Abstract: A computer-implemented method of guiding a user during the construction of a search query to locate an item of interest in a database, wherein a search index of the database is a hierarchical data structure that includes at least one aspect of items with the aspect having facets. The method includes receiving a search query from a user, building a search expression data structure according to the search query, expanding the search expression data structure to determine the results for at least one facet available to refine the user's search query and presenting a representation of the results of the user's search query along with the result for the at least one facet to the user, thus providing guidance to the user for development of the search query regarding the existence of valid results. The method is useful to avoid incorrect or NULL results.

Abstract: A device for indicating a direction or axis in three dimensions to a user, comprises an indicator member (10, 11) configured to indicate a direction in any three dimensional direction,—a static member (12) for mounting the indicator member; and an actuator arrangement (12, 14, 15) configured to urge the indicator member to rotate relative to the static member in any angle about a single point of rotational symmetry. A direction indicating arrangement calculates an angle in three dimensions for indicating a direction and comprises a drive arrangement (13, 14, 15) that drives a pointing device (10, 11) to point in the calculated direction.

Abstract: A device for indicating a direction or axis in three dimensions to a user, comprises an indicator member (10, 11) configured to indicate a direction in any three dimensional direction,—a static member (12) for mounting the indicator member; and an actuator arrangement (12, 14, 15) configured to urge the indicator member to rotate relative to the static member in any angle about a single point of rotational symmetry. A direction indicating arrangement calculates an angle in three dimensions for indicating a direction and comprises a drive arrangement (13, 14, 15) that drives a pointing device (10, 11) to point in the calculated direction.

Abstract: A system for rotating a paintbrush that connects handle (31), which may also be connected to an extension pole, to a paintbrush (10) comprises a rotary connection device (36) or silicone tube sections (80, 81) including a first member (56) having an internal cylindrical surface (57) and a second member (33) located within and substantially coaxial with the member (56) and having an external cylindrical surface. One member is attached to the handle (31), and the other to the paintbrush. If the bristles of the brush (10) are place in a painting position against a surface with the axis of the brush extending substantially perpendicular to the surface and the handle (31) is moved with a circular motion substantially coinciding with the axis of the brush, the cylindrical surfaces of the two members will interact and cause the brush to rotate about its axis.

Abstract: During processing of a photographic material, the non-sensitive surface of the material may become contaminated by the processing solutions used. Described herein is a support or carrier (10) which prevents such contamination of the non-sensitive surface. The carrier (10) comprises a series of parallel, upright blades (12a, 12b, . . . , 12q) separated by spacers (14a, 14b, . . . , 14q). Each blade (12a, 12b, . . . , 12q) has an upper edge (16a, 16b, . . . , 16q) which, when the carrier (10) is oriented horizontally, lies in a horizontal plane. The blades (12a, 12b, . . . , 12q) are sufficiently thick and rigid to support a sheet of photographic material lying on them without damage, the material being slightly larger than the carrier to prevent contact between the edges of the material and the carrier thereby avoiding transfer of any processing solution on the sensitive surface of the material to the non-sensitive surface thereof.

Abstract: Described herein is apparatus for applying processing solution to a photographic material using a spray bar. The spray bar can be used to meter processing solution and/or air onto the material being processed, to agitate and/or mix processing solutions on the material using air jets, to air knife the material to remove processing solutions therefrom, and to dry the material.

Abstract: It is known to process photographic materials in sheet form in deep, narrow processing tanks. In these tanks, the material needs to be supported so that it can be removed from the tank once processing is complete. This may result in insufficient agitation of the processing solution over the surface of the material due to the presence of the support or restraint. Described herein is improved processing apparatus in which pairs of D-shaped rollers are located within respective ones of the processing tanks. When material is being processed, flat portions of each pair of D-shaped rollers are parallel to one another allowing clear access to the processing tanks. When processing is complete in a particular processing tank, rotation of each D-shaped roller of the pair associated with that tank about its respective axis brings the circular circumferential surfaces of each pair of rollers into contact to grip the material and direct it out of the processing tank.

Abstract: A method for altering the pH of a photographic developing solution comprises altering the hydroxide ion concentration of the solution electrolytically. The method may be employed in photographic processing apparatus comprising a photographic development stage in which a photographic material to be processed is treated with a photographic developing solution wherein the apparatus comprises means for electrolytically altering the hydroxide ion concentration of the developing solution and means for controlling the operation of electrolytically altering the hydroxide ion concentration based on the change of hydroxide ion concentration in use.

Abstract: It is important to control the temperature during the development stage of a photographic process in order to maximize the efficiency thereof. This is a particular problem when photographic materials are processed in high throughput processors which operate with reduced volume chemistry as these material have a tendency to cool the developer solution if not at the correct temperature. Described herein is a method for improving the temperature stability of the material to be processed by heating it before processing. The material is passed through a conditioning chamber where it is heated to the desired processing temperature prior to entering the development stage of a processor.

Abstract: An autostereoscopic image system involving a composite picture, a second filter containing horizontal alternately polarized and/or colored bands and a first filter containing vertical alternately polarized and/or colored bands. The first filter may be covered by a lenticular screen through which the image is perceived. The invention can bring about an improvement in the image depth and range of viewing angle of 3-D lenticular pictures.

Abstract: A liquid transfer system particularly suited for transferring a processing chemical between a reservoir and a tank in a photographic processing apparatus, comprises a liquid reservoir having an outlet which is connectable to the tank in the processing apparatus. The reservoir is connected to a source of pressurized gas which forces liquid to be transferred from the reservoir to the tank. The outlet of the reservoir is provided with a valve arrangement which serves to close the reservoir outlet when the liquid level in the reservoir drops below a predetermined level and prevents pressurized gas from escaping from the reservoir.

Abstract: Described herein is a compact photographic processor which uses small volumes of processing solution to achieve effective processing without the need for process control. The processor comprises an applicator element (50) having a plurality of orifices formed along its length, a plurality of reservoirs (54, 56, 58) each containing processing solution, and a pressure system (60, 61, 62). The element (50) is connected to one side of the reservoirs (54, 56, 58) by means of a manifold (52), the other side of the reservoirs (54, 56, 58) being connected to the pressure system (60, 61, 62). The processing solutions may be dispensed from the element (50) as jets.

Abstract: A method for making a photographic silver halide developer composition, preferably immediately before use, by electrolysing an aqueous medium containing a developing agent precursor composition which forms or releases a silver halide developing agent at an electrode upon electrolysis.

Abstract: An electrochemical device for providing a visual indication of the remaining life of a battery, the device comprising an electrode pair with a layer therebetween, the layer comprising a mixture of a photographic color coupler dispersion, an antioxidant and a photographic color developer in a binder.