Abstract: A method and device for periodically perturbing the flow field within a microfluidic device to provide regular droplet formation at high speed.

Abstract: A method and device for passively periodically perturbing the flow field within a microfluidic device to cause regular droplet formation at high speed.

Abstract: A method and device for passively periodically perturbing the flow field within a microfluidic device to cause regular droplet formation at high speed.

Abstract: A method and device for periodically perturbing the flow field within a microfluidic device to provide regular droplet formation at high speed.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprises an anode having a film of semi conductive particles deposited and sintered on a substrate, an electrolyte and a cathode. The electrolyte includes light scattering particles.

Abstract: A method of laying down one or more layers of material to reduce electrolytic reaction whilst allowing electron transfer between a conductive substrate and a light collecting charge separating layer, the layer being deposited between the conductive substrate and the light collecting charge separating layer and/or over the light collecting charge separating layer, the layer being deposited by atmospheric pressure atomic layer deposition.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprises an anode having a film of semi conductive particles deposited on a substrate, an electrolyte and a cathode. The anode comprises a single porous layer formed of a combination of two particle sizes of a metal oxide.

Abstract: A method of reducing dye fade of a printed inkjet image comprises the step of depositing a layer of Al2O3 over the image. Also contemplated is an inkjet printer that contains a depositable source of Al2O3.

Abstract: A method of processing photographic material includes the steps of processing the photographic material in a processing solution, monitoring the concentration of a process-retarding by-product of the processing in the processing solution during operation of the method, reducing the concentration of the by-product in the processing solution by a first method and as the by-product concentration in the processing solution exceeds a predetermined level, activating simultaneous operation of a second method for a period of time to thereby ensure that the photographic material is always adequately processed. The invention enables rapid processing of film whilst maintaining low replenishment rates and low fixer solution temperature such that inadequately fixed film is avoided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for calculating the fractional exposure of black and white photographic material, the developed material being processed in a processing system having a fixing stage and an in-line silver recovery unit associated with the fixing stage, comprising the steps of determining the mass of silver recovered by the in-line silver recovery unit during a period of operation of the method, calculating a first estimate for the fractional exposure of the photographic material in dependence on the determined mass of silver and, using said first estimate as an input to an iterative process, to calculate a subsequent estimate for the fractional exposure (&thgr;) of the photographic material. The invention provides a simple and accurate method and system for calculating the fractional exposure of photographic material without requiring the use of a silver sensor.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for calculating the fractional exposure of black and white photographic material, the developed material being processed in a processing system having a fixing stage and an in-line silver recovery unit associated with the fixing stage, comprising the steps of determining the mass of silver recovered by the in-line silver recovery unit during a period of operation of the method, calculating a first estimate for the fractional exposure of the photographic material in dependence on the determined mass of silver and, using said first estimate as an input to an iterative process, to calculate a subsequent estimate for the fractional exposure (&thgr;) of the photographic material. The invention provides a simple and accurate method and system for calculating the fractional exposure of photographic material without requiring the use of a silver sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the recovery of a metal, such as silver, from a solution flowing through an electrolytic cell. A constant current is applied between the anode and cathode of the cell and the rate of change of the voltage monitored, the information obtained from the monitored change of voltage being used to control the rate of recovery of the metal.

Abstract: A method of processing photographic material includes the steps of processing the photographic material in a processing solution, monitoring the concentration of a process-retarding by-product of the processing in the processing solution during operation of the method, reducing the concentration of the by-product in the processing solution by a first method and as the by-product concentration in the processing solution exceeds a predetermined level, activating simultaneous operation of a second method for a period of time to thereby ensure that the photographic material is always adequately processed. The invention enables rapid processing of film whilst maintaining low replenishment rates and low fixer solution temperature such that inadequately fixed film is avoided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the recovery of a metal, such as silver, from a solution flowing through an electrolytic cell. A constant current is applied between the anode and cathode of the cell and the rate of change of the voltage monitored, the information obtained from the monitored change of voltage being used to control the rate of recovery of the metal.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the recovery of silver from a photographic fixer solution is of generally cylindrical configuration. The cell has a screw-on lid that carries the disposable cathode of the cell. Inlet and outlet for the solution are at the bottom of the cell. The anode is tubular and extends upwardly from the outlet at the base of the cell towards the lid. The cathode is easily replaced, together with the lid, and flow through and the dimensions of the cell are arranged to avoid entrapment of gas therein.

Abstract: Recovery of silver from a photographic fixer solution in an electrolytic cell is controlled so as to maintain a high current efficiency whilst minimizing unwanted side effects. The difference between plating voltages when operating at two different current levels is monitored, and the plating current adjusted in response to detection of a maximum of said differences. Such control allows the cell to be operated continually at high current efficiency in response to changing chemical conditions within the cell.

Abstract: Recovery of silver from a photographic fixer solution in an electrolytic cell is controlled so as to maintain a high current efficiency whilst minimizing unwanted side effects. The rate of change of plating voltage at constant current through the cell is monitored, and in response to detection of a maximum value thereof the current is reduced to a new constant level. Such control allows the cell to be operated continually at high current efficiency in response to changing chemical conditions within the cell.