Abstract: A developing method including a developing step in which, while a wafer horizontally held by a spin chuck is being rotated, the wafer is developed by supplying a developer onto a surface of the wafer, wherein provided before the developing step is a pre-wetting step in which, simultaneously with the developer being supplied from a first nozzle that is located on a position near a central part of the surface of the rotating wafer, a deionized water as a second liquid is supplied from a second nozzle that is located on a position nearer to an outer peripheral part of the wafer than the first nozzle, to thereby spread out the developer in the rotating direction of the wafer by a wall that is formed by the deionized water flowing to the outer peripheral side of the wafer with the rotation of the wafer.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for rebalancing a solvent solution useful for treating photosensitive printing elements having a photopolymerizable layer. The solvent solution becomes contaminated with unpolymerized material and other materials that release from the photosensitive printing elements during washout treating, and separation of contaminates also removes some of one or more components in the used solvent solution. The method rebalances the proportion of the components in a solvent solution having 3 or more components. The method includes measuring a reclaimant, which has been separated from the contaminates, for two or more properties, calculating a mass of the components to be added to the reclaimant based on an equation generated for each measured property, and adding the mass of the component or components to the reclaimant to adjust the proportion of the components in the reclaimant to targeted proportions.

Abstract: To provide production methods for a 3-D mold, a finely processed product, and a fine pattern molded product in which the depth and the line width can be formed with high precision, a 3-D mold, a finely processed product, a fine-pattern molded product, and an optical element formed with high precision.

Abstract: A regenerated elastic rollers manufacturing process is provided. The process includes the step of removing an agglutinated stain of toner adhered to the surface of an elastic roller including a mandrel and an elastic layer. The step further includes the steps of: (1) pressing a pressing roller against the surface of the elastic roller so as to crack the agglutinated stain on the surface of the elastic roller; and (2) removing the agglutinated stain cracked in the step (1) from the surface of the elastic roller by means of an adhesive roller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for reclaiming and recycling developing solvents used in the production of flexographic printing plates. More specifically, the invention relates to reclaiming and/or recycling of the developing solvent through centrifugation and/or filtration. According to the invention, the solvent used in developing printing plates can be reclaimed and/or recycled by simply centrifuging the polymer-contaminated solvent. In certain embodiment, the centrifuged solvent is further filtered. The process involves transferring the contaminated solvent, from a plate processor or a dirty holding tank, to a centrifuge, and centrifuging the contaminated solvent to remove the polymer. The reclaimed solvent can be transfer directly back to the plate processor or to a clean holding tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous regenerator for addition to an aqueous developer that contains an organic solvent, a dispersing agent and a weak base, and has a pH of between about 8 and less than about 13. The aqueous regenerator includes an organic solvent, dispersing agent, and an effective amount of a strong base such that the regenerator has a greater pH than the developer into which the regenerator is to be added.

Abstract: Provided is a method of isolating a bio-molecule from a water-borne mixture, the method comprising: contacting the water-borne mixture with dimethyl ether to form solid particles of the bio-molecule.

Abstract: In this developing method and apparatus, a concentration measuring unit 222 picks part of developing fluid in a blending tank 186 to measure the resist concentration by an absorption photometry and feeds the detected resist concentration to a control unit 240. The control unit 240 controls respective valves 210, 212, 216 of a TMAH concentrate solution 200, a solvent pipe 204 and a drain pipe 208 in a manner that the developing fluid in the blending tank 186 has a TMAH concentration corresponding to a measured resist-concentration value to accomplish a constant developing rate, performing component control of the developing fluid. The developing fluid transferred from the blending tank 186 to a supply tank 188 is fed to a developer nozzle DN in a developing section 126 through a developer pipe 224 owing to the drive of a pump 228. Accordingly, even if the developing fluid is reused in the developing process in multiple times, it is possible to make sure of the uniformity in development.

Abstract: A bundle for simultaneous refilling of chemicals for processing color photography silver halide materials in an automatic processing apparatus, wherein the bundle comprises at least one bottle with the refilling solution for a color developer and at least two bottles with refilling solutions for a bleach-fixing bath, characterized in that the bottle with the refilling solution for the color developer comprises more than 60 g of color developer substance per 1 L of bottle volume, is distinguished in that the capacity of the bundle is increased.

Abstract: In this developing method and apparatus, a concentration measuring unit 222 picks part of developing fluid in a blending tank 186 to measure the resist concentration by an absorption photometry and feeds the detected resist concentration to a control unit 240. The control unit 240 controls respective valves 210, 212, 216 of a TMAH concentrate solution 200, a solvent pipe 204 and a drain pipe 208 in a manner that the developing fluid in the blending tank 186 has a TMAH concentration corresponding to a measured resist-concentration value to accomplish a constant developing rate, performing component control of the developing fluid. The developing fluid transferred from the blending tank 186 to a supply tank 188 is fed to a developer nozzle DN in a developing section 126 through a developer pipe 224 owing to the drive of a pump 228. Accordingly, even if the developing fluid is reused in the developing process in multiple times, it is possible to make sure of the uniformity in development.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous regenerator for addition to an aqueous developer that contains an organic solvent, a dispersing agent and a weak base, and has a pH of between about 8 and less than about 13. The aqueous regenerator includes an organic solvent, dispersing agent, and an effective amount of a strong base such that the regenerator has a greater pH than the developer into which the regenerator is to be added.

Abstract: An automatic processing method by developing a plural number of exposed photosensitive lithographic printing plates with a developer, which comprises the previously calculating step, the measuring step and the replenishing step as defined herein, wherein during a period from immediately after start of operation of an automatic processing apparatus until the measured electric conductivity value of the developer exceeds the target electric conductivity value, the target electric conductivity value is corrected using a first operation expression as previously defined for every replenishment of the developer replenisher; and after the measured electric conductivity value of the developer first exceeds the target electric conductivity value after start of operation of the automatic processing apparatus, the target electric conductivity value is corrected using a second operation expression for every replenishment of the developer replenisher.

Abstract: A submerged processing device for a photosensitive material disposed at a partitioning wall which is provided within a processing tank main body and which is between processing chambers respectively storing a processing liquid, the submerged processing device includes: a housing at an interior of which is formed a processing space where the processing liquid is stored; a conveying path for conveying-in of the photosensitive material and which is formed in the housing so as to communicate with an interior of the processing space; a path for conveying-out of the photosensitive material and which is formed in the housing so as to communicate with the interior of the processing space; a processing liquid passage preventing mechanism disposed at the photosensitive material conveying path such that only the photosensitive material passes therethrough; and a processing liquid changing mechanism provided at the housing, for changing the processing liquid stored in the processing space.

Abstract: In this developing method and apparatus, a concentration measuring unit 222 picks part of developing fluid in a blending tank 186 to measure the resist concentration by an absorption photometry and feeds the detected resist concentration to a control unit 240. The control unit 240 controls respective valves 210, 212, 216 of a TMAH concentrate solution 200, a solvent pipe 204 and a drain pipe 208 in a manner that the developing fluid in the blending tank 186 has a TMAH concentration corresponding to a measured resist-concentration value to accomplish a constant developing rate, performing component control of the developing fluid. The developing fluid transferred from the blending tank 186 to a supply tank 188 is fed to a developer nozzle DN in a developing section 126 through a developer pipe 224 owing to the drive of a pump 228. Accordingly, even if the developing fluid is reused in the developing process in multiple times, it is possible to make sure of the uniformity in development.

Abstract: A method of enabling reuse of photographic processing waste solutions with ease at low cost without discharging effluents in a substantial sense, and a photographic processing agent regenerated by such a method are provided, which is a method of reusing a photographic processing waste solution, in which a solidified matter is prepared from the photographic processing waste solution by a dry-solidification according to a thin film concentration method without removing ingredients accumulated during a processing, the solidified matter is formed into granules, and the granules is reused as a solid photographic processing agent: and a regenerated processing agent prepared by the aforesaid method.

Abstract: A photographic processing system, which contains: solidifying a photographic processing waste solution, to give a solidified matter thereof; and reusing part of the solidified matter as a solid processing agent.

Abstract: A developer liquid regenerating system is provided with a storage tank storing a TAAH (such as TMAH)- and photoresist-containing developer waste liquid, first separating means with NF membrane, connected to the waste liquid storage tank through conduits, a storage tank connected to the first separating means through a conduit, and second separating means with NF membrane, connected to the storage tank through conduits. The developer liquid regenerating system is also connected to a developing apparatus through a conduit connected to the storage tank, and to a developer liquid control/supply apparatus through a conduit connected to the storage tank.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the refreshment and reuse of loaded developers used in lithographic printing are disclosed. The pH of an aqueous, essentially silicate-free loaded developer is reduced to below about 11. Insoluble material is separated, and the pH increased to about 12.0 to 14.0 to produce a refreshed developer. The refreshed developer may be used to develop additional exposed printing plate precursors.

Abstract: A method of enabling reuse of photographic processing waste solutions with ease at low cost without discharging effluents in a substantial sense, and a photographic processing agent regenerated by such a method are provided, which is a method of reusing a photographic processing waste solution, in which a solidified matter is prepared from the photographic processing waste solution by a dry-solidification according to a thin film concentration method without removing ingredients accumulated during a processing, the solidified matter is formed into granules, and the granules is reused as a solid photographic processing agent: and a regenerated processing agent prepared by the aforesaid method.

Abstract: This invention describes photopolymer printing plate developing solvents comprising diisopropylbenzene, alone or in combination with one or more co-solvents. Compared with solvents of the prior art, the developing solvents of the present invention have lower toxicity, higher flash points, a milder and more pleasant odor, increased resistance to thermal decomposition, higher solvency, faster dry time, and pose reduced threat to the environment. The solvents of the present invention can exhibit azeotropic-like properties resulting in improved recycling characteristics and reduced drying times. Also, the solvents of the present invention exhibit a degree of selective solvency towards non-crosslinked photopolymers vs. crosslinked photopolymers that is not seen in solvents of the prior art.

Abstract: A method for the refreshment and reuse of loaded developers used in lithographic printing is disclosed. A polyoxyalkylene derivative is added to a silicate-containing loaded developer. Insoluble material is separated and the alkalinity level of the resulting essentially colorless liquid adjusted to produce a refreshed developer. The refreshed developer may be used to develop additional exposed imageable elements.

Abstract: In this developing method and apparatus, a concentration measuring unit 222 picks part of developing fluid in a blending tank 186 to measure the resist concentration by an absorption photometry and feeds the detected resist concentration to a control unit 240. The control unit 240 controls respective valves 210, 212, 216 of a TMAH concentrate solution 200, a solvent pipe 204 and a drain pipe 208 in a manner that the developing fluid in the blending tank 186 has a TMAH concentration corresponding to a measured resist-concentration value to accomplish a constant developing rate, performing component control of the developing fluid. The developing fluid transferred from the blending tank 186 to a supply tank 188 is fed to a developer nozzle DN in a developing section 126 through a developer pipe 224 owing to the drive of a pump 228. Accordingly, even if the developing fluid is reused in the developing process in multiple times, it is possible to make sure of the uniformity in development.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of reclaiming and recycling the polymer-contaminated solvent that was used in the developing process for the preparation of relief plates crosslinked by photopolymerization. The solvent of the present system contains alkyl esters, alone or in combination with co-solvents and/or non-solvents, as washout solvents for the unpolymerized material in the printing plates to develop a relief image and a method for developing printing plates. The process comprises transferring the contaminated solvent, from a plate processor or a dirty holding tank, to a centrifuge, and centrifuging the contaminated solvent to remove the polymer. The reclaimed solvent can be transfer directly back to the plate processor or to a clean holding tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low-water-consumption method for processing an exposed color reversal photographic film. This method comprises the circulation of this exposed film in: i) a black and white development bath, ii) a first washing bath, iii) a reversal bath comprising at least a buffer agent liable to pass through a nanofiltration membrane and, in addition, the collection of waters leaving the said reversal bath, the circulation of these waters through a nanofiltration device to produce a permeate that is recycled in the said first washing bath, a water volume at least equivalent to that supplied by the said permeate being rejected via the overflow and the said buffer agent being chosen so as to keep the pH in the first washing bath between 5 and 7.

Abstract: A method and system of TMAH concentration adjustment. Absorption values A1, Y1 to Ym of a recycled developer solution at wavelength 210 nm and m wavelengths between 220 nm and 250 nm are measured respectively, wherein m is equal to or greater than 2. Y1 to Ym are input to an nth-degree polynomial to generate a wavelength-absorption relationship Y=C1Xn+ . . . +Cn−1X+Cn, wherein X is wavelength, n is a positive integer and C1 to Cn are coefficients of the relationship. Wavelength 210 nm is input into the wavelength-absorption relationship to generate an absorption value Y210. A difference A3 between the A1 and Y210 is calculated as the absorption value of TMAH in the developer solution and A3 is then input to an absorption calibration curve of TMAH at 210 nm to generate a corresponding TMAH concentration. TMAH is then added to provide the corresponding TMAH concentration.

Abstract: An image forming method including a step of imagewise exposing a silver halide color photographic photosensitive material having, on a support, photographic constituent layers including at least one blue sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, at least one green sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, at least one red sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, and at least one non-photosensitive hydrophilic colloid layer, a color developing step, a bleach-fixing step and a rinsing step. At least one of the at least one red sensitive silver halide emulsion layer contains at least one compound represented by the following general formula (IA) and/or at least one coupler represented by the following general formulae (PTA-I) and (PTA-II).

Abstract: Disclosed are a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material comprising silver halide containing a metal complex having a cyanide ligand in a silver halide emulsion layer and comprising a hydrazine compound having an onium group in the molecule, and a method of developing the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material with a developer having a pH of 9.0-11.0. The silver halide photographic light-sensitive material of the present invention can provide high sensitivity, high processing stability and high contrast images.

Abstract: A method for forming images on a silver halide color photographic photosensitive material having a substrate and photographic structural layers thereon, including, at least three silver halide color photosensitive layers having different photosensitive regions, respectively, and at least one non-photosensitive hydrophilic colloid layer is disclosed. At least one of the photosensitive layers contains 90 mol % or more of silver chloride. Shortly after the silver halide color photographic photosensitive material has been scan-exposed with laser beams, the material is rapid-processed with a low replenishing amount.

Abstract: A photographic processing composition, containing at least one compound of formula (I) or (II):

Abstract: This relates to a method of rendering a used photographic processing solution less corrosive to low carbon steel comprising:

Abstract: A color developer concentrate composition is disclosed, comprising a color developing agent, a sulfite and a compound represented by formula (1), the color developing agent concentration 0.02 to 0.

Abstract: The present invention is a liquid processing composition for a color development of a silver halide color photographic material, which comprises: at least one specific compound; at least one glycol selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol and triethylene glycol; and at least one polyethylene glycol having a number average molecular weight of from 1,000 to 2,000, and a development processing method using the same.

Abstract: A color developer solution capable of inhibiting precipitation or tar-staining occurring in the processing tank or the roller rack, even when being processed rapidly or at low replenishing rate and a concentrated composition thereof is disclosed, comprising at least one selected from specified N-disubstituted hydroxylamine derivatives and at least one selected from specified N-monosubstituted hydroxylamine derivatives in a molar ratio falling within the range of 1000:1 to 1:1.

Abstract: A replenisher composition developing exposed radiation-sensitive printing plate precursors for plate/developer systems in which the electrical conductivity of the developer does not decrease to the same extend as the activity of the developer decreases or even increases is disclosed. A method for developing exposed radiation-sensitive printing plates using the replenisher composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for developing exposed lithographic printing plate precursors using a developer and replenisher is disclosed. The replenisher contains a higher concentration of a coating attack-suppressing agent than the developer, so that the aggressiveness of the developer remains substantially constant during the developer loading cycle.

Abstract: A replenisher composition developing exposed radiation-sensitive printing plate precursors for plate/developer systems in which the electrical conductivity of the developer does not decrease to the same extend as the activity of the developer decreases or even increases is disclosed. A method for developing exposed radiation-sensitive printing plates using the replenisher composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A photographic aqueous processing solution containing at least one solid compound that has a maximum solubility therein corresponding to a desired operating level, which solution is kept in equilibrium with the solid form of the compound, thus maintaining its concentration at the desired level without the need for a replenishing system.

Abstract: A method for developing exposed lithographic printing plate precursors using a developer and replenisher is disclosed. The replenisher contains a higher concentration of a coating attack-suppressing agent than the developer, so that the aggressiveness of the developer remains substantially constant during the developer loading cycle.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic material comrises a support having first and second opposing surfaces, at least one light-sensitive emulsion layer that is provided on the first surface side, and a hydrophilic colloid layer that is provided on the second surface side, wherein the hydrophilic colloid layer comprises at least one compound represented by general formula (I) or general formula (II) below: 1

Abstract: A developing method for a photosensitive resin printing plate which can reduce the cost for treating waste liquid by using an aqueous developing liquid not containing surfactant and recycling and reusing the developing liquid. A photosensitive resin printing plate which is hardened in a prescribed pattern by exposure is developed by spraying an aqueous developing liquid comprising either water only or two phases of gas and liquid to a surface of printing plate under a high pressure (water pressure 1 to 30 MPa, gas pressure not lower than 0.1 MPa), a hygroscopic photosensitive resin mixed in a worn-out developing liquid is separated and removed by means of filter or the like, and filtrate is recycled and reused as a developing liquid.

Abstract: A tetraalkylammonium hydroxide (TAAH) solution recovered from a development waste through separation therefrom of impurities such as photoresist is mixed with a surface-active substance to have the surface tension thereof adjusted to a desired one, and then reused as a rejuvenated developer. Thus, the surface-active effect (wetting properties) of the rejuvenated developer recovered from the development waste is properly adjusted and controlled, whereby fine photoresist patterns can be stably and effectively developed. Usable surface-active substances include surfactants, and dissolved photoresist contained in the development waste or a photoresist-containing solution such as a photoresist-containing treated solution derived therefrom.

Abstract: A method of processing a silver halide photographic material is disclosed, comprising on a support a light sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, wherein the light-sensitive layer contains a spectral-sensitizing dye represented by formula (1-a); a developer solution contains a developing agent represented by formula (A); and the replenishing rate of a processing solution is determined based on the proportion of an exposed area per unit area of the photographic material to perform replenishment.

Abstract: A processing method of a silver halide light sensitive photographic material by the use of an automatic processor is disclosed, in which a developing solution contains a developing agent represented by the formula described below and a developer replenishing solution having activity lower than that of a developing solution used at the time of starting processing is replenished within a predetermined amount to be replenished per unit time, and when the replenished amount of the developer replenishing solution has exceeded the predetermined amount to be replenished per unit time, a developer replenishing solution having higher activity is replenished.

Abstract: A silver halide color photosensitive material comprising each at least one blue-, green-, and red-sensitive emulsion layer on a support.

Abstract: A method for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material which comprises a support, a silver halide emulsion layer provided on the support and a hydrophilic colloid layer adjacent to the silver halide emulsion layer, comprising a step of developing the photographic light-sensitive material with a developing solution containing an ascorbic acid compound as a developing agent, wherein the photographic material contains an amine compound in at least one of the silver halide emulsion layer and the hydrophilic colloid layer and an nucleating agent within a range of 0 to 20 mg per 1 m2 of the photographic light-sensitive material, and wherein the amine compound has a distribution coefficient (log P) of 1 or more in a n-octanol/water system.

Abstract: A method for separating metal ions absorbed on a resin includes: suspending or percolating a cationic exchange resin charged with a polar solvent containing an eluting agent or a mixture of eluting agents containing at least an organic or mineral ligand complexing the metal ions to be separated; circulating a direct electric current, whether constant or not, in the charged eluting solution forming an electrolyte so as to recuperate at least a metal by deposition; and finally optionally repeating the last step by setting up one or several cathode(s) made of another metal and by re-adjusting the cathode potential and the anode/cathode potential difference to new values, depending on the new type of metal to be recuperated. An installation for treating/recycling photographic bath waste includes an exchanger connected to a tank for waste bath to be treated, to a treated waste bath tank, to a regenerating solution tank and to an electrolysis vessel.

Abstract: A method for processing a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material is disclosed, comprising processing a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material A for photographing containing a high silver bromide emulsion having a silver bromide content of from 50 to 100 mol % and a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material B for photographing containing a high silver chloride emulsion having a silver chloride content of from 50 to 100 mol % with a common color developer, wherein both the replenishing amount and the concentration of the replenisher for the color developer are changed according to the processed amount of said two types of light-sensitive materials.

Abstract: A silver halide color photographic lightsensitive material comprises a support and a silver halide emulsion layer.

Abstract: A method for processing a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material is disclosed, comprising processing a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material A for photographing containing a high silver bromide emulsion having a silver bromide content of from 50 to 100 mol % and a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material B for photographing containing a high silver chloride emulsion having a silver chloride content of from 50 to 100 mol % with a common color developer, wherein both the replenishing amount and the concentration of the replenisher for the color developer are changed according to the processed amount of said two types of light-sensitive materials.

Abstract: A method to improve the functioning of a membrane of a nanofiltration device provided to filter a solution optimizes the retention rate of the membrane. In the method, the permeate and the retentate are circulated through the nanofiltration membrane for a time before starting to use the membrane. The method is applicable to the treatment of photographic baths.