Photographic Processor and Improved Filter Assembly

The present invention relates to photographic processors and improved filter assemblies for use therewith.

Photographic processors in the prior art are typically provided with a filter disposed in the recirculation system for filtering particles in the recirculating processing solution. When the filter material has to be changed, the operator has to make sure that the solution level of the tank in the processing apparatus, which is serviced by the filter, is below the fluid level within the filter assembly. This generally requires lowering of the fluid level in the processing tank. The operator must then carefully remove the filter cap and then remove the filter material and replace it with clean filter material. This usually results in processing solution being spilled, dripped, or splashed onto the surrounding area. In addition, this process can result in future leaks if the filter cap is not replaced properly after the filter material has been replaced. Furthermore, once the used filter material has been removed from the filter housing, it has to be placed in a container since it is still filled with processing solution. The replacement process is also relatively time consuming resulting in the processor being down and not capable of processing photosensitive material, thus minimizing the efficiency of the processor.

Thus, it is desirable to provide an apparatus which facilitates easy removal and replacement of the filter material or filter assembly. Additionally, there is a need to provide a process whereby this can be done quickly and easily. Further, there is also a need to provide a filter assembly that allows or minimizes the need of reducing the level of the processing solution in the tank.

An additional problem with prior art processors is retaining air trapped in the filter housing. If this occurs, the processing solution can still be recirculated through the recirculation system, however, without removing the undesired particles which can reduce effective life of the processor and the processing solution.

The present invention provides an improved photographic processor and filter assembly which allows for quick and easy removal of the filter assembly, minimizes leaks, and further allows for the placement of the filter assembly in any position with respect to the solution level of the tank. Additionally, the filter assembly minimizes the possibility of retaining trapped air within the filter housing.

A quick disconnect filter assembly and manifold assembly for use in a photographic processor having a recirculating system designed for receiving a filter assembly in line. The filter assembly comprises: a housing having an internal chamber, a chamber inlet for allowing processing fluid to flow into the internal chamber and an chamber outlet for allowing processing solution to flow out of the internal chamber. The housing has a quick disconnect valve for allowing quick connection and disconnecting of the filter assembly with the recirculating system without any substantial loss of fluid. The manifold assembly comprises: a body having an inlet port and an outlet port and a fluid connecting passage therethrough connecting the inlet to the outlet. A wall member is provided for dividing the connecting passage into a first receiving section and an outer delivery section. The receiving section having a first half valve section secured thereto which is designed to mate with a second half valve section connected to another item so as to provide fluid connection therethrough. The second delivery section having a third half valve section secured thereto which is designed for engaging a mating fourth half valve section on another item.

These and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following detailed description and appended claims, and by reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a photographic processing system of an apparatus made in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged exploded view of the filter assembly and a portion of the recirculating system to which the filter assembly is mounted;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the filter assembly and associated mounting manifold as taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3 in the assembled state;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the filter assembly of FIG. 2 as taken along line 5--5;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper portion of the filter assembly of FIG. 2 illustrating closing of the lid;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating a modified filter assembly made in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating yet another modified filter assembly made in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged exploded cross-sectional view of one of the outlet half valve sections and mating half valve sections used to fluidly connect the filter assembly to the mounting manifold;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating a modified mounting manifold made in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the filter assembly and mounting manifold of FIG. 10 as taken along line 11--11;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of yet another modified filter assembly made in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a modified filter for use in a filter assembly made in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a yet another modified filter for use in a filter assembly made in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated in schematic form a photographic processing apparatus 10 made in accordance with the present invention having a photographic processing solution recirculation system 12 and a replenishment system 14. The apparatus 10 includes as processing tank 20, which holds a photographic processing solution 22 and a rack 24, which transports the sensitized material 26 through the tank 20 via entry roller pair 28, turn-around roller 30, exit roller pair 32, and sensitized goods rack 34. Recirculation system 12 includes a recirculation pump 36 and conduits 38,39,40 which causes processing solution to flow in the direction indicated by arrows 44. The tank 20 is connected to recirculation pump 36 via tank outlet 46 and conduit 38. The recirculation pump is connected to filter assembly 47 via conduit 39. The tank 20 includes an overflow conduit 56 via overflow port 58. Control and logic unit 60 is connected to a heater 182 (see FIG. 4) provided in filter assembly 47 via wire 62 and to temperature sensor 64 via wire 66. The replenishment system 14 includes metering pumps 68,69,70 which are respectively connected to the filter assembly 47 via conduit 72. A photographic processing replenishment chemical is used to replenish the photographic processing solution. Solution is introduced to the metering pumps 68,69,70, which are driven by motor 74 and connecting linkage 76. Pumps 68,69,70 are used to provide the correct amount of chemicals into the recirculation system 12. When photosensitive material sensor 78 senses photosensitive material entering the tank it transmits a signal to motor 74 via wire 80, logic and control unit 61, and wire 82, respectively. While logic and control units 60,61 are illustrated as two separate units, they are preferably a single unit and have been illustrated as two units for sake of clarity. Motor 74 drives pumps 68,69,70 via connecting linkage 76, thereby introducing the correct amount of photographic processing replenishment chemicals into conduit 72.

Referring to FIGS. 2-6, there is illustrated in greater detail the filter assembly 47 and how it is connected to the recirculating system 12. In particular, the recirculation system 12 includes a mounting manifold 90 having an inlet port 92 and an outlet port 94. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the inlet port 92 is connected to conduit 39, which is connected to pump 36 and outlet port 94 is connected to conduit 40, which is in fluid communication with inlet port 25. Mounting manifold 90 has a supply passage 96 connecting inlet port 92 to outlet port 94. The mounting manifold 90 includes an outlet half valve section 98 which is flexibly mounted to body portion 102 of manifold 90 by an annular resilient member 103. The resilient member 103 allows the outlet half valve section 98 to have a sufficient degree of movement so that is may properly align with a mating half valve section secured to filter assembly 47 which is discussed later herein. In the embodiment illustrated, an inlet half valve section 100 is provided for allowing fluid to return to manifold 90. The inlet half valve section 100 is also flexibly mounted to the body 102 by a second annular resilient member 103. The inlet half valve section 100 is also designed to mate with a mating valve half that is secured to filter assembly 47 which is also discussed later herein. The manifold 90 further includes a stop assembly which comprises a stop member 104 which extends through an opening 105 provided in wall/partition 107 disposed in passage 96 and is biased in the closed position by spring 106 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The outlet half valve section 98 and inlet half valve section 100 in the positions illustrated, do not allow fluid to flow therethrough. Thus, any fluid entering inlet port 92 will provide a force against stop member 104 and upon reaching a predetermined amount of force will cause the member 104 to be pushed to the right thereby opening the opening 105 so as to allow fluid to pass therethrough to outlet port 94.

Mounted to manifold 90 is a filter assembly 47 which includes a housing 112 having an inlet port 114 and outlet port 116. The housing 112 includes an internal chamber 118, which in the particular embodiment illustrated, is substantially cylindrical in shape. Chamber 118 is in fluid communication to inlet port 114 and outlet 116 port by passages 120,121, respectively. Disposed within the internal chamber 118 there is provided a cylindrical shell filter member 122 which is held in position in internal chamber 118 by annular projecting member 124 provided in bottom wall 126 and projection 127 in lid assembly 130. It is to be understood that this cylindrical shell filter member may be composed of any desired filtering material. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the filter member 122 is made of cellulose.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, there is illustrated in greater detail the lid assembly 130 which is used for sealing internal chamber 118 and also for allowing for access thereto as required. The lid assembly 130 is designed so as to provide a fluid tight connection with housing 112. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the lid assembly 130 comprises a lid 132, a clamping ring 134, a sealing member 136, and O-ring 137. The lid 132 has a downwardly extending annular member 138 having internal threads 140 which engage external threads 142 in core member 144 of sealing member 136. The threads 140,142 are designed such that when lid 132 is rotated with respect to the sealing member, the two parts will be pulled closer together, thereby drawing clamping ring 134 and O-ring 137 therebetween. The sealing member 136 includes an annular projecting portion 127, which is designed to engage and meet with the upper end of shell filter 122. O-ring 137 engages sealing surfaces 152 of clamping ring 134 and sealing surface 154 of sealing member 136. When the lid 132 is rotated in the appropriate direction for causing the lid 132 and sealing member to be drawn together, the O-ring 137 will be caused to be pushed outwardly such that the outer surface of the O-ring 137 will engage the inner surface 156 of housing 112, the surface 152 of the clamping ring 134, and the sealing surface 154 of the sealing member 136, thereby providing a fluid sealing relationship between the lid assembly 130 and housing 112.

The lid assembly 130 is held securely to housing 112 by means of a pair of flange members 158, which are integrally formed as a part of clamping ring 134, which include a sealing lip section 160, which engages the bottom surface 162 of annular flange 164 formed at the upper end of housing 112. By rotating the lid assembly such that the clamping ring 134 is placed into engagement with flange 164 causes the lid assembly to be held securely to housing 112. It is, of course, understood that any other mechanism or type of lid assembly may be used for securing the lid assembly to the housing. Alternatively, the lid 132 may be permanently sealed to the housing. Referring to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a modified filter assembly made in accordance with the present invention, like numerals indicating like parts and operation, as previously discussed. In this particular embodiment, a lid 170 is ultrasonically welded to the housing 112 and is positioned such that the bottom surface 172 engages the top 180 of filter 122.

Referring back to FIGS. 2-6, the filter assembly further includes a heating element 182 which is connected to a source of power and logic and control unit 60, which controls the activation of heating element 182 as appropriate in accordance with various sensors used to measure temperature either within the housing or at some other point in the processing system. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the element 182 is connected to logic and control unit 60 by a pair wires 181,183. A threaded cap 185 securely holds the heating element 182 by engaging threads 186 in projecting member 188 of housing 112. It is, of course, understood that the heating element may be secured permanently to housing 112, or in any other replaceable manner so desired.

The inlet port 114 of housing 112 is provided with a mating half valve section 202 which is designed to mate and engage with outlet half valve section 98 in manifold 90. In a similar manner, outlet port 94 is provided with a mating half valve section 204 designed to mate with inlet half valve section 100. The mating half valve sections 202,204 mate with half valve sections 98,100, respectively, so as to form two fluid connecting passages between the filter assembly 47 and mounting manifold 90. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the mating half valve sections 202,204 and half valve sections 98,100 combine together to form a pair of substantially dripless valve assemblies, such as described in greater detail in EPO Publication 675,072, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the half valve sections 98,100 are male mating sections which mate with female mating sections 202,204. However, it is to be understood that the male or female sections may be place in either the housing 112 and/or manifold 90 as desired. For the purpose of the present invention, dripless valve assembly shall mean valve assembly wherein little or substantially no fluid is leaked upon connecting or disconnecting of the associated members. For the sake of clarity, only one of the half valve sections 98,100 will be described in detail, it being understood that the other is identical, and likewise, only one of the mating half valve sections 202,204 will be discussed, it being understood that the other is identical in form and operation. Referring to FIG. 9, the outlet half valve section 98 comprises a body member 224. An elongated proboscis member 226 is positioned concentrically within body member 224. Proboscis member 226 comprises a longitudinal channel 228 having a plurality of radial fluid ports 230 which allow fluid to pass therethrough, and a fluid passage 232 to deliver or receive fluid. Ports 230 are positioned at a closed end portion 234 of channel 228. A moveable blocking member 236, preferably a sleeve, is slideably mounted telescopically around proboscis member 226 for selectively opening and closing ports 230. A pair of resilient O-rings 237 provide a seal between members 236 and proboscis member 226 on either side of port 230. A spring member 238 is captured between blocking member 236 and a shoulder 239 on proboscis member 226, normally biasing block member 236 to the position illustrated in FIG. 4 in which ports 230 are closed or blocked. A radial flange 235 and sleeve 236 engages member 226 to limit movement of the sleeve 236. The body member 224 also includes a registration surface 241 upon which the mating half valve section 202 engage.

Mating half valve section 202 comprises a first body member 256; a plurality of entrance ports 258 for allowing fluid to pass therethrough; a hollow piston 260 slideably mounted within the body member 256 from a first position (as illustrated in FIG. 3) closing entrance ports 258 to a second position, opening entrance ports 258 (as shown in FIG. 4) and a spring member 262 captured between body 256 and piston 260 for normally biasing piston 260 to close ports 258. For ease of manufacture, ports 258 may be located as pairs on opposite sides of body 256. A flared lip 259 is provided in first body member 256 which engages registration surface 240 on blocking member 236. When the mounting half valve section 202,204 and valve half sections 98,100 are in the position illustrated in FIG. 3, the ports 230,258 are closed. When the filter assembly 47 is mounted to manifold 90, fluid connection will be established therebetween. In particular, when the filter assembly 47 is mounted to manifold 90, the inlet port 114 and outlet port 116 are brought into engagement such that the mating half valve sections 202,204 engage half valve sections 98,100, respectively, such that fluid passages will be provided therebetween. In particular, when the flared lip 259 is brought into engagement with registration surface 240, the flared lip 259 engages surface 240 on blocking member 236. Continued movement causes blocking member 236 to retract to the position of FIG. 4, thus opening entrance ports 230. At the same time, proboscis member 226 engages and displaces piston 260 into the position of FIG. 4, thus opening ports 258. Entrance ports 258 and inlet ports 230, thus form an open fluid passes from the manifold 90 to the interior of the filter assembly 47. The filter is completely mounted when the terminal end 264 of body 256 engages registration surface 241.

In the embodiment illustrated, a pair of projections 270 (FIG. 3) are provided on the inlet port 114 and outlet port 116. The projections 270 each engage an mating opening 243 in registration surface 241 such that the filter assembly 47 will be held securely thereto. Since the half valve sections 98,100 are flexibly mounted, they are capable of moving sufficiently so as to properly align with corresponding half valve sections 202,204, respectively. This engaging of latching members 270 allow the two items to be disengaged for replacement. When the filter assembly 47 is in the engaged position with mounting manifold 90, fluid will flow through inlet port 92 through outlet half valve section 98 into mounting half valve section 202 through passage 120 into internal chamber 118. The fluid will be forced through the filter 122 into passage 121 and out outlet 116, returning through half valve section 100 and half valve section 204 such that the fluid will flow back into the manifold 90 and out outlet port 94. When the filter valve assembly is in the disengaged position, fluid pressure will flow into inlet port causing the stop member 104 to be moved to the right and allowing fluid to automatically pass on through. In the event that there is a blockage in the filter housing, the stop member 104 allows fluid to continue through the recirculating system, thus allowing the processing apparatus to continue its normal function.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the filter assembly 47 is provided with air bleed means for removing trapped air within the internal chamber 118 so as to allow proper fluid flow through the filter assembly. In the particular embodiment illustrated, this is accomplished by use of an air bleed passage 280 formed in housing 112. The passage 280 includes a first connecting end 282, which is in fluid communication with the internal chamber 118 and a second outlet end 284, which is in fluid communication with the outlet passage 121. The first connecting end 282 is located with respect to the internal chamber 118 such that fluid will be removed. Preferably, the end 282 is located at the high level of the internal chamber such that any air trapped within the internal chamber 118 will be in fluid communication with the end 282. As fluid passes through the filter assembly, as illustrated in FIG. 4, this causes a vacuum to be formed in passage 280, thus drawing any excess air/gas that may be present in the internal chamber 118 out through the system which eventually gets passed out of the system. In this manner, there is minimized the possibility of air being trapped within the internal chamber and, thus effecting the overall performance of the filter assembly. This also allows placement of the filter assembly 47 below fluid level in the processing tank and also allows the filter assembly to be positioned in any orientation. Preferably, the filter assembly 47 is oriented such that the connecting end 282 is at the highest fluid position.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is illustrated a modified filter assembly 300 made in accordance with the present invention. The filter assembly 300 is similar to filter assembly 47, like numerals indicating like parts and operation. In this embodiment a heating element 182 is provided as an integral part of the lid assembly 130. Thus by simply using different type lid assemblies, the filter assembly 300 may be used to heat or not heat fluid passing therethrough.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, there is illustrated a modified mounting manifold 190 of the present invention. Manifold 190 is similar to manifold 90, like numerals indicating like parts and operation. In this embodiment, the manifold 190 is provided with a different mechanism for allowing fluid to pass therethrough and not through the filter assembly. A manual turn valve 320 is provided which threadingly engages a threaded opening 321 in the manifold such that when the turn valve is fully threaded to the position illustrated in FIG. 10, valve 320 fully blocks the passage 96. However, when partially unthreaded to the position illustrated in FIG. 11, it allows fluid to pass through the manifold. Thus when the filter assembly is removed by simply threading the valve member in the appropriate direction, fluid passage 96 will be made between inlet port 92 and outlet port 94.

Referring to FIG. 12, there is illustrated yet another modified filter assembly 400 made in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the filter assembly 400 includes a plurality of concentric wall members 410,420,430 which separate the internal chamber 118 into three different retaining areas 411,421,431. In each one of these retaining areas 411,421,431, a filter material or other chemical treating material may be placed therein. For example, in the outer retaining area 411 there may be placed filter material in the form of paste, powder, granular materials, tablets, etc., for removing particulate matter whereas retaining area 421 may contain a resin. For example, a mixed bed resin (for example, but not limited to, a polystyrene sulfonic acid mixed with a quaternary salt) can be used for treating of the processing solution. Likewise, other type filters or filter-like material may be placed in retaining area 431 for removing other particulate matter. It is, of course, to be understood that any desired number of chambers and sections may be provided and filled with any desired chemical or particulate filtering material.

Referring to FIG. 13 there is illustrated modified filter 500 designed for use in a filter assembly made in accordance with the present invention. In particular filter 500 comprises four layer 510,520,530,540 disposed in touching concentric layer. Each layer 510,520,530,540 is preferably made of a different material for filtering out different components in the processing solution.

Referring to FIG. 14 there is illustrated another modified filter 600 designed for use in a filter assembly made in accordance with the present invention. In particular, filter 600 comprises five vertical sections 610,620,630,640,650 disposed adjacent to each other. Each section 610,620,630,640,650 is preferably made of a different material for filtering out different components in the processing solution.

Means may be provided to prevent misapplication of the filter assembly on the manifold so that the processing solution flows in the correct direction through the filter. For example the filter assembly and manifold assembly may be designed so that each has a male halve valve assembly and a female half valve assembly. This would require the application of the components in only one way so that the appropriate inlets and outlets are properly matched up. It is to be understood that any other means may also be used to prevent misapplication of the two components.

The present invention provides an improved photographic processor and filter assembly which allows for quick and easy removal of the filter assembly, minimizes leaks, and further allows for the placement of the filter assembly in any position with respect to the solution level of the tank. Additionally, the filter assembly minimizes the possibility of retaining trapped air within the filter housing.

It is also to be further understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, the present invention being limited by the following claims.

Parts list:

10 . . . processing apparatus

12 . . . recirculation system

14 . . . replenishment system

20 . . . processing tank

22 . . . processing solution

24 . . . rack

25 . . . inlet port

26 . . . sensitized material

28 . . . entry roller pair

30 . . . turn-around roller

32 . . . exit roller pair

34 . . . sensitized goods rack

36 . . . recirculation pump

38,39,40 . . . conduits

44 . . . arrows

46 . . . tank outlet

47 . . . filter assembly

182 . . . heater

56 . . . overflow conduit

58 . . . overflow port

60,61 . . . control and logic unit

62 . . . wire

64 . . . temperature sensor

66 . . . wire

68,69,70 . . . metering pumps

72 . . . conduit

74 . . . motor

76 . . . connecting linkage

78 . . . photosensitive material sensor

80 . . . wire

82 . . . wire

90 . . . mounting manifold

92 . . . inlet port

94 . . . outlet port

96 . . . supply passage

98 . . . half valve section

100 . . . inlet half valve section

102 . . . body portion

103 . . . resilient member

104 . . . stop member

105 . . . opening

106 . . . closed position spring

107 . . . wall/partition

112 . . . housing

114 . . . inlet port

116 . . . outlet port

118 . . . internal chamber

120,121 . . . passages

122 . . . filter member

124 . . . projecting member

126 . . . bottom wall

130 . . . lid assembly

132 . . . lid

134 . . . clamping ring

136 . . . sealing member

137 . . . O-ring

148 . . . annular projecting portion

152,154 . . . sealing surfaces

156 . . . inner surface

158 . . . flange members

160 . . . sealing lip section

162 . . . bottom surface

164 . . . annular flange

170 . . . lid

172 . . . bottom surface

180 . . . top

181,183 . . . wires

182 . . . heating element

185 . . . threaded cap

186 . . . engaging threads

188 . . . projecting member

190 . . . modified mounting manifold

202,204 . . . mating half valve section

218 . . . ports

224 . . . body member

226 . . . proboscis member

228 . . . longitudinal channel

230 . . . radial fluid ports

232 . . . fluid passage

234 . . . closed end portion

235 . . . radial flange

236 . . . blocking member

237 . . . O-rings

238 . . . spring member

239 . . . shoulder

240,241 . . . registration surface

243 . . . annular lip

256 . . . first body member

258 . . . entrance ports

259 . . . flared lip

260 . . . hollow piston

262 . . . spring member

264 . . . terminal end

270 . . . latching member

280 . . . air bleed passage

282 . . . first connecting end

284 . . . second outlet end

300 . . . modified filter assembly

320 . . . manual turn valve

321 . . . threaded opening

400 . . . modified filter assembly

410,420,430 . . . concentric wall members

411,421,431 . . . retaining areas