Film processing apparatus

Abstract

Processing apparatus for developing exposed film by sequentially subjecting an emulsion side of the film to processing liquids. The processor has an elongate, horizontally disposed tank divided into a plurality of serially arranged compartments for holding the liquid. The film emulsion side faces downwardly and passes over a nozzle plate disposed between the film and a drainage opening for each compartment which forms a processing liquid curtain that contacts every part of the film's emulsion side. A cover plate on top of the film guides the film and includes longitudinally extending pressure-relieving grooves to prevent the film from adhering to the plate. The drainage opening for each compartment is slanted and a processing fluid return line guides the fluid from the compartment to a collection point for recirculation. The return conduit has a sufficiently large diameter so that the returning liquid does not fill the complete cross-section of the conduit. A spirally wound member is disposed in the conduit and liquid flowing from the drainage opening to the collection point flows at a relatively low speed along the spirally wound member. The apparatus also includes film drive rollers positioned between adjacent compartments which advance the film and simultaneously remove therefrom processing fluid before the film enters the next compartment.