US5294956A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Photographic processing apparatus
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1992-03-23
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Granted: 1994-03-15
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Expires: 2012-03-23
Abstract
Abstract In known photographic processing apparatus, pumps are used to recirculate and re cycle processing solutions thereby producing the desired agitation of the processing solutions. However, such pumps are normally mounted externally to the processing tank and are connected thereto by means of an arrangement of flexible pipes. Described herein Is a modular processing tank arrangement in which the pumps are mounted integrally with the module. This means that the module can be removed as a whole without having to disconnect a large number of pipes.
Inventors
- 👤 Anthony Earle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 05:19
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03D; G03D3/00; G03D3/08; G03D3/13; G03D3/132; G03D3/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
Photographic processing apparatus for processing photographic material comprising: at least one processing tank, a water bath surrounding the processing tank, guide rollers for guiding material to be processed into and out of the processing tank, and transport means for transporting the photographic material through the apparatus; characterized in that the processing tank comprises a self-contained rack; and in that at least one pump is mounted so as to be integral with the rack.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
73 words
Photographic processing apparatus for processing photographic material comprising: at least one processing tank, a water bath surrounding the processing tank, guide rollers for guiding material to be processed into and out of the processing tank, and transport means for transporting the photographic material through the apparatus; characterized in that the processing tank comprises a self-contained rack; and in that at least one pump is mounted so as to be integral with the rack.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of separate pumps mounted integrally with the rack, each pump performing out a different function.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each pump forms part of a pump unit which is removable from the rack.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each pump is a low voltage pump.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each pump is driven by the transport means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each processing tank is of low volume.
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) | 1997-03-14 | 1997-09-13 | 1998-03-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-03-14 | 2001-09-13 | 2002-03-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-03-14 | 2005-09-13 | 2006-03-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |