Patent ID: 6454473
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: G03D,Y10T

Abstract:
A recirculating and film processing apparatus for use in connection with a fluid supply source comprising:an X-ray processor having a processing tray and including a fluid receiving port and a fluid exhaust port; an upright tank for receiving a quantity of processing fluid from said fluid supply source and including at least two fluid inlet ports, at least one fluid supply port, and at least one fluid return port; a fluid supply pipe having a main stem connected at one end to said fluid supply source and having at its opposing end a first branch and a second branch, said first branch including a primary fill pipe connected at its respective distal extremity to one of said fluid inlet ports and further including a shutoff valve for selectively introducing said fluid supply into said tank through said first branch, said second branch connected at its respective distal extremity to the other of said fluid inlet ports and further including a solenoid in fluid communication with said second branch; a programmable timer electrically connected to said solenoid for issuing open and close commands to said solenoid at predetermined times; a pump motor on said tank and having a pump inlet to be submerged in said fluid and a discharge connected with said tank fluid supply port; a supply conduit connecting said fluid supply port with said fluid receiving port to provide fluid communication therebetween; and a flow return conduit connecting said fluid return port with said fluid exhaust port to provide fluid communication therebetween, wherein said tank may be filled with a predetermined amount of fluid from said fluid supply source through said first branch by opening said shutoff valve, said motor activated to drive said pump to circulate said fluid out said fluid supply port to said processor and back through said fluid return port, and said timer may be programmed to selectively open and close said solenoid to incrementally add fresh fluid from said fluid supply through said second branch to maintain a substantially constant volume of fluid in said tank.