Sheet processing apparatus and method
US5189457A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 28, 1992 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03D3/04
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus 10 for processing photosensitive sheets in a tank 12 having a developer solution comprises a gas distributor 14 having a single gas distribution means 16 with at least two independent gas inlet lines 18,20 for providing a gas to the distributor 14. In another preferred embodiment, the gas distributor has independent first and second gas distribution means 26,28. In this embodiment, gas distributor 14 may be substantially star shaped and comprise a plurality of closed ended gas dispensing ducts 30 emanating from a common hub 32. In still another preferred embodiment, the gas distributor 14 is a substantially square shaped member comprising a plurality of closed ended dispensing ducts 30 alternatingly arranged in the same plane of member 31. The dispensing ducts 30 have a plurality of spaced openings 25 for emitting gas into the processing solution. In an alternative embodiment, an in-line check valve 36 prevents solution from flooding the gas distributor 14. A bursting means 22 independently controls the emittance of gas through dispensing ducts 30 in timed intervals such that the solution during its upward movement passes along the surface of the photosensitive sheets to …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.