US2495113A - Developing magazine for cameras - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 17, 1950 M. T. GANNON DEVELOPING MAGAZINE FOR CAMERAS Filed NOV. 9, 1946 Agee FIG. 2

FIG,

INVETOR FIG. 5

FIG. 4

Patented Jan. 1,7, 195.0

.DEVELOPING MAGAZINE Fon CAMERAS Millard T. Gannon, Cambridge, Mass., assigner to Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, Mass., a corporation of Delaware Application November 9, 1946, Serial No. 708,888

20 Claims. (Cl. 95-22) This invention relates to photography and more particularly to novel photographic products, including novel photographic lm units and means for processing such film units.

It is a principal object of the" present invention to provide a product comprising photographic ilm units of the type containing a releasable liquid composition and improved means for processing such film units.

Another object of the invention is to provide processing means of such a character that they may be cheaply and easily manufactured and assembled, and which occupy a minimum amount of space.

Another object of the invention is to provide simple, cheap processing means that can be incorporated in a magazine, as a part thereof, so as to enable the processing of a photographic film unit to obtain a finished positive image of a latent negative image with standard photographic cameras.

Still another object of the invention is to provide novel members of the above type having at least the function of releasing a liquid composition within a photographic film unit-containing said liquid composition, and which may also have the additional functions of spreading the liquid, wiping and trapping excess liquid, and serving as a light seal.

It is still another object of the invention to provide, in a magazine of the above character, members defining a processing withdrawal opening therefrom and means for permitting these mem' bers to apply to a nlm unit a loW resilient pressure in one operative position and to apply a much higher resilient pressure in another operative position so as to give to these members the ability of applying a relatively high pressure for releasing a liquid from a container and a relatively low pressure for spreading the released liquid between layers of the film unit.

These and other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is an exaggerated schematic diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a preferred modication of the invention showing its relationship to a camera;

Fig. la is a fragmentary view of Fig. 1 showing the operation of the device of Fig. 1;

2 preferred type of processing means shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the member shown in Fig. 2; y

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic fragmentary crosssectional view of another modification of the invention;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic fragmentary crosssectional view of still another modification of the invention; and

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of still another modification of the invention.

In general, this invention relates to means for processing photographic nlm units and to magazines containing such means whereby a mechanical processing of the film unit can be accomplished to create a desired chemical processing of at least a photosensitive layer included in the iilm unit. In the present invention there are provided novel means for accomplishing the processing of film units releasably containing a liquid composition. Such nlm units preferably comprise a photosensitive layer, another layer, and a container having therein a liquid composition adapted to be released and spread between said layers. More particularly, this invention relates to means which can be readily built into or held by a magazine for accomplishing the processing of the film unit as it is withdrawn from the magazine.

A preferred form of the invention involves the use, in a magazine, of a pair of processing members which denne an opening therebetween. As the film unit is withdrawn from the magazine through this opening, the liquid is released fromv the container therefor, spread between the layers of the lm unit, wiped from the edge of the film 'unit and whatever excess liquid remains is trapped in the opening. The members also provide a light-tight seal for the opening so as to prevent the entrance of actinic light to the inside of the magazine. A preferred form of the invention contemplates the provision of a plurality of lm units and a separate processing opening for each film unit.

These members thus perform, in a preferred modication of the invention, four separate functions: namely, light seal, releasing of the liquid, spreading of the liquid, and wiping and trapping excess liquid.

The liquid container, embodied in lm unitsto be used with the present invention, is preferably one which can have its contained liquid released by the application of a mechanical stress thereto.

Fig. 2 is an edge view of one member ofthe u A preferred form of liquid container is formed of a single sheet of an oxygen' and water vapor impervious material folded upon itself. The ends of the container are tightly sealed, while the edges of the sheet opposite the fold are less tightly sealed. Therefore, these edges will release the liquid composition before the end seals will break when a pressure is applied to the container. The container is positioned in the film unit transversely thereof so that as it moves the folded edge constitutes the leading edge of the container.

The various requirements for such processing members are, in a certain sense, contradictory to each other. For releasing the liquid composition from the container, it has been found that a high unit pressure is desirable, while for spreading the liquid, the pressure should be distributed over a relatively larger area. These two requirements are met in the present invention by the use, in the preferred modification of the invention, of a pressure-applying portion on the member which has a curved leading edge Which is defined by a radius of curvature in the nature of 1 to 3 times the thickness of the container. This presents a sharp radius against the container which, when moved from the` folded edge to the lightly sealed edge, creates an increased internal hydraulic pressurewhich separates the morelightly sealed edges and releases thev liquidv therefrom. This radius also, when moved transversely across the nlm unit, gives a proper distribution of forces to the releasedl liquid so as to spread a film of liquid of proper thickness between the layers of the film unit.

The exact requirements for releasing the liquid and spreading it ina lm of desired thickness will, of course, vary with the construction of the container, the viscosity of the liquid, the desired film thickness, the thickness of the photosensitive and other layers, the velocity at which the transverse motion is accomplished, and the allowable pressure per unit area. In general, however, it may be stated that as the container becomes more difcult to break, the unit pressure on the liquid in the container should be increased and the pressurev should be concentrated so as to permita high wall of liquid to be forced through the container, thus giving to this liquid wall a strong lifting power for separating the edges of the container. When the viscosity of the liquid is high, i. e., greatly in excess of 20,000 centipoises, the spreading pressure and concentration may be also high. However, for lower viscosities the spreadingv pressure per unit area should be lower.

The other portions of each processing member should be so related to the pressure-applying portion that they permit the container to be deformed by the pressure applied thereto. These other portions of the member should also have such an area as to constitute a trap for the excess liquid composition in those cases where the film unit itself does not contain a, trap. The members should also have a suicientamount of light seal material to form an opening impenetrable to actinic light.

In a preferred modification of the invention, each processing member is formed of a fiat piece of metal plate to one side of which is secured a. semi-cylindrical rod having the dual function of serving as a pressure-applying portion and also as a means for imparting structural rigidity to the member. When a plurality of members are used, the back side of each plate (that side not containing the. rod) is preferably covered with a 4 cloth such as mohair, or other bristly material. This cloth, including the bristles, is preferably thick enough so that when the members are stacked together with the portions of the nlm unit therebetween, the bristles are under compression, thus increasing their light seal value.

Such a modification of the invention is shown in Fig. 1, which is a diagrammatic exaggerated cross-sectional View of the invention showing its relationship to a camera. In this figure there is shown a schematic representation of a camera 8D having. a magazine holder indicated at 52. In the top of the camera there is provided a cover 82 which may be removed to permit introduction of one of the novel magazines into the magazine holder. The magazine, which is generally represented at IG, comprises a front portion I2 and a rear portion I4. Dividing these two portions is a wall I6 having a rounded top portion i8. In the front wall of the magazine there is provided an exposure. opening 20 which permits exposure of the photosensitive layer positioned at the front of' the. magazine. Atthe bottom rear portion of the magazine there islprovidedan opening 22.

Positioned in the magazine are a plurality of nlm units, each unit comprising a photosensitive layer 24, another .layer 28, a container 30 releasably carrying a liquid composition 3|, and leaders 26 and 34 for the photosensitive and other layers respectively.

In the bottom rear portion of the magazine there are provided a plurality of means defining openings, thesev means in one modification comprising a strip of metal 4U having a layer of felt 46 on one side thereof. On one side of each metal strip there is preferably provided a ridge portion 42 whose function is described in more detail later. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the two leaders 2B, 34V extend between a pair of these felt-covered' metal strips. These strips, where the ridge portion exists, define an opening which is slightly smaller than the combined thickness of a container and` the two layers. These openings serve the function of permitting the withdrawal of the filmV units from the magazine, the felt 46 acts. toV prevent the access of light to the interior of the magazine. The ridge portions 42 act to release the liquid composition from theA containers, and spread this liquid between the photosensitive layer and the other layer. The felt 46 also aids in the uniform spreading of the liquid andthe trapping of any excess liquid withinthe magazine. The members 40 are preferably mounted in a stack under a resilient pressureapplying means such as a spring 48.

In order to more fully understand the construction of the members 40 defining the withdrawal opening, reference should be had to Figs. 2 and 3, where like members correspond to like elements of Fig. 1. Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic top view of a single member 40 while Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic left-hand view of a single member 40.

As can be seen from these three figures, member 40 preferably comprises a flat metal portion to one side of which there is secured a concentrated-pressure-applying means comprising a semi-cylindrical metal rod 42, running lengthwise of the member 40. On the opposite side of member 40-there is secured a resilient light seal means 46, which may be a piece of cloth such as mohair, velvet, felt, or other compressible, resilient, bristly material.

This cloth can be secured to the member 40 by use of a suitable synthetic adhesive.

Onthe ends of the member 40 there are promesme vided means for preventing the member from tilting around the ridge 42 when a plurality of the members 40 are stacked together. These means, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. l, are preferably four incompressible portions 44 of the same height as the ridge 42 and positioned on the four corners of the member 40. Where the members 40 are positively held from tipping by the Walls of the magazine, such as by slots in those Walls, the means 44 are not required. They are preferred, however, since the construction shown permits a rapid assembly of the members 40 with relation to the various parts of the film unit.

In a preferred modication of film unit, the photosensitive layer 24 is formed of a photosensitive silver halide such as an emulsion of a silver halide, or a mixed silver halide, or a silver mixed halide. This emulsion is preferably coated on an opaque paper base, which is relatively cheap, and may have an integral extension constituting the leader 26. In this way it is relatively simple to manufacture a one-piece combination photosensitive layer and leader. It is possible, however, to coat the photosensitive emulsion upon a suitable base material such as cloth, cellulosic plastic, or other materials suitable for carrying photosensitive emulsions. In these latter instances the base which carries the photosensitive emulsion may or may not be integral with the leader 26. The leader 26 is preferably made narrower than the photosensitive layer so as to provide a shoulder at the junction between the leader and the photosensitive layer. This leader may be made of paper, cloth, cellulosic plastic, or other materials having sufficient tensile strength to permit the use of the leader for withdrawing the photosensitive layer from the forward part of the magazine to the rear part of the magazine, and for assisting in withdrawing the composite film unit through the withdrawal opening. In some cases it is desirable to coat the back surface of the base for the photosensitive layer 24 with wax or other material capable of imparting to this surface an anti-friction surface, thus permitting easier withdrawal of the photosensitive layer from the forward portion of the magazine. The other layer 28, which is preferably adapted to receive a positive image, is hereafter referred to as an image-carrying layer and preferably comprises a sheet of opaque white paper known in the art as baryta paper. The baryta paper preferably has either an opaque black paper backing or is treated on the back side thereof with a black coating to increase its opacity to actinic light. While baryta paper is a preferred material for the image-carrying layer, many other materials can be used. It can be made of gelatin, regenerated cellulose, polyhydroxy alkanes, such as polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, certain of the cellulose ethers, such as methyl cellulose and their derivatives such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose, carbohydrates such as gums or starch, and mixtures of these materials where the latter are compatible. Where this image-carrying layer is formed of transparent plastics of the generall type mentioned above, the plastics may be coated on a paper base or may be so treated that the surface to be positioned adjacent the photosensitive layer appears white by reflected light. They are also preferably provided with a backing which is opaque to actinic light. In a preferred form of the image-carrying layer 28 the bottom edge is formed into a tab or leader 34 extending to the outside of the magazine. In ,the lower part .of

this layer -2 there is provided a slit 32 sufficiently wide to permit the leader 2E from the photosensitive layer to pass therethrough. This leader 34 is preferably formed integrally with the image-carrying layer 28. The slit 32 in the image-carrying layer is preferably formed so as to be just wide enough to permit the passage of the leader 26 therethrough.

The liquid container 30 is preferably formed of a paper-backed metal foil, coated on the inner surface thereof with a resin, such as polyvinyl butyral, which is inert to alkalis. This container is made from a continuous strip of foil folded upon itself, lled with the liquid composition, and sealed along the edge. The ends of the container are then sealed, the seal on the ends being stronger than the seal along the edge.

rI`he liquid composition 3l in the container 30 referably comprises a developer, such as hydroquinone, a nlm-forming substance, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, a silver halide solvent such'as sodium thiosulfate, a preservative such as sodium sulte, an alkali such as sodium hydroxide, and a sufficient quantity of water to carry the above-mentioned elements in solution. The magazine may be formed of metal, cardboard, or molded plastic. It is preferably of sufficient rigidity so that it may be handled as a unit, and at least that portion containing the photosensitive layers should be opaque to actinic light.

In the preferred method of assembly of the above-mentioned film elements :and magazine, the desired number of photosensitive layers 24, with their associated leaders 26, are placed in the forward portion of the magazine, the leaders extending to the rear portion. Behind the stack of the photosensitive layers there is also preferably provided a backing plate 45 and a spring 4'! to hold the foremost photosensitive layer flat in the focal plane of the camera. The foremost leader is then threaded through the slit 32 in the foremost image-carrying layer and is placed adjacent one of the members 40, the leaders 26 and 34 extending through the opening 22. Another member 46 is placed adjacent the rst pair of leaders', the next leader 26 is threaded through a slit 32 in its associated image-carrying layer, and is then placed, along with leader 34, next to the last-mentioned member 40. Another member 40 is then placed next to these leaders and the lrn pack is thus built up until the desired number of image-carrying layers have been placed therein. The rear wall of the magazine is then placed in position and the magazine is ready for use.' A spring element 48 may be placed between the last member 40 and the wall of the magazine. This spring can be built into either the magazine or camera.

In the use of the preferred modification of the invention, which has been described in connection with the discussion of Figs. l and 2 above, the foremost photosensitive layer 24 in the magazine is exposed to actinic light by suitably operating the shutter mechanism of the camera 8S. The user of the camera then engages the portion of the leader 26, associated with this foremost photosensitive layer, which extends through the bottom of the magazine. By pulling this leader, the photosensitive layer 24 is pulled upwardly and over the wall I6 separating the two portions of the magazine, and moved to the rear of the rear portion and downwardly in this rear portion. As the photosensitive layer 24 moves downwardly adjacent the image-carrying layer 28 positioned 1n the rear of the magazine, it can be seen that the surface of the photosensitive layer which was closest to the camera lens .is now adjacent the inner surface of the image-carrying layer 28. When the leader 26 is pulled downwardly, the shoulder on the photosensitive layer engages the edges of the slit 32 and prevents further relative movement of the photosensitive layer24 with respect to the image-carrying layer 28. At this point the exposed portion of the photosensltive layer is positioned correctly with respect to the container and the image-carrying layer. The user of the camera then grasps the two leaders 26 and 34 and moves the whole film unit, comprising the image-carrying layer 28, the container 3D, and the photosensitive layer 24 into and through the opening between the pair of members 4B. As this composite lm unit is pulled through the opening defined by these members 40, particularly in the space between the ridge portion 42 and the adjacent flat portion 40 covered by the felt 45, the pressure on the container 30 increases to such an extent that the liquid contained therein is forced along the container in the form of a wall, this wall of liquid increasing' in height as it passes along the container. Finally the wall of liquid reaches the sealed edges of the container and separates these edges by hydraulic pressure, thus releasing the liquid from the container.

In Fig. la, which corresponds to Fig. l, there is shown the container part of the film unit passing through the opening defined by the members 40. As can be seen from this figure, the container has moved with respect to the ridge 42 to such an extent that the liquid has been forced against the sealed edges of the container and the pressure created by the liquid has ruptured the seal between these edges. Further movement of the container allows the ridge 42 to force practically all of the liquid from the container and place it between the layers 28, 24 of the nlm unit for spreading by the joint action of the ridge 42 and the resilient material 46. When the end of the film unit passes completely through the opening dened by the pair of members 40, the excess liquid still being spread by the members is wiped off the end of the film unit and trapped between these two members, remaining primarily in the upper part of the opening, as seen in Figs. 1 and 1a. Due to the construction of the opening defined by the members 40, any liquid tending to escape from the edges of the two layers of the film is wiped from these edges by the cloth 46 and trapped in the opening. Thus, when the film unit is discharged from theopening, the edges and ends thereof are completely free from any excess liquid.

As a result of this spreading process, the photosensitive layer 24 is laminated to the image-carrying layer 28 by the viscous liquid composition. Since these two layers are preferably opaque to actinic light, at least on the outer surfaces thereof, no light can penetrate to the inner photosensitive surface. Therefore, this composite lamination may be pulled from the camera directly into daylight and the photographic process may continue unhampered by the presence of actinic light.

When the liquid layer exists between the exposed photosensitive layer and the image-carrying layer, the developer therein develops the exposed photosensitive material, the silver halide solvent forms soluble silver complexes with the undeveloped silver halide and transfers these soluble complexes to the surface of the image-carrying layer where they are converted to insoluble colloidal particles by reaction with unused poi"-' 'tions of the developer. After this process of positive image formation is completed, the photosensitive layer is preferably stripped from the imagecarrying layer to reveal the final positive image.Y This processing may require anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, depending upon the chemical constituents involved.

There is thus provided a novel magazine with novel film elements adaptable for use with a standard camera and which permits the production, with a few simple operations, of a positive image of a subject image toward which said camera is directed. As can be seen, this invention provides substantially dry development. No traps are needed in the nlm units and no special camera or developing apparatus is required. Any excess of the viscous liquid composition is wiped from the nlm unit by means of the felt and is trapped within the disposable magazine.

While the above description of the invention has been limited to the preferred modification thereof, the present invention is capable of considerable variations within the broad scope thereof. In connection with the construction of the magazine, a preferred foi'm has been shown wherein the members 40 which define the withdrawal openings are positioned in the bottom of the rear portion thereof. It is contemplated that these withdrawal openings may be positioned at the top of the magazine, such construction depending upon the particular type of camera with .which the magazine is to be used. In either case, the operation of the withdrawal openings is the same.

There are many other modifications possible for the means defining these withdrawal openings, and it is'possible to provide a single withdrawal opening through which all of the leaders are threaded. This modification is not as desirable as the one shown in Fig. 1, since a considerable unit area of pressure is required for releasing the liquid composition from the container, and this pressure, in some cases, may be sufficiently high so as to create a considerable friction between the film element passing through the withdrawal opening and adjacent leaders extending through this opening. This friction may be sufficient to cause a movement of these other leaders. Such a modification of the invention is possible, however, particularly where means are provided for increasing the resistance to withdrawal of the photosensitive layers from the forward portion of the magazine. Such a means can be a pin extending through a weakened portion in the lower edge of the photoseiisitive layers. A similar pin can also be provided for holding the image-carrying layers, if desired.

While a preferred form of the invention has been shown in Figs. l through 3, it is subject to considerable modications thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. As an example of possible modifications, the resilient cloth 46 may cover only a portion of one side of the member 40. Thus it is feasible to provide a strip of cloth 46, for example, only on that portion of the member 40 which is below the ridge 42 as shown in Fig. 1. It is also feasible to provide this cloth on both sides of the member 40 rather than on just one side. In some cases where extreme economy of space is desired, it is preferred to eliminate any cloth on that portion of the member 40 which is opposite the ridge 42, thus when the film elements are stacked in the opening of the magazine they will take up a minimum amount of space and the eifective distance between the top of the ridge 42 and the back of the adjacent member 40 will remain substantially the same.

While the ridge 42 has been shown as a semicylindrical bar, it is apparent that this ridge may be formed of a semi-cylindrical piece of tubing. It is also possible to form the ridge 42 in the shape of a quarter cylinder rather than a semicylinder, the curved portion of the cylinder preferably extending upwardly so as to give a curved surface corresponding to the curved surface 42a as shown in Fig. 1. This portion 42a may be a straight line and also be more nearly perpendicular to the plane of the member 40, or it may make a rather flat angle with respect to member 40. The first situation permits a more concentrated pressure for bursting of the container while the second permits a more widely distributed pressure for spreading, the actual design chosen depending upon the circumstances of the individual case.

That portion of the member 40 below the ridge 42, as shown in Fig. 1, is preferably of the same shape as portion 42a so as to permit the ridge' to give a sufliciently high concentration of pres-I sure on the container to cause the bursting' thereof.

In connection with the means 44 positioned at" the corners of the member 40 for preventing tilting thereof and shown more clearly in Figs. 2 and 3, these means 44 may be made higher than shown in Fig. 2 so as to bear against the backside of the adjacent element 40. This feature of the invention is desirable in some cases where it is preferred to have each member predeterminedly spaced from the next member and under a predetermined spring pressure when the lspacing is enlarged `as by the passage of the container therethrough. With these high corner portions 44, such an effect is accomplished, since they predeterminedly space each member from the next' Such a means also permits means such as stopsu 5D, positioned alongside of the spring 48, to positively prevent the separation of any pair of members more than a certain predetermined amount. This feature of they invention has certainl advantages when it is desired that the pair of.

members 40 defining the opening be under a certain predetermined spring pressure which is an optimum for spreading of the liquid. If this spring loading be insufficient for breaking the.

container' seal, it is desired that the members Mll be permitted to separate only a predetermined amount. After this predetermined separation has been reached, any further increase in pressure due to the passage of the container between the pair of members becomesv incapable of caus-` ing a further separation of the members and an extremely high pressure can be exerted .upon the liquid in the container. After the liquid has'been released from the container, the spring pressure. is again exerted on the pair of pressure means.

and the liquidV is spread'under the spring pres-k.

sure. This construction is particularly desirable.

10 in those cases where a relatively high pressure is required for bursting the container while a relatively low pressure is desired for spreading the liquid. It is also contemplated that instead of having positive stop means, such as that shown at 50, another spring of much higher compression than the spring 48 may be provided. Thus for the initial separation of the pair of members the spring pressure resisting the separation is relatively low, while for the latter part of the separation movement the spring pressure is relatively high. There should be a spacing between any two of these members 44, as seen in Fig. 2, sufliciently wide to permit the passage of the lm unit therebetween. When these members 44 are utilized for the purpose above stated, it is desired that they bear directly against the metal surface of the adjacent member 40 without the positioning therebetween of any cloth, since the resiliency of the cloth might permit greater movement of the members in the right-hand side of Fig. 1 than in the left-hand side of Fig. 1 and might complicate, to a certain extent, the design of these members. Of course, a suitable light seal must be provided in the neighborhood of the members 44. A

While the above modifications of the invention relate to preferred forms thereof, the invention may be considerably changed without departing from the scope thereof. In some cases it is de-` tural rigidity of members of the type shown in Figs. 1 through 3. When these ridges are stamped in a at strip of metal, it is preferred that the ridges in adjacent members be staggered withl respect to each other so that each ridge is positioned against the relatively flat portion of the adjacent member. Such a modification of the invention is shown in Fig. 4 which is a fragmentary, diagrammatic sectional view. In Fig. 4 there are provided metal strips 60 having a ridge 62 formed therein. This ridge is generally formed to correspond with the type of ridge shown at 42 in Figs. 1 through 3. As can be seen from Fig. 4,

alternate ridges 62 are staggered with respect to,

each other, thus each opening between a pair of these members constitutes a space between the ridge 62 and the adjacent fiat portion 60 of the Suitable light seal other member of the pair. resilient means 66 are provided and this light seal may take any of the forms mentioned iny tion shown in Fig. 4 is the same as that described.

in connection with the discussion of the embodiment of the invention of Fig. 1, these pairs of. members acting to release the liquid, spread theliquid, wipe the liquid from the edges of the film unit, and trap the excess liquid. The resilient material 66 aids in the spreading and trapping.

oftheliquid and also serves the function of a light seal for the'operu'ng." defined. by the various` pair-s of members.

The structure shown in Fig. Limay be further.A modified, as shown in Fig'.. 6 WhereA like numbers refer to like elements and the various ridges are indicated at 62a. With thisiform of:V the-invention, when the various. members areY pressed to gether, there is provided a. minimum of;spacing,. by having each of the ridgesSZa aligned With'ftheadjacent ridge. In thisv way, onek ridge 62a ts into the back of the adj acentlridge` 62a, thus permitting a smaller totalspace fora given number' of pairs of members. This feature of theinventionisnotas desirable as the modiiication showrr inFig. 4, however; since a' given pressure applied. between adjacent pairs of` members apparently seems to increase'theresistance to passage of theV iilm unit therethrough. This latter modication of the invention, however, is` quite satisfactory where low pressuresare employed for releasing the liquid fromV the container.

In another modification of the invention there: are provided members for defining Withdrawal means which inY themselves act as a' storage space for the container portions ofV the film units and which have means associated therewith for preventing the application of pressure to the containers while in their stored position. This-modiiication of the invention is shown in Fig. 5 wherev like numbers correspond to like elements of Fig; 1. In Fig. 5 thereis provideda member 10 which is shown as preferably comprising a flat strip of metal. Upon this` fiat strip there is providedy a raised ridge portion I2y near the bottom-thereof,4 asseen in Fig. 5. There is also provided another raised ridge` 'l'llvnearthe top-thereof. Asy can be seen, these tWo-ridges'are spaced sufficiently far: apart so` that the container may bev positioned between these ridges. Suitable light. seal mate-A rial such asthat shown at 1.6 is-provided. In thismodification of the invention the ridge 12 oper-- ates for the purposeor releasing the liquidfrom thecontainer and spreading it in a uniformk thinv iilm between the layers` of. the lm unit. This. ridge "i2, in cooperationwith the ridge 14, also denes a volume suicientlylargey to store the. container therein without any pressurebeing applied uponthe container... Thus, Withthe modiiication shown in Fig. 5, there is no danger that the containersmay be subjected to compression r while they are in storage andthe. liquid cannot be inadvertently released therefrom. This fea.- ture of the inventionalso makes it possible. to use. an edge seal on the container which is considerably easier to release thanV the edge seals that might be provided on containers for use with the other modifications of the invention. It is apparent that the ridge portion 'l2 may take any of the forms discussed in connection. with they modiiications shown in Figs. l' through 4', whilev the contour of the ridge 1.4 is relatively unimportant since it does not enter into the liquidreleasing function of the other ridge. portion.

In the use ofthe modification of the' invention shown in Fig. 5, when the lm unitwith the container positioned.therebetween, is pulled from itsposition shown in Fig. 5,.'the ridge portion 12 applies a; highly concentrated pressure to theA container to cause' the release of the` liquid com'- position therefrom and also acts to spread' the liquid between the layers of' the film unit. The light sealV portion 'I6 may` additionally assist in the spreading, depending upon its resiliency and the designo'the other members of the combination, and does assist in trappingand' wiping anyv excess liquid from the. iilnr unit as it passes through the opening' deiined by' pairs ofi these` membersg While the members deningthe openingsin the various iiguresY havebeen. described as being preferably made of meta-l, it is apparent that they can be made of' molded plastic, cardboard, wood,

or other materials,havingthel requisite structuralV strength to serve. the* purpose intended. Many varieties o' cloth for the light seals are feasible,

the particular material. depending upon the particular. conditionsv of; use. It. is also possible to use electrodeposited floc, sponge rubber, thin rubber` membranes. and other-materials which will i beiapparent. to those skilledin theart.

The novel magazine has been shownas a complete housing, which, except for` the exposure opening, is-completely light-tight. This is a preferred form-of magazine. However, the rear portions of the magazine: may be considerably cut down so. as to' eiect a saving of materials in manufacturing the magazine. In this case, the light-tightness may be supplied by the magazine holder lon the camera. The magazine holder may also impart the necessary structural rigidity to the magazine, particularly at that portion con-- taining-the means defining the withdrawal openings. While the portion of the composite assembly hclding the processing'members ispreferably connected tos-the portion containing the photosensitive layers, this-isinot essential.

While the various modications of the inven` tion-.have been described in their preferredforms, ice., as novelmagazines and-.lmassemblages for 1 insertion in a camera having alens, it is contemplated that the invention may be employed in other devices having no lens or shutter.

Since certain changes may be made in the-above product Without-departing from the scope of ther invention herein involved, itis intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown; in theA accompanying drawing shall be interpreted asY illustrative and` not in a limiting sense.

W hat is claimed is:

l. A composite Iphotographic product comprising at least one photographic film unit including 'a irst layer including a predetermined area of photosensitive material, a second layer, a leader,

and a-container having thereina liquid compositioncapable-of being released by the application of pressure to said container, said container, said leader and said layers being. secured together to permit said layers to be superposed with said container pos-itionedbetween said layers, a maga-- ing pressure to said container by said trapping:

portions', said leader extendingA through said opening.

2. A composite photographic product comprising at leastv one Iphotographic lm unit including :a first layer including a predetermined area of photosensitive material, a second layer, a leader,

andV a container having therein al liquid composition" capable of' being released by thel application of pressure to said container, said container, said leader and said layers being secured together to permit said layers to be superposed with said container positioned between said layers, a magazine for holding said film unit with said area in position to be exposed to actinic light, said magazine comprising -processing means defining a withdrawal opening therefrom, said means comprising members having pressure-applying portions and other portions constituting trapping portions for trapping any of said liquid composition escaping from said lm unit during the processing thereof, said trapping portions of said members being spaced farther apart than said pressure-applying portions to prevent application of liquid-releasing pressure to said container by said trapping portions, and portions forming a light seal to prevent the entrance of actinic light to the interior of Said magazine, said leader extending through said opening.

3. A composite photographic product comprising at least one photographic film unit includinga first layer including a predetermined area of photosensitive material, a second layer, a leader, and a container having therein a liquid composition capable of being released by the application of pressure to said container, said container, said leader yand said layers being `secured together to permit said layers to be 'superposed with said container positioned to release its contained liquid for spreading between said layers, a magazine for holding said film unit, said magazine comprising a pair of processing members defining a withdrawal opening therefrom, said two members including a pair of substantially planar spaced apart surfaces defining said opening, a portion of one of said members extending normally to said surface thereof towards a planar portion of said other surface, said normal portion extending along substantially the whole transverse length of said opening, and lightseal material associated with 'at least one of said members coextensive with said transverse length of said opening.

4. A composite photographic product comprising at least one photographic film unit including a first layer including a predetermined area of iphotosensitive material, a second layer, a leader, and a container having therein a liquid composition capable of being released by the applic-ation of pressure to said container, said container, said leader and said layers being secured together to permit said layers to be super-posed with said container positioned to release its contained liquid for spreading between said layers, a magazine for holding said fil-m unit with said area in position to be exposed to actinic light, said magazine comprising a pair of processing members defining a withdrawal opening therefrom, said two members including a pair of substantially planar lspaced apart surfaces defining said opening, a portion of one of said members exten-ding normally to a surface thereof towards a planar portion of said other surface, said normal portion extending along substantially the whole transverse length of said opening, light-seal material associated with at least one of said members coextensive with said transverse length of said opening, 'said normal portion having a dimension normal to said surface sufficiently large so as to impart substantial rigidity to its associated member. y

5. A composite photographic product comprising at least one photographic film unit including a rst layer includinga predetermined area of photosensitive material, a second layer,v a con tainer having therein a liquid composition capable of being released by the application of pressure to said container, a leader for said lm unit, processing members defining a processing opening therebetween, said leader extending through said opening, said elements of said film unit being so associ-ated that movement of sai-d vunit through said opening is effected with said container preceding said area of said photosensitive material, said two members including spaced apart surfaces defining said opening, one of said surfaces being substantially planar and the other of said surfaces having a lportion which is substantially a segment of a cylinder, said cylindrical portion defining with said other surface a converging opening of decreasing size, and a strip of clothlike material associated with said magazine adjacent said opening and coextensive therewith.

6. In combination, a magazine, at least one 'photographic film unit in said magazine, said film unit comprising a iphotosensitive layer, Ianother layer, a leader and a container having therein a liquid composition capable of being released by the application of pressure to said container, said container, said leader and said layers being secured together to permit said layers to be superposed with said container positioned to release its contained liquid :for spreading between said layers, said magazine comprising a pair of processing members defining a processing opening, said two members including a pair of cooperating substantially planar spaced apart surfaces defining said opening, a transverse ridge portion on one of said members extending normally to said surface thereof towards a planar portion of said other surface, said ridge portion extending 'along substantially the whole transverse length of said opening and having a dimension -perpendicular to said plane greater than the thickness of said container and a strip of feltlike material Iassociated with at least one of said members adjacent at least the edges of s aid opening.

7. In combination, a magazine, at least one photographic film unit in said magazine, said film unit comprising a first l-ayer including a predetermined area of -photosensitive material, a second layer, a leader and a container having therein a liquid composition capable of being released by the application of pressure to said container, said container, said leader and said layers being secured together to permit said layers to be superposed with said container positioned between -said layers, said magazine comprising processing members defining a Withdraw-a1 opening therefrom, said members comprising one portion for applying a concentrated pressure to said container Ias said container is withdrawn through said opening, and another portion for applying a lesser pressure to said liquid, said last-named portion having lassociated therewith a compressible material capable of preventing passage of actinic light through said opening, said leader extending through said Opening.

8. In combination, a magazine, at least one photographic film unit in said magazine, said film unit comprising a photosensitive layer, another layer, a leader and a container having therein a lliquid composition capable of being released by the application of pressure to said container, said container, said leader and said layers being secured together to permit said layers to be super- `posed with said container positioned to release its contained liquid for spreading between said layers, said magazine Y. comprising processing members defininga 'Withdrawalopening therefrom, said members comprising a tflat portion extending transversely of said opening and parallel to the plane of withdrawal movement vof said film unit and a transverse ridge on said flat portion having a dimension perpendicular to said plane greater than the thickness of said container and means for preventing said members from rocking more than a predetermined amount around -said ridge, said leader extending through said opening.

9. A magazine for use with photographic film units of the type comprising a container having therein a liquid composition capable of being released b-y the application of -pressure to said container, said magazine comprising a plurality of pairs oi" members, each pair of members dening l a processing opening therebetween, said two members of a pair including a pair of substantially planar spaced apart surfaces defining said opening, a portion of one of said members extending normally to said surface thereof towards a planar portion of said other surface, said normal portion extending along substantiallyl the whole transverse length of said opening, light-seal material associated with said magazine and coextensive with said transverse length of said opening, compressible pressure-applying means for applying a resilient pressure to -said members, means for transmitting pressure between said members, and less compressible pressure-applying means for applying a higher pressure to said members Yupon a predetermined compression of said first-named compressible pressure-applying means.

10. A magazine for use with photographic iilm units of the type comprising a container having therein .a liquid composition capable of being released by the application of pressure to said container, said magazine comprising a plurality of pairs of members, each pair of members dening a processing opening therebetween, said two members of a pair including a pair of substantially planar spaced apart surfaces defining said opening, a portion of one .of said members extending normally to said surface thereof towards a planar portion of said `other surface, said normal portion extending along substantially the whole transverse length of said opening, `light-seal material associated with said magazine Iand coextensive with said transverse length of said opening, compressible pressure-applying means for applying a resilient pressure to said members, -means for transmitting pressure between said members, Iand less compressizble pressure-applying means for applying a higher pressure to said rmembers upon a predetermined compression of said first-named compressible pressure-applying means, said Second-named pressure-applying means being substantially incompressible.

l1. In combination, a magazine, a -plurality of :photographic lm units in said magazine, each said lm unit comprising a photosensitive layer, another layer, a leader and a container having therein a liquid composition capable of being released by the application of pressure to said container, said container, said leader and said layers being secured together to permit said layers to be superposed with said container positioned to release its contained liquid for spreading between said layers, said magazine comprising means dening a plurality of processing openings, each `of said openings being defined by ia pair of members, said two members of a pair having spaced apart substantially parallel portions defining said opening and Vextending transversely of said opening and parallel .to the plane or withdrawal move ment of 'said film unit and a transverse ridge on one of said flat portions having a dimension perpendicular lto said plane greater than the thickness of said container, said ridge portion on one of said members being positioned adjacent said planar portion on said other of said members.

12. In combination, a magazine, a plurality of photographic lm units in said magazine, each said lm unit .comprising a photosensitive layer, another layer, a leader and a container having therein a liquid composition capable of being released by the application of pressure to said container, said container, said leader and said layers being secured together to permit said layers to be superposed with said container positioned to release its contained kliquid for spreading between said layers, said magazine comprising means deiining a plurality `of yprocessing openings, each of said openings being .defined by a pair of members, said two members of a pair having `spaced apart substantially parallel portions deiining said opening and `extending transversely of said opening and parallel to the plane of withdrawal movement of said iilm unit and a transverse ridge on one of said flat portions having a dimension perpendicular to said plane greater than the thickness of said conta-incr, said ,ridge portion being an offset portion -of said member, adjacent offset portions of said members being adjacent each other, said offset portions extending in the same direction, the front of one offset portion tting into the back of its adjacent offset portion.

13. In combina-tion, a magazine, a plurality of photographic iilm units in said magazine, each said film unit comprising a photosensitive layer, another layer, a leader and a container having therein a liquid composition capable of being released by the application of pressure to said container, said container, said leader and said layers being vsecured together to permit said layers to be superposed'with said container positioned between said layers, said magazine comprising means defining a plurality of processing openings, each of said openings being defined by a pair of members, said two members of 'a pair having spaced apart substantially parallel portions defining said opening and extending transversely of said opening and parallel to the plane of withdrawal movement of said film unit land a transverse ridge on vone of said at portions, said ridge portion constituting a semi-cylindrical surface having a radius of from one to three times the thickness of said contain er.

14. In combination, a magazine, at least one photographic film unit in said magazine, said lrn unit comprising :a photosensitive layer, another layer, a leader and a container having therein a liquid composition capable .of being released by the application of pressure to said container, said container, said leader and said layers being secured together to permit said layers to be superposcd with said container positioned to release its contained liquid for spreading between said layers, said magazine comprising processing members dening a withdrawal opening therefrom, said Imembers comprising a flat portion extending transversely of said opening and parallel to the plane of withdrawal movement of said film unit and a transverse ridge on said flat portion having a dimension perpendicular to said plane greater than the thickness of said container, lanother transverse ridge on said ilat portion, said container being `positioned between a `pair of said members within the .space dened by said two ridge portions.

15. A composite photographic product comprising a plurality of photographic film units, each iilm unit including :a rst layer including a predetermined area of photosensitive material, 'a second layer, a leader and a container having therein a liquid composition capable of being released by the application of pressure to said oontainer, said container', said leader, and said layers being secured together to permit said layers to be superposed with said container positioned between said layers, a magazine for holding said iilm units, said magazine comprising processing means deiining a plurality of withdrawal openings therefrom, there being one withdrawal opening for each film unit, said means comprising members having pressure-applying portions and other portions constituting trapping portions for trapping any of said liquid composition escaping from said iilm unit during the processing thereof, said trapping portions of said members being spaced farther apart than said pressure-applying portions to prevent application of liquid-releasing pressure to said container by said trapping portions, said leaders extending through said withdrawal openings.

16. A composite photographic product comprising a plurality oi photographic lm units, each of said units including a first layer including a predetermined -area of photosensitive material, a second layer, a container having therein a liquid comff position capable of being released by the application of pressure to said container and a leader for said film unit, Aa plurality of processing members defining a plurality of processing openings therebetween, there being one processing opening for each film unit, said elements of said film unit being so associated that movement of said unit through said opening is effected with said container preceding said area of said photosensitive material, Isaid leader extending through said opening, said members comprising a portion capable of applying a high unit :pressure to said container, as said container is moved past said portion, said portion having a surface first operating upon said container of such angular relation to the movement of said container as to impart a liquid-releasing pressure to said container, there being one such portion for each said opening, each said opening also having portions of said members arranged so as to trap excess liquid escaping from their associated film unit during spreading of said liquid, said trapping portions comprising `portions of said members spaced apart farther than the thickness of the two layers and container of their associated lm unit.

17. A photographic device comprising a first sheet material including a predetermined area of -photosensitive material, a second sheet material, a leader, a container having therein a liquid composition, means defining a `processing opening 'l through which said leader extends, means operatively associating said leader, said container and said rst` and second sheet materials, and means so positioning said elements that advancement of said leader and its said associated elements through said opening is effected with said sheets in superposed position and with said container positioned in advance of said area of photosensitive material and so as to release its liquid between said superposed sheets, said opening-denning means providing a pair of substantially planar spaced apart surfaces defining said opening, a portion of said opening-dening means extending normally to said surface thereof towards a planar portion of said other surface, said normal 18 portion extending along substantially the whole transverse length of said opening, and light-seal material associated with said opening-dening means coextensive with said transverse length of said opening.

18. In combination, a magazine, a plurality of photographic film units in said magazine, each said iilm unit comprising a photosensitive layer, another layer, a leader Iand `a container having therein a liquid composition capable of :being released by the application of pressure to said container, said magazine comprising means defining a plurality of processing openings, each of said openings being dened by a pair of members, said two members of a pair having spaced apart substantially parallel flat portions defining said opening and. extending transversely of said opening and parallel to the plane of withdrawal movement of said nlm unit, a transverse ridge on one `of said iiat portions having a dimension perpendicular to said plane greater than the thickness of said container, said ridge portion on one `of said members being positioned adjacent said 'at portion on said other of said members, each of said members having `a least one of said ridge portions, all of said ridge portions extending in the same direction, and spring means for placing said members under compression and tending to decrease the size of said openings.

19. In combination, a magazine, a plurality of photographic film units in said magazine, each said film unit comprising a photosensitive layer, another layer, a leader and a container having therein a liquid composition capable of being released by the application of pressure to said container, said magazine comprising means defining a plurality of processing openings, each of said openings being defined by a pair of members, said two members of a pair having spaced apart substantially parallel flat portions `defining said opening and extending transversely of said opening and parallel to the plane 0f withdrawal movement of said iilm unit, a transverse ridge on one of said flat portions having a dimension perpendicular to said plane greater than the thickness of said container, said ridge portion on `one of said members being positioned adjacent said ilat portion on said other of said members, and means for spacing said members so that said ridge on one member is spaced from said iiat surface of said other member of a pair by a distance greater than the thickness of said two layers and less than the total thickness of said two layers and said lled container.

20. A composite photographic product comprising at least one photographic lm unit including a first layer having a predetermined area of photosensitive material, Ia second layer, a container having therein -a liquid composition capable of being released by the application of pressure to said container, a leader for said nlm unit, a pair of processing members deiining a processing opening therebetween, said leader extending through said opening, means operatively associating said leader, said container and said two layers so that said two layers can be superposed with said container therebetween, means so positioning said elements of said unit that advancement of said leader and its associated elements through said opening is effected with said container positioned in advance of said area of photosensitive material and so as to release its liquid between said superposed layers, said two members including a pair oi substantially planar spaced lapart surfaces defining said opening, a portion 19 of one of said members extending normally to said surface thereof towards a planar portion of said other surface, said normal'porton extending along substantially the Whole transverse length of said opening, light-seal material associated with at least one of said members coextensive with said transverse length of said opening, and means for maintaining said planar surfaces substantially parallel.

MILLARD T. GANNON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

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