GB940894A - Improvements in or relating to photographic printing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

940,894. Photographic copying apparatus. KODAK Ltd. (Eastman Kodak Co.). May 4, 1961, No. 16212/61. Heading G2A. A photographic processing and image-transfer apparatus comprises processing solution container having an opening through which the exposed matrix may pass, with support means adjacent said opening for supporting part of the matrix externally of the solution; a pressure roller and squeegee are secured to an arm which can move them from a non-operative to an operative position in which they exert pressure on the matrix; stop means are provided for limiting the withdrawal of the matrix from the processing solution, so that when the edge of the matrix engages the stop, the boundary between the sensitised and unsensitised portions of the matrix lies beneath the roller. The gelatin image-transfer process is that described in Specification 655, 274, and the apparatus is an improvement on that described in Specification 713, 729. The original to be copied, and the sensitised matrix, are placed together on the support 8 beneath platen 9, forming part of the printing house 7, and an exposure made. The processing solution is contained in a T-shaped tray 11 which is slidably attached to the housing 7. It has an elongated opening 15 whose bottom 16 curves upwards to end in a ramp 17. The ramp has a rightangle depression 19 ,which an L-shaped bar 21 divides into two grooves 24, 25. The top of ramp 17 is serrated, as at 27, to assist drainage. A pressure roller 36 and a squeegee 38 are mounted on arms 32 which pivot on a shaft 31 by actuation of a handle 44. When the matrix 5 has been exposed, it is separated from the original, and inserted between roller 36 (which is in the inoperative position) and ramp 17 into the processing solution in tray 11. After a predetermined development time, it is withdrawn and positioned with its leading edge 48 against a pair of stop shoulders 47, at the forward end of the apparatus. In this position, it is arranged that the emulsion coating on matrix 5 ends at the nip line where the roller 36 meets the matrix. The handle 44 is operated,to bring the pressure roller 36 and squeegee 38 into spring-urged engagement with matrix 5. A copy sheet 28 is then manually advanced from a holder 46, passing below a deflector 37, until its leading edge is in register with the separating line between the emulsion-coated portion of matrix 5 and the uncoated tab portion (i.e. the nip line referred to above). The operator grasps the leading edge 48 of the tab portion of matrix 5, and pulls it away from the tray 11, the copy sheet being drawn therewith, and as the two are pressed together between roller 36 and ramp 17, the transfer is made. The squeegee removes excess liquid from the matrix, which drains back into tray 11. Several copies may be taken in succession using the same gelatin matrix.