초록 ▼

An automatic film processor with self-cleaning capability is provided with a built-in self-cleaning system which utilizes an automatic cycle timer to control a series of events comprising the overall sequential cleaning cycle of the film processor. When activated, the cycle timer, in conjunction wit

An automatic film processor with self-cleaning capability is provided with a built-in self-cleaning system which utilizes an automatic cycle timer to control a series of events comprising the overall sequential cleaning cycle of the film processor. When activated, the cycle timer, in conjunction with discrete draining means using solenoid operated valves, circulating system means, refilling system means and other interconnections between the various sections constituting the processor, runs the film processor through a series of sequential cleaning events involving the drainage of the developer and fixer compartments, the filling up of these compartments with cold tap water, activating the transport system and rotating the transport rollers, pumping the water throughout the circulation system and warming the water as this event continues, draining the developer and fixer compartments of the rinse water, refilling the developer and fixer departments with fresh chemical solutions from containers located externally from the processing system, refilling the wash water compartment and allowing the wash water to overflow in order to flush the exhausted chemicals down and away from the film processor. The cycle timer is programmed to allot a predefined period of time for each of these cleaning events and then the cleaning cycle ends and the processor is ready to resume its normal film processing operations. A special scrubber pad is also provided and is so positioned that it frictionally coacts with the transport rollers during the cleaning procedure and serves to keep the rollers clean of dried chemicals.

대표청구항 ▼

A film processor for developing X-ray films or the like, having automatic self-cleaning capability, said processor comprising: a developer section for holding a volume of developer solution; a fixer section for holding a volume of fixer solution; a wash section for holding a volume of wash solution;

A film processor for developing X-ray films or the like, having automatic self-cleaning capability, said processor comprising: a developer section for holding a volume of developer solution; a fixer section for holding a volume of fixer solution; a wash section for holding a volume of wash solution; each of said sections having transport means removably disposed within it and operative to accept the film at an input end and passing the film through the section to an output end; separate means for automatically draining said developer, fixer and wash sections; means for automatically filling said developer, fixer and wash sections with either their respective solutions or with water; means for circulating water through said developer and fixer sections; and automatic control means for coordinating the sequence of operation of said draining, filling, circulating and transport means according to a predefined cleaning cycle in order to provide the processor with the self-cleaning capability.