US5243373A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Photographic processing apparatus
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1991-02-07
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Granted: 1993-09-07
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Expires: 2011-02-07
Abstract
Abstract A low volume thin tank photographic development apparatus has a narrow passage which has a width which is adjustable by placing strips of chemically inert material at the edges of the passage. The strips may be wound on rollers, and the strips may be stepped so that they are of different dimensions, to accommodate different webs of photographic material being processed. The use of the strips ensures that the minimum quantity of photographic processing solution is used.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward C. T. S. Glover
- 👤 Anthony Earle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 16:12
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03D; G03D13/00; G03D13/02; G03D13/04; G03D3/00; G03D3/08; G03D3/13; G03D3/132
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
Photographic processing apparatus of the kind having a passage which defines a low volume processing chamber and is arranged so that in use it can receive a photographic solution through which a web of photographic material to be treated is arranged to pass, said passage having an inlet and an outlet and opposite side walls which define the effective width of passage, characterized in that at least one side wall is formed by a strip of chemically inert material, said strip of material being so mounted and arranged that it is either replaceable or movable to provide a side wall at a different lateral position to therefore adjust the width of the passage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
113 words
Photographic processing apparatus of the kind having a passage which defines a low volume processing chamber and is arranged so that in use it can receive a photographic solution through which a web of photographic material to be treated is arranged to pass, said passage having an inlet and an outlet and opposite side walls which define the effective width of passage, characterized in that at least one side wall is formed by a strip of chemically inert material, said strip of material being so mounted and arranged that it is either replaceable or movable to provide a side wall at a different lateral position to therefore adjust the width of the passage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 characterized in that there are two strips of material arranged one each side of the passage.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 characterized in the strip or strips are wound on rollers situated externally of the tank.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 characterized in that the strip or strips are stepped.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 characterized in that strip has a thickness slightly less than the thickness of the passage.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 characterized in that the passage is formed in a narrow flat tank.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 characterized in that the passage has a sinuous path.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 characterized in that the passage is of a general U shape.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 characterized by including a central drive roller extending into the passage to drive a web of material being processed therethrough.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 characterized in that an edge of the strip has a groove therein to receive the side of the web being processed.
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) | 1996-09-06 | 1997-03-08 | 1997-09-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-09-06 | 2001-03-08 | 2001-09-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-09-06 | 2005-03-08 | 2005-09-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |