1992-11-20
1994-03-15
Rutledge, D.
354331, 354336, G03D 302
Patent
active
052949567
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to photographic processing apparatus and is more particularly concerned with processing racks for use in such apparatus.
Published international patent application WO91/19226 (based on British patent application 9012860.4) discloses photographic processing apparatus in which a series of low volume processing tanks are provided. Each tank comprises a complete module or rack which can be removed from the apparatus for repair or maintenance. This arrangement enables the apparatus down-time to be minimized as the module or rack under repair is simply replaced with an identical operational module or rack.
In such apparatus, problems associated with non-uniform processing of the photographic material may be encountered due to local differences in the concentration of the processing solution. Agitation of the processing solution appears to provide one solution to this problem.
In other known photographic processing apparatus, pumps are used to recirculate and recycle 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. Submersible pumps mounted at the bottom of the processing tank and impellors may also be used to provide the necessary agitation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a module or rack arrangement in which agitation pumps form an integral part of the module or rack.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided 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.
Advantageously, there may be a plurality of separate pumps mounted integrally with the rack, each pump performing out a different function. Each pump may form part of a pump unit which is removable from the rack.
By this arrangement, the necessity for flexible pipe connections as discussed above is removed, making each processing stage modular and allowing rapid updates of the apparatus to be made as necessary.
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawing, the single figure of which illustrates a schematic cross-section through a processing module or rack constructed in accordance with the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a module of low volume processing vessel showing a pump integral with the module.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In FIG. 1, a low volume processing module or rack 10 is mounted in a water bath 12. The rack 10 comprises two outside wall members 14, 16 and a central section 18. Photographic material to be processed, for example photographic paper, enters the rack 10 at 20, passes through processing solution 22 retained between the outside wall members 14, 16 and the central section 18, and out of the rack 10 at 24. Guide roller pairs 26, 28 and 30, 32 are positioned at 20 and 24 respectively as shown. Processing solution 22 is added to and removed from the rack 10 via pipes 34 and 36 respectively.
In accordance with the present invention, pumps 38, 40, 42 are incorporated into the rack 10. The pumps 38, 40, 42 are mounted in the central section 18 as shown. In this particular arrangement, three pumps are used: a drain pump 38, a replenishment pump 40 and a circulation pump 42. It is to be understood that a greater or lesser number of pumps could be used depending on the particular arrangement of the rack 10.
The drain pump 38 empties processing solution 22 out of the r
REFERENCES:
patent: 4112453 (1978-09-01), Hutchison
patent: 4368010 (1983-01-01), Kohlbauer et al.
patent: 4888608 (1989-12-01), Kummerl
patent: 4922276 (1990-05-01), Lamprecht et al.
Eastman Kodak Company
Rutledge D.
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