Electronic replenishment apparatus for photographic processor

Claim 1

Replenishment apparatus for a photographic film processor comprising: a. transducer means responsive to light modulated by the continuously moving photographically fixed film to provide a plurality of modulated signals which are a function of the instantaneous degree of transparency presented by the fixed photographic film, respectively; b. integrator means comprising an operational amplifier having capacitive means in its feedback path for integrating the plurality of modulated signals to provide integrated output signals which are a function of the average of the plurality of modulated signals and time, respectively; c. comparing means for comparing the integrated output signals and for providing a comparator output signal when said integrated output signals equal or exceed a fixed potential level; d. a motor having cam means on its shaft located a finite angular displacement from a start position, said motor upon energization being adapted for rotation in incremental steps; e. a first electromagnetic relay having a first coil, and first and second contact pairs, said first pair of contacts being arranged to energize said motor upon closure; said second pair of contacts being arranged to discharge said capacitive means upon closure; f. a transistor having said first coil connected serially with one of its electrodes, said transistor being arranged to be conductive upon the receipt of one of the comparator output signals to energize said first coil, thus causing said first and second contact pairs to close; g. a second electromagnetic relay having a second coil and third and fourth contact pairs; h. first flow control means operatively connected with said third contact pair to control the flow of fresh developer solution; i. second flow control means operatively connected with said fourth contact pair to control the flow of fresh fixer solution; and j. switching means positioned in operative relation with said cam means, having open and closed positions, and in the closed position being arranged to energize said second coil of said second electromagnetic relay, whereby when said cam means has rotated through a predetermined angular displacement, said cam means forces said switching means into closed position, energizing the second electromagnetic relay to actuate said third and fourth contact pairs, the first and second flow control means then supplying fresh developer and fixer solutions to the processor to replenish the partially spent developer and fixer solutions.