Abstract: Compositions and methods of making photographic one-part bleach-fix liquid concentrates, packaged in a single unit, wherein the bleaching agent is a polyvalent metal oxidizing agent are described. A thiocyanate salt is added in an amount sufficient to provide one-part bleach-fix liquid concentrates that are homogeneous, remain free of crystallized precipitates for extended periods of time, and that retain effective oxidizing potential during extended periods of storage. Alternatively, the present invention provides for compositions and methods of making stable bleach-fix liquid concentrates, suitable for dilution to working strength solutions, using a polyvalent metal oxidizing bleaching agent, at least one fixing agent, and a source of phosphate ions. Precipitation, which occurs when an iron (III) bleaching agent is reduced by components of the concentrate, is prevented by the addition of thiocyanate and/or phosphate ions.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of making one-part bleach-fix liquid concentrates, packaged in a single unit, wherein the bleaching agent is a polyvalent metal oxidizing agent that is protected from reduction for an extended period of time by incorporating a thiocyanate salt as at least one fixing agent. The thiocyanate salt in added in an amount sufficient to provide one-part bleach-fix liquid concentrates that are homogeneous, essentially free of crystallized components and which retain effective oxidizing potential during extended storage.

Abstract: Improved one-part concentrated color developing replenishers and methods of preparation thereof comprising a photographically inert single ring heterocyclic amide. The replenisher concentrates are packaged in a single unit which upon dilution provides ready-to-use replenishing solutions for photographic materials. The concentrated replenishers are characterized by a one-part multi-phase concentrate wherein developing agents are retained in an upper phase and protected from deterioration which normally occurs in the highly alkaline lower phase.

Abstract: Improved concentrated photographic developing slurries having new and desirable characteristics prepared with conventional photographic processing agents eliminate solidification of sedimentation crystals during shipping, storage or extreme temperatures and provide readily solubilized concentrates which upon dilution form working strength photographic developing solutions. The concentrated developing slurries prepared according to these methods are characterized by two phases including an opaque precipitation phase having with a sedimentation comprising inorganic antioxidant agents and a clear phase comprising developing agents dissolved therein.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for recovering metallic silver from solutions containing silver ions by reducing silver ions and oxidizing an element in the electromotive series above silver, such as iron. The apparatus provides plug flow of solution into the reaction media and thereby eliminates the principal cause of channelling and premature failure of the media. A distribution chamber distributes solution uniformly to a porous pad of tangled threads or fibers ahead of the media. This ensures a planar flow front of solution as it enters and passes through the media. In a preferred embodiment, the pad is resilient and is supported by a highly open grating. By eliminating the flow and pressure imbalances or gradients at the entry to the media which are inherent in previous apparatus designs, the invention prevents or greatly retards the onset of channelling or plugging of the media.