Improved Process of and Apparatus for Developing and Fixing Photographic Films.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Oct., 1899-Accepted, 9th Dec., 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Process of and Apparatus for Developing and Fixing
Photographic Films.
A communication by ARTHUR WILLIAMS MCCURDY, of Washington, in the District
of Columbia, United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., Agent for Foreign Patent
Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both in
the County of Lancaster, 118, New Street, Birmingham, in the County of Warwick,
and 322, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
This present invention pertains to an improved process of and apparatus for
developing photographic films.
The apparatus or mechanism is shown in the annexed drawings, wherein
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus ;
Figure 2 a longitudinal sectional view;
Figure 3 a similar view, the parts being shown in a different relation;
Figures 4 and 5 detail views illustrating the relation of the film or cartridge
holder to the rear support and endless apron or carrier;
Figure 6 a vertical sectional view taken on the line 1-1 of Figure 2;
Figure 7 a top plan view, the cover being removed, the film and the endless
apron or carrier being shown as passing from one position to another;
Figure 8 a vertical sectional view, showing the film spool held in its support;
Figure 9 a detached perspective view of a spool, one of the rotary heads or
discs, and the stud axle or pin for connecting the two;
Figure 10 a perspective view of a shorter cartridge or film, and the axle which
is employed in connection therewith to support it properly with relation to the
mechanism;
Figure 11 a perspective view of a film such as I have used in the apparatus;
Figures 12 and 13, detail views illustrating a modified construction for support-
ing the film or cartridge with relation to the apron and the rear support;
Figure 14 a vertical sectional view on the line 2-2 of Figure 12 and
Figure 15 a sectional view illustrating means for holding two short cartridges
or films.
The object of this invention is to provide a compact, portable apparatus, in
which a photographic film may be placed, developed and treated without the use
of a dark room, and without the necessity of opening the box or closure during
the various steps of developing and fixing the film.
It will also be noted from the description of the apparatus which follows, that
it is absolutely unnecessary for the operator to touch the film after it has once been
placed in the box, and the cover thereof closed down, until it is ready for drying,
the entire manipulation being effected from without the box or receptacle, leaving
the operator free from the confinement of a dark room, and in full enjoyment of

page_text: light and air, and free to attend to other matters without danger of injury to the
film undergoing treatment.
"
With the apparatus shown in the accompanying drawings and hereinafter
described, a continuous film may be unwound from a cartridge" onto a flexible
apron or carrier, which apron with the film thereon is wound about itself in
such manner that the sensitized face of the film is exposed to the re-agents in
the box, while at the same time this surface is held out of contact with any
portion of the apparatus or itself. The apparatus is so constructed and arranged
that the apron or carrier, with the film supported thereon, may be wound first in
one direction about itself, and then in the reverse direction about itself, so that
all portions of the film, and each separate exposure thereon may be readily viewed
as it is brought uppermost or in line with the inspection opening formed in the
box. This operation of winding first upon one axle or support, and then upon
the other, may be carried on so long as desired, the film being at all times
held taut with its sensitized face out of contact with any portion of the device or
itself.
a
While the apparatus hereinafter set forth and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings is the preferred form of this invention, my correspondent does not desire
to limit himself strictly thereto, as he has made and used successfully other
embodiments of the underlying principle or method involved, namely, placing
cartridge or continuous film wholly within a closure, starting the outer covering
or protecting envelope therefrom, sealing the box or closure, and unwinding the
film and developing and fixing the same without opening the box or placing the
hands therein to manipulate the film during the various steps of the process.
Many advantages present themselves with the process and apparatus about to be
described, and these will be hereinafter pointed out in detail.
Referring to the drawings, A indicates the body or casing of the apparatus,
which is preferably rectangular in cross section, and is formed with two rounding
faces near the base, as clearly indicated in Figures 1, 2 and 3.
The upper
portion of the apparatus is provided with a removable cover B, mounted in such a
manner thereon that all actinic rays will be excluded. To hold the cover in
place there is provided at the forward edge of the box a permanent lip or
hook C, under which the edge of the cover extends, while upon the rear face of
the box there is mounted a spring catch I).
The cover is formed with an elongated opening E, and adjacent to the walls
thereof upon the upper side of the cover, are placed suitable guides or ways F,
which are designed to receive the out-turned edges of an inspection tube G.
Upon reference to Figure 1 it will be seen that after the tube is slipped into
place beneath the guides or ways F, a hinged arm or member H is swung
around to engage with or extend over the outer projecting edge of the tube G.
This is to prevent the possibility of any rays of light passing in around the tube.
The upper end of the tube is provided with a collar I, and upon this is screwed
an eye-piece J carrying suitable glasses of a nature to cut out those rays of light
which injuriously affect the sensitized film. In the form illustrated the tube is
rectangular at its base and of such a size that the opening therein registers with
the opening E in the cover. The sides of the tube converge as they approach
the upper end, as clearly shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.
The forward face of the box or casing is provided with an elongated opening or
window in which is mounted a suitable glass or glasses K of a nature similar
to those carried by the eye-piece J, which glasses serve to admit light to the
interior of the box directly upon the film. By making the opening somewhat
elongated, and extending it practically across the entire width of the box,
sufficient light is admitted to enable the operator to see the film across its entire
width, and thus watch the developement as it proceeds, without any difficulty
whatsoever. A cover L is hinged at one corner of the opening, as indicated in
Fig. 1, and any suitable catch may be employed for holding the cover in its
closed position when it is desired to exclude all light.

page_text: Throughout the description that side of the box in which the glasses K are
mounted will be treated as the forward side of the apparatus, for the purpose of
clearness in description.
Mounted within the forward portion of the box, between the side walls thereof,
is a shaft M, one end of which extends out through the side of the box and is
provided with a crank N. As will be seen upon reference to Figs. 2, 3 and 6,
said shaft is provided with a longitudinal slot O.
At each end of the shaft, and surrounding the same, are two heads or discs I'
the disc upon the right in Fig. 6 carrying a detent or pawl Q, shown in dotted
lines in Figs. 2 and 3, and in section in Fig. 6. Said pawl or detent is provided
with a nose adapted to enter one of a series of recesses or notches R formed upon
an enlargement of the shaft M, as shown in the figures just referred to.
To actuate said pawl or detent a sliding plunger S is provided mounted in a
recess formed in the side wall of the box, said sliding plunger being formed with
a reduced lower end engaging with a recess or depression formed in one end of
the pawl or detent. To actuate the plunger there is secured to its upper end
a handle or knob T, which extends out through a slot formed in the side wall
of the casing.
To exclude light from passing through the opening in which the handle or
knob works, a plate U is provided of such length as to cover the slot or opening
at all times, no matter what may be the position of the plunger and its operating
knob or handle.
The object of this detent and slide is to provide means whereby the shaft M
may be rotated by itself or be locked to the head P, causing both the shaft
and the head to rotate as one.
To secure sufficient friction between the parts, and prevent too easy actuation
thereof, a spring arm V is employed, which is secured to the inner face of one
of the sides, and bears against one of the heads P. In the drawings, Fig. 6 this
spring arm is shown as bearing against the head or disc at the left of the
apparatus. It is of course preferable to have it bear against this head rather than
the other.
Mounted within the side wall of the casing at a point in rear of the forward
shaft M, there is a head or disc W, shown most clearly in Figs. 8 and 9. The
head is provided with a projection which extends out through the side wall of
the casing, and upon which is mounted a crank for imparting motion to the same.
An arm X, secured to the inner face of the wall, extends into a groove formed
around the reduced portion of the head or disc, and serves to hold the same in
its proper position. A head Y, similar in its general form to head W, is mounted
in the opposite wall of the casing, and said heads W and Y are connected by
a cross bar Z-see Figs. 2, 3 and 8. Upon said bar Z are secured two U-shaped
spring members a the purpose of which will presently appear.
The heads W and Y are each provided with a slot which extends out from the
centre thereof to the periphery. Extending down into the slot from the periphery
of the head or disc are spring arms b, the arms converging as they near the centre,
and then being bent back slightly, as most clearly indicated in Figure 9. The
bottom of the slot, as will also be seen upon reference to said figure, is provided
with a depression or recess c, which, together with the inturned ends of the
spring arnis b, serves to form a seat for the end of the stud axle or pin d, which
is inserted into the end of the spool or cartridge, all of which will be hereinafter
more fully set forth.
The endless apron or support for carrying the film is herein shown as composed
of two chains connected by a series of cross bars, the ends of the bars forming,
the connection between the various links. While this form of apron or support
will be found to work well in actual operation, it will be readily understood that
any other suitable form of apron which will afford the necessary support to
the film, and at the same time when it is wound about itself hold the sensitized
face of the film away from the other portions thereof may be adopted. The

page_text: form illustrated comprises a series of links e connected to each other and to
the corresponding links upon the opposite side of the frame by a series of cross
bars f, the ends of said bars being reduced where they pass through the links,
and the main body or portion of the bars being of a diameter less than the
thickness or height of the links, as will be clearly seen upon reference to
Figures 2 and 3. One end of the apron or support thus formed is connected to
the discs P which are mounted upon the shaft M. The opposite end of said
apron is connected to the heads or discs W and Y.
As will be seen upon reference to the drawings, the links are in direct align-
ment with the various heads or discs and as the apron or support is wound around
said heads or discs, they will lie directly upon them, and each succeeding layer
of links will rest upon the links immediately below it. In this way the cross
bars do not come into contact with each other, or with the links, and there is a
space left between them upon both sides.
As above stated, the apparatus is adapted more especially for the development
of a continuous film which usually contains about twelve exposures or negatives.
My correspondent has shown in the drawings in Figure 11, a film which he has
devised for use in this apparatus, though of course the apparatus is susceptible of
use with the film or cartridge now upon the market, wherein the entire length of
the film is provided with a backing sheet or strip of paper, the ends of which
project quite a distance beyond the end of the film, as is well understood.
In the form shown in Figure 11, the backing sheet is dispensed with and to each
end of the film a strip of paper is attached, one end of which is secured to the
spool, and the other surrounds the film after it has been wound about the spool.
From this it will be seen that much of the backing paper is dispensed with; and
to provide for the necessary indication of the end of each exposure, and also the
registration of the film as it is passed from one spool to the other in the camera, a
series of openings or perforations g is formed placed at equal distances along the
film, the perforations serving to actuate an indicating device carried by the
camera.
While this film is the preferred one, still the apparatus herein set forth is
capable of use with any form of film, whether the backing paper is used or not.
Such a film as is shown in Figure 11 is also shown in connection with Figures 2
and 3.
To provide a suitable support for the cartridge as the film is being wound with
the apron around shaft M, a shaft h is journalled near the rear end of the box,
as indicated in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7. Said shaft has secured to it a lever i, which
is normally in engagement with a stop or stud j, as indicated in Figure 7. The
shaft also carries two arms provided with scats or recesses near their outer ends
for the reception of the ends of the stud axles inserted in the end of the spool,
or for the reception of the ends of an axle extending entirely through the length
of the spool, as indicated in Figure 10, this latter construction being used where
a narrow film is to be treated.
The stud axle shown in Figure 9 is provided with spring tongues d' adapted
to enter the bore or opening in the end of the spool, and also with a cross
member to enter the slot which is to be found in spools or cartridges as used
to-day.
A similar stud axle is inserted in the opposite end of the spool, but is not provided
with a cross bar for the reason that the opposite end of the spool or cartridge is
not ordinarily provided with the cross slot.
Where comparatively narrow films are to be developed two of the spools or
cartridges may be mounted on a single shaft, and passed through the apparatus
at the same time, the spring catches a being so arranged on the cross bar Z as to
embrace the spools when they are carried down by the arms k. Such an arrange-
ment is illustrated in Figure 15.
A spring serves to turn the shaft and the attached arms & down toward the
bottom of the apparatus, but when the lever is in engagement with the stop j,

page_text: said shaft is held in such position that the arms stand upright. When, however,
it is desired to place a film in the apparatus for treatment, the supports for the
spool or cartridge are placed within the recesses or seats formed in the outer ends
of said arms k, and lever i is sprung past the stop j, when the spring will tend
to rotate the shaft and carry the arms with the spool down onto the apron, into the
position indicated in Figure 2. When the parts are in this position, slide S is
depressed, and the pawl Q is withdrawn from its engagement with the teeth or
recesses formed upon the shaft M. Said shaft will then be free to rotate by itself.
The operator then passes the outer end of the paper down through the slot in
said shaft, as indicated in Figure 2, and places the cover on the apparatus,
By a rotation of the crank in the direction indicated by the arrow in said
Figure 2, the paper is wound from around the film and about said shaft M. As
soon as the paper has been entirely wound around the shaft, which fact can be
ascertained by looking down through the eye-piece, the door L of course being
open to admit the necessary light, the operator raises the plunger and the
pawl Q is thrown into engagement with one of the recesses R formed about the
shaft. The head P and the shaft will then be locked together, and a further
rotation of the crank will cause the apron to wind around the head P and draw
the film from off the cartridge or spool. The arms k, with the spool carried
thereby, are kept down close to the apron as it unwinds from the rear heads or
discs and Y, so that the film is held closely to the apron or the cross bars
thereof, and lies closely thereon throughout the entire length of the apron. When
the film and apron or support are wound around or about the heads P as far
as they can be, which position is shown in Figure 3, then the operator moves the
heads W and Y into the position indicated in Figure 4, when the arms will
pass down between the heads and carry the axle or support of the spool into
the seats formed in said heads by the springs and the recess or depression c.
The spool will also be embraced by the spring clips or clip a and held against
further rotation, so that by no possibility can the film become loose with relation
to the apron or support. To further guard against any rotation of the spool
independent of the apron or support, the stud axles d, shown in Figure 9, are made
polygonal in cross section, so that the spring arms 6 will serve to clamp them much
better than they would if the ends of said axles were cylindrical in cross section.
When the spool has been carried down into its proper position with relation to
the heads or discs W and Y, the operator, by means of the lever, elevates the
arms into the position indicated in Figures 5 and 7, springing the lever i past
the stop or stud j. The operator then turns the crank connected to the head W
in the direction indicated by the arrow, in Figure 5, which causes the apron or
support with the film supported thereon, to be wound about the heads W and Y.
To provide for the introduction of the necessary liquids into the apparatus, a
threaded opening is formed in one side thereof near its base, as indicated in
Figures 3 and 6. Into this threaded opening a coupling m is screwed to which
is attached a rubber or other flexible pipe or hose n.
It is of course necessary to provide an exit for the air contained in the box
or apparatus when the re-agents are introduced therein through the hose or
pipe n, and to this end a small tube o is employed, bent upon itself so as to exclude
the possibility of light entering therethrough, and having one end opening out
through the box near its upper edge. Said tube is shown in Figures 2, 3, 6 and 7.
Of course its location is immaterial so long as it is high enough to prevent any
liquid from running out of the box when the apparatus is in use.
After the film and apron are wound up in the position indicated in Figure 3,
the operator introduces the re-agents necessary to the development of the film,
through hose n. the quantity introduced being sufficient to cover the upper layer
of the film and carrier. The operator may now rotate the film back and forth
beneath the opening E, and watch the development of the same through the eye-
piece J, the light which comes in through the glass or glasses K in the front of the
After the
apparatus disclosing just how far the development has proceeded.

page_text: desired development has been brought about, the developing fluid is withdrawn,
and the other steps necessary to the complete fixing, washing and treatment of the
film are proceeded with as above.
The operator then winds the apron or support with the film thereon, around
the shaft M, removes the cover of the apparatus, lifts the spool from the heads W
and Y, and draws the film out of the apparatus, placing it upon any suitable
support, for drying the same.
It will be noted upon reference more particularly to Figures 2 and 3 that
the shaft M and the bearings for the heads W and Y are relatively close together.
As the apron or support begins to wind around the heads P carried by the shaft M,
the diameter of that portion of the apron remaining around the heads W and Y
will f course grow smaller, and for this reason it is not necessary to place the
shaft and the points of support for said heads W and Y at such a distance apart
as would be equal to twice the diameter of the apron when fully wound up. This
enables me to make the casing of the apparatus comparatively small.
By winding the support with the film thereon about itself in the manner
herein indicated, the space occupied is relatively small, and the whole surface of
the film is acted upon simultaneously by the re-agents employed. By making
the support or apron in the manner herein set forth the liquids contained in the
receptacle may pass freely around the film upon all sides thereof, and each and
every portion will be acted upon alike. The constant winding and re-winding
of the apron or support about itself serves to keep the re-agents in motion, an.
to do away with the necessity of rocking the box or otherwise agitating the liquids
therein.
The cranks for rotating the shaft and the heads may be made removable if so
desired, and these, together with the tube G and the pipe n, may be placed wholly
within the casing. When the parts are thus packed up, it is preferable to place
a temporary slide over the opening E to prevent any of the parts from dropping
out or any outside matter from getting into the apparatus. It is also preferable to
screw a cap or plug into the opening for the same reasons.
The material of which the entire apparatus or the body portion thereof may be
made is immaterial so long as it is not affected by or does not affect the chemicals
which are placed therein.
In Figures 12, 13 and 14, a modified form of the means employed for holding
the cartridge is illustrated while the film is being drawn therefrom and for
presenting the spool to the rotary heads or discs.
As will be seen upon reference to said figures, a vertical slot or groove A¹ is
formed in each side of the box, the slots extending up from the discs or heads W
and Y to a point slightly below the upper edge of the box. At the upper end of
one of said slots there is made a depression B₁ which permits the stud axle
carried by that end of the spool adjacent to the slot to be passed back therein, to
allow the opposite end of the spool with its axle to be passed down into the box in
line with the slot. The spool is then given a slight endwise movement, sufficient
to draw the axle from out its recess B¹, into the position shown in dotted lines
in Figure 14, when the spool will be free to drop down and rest upon the apron
which is wound about the heads or discs W and Y.
Instead of employing arms such as are shown in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, to the
shaft h. arms C₁ are attached, which are of such length as to reach out over the
stud axles of the spool, no matter what may be the position thereof in the slot.
The under face of each of the arms is smooth, so that as they are carried down
by the shaft H and acted upon by the spring as above described, they will tend to
force the spool down upon the apron, and consequently hold the film in close
proximity to the apron as it is wound upon the forward discs or axles. As in the
other form. the spool will at all times be held down on the apron as the same
is wound forward until the parts shall reach that position indicated in full lines
in Figure 12, whereupon the slots in the heads W and Y will stand in a vertical
position in alignment with the slots or recesses A¹. The said arms C will then

page_text: force the spool or cartridge down to its place with reference to the heads or discs
and the spring catches u. This relation is shown in full lines in Figure 12.
As will also be seen upon reference to said Figures 12 and 13, the apron is
attached to the discs or heads in a manner slightly different from that indicated
in Figures 4 and 5, that is to say, said dises are cut away around a portion of
their peripheries, forming a gradually decreasing seat or recess D. The end of
the apron is attached to the disc at the deepest part of the seat or recess (see
Figure 12) and the relation of said recess to the slots in the discs is such that
when the apron is completely wound about the forward discs, it will bring the
radial slots in the discs or heads W and Y into vertical alignment with the
slots formed in the side walls of the box or receptacle.
After the spool is seated in the discs or heads W and Y, and the clamps a
embrace the spool, the operator rotates said discs and the spools carried thereby
in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 13, which will cause the apron
to wind about the discs, the first portion of the apron seating itself in the recess
formed about the discs, thus making the device more compact than in the forms
illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, where of necessity a sight space will be left
between the periphery of the discs and the first layer of the apron passing there-
about.
To permit the spool or cartridge to pass down freely between the heads W and Y,
with the construction shown in Figures 12 and 13, the first few links are simply
rivetted together without the cross bars.
While it is advantageous to use the inspection tube G, it is of course not
necessary to the working of the apparatus, as any form of inspection opening may
be employed.
While the flexible apron or support is shown mounted within a box or closure
which is provided with a cover, it is of course apparent that the flexible apron
or support may be used in an ordinary dark room, as it forms a very convenient
means for handling the film. It is likewise preferable to mount the apron or
support in such manner that the re-agents used in developing the film may come
into contact with every portion thereof.
As above indicated, the box or chamber is closed practically air-tight, except
for the minute vent provided for escape of air, and which is insufficient to permit
the entrance of any appreciable quantity or to allow any perceptible circulation or
exchange of free air atter the chamber is once charged with liquid.
In practice my correspondent finds it highly advantageous to employ for
developing, a quantity of liquid sufficient to practically fill the chamber or box,
and to drive out therefrom the air which it contains before being charged. Several
reasons exist for this, and they go to explain in great measure the really remark-
able and surprising results attained in the use of apparatus of this character,
notably the greatly reduced time required to develop and fix negatives, and the
vastly increased life and capacity of the developing and fixing solutions as com-
pared with ordinary methods of development and fixation.
Firstly, by completely immersing the entire film and keeping it immersed, the
streaks, splotches, and irregularities of development are avoided almost invariably
encountered where the film is drawn through a bath and out of the same, however
carefully that may be done.
Secondly, by avoiding the constant exposure of one and another portion, or any
portion of the film to the atmosphere, and by practically excluding air from the
developing chamber and from contact with the solution, oxygenation of the
solution is prevented which under ordinary methods of development causes rapid
deterioration of the developing bath in strength and efficiency. As a consequence,
my correspondent has found it practicable to develop a much greater area of
exposures with a given quantity and grade of solution than is possible by the
methods heretofore in vogue. He has found by repeated experiments and practical
working tests, witnessed and verified by photographic experts, that from a
minute and a half to two minutes and a half from the time of introducing the

page_text: solution, suffices to develop films which under the best previous manipulation
and treatment have required from five to ten minutes, and has also been enabled
to use the same solution for a length of time and for an area of exposed film
very far in excess of anything attained or attainable under prior methods of
developing.
As mentioned, water is run through the box to remove all traces of one bath
or solution before another is introduced, the box being kept full of water during
washing, but my correspondent has repeatedly followed up the use of the develop-
ing bath by that of the fixing bath, or hyposulphite of soda solution, and vice versa,
without in the slightest degree injuring or impairing the negatives produced,
water being passed through the box between such operations.
It is particularly to be noted that from the moment that the film is introduced
into the box for treatment until it is completely fixed and ready for drying, it is
retained within the box, is not touched by the operator, and is, except during
the brief periods of drawing off the liquids, protected from contact with the
atmosphere.
To group the advantages of this method of treatment as compared with the
ordinary plan of developing in a dark room into which the manipulator must
enter, it may be said that they consist in leaving the operator free to look about
him in full clear daylight; to see plainly everything he may desire to look at; to
attend to any matter without risking injury of the film under treatment, and to
breathe the pure air of a well ventilated room, or work out of doors; in avoiding
the production of streaks, splotches and blemishes such as are commonly incident
to drawing the film through a solution in an open tray or vessel, with the ever
present liability of one or another edge or portion getting out of the bath; in
the entire avoidance of any contact with the coated surface of the film, which
begets so many injuries to films under the common mode of treatment; in the
practical suppression or avoidance of oxygenation and consequent deterioration
of the developing and fixing baths, or impairment of the film, which suppression
or avoidance in turn begets far more rapid development and fixation, and greater
economy in the use of chemicals; in the entire exclusion of dust; and lastly,
in the use of a single vessel for the several operations of developing, washing,
fixing, and final washing of the films, without transference or handling between
the several operations.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is:-
1. In a portable apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination
of a suitable closed box or receptacle, and a flexible open apron or support mounted
wholly within said receptacle and adapted to receive and hold a photographic
film.
2. In a portable apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination
of a suitable closed box or receptacle, and a flexible apron mounted wholly
therein adapted to receive and support a photographic film.`
3. In a portable apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination
of a suitable closed box or receptacle; a flexible apron mounted wholly therein
and adapted to hold a photographic film; and means for permitting the necessary
re-agents used in the process of development to circulate in and about the apron
and around the film supported thereon.
4. In an apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination of a
suitable closed box or receptacle; an apron or support mounted therein means
for winding said apron or support about itself; and means for holding a film upon
said support with its sensitized face out of contact with itself and said support.
5. In an apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination of a
suitable box or receptacle; means mounted within said box for winding the
film about itself; and means for reversing the direction of movement of the film
and winding it about itself in the opposite direction.

page_text: 6. In an apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination of a
suitable box or receptacle; a flexible apron mounted therein; means for winding
said apron about itself; means for holding a film thereon with its sensitized
face out of contact with itself and the apron; and means for winding said apron
and the film in the reverse direction, substantially as described.
7. In an apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination of a
suitable box or receptacle; a flexible apron mounted therein; means for winding
said apron about itself; and means for holding a cartridge or film down in close
contact with the apron, substantially as and for the purpose described.
8. In an apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination of a
suitable box or receptacle; a flexible apron mounted therein; means for winding
said apron about itself; means for carrying a cartridge and holding it down
in close contact with the apron as the apron is wound up with the film thereon;
and a rotatable support for the cartridge, substantially as described.
9. In an apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination of a
suitable box or casing: a flexible apron mounted therein; means for winding
said apron about itself in both directions; a spring-actuated follower serving to
hold a cartridge down in close contact with the apron; and a rotatable support
for the cartridge.
10. In an apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination of a
suitable box or receptacle; a shaft journaled therein; a flexible apron; means
for detachably connecting one end of said apron to said shaft: and rotary devices
also mounted within said box and connected to the other end of the apron, sub-
stantially as and for the purpose described.
11. In an apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination of a
suitable box or receptacle: a shaft rotatably mounted therein; a flexible apron
also mounted within said receptacle and detachably connected at one end to said
shaft; means for locking said shaft and apron together: rotary devices also
mounted in the receptacle and connected to the opposite end of the apron; and a
spool support carried by said rotary devices.
12. In an apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination of a
suitable box or receptacle:. a shaft journaled therein: a flexible apron mounted
within said box and detachably connected to said shaft: means for locking the
shaft and apron together: rotary devices also mounted within the box and con-
nected to the opposite end of the apron; a spool support carried by said rotary
devices; and a spring-actuated device also mounted within the casing and adapted
to hold the spool down upon the apron as said apron is wound around the shaft.
substantially as described.
13. In an apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination of a
suitable box or receptacle; a slotted shaft rotatably mounted therein; discs or
heads mounted upon said shaft; means for locking one of said discs to the
shaft; a flexible apron connected to said discs; rotary devices also mounted
within said box and connected to the opposite end of said flexible apron: spool
supports carried by said rotary devices; and a spring-actuated follower mounted
within the box and adapted to hold the spool and film down in close contact with
the flexible apron as it is wound about the shaft.
14. In an apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination of a
suitable box or receptacle: a slotted shaft rotatably mounted therein: discs
mounted upon said shaft; means for locking one of said discs to the shaft: a
flexible apron connected to said discs; discs W Y rotatably mounted in the sides
of said box or receptacle: connections between said discs and one end of the
apron a cross bar connecting said discs; and a spring clasp a mounted upon
said cross bar.
15. In an apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination of a
suitable box or receptacle: a slotted shaft rotatably mounted therein: discs
carried upon said shaft: means for locking one of said discs to said shaft: a
flexible apron connected at one end to said discs; discs W and Y rotatably

page_text: mounted in the side of said box in rear of the shaft; connections between said
discs and one end of the apron; spring retaining devices carried by said discs;
and a spring-actuated follower for holding a cartridge or film in close contact
with the apron as it is wound about the discs carried by the shaft.
16. In an apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination of a
suitable box or receptacle provided with a removable cover; a tube G adapted to
be mounted over an opening therein; an eye-piece carried at the upper end of the
tube and provided with suitable actinic-proof material; and an actinic-proof
window formed in the forward face of the box.
.
17. In an apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination of a
suitable box or receptacle; means mounted within said box for holding a film;
a draw-off provided at the lower side of the box; a vent tube extending from
the interior of the box to the outer face thereof; and inspection openings formed
in the walls of the box, substantially as described.
18. In an apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination of a
suitable box or receptacle; a flexible apron mounted therein; means for winding
said apron about itself; and means for supporting two films side by side upon
said apron and holding them in such position, substantially as described.
19. In an apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination of a
suitable box or receptacle; a flexible apron mounted therein; means mounted
within the box for removing and winding up the light-proof covering from a
photographic film and means for winding up the apron and withdrawing the
film from its spool onto said apron, substantially as described:
20. In a portable apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination
of a suitable closed box or receptacle; means contained within said box for
holding a photographic film in an extending position therein; and means for
subjecting the entire film at one and the same time to the necessary re-agents
for its development.
21. In a portable apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination
of a suitable closed box or receptacle; means contained within said box for
holding a film in separated layers; and means for subjecting the entire film at one
and the same time to the necessary re-agents for its development.
22. In a portable apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination.
of a suitable closed box or receptacle; means contained within said box for
holding a film in an extended position in a series of separated layers; and means
for subjecting the entire film at one and the same time to the necessary re-agents
for its development.
23. In a portable apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination
of a closed box or receptacle; means for unrolling wholly within said closed
receptacle a photographic film or cartridge; and means for submitting the
film to the necessary re-agents for its development.
24. In a portable apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination
of a closed box or receptacle; means for withdrawing wholly within said receptacle
the protecting covering from a photographic film or cartridge and unwinding the
film and means for submitting the film to the necessary re-agents for its develop-
ment.
25. In an apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination of a
suitable box or receptacle; an apron or support provided with raised edges
mounted therein; means for winding said apron or support about itself within
said box, and means for winding the apron or support in the reverse direction,
substantially as described.
26. In an apparatus for developing photographic films, the combination of a
suitable closed box or receptacle, and a flexible apron or support mounted therein
and provided with raised edges, adapted and designed to receive and support a
photographic film.
27. In a developing apparatus for photographic films, the combination of a
suitable closed box or receptacle; means contained therein for supporting a film;

page_text: and means for admitting the necessary re-agents for the development of the film
and permitting the escape of air from the box, substantially as described, whereby
the film and the re-agents employed are practically out of contact with the
atmosphere.
28. In a developing apparatus for photographic films, the combination of a
suitable closed box or receptacle; means for supporting a photographic film
therein; an air vent for said box; and means for introducing into said closed
box the necessary re-agents for carrying out the development of the film, whereby
the air contained within the box or receptacle will be driven out, and the process
of development will be carried on in the absence of air.
29. In a developing apparatus for photographic films, the combination of a
suitable closed box or receptacle; and means for expelling the air therefrom
during the development of the film.
30. The herein-described method of developing photographic films or exposures,
which consists in placing the same in a vessel; closing the same to practically
preclude ingress of air; charging the vessel with solution in quantity sufficient
to practically drive out the contained air; and moving the film through the
solution, substantially as set forth.
31. The art or method of developing photographic films, which consists in
placing the same in a box or vessel; closing the same against entrance of actinic
rays; charging the same with a developing solution and thereby driving out
air contained in the vessel; and winding the film back and forth about itself
while immersed in the solution.
32. The art or method of developing and fixing photographic films, which
consists in placing the same in a box or vessel; closing said vessel against the
entrance of actinic light rays; charging the vessel with a chemical solution
adapted to develop the image on the film, and by so charging the vessel driving
out air therein contained; moving the film through the solution until the image
properly appears: drawing off the developing solution; introducing a fixing
solution; and finally, after the image is duly fixed. causing water to flow into and
through the vessel to remove all traces of the fixing agent.
33. The art of developing photographic exposures which consists in submerging
them in a developing solution in a chamber from which air is practically excluded.
34. The art of developing photographic exposures, which consists in submerging
the same in a developing solution, in a chamber practically free from air, and
moving the exposed body through said solution.
35. The herein-described process of developing a continuous photographic film,
which consists in placing the film within a box or receptacle: starting the
protecting cover therefrom: closing the box and unwinding the film, from
without the box, in the presence of the necessary re-agents for its development
within the closed box.
36. The herein-described process of developing a continous photographic film,
which consists in placing the film within a box or receptacle: starting the
protecting cover therefrom: closing the box, winding the film, from without the
box. back and forth in said closed box and applying the necessary re-agents
for its development.
37. The herein-described process of developing a continuous photographic film,
which consists in placing the film within a box or receptacle closing said box
or receptacle and unwinding and winding the film, from without the receptacle,
about itself in the presence of the necessary re-agents for its development within
said closed receptacle.
38. The herein-described process of developing a photographic film, which
consists in placing the film within a box or receptacle: closing said box or
receptacle and winding the film, from without the receptacle, about itself in a
series of separated layers, in the presence of the necessary re-agents for its develop-
ment within said closed receptacle.
39. The herein-described process of developing a continuous photographic film,

page_text: which consists in placing the film within a box or receptacle; closing the box
or receptacle; and winding the film, from without the closed receptacle, back and
forth upon itself in a series of separated layers in the presence of the necessary
re-agents for its development within the closed recptacle.
40. The herein-described process of developing a continuous photographic
film, which consists in placing the same within a box or receptacle, closing said
box, and finally winding the film, from without the receptacle, together with a
suitable support therefor, about themselves in the presence of the necessary re-
agents for the development of the film within the closed receptacle.
41. The herein-described process of developing and fixing a photographic film,
which consists in placing the film within a closed receptacle and introducing
successively into said receptacle the necessary reagents for the development
and fixing of the film, in the absence of actinic rays.
42. The herein-described process of developing and fixing photographic films,
which consists in successively developing and fixing the film in a closed receptacle
in the absence of actinic rays.
43. The herein-described process of developing and fixing a photographic film,
which consists in successively developing and fixing the film within the same
receptacle in the absence of actinic rays.
Dated this 2nd day of Notabov 1800
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents.