Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning liquid for a water-based ink that contains a pigment and a water-insoluble polymer, said cleaning liquid containing (A) a surfactant, (B) a water-soluble organic solvent containing (b-1) diethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, and water, in which the surfactant (A) contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of (a-1) an acetylene glycol or an ethyleneoxide adduct of the acetylene glycol, and (a-2) a polyethylene glycol alkyl ether containing an alkyl group having not less than 8 carbon atoms or a polyethylene glycol aryl ether containing an aryl group having not less than 6 carbon atoms, and a content of the water-soluble organic solvent (B) in the cleaning liquid is from 5 to 30% by mass; and a method of cleaning a water-based ink using the cleaning liquid.

Abstract: An article includes a substrate, a sol-gel conversion coating on at least a portion of the substrate, and a treatment layer on at least a portion of the sol-gel conversion coating. The treatment layer includes an amino alcohol. A method of manufacturing the article includes applying a partially cured sol-gel composition to at least a portion of a substrate, at least partially drying the partially cured sol-gel composition to form the sol-gel conversion coating, applying a solution including an amino alcohol to at least a portion of the sol-gel conversion coating, and at least partially drying the solution including the amino alcohol.

Abstract: There are provided a processing liquid for suppressing pattern collapse of a microstructure formed of polysilicon which includes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of pyridinium halides containing an alkyl group having 12, 14 or 16 carbon atoms, and water; and a method for producing a microstructure using the processing liquid.

Abstract: Provided is a method of forming a pattern, including (a) forming a chemically amplified resist composition into a film, (b) exposing the film to light, (c) developing the exposed film with a developer containing an organic solvent, and (d) rinsing the developed film with a rinse liquid containing an organic solvent, which rinse liquid has a specific gravity larger than that of the developer.

Abstract: An embodiment of the method of forming a pattern, comprises (a) forming a chemically amplified resist composition into a film, (b) exposing the film to light, and (c) processing the exposed film with an organic processing liquid, wherein the processing liquid contains an organic solvent whose normal boiling point is 175° C. or higher, the organic solvent being contained in the processing liquid in a content of less than 30 mass %.

Abstract: A solution, apparatus, and method for stripping photoresist from a workpiece are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention describe a solution comprising diluted liquid acetic acid and dissolved gaseous ozone. In an embodiment an ozonated liquid acetic acid solution is prepared by dissolving ozone in liquid DI water and then mixing with liquid acetic acid. In another embodiment an ozonated liquid acetic acid solution is prepared by mixing liquid DI water and liquid acetic acid and then dissolving ozone. The ozonated liquid acetic acid solution is used to strip a layer of photoresist from a workpiece with improved performance.

Abstract: Resist stripping agents useful for fabricating circuits and/or forming electrodes on semiconductor devices for semiconductor integrated circuits and/or liquid crystals with reduced metal and metal alloy etch rates (particularly copper etch rates and TiW etch rates), are provided with methods for their use. The preferred stripping agents contain low concentrations of resorcinol or a resorcinol derivative, with or without an added copper salt, and with or without an added amine to improve solubility of the copper salt. Further provided are integrated circuit devices and electronic interconnect structures prepared according to these methods.

Abstract: A rinsing process is performed by supplying a rinsing liquid onto a substrate with a light-exposed pattern formed thereon and treated by a developing process. The rinsing liquid contains a polyethylene glycol family surfactant or an acetylene glycol family surfactant in a critical micelle concentration or less. Preferably, the surfactant includes a hydrophobic group having a carbon number of larger than 11 and having no double bond or triple bond therein.

Abstract: A rinse-processing composition of the present invention comprises a compound represented by R—(OC2H4)n—OH, wherein R is an alkyl group containing 8 to 13 carbon atoms and n is an integer of 10 to 30, but comprises neither aldehyde compounds nor hexamethylenetetramine derivatives, and a processing method and a processing apparatus of the present invention uses such a rinse-processing composition.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic photosensitive material, containing at least one residual-color-reducing agent having at least one aromatic ring or aromatic heterocycle in its molecule; a processing method thereof; and an image-forming method.

Abstract: A method for forming images on a silver halide color photographic photosensitive material having a substrate and photographic structural layers thereon, including, at least three silver halide color photosensitive layers having different photosensitive regions, respectively, and at least one non-photosensitive hydrophilic colloid layer is disclosed. At least one of the photosensitive layers contains 90 mol % or more of silver chloride. Shortly after the silver halide color photographic photosensitive material has been scan-exposed with laser beams, the material is rapid-processed with a low replenishing amount.

Abstract: Processing with adding either of the following compounds (a), (b) and (c) to a bleaching and fixing processing solution is performed. (a) at least one selected from a group having a structure represented by a general formula [I] as described below; (b) at least one of an aminopyridine-type compound with acid dissociation constant (pKa) thereof is in the range of 5.5 to 8.5; (c) at least one of a polyethyleneimines having a structure represented by the following general formula [II].

Abstract: A method for processing a silver halide color photographic material comprising subjecting the color photographic material to processing which comprises the steps of color developing, fixing, rinsing and drying after the rinsing, wherein a rinsing solution used in the rinsing step comprises at least one compound represented by the following formula (I) and is a processing solution comprising none of an aldehyde compound, an aldehyde releasing compound and a hexamethylenetetramine derivative; and in the drying step, the drying temperature is 70° C. or more, and the drying time is 70 seconds or less: R—(OC2H4)n—OH??(I) wherein R represents an alkyl group having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms, n is an integer of from 10 to 30, and n/(the carbon number of R) is from 1.2 to 4.0.

Abstract: A method for forming images on a silver halide color photographic photosensitive material having a substrate and photographic structural layers thereon, including, at least three silver halide color photosensitive layers having different photosensitive regions, respectively, and at least one non-photosensitive hydrophilic colloid layer is disclosed. At least one of the photosensitive layers contains 90 mol % or more of silver chloride. Shortly after the silver halide color photographic photosensitive material has been scan-exposed with laser beams, the material is rapid-processed with a low replenishing amount.

Abstract: A method of processing photographic color papers is carried out using a photographic bleach-fixing composition in a bleach-fixing step that is carried out for less than 60 seconds. The bleach-fixing composition comprises certain aliphatic or aromatic sulfur-containing compounds that include a —N═C(SH)— group. The bleach-fixing composition can be prepared from a two-part bleach-fixing kit having two solutions that can be added directly to a processing chamber or premixed to form a replenisher solution.

Abstract: A rinse-processing composition of the present invention comprises a compound represented by R—(OC2H4)n—OH, wherein R is an alkyl group containing 8 to 13 carbon atoms and n is an integer of 10 to 30, but comprises neither aldehyde compounds nor hexamethylenetetramine derivatives, and a processing method and a processing apparatus of the present invention uses such a rinse-processing composition.

Abstract: A method of processing photosensitive materials in which one or more chemical compounds are at least partially retained after processing. The chemical compounds are unique to a particular process used by a copyright owner. The absence of the unique compounds in a processed material thus indicates that the processing has been without the authorization of the copyright owner.

Abstract: A color image forming method is disclosed, comprising exposing a silver halide color photographic material and developing the exposed photographic material at 43 to 180° C. to form a color image, wherein when the photographic material is exposed so that the light-sensitive layer has a transmission density of a minimum density plus 0.1, the light-sensitive layer comprises dye-clouds having an average diameter of 3.0 to 20.0 &mgr;m. There is also disclosed a digital image forming process, wherein image recording information of the photographic material which was formed by use of the color image forming method is converted to digital image information through an image sensor.

Abstract: A photographic processing composition, containing at least one compound of formula (I) or (II):

Abstract: A photographic washing bath comprises a chamber containing a wash solution for a silver halide photographic material having a pH of less than 7 and comprising water having dissolved therein an oxidizing agent, said oxidizing agent having an oxidizing potential of at least 1 volt and being in a concentration of from 0.05 to 2 Molar. The oxidation potential of the oxidizing agent is preferably at least 1.2 volts and may be hydrogen peroxide or a source of hydrogen peroxide, a persulphate, a perborate, a bromate, or an iodate. A washing process using the invention is suitable for being carried out in same chamber as the development and fixing stages in which case hydrogen peroxide is the preferred oxidizing agent because any peroxide remaining at the end of the wash stage can be removed by evaporation, thereby avoiding risk of contamination of the next stage to be carried out in the chamber.

Abstract: A process for removing stain in a photographic material is described which process comprises incorporation of at least one compound of the formula (I) 1

Abstract: A thinner for rinsing photoresist including 50 to 80 wt. % of n-butyl acetate, propylene glycol alkyl ether, and propylene glycol alkyl ether acetate, is provided. The thinner is neither toxic to humans nor ecologically undesirable and has no unpleasant odor. The waste solutions thereof and associated waste water are easily handed so as to render this thinner environmental friendly. Additionally, the photoresist thinner of the present invention has excellent rinsing ability.

Abstract: A method for processing a silver halide color photographic material comprising subjecting the color photographic material to processing which comprises the steps of color developing, fixing, rinsing and drying after the rinsing, wherein a rinsing solution used in the rinsing step comprises at least one compound represented by the following formula (I) and is a processing solution comprising none of an aldehyde compound, an aldehyde releasing compound and a hexamethylenetetramine derivative; and in the drying step, the drying temperature is 70° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photographic elements having a protective overcoat that resists fingerprints, common stains, and spills. The overcoat comprises an epoxy material, an acid polymer, a water-soluble hydrophilic binder and an associative thickener. In one embodiment, a photographic element includes a support, at least one silver halide emulsion layer superposed on the support and a processing-solution-permeable overcoat overlying the silver halide emulsion layer that becomes water-resistant in the final product without requiring lamination or fusing. The present invention is also directed to a method of making a print involving developing the photographic element.

Abstract: A photographic washing bath comprises a chamber containing a wash solution for a silver halide photographic material having a pH of less than 7 and comprising water having dissolved therein an oxidizing agent, said oxidizing agent having an oxidizing potential of at least 1 volt and being in a concentration of from 0.05 to 2 Molar. The oxidation potential of the oxidizing agent is preferably at least 1.2 volts and may be hydrogen peroxide or a source of hydrogen peroxide, a persulphate, a perborate, a bromate, or an iodate. A washing process using the invention is suitable for being carried out in same chamber as the development and fixing stages in which case hydrogen peroxide is the preferred oxidizing agent because any peroxide remaining at the end of the wash stage can be removed by evaporation, thereby avoiding risk of contamination of the next stage to be carried out in the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an overcoat for a photographic element that allows for appropriate diffusion of photographic processing solutions. The overcoat comprises 10 to 50% by weight of a enzyme-degradable biopolymer and 50 to 90% by weight of hydrophobic particles (by weight of dry laydown of the entire overcoat). An enzyme is applied to the element before, during, or after conventional photoprocessing. According to one embodiment of the invention, the photographic element can be exposed and processed using normal photofinishing equipment, with no modifications, to provide an imaged element together with a protective, water-resistant layer.

Abstract: Specific aromatic compounds having an extended planar &pgr; system are useful as spectral sensitizing dye stain reducing agents in photographic processing compositions and methods for providing color or black-and-white images in various photographic silver halide materials. These compounds are devoid of diaminostilbene fragments or fused triazole nuclei. They are particularly useful in fixing and bleaching compositions in the processing of color photographic silver halide materials, but can also be used in various other processing compositions.

Abstract: A processing composition for silver halide photographic light-sensitive materials, comprises a bis[2,6-diaminotriazin-4-yl]arylenediamine derivative having at least one of a sulfonic acid group, a carboxylic group and a hydroxyl group within the molecule. This processing composition can be applied to a color developer, a bleaching agent, a fixing agent, a bleach-fixing agent and a stabilizing agent and also to a processing agent in a concentration on use, a concentrated processing agent and a solid processing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photographic elements having a protective overcoat that resists fingerprints, common stains, and spills. The overcoat comprises an epoxy material, an acid polymer, and a water-soluble hydrophilic binder. In one embodiment, a photographic element includes a support, at least one silver halide emulsion layer superposed on the support and a processing-solution-permeable overcoat overlying the silver halide emulsion layer that becomes water-resistant in the final product without requiring lamination or fusing. The present invention is also directed to a method of making a print involving developing the photographic element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imaged elements having a protective overcoat that resists fingerprints, common stains, and spills. In particular, an overcoat composition comprising water-dispersible epoxy-functional particles is coated over an imaging element, including photographic elements and recording media. In one embodiment, a photographic element includes a support, at least one silver halide emulsion layer superposed on the support and a processing-solution-permeable protective overcoat overlying the silver halide emulsion layer that, after fusing, becomes water-resistant in the final product. The present invention is also directed to a method of making a print involving developing the photographic element and subsequently fusing the overcoat.

Abstract: A method for processing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material comprising the following steps, a step for developing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material in a developing solution, a step for fixing said silver halide photographic light-sensitive material which is developed in a fixing solution containing thiosulfate salt and alminum salt, a step for washing said silver halide photographic light-sensitive material which is fixed in a washing water, wherein said fixing solution does not substantially contain a boron compound but contains at least a precipitation restraining agent and said washing water contains oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A process for the processing of an imagewise exposed photographic material which has been subjected to development and bleach-fixing comprises a plurality of sequential washing steps and where a stain reducing agent is employed wherein the photographic material is contacted with an effective amount of the stain reducing agent in the wash liquid in a first washing step and the photographic material is subjected to a following washing step to remove the stain reducing agent. The process may employ a plurality of wash tanks in which the developed material is washed sequentially and the stain reducing agent is present in the wash liquid in a first wash tank and removed from the photographic material by the wash liquid in one or more following wash tanks. The temperature of wash liquids in the tanks is preferably within the range 40 to 70° C., preferably 45 to 65° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imaging elements, including photographic elements and recording media, having a protective overcoat that resists fingerprints, common stains, and spills. More particularly, the present invention provides a processing-solution-permeable protective overcoat that is water resistant in the final processed product. The overcoat, before formation of the image, comprises hydrophobic polymeric particles in a gelatin matrix. Subsequent treatment of the overcoat, after formation of the image, to remove the gelatin, causes coalescence of the hydrophobic particles, resulting in the formation of a water-resistant continuous protective overcoat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gelatin-based aqueous-coatable overcoat for a photographic element that allows for appropriate diffusion of photographic processing solutions. The overcoat comprises 10 to 50% by weight gelatin and 50 to 90% by weight of hydrophobic particles (by weight of dry laydown of the entire overcoat) having an average diameter of 10 to 500 nm. A proteolytic enzyme is applied to the clement in reactive association with the overcoat layer. A photographic element according to one embodiment of the invention can be exposed and processed using normal photofinishing equipment, with no modifications, to provide an imaged element together with a protective, water-resistant layer.

Abstract: A conditioning solution or bleach accelerating solution can be used to process color photographic films, especially color reversal films, to minimize magenta dye fade. This solution contains an antimicrobial composition that consists essentially of a polyaminocarboxylic acid or salt thereof as the sole antimicrobial agent. This agent is present in an amount of less than about 3 g/l.

Abstract: Color photographic films are processed using a final dye image stabilizing solution containing certain aromatic or heterocyclic aldehydes, acetals or hemiacetals, and a mixture of specific surfactants. One surfactant is a nonionic polyethoxylated, nonfluorinated compound, or an anionic non-fluorinated sulfate or sulfonate, and the second surfactant is a nonionic or anionic fluorinated compound. This processing solution provides processed films, with or without a magnetic backing layer, that are free of scum or other residues, non-tacky, and resistant to abrasion and fingerprinting. The stabilizing solution can be provided in concentrated form, particularly when a glycol is included.

Abstract: A final rinsing solution designed for the photographic processing of silver halide photographic products that comprises an anionic surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant the solution had a static surface tension less than or equal to 32 mN/m and a dynamic surface tension less than 50 mN/m. The solution is used in a method for processing silver halide photographic products such as color reversal products.

Abstract: A method for processing a silver halide photographic material comprises the steps of developing, fixing and washing the photographic material. The fixing step is carried out using a fixing solution comprising thiosulfate ions, and the washing step is carried out by washing the material with an aqueous solution containing an oxidizing agent capable of reacting with thiosulfate. The oxidizing agent is present in an amount sufficient to precipitate any silver in the solution.

Abstract: Color photographic films are processed using a final dye image stabilizing solution containing certain aromatic or heterocyclic aldehydes, acetals or hemiacetals, and a mixture of specific surfactants. One surfactant is a nonionic polyethoxylated, nonfluorinated compound, or an anionic non-fluorinated sulfate or sulfonate, and the second surfactant is a nonionic or anionic fluorinated compound. This processing solution provides processed films, with or without a magnetic backing layer, that are free of scum or other residues, non-tacky, and resistant to abrasion and fingerprinting. The stabilizing solution can be provided in concentrated form, particularly when a glycol is included. The color films can be more rapidly processed, for example, within 60 seconds for the stabilizing step.

Abstract: Color photographic materials are processed using a final rinse solution containing a water-soluble or water-dispersible glycol, and a mixture of specific surfactants. One surfactant is a nonionic polyethoxylated, nonfluorinated compound, or an anionic non-fluorinated sulfate or sulfonate, and the second surfactant is a nonionic or anionic fluorinated compound. This solution provides processed materials, with or without a magnetic backing layer, that are free of scum or other residues, non-tacky, and resistant to abrasion and fingerprinting. The final rinse solution can be provided in concentrated form, particularly because the glycol is included.

Abstract: A method for improving light fastness of an image, which comprises releasing or forming an image forming dye or a precursor thereof corresponding or counter-corresponding to silver development and allowing an image formed by transferring said image forming dye or precursor thereof to coexist with a compound represented by general formula (I) in an image forming material ##STR1## The symbols in formula (I) are defined in the description. Also disclosed is an image forming material for use in the method.

Abstract: Archival photographic silver images are obtained by the finishing bath's containing 10 to 60 mg of metal ions/liter of metals, the electrode potential of which in the electrochemical series is more positive than that of silver.

Abstract: A color photographic silver halide material is processed effectively without formation of rust after the bleaching step. Bleaching is accomplished using an iron chelate of a biodegradable aminopolycarboxylic acid chelating ligand that has a tendency to form "rust" or ferrous hydroxide in processing baths conventionally used after bleaching, such as washing solution. This tendency to form rust is overcome by spraying the bleached film with a washing solution before fixing, and without immersion of the film in that washing solution.

Abstract: A biocidal material comprises an organic biocide immobilized on a polymeric support characterized in that the support is water-insoluble and the biocide is covalently bound to the support by a hydrolytically stable covalent linkage. The material can be used for inhibiting bacterial growth in an aqueous medium e.g. the wash water of a photoprocessing system. The material can be housed in a flow-through container.

Abstract: Silver halide photographic color films can be effectively stabilized using a chemical stabilizing kit of two concentrated chemical solutions that are mixed and diluted at least 5:1 when used. Each concentrated chemical solution contains some of the necessary chemicals for the processing solution, but keeping them individually packaged prior to use prevents biocide instability and other problems when all of the chemical components are mixed in concentrated form. One concentrated chemical solution includes hexamethylenetetramine and an alcoholamine such as diethanolamine. The other concentrated chemical solution includes the biocide(s) and one or more surfactants.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaged photographic element having a protective overcoat thereon. The protective overcoat is formed by providing a photographic element having at least one silver halide light-sensitive emulsion layer; and applying an aqueous coating comprising polymer particles having an average size of 0.1 to 50 microns at a weight percent of 5 to 50 percent, a soft polymer latex binder at a weight percent of 1 to 3 percent, over the at least one silver halide light-sensitive emulsion layer. The silver halide light sensitive emulsion layer is developed to provide an imaged photographic element. The hydrophobic polymer particles is fused to form a protective overcoat.

Abstract: An imaging method is provided that includes a tetraarylpolymethine dye, and bleaching this dye by bringing the dye into contact with a 4-alkyl or 4-unsubstituted 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative.

Abstract: A processing method of a silver halide photographic material by using an automatic processor is disclosed, comprising the steps of developing an exposed photographic material with a developing solution in a developing tank, fixing with a fixing solution in a fixing tank and washing with a washing water or a rinsing solution in a washing tank, wherein the washing water or rinsing solution has the number of funguses of 100 or less per ml.

Abstract: A conditioning or bleach accelerating solution is prepared by diluting a concentrate up to 25 times. The concentrate contains a formaldehyde bisulfite precursor salt at from 200 to 600 g/l, sulfite ions at 0 to 200 g/l, a bleach accelerating agent at from 1.5 to 25 g/l, and a metal ion chelating agent present at up to 60 g/l. The concentrate is free of sodium ions.

Abstract: A method for processing an exposed black and white silver halide photographic light-sensitive material includes the steps of: (1) developing the exposed light-sensitive material with a developing solution, (2) fixing the developed material with a fixing solution, (3) washing the fixed material with water which is replenished in an amount of from 0 to 3 liter/m.sup.2 of the exposed light-sensitive material, and (4) drying the washed material. The developing solution is replenished with a solid photographic composition. This solid photographic composition includes a developing agent selected from the group of a dihydroxybenzene developing agent represented by Formula I and a developing agent represented by Formula II (provided that the developing agent represented by Formula II may form a sodium salt, a potassium salt or a lithium salt). Formulae I and II are as follows: ##STR1## In the formulae, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.