Abstract:
The present invention relates to a processing solution supply cartridge which utilizes a single container for a single-part developer concentrate. The single container has at least two valves or necks and is adapted to be utilized on a existing processor or processing machine. The single developer container design of the present invention assures a complete emptying of the container by permitting the simultaneous replenishment of single-part developer through each of the valves into the processing machine. With the combination of the single developer container and the single-part developer the process of metering distinct developers through distinct containers is not required. By facilitating the complete emptying of the developer container, the likelihood of developer solution remaining in the container is minimized.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a photographic processing arrangement for processing photographic material that includes a photographic processor and a photofinishing supply cartridge. The present invention further relates to a photofinishing solution supply cartridge which is adapted to be fluidly associated with a processor, and is further adapted to achieve a complete emptying of solutions from containers of the cartridge to facilitate handling of the empty cartridge. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Conventional film and paper processing machines have difficulty in completely emptying the chemical cartridges associated with the machines. This is due to the highly coupled nature of the system since the processing machines are associated with a solution supply cartridge or arrangement that includes four independent containers that need to empty simultaneously. If a container of the cartridge contains significant retained chemistry following use, there is a possibility that the cartridge must be handled as hazardous waste. 
     FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a conventional solution cartridge  200 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , solution cartridge  200  includes an outer container  2  that is adapted to hold four inner containers  4   a ,  4   b ,  4   c ,  4   d . Each of containers  4   a – 4   d  is dedicated to a specific type of solution or chemical concentrate, for example, container  4   a  holds a first part of a color developer; container  4   b  holds a second part of a color developer; container  4   c  holds a third part of a color developer; and container  4   d  holds a stabilizer. Each of containers  4   a – 4   d  respectively include valves or necks  6   a ,  6   b ,  6   c ,  6   d  which extend from each of containers  4   a – 4   d  and pass through appropriate openings in outer container  2 . In the arrangement of  FIG. 1 , it is preferable that the different parts of the color developer be held in separate containers ( 4   a – 4   c ) prior to being supplied to a processor or processing machine, since any mixture of the different parts of the developers prior to usage will degrade and adversely affect the properties of the developers. 
   In a conventional arrangement, cartridge  200  is adapted to be fluidly associated with a processor  10  which includes entry points or valves  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c ,  12   d  that are adapted to be associated with each of valves or necks  6   a ,  6   b ,  6   c , and  6   d . Therefore the current cartridge package as noted above has four necks or valves  6   a – 6   d  that associate with four corresponding valves or entry points  12   a – 12   d  of processing machine  10 . The full/empty state of cartridge  200  is sensed by the presence or absence of float, indicated by reference numerals  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c  and  14   d  in  FIG. 1 , which are associated with each of valves  6   a – 6   d . In one embodiment, an infrared beam can pass through valves  6   a – 6   d  of the cartridge  200  to detect the presence or absence of a float  14   a – 14   d  to determine the full/empty state of the individual container  4   a ,  4   b ,  4   c  and  4   d . As further described above, four chemical concentrates are contained in four separate containers  4   a – 4   d  housed in a common outer container  2 . 
   A drawback with the arrangement noted above is that during use of cartridge  200 , developer or chemical concentrate exiting from each container  4   a – 4   d  through respective valves  6   a ,  6   b  and  6   c  is constantly metered and observed so as to assure that each of containers  4   a – 4   c  empty together. If they do not empty together as noted above, then at least one of the containers will include residual chemistry following use, which leads to the characterization of the handling of the container as hazardous waste. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides for an improved photofinishing solution supply cartridge for a photographic processing arrangement, wherein its emptying is controlled by only one chemical cartridge, to thereby guarantee that the cartridge can be disposed of as non-hazardous waste. Additionally, the chemical solution supply cartridge of the present invention is adapted to process more prints since the emptying of the containers that includes the developer can be more accurately controlled. 
   In a feature of the present invention, a single container is used due to the utilization of a single-part developer concentrate in the container. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,017,687; 6,037,111; 6,077,651; 6,136,518; 6,159,670; 6,328,567; 6,403,290; and 6,416,940 the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference, teach a single-part color developing concentrate and a method of making the single-part color developing concentrate, which is used in the photofinishing solution supply cartridge and arrangement of the present invention. 
   In the present invention, the current three-part developer concentrate as illustrated in  FIG. 1  is replaced by a single-part developer concentrate as described in the above patents. Further, the three developer concentrate containers are replaced by a single container. This single container can be simultaneously emptied through at least first and second valves on the container. By utilizing a single container with a single-part developer as discussed above, it is possible to simultaneously supply processing solution through the two valves of necks of the single container. Because of the use of a single container, the complete emptying of the container is assured so as to minimize any hazardous material remaining in the container. 
   The present invention accordingly provides for a photofinishing solution supply cartridge that comprises an outer container; one developer solution container provided within the outer container, with the developer solution container holding a single-part developer therein and comprising at least two developer container valves for fluid communication with a photographic processor; and a stabilizer solution container provided in the outer container and comprising a stabilizer solution container valve for fluid communication with the photographic processor. The outer container has at least three openings to permit the two developer container valves and the stabilizer solution container valve to pass therethrough. 
   The present invention further relates to a method of processing photographic material which comprises fluidly associating a solution supply cartridge with a photographic processor, with the solution supply cartridge comprising one developer container with at least two valves, and the two valves providing a fluid communication between the developer container and the photographic processor. The developer container holds a single-part developer therein. The method further comprises supplying a single-part developer to the photographic processor during a processing cycle to process photographic material in the photographic processor, with the single-part developer being simultaneously supplied through the two valves. 
   The present invention further relates to a photofinishing solution supply cartridge which comprises an outer container; and a single developer solution container provided within the outer container, with the developer solution container holding a single-part developer therein and comprising two developer container valves for fluid communication with the photographic processor. 
   The present invention further relates to a photofinishing arrangement that comprises a photographic processor adapted to process photographic material therein; and a photofinishing solution supply cartridge comprising an outer container and a single developer solution container provided within the outer container. The developer solution container holds a single-part developer therein and comprises two developer container valves for fluid communication with the photographic processor. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a conventional solution supply cartridge associated with a known photographic processor; 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic view of a solution supply cartridge in accordance with the present invention, wherein the cartridge is adapted to be fluidly associated with a photographic processor; 
       FIG. 3  is a view of a solution supply cartridge in accordance with the present invention, wherein a single developer container of the cartridge includes an inclined surface to promote complete emptying of the container; 
       FIG. 4  is a view of the developer container and the stabilizer container of the cartridge of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the solution cartridge with the outer container in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a still further view of the solution supply cartridge of the present invention, wherein the position of the valves have been varied; 
       FIG. 7  is a view of the developer container and the stabilizer container of the solution supply cartridge of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a further view of the solution supply cartridge  FIG. 6 ; and 
       FIG. 9  is a view of a further embodiment of the solution supply cartridge of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent corresponding or identical parts throughout the several views,  FIG. 2  illustrates a cartridge or assembly in accordance with a first feature of the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a processing solution supply cartridge  100  includes an outer container  10  which has positioned therein a single inner container  12  for holding a single-part developer concentrate as described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,687 and the other patents cited to show single-part developers. Also provided within outer container  10  is an inner container  14  used for holding stabilizer solution therein. Container  12  includes valves  12   a  and  12   b  which are adapted to provide fluid communication with a photographic processor  20 . Each valve  12   a ,  12   b  respectively includes a float  16   a ,  16   b  therein. Stabilizer container  14  includes a valve  18  for fluid communication with processor  20 . Floats  16   a ,  16   b  within valves  12   a ,  12   b  can be adapted to provide a signal to a controller or to an operator to signal the empty/full state of container  12 . As an example, an infrared beam can be directed to the valves to detect the presence or absence of the floats. Valve  18  for stabilizer container  14  does not include a float therein. This ensures that single developer container  12  must empty to signal that cartridge  100  requires replacement. If stabilizer container  14  empties prematurely, water can be the sole source of replenishment for the stabilizer tank until the cartridge is replaced. 
   Cartridge  100  is adapted to be fluidly associated as noted above, with photographic processor  20  for processing photographic material. That is, photographic processor  20  is of the type which processes photographic material by passing or conveying the photographic material through distinct photo-chemical solutions for processing the photographic materials. Processor  20  can be an existing processor which includes corresponding valves or openings  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c  and  20   d  which are aligned with the valves of a traditional solution cartridge as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
   With the conventional arrangement of  FIG. 1 , where traditional developers are used, the different parts of the developers need to be stored in separate containers due to the fact that the mixing of the different developer parts during storage or while in the chemical supply cartridge adversely affects the properties of the developer. With a single-part developer as shown and described in the above-noted cited patents, it is not necessary to separate the developer parts and therefore, a solution supply cartridge  100  as shown in  FIG. 2  which includes a single developer container can be utilized. The advantage of using the single developer container as noted above is that during a processing cycle, the single-part developer can be replenished into processor  20  by simultaneously supplying the single-part developer through valves  12   a  and  12   b  into processor  20 . This assures that all of the developer within single container  12  empties into processor  20 . Also, with the developer being simultaneously supplied through two valves of a single container, it is assured that no developer remains in the container, and it is not necessary to meter the amount of color developer coming from distinct developer containers. Therefore, no hazardous developer will remain in the container after the appropriate amount of processing cycles have been achieved. 
   A further advantage of a solution supply cartridge with a single developer container as noted above is that the cartridge can be fluidly associated with the valves of a traditional processor which has three to four valves, by fluidly associating the two valves  12   a  and  12   b  with the two existing valves  20   a  and  20   b  on processor  20 , while closing valve  20   c . Therefore, processor  20  believes that is operating in a known manner and therefore processes photographic material accordingly. Thus, cartridge  100  can be utilized on existing processing machines. 
   Further, by having floats  16   a  and  16   b  in valves  12   a  and  12   b , a signal can be sent when all the developer solution is emptied from container  12  to automatically alert an operator that at the supply cartridge needs to be replaced. 
   In a further feature of the present invention, developer container  12  can be reusable be providing for an opening  22  in developer container  12 . Therefore, after all of the single-part developer has been emptied from container  12 , a user can simply refill developer container  12  with new single-part developer concentrate through opening  22 , without having to remove cartridge  100  from processor  20 . 
   With reference to  FIG. 3 , an arrangement of the present invention to further assure complete drainage of developer within container  12  is shown. More specifically, in  FIG. 3 , container  12  is shown as having an inclined surface  30   a  which leads in a downward direction to a surface  30   b  that is in the vicinity of valves  12   a ,  12   b . This assures that all the developer will flow toward the valves  12   a  and  12   b  and facilitates the complete emptying of container  12 . 
     FIG. 4  is a view of single developer container  12  and stabilizer container  14  of the present invention, and shows the design of the containers in a side by side relationship so as to be positionable in outer container  10  in a manner which takes up a minimum amount of space. 
     FIG. 5  shows container  12  and container  14  within an outer container  10 . As shown, outer container  10  has openings  300   a – 300   d , wherein openings  300   a ,  300   b  and  300   d  are respectively aligned with valves  12   a ,  12   b  and  18  and thus, permit the passage of the valves therethrough.  FIG. 5  illustrates that cartridge  100  of the present invention can be utilized with container  10  designed for traditional cartridges which store developer in separate containers. 
     FIG. 6  illustrates a further embodiment of the cartridge in accordance with the present invention. In  FIG. 6 , valves  12   a ′ and  12   b ′ are on the outer edges of container  12 ′. With the arrangement of  FIG. 6 , in order to assure the complete draining of developer from developer container  12 ′, surfaces  32   a  and  32   b  can be inclined in opposite directions towards respective valves  12   a ′ and  12   b ′. The remaining parts of the cartridge shown in  FIG. 6  remains the same in that the cartridge includes an outer container  10 ′ and stabilizer container  14 . Further, the embodiment of  FIG. 6  can be utilized in an existing processing machine in that valves  12   a ′ and  12   b ′ can be aligned with valves  20   a  and  20   c  of existing processor  20  of  FIG. 2 , while opening  20   b  could be closed. 
     FIG. 7  is a perspective view of containers  12   a ′,  12   b ′ and  14  of  FIG. 6 , wherein the containers are shown in a side by side manner, for positioning within outer container  10 ′. This configuration assures that the containers utilize a minimum amount of space when positioned within the outer container. 
     FIG. 8  shows outer container  10 ′ of the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , wherein outer container  10 ′ includes openings  400   a – 400   d , such that openings  400   a ,  400   c  and  400   d  are aligned respectively with valves  12   a ′,  12   b ′ and  18 . Again, this illustrates that a standard container could be utilized with the cartridge of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9  illustrates an alternative embodiment wherein a top frame  600  instead of an outer container is used. Top frame  600  can be located on valves  12   a ′,  12   b ′ and  18  to hold the valves as well as-the containers  12 ,  14  in position when the containers are fluidly associated with a processing machine. The arrangement of  FIG. 9  shows one part or half (left side) of frame  600 . It is recognized that frame  600  includes an opposite part or half (right side) which mirrors the first part and is provided on top of the containers in a similar manner as the first part. 
   Therefore, the present invention provides for a cartridge where the complete emptying of a single-part developer solution into a processor is controlled by only one developer container, thereby guaranteeing that the cartridge can be disposed of as non-hazardous waste. The cartridge of the present invention has a single container which holds a single-part developer concentrate. The single-part-developer concentrate is simultaneously replenished into a processing machine through at least two valves to assure the complete emptying of the developer container. The choice of valves utilized in the cartridge of the present invention can be based on necessary replenishment rates required by existing processors in the field, or by rates required by new processors specifically designed for the cartridge of the present invention. The stabilizer solution can be delivered from its location analogous to the conventional package as described above. The stabilizer valve or neck of the present invention does not have a float in it to ensure that the developer container empties to signal that the package requires replacing. If the stabilizer position empties prematurely, water can be the sole source of replenishment until the package is replaced. 
   The complete emptying of the developer container of the present invention results in increase customer satisfaction and easier disposal of spent cartridges. Further, the increased capacity of the containers of the present invention results in lower customer inventory space required and fewer cartridge changes per unit time. 
   The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.