Abstract: The principal embodiment of the present invention is a preloaded single-use instant camera. The single-use instant camera is provided with user-inaccessible film holding compartment in a sealed light-tight enclosure and a predetermined number of pressure-processable film units stacked in said compartment. The preloaded single-use instant camera is also provided with user operated manual means for sequentially withdrawing the preloaded pressure-processable film units, whereby withdrawal effect processing of said units.

Abstract: An ink jet recording sheet comprises a support carrying an ink-receiving layer, this layer comprising a mixture of a derivatized (preferably acetoacetylated) poly(vinyl alcohol) and a non-derivatized poly(vinyl alcohol). The ink-receiving layer preferably also comprises a poly(vinylbenzyl quaternary ammonium salt) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photographic processing composition comprising an aqueous alkaline medium including titanium dioxide particles and a stabilizing agent comprising a polymer polymerized from repeating units of styrene and an acrylic acid. The presence of the stabilizing agent substantially reduces the settling out of the titanium dioxide particles in the subject processing composition, and maintains the substantially uniform distribution of titanium dioxide particles therein. The subject processing compositions are useful in photographic diffusion transfer film units and processes.

Abstract: A method for photographic processing of an exposed photosensitive film wherein a plurality of photographic processing elements comprising a carrier layer and a photographic processing layer containing photographic processing material are brought into contact, consecutively, with the exposed photosensitive film whereby a visible image is formed in the film. Each photographic processing element is initially brought into contact with the photosensitive film with the application of pressure and the processing element and the film are allowed to remain in contact with each other for a required period of time, during which at least one, and preferably a plurality of, additional pressure applications are carried out.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lithographic printing plate precursor element capable of being used on a printing press immediately after imagewise exposure without the requirement of bath processing. A preferred embodiment has in order (a) a substrate; and (b) a photoresist photohardenable upon imagewise exposure to actinic radiation, the photoresist comprising (i) a macromolecular organic binder; (ii) a photopolymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer having at least one terminal ethylenic group capable of forming a high polymer by chain-propagated polymerization, and (iii) a polymerization initiator activatable by actinic radiation; and (c) an on-press removable polyphosphate-containing overcoat. The polyphosphate-containing overcoat imparts the plate with a non-tacky surface and an enhanced resistance to the adverse influence of ambient humidity.

Abstract: A projection screen having a construction well-suited for effecting lateral color constancy in rear screen projection display systems is disclosed. The projection screen includes a holographic transmission diffuser element capable of diffusing a beam of light into a horizontally-elliptical cone and a light-collimating element for uniaxially-collimating by transmission an expanding wavefront with the axis of collimation substantially orthogonal to a horizontal viewing axis. The use of the projection screen in a rear screen projection display system including red, green and blue image projectors is also disclosed. A method of manufacturing a holographic projection screen by drawing a holographic transmission diffuser web and a uniaxial light collimating web into overlapping relationship and bonding the webs is also disclosed.

Abstract: A light-tight, temperature controlled system, controlled by a controller, for processing a photographic film housed in a film cartridge detachably secured upon a spool caddy having a plurality of processing spools mounted thereon, includes: means for rotating a spiral shaped wall about a rotational axis, the spool caddy being detachably mounted upon the rotating means in a predetermined positional alignment; means for combining an emulsion side of the film with processing webs from the processing spools along the spiral shaped wall for preset dwell times by sequentially in a preset order removing and replacing each of the processing spools and the film cartridge from and to the spool caddy, unwinding and rewinding the processing webs from and to the processing spools, and unwinding and rewinding the film from and to the film cartridge; and means for securing the processing spools and the film cartridge along a channel formed by the spiral shaped wall while the emulsion side of the film is being sequentially c

Abstract: An illumination device configured so as to produce a uniform illumination distribution incorporating one or more LEDs fabricated such that the top surface emitting the colored light is not obstructed by an electrode or by contacts connecting the LED to a current source. Such a configuration is accomplished by providing a substantially transparent attachment layer that may include an opaque conductive material, but preferably includes transparent conductive particles that, in combination, attach and electrically connect the LED to an electrode disposed upon a substrate.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator for use in a optical printer where the spatial light modulator includes a plurality of cells, having a shape that is defined to decrease artifacts in an image produced on a recording medium by the optical printer. The shape of the plurality of cells merges a portion of the optical radiation passing through an individual cell of the spatial light modulator with optical radiation from that of adjacent cell to form a pixel on the recording medium. In one implementation each of the cells of the spatial light modulator independently modulate the optical radiation so as to print horizontally-displaced pixels. When LEDs are used as the colored light source, the light is either first diffused to minimize shadows from electrical contacts on the LEDs, thus removing linear artifacts in the image.

Abstract: An improved self-developing film unit comprising: a processing fluid supply including a rupturable reservoir of processing fluid; an image recording assembly of the self-developing type including first and second overlying layers one of which is exposable to form a latent photographic image, and a spacer connected to and between the first and second layers for providing a processing space therebetween for allowing processing fluid to pass therethrough; a fluid trap at a trailing end portion of the film unit for collecting excess processing fluid traveling through the processing space; a first fluid-tight coupling device including a fluid passage for fluidically coupling the reservoir to a leading end of the processing space for allowing processing fluid from a ruptured reservoir to be introduced into the processing space and initiate processing of the latent image; and, second fluid-tight coupling device including a fluid passage for fluidically coupling a trailing end of the processing space with the trap fo

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compensating for color and brightness variations in a white-light printer is described where the white-light printer automatically adjusts exposure of a photosensitive medium to optimize a printed image thereon. The white-light printer generates compensation factors used by the white-light printer to individually correct for primary colors within an image by monitoring chromatic transmission through the same or equivalent color filters as are being used to expose the photosensitive medium. A method is disclosed where the video output is set at maximum and brightness, or Luma, is varied and measured in foot-Lamberts. The Luma that gives "white", a film table is recorded, and that Luma is fixed such that proper white, black, and grays are attained. A similar procedure is repeated for each primary color, thereby compensating for color and brightness variations due to differing CRTs and the warm-up state of each CRT.

Abstract: Dyes comprising an inner salt of a compound of the formula:Q.sup.1 =Z-Q.sup.2wherein:Q.sup.1 is a 4-(benz[b]-4H-pyrylium)methylidene, 4-(benz[b]-4H-thiopyrylium)methylidene or 4-(benz[b]-4H-selenopyrylium)methylidene grouping;Z is a 1,3-(2-hydroxy-4-oxo-2-cyclobutylidene) hydroxide or 1,3-(2-hydroxy-4,5-dioxo-2-cyclopentylidene) hydroxide ring; andQ.sup.2 is a 4-(benz[b]-4H-pyran-4-ylidene)methyl, 4-(benz[b]-4H-thiopyran-4-ylidene)methyl or 4-(benz[b]-4H-selenopyran-4-ylidene)methyl grouping;wherein at least one of the groupings Q.sup.1 and Q.sup.

Abstract: A method is provided for the manufacture of a polyvinylidene-based light polarizer (cf., a "K Sheet"-type polarizer). In one embodiment, the polyvinylidene chromophore of said polarizer is produced by the acid catalyzed dehydration of an oriented polymeric starting material, the acid catalyst being introduced in the method as a bonding agent used to secure the starting material to a carrier web (or other supporting substrate). Advantages of the method include reduced frequency of "streaking" and "mottling"; good processing speed; and the ability to use a low acid concentration, resulting in a correspondingly low-corrosion processing environment.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved photographic apparatus of the self-developing type and method of operation which includes a film assemblage. The camera includes a housing assembly; strip of photographic film; a strip of self-developing photosensitive film; a foldable strip of carrier sheet material; a mechanism for taking up the photosensitive film strip past an exposure station for exposure thereof and for storage of the exposed photosensitive film strip. An advancing mechanism is provided for advancing the exposed photosensitive film strip from the taking up mechanism and the carrier strip through an exit.

Abstract: A spool caddy for use with an optical dry image processor for processing a photographic roll film housed in a film cartridge includes: a plurality of processing spools, each containing a reagent laden pad for providing a processing step when combined with an emulsion side of the film for a predetermined dwell time; and a structure for detachably securing and supporting each processing spool in isolation from one another. The structure can also accommodate the film cartridge. One end of each processing spool and the film is attached to the structure.

Abstract: An electronic still camera is disclosed which adjusts focus to an object image by mechanically moving an electronic sensor within the electronic still camera. The electronic sensor is moved along an optical path of the electronic still camera. In this way, the sensor follows the focal plane of the image, thus tracking a focused image.

Abstract: A light source is disclosed for use an optical printer illuminating a spatial light modulator to efficiently and uniformly project light onto a photosensitive medium while providing a simpler design of the spatial light modulator in the optical printer. The light source uses light emitting diodes opposed across a light pipe. The light from the light emitting diodes propagates in the light pipe until striking a redirection structure which redirects the light out of lateral surface of the light pipe.

Abstract: A wireless communication device is provided which is capable of interfacing with a base station of a service provider and intended for occasional use without requiring a subscription with the service provider. The device uses a non-rechargeable replaceable power source with memory means non-detachably secured to and integral with said power source comprising information code for uniquely identifying said power means and a prepaid calling time period. After the prepaid calling time period of the wireless communication device is exhausted, the power source can be exchanged for a different power source having a new prepaid calling time period.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device is disclosed for use with a magnetic read-write transducer. The electrostatic discharge protection device electrically interconnects the conductive elements of magnetoresistive and inductive heads to provide a low resistance conductive path placing the conductive elements at a substantially equal electrical potential thus minimizing electrostatic discharge. The electrostatic discharge protection device provides an electrical path between the conductive elements which is manually or automatically removable upon connection to a mating element. The electrostatic discharge protection device has a resilient inward biased to connect the electrically conductive elements such that a ground is established between them and is removed automatically upon insertion of the conductive elements into a mating receptacle which is interposed between the conductive elements and the electrostatic discharge protection device or is manually disconnected.

Abstract: There are described devices for creating artistic designs which are simple in approach and execution, and which enable the user to create a unique work of art without the user coming into direct contact with the medium used to create the design.The subject devices comprise a first sheet and a second sheet, the sheets being in superposed relation, sealed around their periphery and defining a first area and a second area, a plurality of rupturable containers containing a spreadable medium, arranged in the first area and adapted to discharge the spreadable medium into the second area, provided that at least one of the sheets permits the viewing of the discharged spreadable medium.A kit is also provided which includes the subject device and additional materials, such as, for example, decorative materials for application to the device and materials with which to attach the device to various surfaces.