Abstract: A method for reforming the surface of a photographic emulsion layer. In the method, the surface of the emulsion layer is dried to at least sensible dryness. Water is then deposited onto the surface of the emulsion layer. The depositing is substantially uniform and in an amount that is less than about 0.80 grams of water per square foot of emulsion layer.

Abstract: A method for processing a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material comprising a color developing process is disclosed. The color developing process comprisesthe first step of supplying one of a first color developing partial solution containing a color developing agent as a principal component and a second color developing partial solution containing an alkaline agent as a principal component, substantially only to an image-forming surface of the light-sensitive material,the second step of supplying one of the first partial solution and the second partial solution other than that supplied at the first step or a color developing solution containing a color developing agent and an alkaline agent, to the image-forming surface of the light-sensitive material at the same time or just after the first step.

Abstract: An electrostatic recorder or copier that includes a vise which provides a variable clamping force to a recording medium, thereby capable of squeezing it between an applicator and a backplate. The vise is an expandable bladder expanding and retracting in response to fluid pressure. In this manner, movement of the recording medium may be prevented while purging toner from the applicator. A cross member is provided that is spaced apart from the applicator and the bladder is attached to it. The bladder includes a metal surface, which faces the applicator, capable of conforming to the profile, or irregularities, of the toning surface. The metal surface may be connected as an electrically grounded electrode and may include a single sheet of thin metal or a plurality of segmented metal sheets or plates.

Abstract: An image forming solution applicator which is formed of a flexible, porous material, and which can absorb and hold an image forming solution supplied from an external portion, and from which absorbed and held image forming solution flows out due to the applicator contacting an image recording material, and which applies the image forming solution to the image recording material by moving while contacting the image recording material. An average porosity of a portion of the applicator to which the image forming solution is supplied is greater than an average porosity of a portion of the applicator which contacts the image recording material. Accordingly, supplied image forming solution smoothly penetrates into the applicator, and is quickly absorbed and stably retained by the applicator.

Abstract: A developing apparatus comprising a spin chuck for rotating a wafer while keeping the wafer substantially horizontal with a resist-coated surface up, a nozzle for supplying developer, from above and obliquely, to the resist-coated surface of the wafer on the sign chuck, a source for supplying the developer to the nozzle, a cup arranged enclosing a peripheral portion of the wafer on the spin chuck and having a drain passage through which the developer supplied to the wafer is drained, and a belt drive mechanism for moving the nozzle in a horizontal plane to discharge the developer to the wafer in such a direction that follows the wafer rotating.

Abstract: A device for applying a solvent for forming an image includes: a spray tank in which a solvent for forming an image is filled; a nozzle which is disposed at the spray tank and at which a plurality of nozzle holes which spray the solvent for forming an image are arranged so as to be aligned linearly at fixed intervals along a direction intersecting a conveying direction of an image recording material; and an actuator which displaces the nozzle toward the image recording material on a conveying path. Because the plurality of nozzle holes are arranged so as to be aligned linearly at fixed intervals, there is no dispersion in positions at which droplets of the solvent for forming an image land on an application surface. Accordingly, uniformity on the application surface of the solvent for forming an image is not impeded due to such dispersion.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for processing a photographic sheet (9) which comprises at least one station (4) with inlet and outlet pressure roller pairs (42 to 45) for transporting the sheet, spray means (22) for spraying processing liquid (21) onto at least one surface of the sheet, characterised in that the station (4) comprises sealing means for maintaining a liquid seal (58, 59) between at least one roller of at least one roller pair and an adjacent wall of the washing station. Also provided is an apparatus for making an offset printing plate according to the silver salt diffusion transfer process, using the described station (4) as washing station. Also provided is a method for making an offset printing plate using the above described apparatus for processing an imaging element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an offset printing plate according to the silver salt diffusion transfer process comprises the step of washing the imaging element by applying a curtain of an aqueous medium onto the surface of the element at its silver halide emulsion layer side, across the width of the element, substantially transverse to its processing direction, and in countercurrent to the processing direction of the element.