Patent Publication Number: US-6698946-B1

Title: Dual groove photographic processing drum

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is related to the following pending patent applications: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/027,382 filed Dec. 21, 2001 U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,202, entitled PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSOR AND METHOD OF OPERATION; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/027,454 filed Dec. 21, 2001 U.S. Pat. No. 6,515,261, entitled A PROCESSING SOLUTION DELIVERY SYSTEM HAVING A SUPPLY TUBE AND LEVEL DETECTION SENSOR UNIT FOR USE WITH A PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSOR; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/027,381 filed Dec. 21, 2001 U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,204, entitled PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSOR HAVING AN ADJUSTABLE DRUM; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/027,432 filed Dec. 21, 2001, entitled CHEMICAL DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSOR AND METHOD OF OPERATION; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/108,141 filed Mar. 27, 2002 U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,263, entitled PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSOR HAVING SIDE BY SIDE PROCESSING PATHS AND METHOD OF OPERATION and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/164,067 filed Jun. 5, 2002 U.S. Pat. No. 6,592,271 entitled PROCESSING SOLUTION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSOR AND METHOD OF OPERATION. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a photographic processing drum having a dual groove arrangement for processing multiple types of photographic film, and a method of operation. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Photographic processors come in a variety of shapes and sizes from large wholesale photographic processors to small micro-labs. As photographic processors become more and more technologically sophisticated, there is a continued need to make the photographic processor as user-friendly and as maintenance-free as possible. 
     Currently available photographic processors have one or more of the following shortcomings: (1) the film processing time is relatively long; (2) some photographic processors, because of their size, require a large amount of space; (3) some photographic processors may require an unacceptable amount of processing solution due to the design of the processing tank; (4) some photographic processors generate an unacceptable amount of solution waste due to the design of the processing tank; and (5) some photographic processors are not readily adaptable to process multiple types of films. 
     What is needed in the art is a photographic processor, which provides exceptional print quality while requiring a minimal number of tasks necessary for an operator to process multiple types of film. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention addresses some of the difficulties and problems discussed above by the discovery of a photographic processor having an internal drum design that includes dual grooves which are adapted to receive and convey multiple types of film. 
     The processor of the present invention is capable of processing multiple size media in a minimal amount of space. The grooves of the invention are used as edge support and reduce any damage of the media. The grooves of the present invention are also positioned in such a way that only the proper amount of chemistry or processing solution is added to the processor, in accordance with the size or the type of media, to reduce chemical waste. 
     The present invention therefore relates to a photographic processor which comprises a processing drum having a center axis. The processing drum defines a first circular media path located a first distance from the center axis for processing a first type of photographic media, and a second circular media path located a second distance from the center axis which is greater than the first distance for processing a second type of photographic media. 
     The present invention also relates to a photographic processor which comprises a processing drum having a first wall, a second wall which opposes the first wall, and a side wall which extends around a perimeter of with the drum, with the processing drum further comprising a rotational axis; first and second grooves defined in one of the first or second walls, with the first groove being located a first distance from the rotational axis and the second groove being located a second distance from the rotational axis which is greater than the first distance; and a disk positioned inside the drum adjacent to the other of the first or second walls. The disk has disk teeth thereon which are capable of interengaging with holes along an edge of photographic film to be processed. A first film path for processing a first type of film is defined between the first groove and the disk, such that a first edge of the first type of film is inserted in the first groove and at least one hole on a second edge of the first type of film is interengaged with the disk teeth on the disk. A second film path for processing a second type of film is defined between the second groove and the disk, such that a first edge of the second type of film is inserted in the second groove and at least one hole on a second edge of the second type of film is interengaged with the disk teeth on the disk. 
     The present invention also relates to a method of processing photographic material, which comprises the steps of inserting a photographic film to be processed into one of first and second circular film paths located in a circular processing drum having a center axis, in accordance with a type of the photographic film, with the first circular film path being located a first distance from the center axis and being adapted to receive a first type of the photographic film, and the second circular film path being located a second distance from the center axis which is greater than the first distance and being adapted to receive a second type of the photographic film; and processing the inserted photographic film in the processing drum. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a review of the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments and the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention is further described with reference to the appended figures, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a frontal view of an exemplary photographic processor of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a rear view of an exemplary photographic processor of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary circular processing drum used in the photographic processor of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary disk located within the circular processing drum of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 displays a close-up view of an exemplary disk having an outer perimeter and one or more sets of disk teeth; 
     FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary roller mechanism positioned within the circular processing drum; 
     FIG. 7 depicts a rear view of the exemplary roller mechanism of FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary drum and disk drive mechanism for rotating a circular processing drum, and a clutch mechanism for selectively engaging the drum and disk; 
     FIG. 9A displays a cross-sectional view of the drum and disk drive mechanism along line A—A in FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 9B schematically illustrates a driving and clutching arrangement of the invention; 
     FIG. 10 depicts a film cartridge in a film-loading position using one film-loading method of the present invention; 
     FIG. 11 depicts a film cartridge stabilizing step in one film-loading method of the present invention; 
     FIG. 12 depicts a film nipping step during a film-loading method of the present invention; 
     FIG. 13 depicts a cross-sectional view of film entering into a circular processing drum in one film-loading method of the present invention; 
     FIG. 14 depicts a sheet of film having a lead end and a tail end within the drum processing cavity of a circular processing drum; 
     FIGS. 15A and 15B depicts an exemplary film transfer arm, which transfers film from a circular processing drum to a dryer; 
     FIG. 16 depicts an exemplary film loading/unloading device used in a film-loading method of the present invention wherein film is separated from its corresponding film cartridge; 
     FIG. 17 depicts a cross-sectional view of the exemplary film loading/unloading device as seen along line B—B in FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 18 depicts an exemplary film-loading guide used to load a film roll into a circular processing drum; 
     FIG. 19 depicts a film transfer step, wherein a strip of film is transferred from a circular processing drum to a dryer by film sheet gripper rolls attached to a film transfer arm; 
     FIG. 20 depicts a film processing step, wherein a strip of film exits a dryer into a scanner festoon box; 
     FIG. 21 depicts a film processing step, wherein a strip of film exits a festoon box and proceeds to a scanner; 
     FIGS. 22A and 22B are cross-sectional views of a processing drum having dual grooves in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIGS. 23A and 23B are views of an agitating roller of the drum of FIGS. 22A and 22B, wherein the drum is not illustrated for clarity purposes; 
     FIGS. 23C-23G are different views of the agitating roller in different positions; 
     FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional side view of the interior of the processing drum of FIGS. 22A,  22 B, showing the dual grooves; 
     FIG. 25 is an isolated view of a section of the dual grooves of FIG. 24; 
     FIGS. 26A and 26B are cross-sectional views of a further embodiment of a dual groove processing drum having a disk in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 27A is a view of a section of the drum of the present invention with 35 mm film being loaded; 
     FIG. 27B is a view of section of FIG. 27A; 
     FIG. 28A is a view of a section of the processing drum of the present invention with APS film being loaded; and 
     FIG. 28B is a view of a section of FIG.  28 A. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     An exemplary photographic processor is shown in FIG.  1 . Photographic processor  10  comprises at least an outer housing, which includes a first side wall  11 , a base housing member  12 , and a second side wall  13 . Photographic processor  10  includes a circular processing chamber or drum  14  (also referred to herein as the “circular processing drum  14 ”), which may be used to expose a given strip or roll of film to one or more photoprocessing chemicals. Photographic processor  10  further includes a film-loading/unloading device  15  positioned above and cooperating with circular processing drum  14 . A chemical delivery system  16  is positioned for easy access by a user (i.e., for maintenance or replacement purposes) at a location near side wall  13  and base housing member  12 . Photographic processor  10  also includes a circular dryer  17  in the form of, for example, a cylinder, for drying the processed film. Dryer  17  is concentrically and co-axially positioned around processing drum  14 . Once a given strip or roll of film is dried in dryer  17 , the film proceeds to a scanner  18 ′, which may be positioned above chemical delivery system  16  in a space bordered by side wall  13  and left interior wall  18  or any other convenient location. 
     FIG. 2 depicts a rear view of photographic processor  10 . As shown in FIG. 2, photographic processor  10  includes opening  19  in side wall  13  for accessing chemical delivery system  16 . Sliding track mechanism  20  allows an operator to pull at least a portion of chemical delivery system  16  through opening  19  to an exterior location outside of photographic processor  10 . Such an assembly allows for quick and easy maintenance and replacement of chemical delivery system  16 . Photographic processor  10  can include a waste collection reservoir  21 , which collects and stores used processing chemicals removed from circular processing drum  14  following development of a given strip or roll of film. As shown in FIG. 2, dryer  17  includes dryer entrance  171  and dryer blower  172 . The various components of photographic processor  10  will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 3-21. 
     Circular processing drum  14  is further described in FIG.  3 . As shown in FIG. 3, circular processing drum  14  includes a first or front wall  141 , a second or back wall  142 , a side wall  143 , and a central axis opening  144 . A portion of a drum and disk drive mechanism  25  (shown in FIGS. 2,  8  and  9 ) passes through central access opening  144 . Circular processing drum  14  comprises two circular sections joined together at multiple locations around the perimeter of circular processing drum  14  via male clasping members  145  and female clasping members  146 . It should be noted that any means for attaching the two circular components of circular processing drum  14  may be used in place of male clasping members  145  and female clasping members  146 . Further, it should be noted that circular processing drum  14  may also be in the form of a single component as oppose to two circular components as shown in FIG. 3, although such a design may add manufacturing cost to circular processing drum  14 . 
     Circular processing drum  14  further comprises a film cartridge loading area  147  on an outer surface of side wall  143  for loading film directly from a film cartridge into circular processing drum  14 , such as with APS film. Circular processing drum  14  also comprises a film input slot  148 , which enables the entry and exit of film into circular processing drum  14 . 
     FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary disk  30 , which is positioned within circular processing drum  14 , and functions to convey film within circular processing drum  14  once the film enters through film input slot  148 . Disk  30  includes a first face  31 , a second face  32 , a central access opening  33 , an outer perimeter  34 , and one or more sets of disk teeth  35  located along outer perimeter  34  of disk  30 . As with circular processing drum  14 , a portion of drum and disk drive mechanism  25  may extend into central access opening  33  to engage with and cause rotation of disk  30 . FIG. 5 provides a close-up view of a portion of disk  30 , and in particular, outer perimeter  34  and a set of disk teeth  35  on the outer perimeter  34  of disk  30 . The outermost points of disk teeth  35  are in close proximity to an inner surface of side wall  143  of circular processing drum  14 . In a feature of the invention, disk teeth  35  could be spring loaded through the use of spring arrangement  35   a.    
     An agitating roller arrangement  27  (FIGS. 6 and 7) is positioned within circular processing drum  14 . Roller arrangement  27  includes an agitating roller  270  having interengaging members  277  and  278  (FIG.  7 ). Roller arrangement  27  may be supported by a support member  28 , which is attached to a support member base  29 . Support member base  29  may be permanently or temporarily attached to base housing member  12  (shown in FIGS.  1  and  2 ). Agitating roller arrangement  27  includes a motor  271 , which provides motion to pistons  272  through openings  273  in a fixed positioning member  274 . Pistons  272  proceed through stationary positioning support member  276  and are attached to movable positioning support member  275 . As pistons  272  move, movable positioning support member  275  which is coupled to member  277  separates from stationary positioning support member  276  which is coupled to member  278 . This permits roller  270  to be expandable between a first width when the members  277  and  278  overlap each other and a second width larger than the first width (FIG. 7) when the members  277  and  278  move away from each other. 
     FIG. 7 provides a detailed view of roller arrangement  27  and its various components. As shown in FIG. 7, movable positioning support member  275  and stationary positioning support member  276  connect to interengaging members  277  and  278  respectively as described above. During use, the film passes between roller  270  and an interior surface of drum  14 . Roller  270  is freely rotatable and maintains the film flat along the lower portion of drum  14 . As will be described later, roller  270  further provides an agitating feature within processing drum  14  during processing. Additionally, the width of roller  270  is adjustable as described above to accommodate a shorter width film (i.e. APS film) and a larger width film (i.e. 35 mm film). Further, roller arrangement  27  including roller  270  can be vertically adjustable to accommodate for film curl as the film passes between roller  270  and the interior surface of drum  14 . As a still further option, roller  270  can be spring loaded so as to accommodate any variation in the interior surface of drum  14 . 
     Circular processing drum  14  is connected to a drum and disk drive mechanism  25 , which selectively rotates disk  30  relative to drum  14  to position and convey the film along and within processing drum  14 , and rotates both disk  30  and drum  14  together during a processing and/or cleaning cycle. Circular processing drum  14  rotates about an axis of symmetry. An exemplary drum and disk drive mechanism  25  is shown in FIG.  8 . Drum and disk drive mechanism  25  cooperates with a motor  22 , a belt  23 , and a pulley  24  as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9A. Drum and disk drive mechanism  25  includes a drive shaft  261  which is operationally connected to pulley  24 . Also shown in FIGS. 8 and 9A are flanges  251  and  252 . Flange  251  is connected to drum  14  while an end cap  300  holds disk  30  for rotation about drive shaft  261  (FIG.  9 A). Actuation of motor  22  drives belt  23  which in turn drives pulley  24 . This in turn causes a rotation of drive shaft  261  which rotates disk  30 . Clutch mechanism  250  enables the engagement and disengagement of flange  251  to provide selective rotation to circular processing drum  14 . 
     FIG. 9A displays a cross-sectional view of drum and disk drive mechanism  25  and clutch mechanism  250  along line  9 A— 9 A in FIG.  8 . With reference to FIG.  9 A and FIG. 9B which is a schematic representation of the driving and clutching feature of the present invention, an operation will now be described. When loading film which will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, clutch  250  is deactivated as shown in FIG.  9 B. In this state, rotation of motor  22  will cause a rotation of drive shaft  261  and accordingly, a rotation of disk  30  relative to drum  14 . This is due to the fact that clutch  250  is deactivated and therefore, drum  14  is not rotated. This permits the conveyance of the film by rotation of disk  30  to a desired location within drum  14 . After the film reaches the desired location within drum  14 , clutch  250  is activated, (for example, clutch  250  is moved to the right in FIG. 9B) by actuating clutch  250  with flange  251  which is attached to drum  14 . Therefore, a rotation of motor  22  will cause a rotation of both disk  30  and drum  14 . This occurs during the processing stages to process the film in a manner which will be described later, and also during a cleaning stage. 
     Drive shaft  261  can be moved perpendicularly and through flange  251  and flange  252  to move disk  30  attached thereto. As shown in FIG. 9A, drive shaft  261  is attached to a fitting  264  in a manner which permits drive shaft  261  to rotate relative to fitting  264 . Fitting  264  is in turn rotatably attached to a pivotable arm  262  and a movable member  263 . Movable member  263  can be operationally connected to a motor for rotation of member  263 . This causes arm  262  to pivot about point  262 ′ to move drive shaft  261  to the left or right when viewing FIG. 9A from above the page. Movement of drive shaft  261  as noted above, moves disk  30  in a direction parallel to an axis of disk  30 . This facilitates the accommodation of, for example, 35 mm and APS film on disk  30 , since the disk  30  can be moved based on the type of film being processed. 
     Within the context of the present invention, a film may be loaded into circular processing drum  14  by a number of methods. One method of loading film, such as APS film, into circular processing drum  14  is shown in FIGS. 10-13. As shown in FIG. 10, film cartridge  40  comprising a film cartridge spool  41  and film cartridge door opening mechanism  52  is positioned in a film cartridge loading area  147  located on side wall  143  of circular processing drum  14 . Film (not shown) exiting film cartridge  40  enters circular processing drum  14  at light tight film input slot  148  (FIG. 3) in side wall  143  of circular processing drum  14 . 
     Once film cartridge  40  is positioned in film cartridge loading area  147 , photographic processor  10  can initiate a number of film-loading and conveying steps, the results of which are shown in FIG.  11 . It is noted that the film loading and conveying steps as well as other processing steps can be controlled by a computer or central processing unit (CPU)  2000  (FIG. 1) operationally associated with processor  10 . In a first step, a film cartridge stabilizing member  50  applies an amount of pressure onto an upper surface of film cartridge  40  to prevent film cartridge  40  from moving while positioned in film cartridge loading area  147 . Spool engaging member  51  and cartridge door opening mechanism engaging member  52  move toward film cartridge  40  and engage with film cartridge spool  41  and film cartridge door  42 , respectively. Door opening mechanism engaging member  52  opens film cartridge mechanism  42  and spool engaging member  51  begins to rotate film cartridge spool  41 , forcing film (not shown) out of film cartridge  40 . 
     FIG. 12 shows a strip of film  43  exiting film cartridge  40  and entering film input slot  148  of circular processing drum  14 . Driven nip rollers  150  grasp a leading edge of the strip of film  43  at drum roller nip point  151  and advance film  43  further into circular processing drum  14 . As shown in FIG. 13, the strip of film  43  exits drum cavity slot  152  and enters into the drum processing cavity  1521  of circular processing drum  14 , wherein one or more sets of disk teeth  35  on disk  30  interengage with holes or perforations along an edge of the strip of film  43 . As previously described, disk teeth  35  could be spring loaded so as to spring up at the appropriate time and interengage with the holes or perforations along film  43 . With clutch  250  disengaged, disk  30  and rollers  150  are rotated while circular processing drum  14  remains stationary. This causes film  43  to advance into the processing cavity  1521  of circular processing drum  14  a desired distance equal to the length of the strip or roll of film  43 . As shown in FIGS. 10-13, in this film-loading method the film  43  remains intact with film cartridge  40 . 
     A number of commercially available films may be loaded according to the film-loading method described above, namely, wherein the film remains intact with its corresponding film cartridge during processing. A suitable film, which may be used in this particular film-loading method, includes, but is not limited to, APS film. Desirably, APS film is loaded into the photographic processor of the present invention according to this method. 
     FIG. 14 depicts circular processing drum  14  fully loaded with film  43  having a forward end  431  and a rearward end  432  within the drum processing cavity  1521  of circular processing drum  14 . The back end of film  43  is maintained in cartridge  40 . Film  43  is now positioned within circular processing drum  14  for chemical processing, wherein one or more processing fluids are deposited into circular processing drum  14  and placed in contact with film  43  for a desired period of time. 
     It is noted that the circumference of the drum will be longer than the length of the film to be processed. Therefore, when the film is loaded in drum  14 , a section of drum  14  will not have film therein. This is referred to as a film-free zone  431 ′ (FIG.  14 ). Prior to delivering chemistry by way of chemical supply  16  and a chemical delivery mechanism  16 ′ (FIG.  14 ), clutch  250  is activated or engaged and drum  14  is controllably rotated with disk  30  so that film-free zone  431 ′ is at a lower end or below chemical delivery mechanism  16 ′. Chemical delivery mechanism  16 ′ is preferably of the type which drops or delivers chemistry into drum  14  in the direction of arrow  1600  (FIG.  14 ). The movement of film-free zone to an area below chemical delivery mechanism  16 ′ prior to the delivery of chemicals prevents the chemicals from being dropped directly on the film which could cause uneven processing. Thereafter, processing occurs by continuously rotating the drum  14  and disk  30 . Further, as shown in FIG. 14, in the lower portion of drum  14 , film  43  passes between wheel  270  and an inner surface of drum  14 . Rotation of drum  14  and disk  30  relative to wheel  270  helps to agitate the processing fluid in the vicinity of wheel  270  to promote processing. Drum  14  can be selectively rotated in a continuous or intermittent manner. Following the chemical processing steps, the film  43  is removed from circular processing drum  14  and exposed to a drying operation. One method of removing film  43  from circular processing drum  14  is shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. 
     As shown in FIG. 15A, film transfer arm assembly  60  is positioned to move or pivot between circular processing drum  14  and dryer  17 . Film transfer arm assembly  60  includes a lower arm member  61 , which is rotatable around an axis of symmetry  153  of circular processing drum  14 . Film transfer arm assembly  60  also includes an upper arm member  62 , which is pivotally attached to lower arm member  61 . At upper arm member end  63 , film transfer arm assembly  60  includes a film cartridge gripper  64  and film strip gripper rolls  65 . As shown in FIG. 15B, which is a front view of the entrance of dryer  17 , a side wall of dryer  17  includes a slot  1700  with a rubber seal that extends along the length of the dryer. Upper arm member  62  includes a shaft  620  which extends from upper arm member  62 , through slot  1700  and is connected to gripper  64 . This permits transfer arm assembly  60  to pull gripper  64  and thus the film to be dried though the dryer. 
     In embodiments wherein the film  43  remains intact with film cartridge  40  (as described above), film cartridge gripper  64  of film transfer arm assembly  60  engages with film cartridge  40 , pulls film cartridge  40  from loading area  147  and the strip of film  43  from circular processing drum  14  in direction  600   a , and proceeds through dryer  17  in direction  600   b . Therefore, cartridge  40  with processed film  43  attached and trailing therefrom is conveyed through dryer  17  to dry film  43  by, for example, the blowing of air into dryer  17 . In other embodiments where the film  43  is detached from film cartridge  40  (described below), film sheet gripper rolls  65  grip an edge of film  43  as film  43  exits film input slot  148  of circular processing drum  14 . Film sheet gripper rolls  65  of film transfer arm assembly  60  pull film  43  from circular processing drum  14  and proceeds through dryer  17 . Once dried, film  43  is re-wound back into its cartridge  40  prior to proceeding to scanner  18 ′. 
     In a further film-loading method, the film is separated from its film cartridge prior to processing within circular processing drum  14  (for example, 35 mm film). In this method, a film loading/unloading device, such as exemplary film loading/unloading device  15  as shown in FIG. 16, may be used. Film loading/unloading device  15  includes a film cartridge loading area  154 , which can be enclosed by closing a door  158 . In film loading area  154 , an operator extracts the tongue of film  43 ′ from cartridge  40 ′ and engages the perforations on film  43 ′ with sprockets on a driven roller  1570 . Thereafter door  158  is closed and film  43 ′ proceeds into festoon box  155  through festoon box nip rollers  156 . Once a desired length of film is removed from film cartridge  40 ′, a cutter  157  slices film  43 ′ to separate film  43 ′ from film cartridge  40 ′. Any counter device (not shown) may be used to measure the length of the strip of film  43 ′ passing through festoon box nip rollers  156 . The length measurement is used in further processing steps as described below. 
     FIG. 17 depicts a cross-sectional view of film loading/unloading device  15  as seen along line  17 — 17  in FIG.  16 . As shown in FIG. 17, film cartridge  40 ′ is positioned in film cartridge loading area  154  while a strip of film  43 ′ is removed from film cartridge  40 ′ and transported to festoon box  155  where it is turned. In this film-loading operation, a reverse roll of film  431  is formed from the film  43 ′ in festoon box  155 . A lead end of film  432  becomes the innermost portion of the reverse roll  431  while a tail end of film  433  becomes the outermost portion of reversed roll  431 . When the film  43 ′ is subsequently fed into circular processing drum  14  (as previously described), tail end  433 , which contains the last exposures on the strip of film  43 ′, is fed into circular processing drum  14  first. 
     A film-loading guide  159  is used to load reverse roll  431  into circular processing drum  14  as shown in FIG.  18 . Festoon box  155  rotates from an initial position (as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17) to a film-loading position as shown in FIG.  18 . Festoon box nip rollers  156  turn to advance tail end  433  of reverse roll  431  into film-loading guide  159  at guide entrance slot  1591 . The film  43 ′ exits the film-loading guide  159  at guide exit slot  1592  positioned adjacent to film input slot  148  of circular processing drum  14 . Once the tail end  433  of the strip of film  43 ′ enters into circular processing drum  14 , driven nip rollers  150  grab the film  43 ′ and advance the film  43 ′ into circular processing drum  14  as described above. It should be noted that in this film-loading method, nip rollers  150  are programmed to advance the film. 43 ′ into circular processing drum  14  a specific length, which corresponds to the length of film inputted into festoon box  155  and measured via festoon box nip rollers  156  as described above. In other words, nip rollers  150  advance the strip of film  43 ′ into circular processing drum  14  so that lead end  432  of film  43 ′ remains nipped between nip rollers  150  during chemical processing (i.e., lead end  432  of the strip of film  43 ′ does not enter into drum processing cavity  1521 ). This permits all of the exposed areas of the film  43 ′ to be in the processing area in the drum. 
     Following the chemical processing steps, film  43 ′ is transferred to dryer  17  by film transfer arm assembly  60  as described above. As shown in FIG. 19, the strip of film  43 ′ is pulled from circular processing drum  14  through film input slot  148  by film sheet gripper rolls  65  attached to upper transfer arm member  62 . Nip rollers  150  provide a first end (corresponding to lead end  432 ) to film sheet gripper rolls  65 . In FIG. 19, film sheet gripper rolls  65  are shown positioned at dryer entrance  171 . From this position, film sheet gripper rolls  65  proceed through dryer  17  pulling the film  43 ′ through dryer  17 . As shown in FIG. 20, upper film transfer arm member  62  exits dryer  17  at dryer exit  173  and comes into contact with a conduit  70 . Film sheet gripper rolls  65  turn to advance the film  43 ′ through conduit  70  and into scanner festoon box  71 . Scanner festoon box nip rollers  72  grasp a leading edge of film  43 ′ and force film  43 ′ into scanner festoon box  71  forming scanner film roll  435 . Scanner festoon box nip rollers  72  advance film  43 ′ into scanner festoon box  71  a specific distance equal to the predetermined length of film  43 ′ so that the tail end of film  43 ′ remains nipped between scanner festoon box nip rollers  72  to go to the scanner. 
     In one embodiment, film  43 ′ may be further processed by transporting the film  43 ′ to scanner  18 ′. As shown in FIG. 21, scanner festoon box  71  rotates from an initial position (as shown in FIG. 20) to a secondary position so that the film  43 ′ may be fed to scanner  18 ′. Scanner  18 ′ may supply image data to computer  2000  or a remote computer (not shown) for further image processing. Following scanning, the film  43 ′ may be packaged as a film roll or as strips of film and returned to the customer along with scanned photographs in electronic format on an electronic disc if desired. 
     A number of commercially available films may be loaded according to the film-loading method described above, namely, wherein the film is separated from its corresponding film cartridge during processing. Suitable films, which may be used in this particular film-loading method, include, but are not limited to, 135 mm film. Desirably, 135 mm film is loaded into the photographic processor of the present invention according to this method. 
     The photographic processor as described may be used to process one or more types of film. Suitable films include, but are not limited to, APS film, 135 mm film, etc. Desirably, the photographic processor is designed to process APS film, 135 mm film, or both APS and 135 mm film. However, the invention is not limited to APS and 135 mm film and it is recognized that other types of film such as 120 format and 110 format can also be processed in the processor of the present invention. The photographic processor may be categorized as a “single-roll”, “single use” or “batch” processor given that the circular processing drum only chemically processes one roll of film at a time. 
     The photographic processor as described may include other components other than those described in FIGS. 1-21. For example, the photographic processor may include an operator interface control panel operationally associated with computer  2000  (FIG.  1 ); a display screen; a control unit, wherein the control unit accepts input from a processor user, provides machine settings to one or more components of the processor based on the input of the user, and controls and executes a processing operation of the processor; and multiple film loading doors on an outer surface of the photographic processor housing. In one desired embodiment, the photographic processor is used to process APS film and 135 mm film. In this embodiment, the photographic processor has two separate film loading doors on an outer surface of the photographic processor housing, one for an APS film cartridge and the other for a 135 mm film cartridge. 
     The photographic processor as described may use any conventional chemical delivery system known in the art as long as the chemical delivery system is capable of inputting one or more processing fluids into the circular processing drum. Suitable chemical delivery systems deliver one or more processing fluids including, but not limited to, a developing solution, a bleach solution, a fix solution, a wash solution, a combination or a concentrate thereof. Desirably, the chemical delivery system comprises one or more separate containers for each of the processing fluids. For example, the chemical delivery system may comprise one or more separate containers containing a developing solution, one or more separate containers containing a bleach solution, one or more separate containers containing a fix solution, and one or more separate containers containing a wash solution. In one embodiment of the present invention, the chemical delivery system used in the photographic processor comprises one container of developing solution, one container of bleach solution, one container of fix solution, and at least one container of wash solution. 
     Desirably, the photographic processor of the present invention utilizes a chemical delivery system comprising “working strength” chemical solutions. As used herein, the term “working strength” is used to describe chemical solutions, which are prepackaged in separate containers at concentrations that do not require dilution with other solutions (i.e., a source of water), and can be used as is. The system can very easily work with concentrates that are measured, diluted and heated on board. They can be diluted with water (if a supply is available) or with a simple rinsing solution that contains water and a surfactant. 
     Further, the photographic processor as described may use any conventional chemical removal system to remove or discard one or more processing fluids from the circular processing drum. Suitable chemical removal systems include, but are not limited to, a suction device or a drain  3000  (FIG. 14) in the side wall of the circular processing drum. Typically, the chemical removal system further comprises a chemical waste reservoir  3002  (FIG. 14) for storing one or more processing fluids removed from the drum. Desirably, the chemical waste reservoir is designed to contain all of the waste resulting from the use of all of the processing fluids contained in the chemical delivery system. 
     FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrates a further embodiment of a processing drum in accordance with the present invention. With reference to FIG. 22A, circular processing drum  14 ′, as well as first wall  141  and opposing second wall  142  which define a portion of processing drum  14 ′ are shown. In the embodiment of FIGS. 22A and 22B, disk  30  is not utilized. That is, as shown in FIG. 22A, each of walls  141  and  142  includes grooves therein which are positioned to receive and guide the edges of media such as photographic film. More specifically, wall  141  includes a first groove  6000   a  which opposes a second groove  6000   b  formed in wall  142 . Grooves  6000   a  and  6000   b  form a part of a first curved path  8000  for processing a first type of media having a first width. More specifically, when a first type of media having a first width is desired to be processed, opposing edges of the first type of media such as, for example, 35 mm film, can be inserted into opposing grooves  6000   a ,  6000   b  of processing drum  14 ′. 
     Processing drum  14 ′ further includes a third groove  5000   a  in wall  141  and fourth groove  5000   b  in wall  142  which opposes third groove  5000   a . Opposing grooves  5000   a ,  5000   b  form part of a second curved path  8002  for processing a second type of media having a second width which is smaller than the first width. More specifically, when media of a second type having a second width is desired to be processed, the media of the second type such as, for example, APS film can be inserted in a manner in which the edges of the film are inserted into opposing grooves  5000   a ,  5000   b . As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the combination of grooves  5000   a ,  5000   b  define a shorter width for media such as APS film, while opposing grooves  6000   a ,  6000   b  define a larger width for media such as 35 mm film. 
     As also shown in FIGS. 22A,  22 B and described with respect to the previous embodiment, processing drum  14 ′ further includes agitating roller  270  which comprises interengaging members  277  and  278  (also referred to herein as a first roller member  277  and second roller member  278 ). 
     As described with reference to FIG. 7, during use, film passes between roller  270  and an interior surface of drum  14 ′. Roller members  277 ,  278  which make up roller  270  are freely rotatable and maintain the film flat along the lower portion of drum  14 ′. Roller members  277 ,  278  further provide an agitating feature within processing drum  14 ′ during processing by rotating within the processing solution as the film passes along the film path. As also described with reference to FIG. 7, the width of roller  270  is adjustable to accommodate shorter width film and larger width film, and can further be vertically adjustable to accommodate for film curl as the film passes between roller  270  and the interior surface of drum  14 ′. As a still further option, roller  270  can be spring loaded so as to accommodate any variation in the interior surface of drum  14 ′. 
     In a feature of the present invention, when it is desired to process a larger width media such as, for example, 35 mm film, agitating roller  270  is placed in the position illustrated in the FIG.  22 A. More specifically, and with reference to FIG. 23A which illustrates agitating roller  270  mounted on support assembly  5010 , motor  271  is adapted to provide motion to pistons or shafts  272  which moves first part or member  275  with respect to or relative to second part or member  276 . This provides corresponding movement to roller members  277 ,  278  to permit roller  270  to be expandable between a first width when members  277  and  278  overlap each other by a first amount as shown in FIG. 23B, and a second width larger than the first width, when members  277  and  278  move away from each other so as to overlap each other by a second amount less than the first amount or not at all as shown in FIG.  23 A. The mechanism for moving roller  270  between the larger width state and the shorter width state could be any one of a variety of movement mechanisms such as gears, cams, belts, pneumatics or a combination thereof. 
     An example of a mechanism for moving roller  270  between the larger width state and the shorter width state is illustrated in FIGS. 23C and 23D. As shown in these drawings, motor  271  could be attached to an eccentrically mounted cam  271  a which rotates about a center axis of motor  271  upon actuation of motor  271 . Cam  271   a  is fitted within an opening  271   b  of a plate member  7000 . Plate member  7000  is attached to at least pistons  272 . Therefore, upon actuation of motor  271 , cam  271   a  is moved so as to be located at a first position illustrated in FIG.  23 C. This movement of cam  271   a  causes plate member  7000  to be moved in direction  7001   a . Movement of plate member  7000  in direction  7001   a  causes a corresponding movement of pistons  272  in the same direction. This movement of pistons  272  causes member  275  to move away from member  276 , which causes roller member  277  to move a corresponding amount relative to roller member  278  to provide for the wide width state of roller  270  as shown in FIGS. 23A and 23C. 
     When it is desired to place roller  270  in the shorter width state, motor  271  is actuated to rotate or locate cam  271   a  in the position shown in FIG.  23 D. This causes a movement of plate member  7000  in an opposite direction (direction  7001   b ). Movement of plate member  7000  in direction  7001   b  causes a corresponding movement of pistons  272  in the same direction. This movement of pistons  272  causes a movement of member  275  in a direction toward member  276  which results in the movement of roller member  277  toward roller member  278  to provide for the shorter width state shown in FIGS. 23B and 23D. 
     The above description with respect to FIGS. 23C and 23D is only one example for moving roller members  277  and  278  to achieve the shorter and longer width states. It is realized that numerous types of moving mechanisms can be utilized to achieve the noted movement, and therefore, the present invention is not limited to the example shown. For example, motor  271  can drive pistons  272  via a gear drive, a screw gear, a belt drive, a pneumatic drive or a combination thereof. 
     Further, as also shown in FIGS. 23E,  23 F and  23 G, roller  270  is adapted to be moved up and down in response to, for example, the actuation of a motor. The mechanism for moving roller  270  in a vertical direction could be any one of a variety of movement mechanism such as gears, cams, belts, pneumatics or a combination thereof. 
     FIGS. 23E,  23 F and  23 G illustrate one example for moving roller  270  vertically or up and down. As shown in FIG. 23E, a further motor  271 ′ is attached to an eccentrically mounted cam  271   a ′ which is adapted to rotate about a center axis of motor  271 ′ upon rotation of motor  271 ′. Cam  271   a ′ is fitted within a plate member  7000 ′ in a manner similar to the arrangement of FIGS. 23C and 23D. Plate  7000 ′ is attached to at least member  276  which is attached to member  275 . As previously described, members  275  and  276  are respectively attached to roller members  277  and  278 . Therefore, upon actuation of motor  271 ′, cam  271   a  is located at a first position illustrated in FIG.  23 E and FIG.  23 F. This movement of cam  271   a ′ causes plate member  7000 ′ to move in direction  7001   a ′ which causes a corresponding movement of members  276  and  275  and therefore roller  270  in direction  7001   a ′. This provides for the placement of roller  270  in the lower position as shown in FIG. 22B, FIG.  23 E and FIG.  23 F. 
     When it is desired to place roller  270  in an upper position as shown in FIG. 22A, motor  271 ′ is rotated to place cam  271   a ′ in a second position. The movement of cam  271   a ′ causes a movement of plate member  7000 ′ in an opposite direction (direction  7001   b ′) as shown in FIG.  23 G. Movement of plate member  7000 ′ in direction  7001   b ′ causes a corresponding movement of members  275 ,  276  and therefore roller  270  in direction  7001   b ′ to the position illustrated in FIG.  23 G. This provides for the upper position of roller  270 . 
     The above description with respect to FIGS. 23E,  23 F and  23 G is only one example for moving roller  270  up and down. It is realized that numerous types of moving mechanisms can be utilized to achieve the noted movements and therefore, the present invention is not limited to the example shown. For example, motor  271 ′ can drive roller  270  via a gear drive, a screw gear, a belt drive, a pneumatic drive or a combination thereof. 
     Further, the above movements of roller  270  between a shorter width state and a longer width state, and between the upper position and the lower piston, can be achieved through the use of a single motor. That is, a single motor can be interengaged with a drive that places roller  270  in the shorter width state while moving roller  270  to the lower position as shown in FIG. 22B; and also places roller  270  in the larger width state while moving roller  270  to the upper position illustrated in FIG.  22 A. 
     The movement of roller  270  in a vertical direction permits roller  270  to be moved between the position illustrated in FIG. 22A for processing larger width media which passes within grooves  6000   a ,  6000   b , and the position illustrated in FIG. 22B for processing smaller width media which passes between grooves  5000   a ,  5000   b.    
     More specifically, when it is desired to process larger width media such as 35 mm film as noted above, motor  271  is controllable so as to adjust the width of agitating roller  270  to a state which is a larger width state suitable for 35 mm film as shown in FIGS. 22A and 23A. Thus, as shown in FIG. 22A, the combination of roller  270 , groove  6000   a  and groove  6000   b  define first processing path  8000  for media of a first type. It is noted that each of grooves  6000   a  and  6000   b , path  8000  defined by grooves  6000   a ,  6000   b , and roller  270  are closer to rotational or center axis  9000  of drum  14 ′ than grooves  5000   a ,  5000   b.    
     When it is desired to process media of a second type and more specifically, a shorter width media such as APS film, roller  270  is placed in a second position and more specifically, a position which is closer to the inside peripheral surface of drum  14 ′ as shown in FIG.  22 B. In this second position, roller  270  essentially blocks off grooves  6000   a ,  6000   b , and forms second processing path  8002  (FIG. 22B) which is defined by the combination of roller  270 , groove  5000   a  and groove  5000   b . As also shown in FIG. 22B, since the media of the second type is a shorter width media, roller  270  is controlled so that parts  275 ,  276  are moved with respect to each other to place roller  270  in a position where members  277  and  278  overlap each other to define a shorter width, and more specifically, a width that is suitable for shorter width media such as APS film (see FIGS.  22 B and  23 B). 
     Therefore, in the arrangement of FIG. 22A, the edges of a first type of media such as 35 mm film is inserted into grooves  6000   a ,  6000   b , and the film is routed into drum  14 ′ along path  8000 . Thereafter, the film is processed in a manner similar to that described in the previous embodiment with respect to 35 mm film. In the arrangement of FIG. 22B, the edges of APS film are inserted into opposing grooves  5000   a ,  5000   b  and routed through processing drum  14 ′ along path  8002  for processing in the manner as previously described with respect to APS film. 
     In the embodiment for FIGS. 22A and 22B it is noted that a disk is not required as in the previous embodiments. More specifically, in the embodiment of FIGS. 22A and 22B, once film is inserted into the appropriate grooves  6000   a ,  6000   b  or  5000   a ,  5000   b , rollers  150  as shown, for example, in FIG.  12  and FIG. 18, rollers such as those shown in FIG. 17, and/or further rollers positioned along the processing paths can be utilized to drive the film into the processing drum in a manner similar to the previously described manner. After processing, the rotation of the appropriate rollers are reversed, to pull the film out in a manner analogous to the manner also previously described with respect to the first embodiment. 
     Although the embodiment of FIGS. 22A and 22B, as well as the description of agitating roller  270  of FIGS. 23A and 23B has been described with reference to 35 mm and APS film, the present invention is not limited thereto. It is recognized that roller  270  can be adjusted to various widths to accommodate a variety of films in addition to 35 mm and APS film. As an example, roller  270  can be adjusted to accommodate 120 format and 110 format film. In accommodating the various films, it is also noted that the positioning of the grooves as well as the size of the drum can be also varied to accommodate other format films such as 120 and 110 format film. 
     With reference to FIG. 24, a cross-sectional view of the inside of drum  14 ′ focusing on the dual processing paths or grooves is illustrated. As an example, FIG. 24 shows wall  141  of drum  14 ′, and more specifically, an interior of wall  141  so as to illustrate groove  6000   a  of processing path  8000  and groove  5000   a  of processing path  8002 . As shown, groove  6000   a is closer to rotational or center axis  9000  than groove  5000   a . As also shown, processing paths  8000  and  8002  as defined by the grooves go substantially around the perimeter of drum  14 ′ so as to permit the film to be inserted and pulled out of drum  14 ′. FIG. 25 illustrates a portion  8005  of FIG. 24, to more clearly show groove  8000   a  and groove  5000   a.    
     The embodiment of FIGS. 22A,  22 B,  23 A and  23 B has been described with reference to a processing drum which does not utilize a disk. In the embodiment of FIGS. 26A and 26B, a further arrangement of a processing drum  14 ″ is shown, wherein the processing drum includes dual grooves as noted above, but further utilizes disk  30  similar to the disk described in the first embodiment. Similar to drum  14 ′ of FIGS. 22A and 22B, processing drum  14 ″ of FIGS. 26A,  26 B includes first wall  141  and second wall  142 . First wall  141  of processing drum  14 ″ includes a first groove  6000   a ′ which is located a first distance from rotational or center axis  9000 . Also positioned within wall  141  is a second groove  5000   a ′ which is located a second distance from rotational or center axis  9000  which is longer than the first distance. Thus, groove  6000   a ′ is located closer to the rotational axis of drum  14 ″ than groove  5000   a ′. Unlike the embodiment of FIGS. 22A and 22B, drum  14 ″ of FIGS. 26A and 26B does not include opposing grooves in wall  142 . Instead, disk  30  with disk teeth  35  is positioned adjacent to wall  142 . 
     As also shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, agitating roller  270  is adapted to be expandable and moved between the state shown in FIG. 26A in which agitating roller  270  is expanded to a wide width state and moved to a position closer to rotational axis  9000 , and the state shown in FIG. 26B where agitating roller  270  is in a smaller width state and moved to a location farther from rotational axis  9000 . 
     Accordingly, with the embodiment of FIGS. 26A,  26 B, when it is desired to process media of a first width and more specifically, larger width media such as 35 mm film, agitating roller  270  is located as shown in FIG.  26 A. That is, agitating roller assembly  270  is placed in a wider width state and move closer to rotational axis  9000  so as to expose groove  6000   a ′. Therefore, 35 mm film can be loaded on drum  14 ″ in a manner similar to the method described in the first embodiment; and the film can be positioned such that one edge of film  875  (see FIG. 27) is positioned within groove  6000   a ′ while the second edge of film  875  and more specifically, holes in the second edge of film  875  is positioned so as to be interengaged with disk teeth  35  as shown in FIGS. 27A,  27 B and described in the first embodiment. FIG. 27B shows a section  2700  of FIG.  27 A. With this arrangement, a first path  8000 ′ (FIG. 26A) is defined by groove  6000   a ′, roller  270  and disk teeth  35 . Thereafter, the film is conveyed through processing drum  14 ″ and processed as previously described. 
     With reference to FIG. 26B, when it is desired to process media of a shorter width such as APS film, roller  270  is controlled so as to define a shorter width as shown in FIG. 26B, and is moved to a position closer to the lower portion of drum  14 ″ as also shown in FIG.  26 B. Thus, groove  6000   a ′ is essentially blocked by roller  270 , and a second processing path  8002 ′ is defined by groove  5000   a ′, roller  270  and gear teeth  35 . 
     In both the embodiments of FIGS. 26A and 26B, it is preferable that one of the disk teeth  35  be a larger length tooth to facilitate the interengagement of the teeth with the holes in the photographic film. Therefore, in the embodiment of FIG. 26B where shorter width media such as APS film is inserted, one edge of the film is positioned within groove  5000   a ′, and holes on the second edge of the film are positioned so that disk tooth  3500  is inserted within or interengages with the hole. In the case of APS film, it is normal that only the leading edge of the film have holes. Therefore, with reference to FIGS. 28A and 28B, when an APS cartridge  8077  is positioned on loading area  147  as previously described with the first embodiment, film  876  can be inserted by positioning one edge within groove  5000   a ′ and the second edge in a manner in which the holes on the second edge interengage with the disk teeth. As noted above, one of the disk teeth is preferably longer length disk tooth  3500 , such that the longer length disk tooth  3500  will protrude through a leading edge hole of film  876 . The remaining portions of film  876  can ride along the top of the normal length disk teeth  35  as shown in FIG. 28B which is a view of a section  2800  of FIG.  28 A. Disk  30  is then rotated to position film  876  at the appropriate location for processing in a manner as described with respect to the first embodiment. 
     Therefore, in the case of APS or 35 mm film, the film is processed by supplying processing solution to the processing drum as previously described and also rotating the drum as also previously described. Furthermore, after processing, the film can be removed by being pulled from the drum in a manner similar to the manner described with respect to the first embodiment. Thus, with the dual groove arrangement as described, the present invention provides for a circular processing drum which can process multiple size media in a minimal amount of space. In one embodiment, a disk is not utilized, while in a second embodiment, a disk in combination with grooves is utilized. The grooves as described above provide a support to reduce any media damage and are positioned in such a way that only the proper amount of chemistry is added to the tank, for the proper size media, in order to reduce chemical waste. That is, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the combination of the grooves and the positioning of the agitating roller are such that they provide for processing paths in a confined space so as to minimize any chemical solution waste. 
     The present invention further facilitates the loading and unloading of photographic media, reduces chemical usage and provides for the processing of multiple types of media within a processing drum without the need for adjusting the dimensions of the processing drum itself. This combination of features provides for a processing drum which takes up a minimum amount of space. 
     The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modification can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.