US3896469A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Portable radiographic film processing apparatus
Assignee: Teledyne Inc
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Filing: 1973-11-08
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Granted: 1975-07-22
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Expires: 1993-11-08
Abstract
Abstract A radiographic film processing apparatus for effecting the development of cassette-enclosed Poloroid type film packets having rupturable pads containing developing chemicals which are released by compression and spread over the exposed film. Rupturing of the pods and distribution of the enclosed chemicals is accomplished by a pair of driven rollers, the rotation of which is automatically stopped by a wedge mechanism which wedges between the rollers just prior to entry therebetween of the trailing edge of the film packet, thereby preventing fouling of the rollers by chemicals squeezed from the trailing edge of the film packet. The wedge mechanism is activated by the trailing edge of the film packet itself so that the apparatus operates properly regardless of the packet length.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard E Mather
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 20:11
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03D; G03D9/00; G03D9/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
Improvements in combination with a film processing apparatus of the type having a pair of opposed pressure-applying rollers in a housing for effecting distribution of a processing agent between a pair of liquid-confining layers of a film packet having a leading edge portion, an agent reservoir portion, a film accomodating portion, and a trailing edge portion, arranged in that order, said apparatus being adapted to receive the leading edge portion and successive portions of said film packet sequentially in pressure-bearing relationship until said trailing edge portion passes a terminal station just short of the point of entry between said rollers, said improvements comprising: means movable into physical engagement with at least one of said rollers to positively prevent continued motion thereof upon passage of said trailing edge beyond said terminal station and prior to entry of said trailing edge between said rollers whereby expulsion of the processing agent through said trailing edge portion is prevented.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
Improvements in combination with a film processing apparatus of the type having a pair of opposed pressure-applying rollers in a housing for effecting distribution of a processing agent between a pair of liquid-confining layers of a film packet having a leading edge portion, an agent reservoir portion, a film accomodating portion, and a trailing edge portion, arranged in that order, said apparatus being adapted to receive the leading edge portion and successive portions of said film packet sequentially in pressure-bearing relationship until said trailing edge portion passes a terminal station just short of the point of entry between said rollers, said improvements comprising: means movable into physical engagement with at least one of said rollers to positively prevent continued motion thereof upon passage of said trailing edge beyond said terminal station and prior to entry of said trailing edge between said rollers whereby expulsion of the processing agent through said trailing edge portion is prevented.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
Improvements according to claim 1 wherein said engaging means includes a wedge movably mounted in said housing and shiftable from a first position clear of said rollers to a weDging position substantially between said rollers to arrest the motion thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The structure according to claim 2 wherein said wedge is duplicated at the opposite ends of the rollers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
Improvements according to claim 2 wherein said engaging means includes a bias means operative during rotation of said rollers for biasing said wedge from said first position toward said wedging position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
Improvements according to claim 4 wherein said bias means comprises a friction clutch contacting one of said rollers and operatively connected with said wedge.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
Improvements according to claim 4 wherein said stop means includes a bearing element engaging said film packet at said terminal station to retain said wedge in said first position until the film packet has passed said station.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The structure according to claim 6 and including a bracket pivotally mounted coaxially with one of said rollers, said wedge, bias means and bearing element being mounted on said bracket.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
81 words
Improvements according to claim 1 wherein said housing comprises an upper shell and a lower shell pivoted together such that said housing has an open position and a closed position, one of said rollers being mounted in each of said shells and so disposed therein as to receive in pressure applying relationship a film packet inserted therebetween when said housing is in the closed position, said rollers being separated in said open position to allow removal of a processed film packet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
53 words
Improvements according to claim 8 wherein said housing has an entry side with a longitudinal slot therein for receiving the forward end portion of a film cassette, and an exit side remote from said entry side and having an exit opening therein for discharging a processed film packet emerging from between said rollers.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
37 words
Improvements according to claim 9 and including a film cassette holding rack mounted on the entry side of said housing adapted to hold a film cassette with the forward edge portion thereof disposed in said entry slot.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
42 words
Improvements according to claim 10 wherein said rack comprises two arms pivotally mounted to opposite ends of said housing and extending outward from the entry side thereof in parallel relationship when in use and pivotable to positions adjacent said housing for storage.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
56 words
Improvements according to claim 9 and including a film packet receiving container which is opaque to actinic light mounted on the exit side of said housing and enclosing said exit opening, said housing and container, defining a light-tight enclosure with the leading edge of a film cassette when the latter is inserted in said entry slot.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
Improvements according to claim 12 wherein said container is a flexible bag foldable into compact form.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
38 words
Improvements according to claim 13 wherein said flexible bag has a zippered opening on a portion thereof remote from said housing whereby access through said opening to processed film residing in said bag is possible for removal thereof.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
Improvements according to claim 1 and including two toothed drive bands, one encircling and secured to each of said rollers at one end thereof for operatively and positively interengaging same for concomitant rotation.
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) | 1978-07-21 | 1979-01-20 | 1979-07-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-07-21 | 1983-01-20 | 1983-07-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-07-21 | 1987-01-20 | 1987-07-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |