Patent US5237360A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5237360A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Apparatus for processing photosensitive materials
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1991-06-12
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Granted: 1993-08-17
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Expires: 2011-06-12
Abstract
Abstract A photographic processing apparatus for processing a photosensitive material with a processing solution including first and second processing ingredients includes a processing tank for holding the processing solution and for processing the photosensitive material. The used processing solution is discharged from the processing tank into a separator where the second processing ingredient is removed from the processing solution leaving the first processing solution. The first processing solution is circulated back to the processing tank.
Inventors
- 👤 David L. Patton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 15:14
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03D; G03D3/00; G03D3/02; G03D3/06; G03D3/065
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
196 words
A photographic processing apparatus intended to process a photosensitive material with a processing solution including first and second processing liquids, said processing apparatus comprising: a processing tank for holding a processing solution including first and second processing liquids, said processing tank having an outlet for discharging the processing solution from said processing tank; means connected to said outlet of said processing tank for separating a processing solution discharged from said processing tank into first and second processing liquids; means connected to said separating means for returning a first processing liquid, but not a second processing liquid, to said processing tank after the two liquids are separated by said separating means; means for adding a second processing liquid to said processing tank when a first processing liquid is returned by said returning means to said processing tank; means for transporting a photosensitive material through said processing tank; a sensor to detect when a photosensitive material is no longer being transported through said processing tank; and means for directing a processing solution discharged from said processing tank to said separating means when said sensor detects that a photosensitive material is no longer being transported through said processing tank.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
196 words
A photographic processing apparatus intended to process a photosensitive material with a processing solution including first and second processing liquids, said processing apparatus comprising: a processing tank for holding a processing solution including first and second processing liquids, said processing tank having an outlet for discharging the processing solution from said processing tank; means connected to said outlet of said processing tank for separating a processing solution discharged from said processing tank into first and second processing liquids; means connected to said separating means for returning a first processing liquid, but not a second processing liquid, to said processing tank after the two liquids are separated by said separating means; means for adding a second processing liquid to said processing tank when a first processing liquid is returned by said returning means to said processing tank; means for transporting a photosensitive material through said processing tank; a sensor to detect when a photosensitive material is no longer being transported through said processing tank; and means for directing a processing solution discharged from said processing tank to said separating means when said sensor detects that a photosensitive material is no longer being transported through said processing tank.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A photographic processing apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said directing means includes a first valve connected to said outlet of said processing tank and control means responsive to said sensor for actuating said first valve.
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) | 1996-08-16 | 1997-02-15 | 1997-08-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-08-16 | 2001-02-15 | 2001-08-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-08-16 | 2005-02-15 | 2005-08-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |