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Abstract

A photographic film processor including a film dryer through which photographic film is transported under tension and dried, has a film break detection system for detecting photographic film breaks within the dryer. Upper and lower substantially horizontal shafts are positioned in the dryer in a spaced relationship. Each shaft has a plurality of spools, and the photographic film is transported back and forth over the spools and between the shafts in a serpentine fashion. The lower shaft is spatially movable with respect to the upper shaft and is biased in a direction opposite to the force on the lower shaft due to film tension. A film break within the dryer causes a loss of film tension, which in turn causes a change in the spatial position of the lower shaft. A sensor senses this change in the spatial position of the lower shaft, activates an alarm, and shuts off the dryer drive system.

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First Claim