US3978505A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Photographic processing tank
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-01-24
•
Granted: 1976-08-31
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Expires: 1995-01-24
Abstract
Abstract A photographic film and print processing tank having a bottom drain valve which in a preferred embodiment coacts with a tank support stand whereby the valve and stand cooperate to facilitate rapid substantial draining of processing solution and recovery thereof for reuse. The size of the tank is selectively variable to enable the volumetric capacity, and vertical extent, of the tank to be adjusted to minimize the amount of processing solution required for processing varying amounts and sizes of photographic film or print material.
Inventors
- 👤 Al Lever
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 04:30
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03D; G03D13/00; G03D13/02; G03D13/04; G03D13/043; G03D3/00; G03D3/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
A normally light tight photographic processing device comprising: a tank comprising a generally open top tubular body having a generally imperforate bottom wall and a removable top closure provided with a light tight processing fluid inlet; drain valve means in said bottom wall; support means adapted to be operatively coupled to said tank for supporting said tank above a support surface; and means carried by said support means for coaction with said drain valve means to operate said drain valve means by relative movement between said tank and said support means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
91 words
A normally light tight photographic processing device comprising: a tank comprising a generally open top tubular body having a generally imperforate bottom wall and a removable top closure provided with a light tight processing fluid inlet; drain valve means in said bottom wall; support means adapted to be operatively coupled to said tank for supporting said tank above a support surface; and means carried by said support means for coaction with said drain valve means to operate said drain valve means by relative movement between said tank and said support means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said tubular body comprises a plurality of portions which in use are coupled in fluid-tight relation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said tubular body includes means for supporting said tank on a generally planar surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said drain valve means is removably coupled to said bottom wall.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said drain valve means comprises a ball valve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said drain valve means is operated by relative rotation between said tank and said support means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
119 words
A normally light tight photographic processing device comprising: a tank comprising a generally open top tubular body having a generally imperforate generally frusto-conical bottom wall having an outlet port generally coaxial with the frustum of the bottom wall and a removable top closure provided with a light tight processing fluid inlet; drain valve means in said generally frusto-conical bottom wall in communication with said outlet port and having a valve operator projecting downwardly from said bottom wall; skirt means carried by said tubular body and projecting downwardly a distance at least as great as said valve operator for permitting said tank to stand on a generally planar surface; said drain valve operator being manipulable from beneath said skirt means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
119 words
A normally light tight photographic processing device comprising: a tank comprising a generally open top tubular body having a generally imperforate generally frusto-conical bottom wall having an outlet port generally coaxial with the frustum of the bottom wall and a removable top closure provided with a light tight processing fluid inlet; drain valve means in said generally frusto-conical bottom wall in communication with said outlet port and having a valve operator projecting downwardly from said bottom wall; skirt means carried by said tubular body and projecting downwardly a distance at least as great as said valve operator for permitting said tank to stand on a generally planar surface; said drain valve operator being manipulable from beneath said skirt means.
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) | 1979-08-31 | 1980-03-01 | 1980-08-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-08-31 | 1984-03-01 | 1984-08-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-08-31 | 1988-03-01 | 1988-08-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |