Abstract: A method is described of developing a photographic silver halide element containing developable silver halide by means of a silver halide developing composition, comprising as development activator a derivative of a polyethylene glycol or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 monoalkyl ether thereof corresponding to the formula:R.sub.1 O(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n X--A--Y--R.sub.2whereinR.sub.1 is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl or the group X--A--Y--R.sub.2n is an integer of at least 4X is CO, SO.sub.2, CONH or, when R.sub.1 is X--A--Y--R.sub.2 may be a chemical monovalent bond,A is alkylene or arylene,Y is a sulphur or selenium atom, andR.sub.2 is an alkyl group.

Abstract: Polyoxyethylene compounds carrying thioether groups as substituents on the linear chain are described for accelerating or activating development of exposed silver halide elements.

Abstract: An apparatus of small dimensions may be used to operate the water contained in the processing baths of automatic processing machines. The solid residue may be collected and sent to silver recovery plants, whereas the evaporated water serves to heat the drying station of the processing machine whereinafter it may be fed to the washing station. In so doing, a considerable amount of wash water is recovered and no chemical compounds are discharged to the sewer through which pollution of surface waters is practically eliminated.

Abstract: A process of producing a planographic printing plate by forming a diffusion transfer image on an aluminium sheet or foil or on a supported aluminium layer serving as image receiving material wherein the diffusion transfer of silver complexes from an image-wise exposed light-sensitive silver halide material onto said image receiving material is brought about with an alkaline aqueous processing liquid containing at least one compound being within the scope of the following formula:MOOC--X--COOMwherein X is either: --CH=CH--, ##SPC1##and M is an alkali metal.