Abstract: A binding system for binding a set of media sheets, including a cylinder having an outer diameter and a length, and a retainer fabricated from a flexible material. The retainer has an arc-shaped cross-section having an inner diameter and an associated arc angle thereby providing an opening slot that extends along a length of the retainer. The binding system is adapted to bind the set of media sheets by wrapping the media sheets around the cylinder and inserting the wrapped cylinder into the retainer with the wrapped media sheets extending out of the opening slot in the retainer. The inner diameter of the retainer is less than the sum of the outer diameter of the cylinder and a total thickness of the wrapped media sheets so that the retainer flexes to provide a clamping force to bind the media sheets.

Abstract: A binding system for binding a set of media sheets, including first and second binder pieces, each including an end cap, a retainer, a cylinder and a connection mechanism. The retainer has an arc-shaped cross-section having an associated arc angle thereby providing an opening slot that extends along a length of the retainer. The retainer and the cylinder are connected to the end cap such that the cylinder is positioned within the retainer. The binder pieces are adapted to bind the set of sheets of media by inserting the set of media sheets into the first and second binder pieces such that the media sheets are wrapped around the cylinders and extend out of the opening slots in the retainers, and engaging the connection mechanisms to connect the first and second binder pieces together.

Abstract: A binding system for binding a set of media sheets including a retainer and two end plugs. The retainer has an arc-shaped cross-section having an associated arc angle thereby providing an opening slot that extends along a length of the retainer. The binding system is adapted to bind the media sheets by inserting the media sheets into the retainer such that ends of each media sheet extends out of the opening slot and such that the portion of the media sheets inside the retainer form a loop, and inserting the end plugs into the ends of the retainer and into the media sheet loops. The inner diameter of the retainer is less than the sum of the outer diameter of the cylinder and a total thickness of the wrapped media sheets so that the retainer flexes to provide a clamping force to bind the media sheets.

Abstract: A binding system for binding a set of media sheets, including first and second binder pieces, each including an end cap, a retainer, a cylinder and a connection mechanism. The retainer has an arc-shaped cross-section having an associated arc angle thereby providing an opening slot that extends along a length of the retainer. The retainer and the cylinder are connected to the end cap such that the cylinder is positioned within the retainer. The binder pieces are adapted to bind the set of sheets of media by inserting the set of media sheets into the first and second binder pieces such that the media sheets are wrapped around the cylinders and extend out of the opening slots in the retainers, and engaging the connection mechanisms to connect the first and second binder pieces together.

Abstract: A binding system for binding a set of media sheets, including a cylinder having an outer diameter and a length, and a retainer fabricated from a flexible material. The retainer has an arc-shaped cross-section having an inner diameter and an associated arc angle thereby providing an opening slot that extends along a length of the retainer. The binding system is adapted to bind the set of media sheets by wrapping the media sheets around the cylinder and inserting the wrapped cylinder into the retainer with the wrapped media sheets extending out of the opening slot in the retainer. The inner diameter of the retainer is less than the sum of the outer diameter of the cylinder and a total thickness of the wrapped media sheets so that the retainer flexes to provide a clamping force to bind the media sheets.

Abstract: A method and software is provided for placing an order for goods and/or services from a remote service provider over a communication network from a subscriber's computer, comprising the steps of: providing preprogrammed software on the subscriber's computer for allowing the subscriber to prepare the order while the subscriber's computer is not connected to a computer server of the remote service provider over the communications network; the subscriber creating the order using the preprogrammed software; the preprogrammed software displaying the subscriber's account status to the subscriber after preparing the order but prior to connecting to the remote service provider over the communications network; and the subscriber forwarding the order for goods and/or services to the remote service provider over the communications network.

Abstract: A lenticular image product comprising: a lenticular material having an array of lenticules with cylindrical lenses; and a lenticular image associated with the lenticular material, the lenticular image having an original image having a wide angle view and at least one final image having a narrow angle view created from the original image, such that tilting of the lenticular image product produces a zoom effect between the original and final images.

Abstract: A lenticular image product comprising: a lenticular material having an array of lenticules with cylindrical lenses; and a lenticular image associated with the lenticular material, the lenticular image having an original image having a wide angle view and at least one final image having a narrow angle view created from the original image, such that tilting of the lenticular image product produces a zoom effect between the original and final images.

Abstract: A method of digital photofinishing comprising the steps of: producing a digital color image in optical printing densities of a color image captured on photographic media; processing the digital color image with an underexposure gamma correction algorithm, a scene balance algorithm, and a contrast normalization algorithm to produce a processed digital color image; mapping the processed digital color image through a hard copy media characteristic curve to produce a mapped digital color image mapped to print densities of the hard copy media; sharpening the mapped digital color image with a sharpening algorithm optimized to avoid unacceptable artifacts; and digitally printing the sharpened digital color image onto hard copy media.

Abstract: A method of digital photofinishing comprising the steps of: producing a digital color image in optical printing densities of a color image captured on photographic media; increasing the under-exposure gamma of the digital color image using a media under-exposure gamma adjustment algorithm; processing the under-exposure gamma adjusted digital color image with a scene balance algorithm to produce a balanced digital color image; mapping the balanced digital color image through a hard copy media characteristic curve to produce a balanced digital image mapped to print densities of the hard copy media; sharpening the mapped balanced digital color image with a sharpening algorithm optimized to avoid unacceptable artifacts; and digitally printing the sharpened digital color image onto hard copy media.

Abstract: A method of digital photofinishing comprising the steps of: producing a digital color image in optical printing densities of a color image captured on photographic media; processing the digital image with a scene balance algorithm to produce a balanced digital color image; using a contrast normalization algorithm, remapping the balanced digital color image to a preferred tone reproduction position; mapping the contrast normalized digital color image through a hard copy media characteristic curve to produce a digital image mapped to print densities of the hard copy media; sharpening the mapped digital color image with a sharpening algorithm optimized to avoid unacceptable artifacts; and digitally printing the sharpened digital color image onto hard copy media.

Abstract: A process for treating liquids to improve their usefulness without the use of traditional soaps or detergents, primarily through the treatment of a solution by the use of a holding tank and agitator, and treatment therein by a non-soap, non-detergent device such as activated ceramic filled floating containers, floating structured water filled containers, a magnetic liquid treatment pipe, electrodes, and/or other chargers. The liquid is then transported by way of a hose A to a pressure pump, then to hose B, and to a spray wand; or to a container for later use. Cleaning of on-site carpets and upholstery, floors and the like are taught.

Abstract: A method of digital photofinishing comprising the steps of: producing a digital color image in optical printing densities of a color image captured on photographic media; processing the digital color image with a scene balance algorithm to produce a balanced digital color image; mapping the balanced digital color image through a hard copy media characteristic curve to produce a balanced digital color image mapped to print densities of the hard copy media; sharpening the mapped balanced digital color image with a sharpening algorithm optimized to avoid unacceptable artifacts; and digitally printing the sharpened digital color image in hard copy media.

Abstract: A photographic element, is disclosed which includes a support and at least three silver halide emulsion layers, that records exposure information. The exposure information is recorded in three image-recording units and wherein the spectral sensitivities of said image-recording units are chosen such that the average color error, .DELTA.E*.sub.ab, is less than or equal to 3.1. .DELTA.E*.sub.ab is computed for a specified set of test colors of known spectral reflectance, and the light source is specified as D.sub.65. .DELTA.E*.sub.ab is the average CIE 1976 (L*a*b*) .DELTA.E*.sub.ab between the CIE 1976 (L*a*b*)-space coordinates of said test colors and the CIE 1976 (L*a*b*)-space coordinates corresponding to transformed exposure signals.