Abstract: Processing with adding either of the following compounds (a), (b) and (c) to a bleaching and fixing processing solution is performed. (a) at least one selected from a group having a structure represented by a general formula [I] as described below; (b) at least one of an aminopyridine-type compound with acid dissociation constant (pKa) thereof is in the range of 5.5 to 8.5; (c) at least one of a polyethyleneimines having a structure represented by the following general formula [II].

Abstract: The invention is directed to a solution feeding apparatus and a solution feeding method that are capable of feeding solution from a container until the container is completely empty while maintaining a precise feeding rate to the end of the feeding process. The solution feeding apparatus may include a solution-feeding pump connected 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 is provided with a gas-liquid separation tank and a gas detection sensor. The gas-liquid separation tank serves to separate gas from solution and may be disposed in the portion of the apparatus between the container and the pump. The gas detection sensor may be disposed in the gas-liquid separation tank and serves to detect gas that has entered the solution channel.

Abstract: A solution supplying device is disclosed, that comprises a gas-solution separation tank for stocking an undiluted process solution supplied from a package that packs the undiluted process solution, a solution supplying pump for supplying the undiluted process solution stocked in the gas-solution separation tank to a processing tank, and an overpressure release valve for varying the inner pressure of the gas-solution separation tank. With the overpressure release valve, the solution supplying device can use a small solution supplying pump. Thus, a device such as an automatic developing device that performs a solution process can be compactly structured.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for feeding solution from a container with high accuracy. An embodiment of the apparatus is provided as a container hermetically containing a solution is made of a high polymer that permits the container to change its shape in accordance with the amount of its content. The container is removably connected to a tube for forming an isolated conduit extending from the container via a pump to the destination to which the solution is fed. The isolated conduit is provided with a gas-liquid separation tank for separating gas from the solution and a gas trap section communicating with the gas-liquid separation tank. The gas-liquid separation tank and the gas trap section are located between the container and the pump, and the gas trap section has a variable volume. Further, a desired number of isolated conduits may extend via respective pumps to the destination to which the solution is fed.