Abstract: Positioning of a scan line (L) relative to a recording medium drum (15) of a polygon printer is established by independently adjusting blocks (35, 36) mounted on a scan line generating optics module (10). The blocks (35, 36) have inverted V-notches (38) that nest in two-point tangential contact onto cylindrical surfaces of drum bearings (33, 34). X, z, .theta..sub.x and .theta..sub.z positions are set by x and z direction adjustment screws (44, 45, 49, 50) mounted on frame (11) that move against blocks (35, 36) against the bias of springs (61) and the weight of the frame (11). Clamping screws (56, 57) pass through oversized holes (58) and z direction elongated slots (59) on blocks (35, 36) to releasably lock blocks (35, 36) after adjustment. Alignment of holes (58), slots (59) and notches (38) maintains a constant angle of incidence during adjustment. A notch (41) of projection (40) of frame ( 11) engages with a pin (42) on printer body (29) to set y and .theta..sub.y positioning.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for producing thermal slide transparencies. Receiver elements mounted in open slide frames are positioned on a platen in an exposure station, and donor elements in the form of cut sheets are positioned over the receiver element prior to exposure. A laser beam, modulated in accordance with an information signal, is scanned across the surface of the donor element in order to provide the necessary thermal energy to effect a transfer of dye from a donor element to a receiver element. The elements are moved in a cross-scan direction during exposure by means of a lead screw connected to the platen. In order to form a color slide, successive donor elements of the necessary colors are moved into register with the receiver element. After the image has been formed on the receiver element, the receiver element is moved to a fusing station where the image is fixed. Sections of the slide frame are then joined together to complete the slide.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising a source of light movable with respect to a writing element and projectable thereon to generate an image, a focusing system is provided for focusing a light source which generates a first beam of light of a wavelength selected to be actinic with respect to the writing element. At least a portion of the first beam of light is absorbed by the writing element. The apparatus comprises a material feeder to automatically supply donor sheets and receiver sheets independently to a writing platen or drum, and to selectively load and unload the donor sheets from superposition with the receiver sheet without disturbing the registration of the receiver sheet. Also included are components which contribute to the quality of the images generated, such as relatively inexpensive, low jitter transports and drives for the writing head and imaging drum. In particular, the positive air flow through the apparatus is carefully directed to prevent contamination of the image by air-borne dirt.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for advancing a carriage utilize a displacement pump for displacing a selected quantity of fluid. The displacement pump is driven continuously by a motor to provide a series of fluid displacements which are accumulated in a hydraulic cylinder. A ram projecting from the hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the carriage and is advanced stepwise as the individual fluid displacements are accumulated in the hydraulic cylinder. The method and apparatus is especially useful for minimizing banding effects when advancing a carriage which supports a scanning device used in laser printers.

Abstract: A roller over which advances a web of material such as paper, photographic film or the like includes a plurality of staves organized in first and second arrays with the staves of the first array alternating with the staves of the second array to provide surfaces for supporting the web. The staves are each individually mounted on the roller by separate spring legs which center the staves. Flanges are located at the ends of the roller to position the web laterally. When the web obliquely approaches the axis of the roller so as to helically advance thereover, the staves sequentially and independently shift axially due to engagement with the helically advancing web. After the web leaves the roller, the stave that the web was most recently supported by returns under the bias of the spring legs to its central, unbiased position. In this way, damage to the edges of the web, due to engagement with the flanges, is minimized.

Abstract: Positioning of a scan line (L) relative to a recording medium drum (15) of a polygon printer is established by independently adjusting blocks (35, 36) mounted on a scan line generating optics module (10) through adjustments made to an external beam sensing fixture (52). Inverted V-notches (38) used for nesting the blocks (35, 36) onto cylindrical surfaces of drum bearings (33) are nested onto corresponding cylindrical surfaces of fixture ends (54, 55). X, z, .theta..sub.x and .theta..sub.z positions are then set by x and z direction adjustment screws (44, 45, 49, 50) mounted on a support structure (73) to make adjustments in the fixture positions against the bias of springs (100). Clamping screws (45, 46) pass through oversized holes (47, 48) on blocks (35, 36) to releasably lock blocks (35, 36) after adjustment. The z direction adjustment includes levers (85) and dual ball socket assemblies (95, 96, 97) so that adjustment of the .theta..sub.

Abstract: Positioning of a scan line (L) relative to a recording medium drum (15) of a polygon printer is established by independently adjusting blocks (35, 36) mounted on a scan line generating optics module (10). The blocks (35, 36) have inverted V-notches (38) that nest in two-point tangential contact onto cylindrical surfaces of drum bearings (33, 34). X, z .theta..sub.x and .eta..sub.z positions are set by x and z direction adjustment screws (44, 45, 49, 50) mounted on frame (11) that move against blocks (35, 36) against the bias of springs (61) and the weight of the frame (11). Clamping screws (56, 57) pass through oversized holes (58) and z direction elongated slots (59) on blocks (35, 36) to releasably lock blocks (35, 36) after adjustment. Alignment of holes (58), slots (59) and notches (38) maintains a constant angle of incidence during adjustment. A notch (41) of projection (40) of frame ( 11) engages with a pin (42) on printer body (29) to set y and .theta..sub.y positioning.

Abstract: A focusing lens assembly comprises a magnetic support member carrying a first lens, with a magnetic flange extending outwardly therefrom. A nonmagnetic axial spacer connects the first flange to a second nonmagnetic flange which supports a second, movable lens. Sheet flexure members are provided for supporting the second lens within a central opening in the second flange coaxially of the first lens and axially spaced from the end of the support member for substantially only axial movement of the second lens with respect to the first lens. A drive bobbin is provided for moving the second lens axially having a portion which circumscribes the end of the support member in a non-contacting relationship therewith.

Abstract: A housing for an automated data library which is a substantially rigid lightweight structure providing accurate location of the components therein. The housing structure comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending members disposed about and parallel to the central transfer shaftway and the storage bay areas, with at least one of the longitudinally extending members being formed as a rigid tubular member and the remaining longitudinally extending members being generally channel-shaped and disposed at the corners of the housing parallel with the shaftway and adjacent the open bay areas. A pair of closure plates are connected to and close the ends of the longitudinally extending members. A plurality of gusset plates join the adjacent ends of the longitudinally extending members and the periphery of the closure plates and leave a major portion of the shaftway and the bay area accessible between the longitudinally extending members.

Abstract: Scanner apparatus is disclosed for providing relative movement between a receiving medium and a recording device. The scanner apparatus comprises an elongated bar which supports the receiving medium. The bar is mounted for movement in a pair of support blocks. A movable support block is adapted to grip the bar and move the bar through a series of small steps of a fixed distance. The movable support block releases the bar at the completion of each step and returns to a starting position. When the movable support block releases the bar after each step, a fixed support block clamps the bar in position. In the operation of apparatus such as a laser printer, the fixed support block holds the receiving medium in a fixed position during the scan of one line of data, and the movable support block moves the carriage one step between line scans.

Abstract: An automated disk library which provides the necessary rigidity and accuracy of positioning of the transport mechanism with respect to the storage bays and the disk drives without the attendant cost, bulk and weight of the prior art devices. The transport drive and support comprises a carriage member disposed in the shaftway with structure for locating the carriage with respect to an x-axis and a y-axis transverse of the shaftway while permitting motion of the carriage along a z-axis parallel to the shaftway. A plurality of guide surfaces are provided on the portion of the housing adjacent the shaftway with guide rollers rotatably mounted on the carriage and bearing on guide surfaces to locate the carriage with respect to the x- and y-axis.

Abstract: A film core supporting structure for an electrophotographic copying or printing machine. The supporting structure includes a two-point suspension system near a roller in the film core and a yoke assembly supporting the film core near another roller. A one-point supporting system is used to support the yoke and restrict its movement in only one dimension. Toner stations are attached to the film core and a drum is supported by the two-point suspension system. A write-head is connected to the yoke. The overall supporting structure prevents distortion of the machine frame from imparting distortive forces through the supporting structure to the film core.

Abstract: A mount for an optical device, such as a linear CCD array, is disclosed. The array is mounted on a base which is supported on a frame for adjustment relative thereto. The base is slidably movable on the frame for adjustment of the array in in-track and cross-track directions. The base is movable toward and away from the frame to provide a focus adjustment of the array. In order to provide a mount which can be easily and precisely adjusted to position the array along five degrees of freedom, adjustment screws are positioned such that the position of the array can be changed along one degree of freedom without changing the position of the array along any of the other degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Apparatus for guiding a moving web (10) of material in a predetermined travel path (15) relative to a stationary frame (14) is disclosed. A compliant roller (24) is mounted on a pivoted yoke (30) for rolling contact with the web (10) so that as the web moves, the roller (24) finds its natural rolling position on the web. An edge guide (40) is mounted on the roller shaft (26) and is rotatable and axially movable relative to the shaft. An edge guide adjustment mechanism (50) includes a stationary bracket (52) with spaced adjustment stations (58), and a laterally movable control rod (56). The control rod engages the edge guide (40) to determine its lateral position, and selectively locks with the bracket (52,58) to set this lateral position. A light tension spring (22) connects the frame (14) and the yoke (30) to urge the roller (24) and web (10) toward the edge guide (40).

Abstract: A mechanism for maintaining a moving web of sheet material in its proper path along an edge guide in an apparatus such as a photographic printer. A compliant roller is mounted on a roller shaft which is pivoted at each end to a linkage which is itself pivoted relative to a stationary frame. This articulated linkage permits the roller to find its natural stable position, rolling on the moving web such that its axis, the roller shaft, is substantially perpendicular to the travel path of the web. A tension spring between frame and linkage biases the roller and the web toward its desired position along the edge guide.

Abstract: The present invention sets forth an hydraulically operated boat lift for lifting small boats upwardly out of a body of water by simultaneously supplying water pressure to four support posts connected to four corner portions of a lifting frame. Each of the corner posts comprises an hydraulic cylinder with the cylinder body connected to the lifting frame and moveable vertically on its downwardly extending piston rod which forms support legs for the lift.

Abstract: A film handling mechanism for a photographic printer which has only one surface-to-surface movement, thereby minimizing the number of tolerances to be controlled, and which nevertheless provides for film movement at the gate in all directions in the film plane including rotation, so as to provide unlimited flexibility in positioning a film frame for printing. The mechanism includes a reader for data on the film and four edge clamping of the frame selected for printing, regardless of film orientation and the location of the frame on a filmstrip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for storing and dispensing analysis slides in a chemical analyzer. Slides contained in cartridges are loaded into a rotor in a slide supply, and a positioning means is adapted to locate a selected cartridge such that a slide can be removed from the cartridge by a dispense blade. The blade is adapted to deliver the slide to a slide distributor in the analyzer.

Abstract: A slide distributor is disclosed for transferring analysis slides between a plurality of modular elements in a chemical analyzer. The distributor comprises a rotor having a plurality of radial arms each of which has a slide holder adapted to receive an analysis slide and to transport the slide to a selected location in the analyzer. The slide holders are adapted to interact with locating means at each of the elements to facilitate the processing of the slides and transfer of the slides between the elements.

Abstract: A tapered roller guide, provided for use with a helical-scan tape recorder, is rotatably mounted on a stationary guide post for guidedly inclining a magnetic tape toward or away from a helical path around a recording drum. A contoured edge guide provided on the guide post supports the edge of the tape as it wraps around the roller and changes its inclination and direction of travel. By providing for an arcuate adjustment of the contoured edge guide, the tape may be precisely guided into a predetermined helical path around the recording drum.