Patent GB-684351-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in machines for making photographic prints
IPC: G03D9/00
Filed: 1950-06-22
Abstract: 684,351. Photographic printing apparatus. KODAK, Ltd. June 22, 1950 [June 22, 1949], No. 15615/50. Class 98 (i). An apparatus for producing photographic prints comprises means for exposing a lightsensitive film and for moving the exposed film to a developing station at which a roller released from a support submerges the exposed portion of the film in a developing tank, a mechanism for moving the developed portion of the film over an inclined plate above which the film is supported by rollers, and a pressure roller supported by a carriage for movement over the plate to press paper, passed around the pressure roller, into contact with said developed portion of the film on said inclined plate. In the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, a light-sensitive film 20 is fed from a spool 14 by a roller 23 and passes beneath a device 21 whereby the margins of and transverse areas on the film are exposed to light. This device comprises a tube 151, Fig. 22, enclosing a lamp 152 and surrounded by a tube 150 having an arm 154 linked at 155 to the armature of a solenoid 159. Energization of this solenoid causes tube 150 to rock about tube 151 and destroy the alignment between longitudinal slots 160, 161 in the two tubes so that, when film 20 moves, transverse areas on the film are not exposed. Slot 160 is enlarged at each end so that the film margins are continually exposed. When the solenoid 159 is de-energized, film 20 is arrested and the slots 160, 161 re-align so that a transverse area on the film is exposed with the result that unexposed picture-receiving areas are defined on the film. From this printing device the film passes into an exposure area 8 where it is exposed to an object or image carried by a transparent platen 5 at one end of a lamp house 13 which also supports a lens 6 and a pivoted, blade shutter 7. Then, the film passes between the sides of a member 31, Fig. 8, carrying rollers 32 on which slide a pair of parallel plates 33, reciprocable by crank and pin mechanism 35, 36. Slidable in member 31 in a post 46 having spring arms 45 for engaging the axle 44 of a roller 28, disposed above a developing tank 29, when the film is being moved. One plate 33 has a cam slot 48 therein engaged by a pin 47 on post 46 so that, as the plates move into the Fig. 8 position, the post is lowered to release the roller 28 which forms a loop of film in the tank 29. As the plates move to the right from the Fig. 8 position, film 20 moves on so that the roller is raised, this roller then being re-engaged by the spring arms 45 on the post 46 which is caused to move upwardly. The developed portion of film 20 is fed on to an inclined plate 54 over which travels a carriage 58c, Figs. 1 and 12, this carriage carrying a roller 70 which, when it moves downwardly, presses paper 71 from a roll 71a on to the film 20. The carriage moves along rails 57 parallel with the plate 54 and is driven by rack and pinion mechanism 59, 60, each pinion being operated by a sector gear 63 connected at 66, Fig. 1, with a crank 68 driven by a shaft 69 when a solenoid is energized. When the carriage is in its lowest position, a bucket 90 thereon, Fig. 1, lies beneath the delivery end of a pipe 92 and a pump is operated to fill the bucket with liquid; this bucket is rocked by spring latches and emptied each time it starts to move downwardly so that a film of liquid is deposited behind a roller 95 on the carriage and the film 20 is kept wet. The roller 70 is carried by arms 73, Fig. 12, pivoted at 74 and spring urged at 77 against adjustable stops 75. These springs rest on the heads of rods 78, each engaged by a follower 80 controlled by a cam 81 on a rod 82 having a spring 84 urging this rod in one direction. Also on the rod 82 are ratchets 87, 87d of which the latter is prevented from rotation in one direction by a pawl 88. When carriage 58c is in its upper position, ratchet 87 is engaged by a pawl 85. Downward movement of the carriage thus causes ratchet 87 to rotate through one tooth so that cams 81 are rotated and the pressure exerted by the springs 76 and by roller 70 on the film 20 and paper 71 is increased. A fresh print is taken each time the carriage moves downwardly, the pawls 85, 88 being released automatically after the required number of prints have been taken. The developed portion of film 20 is then wound on to spool 56, Fig. 1, and the paper 71 is passed between rollers 99, 100 to a cutting device for removing therefrom waste areas, this device comprising a fixed blade and a movable blade operated by a shaft carrying an eccentric for reciprocating it. The waste areas are deflected on to the film 20 and are wound on to the spool 56, and the prints are carried by an endless band 111 to a delivery slit 112. The various operative parts of the apparatus are actuated electrically and in sequence under the control of switch-operating cams, Fig. 18 (not shown). Specifications 655,274 and 677,792 are referred to.