Patent GB-644356-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to strip processing apparatus
IPC: B66C23/44
Filed: 1946-09-17
Abstract: 644,356. Coating webs. KODAK, Ltd. Sept. 17, 1946, No. 27883. Convention date, Sept. 28, 1945. [Class 140] [Also in Group XX] A unit for coating a web comprises a coating compartment, a supply chamber initially containing coating liquid, liquid sealing means between the compartment and the chamber and means for removing the seal to permit the liquid to flow from the chamber to the compartment. As shown, a unit for processing kinematograph film is divided into upper supply compartments 61, 62, Fig. 4, containing developing and fixing solution respectively, and lower processing chambers 59, 60. Each supply compartment has a discharge opening 66 and a vent 91, both being initially sealed by an adhesive strip 87, which is folded back on itself and also adheres to a leading strip 67 initially placed in the unit and passing over guide rollers 69, 70. One end of the leader protrudes through a slot 75 in a part of the wall formed into a threaded hub and covered by a screw cap 76. A similar slot 72 is formed at the opposite side. The caps 76 are removed, and the leading end of the film to be processed is introduced into the slot 72, and is received between adhesive strips 80, 81 whose ends curl in opposite directions and are fixed to the leader 67. The other end of the leader is fixed to a winding drum (not shown) and moves out of the unit. As the film is pulled in, the strips 80, 81 adhere thereto as they pass between a shoulder on the casing and a spring 82. At the same time the strips 87 are peeled-off the partition walls, adhere to the leader, and are carried out. The liquids enter the processing chambers 59, 60 through the holes 66, displaced air passing through the vents 91. When the solutions are to be heated, the holes 66 and vents 91 may be plugged with a low melting- point alloy instead of being covered by adhesive strip. The film is then moved continuously through the unit and is developed in chamber 59. A rubber squeegee 94 removes surplus liquid as the film passes to the fixing chamber 60, and a squeegee 95 acts similarly as the film emerges from the unit. A modified unit, comprises an upper part containing the supply compartments 61, 62, Fig. 10, and a lower part containing the processing chambers 59, 60. The top part is removed and the leading strip of the film F laid over the lower part. The top is then replaced, downward extensions pressing the film into the chambers. The film is guided over curved surfaces 104, 103 and between squeegees 94, 95. When the film is in position, seals 112 are broken for access to plungers 107 carrying pins 106, which when the plungers are depressed puncture the means sealing the holes 66, preferably positioned beyond the edge of the film. The liquids then flow through the holes 66 into the chambers 59, 60, air entering through the broken seals 112. The plungers may be used in the first form of the unit. Either form is used in a machine in which film from a magazine is fed through the unit and drawn in front of a fan for drying before spooling, as described in Specification 644,421. The units are interchangeable and may be replaced in the machine when used.