Fluid applicator doctor blade

A doctoring surface conformation for applicator nozzle structures in photographic film cassette contained processors by which a coating of processing fluid may be deposited on a moving run of an exposed film strip. The doctoring surface conformation is configured to present a plurality of relatively small entrance channels at the upstream or entrance end thereof and a single exit channel at the downstream or exit end thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the doctoring surface conformation is defined by a plurality of first inclined surfaces extending from the vicinity of the trailing edge of the fluid applicator nozzle and converging in the direction of film strip movement towards the surface of the film. A plurality of second inclined surfaces extending also from the vicinity of the trailing edge of the nozzle opening in close proximity to the film surface and diverging in the direction of film strip movement away from the film surface are provided in alternating, side-by-side relation with the first plurality of inclined surfaces. The arrangement of the two series of inclined surfaces cooperate to present a comb-like arrangement at the leading end of the doctoring surface as viewed from upstream of the doctoring surface in the direction of film strip movement. The doctoring surface conformation is configured so as to produce a positive hydrodynamic force in processing fluid passing under the doctoring surface.