Abstract: A system and a method are provided for automatically loading and unloading pallets holding a workpiece for machining of the workpiece within a machining area. The pallets are loaded into the machining area by transfer of a pallet from the staging area to a machining area. Rails which maintain the pallets within each area are aligned. An arm having pins at each end engages passageways associated with the pallets and the machining area, respectively. As a result, the pallet may be transferred from the staging area to the machining area and back as the arm translates within the passageways.

Abstract: Silver sulfide is reversed in a process for regenerating a dissolved silver-containing spent bleach fixer solution. The process is particularly suited for treating the bleach fixer solution in a manner which enables recycling of the solution giving rise to considerable reduction in cost of bleach fixer solution and reduced environmental pollution. The process comprises introducing a hydrosulfide reagent into the bleach fixer solution, which contains silver, to precipitate silver sulfide while maintaining pH and thiosulfate levels in the bleach fixer to allow for reuse. The precipitate is isolated from the bleach fixer solution to remove silver thereby and hence enable recycling of the bleach fixer solution. It is preferred to adjust the pH and sulfite levels following silver removal to complete the regeneration process.