Abstract: An image processing apparatus (10) for scanning and printing images at the same time includes an input scanner connected to an imager, preferably: a) a rotatable drum (300) including a scanning portion (462) adjacent to an imaging portion (461), the drum (300) being mounted for rotation about an axis, the imaging portion (461) of the drum being arranged to mount a receiver sheet (32) and a donor sheet (36) in superposed relationship thereon, the scanning portion (462) of the drum being arranged to mount an input image (456) thereon; b) a motor (258) for rotating the drum (300); c) a printhead (500); d) an input scanner (455); e) a lead screw (250) for moving the printhead (500) in a first direction, the printhead (500) being mounted on the lead screw (250); and f) a linear translation subsystem (210) on which the printhead (500), scanner (455), drum (300), and lead screw (250) are mounted.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus (10) for scanning and printing images at the same time includes an input scanner connected to an imager, preferably:

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an imaging apparatus is provided for forming images on an electrically conductive printing plate. The imaging apparatus has a mounting surface having at least three electrically isolated conductors arranged so that when the electrically conductive printing plate is in registration on the mounting surface, the electrically conductive printing plate defines an electrical connection between all of the electrical conductors; and, an electrical circuit adapted to sense an electrical connection between all of the conductors and to thereupon generate an output signal.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an imaging apparatus is provided for forming images on an electrically conductive printing plate. The imaging apparatus has a mounting surface having at least three electrically isolated conductors arranged so that when the electrically conductive printing plate is in registration on the mounting surface, the electrically conductive printing plate defines an electrical connection between all of the electrical conductors; and, an electrical circuit adapted to sense an electrical connection between all of the conductors and to thereupon generate an output signal.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus (10) for scanning and proofing an image at the same time includes: a) a rotatable drum (300) having a hollowed out interior port ion (304), and an imaging portion (461) on its exterior surface, and a scanning portion (462) on its interior surface, the drum (300) being mounted for rotation about an axis, the imaging portion (461) of the drum being arranged to mount a receiver sheet (32) and a donor sheet (36) in superposed relationship, the scanning portion of the drum being arranged to mount an input image (456) thereon; b) a motor (258) for rotating the drum (300); c) a printhead (500) external to the drum; d) an input scanner (455) inside the hollowed out interior portion (304) of the drum; e) a first lead screw (250) for moving the printhead (500) in a first direction, the printhead being mounted on the first lead screw (250), and a second lead screw (465) for moving the scanner (455) in a first direction, the scanner being mounted on the second lead screw (465); and f)

Abstract: The present invention is for an image processing apparatus (10) for writing images to a thermal print media (32). The image processing apparatus (10) comprises a vacuum imaging drum (300). A lead screw (252) moves printhead (500) relative to the vacuum imaging drum (300). A motor (258) rotates the vacuum imaging drum (300). A variable vacuum blower (224) supplies vacuum to an interior portion (304) of said vacuum imaging drum (300) which holds the thermal print media (32) on a surface of the drum. A controller (186) changes a speed of the vacuum blower (224) to vary the vacuum in the vacuum imaging drum (300) when the thermal media (32) is loaded or unloaded.

Abstract: An image processor comprises on imaging drum (300) for print media (32) and donor sheet materials (36) in registration on vacuum imaging drum (300). A printhead (500) moves along a line parallel to a longitudinal axis of vacuum imaging drum (300) as vacuum imaging drum (300) rotates to provide for an intended image. The intended image may be written in a first direction and/or second direction based on the direction of rotation of vacuum imaging drum (300) and the linear direction of movement of the printhead (500).

Abstract: A laminator assembly and method utilizes an endless belt (17a, 17b, 300) and roller arrangement to apply pressure to media (100) to be laminated and to convey the media in a controlled manner to heated pressure rollers (11a, 11b, 301, 307). In one feature of the invention, control nips can be provided on one or both sides of the heated pressure rollers so as to minimize or eliminate flutes or ripples in the media to be laminated. The control nips can be applied by plate assemblies (29, 30, 315) which create the control nip and also serve to gain control of the media to be laminated prior to the media reaching the heated pressure roller arrangement. In the case where the plate assembly is downstream of the heated pressure roller arrangement, the plates can serve to hold the media flat while it cools down. The endless belts apply a tapering and controlled pressure to the media prior to the media reaching the heated pressure rollers where lamination occurs.

Abstract: The present invention is for writing images to direct write plates. A sheet thermal print media (32) is loaded on a drum (30) and a sheet of dye donor material (36) is mounted on the drum (30) in registration with the sheet of thermal print media (32). Dye is transferred to the sheet of thermal print media (32) and the first sheet of dye donor material is removed from the drum (30). Additional sheets of dye donor material, each a different color, are mounted in turn on the drum in registration with the thermal print media and dye donor is transferred to the thermal print media. After the intended image is formed, the thermal print media is removed from the drum (30) for approval by a customer. A sheet of support material (39) is then loaded onto the drum (30) and a first sheet of direct write plates (44) is mounted on the drum. A first image is produced on the direct write plates (44) and the first sheet of direct write plates is removed from the drum (30).

Abstract: The present invention is for an image processing apparatus (10) for a method of exposing imagesetter recording film (42) on a color-proofing apparatus. The method comprises the steps of loading a sheet of dye collection support (45) on a vacuum imaging drum (300) and loading a first sheet of imagesetter recording film in registration with the dye collection support. The first sheet of imagesetter recording film is loaded dye side down. An intended image is formed on the first sheet of imagesetter recording film by removing dye from the first sheet of imagesetter recording film which is collected on the dye collection support. Additional sheets of imagesetter recording film and other embodiments are prepared in a similar manner. In a further embodiment, the dye collection support is removed from the vacuum imaging drum as each sheet of imagesetter recording film is removed to provide a blue line image.

Abstract: The present invention is for a method of exposing imagesetter recording film (39) on a color-proofing apparatus (10). A sheet of support material (39) is loaded on a vacuum imaging drum (300). A sheet of imagesetter recording film (42) is loaded on the support material (39) and in registration with the support material (39). Images are formed on the imagesetter recording material (39) by removing dye from the imagesetter recording film (39).

Abstract: The present invention is for an imaging processor for thermal print medium. The image processor comprises a vacuum imaging drum (110) for holding thermal print medium (40) and donor sheets (120) in registration on the imaging drum (110). A printhead (200) moves along a line parallel to a longitudinal axis (X) of the imaging drum (110) as the imaging drum (110) rotates. The printhead (200) receives information signals and produces radiation which is directed to the donor (120) which causes dye to transfer from the donor (120) to the thermal print medium (40). When the imaging drum (110) is rotated in a first direction, a direct image is produced. When the direction of the imaging drum (110) is reversed, a mirror image is produced.

Abstract: A laser diode assembly comprising a laser diode mounted on a support member in an enclosure member having an electrical connector in the form of a card edge connector rigidly attached to the assembly and extending through a wall of the enclosure member. The connector comprises a substantially rigid planar insulator portion having a plurality of electrical conductors formed on at least one surface thereof with at least a portion of the conductors connected to the laser diode inside of the enclosure member with the connector being arranged to mate with a card edge socket. The support member includes a pair of support and alignment ribs on opposite edges which slideably engage mating members to align and support the assembly.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising a source of light movable with respect to a writing element and a multiple laser diode and optical fiber assembly. Each laser diode and optical fiber assembly includes an optical fiber connected to a laser diode and guided through an inlet chamber, a cylindrical chamber, an outlet chamber and led out through a connector chamber where the fiber is connected to a connector member. The laser diode and optical fiber mounts can be readily assembled and serviced and yet provide the requisite safety against unwanted exposure to damaging light.