Microfilm recording and developing apparatus

Abstract

A microfilm recording and developing apparatus comprising an inverted planetary optical system for photographically recording and reducing documents, and the like on microfilm, and a film processor assembly for treating the exposed film. The processor assembly which is of the self-threading type, comprises an elongated, double-walled conveyor which carries a plurality of coupled pairs of upper and lower transporting pinch rollers operated by an associated drive mechanism, and which, following the exposure of the film, causes the exposed film to enter and exit a plurality of chemical pods which respectively contain a developing, fixing, neutralizing and washing liquid. The chemical pods are removably disposed in aperatures formed in the processing conveyor at a location slightly spaced from and beneath each two adjacent pairs of coupled rollers. The chemical pods are of the anti-spillage type and their outer periphery is encapsulated with provision made for only the entrance and exit of the film strip through the chemical pods, the latter being of identical, rectangular-shaped configuration. Passage of the film through the pods is through the top thereof. The interior of the pods are hollow and the inner walls thereof are arcuate and grooved with a slide-way through which the film is caused to pass when introduced into the pods. The slideways are formed into a channel provided with grooved side portions with each of the grooved side portions defining a radius. The interior of the processor in the area surrounding the lower pinched rollers, is recessed such as to define arcuate, peripherally grooved channels through which the film is caused to pass when it is first introduced into the processor and, subsequently, when it is advanced through the respective chemical pods for processing.