The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 09, 2001
Filed:
Sep. 29, 1999
Simon John Blanchard, Harrogate, GB;
Malcolm Bryan Gwilt, Harrogate, GB;
Agfa-Gevaert, Mortsel, BE;
Abstract
An apparatus is provided for processing an imaged element comprising a support, an image-receiving layer and a silver halide emulsion layer. The apparatus comprises a tank for holding a processing liquid, driving means for propelling the imaged element through the tank, guide means for directing the path of the imaged element through the tank and developer circulation means for promoting circulation of the processing liquid in the tank. The circulation means includes flow control means to provide substantially fresh processing liquid to the surface of the imaged element and to disperse exhausted processing liquid present at the surface of the element, thereby eliminating the difficulties associated with local developer exhaustion and ensuring that consistently high image quality is maintained across the whole area of the imaged element.