DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a solution feeding apparatus. More particularly,
the invention relates to an apparatus that may be used, for example, as a replenishing
apparatus to replenish a processing solution for processing a silver halide photographic
material using an automatic developing apparatus.
Prior Art
[0002] Typical examples of methods of processing a silver halide photographic material after
exposure of the photographic material to a light image include those which are employed
for processing a monochrome photograph and comprised of such processes as developing,
fixing, water washing and drying; those employed for processing a color negative film
and comprised of such processes as color developing, bleaching, fixing, water washing,
stabilizing and drying; and those employed for processing a color paper and comprised
of such processes as color developing, bleaching fixing, water washing, stabilizing
and drying. These processes are usually conducted with an automatic developing apparatus
by using respective processing solutions. As use of an automatic developing apparatus
is becoming more commonplace, using a rinse or other substitute solution in lieu of
water washing is on the increase. Compositions of these solutions and fixing solutions
change as a result of processing a silver halide photographic material. In addition,
with the elapse of time, developing solutions and fixing solutions suffer from decrease
in their effectiveness due to air oxidation. In order to prevent these problems and
maintain the processing solutions sufficiently effective during continuous processing
using an automatic developing apparatus, it is common practice to replenish each respective
processing solution with a replenishment solution having a composition either the
same as or similar to that of the processing solution.
[0003] Each solution for processing a silver halide photographic material is usually supplied
in the form of a condensed liquid and requires dilution with water to a given concentration
before actually used. In this case, the dilution has to be done precisely; a silver
halide photographic material processed with an inaccurately diluted processing solution
may result in a finished photograph having a considerably poor quality.
[0004] Some kind of solution, such as a color developing solution or a bleaching fixing
solution, is supplied in a plurality of solution parts in order to increase the preservability
of the condensed solution by separating ingredients from other ingredients that are
not desirable to contact therewith. When actually used, such a solution has to be
prepared by mixing the concentrated stock solutions, each of which usually consists
of two to four solution parts, while diluting the mixture with water. During this
mixing process, various accidents, such as mistaking a solution part for that of another
processing solution, often happen. It is not uncommon that such a mistake seriously
and irreparably impairs the quality of the finished photograph.
[0005] As described above, preparation of processing solutions imposes a heavy burden on
the operator, because it is not only complicated but also requires precision. Furthermore,
it often happens that a condensed solution or a prepared solution spill or spatter
onto nearby objects, such as a human body, clothes or furniture and equipment, sometimes
contaminating or otherwise damaging the objects. In order to prevent these problems,
it has been practiced to supply each processing solution in the form of a ready-to-use
solution, with the conditions of the solution adjusted beforehand. Nevertheless, supplying
a solution in the form of a concentrated stock solution still has advantages in that
it occupies less space for distribution or storage and that it has superior stability
in preservation.
[0006] When solutions that have been prepared as above are used as replenishment solutions,
they are usually stored in separate, respective replenisher tanks, from which a necessary
quantity of each respective replenishment solution for the current stage of processing
a silver halide photographic material is fed into a solution tank in the automatic
developing apparatus with a pump or by other appropriate means. At that time, as the
replenishment solutions in the replenisher tanks are stored in such a state as to
be exposed to the air, they present the possibility of becoming concentrated due to
evaporation of moisture as well as quality deterioration resulting from air oxidation.
Should a processing solution be replenished with a replenishment solution that has
thus become deteriorated or changed in quality, effectiveness of the processing solution
decreases, resulting in poor image quality of the finished photograph.
[0007] Examples of means to prevent such a deterioration include a method that calls for
disposing a floating lid or a floating ball in a replenisher tank to cover the surface
of replenishment solution and thus reduce the area of the surface of the replenishment
solution in contact with the air. However such a method has not yet succeeded in completely
isolating a solution from air. In view of preservation of the environment and natural
resources, the quantity of replenishment solution used for processing a silver halide
photographic material is on the decrease in recent years. Therefore, if a replenishment
solution is prepared in the same amount as before, it is stored in a replenisher tank
for a longer period of time until it is used up and more prone to change in quality.
Furthermore, reduction in the amount replenished presents a problem in that even a
minimal change in quality of a replenishment solution would make it difficult to maintain
the constant effectiveness of the processing solution in an automatic developing apparatus
and influence the quality of the finished photographs.
[0008] In order to prevent these problems, it is often practiced in recent years to feed
a given quantity of water from a diluent water storage tank into a processing solution
tank in an automatic developing apparatus simultaneously with drawing a formulated
concentrate of processing solution out of its container and directly feeding it into
the processing solution tank. Such a method has a benefit in that it eliminates the
necessity of preparation of replenishment solutions. In many cases, the above method
calls for a flow sensor installed in a container and acting as a solution depletion
sensor to detect the solution in the container has been used up. Accordingly, such
a method typically calls for using a stock solution container made of a polyethylene
bottle or other hard-type bottle that will be free from the problem of becoming deformed
when the content is reduced. When such a bottle is used, the quantity of air inside
the container increases with the decrease of the stock solution in the container.
Therefore, the method is not capable of solving the problem of the concentrated stock
solution deteriorating due to contact with the air. The method presents another problem
in that it is difficult to form a structure where the solution depletion sensor is
prevented from registering detection by mistake when there still remains the solution
in the container. In other words, it is difficult to use up the solution in the container;
a certain amount of solution tends to remain in the container and often contaminate
a human body, clothes or other objects in the environment at the time of disposal
of the used container.
[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the applicant of the present invention had
previously offered solution feeding methods and apparatuses used for said methods,
which are disclosed in Japanese Patent Public Disclosure Nos. 52533-1999 and 102056-1999.
The problem of a stock solution deteriorating due to exposure to air can be solved
by any one of the above inventions by using a container made of a deformable material
as a container to be filled with a concentrated stock solution and inserting a tube
or other appropriate member into the stock solution container so as to suction the
solution out of the container while maintaining the container airtight. Although the
container is flexible, each one of the above inventions is capable of precisely detecting
that the solution in the container has been used up.
Problems To Be Solved by The Invention
[0010] The inventions mentioned above are highly effective in the ability of preserving
the stability of solutions and being convenient to prepare solutions. Each one of
the above inventions is the optimal system to be used in a normal, small-to-medium-sized
developing laboratory. However, when used in a large-scale laboratory where processing
solutions are consumed in great quantities, there is an demand for modification in
certain points, which are described hereunder. As each one of the above inventions
is prone to malfunction in case a great quantity of air enters a solution channel,
it is necessary to reduce to an absolute minimum the quantity of air that may possibly
enter a solution channel. Therefore, the most desirable method of connecting a solution
container to an apparatus has heretofore been what is commonly called a penetration
method that calls for sticking a tube directly into a container to connect the container
to the apparatus and drawing the solution up out of the container. When a penetration
method such as above is employed, it is easy to limit the quantity of air that might
enter the container to a minimum. On the other hand, it is necessary to use a container
suitable for a penetration method, i.e. a container made of such a material as to
prevent the solution in the container from leaking from the portion where a tube is
stuck into the container. As a problem concerning the strength of such a material
makes it impossible to produce containers having a large capacity and, at the same
time, suitable for a penetration method, employing a penetration method necessitates
the use of a relatively small container. This imposes a considerable burden particularly
upon operators working at major developing laboratories which handle a great quantity
of processing each day; each time a container is set in a solution feeding apparatus
at such a laboratory, the solution in the container is quickly used up, and it is
therefore necessary to replace containers many times a day.
[0011] For the reason described above, it is a common practice at a major developing laboratory
or the like to connect a large container to an apparatus by a method other than a
penetration method. However, other methods, too, present various problems. For example,
in case of a method that calls for connecting a container to a solution feeding apparatus
by removing a cap of the container and sealing the container with a plug that is connected
to a tube, it is difficult to connect the container while limiting the air entering
the container to a minimal quantity, because the air can easily enter the container
when the cap is removed. Furthermore, should the feeding of the solution be initiated
without thoroughly removing the air from the container, a large amount of gas inevitably
flows into the solution channel, often impairing accurate solution-feeding or resulting
in premature activation of a sensor adapted to detect that the container is empty.
[0012] There also is a method which calls for a plurality of small containers connected
to an apparatus by using a penetration method. This method, however, is prone to present
a problem of occupying an excessively large space, because it requires numerous containers
in order to reduce the frequency of replacing containers. Furthermore, the larger
the number of containers connected to an apparatus, the greater the total quantity
of gas entering the solution channels, even if the quantity of gas entering each container
is minimal. Therefore, the number of containers used in actual practice is limited.
[0013] For the reasons stated as above, there is a demand for a solution feeding apparatus
that is capable of feeding solution from its container until the container is completely
empty while maintaining precise feeding accuracy, said apparatus having the effect
described above regardless of whether entry of a large quantity of air into a solution
channel is unavoidable, which tends to happen when a container is connected to an
apparatus by using a method other than a penetration method or when a plurality of
small containers are connected to an apparatus.
Means to Solve The Problems
[0014] In order to solve the above problems, a feature of the present invention lies in
providing a solution feeding apparatus which calls for connecting a solution-feeding
pump through a tube to a container that contains a solution and is capable of changing
its shape in accordance with the amount of its content, wherein a gas increase prevention
mechanism is provided in a solution channel .
Preferred Embodiment of The Invention
[0015] Although the present invention is offered principally as a replenishing device for
replenishing an automatic developing apparatus with a photographic processing agent,
it is to be understood that the invention has a wide range of usage; the invention
is applicable to feeding of any solution that is prone to changes in quality when
exposed to air or hazardous to health should it come into contact with a hand. Furthermore,
the term "solution" mentioned in the explanation heretofore or hereunder refers to
liquid in general including pure water in which nothing is dissolved.
[0016] Next, the present invention is explained in detail hereunder, referring to the attached
drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] Numeral 20 denotes a container in which a solution 10 is sealed. Numeral 30 denotes
a tube, which serves to form a solution channel extending from the end portion 31
of the tube 30 through a solution-feeding pump 40 to a solution-feeding destination
50. The portion between the tube end portion 31 and the solution-feeding pump 40 in
an airtight channel, which is provided with a gas-liquid separation tank 60 for separating
gas that has entered the channel from the solution. An air pump 70 for discharging
the gas that has been separated from the solution in the gas-liquid separation tank
60 out of the channel is connected via a gas discharge tube 80 to the upper part of
the gas-liquid separation tank 60. A check valve 90 for preventing back flow of the
gas is connected to the gas discharge tube 80. A gas detection sensor 100 and a solution
depletion sensor 110 are installed in the gas-liquid separation tank 60. The gas detection
sensor 100 is adapted to detect gas that has inadvertently enter the channel, while
the solution depletion sensor 110 is adapted to detect reduction in pressure in the
channel resulting from depletion of the solution 10 in the container 20 connected
to the apparatus.
[0018] The solution 10 is available on the market in such a state as to be sealed in a so-called
flexible type container 20, which is capable of changing its form in accordance with
the quantity of its content. When the solution 10 is used, the aforementioned airtight
channel isolated from the outside atmosphere and extending from the container 20 to
the pump 40 is formed by air-tightly connecting the front end portion 31 of the tube
30 to the container 20. Even if the end of the portion of the tube 30 extending further
than the pump 40 is open and exposed to the outside air at the solution-feeding destination
50, it presents virtually no problems, because the portion has a small diameter so
that only a minimal portion of the solution is exposed to the outside air. By operating
the solution-feeding pump 40 in this state, the solution 10 in the container 20 is
fed to the solution-feeding destination 50 without the possibility of the solution
exposing to the outside air. When solution 10 in the container 20 is reduced with
feeding of the solution 10, the container 20 becomes flattened according to the amount
of its content so that the solution 10 is prevented from being exposed to air to the
end of the feeding process. Therefore, even in cases where the solution 10 is a solution
for processing a silver halide photographic material or other similar cases where
the solution is prone to changes in quality when exposed to air, the invention is
capable of feeding the solution to the end without the danger of deterioration of
the solution.
[0019] The container 20 and the tube 30 are airtightly connected together so as to prevent
air from entering from the connecting point to the interior of the container 20 during
the period when the solution 10 is drawn out from the container 20. The term "to be
airtightly connected" mentioned above refers to being connected in such a state that
intrusion of the outside air is prevented; some amount of air entering a container
20 during the process of replacing the container is acceptable. As a concrete example
of connecting methods, a method which calls for removing the cap from the container
20 and, in place of the cap, attaching an adapter to the container 20 is particularly
convenient and desirable. Said cap is originally attached to the container 20 in the
manufacturing process of the container. The adapter is required to have such a shape
as to replace the cap, with an example of such shapes shown in Figs. 2 through 4.
As shown in Fig. 3, the adapter consists of a plug 120 and a perforated cap 121 that
serves to hold down the plug 120. The plug 120 has such a shape as to fit in the mouth
of the container 20 and has a hole to let a tube 30 be inserted therefrom. The perforated
cap 121, too, has a hole so as to let the tube 30 be inserted therethrough. How the
adapter is used is shown in Fig. 4; the plug 120 is fit in the mouth of the container
20, and the perforated cap 121 is tightly screwed around the plug 20, thereby connecting
the tube 30 to the container 20. It is impossible to completely prevent air from entering
the container 20 during this process. According to the invention, however, the gas
having entered the container 20 is separated in the gas-liquid separation tank 60
and discharged from the solution channel. Therefore, even if the solution-feeding
pump 40 is operated without removing the gas from the container 20, the apparatus
is free from the problem of reduction in the accuracy of solution-feeding, which would
otherwise be caused by gas entering the solution-feeding pump 40. Other examples of
methods of airtightly connecting the container 20 to the apparatus include a coupler
method, which would enable the attachment/removal of the container with a single action.
In case a container having a small capacity is used as the container 20, the tube
can be connected to the container by a penetration method without causing any problems.
[0020] Another example of methods of connecting a tube 30 to a container 20 is shown in
Figs. 13 through 16, wherein a spout fixing jig dedicated for this purpose is used.
The aforementioned connecting method using an adapter is convenient, because it does
not necessitate a special jig. However, it may increase the quantity of leftover solution,
depending how the container 20 is flattened in the course of suctioning the solution
10 from the container 20. To be more specific, in case the container 20 is flattened
in such a manner that the upper part of the side face of the container 20 is stuck
to the inner surface of a spout portion 21 of the container 20, it is difficult to
draw up the solution 10 located lower than said part of the side face that is stuck
to the spout portion 21, often resulting in increase in the quantity of leftover solution.
A container 20 made of a soft material is particularly prone to this problem.
[0021] This problem, however, can be prevented by using a spout fixing jig 180 dedicated
for this purpose, because it has a structure described hereunder and is capable of
controlling the manner in which the container 20 becomes flattened.
[0022] A hole 201 from which the spout portion 21 of a container 20 will protrude is bored
in the top of an outer casing 200 so that the container 20 can be connected to the
apparatus while it is still housed in the outer casing 200. Through the hole 201,
the spout portion 21 of the container 20 alone is projected from the outer casing
200 and affixed to the fixing jig 180 with a rim 22 of the spout portion 21 hooked
onto the edge of a hole of a cap receiving hole bored in the fixing jig 180. The cap
receiving hole of the fixing jig 180 has a shape such that a part of the hole is larger
than the spout portion 21 of the container 20 so that the spout portion 21 of the
container 20 can easily be fitted in the fixing jig 180 merely by sliding the fixing
jig 180.
[0023] The manner of attaching the spout portion 21 to the fixing jig 180 is explained in
detail hereunder. As shown in Figs. 13 through Fig. 16, a base plate 181 is placed
on the outer casing 200 while the spout portion 21 of the container 20 is inserted
into an aperture 182 of the base plate 181. Then, the base plate 181 is moved forward
so that the spout portion 21 moves from the aperture 182 into a through hole 183 until
the rim 22 of the spout portion 21 comes into contact with the top of a through hole
edge 184 and holds it down from above. As a result, the base plate 181 is secured
on the outer casing 200 in the state where the base plate 181 is fastened to the container
20. The plug 120 affixed to a top plate 185 is positioned such that it will come directly
above the spout portion 21. The container 20 can be plugged merely by rotating the
top plate 185 downward around a fastening member 186, which is comprised of a hinge
or the like, so that the plug 120 is inserted into the spout portion 21 and snugly
fitted therein.
[0024] The plug 120, which has such a shape as to snugly fit in the mouth of the container
20 and through which the tube 30 is inserted, is affixed to the top plate 185 of the
fixing jig 180. By fitting the plug 120 affixed to the top plate 185 into the mouth
of the spout portion 21 of the container 20, the container 20 is connected to the
tube 30. As it is thus possible to prevent the spout portion 21 of the container 20
from becoming attached to the side face of the container 20 during the period when
the container 20 is flattened as a result of suctioning of the solution 10 from the
container 20, the structure described above is free from the problem of increase in
the quantity of leftover solution.
[0025] Further, the use of the fixing jig 180 described above is recommended also because
the container 20 and the tube 30 can easily and reliably be connected to or removed
from each other. As the plug 120 is affixed to the top plate 185, the plug 120 can
reliably be fitted in the container 20 with a minimal amount of force by using leverage.
When replacing the container 20 after it becomes empty, an unexpectedly great amount
of force is required to remove the container due to the negative pressure in the empty
container. Using the fixing jig 180 described above, however, enables the easy removal
of the plug 120 with a minimal amount of force and therefore reduces the labor required
by replacing a container.
[0026] When the solution-feeding pump 40 is actuated, the solution 10 sealed in the container
20 is suctioned from the tube end portion 31 into the gas-liquid separation tank 60.
In the gas-liquid separation tank 60, the gas 11 that has entered the solution channel
is separated from the solution 10 and, due to the buoyancy of the gas 11 itself, retained
in the upper part of the gas-liquid separation tank 60. The solution 10 from which
the gas 11 has been removed in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 is fed through the
solution-feeding pump 40 to the solution-feeding destination 50.
[0027] The gas increase prevention mechanism is a mechanism having a function of limiting
gas in the airtight channel to a given quantity. In case of the present embodiment,
the gas increase prevention mechanism is comprised of the aforementioned gas detection
sensor 100 disposed in the gas-liquid separation tank 60, the air pump 70 and the
gas discharge tube 80. The gas detection sensor 100 is disposed in the upper part
of the gas-liquid separation tank 60. When the quantity of gas 11 retained in the
upper part of the gas-liquid separation tank 60 exceeds a specified level, the gas
detection sensor 100 comes into contact with the gas 11 and is activated. When a signal
representing the activation of the gas detection sensor 100 is fed to a control unit
of the apparatus, the air pump 70 is activated to discharge the gas 11 retained in
the upper part of the gas-liquid separation tank 60 through the gas discharge tube
80 to the outside of the solution channel. Therefore, even if a great quantity of
gas 11 enters the solution channel, the gas 11 is discharged outside the solution
channel and prevented from entering the solution-feeding pump 40 each time so that
the solution feeding accuracy is constantly maintained. The gas increase prevention
mechanism may Consist of a gas detection sensor and an air pump and be so designed
as to discharge a small quantity of gas each time it operates.
[0028] There are various ways to control and stop the air pump 70 once it is activated;
the solution feeding apparatus may be designed such that the air pump 70 is halted
when the gas detection sensor 100 detects that the quantity of gas 11 in the gas-liquid
separation tank 60 is sufficiently reduced resulting from the discharge of gas 11
or when a given period of time has passed after the activation of the air pump 70.
In case of the latter, i.e. a time-control method, the operating period may be set
in accordance with per-hour gas discharge quantity that can be calculated based on
the capacity of the air pump 70 used in the apparatus.
[0029] After all the solution 10 is drawn up out of the container 20, the negative pressure
in the solution channel increases with each operation of the solution-feeding pump
40, and the gas 11 trapped in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 begins to expand accordingly.
When, as a result of expansion of the gas 11, the surface of the solution in the gas-liquid
separation tank 60 is lowered and reaches the same level as the position of the solution
depletion sensor 110, the solution depletion sensor 110 is activated and sends out
a signal to the apparatus control unit to stop the operation of the solution-feeding
pump 40. By using a design like the above, feeding of the solution 10 can be stopped
at the appropriate moment when the solution 10 in the container 20 has completely
been consumed while there is no air in the solution-feeding pump 40. The structure
may include an alarm that operates in conjunction with termination of the operation
of the solution-feeding pump 40 so as to sound a buzzer, light a lamp or otherwise
inform the operator that the container 20 has to be replaced with a new one.
[0030] As described above, consumption of the solution 10 in the container 20 generates
negative pressure in the solution channel, and, as a result, the gas trapped in the
upper part of the gas-liquid separation tank 60 expands to the position of the solution
depletion sensor 110. During this process, the gas detection sensor 100, too, detects
the expansion of the gas 11 and activates the air pump 70. However, as the air pump
70 functions to discharge the gas 11 from the gas-liquid separation tank 60, the operation
of the air pump 70 merely enhances the increase of the negative pressure in the gas-liquid
separation tank 60 and exerts no undesirable influence on operation of the solution
depletion sensor 110. Nevertheless, it is desirable to terminate operation of the
air pump quickly by using a time control method as the one described above, because
there is no particular need of keeping the air pump 70 operating before the solution
depletion sensor 110 is activated.
[0031] The process of replacing a container 20 is explained as follows. First of all, an
empty container 20 is removed from the tube 30, and a new container 20 containing
a solution 10 is attached in place of the empty container. As the portion between
the solution depletion sensor 110 and the tube end portion 31 is in the state where
it is filled with gas 11, the air pump 70 is activated to discharge the gas 11 and
fill the solution channel with the solution 10. Operation of the air pump 70 causes
the solution 10 to be drawn up from the container 20 and fill the solution channel.
Therefore, by employing such a design that activation of the gas detection sensor
100 stops the air pump 70, the apparatus can be returned to the initial state where
gas 11 is retained in the gas-liquid separation tank 60, only in the portion above
the gas detection sensor 100, with the remaining portion of the solution channel filled
with the solution 10. The action of the air pump 70 during the container replacement
process may be conducted as a resetting action; for example, the apparatus may be
designed such that the air pump 70 can be activated by pushing a reset button.
[0032] As shown in Fig. 5, the tube 30 may be branched at some point into a desired number
so as to permit use of a plurality of containers 20A,20B,...20n connected to the apparatus.
For example, in case the apparatus is used as a replenishing device for processing
silver halide photographic materials, it is desirable to use a large-capacity container
to contain a processing solution that has to be replenished at a high rate; otherwise,
the solution 10 in a container 20 would rapidly be used up so that a container 20
would have to be replaced frequently. However, excessively large containers 20 are
difficult to carry and impair operating efficiency. Therefore, in view of the operating
efficiency, it is desirable for each container 20 to have a weight of no more than
20 kg so that it can be carried by a single person. When using such middle-sized containers
20 as described above, it is necessary to connect to the apparatus more containers
than should large-capacity containers 20 be used. When a large number of containers
are connected to the apparatus, a considerable quantity of gas in total will enter
the solution channel, unless the quantity of gas that can enter each container is
limited to a minimum. According to the invention, however, gas 11 that has entered
the solution channel is discharged from the channel at appropriate times. Therefore,
no matter how much gas 11 enters the solution channel, there is no possibility of
gas 11 entering the solution-feeding pump 40, and precise feeding rate is maintained
throughout the operation process of the apparatus.
[0033] Another example of desirable designs is shown in Fig. 6, wherein containers 20 connected
to the apparatus are divided into several groups by means of a changeover valve 130,
which is disposed at some point along the length of the tube 30 so that suction of
the solution 10 is conducted for one group of containers at a time, instead of drawing
the solution 10 up from all the containers 20 at once. In this case, when all the
containers 20 of one group become empty, the changeover valve 130 changes the solution
channel over to a path that leads to another group so as to continue feeding of the
solution 10. Such a structure has a particular benefit in that it is not necessary
to replace containers 20 in a hurry when the time scheduled for replacing containers
arrives, because there is no possibility of all the containers 20 becoming empty at
once. As it is sufficient for the operator to merely replace empty containers whenever
he has time, he is allowed to do some other work without having to be concerned about
the container replacing schedule. In case such a changeover valve 130 is provided
to change over paths of solution, too, it is necessary to carry out resetting operation
after all the containers 20 belonging to one group become empty and activate the solution
depletion sensor 110 so as to activate the air pump 70 to draw the solution 10 up
from the containers 20 that belong to another group and fill the solution channel
with the solution. For this purpose, the changeover valve 130 is so designed as to
operate in sync with resetting operation. As a result, no matter whether the changeover
valve 130 is operated manually or automatically, the air pump 70 is activated to return
the apparatus to the initial state where the solution channel is filled with the solution
after the paths are changed over by the changeover valve 130.
[0034] Another embodiment, which is shown in Fig. 10, is explained hereunder.
[0035] Fig. 10 shows an example of ways to connect a solution feeding apparatus of the present
invention to an automatic developing apparatus for processing photographic materials.
[0036] A storage space for containers can be made compact by storing containers in a three-dimensional
manner by using a rack or other storage means 150 that can house numerous containers
20,20,.... Each container 20 may conveniently be contained in an outer casing 200
which has a retainable shape, such as a cardboard box.
[0037] In case of the present embodiment, the storage means 150 has a multi-level structure,
of which the levels are respectively allocated for different processing solutions
so that appropriate numbers of containers 20 containing a single, same kind of processing
solution are placed on each level in the state where each container 20 is housed in
outer casing 200.
[0038] The levels 151,152,... of the storage means 150 are gently inclined downward from
the rear end toward the front end, and each level 151,152,... is provided at its front
end with a stopper portion 1511, 1512,... so that several outer casings 200 that house
containers 20,20,... can be placed on each level 151,152,.... Each level is formed
of a shelf or a frame that is capable of holding outer casings 200 therein. When the
solution contained in the container 20 that is housed in the outer casing 200 located
at the front end of any one of the levels has been used up, it is sufficient to pick
up the outer casing 200 together with the container in the casing so as to let the
outer casing 200 immediately behind it slide downward by the weight of the container
20 housed in the outer casing and stopped by the stopper portion 1511,1512,... at
the front end. Thus, solution can be fed from the new container 20.
[0039] Furthermore, should all the containers located at the front end of the level become
empty, they, too, can be replaced quickly. The above structure thus permit a plurality
of containers to be replaced quickly and efficiently.
[0040] In case a point A where a container 20 is connected to the tube 30 is higher than
the level A', i.e. the height corresponding to the point where the tube 30 is connected
to the gas-liquid separation tank 60, it is necessary to prevent solution from flowing
out of the container 20 into the gas-liquid separation tank 60 due to siphonage. For
example, the tube 30 may be provided with a solenoid valve (not shown) which serves
as a solution feeding stopping device and is disposed somewhere between the container
20 and the gas-liquid separation tank 60 so that the solenoid valve may be opened
or closed in sync with halting of the solution-feeding pump 40.
[0041] According to another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a connecting
pipe 160 which serves as a solution feeding stopping device. The connecting pipe 160
extends from the top of the gas-liquid separation tank 60 and is connected to the
tube 30 so that the level A', i.e. the height corresponding to the point where the
tube 30 is connected to the gas-liquid separation tank 60, is higher than the point
A where a container 20 is connected to the tube 30.
[0042] Although the tube 30 is connected to the side face of the connecting pipe 160 in
case of the present embodiment, the connecting pipe 160 may have a larger diameter
so that the tube 30 can be connected to the upper end of the connecting tube 160 as
is the case with the tube 80 to which the air pump 70 is connected. In any case, however,
it is desirable to separate a solution inlet 161 and a gas outlet 63 of the connecting
pipe 160 by a distance of not less than 100 mm. By employing such a structure as described
above, the air pump 70 is prevented from inadvertently taking in solution 10 even
if the solution 10 flows into the pipe when the air pump 70 is activated.
[0043] Referring to Fig. 10, three sensors are disposed in the gas-liquid separation tank
60, because two sensors respectively serve as gas detection sensors. In this case,
the aforementioned air pump 70 starts to operate in sync with a gas detection sensor
100a and stops in sync with a gas detection sensor 100b, which is disposed at a location
higher than the gas detection sensor 100a. Thus providing two gas detection sensors
not only enables the more meticulous, accurate control of discharge of gas that has
entered the gas-liquid separation tank 60 but also has benefits in respect to the
life of sensors, because it is capable of preventing chattering which is prone to
occur in case only a single sensor is provided.
[0044] According to the structure of the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the portion extending
further than a gas-liquid separation tank 60 passes through a solution-feeding pump
40 in a solution preparation device 140 and is connected to a measuring tank 141 of
the solution preparation device 140. In case of the embodiment, the portion extending
from the point A where a container 20 is connected to a tube 30 to the point B where
the tube 30 is connected to the measuring tank 141 serves as an airtight channel.
Tubes 30 adapted to respectively carry solution parts and diluent water are connected
to the measuring tank 141, and solution parts are successively fed into the measuring
tank 141, each solution being fed one part at a time.
[0045] Providing a measuring tank 141 having a structure described above enables the more
accurate measurement of quantities of solution parts and, consequently, the precise
preparation of processing solutions. At the point when the quantity of a solution
part fed into the measuring tank 141 precisely reaches a given value, delivery of
the solution to the measuring tank 141 stops, and an open-close valve 142 is opened
to let the solution part in the measuring tank 141 fall into a mixing tank 143. After
the interior of the measuring tank 141 is washed with diluent water, the open-close
valve 142 is closed, and another solution part is fed into the measuring tank 141.
[0046] After the solution part is precisely measured in the same manner as above, the open-close
valve 142 is opened to feed the solution part into the mixing tank 143. After the
interior of the measuring tank 141 is washed again, diluent water is fed to a given
location in the mixing tank 143 where a sensor is installed so that the total volume
of the liquid in the mixing tank 143 reaches a given amount. The solutions in the
mixing tank 143 are mixed together by means of a mixing pump 144 and thus made into
a precisely prepared replenishment solution for a solution for processing photographic
materials. In order to recycle overflow liquid discharged from an automatic developing
apparatus or waste water resulting from a water washing process, a configuration which
calls for using overflow liquid or other waste liquid in place of diluent water mentioned
above is also possible.
[0047] Thus prepared replenishment solution is delivered by a pump 146 into a stock tank
50, which serves as the solution-feeding destination, and then fed to an automatic
developing apparatus 170.
[0048] In case a solution feeding apparatus according to the invention is used in a state
where it is connected to a solution preparation device 140 having a structure described
above, the solution feeding apparatus is positioned as shown in Fig. 10 so that the
point B where the tube 30 is connected to the measuring tank 141 is located higher
than the level B', i.e. the liquid level at which the surface of the liquid in the
gas-liquid separation tank 60 is maintained during the solution feeding process. With
the structure as above, the solution is prevented from continuously flowing into the
measuring tank 141 by siphonage. The level B' referred to herein corresponds to the
location where the gas detection sensor 100b is installed in the gas-liquid separation
tank 60.
[0049] Next, each element and component of the invention is explained in detail.
[0050] The gas-liquid separation tank 60 is disposed in an airtight channel which is a part
of the solution channel and extends between a container 20 and the solution-feeding
pump 40. Fig. 7 is a side view of the gas-liquid separation tank 60, a part of which
is shown in a vertical section. The gas-liquid separation tank 60 is provided with
a solution inlet 61, which is connected to the container 20 via a tube 30, and a solution
outlet 62, which is connected to the solution-feeding pump 40 via a tube 30 in the
same manner as the solution inlet 61. The gas-liquid separation tank 60 is also provided,
at the upper part thereof, with a gas outlet 63, to which an air pump 70 is connected
via a gas discharge tube 80. A gas detection sensor 100 for maintaining a constant
quantity of gas 11 in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 is disposed in the gas-liquid
separation tank 60. It is desirable to also install a solution depletion sensor 110
in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 so as to ensure more reliable prevention of undesirable
entry of gas 11 into the solution-feeding pump 40.
[0051] The gas-liquid separation tank 60 may have a cylindrical or prismatic shape or any
other desirable shape. The material of the gas-liquid separation tank 60, however,
is required to have the ability of enduring the negative pressure generated when the
pressure in the solution channel is reduced by the solution-feeding pump 40 so as
to expand the gas 11 in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 to such an extent that the
sensor detects that the container 20 has become empty. Examples of desirable materials
include vinyl chloride, polycarbonate, stainless steel (SUS) and titanium. Polycarbonate
is particularly desirable because of its strength. Particularly, when a large-capacity
container 20 is connected, it is necessary to use a solution-feeding pump 40 having
a great capacity in order to draw the solution 10 completely out of the container
20, because a large-capacity container 20 is usually made of a thick film to give
the container an increased strength. In order to draw the entire solution 10 up out
of such a container 20 so that no solution 10 remains in the container 20, it is necessary
to design the apparatus such that the solution depletion sensor 110 is activated when
the pressure in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 is reduced to within the range of
0.05 to 0.85 atm. It is desirable for the gas-liquid separation tank 60 to have the
ability of withstanding a pressure of not less than 10 kgf/cm
2.
[0052] In case the inner diameter of the gas-liquid separation tank 60 is less than 8 mm,
the surface tension of the solution in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 is greater
than the buoyancy of gas 11, causing the gas 11 to become attached to the gas-liquid
separation tank 60 and unable to be separated from the solution 10. Therefore, as
the solution 10 flows into the solution-feeding pump 40, the gas 11, too, enters the
solution-feeding pump 40. In order to prevent such an occurrence, it is desirable
for the gas-liquid separation tank 60 to have an inner diameter of more than 8 mm.
When such a factor alone is taken into consideration, the greater the inner diameter
of the gas-liquid separation tank 60, the better. On the other hand, a greater inner
diameter of the gas-liquid separation tank 60 presents the possibility of greater
error in operation of the gas detection sensor 100 or the solution depletion sensor
110. Therefore, it is particularly desirable for the inner diameter of the gas-liquid
separation tank 60 to be in the range of 13 mm to 200 mm.
[0053] Although there is no particular limitation in the maximum height of the gas-liquid
separation tank 60, it is desirable for the gas-liquid separation tank 60 to have
such a height as to allow a sufficient difference of elevation of the gas detection
sensor 100 and the solution outlet 62. Taking into consideration such factors as being
easy to install sensors and capability of making the whole apparatus compact, tanks
having heights in the range of 50 mm to 500 mm are usually most desirable. As for
the connecting pipe 160 which is attached to the gas-liquid separation tank 60 when
it is necessary, a tube having a length ranging from 50 mm to 2000 mm is normally
most desirable.
[0054] A desirable positional relationship among the solution inlet 61, the solution outlet
62 and the solution depletion sensor 110 of the gas-liquid separation tank 60 is shown
in Fig. 7, wherein the solution inlet 61, from which the solution 10 flows into the
gas-liquid separation tank 60 during the solution feeding process, is positioned higher
than the solution outlet 62, from which the solution 10 flows out of the gas-liquid
separation tank 60, and the solution depletion sensor 110 is disposed in the gas-liquid
separation tank 60, at a location higher than the solution outlet 62. This configuration
ensures more reliable prevention of undesirable entering of gas 11 into the solution-feeding
pump 40.
[0055] The gas detection sensor 100 is disposed in the gas-liquid separation tank 60, and
the location of the gas detection sensor 100 determines how much gas 11 can constantly
be retained the gas-liquid separation tank 60. As gas of a too little quantity is
prone to causing malfunction of the gas detection sensor 100, the gas-liquid separation
tank 60 should desirably have a gas retaining capacity of more than 5% of the volume
of the gas-liquid separation tank 60. Normally, it is appropriate to design the gas-liquid
separation tank 60 so as to retain gas 11 having a quantity of approximately 10 %
of the total capacity of the gas-liquid separation tank 60.
[0056] The solution depletion sensor 110 is disposed in the airtight channel, which is a
part of the solution channel and extends between the gas detection sensor 100 and
the solution-feeding pump 40. In order to more reliably preventing gas 11 from entering
the solution-feeding pump 40, it is desirable to dispose the solution depletion sensor
110 in the gas-liquid separation tank 60 together with the gas detection sensor 100.
The gas detection sensor 100 and the solution depletion sensor 110 are positioned
apart from each other with a sufficient distance therebetween to prevent erroneous
detection or malfunction of either sensor. In normal cases, it suffices that there
is at least a distance of approximately 10 mm between the gas detection sensor 100
and the solution depletion sensor 110.
[0057] Any type of sensor may serve as the gas detection sensor 100 or the solution depletion
sensor 110, provided that it is capable of detecting gas 11. Examples of such sensors
include float sensors, electrode sensors and photoelectric sensors. A sensor which
is capable of detecting decrease in the pressure in the gas-liquid separation tank
60, too, may serve as the solution depletion sensor 110. Therefore, pressure sensors
are also applicable. Fig. 8 shows an exemplary float sensor which may be used as the
gas detection sensor 100 or the solution depletion sensor 110. In case of the example
shown in Fig. 8, the gas detection sensor 100 consists of a float 101 and a sensor
unit 102. When the portion of a solution channel in which a float sensor of this type
is disposed is filled with a solution 10, the float 101 and the sensor unit 102 of
the float sensor are in contact with each other because of the buoyancy of the float
101. When the float 101 becomes separated from the sensor unit 102 as a result of
gas 11 reaching the gas detection sensor 100, a signal representing separation of
the float is sent to the control unit so as to conduct necessary operations such as
operating the air pump 70, stopping the solution-feeding pump 40 and activating the
alarm.
[0058] The air pump 70 is of a discharge type and desirably has a sufficient output capacity
to quickly discharge excessive gas 11 out of the solution channel. Normally, a pump
having an output capacity in the range of 0.4 to 15 L/min is used.
[0059] The gas discharge tube 80 connected to the air pump 70 is provided with a check valve
90 so as to prevent air from flowing backward through the gas discharge tube 80 into
the gas-liquid separation tank 60. In order to withstand negative pressure in the
gas-liquid separation tank 60, it is desirable for the check valve 90 to have a pressure
withstanding ability of not less than 30 kg/cm
2. The gas discharge tube 80 may be provided with a plurality of check valves 90 so
as to increase the pressure withstanding ability. The check valve 90 or the check
valves 90 may be disposed at any location in the gas discharge tube 80; the function
of the check valve 90 (or the set of check valves 90) is unaffected regardless of
whether it is located upstream or downstream from the air pump.
[0060] The container 20 used for the present invention is a flexible container which is
capable of changing its shape in accordance with the amount of its content so that
the solution 10 can completely be drawn up out of the container. Flexible containers
may have various shapes, including those resembling a water pillow, a cube or a pack
in a box. There are no particular limitations in the capacity of a container that
can be used for the invention. In order to reduce the frequency of replacing containers,
however, it is desirable to use containers having the largest possible capacity. In
case an apparatus according to the invention is used as a replenishing apparatus to
replenish a processing solution for processing a silver halide photographic material,
the frequency of replacing containers 20 can be reduced to such an extent that no
significant burden is imposed upon the operator by using containers 20 having a capacity
ranging from approximately 3 to 60 L. The range of an appropriate capacity, however,
depends on the rate of replenishing the solution.
[0061] There are no particular limitations in choosing the material for containers 20, and
examples of appropriate materials include polyolefine-based resin, such as polyethylene
and LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin,
such as EVAL, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, cellulose acetate, polyvinyl acetate,
ionomer vinylidene chloride, polystyrene, ceramics and aluminum.
[0062] It is desirable for each container 20 used for the invention to have a superior impermeability
to gas and has a sufficient strength to endure long-term storage or vibration during
transportation. Containers having a film thickness ranging from 50 µm to 300 µm and
an oxygen permeability of no more than 100 ml/m
2 per day in an environment of 1 atm., 20 °C and 60% RH satisfy the above requirement
and, therefore, desirable.
[0063] The tube 30 and the gas discharge tube 80 may desirably be resistant to chemicals
and formed of such a material as vinyl chloride, polyethylene, silicone, Teflon, metal
or the like. A tube made of soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is particularly preferable
because of its superior impermeability to gas and an appropriate hardness to facilitate
operation of tube arranging.
[0064] The inner diameter of the tube 30 may desirably be limited to less than 8 mm. By
limiting the inner diameter to less than 8 mm, a human body or equipment in the surroundings
can be protected from contamination by solution 10, which may otherwise occur by the
solution 10 accidentally spilling from the tube 30 when replacing a container 20.
However, a tube having an exceedingly small inner diameter is not desirable, because
it imposes a heavier load onto the solution-feeding pump 40. Therefore, a tube having
an inner diameter in the range of 3 mm to 6 mm is particularly desirable.
[0065] Supply of a solution is conducted by operating the solution-feeding pump 40 as needed
so that the solution 10 may be fed only when it is necessary. Therefore, the amount
of the solution 10 to be supplied can be controlled by means of, for example, limiting
the duration of each operation of the solution-feeding pump 40. In cases where it
is desirable to feed the solution 10 in a small quantity each time, fluctuation in
quantity of the solution can be reduced by using a solution-feeding pump 40 having
a small capacity. Accordingly, in cases where a relatively large quantity of the solution
is fed each time, a desired quantity of solution can be fed within a short period
of time by using a pump that has a relatively large capacity. Of course, it is possible
to feed solution continuously instead of feeding it intermittently. In case of continuous
feeding, too, the solution feeding rate can be determined as desired by choosing a
solution-feeding pump 40 that has an appropriate capacity.
[0066] In case of a solution which is usually sold in the form of a concentrated liquid
and diluted at a specified ratio when used, such as a processing solution for processing
a silver halide photographic material, a diluent water tank for reserving the diluent
water and a diluent water feeding pump for feeding the diluent water may be provided
so that the diluent water can be fed to the solution-feeding destination 50 simultaneously
with the solution 10 by operating the diluent water feeding pump in sync with the
solution-feeding pump 40 that serves to feed the solution 10. By controlling respective
strokes of the pumps, the solution 10 can be diluted to a desired concentration without
human involvement. In cases where the solution is a product that consists of a plurality
of solution parts and has to be prepared by mixing the solution parts at specified
mixing ratios and diluting the mixture with water, a plurality of airtight channels
in a number corresponding to the number of solution parts may be provided so that
the solution parts can respectively be fed with appropriate mixing ratios by controlling
operation of their respective pumps 40.
[0067] As described above, when feeding a solution which requires dilution or mixing solution
parts, the solution parts may be fed directly to the solution-feeding destination
50 and mixed together therein, or the apparatus may include an intermediate tank or
a separate tank where the exits of all the airtight channels and the exit of the channel
for feeding the diluent water are brought together so that the solution parts are
mixed together and diluted in the intermediate tank or the separate tank into a solution
that is ready for use and then fed to the solution-feeding destination.
[0068] A bellows pump, a magnet pump or the like is used as the solution-feeding pump 40.
In case a magnet pump is used, it is necessary to provide at least one check valve
either upstream or downstream from the solution-feeding pump 40 in order to prevent
back-flow of the solution. For this reason, a bellows pump, which does not necessitate
a check valve, is particularly desirable. As a container having a capacity of more
than 5 liters is made of a thick polymer film so as to ensure a sufficient strength,
the solution-feeding pump used may desirably have a large output capacity so as to
be capable of suctioning the solution from the container until the container is completely
empty. For this reason, a bellows pump having an output capacity in the range of 200
ml to 2700 ml/min is particularly desirable.
[0069] It is not always necessary to incorporate the solution-feeding pump 40 in the device
in which the gas-liquid separation tank 60 and the tube 30 connected to the container
20 are installed; for example, in case the apparatus according to the invention is
used as a replenishing apparatus to replenish a processing solution for processing
a silver halide photographic material, a replenishing pump of an automatic developing
apparatus for processing photographic materials may be used by connecting the gas-liquid
separation tank 60 of an apparatus according to the invention to the aforementioned
replenishing pump. It is also permissible to connect the gas-liquid separation tank
60 of an apparatus according to the-invention to a solution-feeding pump of a separate
type apparatus, such as an automatic solution preparation apparatus which is available
on the market as an optional device for an automatic developing apparatus. If such
is the case, the separate device functions as a part of the solution feeding apparatus
of the invention.
Effect of The Invention
[0070] According to claim 1 of the present invention, the invention relates to a solution
feeding apparatus which calls for connecting a solution-feeding pump via a tube to
a container that hermetically contains a solution and is capable of changing its shape
in accordance with the amount of its content, wherein a gas increase prevention mechanism
is provided in a solution channel. With the configuration as above, an accurate solution-feeding
rate is maintained even if a great amount of gas enters the solution channel, such
an intrusion of a great amount of gas being unavoidable when, for example, any method
other than a penetration method is employed to set the container or when a plurality
of containers are connected to the apparatus. Furthermore, the invention does not
impose limitations in types of containers that can be used for the inventions and
permits use of a large-capacity container which is unsuitable for a penetration method
or use of a plurality of container. Therefore, the invention enables the substantial
reduction of the labor required by replacing a container or containers.
[0071] According to claim 2 of the present invention, an airtight channel between a container
and the solution-feeding pump is provided with a gas-liquid separation tank adapted
to separate gas from a solution, and the gas increase prevention mechanism is comprised
of a gas detection sensor and an air pump, the gas detection sensor disposed in said
gas-liquid separation tank, and the air pump being so adapted as to function in sync
with the gas detection sensor to discharge gas out of the gas-liquid separation tank.
As the invention enables the complete separation of gas from solution in the solution
channel and the discharge of the gas out of the solution channel, the invention prevents
the gas from entering the solution-feeding pump and is therefore capable of more reliably
maintaining a precise solution feeding rate.
[0072] As a solution feeding stopping device is disposed between the container and the gas-liquid
separation tank, the invention as claimed in claim 9 is capable of preventing solution
from continuously flowing from the container into the gas-liquid separation tank by
siphonage even after the solution-feeding pump is halted.
[0073] As the airtight channel between a container and the solution-feeding pump is provided
with a solution depletion sensor adapted to detect that the container has become empty
of solution, the invention claimed in claim 3 is capable of feeding solution from
its container while maintaining precise feeding rate to the end of the feeding process.
In addition, as it is capable of accurately detecting that the container has become
empty of solution, the invention is capable of halting feeding of the solution at
the appropriate moment without the possibility of gas entering the solution-feeding
pump.
[0074] As a gas discharge tube connected to the air pump is provided with one or more check
valves, the invention claimed in claim 6 enables the complete discharge of gas and
is free from the problem of intrusion of outside air into the airtight channel. Therefore,
the invention claimed in claim 6 is capable of preventing malfunction of the gas detection
sensor or the solution depletion sensor.
[0075] As the solution depletion sensor is disposed in the gas-liquid separation tank, the
invention claimed in claim 4 eliminates the possibility of malfunction of the solution
depletion sensor, which might otherwise be caused by a minimal amount of gas in the
airtight channel. Therefore, the invention claimed in claim 4 enables the more accurate
detection of depletion of a container and more reliable prevention of intrusion of
gas into the solution-feeding pump.
[0076] As the gas detection sensor disposed in the gas-liquid separation tank is located
higher than the solution depletion sensor, the invention claimed in claim 5 eliminates
the possibility of malfunction of the solution depletion sensor and enables the complete
consumption of solution in a container.
[0077] As the invention as claimed in claim 7 calls for controlling the solution-feeding
pump based on detection of reduction of the pressure in the solution channel by the
solution depletion sensor, the invention claimed in claim 7 enables the complete consumption
of solution in a container and is capable of halting feeding of the solution at the
appropriate moment without the possibility of gas entering the solution-feeding pump.
[0078] As the invention as claimed in claim 8 includes a tube which can be connected to
a plurality of containers, it is possible to use the apparatus with a plurality of
containers connected thereto. Therefore, the invention as claimed in claim 8 enables
the substantial reduction of the labor required by replacing containers even in case
the apparatus is used for feeding a great quantity of solution.
[0079] According to claim 10 of the present invention, the invention relates to a method
of feeding a solution by connecting a solution-feeding pump via a tube to a container
which hermetically contains a solution and is capable of changing its shape in accordance
with the amount of its content, said method calling for separating gas from the solution
by means of a gas-liquid separation tank that is a part of an airtight channel extending
from the container to the pump; and discharging the gas out of the solution channel
by means of a gas increase prevention mechanism so that the gas in said gas-liquid
separation tank is maintained at a constant quantity. Therefore, complete separation
of gas from the solution in the solution channel and discharge of the gas completely
out of the system can be conducted so that a precise solution-feeding rate is maintained
even if a great amount of gas enters the solution channel, such an intrusion of great
amount of gas being unavoidable when, for example, any method other than a penetration
method is employed to set the container or when a plurality of containers are connected
to the apparatus. Furthermore, the invention does not impose limitations in types
of containers that can be used for the inventions and permits use of a large-capacity
container which is unsuitable for a penetration method or use of a plurality of container.
Therefore, the invention enables the substantial reduction of the labor required by
replacing a container or containers.
[0080] According to claim 11 of the present invention, connection or removal of a container
and a solution feeding apparatus to or from each other can be conducted with extreme
ease by using a simple mechanism. The invention claimed in claim 11 has another benefit
in that it enables the smooth, easy replacement of numeral containers with a minimal
amount of force by using leverage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0081]
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of a solution according to an embodiment
of the invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective of an embodiment of an adapter used for connecting a container.
Fig. 3 is an exploded vertical sectional view of said adapter.
Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view showing how said adapter and a container are connected.
Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of a solution according to another
embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of a solution according to yet another
embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of a gas-liquid separation tank used in the
present invention, a part of which is shown in a vertical section.
Fig. 8 is a perspective of an embodiment of a gas detection sensor, which constitutes
a part of the embodiment.
Fig. 9 is a perspective of an embodiment of a container used for the invention, showing
how it is used.
Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of a solution according to yet another
embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 11 is an enlarged schematic illustration of a principal part of said embodiment.
Fig. 12 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a container and an outer
casing used for the present invention.
Fig. 13 is a perspective of an embodiment of a connecting means for connecting a tube
to a container.
Fig. 14 is a schematic illustration of said connecting means to explain how it is
used.
Fig. 15 is a schematic illustration of said connecting means to explain how it is
used.
Fig. 16 is a side view of said connecting means, a part of which is shown in a vertical
section to explain how it is used.
Numeral Codes
[0082]
- 10
- solution
- 11
- gas
- 20
- container
- 30
- tube
- 31
- tube end portion
- 40
- solution-feeding pump
- 50
- solution-feeding destination
- 60
- gas-liquid separation tank
- 70
- air pump
- 80
- gas discharge tube
- 90
- check valve
- 100
- gas detection sensor
- 110
- solution depletion sensor