Eskofot A/s

Glunz & Jensen A/s

Eskofot

Finn Hougaard

Vagn N Rasmussen

Tommy Jensen

Henrik Bockmann Petersen

An apparatus for the processing of photographic material, and in particular for the development of photographically exposed plates intended for printing plates in a printing operation, comprises an upwardly open tank (5) containing a bath of liquid, conveyor means for conveying the plates (2) along a path (4) in which they are descended obliquely down into the bath and withdrawn again, and at least one movable brush (9) for brushing the top face of the plate. According to the invention the brush is enclosed in a downwards open cavity (12) which has its lower edge immersed into the bath and which is evacuated in order that liquid is sucked thereinto. The invention also comprises a washing apparatus and a method for the processing of photographic material.

Apparatus and a method for processing photographic material

A method of eliminating cushion distortion when adjusting reproduction equipment comprising a picture plane, an objective plane, and an original plane. The cushion distortion results optionally from a glass plate being inserted in the path of the rays. The invention is based on the principle that the direction of light is the same irrespective of the direction in which the light moves. By employing this principle a cushion distorted picture can be reproduced as an undistorted picture if an additional glass plate of a suitable thickness is inserted in the path of the rays. The additional glass plate must, however, be situated on the opposite side of the objective. A glass plate supporting the light-sensitive material is not quite plane either which per se can result in a certain degree of cushion distortion. Such a distortion can also be eliminated by the insertion of an additional glass plate in the path of the rays.

Method of eliminating cushion distortion

A reproduction camera comprising a picture plane, an original plane and an objective plane, whereby the original plane is exposed by means of at least one elongated light source preferably situated below said original plane and optionally scanning at a varying velocity. The light source is turned during the scanning procedure in such a manner that it is directed towards the objective. Preferably, the elongated light source situated below the original plane comprises at least one reflector, at least a portion of said reflector being turnable during the scanning procedure in such a manner that the light reflected is always directed towards the objective. As a result a better utilization of the light is obtained. Preferably, the reflector is shaped in such a manner that a uniform beam is obtained within a predetermined angle, whereby the light source need not be turned during the scanning procedure.

Reproduction camera comprising a scanning light source

A reproduction camera comprising an original plane, an objective plane, and a picture plane, a raster, a film, and a preferably transparent recording sheet being situated on a glass plate in the picture plane, and a rubber cover optionally being situated on the recording sheet during a reproduction. The recording sheet is preferably adhered along one side to the glass plate therebelow. Static electricity may, however, occur when a rubber cover in a pivotably mounted lid has been pressed towards the adhered recording sheet and is subsequently opened. The attractive force between the cover and the recording sheet caused by the charge may become so strong that the recording sheet follows the lid when said lid is opened. In addition the operator can be subjected to electric shocks. These problems have according to the invention been solved by the preferably transparent recording sheet being made electrically conductive, and by discharging the recording sheet when the rubber cover is removed from said recording sheet.

Reproduction camera

A device for achieving a substantially uniform distribution of the light in the picture plane of a reproduction camera by providing a suitable distribution of the light in the original plane (8), whereby the desired distribution of the light in the original plane is obtained by means of illuminating means comprising adjustable screening members (12). According to the invention the screening members are adjusted by means of a computer in response to the desired enlargement. A light sensor adjacent the picture plane compensates automatically for the influence of the screening members on the main exposure.

Device for achieving a substantially uniform distribution of the light

A reproduction camera comprises a supporting frame with an original plane, an objective plane, and a picture plane, the planes being mutually displaceable, and a roll delivering a sheet of light-sensitive material, as well as a conveyor means. According to the invention it is shown how the reproduction camera can be controlled by means of one handle, and according the invention said advantage is obtained by the delivery of a desired length of light-sensitive material from the delivery roll being controlled by means of a first pair of rollers, whereas the transport to the picture plane is controlled by means of an overlying and optionally opaque conveyor band with one or more suction cups. These suction cups are activated in the moment the cutting is performed whereafter the transport to the developer is performed by means of the conveyor band.

A suction film holder for a reproduction camera is formed by a flexible cover in the form of a conveyor band. One or more suction cups and a plurality of transverse grooves are provided in connection with the flexible cover. During the exposure of a sheet of light-sensitive material the transverse grooves tightly abut longitudinal grooves along the rim of an underlying glass plate, the grooves in the glass plate being connectable to an evacuation system. According to a particularly preferred embodiment air is blown inwards below the flexible cover upon the exposure. In this manner the time for loosening the flexible cover from the underlying glass plate is reduced to 5-10 secs. The blowing in occurs automatically when the vacuum is removed by means of an inflatable membrane in a box situated parallel to a pressurized valve communicating with the vacuum pump. The membrane is thereby blown up by means of vacuum and blows automatically the air inwards below the flexible cover when the vacuum is removed.

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Copenhagen, Denmark

Finn Hougaard