Photographic processor for large format film units

Claim 1

A processor for providing a lighttight environment for a film unit including photosensitive and image-receiving layers and for distributing a fluid processing composition between predetermined layers of the film unit, such a film unit being of the type including a film unit tab extending forwardly of a leading end of the film unit, said processor comprising: a housing having a lighttight chamber therein and film entry and withdrawal slots on one side of said housing through which such a film unit may be respectively inserted into and withdrawn from said lighttight chamber; processing means in said lighttight chamber for effecting the distribution of the fluid between the predetermined layers of such a film unit inserted, leading end first, into said lighttight chamber through said film entry slot and for advancing the film unit within said lighttight chamber; and guide means for guiding the film unit as it is advanced within said lighttight chamber from said processing means to said withdrawal slot, said guide means including a curved member defining a curved path of travel for the film unit of a predetermined length, said predetermined length being at least equal to the length of the film unit but less than the combined length of the film unit and the film unit tab extending forwardly of the leading end of the film unit, to cause at least a portion of the film unit tab to extend through said withdrawal slot, while the photosensitive and image-receiving layers of the film unit remain in the lighttight environment of said chamber, to give the user a visual signal that the fluid has been completely distributed and an imbibition period following distribution has started, wherein said guide means supports such a film unit in the lighttight environment of said chamber during the imbibition period.

Claim 7

A system for distributing a fluid processing composition between predetermined layers of a film unit, said system comprising: a film unit comprising a plurality of layers including photosensitive and image-receiving layers, a rupturable container holding a fluid processing composition adapted to be distributed between a predetermined pair of said layers, and a film unit manipulation tab extending forwardly of a leading end of said film unit; a lighttight cassette for holding said film unit, said cassette including a light sealed opening at one end thereof through which said tab may protrude and through which said film unit may be withdrawn from said cassette by pulling on said tab; and a processor including: a housing having a lighttight chamber therein and film entry and withdrawal slots on one side of said housing through which said film unit may be respectively inserted into and withdrawn from said lighttight chamber; means on said housing for receiving and supporting said cassette with said opening at said one end of said cassette facing and in alignment with said film entry slot; processing means within said lighttight chamber adjacent said film entry slot for engaging said film unit tab and withdrawing said film unit from said cassette and advancing said film unit into and within said lighttight chamber, said processing means also including pressure applying means for progressively applying a compressive pressure to said film unit to rupture said container and distribute said fluid between said predetermined layers; and guide means for guiding said film unit as it is advanced within said lighttight chamber from said processing means to said withdrawal slot, said guide means including a curved member defining a curved path of travel for said film unit of a predetermined length, said predetermined length being at least equal to the length of said film unit but less than the combined length of said film unit and said film unit tab extending forwardly of the leading end of said film unit, to cause at least a portion of said film unit tab to extend through said withdrawal slot, while said photosensitive and image-receiving layers of the film unit remain in the lighttight environment of said chamber, to give the user a visual signal that said fluid has been completely distributed and an imbibition period following distribution has started, wherein said guide means supports said film unit in the lighttight environment of said chamber during the imbibition period.

Claim 8

A system for distributing a fluid processing composition between predetermined layers of a film unit, said system comprising: a film unit comprising a plurality of layers including photosensitive and image-receiving layers, a rupturable container holding a fluid processing composition adapted to be distributed between a predetermined pair of said layers, and a film unit manipulation tab extending forwardly of a leading end of said film unit; a lighttight cassette for holding said film unit, said cassette including a light sealed opening at one end thereof through which said tab may protrude and through which said film unit may be withdrawn from said cassette by pulling on said tab; and a processor including: a housing having a lighttight chamber therein and film entry and withdrawal slots on one side of said housing through which said film unit may be respectively inserted into and withdrawn from said lighttight chamber; means on said housing for receiving and supporting said cassette with said opening at said one end of said cassette facing and in alignment with said film entry slot; processing means within said lighttight chamber adjacent said film entry slot for engaging said film unit tab and withdrawing said film unit from said cassette and advancing said film unit into and within said lighttight chamber, said processing means also including pressure applying means for progressively applying a compressive pressure to said film unit to rupture said container and distribute said fluid between said predetermined layers; and guide means for guiding said film unit as it is advanced within said lighttight chamber from said processing means to said withdrawal slot, said guide means including a curved member defining a curved path of travel for said film unit of a predetermined length, said predetermined length being at least equal to the length of said film unit but less than the combined length of said film unit and said film unit tab extending forwardly of the leading end of said film unit, to cause at least a portion of said film unit tab to extend through said withdrawal slot, while said photosensitive and image-receiving layers of the film unit remain in the lighttight environment of said chamber, to give the user a visual signal that said fluid has been completely distributed and an imbibition period following distribution has started, wherein said guide means supports said film unit in the lighttight environment of said chamber during the imbibition period.