Method and apparatus for the processing of a photosensitive sheet material employing a minimum of liquid processing fluid

摘要

A method for processing a flexible photosensitive sheet or web material (PSM) including a photographic emulsion on at least one of the flat surfaces thereof and employing a minimum quantity of processing solution including the steps of containing the processing solution in a generally sheet-like geometry, introducing the PSM into the processing solution at a liner face thereof, and substantially immediately upon the entry of the PSM into the processing solution, effecting dispersal of the processing solution onto the emulsion-bearing surface and retaining the solution on such surface for a period of time sufficient to render the surface susceptible to the flow and retention of the processing solution on such surface without external aid. Within the reservoir, the emulsion-bearing surface may be further subjected to one or more further treatments to enhance the development process.