Abstract: The method and apparatus supplies processing solution directly to the surface of a web of sensitized material by means of a movable applicator. The web and applicator are moved relative to each other to enable good mixing of the solution on the surface. The movable applicators can be moved in and out of contact with the material as required so that the process can be varied.

Abstract: A drum chamber in which photographic material is processed is provided with a section in which the walls overlap to form a narrow channel therebetween. The channel acts as the entrance to and exit from the chamber for the material being processed.

Abstract: A method for remotely selecting and ordering photographic prints, includes the steps of: sending a photographic film bearing a plurality of latent images to a photofinisher; developing the photographic film to produce visible images and scanning the visible images to create a digital image file at the photo finisher; producing an index print having a plurality of images from the photographic film along with an index number associated with each image and an order number; sending the index print to a customer; selecting images for which prints are desired from the index print; ordering photographic prints via telephone from the customer's home to the photofinisher, specifying the order number and the index numbers associated with the images for which prints are desired; and making photographic prints of the selected images at the photofinisher and sending the photographic prints to the customer.

Abstract: Autostereoscopic images are produced by projecting a stereo pair of images onto a modified cube-corner retroreflective material. The cube-corner differs from that commonly available in that it has been altered to return the light to viewers eyes rather than directly back to the source of the projection.

Abstract: A method of delivering processing solution to a processing device wherein the processing solutions are provided within sealed members fixedly arranged on a movable web. The web moves relative to the processing area and the sealed members are ruptured when the processing solution within is required.

Abstract: An article having an lenticular image formed thereon and a sound generating mechanism associated therewith for generating a sound message, the sound message being coordinated with respect to movement of the article. A mechanism for moving the lenticular image along a predetermined path may also be provided and for coordinating the sound message with the movement of the lenticular image. Different sound segments may be activated with respect to the line-of-sight or distance of the observer with respect to the lenticular image.

Abstract: A method of cutting fibrous material having a semi-rigid base and a fibrous pile in which the fibers in the immediate vicinity of the cut are removed prior to the cut being made. The fibers are removed by the application of heat at a temperature hot enough to vaporize the fibers.

Abstract: A photographic image printer, method of printing, and a software program for printing digital images which analyzes pending orders, determines the image printing sequence, and allocates print media intelligently to enable high printing productivity and low media waste. An apparatus made in accordance with the present invention permits can also provide In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided non-chemistry printing device which requires little floor space.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing photographic material comprises a chamber adapted to hold the material therein, means for introducing solution into the chamber, means for removing the solution from the chamber, and a member located within the chamber and filling a central part thereof. A gap is defined between the inner wall of the chamber and the central member in which the material is held, thereby retaining the material around the inner circumference of the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically folding a sheet of a 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 processing drum is located within an enclosed chamber. The processing drum is rotated within the chamber, the chamber being provided with means to heat and circulate air throughout the interior thereof. At least one fin is provided around the outer periphery of the drum to aid heat conduction.

Abstract: A method of processing photographic material in which a fixed volume of processing solution is added to the surface of the material and spread repeatedly over the length of material. The processing solution is added to the material in at least two stages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing digital image data of an image. The digital data is divided up into a plurality of image segments and distributed to at least two image processing units. The image segments each have an overlapping region of the next adjacent image segment. The digital data is manipulated by each of the at least two image processing units at the same time and sent to a print engine interface unit as requested where the image is recombined.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a solution having a predetermined viscosity to a photosensitive material, such as a photographic print, involves the conveyance of the photosensitive material through a tank. A guide member mounted in the tank is effective to guide viscous solution to an area in the vicinity of a nip portion between first and second rollers. This arrangement creates at least one bead in a vicinity of the nip portion between the rollers so as to promote an even and consistent application of solution to the photosensitive material, and at the same time, permits an upper roller of the drive rollers to stay evenly wet.

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: A method and processor for processing photosensitive media. The processor includes a narrow processing channel for holding a processing solution, at least one delivery opening for delivering the processing solution to the narrow processing channel, an outlet for allowing processing solution to be withdrawn from the narrow processing channel, and a recirculation system for delivering and circulating a predetermined batch amount of the processing solution through the narrow processing channel from the outlet to the at least one narrow delivery opening for processing a predetermined amount of photosensitive media passing through the narrow processing solution. The batch amount of processing solution only when media is provided in the processing channel. The processor also included an emptying system for removing the processing solution from the narrow processing channel and the recirculation system when the photosensitive media is not being processed through the narrow processing channel.

Abstract: A method of processing photographic material in which a reciprocable member is plunged into a tank containing a small volume of processing solution. The solution is rapidly displaced through the channels created between the tank wall and the plunger and across the surface of the photographic material.

Abstract: A method of processing a photographic material in which the material is loaded into a rotatable chamber and a metered amount of solution is introduced into the chamber. The chamber is rotated and the solution is continuously swept along the surface of the material, forming a wave through which the material passes to enable uniform processing.

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 method of reducing the volume of a processing tank by only filtering processing solution when it is either drawn into the tank and circulation system or when it is returned to the supply container.