Film developing system for microimage recording apparatus

Abstract

A film developing system for a microimage recording apparatus of the type including an elongated film strip movable under tension along a film path. The film strip is of the type utilizing heat for developing latent image areas formed at an exposure station, and the improved developing station includes a support for holding the film strip between spaced apart support elements extending transversely across the film strip on opposite sides of a previously exposed latent image area. A developer shoe having an outwardly convex heated surface is adapted to contact a facing surface of the film strip between the supports for developing the latent image area. The developer shoe is mounted for movement between a first position spaced away from the film path and a second position wherein the film strip is tensioned to conform to the heated surface of the shoe for developing during a selected time period. A back-up assembly is provided between the supports including a collector spaced from and adjacent to an opposite surface of the film strip for enclosing the developing area and retaining any gases generated and for conserving the heat generated by the developer shoe while in contact with the film strip. The back-up assembly includes a peripheral seal and a replaceable collection element adapted to collect and retain any residue that may be formed on the film strip at the developing station during heated contact with the developer shoe.