controlling the flow of water into said processor, said electronic unit including: a resettable motorized timer means; and a relay type means including means for resetting said resettable motorized timer means when said switch means detects the presence of another film element as it enters said processor; wherein Said electronic unit controls the duration of the flow of said water through said valve means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said valve means is a solenoid operated valve.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electronic unit further controls the fuel consumed by said processor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electronic unit further controls the electric power consumed by said processor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electronic unit controls the power to a silver recovery unit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said valve means includes a bypass means for maintaining the temperature in said processor above a predetermined level.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said mechanically operable switch means is a limit type switch.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said mechanically operable limit type switch means includes the switch that normally initiates the actuation of said conventional photographic processor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said relay type means further includes: a means for maintaining power to said resettable motorized timer means for a predetermined period of time after said switch means detects the presence of a film element as it enters said processor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
171 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said relay type means comprises at least: a first relay having a first and a second set of relay contacts each having a normally closed and a normally open condition responsive to said mechanically operable switch means, said resettable motorized timer means being responsive to the first set of contacts of said first relay means when said first set of contacts are closed in the normally open condition thereby initiating a timing cycle; and a second relay responsive motorized to said resettable timer means for maintaining electric power to said resettable motorized timer means during said timing cycle when said first set of contacts is in the normally closed condition and, wherein said electronic unit further comprises: at least one pair of output terminals energizable by said resettable motorized timer means for providing electric power to said valve; wherein said resettable motorized timer means is reset during the period that said second set of contacts change from the normally closed to the normally open condition.
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) | 1977-12-02 | 1978-06-03 | 1978-12-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-02 | 1982-06-03 | 1982-12-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-02 | 1986-06-03 | 1986-12-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |