Abstract: An apparatus (220) for obtaining a scanned image of an eye has a reference locator for pupil alignment apparatus along an optical axis. A pupil profiling apparatus for obtaining an outline of the pupil has a pupil profiling light source (176), a sensor (170) for detecting reflected light, and a control logic processor (104) for computing an outline of the pupil according to detected light. An illumination apparatus (112) for directing visible illumination into the eye has a spatial light modulator (125) for shaping an illumination beam according to the detected outline, a scanning element (229), and a camera (146) for obtaining the scanned image by sensing a portion of the reflected illumination.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) applies pressure against a platen (16) using a linked series of contact members arranged in a closed loop. A drive apparatus rotates the loop about a support mechanism, thereby imparting movement to the linked series of contact members. The support mechanism is disposed to force a plurality of the moving contact members simultaneously into compressive contact against the platen (16).

Abstract: An optical apparatus for correcting deviations from straightness of an array of laser emitters includes an array of laser emitters in generally aligned positions along an array direction. The positions of the emitters deviating from a straight, array direction line in a cross-array direction perpendicular to the array direction by a generally simple bend. Each laser emitter produces a beam of light in a direction normal to the array and the cross-array directions such that the light beams travel along individual light beam paths. A corrector device in the light beam paths aligns the light beam paths in a cross-array direction, thereby correcting for any deviation of the laser emitters from the straight, array direction line of the laser emitters.

Abstract: A replaceable modular opto-mechanical unit includes a light source in the form of, for example, a laser assembly; an optical modulator assembly which modulates light from the light source; and a lens located in a light path between the light source and the optical modulator assembly. The lens focuses the light from said light source toward a center of the optical modulator assembly. The unit further includes a base adapted to removably support the light source, the optical modulator assembly and the lens in an optically aligned manner. The base is further adapted to be removably attached onto a receiving structure of a printer, such that an attachment of the base having the optically aligned light source, optical modulator assembly, and lens supported thereon, permits light from the optical modulator assembly to be focussed onto an optical element of the printer.

Abstract: A replaceable modular opto-mechanical unit includes a light source in the form of, for example, a laser assembly; an optical modulator assembly which modulates light from the light source; and a lens located in a light path between the light source and the optical modulator assembly. The lens focuses the light from said light source toward a center of the optical modulator assembly. The unit further includes a base adapted to removably support the light source, the optical modulator assembly and the lens in an optically aligned manner. The base is further adapted to be removably attached onto a receiving structure of a printer, such that an attachment of the base having the optically aligned light source, optical modulator assembly, and lens supported thereon, permits light from the optical modulator assembly to be focussed onto an optical element of the printer.

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a reflecting member of a focusing apparatus utilizes a flexure arrangement. The reflecting member can be in the form of a movable prism, and the flexure arrangement can include a pair of horizontal flexures in the form of sheets that support the moving prism of the focusing apparatus. The flexure arrangements permit the movement of the moving prism in a first direction relative to fixed prisms, fibers and lenses, while preventing or minimizing unwanted tipping, tilting or rotation of the movable prism. In one embodiment of the support assembly, the flexure arrangements can be symmetrically arranged on opposites sides of the movable prism, and in a further embodiment of the present invention, a further flexure arrangement can be arranged to provide for an increased range of motion of the movable prism.

Abstract: According to a precision assembly technique, a first subassembly is precisely aligned relative to a plurality of alignment features in an alignment fixture and at least three non-coplanar flexures having complementary alignment features are located with respect to corresponding alignment features on the alignment fixture and mechanically attached to the first subassembly. The first subassembly with the attached flexure sheets is removed from the alignment fixture and located with respect to a second subassembly having a plurality of alignment features identical to the alignment features in the alignment fixture using the alignment features on the second subassembly and the complementary alignment features on the flexure sheets to precisely align the first subassembly with the complementary alignment features on the second subassembly. The flexure sheets are then mechanically attached to the second subassembly, whereby the first and second subassemblies are aligned and rigidly connected to one another.

Abstract: A dual format pre-objective scanner optionally, usable as a laser printer, having an incident beam from input optics incident on a polygon tower which is comprised of a first polygon and a second polygon rotating about an axis common to both the first and second polygon, the polygon tower capable of moving in a vertical direction so that the incident light is directed in a plane approximately perpendicular to the axis rotation of the first and second polygon, at either the first polygon or the second polygon, and with the polygon tower further being capable of moving in a lateral direction approximately perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the polygon tower or moved simultaneously both vertically and laterally so that incident beams on the facets of the first polygon become incident on the facets of the second polygon at approximately the same distance from a scan lens.

Abstract: According to a precision assembly technique, a first subassembly is precisely aligned relative to a plurality of alignment features in an alignment fixture and at least three non-coplanar flexures having complementary alignment features are located with respect to corresponding alignment features on the alignment fixture and mechanically attached to the first subassembly. The first subassembly with the attached flexure sheets is removed from the alignment fixture and located with respect to a second subassembly having a plurality of alignment features identical to the alignment features in the alignment fixture using the alignment features on the second subassembly and the complementary alignment features on the flexure sheets to precisely align the first subassembly with the complementary alignment features on the second subassembly. The flexure sheets are then mechanically attached to the second subassembly, whereby the first and second subassemblies are aligned and rigidly connected to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus (40) for scanning an image to a lenticular material (43) having a first pressure roller (11), which in combination with the first drive roller (13), forms a nip (10) for moving the lenticular materials (43). An axis (71) of the first pressure roller (11) is skewed at an angle to an axis (73) of the first drive roller (13). A second pressure roller (21) forms a second nip (20) in combination with a tensioning roller (23) for tensioning the lenticular material (43). An axis (61) of the second pressure roller (21) is skewed at an angle to an axis (63) of the tensioning roller (23). A scanner writes an image to the lenticular material (43) as it passes between the first and second nip (10,20).

Abstract: A laser printer of the type having predeflector components and postdeflector components is assembled by aligning the predeflector components on a bar and aligning the bar with a printer frame assembly having the postdeflector components in an alignment fixture. After the bar and printer frame have been aligned in the fixture, they are mechanically attached using flexures between the bar and the printer frame such that the bar and printer frame are constrained from moving relative to each other. Finally, the assembled components are removed from the alignment fixture.

Abstract: An air-bearing imaging platen (20) for supporting imaging medium (40). The imaging platen (20) is comprised of an array of disks (62). Each disk has an air exit hole (64) in an approximate center of the disk (62) and a pneumatic system provides air to each disk. Air exits the hole (64) and flows in a radial direction across a surface (69) of the disk (64) creating a negative pressure in the area between the hole (64) and an edge (68) of the disk (62). The negative pressure holds the imaging medium (40) close to the hole (64), and the air flow provides a cushion which supports the imaging medium (40), thus insuring frictionless support while holding the image medium (40) in a curved shape. The air flow exits at the edge (68) of each disk. In various embodiments the contour of the surface (69) of the disk (62) may have various cross sectional shapes such as flat, conical, or spherical.

Abstract: A film registration and gate assembly has a gate with focal positioning location for focal positioning of an image frame of a strip with edge perforations. Undersized first and second pins enter a pair of transversely aligned perforations of the film to register the image frame within the positioning location. A second pair of undersized pins transversely aligned perforations positioned along the filmstrip from the first pair of pins perforations entered by the first and second pair of pins. The first pair of registration pins provides constraint to the film in three degrees of freedom. The second pair of pins is spring-loaded to provide the nesting forces needed to ensure proper contact between the film and the pair of registration pins and the force required to assure that the film follows the contour of the gate's surface.

Abstract: A film registration gate assembly has a gate with focal positioning location for focal positioning of an image frame of a strip film with edge perforations. Undersized first and second pins enter a pair of transversely aligned perforations of the film to register the image frame with the positioning location. An undersized third pin enters a third perforation spaced along the film from the second pin and then pulls the film obliquely to a reference line extending between the first and second pins to nest against the first and second pins the perforations thereat and register the image frame precisely at the aperture. A plate with a window registering with the image frame and aperture clamps the film against the gate. The window, positioning location and image frame are of corresponding size and shape. The pins register the image frame precisely with the positioning location, and the plate maintains the image frame in precise focal position thereat.

Abstract: A web tracking device includes a tensioning and steering roller that is movable to apply tension to a web uniformly across its width and that can be tilted in response to the tendency of the web to drift laterally to steer the web and thereby maintain it within a predetermined path. The steering position of the roller is established by roller supporting structure including a support cooperating with a ramp such that the tilt of the roller is effected by relative lateral movement between the ramp and the support. The same elements of the roller supporting structure that define the steering position of the roller also at least partially support the roller to provide for the roller movement by which the web is uniformly tensioned.

Abstract: A relatively inexpensive means for preventing the transmission of thread drunkenness to a carriage or other element being driven by a lead screw comprising a drive nut formed of a pair of half-nuts arranged to engage the thread of the lead screw. An intermediate member is connected to the half-nuts and to a carriage connector member to permit movement of the intermediate member relative to the connector member only by rotation about a pivot axis perpendicular to the axis of the lead screw and lying in a plane which extends between the half-nuts. The half-nuts are connected to the intermediate member to locate the intermediate member with respect to the half-nuts along the axis of the lead screw and to prevent rotation of the half-nuts about the lead screw axis, whereby uneven advance of the two half-nuts along the axis of the lead screw causes the intermediate member to rotate about the pivot axis to provide uniform motion along the lead screw axis to the connector member.

Abstract: An input shaft is coupled to an output shaft through a constant velocity joint in which tangentially oriented constraints, spaced 120.degree. apart and resiliently connected, effect the coupling. The input and output shafts have radially projecting pins thereon which abut axially projecting pins on a center coupling element. Tensioned coil springs extend between the radially projecting pins on the input and output shafts while contact element bearings are disposed between the center coupling element and shafts. Alternatively, the input and output shafts are each connected to a center element by tangentially extending wire elements. Alternatively, the shafts are coupled directly to one another with tangentially oriented constraints connected directly to the shafts or shaft elements rather than being connected through an intermediate coupling element.

Abstract: A film registration gate assembly has a gate with focal positioning location for focal positioning of an image frame of a strip film with edge perforations. Undersized first and second pins enter a pair of transversely aligned perforations to register the image frame with the positioning location. An undersized third pin enters a third perforation spaced along the film from the second pin and then pulls the film obliquely to a reference line extending between the first and second pins to nest against the first and second pins the perforations thereat and register the image frame precisely at the aperture. A plate with a window registering with the image frame and aperture clamps the film against the gate. The window, positioning location and image frame are of corresponding size and shape. The pins register the image frame precisely with the positioning location, and the plate maintains the image frame in precise focal position thereat.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a high resolution image from an image sensor having a plurality of pixels with a preselected pitch with means for dithering the image sensor. The movement of the image sensor causes the pixels to map a new area of an image without overlap of a previously mapped area. The present invention provides a simple, economic, and reliable mechanism using cascaded levers for dithering the sensor or the input image.

Abstract: This invention shows a mounting for an image sensor in an optical path wherein the axis of the path is perpendicular to the surface of the image sensor so that every pixel on the image sensor is rigidly positioned with respect to the direction of the optical path but is free to undergo small dithering movement transverse to the direction of the optical path. The mounting comprises a platform (64) to which the image sensor is mounted, and at least three wire legs (84) having sufficient rigidity that they support the image sensor without stretching or buckling, each wire leg being attached to the platform at one end and attached to a base plate at the other end. The wire legs are disposed substantially parallel to the optical path so that the platform and the image sensor are movable transversely of the optical path upon the application of a transverse force to the platform without movement along the direction of the optical path.