Film processor with S-curve fluid applicator pad

摘要

Film processing apparatus is provided for uniformly spreading processing fluid on a surface of a sheet of photosensitive material with an applicator pad in the form of a length of absorbent web material impregnated with processing liquid and wrapped on a pair of rollers with each end thereof being attached to a respective one of the rollers forming the roller pair. The applicator material is wrapped on both of the rollers with the applicator material and the roller pair being enclosed in a liquid-tight housing having a self-sealing opening therein for the passage of photosensitive sheet material therethrough. An exposed sheet of photosensitive material is transported from a light-tight cassette through the self-sealing housing opening and into the bite between wrapped and unwrapped applicator pad surfaces. A drive motor drives the pair of rollers such that in one direction the entire photosensitive sheet is drawn in between adjacent layers of wrapped applicator material where it imbibes processing liquid from the applicator pad for a predetermined period of time. Upon completion of the imbibition, the rollers are then driven in the opposite direction until the imbibed sheet is driven out of the processing apparatus by the drive motor through the self-sealing housing opening.