US6174094B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for photofinishing a photosensitive media and/or ordering of image products
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1999-11-30
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Granted: 2001-01-16
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Expires: 2019-11-30
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for developing a strip of photosensitive media having image exposure area having an undeveloped exposed portion thereon. The apparatus includes a transport mechanism for moving the photosensitive media along a processing path; and a mechanism positioned along the processing path for selectively applying a coating of the processing solution only on the undeveloped exposed portion of the strip of photosensitive media. The apparatus further includes sensors for determining the location of the undeveloped exposed portion of the image exposure area. A scanner may be provided for scanning the strip of photosensitive media so as to obtain a digital record of the images developed thereon.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph A. Manico
- 👤 Dale F. McIntyre
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:11
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03D; G03D5/00; G03B; G03B27/00; G03B27/32; G03D5/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
61 words
An apparatus for developing a strip of photosensitive media having image exposure area having an undeveloped exposed portion thereon, comprising: a transport mechanism for moving the photosensitive media along a processing path; and a mechanism positioned along said processing path for selectively applying a coating of said processing solution only on the undeveloped exposed portion of said strip of photosensitive media.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
61 words
An apparatus for developing a strip of photosensitive media having image exposure area having an undeveloped exposed portion thereon, comprising: a transport mechanism for moving the photosensitive media along a processing path; and a mechanism positioned along said processing path for selectively applying a coating of said processing solution only on the undeveloped exposed portion of said strip of photosensitive media.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said mechanism for applying a coating comprises a donor web on which said processing solution is first applied and then transfer on to said photosensitive media.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising a cleaning mechanism for cleaning said donor web.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising a cleaning mechanism is used for cleaning said donor web and said photosensitive media.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said donor web can be moved in the forward and reverse directions for either advancing of the donor web or retraction of the donor web.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said donor web is provided with a plurality of perforations which can be used for advancing or retracting the donor web.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said photosensitive media comprises a photographic film provided in a thrust film cartridge, said film cartridge being positioned at the beginning of said processing path.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said scanner is positioned between said thrust film cartridge and said mechanism for applying said processing solution to said photosensitive media.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
49 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a cleaning mechanism positioned between said thrust film cartridge and said mechanism for applying processing solution onto said photosensitive media so that excess processing solution will be cleaned from said photosensitive media prior to being returned to said thrust film cartridge.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprises a dispensing mechanism which can be controlled for dispensing of the processing solution onto the photosensitive media.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a display means for displaying of images developed on said photosensitive media and/or customer photofinishing orders.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a data entry device is provided for entering of customer order information.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a heater for applying heat to said processing solution on said film so as to increase the speed of development of film.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a second dry digital printer for printing of said images on a first print media of a first format.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 14 further comprising a second dry digital printer for printing of said images on a second print media of a second format.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a device for determining if the photosensitive media is partially exposed.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 16 wherein device comprises a magnetic read head for reading information on said photosensitive media.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-01-16 | 2004-07-17 | 2005-01-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-01-16 | 2008-07-17 | 2009-01-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-01-16 | 2012-07-17 | 2013-01-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |