Abstract: A method of providing an image on a media having a image-receiving layer and a protective overlayer, comprising the steps of providing an image on said image-receiving and providing machine-readable indicia on said protective overlayer by varying the temperature of a thermal head used to apply said protective overlayer.

Abstract: A digital scanner for scanning sheet document along transport path. The scanner includes a transport mechanism for moving the document along the transport path and a platen. The transport path is designed to minimize sticking or jamming of the document at the platen and for providing a high quality digital scan of the document.

Abstract: Disclosed is an embosser for producing matte finish photographs from a glossy finish photograph. The embosser receives a sheet of glossy prints as generated by an inkjet printer with a clear laminate over the print to protect the inkjet generated photographic image. Pressure and embossing rollers biased to spaced apart positions within the embosser are selectively operable to move one against the other to create a nip through which the laminated print passes. At the option of an operator the laminated print may be allowed to pass between the spaced apart rollers undisturbed thereby generating a glossy photograph. At the option of the operator the rollers are moved one against the other to create the nip so that passage of the print now results in an embossment of the lamination thereby producing a matte finish photograph. Also disclosed is a method for alternatively generating a glossy or matte finish print and a matte finished print wherein the matte finish is formed in situ.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically folding a sheet of media, for example, a photographic paper about a fold line, such that a album page is formed. The photosensitive media has images only on one side. A heat activated adhesive sheet is provided between the sides of the photographic paper during folding. The adhesive sheet when exposed to heated and pressure rollers, will cause the sides of the photographic media to be secured to form a single album page.

Abstract: A dryer has a blower and means for dividing an airflow into two separate chambers. A drying channel is defined between the two chambers and material to be dried passes along the channel. The walls between the chambers and the channel are apertured to allow air to flow into the channel. The channel increases in cross-sectional area along the length thereof such that air flowing along the channel is subject to a pressure drop. The air thus flows substantially in one direction along the channel.

Abstract: A two-sided image product is disclosed having an image bearing side and a non-image bearing side; printing a plurality of undetermined images on the image bearing side. The image product is made from a single piece of an image bearing media folded such that the first and second sides are adhered together in a substantially co-extensive manner. The first and second sides having a plurality of slits cut therein prior to folding of the page which are sized and positioned to receive at least one corner of a document thereby securing the document to the page.

Abstract: A photo album is disclosed, made from a unitary strip of image bearing media having images printed in a pre-determined sequence. A plurality of pages is formed by folding the image media strip between the images into accordion folds and adhering the folds together so that each pair of the images forms two sides of a page. The photo album may have reinforced front and rear photo album covers. A binding holds the pages together.

Abstract: A computer software product and a method of organizing and searching images. The digital images may be obtained from a plurality of hard copy prints that are digitally scanned. The digital image are analyzed in accordance with a predetermined criteria based on the information obtained by scanning of the images and categorizing in accordance with the predetermined criteria. At least one goods and/or services may be provided in accordance with the predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A limited edition stamp and method for printing limited edition stamps from a plurality of different printers and locations. The limited edition stamps each having a unique ID not visible under normal viewing conditions. The unique ID number is allocated to different printers by a single computer that is communication with all of the printers.

Abstract: A discrete micro particle having a micro image, a method of making discrete micro particles and use in authentication of products. The micro images are printed on a photo sensitive layer on a media and the media is ground into small discrete particles on which the micro images can be viewed for verification of the authenticity of a product on which the micro particles have been placed.

Abstract: A processor has a rotatable drum housed within an enclosure chamber. Processing solution is applied to the surface of the rotating drum and forms a film of solution around the periphery. The media to be processed is fed around the periphery of the rotating drum with its sensitized surface facing the drum.

Abstract: A processor for processing photosensitive material has a rotatable outer drum and an inner sprocket wheel which is independently rotatable from the outer drum. Two sets of sprocket teeth and, are provided on the sprocket wheel to engage with the material to be processed and to positively drive the material into and out of the processor.

Abstract: A method of processing a print order in which the entire order is delivered simultaneously. An exposed sheet carrying all the latent images of the order is developed in a single processing space.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for managing a quick distribution of images. The method comprises the following steps: receiving, from a user, at least one image associated with a messaging system address; digitizing said at least one image when the image is not in digital form; storing said at least one image on a server; and sending a message to the messaging system address associated with said at least one image giving the information that said at least one image is available on the server.

Abstract: A near field solid immersion lens array, method of using, and making a near field solid immersion lens array. A cover slide is provided having a near field solid optical lens array having least one fiducial mark. The fiducial mark is used by a positioning device for locating the position of each of the lens in the array. A unique identifier may be provided for locating information of the position of each lens in the array that can be used for driving the positioning device.

Abstract: A solid immersion lens device and method of making. A solid immersion lens device is provided having a plurality of solid immersion lenses. The solid immersion lenses are provided in a predetermined pattern and secured so as to cause them to be in a fixed position with respect to each other.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of processing at least one digital image of at least one photographic image and distributing at least one visual print produced from the at least one digital image. The method includes the steps of storing at least one digital image of at least one photographic image on at least one image server at a first location. Selective authorized access to the at least one digital image of the at least one photographic image from a second location is then facilitated. Orders are received for at least one visual print of the at least one photographic image from the second location. Based upon the orders, at least one visual image is produced from the stored digital image at the first location in response to the at least one order.

Abstract: An official postal product that can be placed over a personal image without substantially detracting from the viewing of the personal image.

Abstract: An official postal product, and a method and apparatus for making the official postal product. The official postal product includes a first image area having an official postal indicia a second image area having a personal image. A protective coating is placed over the second image area such that official cancellation mark placed over the second area will not permanently adhere to the personal image.

Abstract: A stand alone customer operated photofinishing apparatus. The apparatus includes a film receiving section for receiving and holding a film cartridge containing an undeveloped filmstrip therein from a customer, the filmstrip having at least one image. A customer order data entry station is provided for entering an order selection. The apparatus further includes a developing section for developing the filmstrip comprising at least one processing tank containing a processing solution for processing of the filmstrip, a scanner for scanning the developed filmstrip so as to obtain a digital record of the at least one image developed on the filmstrip, a printing section for dry printing the at least one image on the developed filmstrip using the digital record so as to produce at least one print, and a delivery section for returning the at least one print and the developed filmstrip to the customer.