Containerized fluid supply for fluid mixing and dispensing system

Claim 2

A disposable containerized fluid supply for use with a mixer of photographic chemicals, comprising: (a) a six-sided, folded corrugated carton; (b) structure within the carton which together with the carton defines a plurality of vessel-receiving compartments each of a different configuration; (c) a plurality of fluid vessels, forming a set, each vessel containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing and each of a different configuration than other of the vessels; (d) each such vessel being configured to fit in one of said compartments in a predetermined position, there being a like number of containers and compartments; (e) the compartments being configured such that all of the vessels of a set cannot be positioned within the container unless each vessel is in its appropriate and intended compartment; (f) each vessel having an opening closed by a pierceable septum; and (g) the container including a plurality of fluid access apertures, each septa being aligned with a different one of said apertures whereby each septum may be pierced and the contents of that septum's vessel discharged without opening the carton.

Claim 3

A portable containerized fluid supply for use with a mixer of photographic chemicals, comprising: (a) a six-sided fluid carrier; (b) the carrier including structure defining a plurality of vessel-receiving compartments each of a different configuration; (c) a plurality of fluid vessels, forming a set, each vessel containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing the vessels being of a variety of differing configurations; (d) each such vessel being configured to and fit in one of said comparments in a predetermined position, there being a like number of vessels and compartments; (e) the comparments being configured such that all of the vessels of a set cannot be positioned within the container unless each vessel is in an appropriate and intended compartment; (f) each vessel having an opening closed by a pierceable septum; and (g) the carrier including a plurality of fluid access apertures, each septa being aligned with a different one of said apertures whereby each septum may be pierced and the contents of that septum's vessel discharged without opening the carrier.

Claim 4

A portable containerized fluid supply for use with a mixer of photographic chemicals, comprising: (a) a six-sided fluid carrier; (b) the carrier including structure defining a plurality of vessel-receiving compartments each of a different configuration; (c) a plurality of fluid vessels, forming a set, each vessel containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing the vessels being of a variety of differing configurations; (d) each such vessel being configured to and fit in one of said comparments in a predetermined position, there being a like number of vessels and compartments; (e) the comparments being configured such that all of the vessels of a set cannot be positioned within the container unless each vessel is in an appropriate and intended compartment; (f) each vessel having an opening closed by a pierceable septum; and (g) the carrier including a plurality of fluid access apertures, each septa being aligned with a different one of said apertures whereby each septum may be pierced and the contents of that septum's vessel discharged without opening the carrier.

Claim 5

The supply of claim 2 wherein the carrier is a substantially unitary structure intended to be disposed of once the contents of a vessel set within the carrier are discharged.

Claim 6

A disposable containerized fluid supply for use in connection with a mixer of photographic chemicals, comprising: (a) a multi-sided container structure adapted for inverted mounting on a fluid mixer assembly; (b) the assembly defining a plurality of chemical containing compartments each of a different configuration and containing a different chemical than other of the compartments; (c) each such compartment containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing; (d) the assembly including a plurality of fluid discharge openings, at least one of said openings communicating with each of the compartments which contains a chemical; (e) a plurality of pierceable septa closing said discharge opening with each opening that communicates with a chemical being closed by one of said septa; and (f) said assembly being positionable as a unit on a fluid mixer and such septa being so oriented and positioned that each septum may be pierced by components of the mixer and the contents of that septum's compartment discharged into the mixer without opening the assembly.

Claim 7

A disposable containerized fluid supply for use in connection with a mixer of photographic chemicals, comprising: (a) a multi-sided container structure adapted for inverted mounting on a fluid mixer assembly; (b) the assembly defining a plurality of chemical containing compartments each of a different configuration and containing a different chemical than other of the compartments; (c) each such compartment containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing; (d) the assembly including a plurality of fluid discharge openings, at least one of said openings communicating with each of the compartments which contains a chemical; (e) a plurality of pierceable septa closing said discharge opening with each opening that communicates with a chemical being closed by one of said septa; and (f) said assembly being positionable as a unit on a fluid mixer and such septa being so oriented and positioned that each septum may be pierced by components of the mixer and the contents of that septum's compartment discharged into the mixer without opening the assembly.

Claim 8

A containerized fluid supply for supplying a plurality of vessels of fluid concentrate to a fluid mixer, comprising: (a) a container within which the vessels are disposed, the container having sidewalls and a base member attached to the sidewalls for supporting the vessels; (b) the base member having one aperture corresponding to each vessel to permit access to each vessel from outside the container; and, (c) a lid attachable to the sidewalls for securing the vessels within the sidewalls and firmly against the base member, the lid having a contoured inner surface to permit only vessels of a predetermined size to be accommodated within the container.

Claim 9

A containerized fluid supply for supplying a plurality of vessels of fluid concentrate to a fluid mixer, comprising: (a) a container within which the vessels are disposed, the container having sidewalls and a base member attached to the sidewalls for supporting the vessels; (b) the base member having one aperture corresponding to each vessel to permit access to each vessel from outside the container; and, (c) a lid attachable to the sidewalls for securing the vessels within the sidewalls and firmly against the base member, the lid having a contoured inner surface to permit only vessels of a predetermined size to be accommodated within the container.

Claim 10

The fluid supply of claim 5, wherein the lid also includes portions mating with corresponding portions on the sidewalls so that the lid can be fitted to the sidewalls in only one way.

Claim 11

A disposable containerized fluid supply for use with a mixer of photographic chemicals, comprising: (a) a container; (b) structure within the container which together with the container defines a plurality of vessel receiving compartments each of a different configuration; (c) a plurality of fluid vessels, forming a set, each vessel containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing and each of a different configuration than other of the vessels; (d) each such vessel being configured to and fit in one of said compartments in a predetermined position, there being a like number of containers and compartments; (e) the compartments being configured such that all of the vessels of a set cannot be positioned within the container unless each vessel is in an appropriate and intended compartment; (f) each vessel having a pierceable portion; and, (g) the container including a fluid access aligned with said pierceable portion whereby each pierceable portion may be pierced and the contents of that vessel discharged without opening the carton.

Claim 12

A disposable containerized fluid supply for use with a mixer of photographic chemicals, comprising: (a) a container; (b) structure within the container which together with the container defines a plurality of vessel receiving compartments each of a different configuration; (c) a plurality of fluid vessels, forming a set, each vessel containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing and each of a different configuration than other of the vessels; (d) each such vessel being configured to and fit in one of said compartments in a predetermined position, there being a like number of containers and compartments; (e) the compartments being configured such that all of the vessels of a set cannot be positioned within the container unless each vessel is in an appropriate and intended compartment; (f) each vessel having a pierceable portion; and, (g) the container including a fluid access aligned with said pierceable portion whereby each pierceable portion may be pierced and the contents of that vessel discharged without opening the carton.

Claim 13

A containerized fluid supply for use with a mixer of photograpic chemicals, comprising: (a) a fluid carrier; (b) the carrier including structure defining a plurality of vessel receiving compartments each of a different configuration; (c) the carrier being adapted to receive a plurality of fluid vessels, forming a set, each vessel containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing and each of a different configuration than other of the vessels; (d) each of said compartments being configured to receive one of such vessels in a predetermined position, there being a like number of vessels and compartments; (e) the compartments being a variety of configurations with each configured such that all of the vessels of a set cannot be positioned within the container unless each vessel is in its appropriate and intended compartment; and (f) the carrier including fluid access aperture means aligned with said compartments whereby a septum closing a positioned vessel may be pierced and the contents of that septum's vessel discharged without opening the container.

Claim 14

A containerized fluid supply for use with a mixer of photograpic chemicals, comprising: (a) a fluid carrier; (b) the carrier including structure defining a plurality of vessel receiving compartments each of a different configuration; (c) the carrier being adapted to receive a plurality of fluid vessels, forming a set, each vessel containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing and each of a different configuration than other of the vessels; (d) each of said compartments being configured to receive one of such vessels in a predetermined position, there being a like number of vessels and compartments; (e) the compartments being a variety of configurations with each configured such that all of the vessels of a set cannot be positioned within the container unless each vessel is in its appropriate and intended compartment; and (f) the carrier including fluid access aperture means aligned with said compartments whereby a septum closing a positioned vessel may be pierced and the contents of that septum's vessel discharged without opening the container.

Claim 15

The supply of claim 8 wherein the carrier is comprised of a plurality of separable components and releasable means for securing the components together whereby an emptied vessel set may be replaced in the carrier by a filled vessel set.

Claim 16

The supply of claim 8 wherein the carrier is a substantially unitary structure intended to be disposed of once the contents of a vessel set within the carrier are discharged.

Claim 17

A reusable containerized fluid supply for use in connection with a mixer of photographic chemicals, comprising: (a) a multi-sided container structure comprised of separable sections and adapted for inverted mounting on a fluid mixer assembly; (b) the assembly defining a plurality of chemical containing compartments each of a different configuration and containing a different chemical than other of the compartments; (c) each such compartment containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing; (d) the assembly including a plurality of fluid discharge openings, at least one of said openings communicating with each of the compartments which contains a chemical; (e) a plurality of pierceable septa closing said discharge opening with each opening that communicates with a chemical being closed by one of said septa; and, (f) said assembly being positionable as a unit on a fluid mixer and such septa being so oriented and positioned that each septum may be pierced by components of the mixer and the contents of that septum's compartment discharged into the mixer without opening the assembly.

Claim 18

A reusable containerized fluid supply for use in connection with a mixer of photographic chemicals, comprising: (a) a multi-sided container structure comprised of separable sections and adapted for inverted mounting on a fluid mixer assembly; (b) the assembly defining a plurality of chemical containing compartments each of a different configuration and containing a different chemical than other of the compartments; (c) each such compartment containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing; (d) the assembly including a plurality of fluid discharge openings, at least one of said openings communicating with each of the compartments which contains a chemical; (e) a plurality of pierceable septa closing said discharge opening with each opening that communicates with a chemical being closed by one of said septa; and, (f) said assembly being positionable as a unit on a fluid mixer and such septa being so oriented and positioned that each septum may be pierced by components of the mixer and the contents of that septum's compartment discharged into the mixer without opening the assembly.

Claim 19

A fluid supply for use with a mixer of photographic chemicals, comprising: (a) a fluid carrier; (b) the carrier including structure defining a plurality of vessel-receiving compartments each of a different configuration; (c) a plurality of fluid vessels, forming a set, each vessel containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing and each of a different configuration than other of the vessels; (d) each such vessel being configured to fit in one of said compartments in a predetermined position, there being a like number of vessels and compartments; (e) the compartments being a variety of configurations with each configured such that all of the vessels of a set cannot be positioned within the container unless each vessel is in its appropriate and intended compartment; (f) each vessel having an opening closed by a pierceable septum; and, (g) the carrier including a plurality of fluid access apertures, each septa being aligned with a different one of said apertures whereby each septum may be pierced and the contents of that septum's vessel discharged without opening the carrier.

Claim 20

A fluid supply for use with a mixer of photographic chemicals, comprising: (a) a fluid carrier; (b) the carrier including structure defining a plurality of vessel-receiving compartments each of a different configuration; (c) a plurality of fluid vessels, forming a set, each vessel containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing and each of a different configuration than other of the vessels; (d) each such vessel being configured to fit in one of said compartments in a predetermined position, there being a like number of vessels and compartments; (e) the compartments being a variety of configurations with each configured such that all of the vessels of a set cannot be positioned within the container unless each vessel is in its appropriate and intended compartment; (f) each vessel having an opening closed by a pierceable septum; and, (g) the carrier including a plurality of fluid access apertures, each septa being aligned with a different one of said apertures whereby each septum may be pierced and the contents of that septum's vessel discharged without opening the carrier.

Claim 21

The supply of claim 12 wherein the chemicals in the vessels of one set are mixed together when used and diluted to provide a selected one of a developer solution or a fixer solution.

Claim 22

The supply of claim 12 wherein the carrier and its set of vessels may be moved together as a unit.

Claim 23

The supply of claim 12 wherein the carrier is comprised of a plurality of separable components and releasable means for securing the components together whereby an emptied vessel set may be replaced in the carrier by filled vessel set.

Claim 24

The supply of claim 12 wherein the carrier is a substantially unitary structure intended to be disposed of once the contents of a vessel set within the carrier are discharged.

Claim 25

A fluid supply for supplying a set of vessels of fluid concentrate to a fluid mixer comprising: (a) a carrier for supporting the set of vessels, the carrier including an apertured base member and attached structure for supporting the vessels; (b) each base member aperture being configured differently than the others and configured to correspond to a different vessel to substantially assure proper loading of a complete vessel set into the carrier when in use; (c) the carrier including structure for maintaining the vessels of a set in an inverted condition and to permit gravity discharge of vessel contents into a receiving chamber; (d) the base member being recessed within sidewalls to define a flange extending along marginal portions of the base member; and, (e) the base member having a projection extending outwardly of the base member to engage the fluid mixer, the projection extending outwardly of the base member a distance no greater than the height of the flange.

Claim 26

A fluid supply for supplying a set of vessels of fluid concentrate to a fluid mixer comprising: (a) a carrier for supporting the set of vessels, the carrier including an apertured base member and attached structure for supporting the vessels; (b) each base member aperture being configured differently than the others and configured to correspond to a different vessel to substantially assure proper loading of a complete vessel set into the carrier when in use; (c) the carrier including structure for maintaining the vessels of a set in an inverted condition and to permit gravity discharge of vessel contents into a receiving chamber; (d) the base member being recessed within sidewalls to define a flange extending along marginal portions of the base member; and, (e) the base member having a projection extending outwardly of the base member to engage the fluid mixer, the projection extending outwardly of the base member a distance no greater than the height of the flange.

Claim 27

The fluid supply according to claim 17 wherein the projection is a flanged pin.

Claim 28

A fluid supply for supplying a set of vessels of fluid concentrate to a fluid mixer comprising: (a) a carrier for supporting the set of vessels, the carrier including an apertured base member and attached structure for supporting the vessels; (b) each base member aperture being configured differently than the others and configured to correspond to a different vessel to substantially assure proper loading of a complete vessel set into the carrier when in use; (c) the carrier including structure for maintaining the vessels of a set in an inverted condition and to permit gravity discharge of vessel contents into a receiving chamber; and, (d) the base member including a pair of projections diametrically spaced adjacent the margins of the base member.

Claim 29

A fluid supply for supplying a set of vessels of fluid concentrate to a fluid mixer comprising: (a) a carrier for supporting the set of vessels, the carrier including an apertured base member and attached structure for supporting the vessels; (b) each base member aperture being configured differently than the others and configured to correspond to a different vessel to substantially assure proper loading of a complete vessel set into the carrier when in use; (c) the carrier including structure for maintaining the vessels of a set in an inverted condition and to permit gravity discharge of vessel contents into a receiving chamber; and, (d) the base member including a pair of projections diametrically spaced adjacent the margins of the base member.

Claim 30

A containerized fluid supply for use with a mixer of photographic chemicals, comprising: (a) a six-sided fluid carrier; (b) the carrier including structure defining a plurality of vessel-receiving compartments each of a different configuration; (c) a plurality of fluid vessels, forming a set, each vessel containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing and each of a different configuration than other of the vessels; (d) each such vessel being configured to fit in one of said compartments in a predetermined position, there being a like number of vessels and compartments; (e) the compartments being configured such that all of the vessels of a set cannot be positioned within the container unless each vessel is in its appropriate and intended compartment; (f) each vessel having an opening closed by a pierceable septum; (g) the carrier including a plurality of fluid across apertures, each septa being aligned with a different one of said apertures whereby each septum may be pierced and the contents of that septum's vessel discharged without opening the carrier; (h) the carrier being comprised of a plurality of separable components; and (i) releasable means for securing the components together whereby an emptied vessel set may be replaced in the carrier by filled vessel set.

Claim 31

A containerized fluid supply for use with a mixer of photographic chemicals, comprising: (a) a six-sided fluid carrier; (b) the carrier including structure defining a plurality of vessel-receiving compartments each of a different configuration; (c) a plurality of fluid vessels, forming a set, each vessel containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing and each of a different configuration than other of the vessels; (d) each such vessel being configured to fit in one of said compartments in a predetermined position, there being a like number of vessels and compartments; (e) the compartments being configured such that all of the vessels of a set cannot be positioned within the container unless each vessel is in its appropriate and intended compartment; (f) each vessel having an opening closed by a pierceable septum; (g) the carrier including a plurality of fluid across apertures, each septa being aligned with a different one of said apertures whereby each septum may be pierced and the contents of that septum's vessel discharged without opening the carrier; (h) the carrier being comprised of a plurality of separable components; and (i) releasable means for securing the components together whereby an emptied vessel set may be replaced in the carrier by filled vessel set.

Claim 32

A fluid supply for supplying a set of vessels of fluid concentrate to a fluid mixer comprising: (a) a carrier for supporting the set of vessels, the carrier including an apertured base member and attached sidewall structure for supporting the vessels; (b) each base member aperture being configured differently than the others and configured to correspond to a different vessel to substantially assure proper loading of a complete vessel set into the carrier when in use; (c) the carrier including structure for maintaining the vessels of a set in an inverted condition and to permit gravity discharge of vessel contents into a receiving chamber; and (d) a detachable carrier lid selectably attachable to the sidewall structure for securing the vessel set within the carrier and firmly against the base member.

Claim 33

A fluid supply for supplying a set of vessels of fluid concentrate to a fluid mixer comprising: (a) a carrier for supporting the set of vessels, the carrier including an apertured base member and attached sidewall structure for supporting the vessels; (b) each base member aperture being configured differently than the others and configured to correspond to a different vessel to substantially assure proper loading of a complete vessel set into the carrier when in use; (c) the carrier including structure for maintaining the vessels of a set in an inverted condition and to permit gravity discharge of vessel contents into a receiving chamber; and (d) a detachable carrier lid selectably attachable to the sidewall structure for securing the vessel set within the carrier and firmly against the base member.

Claim 34

The fluid supply according to claim 21 and including a carrying handle secured to said detachable lid.

Claim 35

A disposable containerized fluid supply for use with a mixer of photographic chemicals, comprising: (a) a six-sided, folded corrugated carton; (b) structure within the carton which together with the carton defines a plurality of vessel-receiving volumes each of a configuration to hold a vessel in place; (c) a plurality of fluid vessels, forming a set, each vessel containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing and each of a different configuration than other of the vessels; (d) each such vessel being configured to fit in one of said volumes in a predetermined position, there being a like number of containers and volumes; (e) the volumes being configured such that all of the vessels of a set cannot be positioned within the container unless each vessel is in an appropriate and intended volume; (f) each vessel having an opening closed by a pierceable septum; and, (g) the container including a plurality of fluid access apertures, each septa being aligned with a different one of said apertures whereby each septum may be pierced and the contents of that septum's vessel discharged without opening the carton to the point of destroying the vessel containing integrity of the carton.

Claim 36

A disposable containerized fluid supply for use with a mixer of photographic chemicals, comprising: (a) a six-sided, folded corrugated carton; (b) structure within the carton which together with the carton defines a plurality of vessel-receiving volumes each of a configuration to hold a vessel in place; (c) a plurality of fluid vessels, forming a set, each vessel containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing and each of a different configuration than other of the vessels; (d) each such vessel being configured to fit in one of said volumes in a predetermined position, there being a like number of containers and volumes; (e) the volumes being configured such that all of the vessels of a set cannot be positioned within the container unless each vessel is in an appropriate and intended volume; (f) each vessel having an opening closed by a pierceable septum; and, (g) the container including a plurality of fluid access apertures, each septa being aligned with a different one of said apertures whereby each septum may be pierced and the contents of that septum's vessel discharged without opening the carton to the point of destroying the vessel containing integrity of the carton.

Claim 37

A disposable containerized fluid supply for use in connection with a mixer of photographic chemicals, comprising: (a) a multi-sided container structure adapted for inverted mounting on a fluid mixer assembly; (b) the assembly defining a plurality of chemical containing volumes of differing configurations, each volume containing a different chemical than other of the volumes; (c) each such volume containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing; (d) the assembly including a plurality of fluid discharge openings, at least one of said openings communicating with each of the volumes which contain a chemical; (e) a plurality of pierceable septa retaining the chemicals in the volumes with each opening that communicates with a chemical being oriented with one of said septa to assure septa piercing access; and, (f) said assembly being positionable as a unit on a fluid mixer and such septa being so oriented and positioned that each septum may be pierced by components of the mixer and the contents of that septum's compartment discharged into the mixer without opening the assembly.

Claim 38

A disposable containerized fluid supply for use in connection with a mixer of photographic chemicals, comprising: (a) a multi-sided container structure adapted for inverted mounting on a fluid mixer assembly; (b) the assembly defining a plurality of chemical containing volumes of differing configurations, each volume containing a different chemical than other of the volumes; (c) each such volume containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing; (d) the assembly including a plurality of fluid discharge openings, at least one of said openings communicating with each of the volumes which contain a chemical; (e) a plurality of pierceable septa retaining the chemicals in the volumes with each opening that communicates with a chemical being oriented with one of said septa to assure septa piercing access; and, (f) said assembly being positionable as a unit on a fluid mixer and such septa being so oriented and positioned that each septum may be pierced by components of the mixer and the contents of that septum's compartment discharged into the mixer without opening the assembly.

Claim 39

A disposable containerized fluid supply for use with a mixer of photographic chemicals, comprising: (a) a six-sided, folded corrugated carton; (b) structure within the carton which together with the carton defines a plurality of vessel-receiving volumes each of a configuration to hold a vessel in place; (c) a plurality of fluid vessels, forming a set, each vessel containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing and each of a different configuration than other of the vessels; (d) each such vessel being configured to fit in one of said volumes in a predetermined position, there being a like number of vessels and volumes; (e) each vessel having an opening closed by a pierceable septum; and, (f) the container including a plurality of fluid access apertures, each septa being aligned with a different one of said apertures whereby each septum may be pierced and the contents of that septum's vessel discharged without opening the carton to the point of destroying the vessel containing integrity of the carton.

Claim 40

A disposable containerized fluid supply for use with a mixer of photographic chemicals, comprising: (a) a six-sided, folded corrugated carton; (b) structure within the carton which together with the carton defines a plurality of vessel-receiving volumes each of a configuration to hold a vessel in place; (c) a plurality of fluid vessels, forming a set, each vessel containing a chemical for use in photographic film processing and each of a different configuration than other of the vessels; (d) each such vessel being configured to fit in one of said volumes in a predetermined position, there being a like number of vessels and volumes; (e) each vessel having an opening closed by a pierceable septum; and, (f) the container including a plurality of fluid access apertures, each septa being aligned with a different one of said apertures whereby each septum may be pierced and the contents of that septum's vessel discharged without opening the carton to the point of destroying the vessel containing integrity of the carton.