Processing system and method which includes heat recovery and reuse in a photographic processing machine

摘要

The present invention relates to a processing system and method for photographic material which is adapted to use sources of heat within the processing machine for photographic processing purposes. More specifically, in the system and method of the present invention, sources of heat such as electrical, electro-mechanical and mechanical components and dryers can be utilized to provide heat in a small scale processor which uses a low volume of processing solution. Therefore, the arrangement of the present invention is designed in such a manner that permits the efficient use of heat produced as a by-product of an operation of these components. Furthermore, the arrangement of the present invention includes heat supplying members such as heaters and/or heat storage members to assist in supplying heat to those areas of the processors where the heat can be used for processing.