Abstract: A laser patterning apparatus for handling a donor film and improving compression uniformity between the donor film and an acceptor substrate is provided. The laser patterning apparatus includes: a stage that supports an acceptor substrate; a shielding mask that is placed on the acceptor substrate to form a pattern and is attached to a donor film on one surface thereof; a laser gun that is disposed at an upper part of the stage to radiate laser light to a portion of the donor film through the pattern of the shielding mask; a pressing member that corresponds to a portion of the shielding mask; and an actuator that is connected to one side of the pressing member to press the pressing member.

Abstract: An image forming method comprising the steps of: superposing an image receiving sheet containing an image receiving layer and a heat transfer sheet containing a substrate, a light-heat conversion layer and an image forming layer on each other with the image forming layer of the heat transfer sheet facing the image receiving layer of the image receiving sheet; and imagewise irradiating the superposed heat transfer sheet with laser light to cause the irradiated area of the image forming layer to be transferred to the image receiving layer, wherein the image forming layer shows a deformation of 110% or more as observed under a transmission electron microscope upon being irradiated with a laser beam, the deformation being represented by equation: Deformation (%)=[(a+b)/b]×100 wherein a represents an increase of a cross-sectional area of an irradiated part of the image forming layer; and b represents a cross-sectional area of that part of the image forming layer before irradiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for marking cigarette packets, comprising a transport device for conveying at least one cigarette packet to a marking station for marking cigarette packets, and the following features: the transport device grasps a batch of adjacent, aligned cigarette packets and moves them to the marking station, where the transport device releases the batch; and the released cigarette packets are marked on at least one exposed area.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking a predetermined number of X-ray films has a sheet member holding device disposed above a stacking position for temporarily holding at least a first X-ray film, and an actuating device for displacing the sheet member holding device from the stacking position to drop the X-ray film held by the sheet member holding device into the stacking position. The apparatus is capable of stacking a plurality of X-ray films highly accurately and efficiently in the stacking position while avoiding damage to the X-ray films.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method for forming an improved lamination envelope (260) for use in forming a pre-press proof (200) which comprises laminating at least one surface of a lamination envelope (150) with a pre-laminate sheet (240) comprising a first thermoplastic layer (300) and a first support layer (145) having a first release layer (270) and first support base (310), forming a lamination sandwich (210). The first support layer (145) from the lamination sandwich (210) is removed forming a pre-lamination envelope (250). A stiffener sheet (170) is laminated to the pre-lamination envelope (250) forming an improved lamination envelope (260).

Abstract: For coding (cigarette) packs (10) in the region of a conveyor, in particular in the region of a (drying) turret (34). A region of an outer pack surface, in particular of a side surface (14), is exposed during the coding. For this purpose, it is possible for the conveying elements of the conveyor to be arranged or designed correspondingly and/or for the walls (42) of the conveyor pockets (33) to be dimensioned correspondingly. Alternatively, the packs (10) are removed from the conveyor, or moved out of the pockets (33), into the region of action of a laser coder (19).

Abstract: Process and apparatus for providing codings on (cigarette) packs.

Abstract: To record an image on a thermally sensitive medium, the medium is subjected to radiation from a single radiation emitter to heat a first portion of the medium to a first temperature which is below a threshold temperature at which the medium records. The medium is also subjected to radiation from the same radiation emitter to heat a different portion of the medium to a second temperature, which is above the threshold temperature, to record the image on the medium.

Abstract: A photosensitive material processing apparatus includes a heating drum, against which a processing sheet is pressed. A film is sandwiched between the processing sheet and the heating drum and is transported thereby while being heated, so that the film undergoes heat development. Accordingly, through a simple development process, images can be formed on the film. In addition, the maintainability of the photosensitive material processing apparatus can be improved.

Abstract: A donor sheet having at least a thin image-forming film on a support is brought into a superposed relationship with an image-receiving material having an image-receiving layer provided on a support either directly or with at least one cushion layer interposed in such a way that the thin film faces the image-receiving layer, and thermal energy is applied imagewise onto the donor sheet, which is then peeled from the image-receiving material to form an image on the latter. Donor sheets having a plurality of peelable thin films are combined selectively with different image-forming materials to insure that at least operations selected from among color image formation, mask image formation, platemaking and filter preparation are possible.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for heat development of a migration imaging member containing migration marking material and a softenable material capable of softening upon exposure to heat at a development temperature, which apparatus comprises a heating source, a conveyance means for conveying the migration imaging member past the heating source, a first pinch roller in contact with the conveyance means, and a second pinch roller in contact with the conveyance means, wherein the imaging member passes through a nip between the conveyance means and the first pinch roller subsequent to entering the apparatus and prior to exposure to the heating source and passes through a nip between the conveyance means and the second pinch roller subsequent to exposure to the heating source and prior to exiting the apparatus, wherein the surface temperature of the first pinch roller is maintained at a temperature at least 20.degree. C.

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 system includes apparatus 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.

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 supply 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. The material transport is arranged to selectively contact the donor and the receiver materials so that there is no cross-contamination.

Abstract: An imaging system having 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 includes a material supply 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.

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 includes an automatic supply for donor sheets and receiver sheets which are supported independently to a writing platen or drum. Apparatus is provided which selectively loads and unloads the donor sheets from superposition with the receiver sheet without disturbing the registration of the receiver sheet.

Abstract: A sheet detection apparatus (10) capable of detecting the presence of a sheet (18). The sheet detection apparatus (10) employs a heater (11) as a thermal emission source that emits radiant energy of a particular wavelength and a detector (12) having an output response that is a function of the particular wavelength and the intensity of the radiant energy of the heater (11). A sheet (18) inserted between the heater (11) and the detector (12) attenuates the emitted radiant received by the detector (12). The sheet detection apparatus (10) is capable of detecting sheets that are either opaque or transparent to visible light.

Abstract: An image transfer apparatus for transferring an image recorded on an image sheet to an image-receiving sheet wherein the image sheet and the image-receiving sheet placed one above the other on a guide plate, together with the guide plate and a cover sheet having one end secured to the guide plate for covering the image sheet and the image-receiving sheet, are transported in one direction along a transporting passage and passed through a transfer station, and are subsequently transported in an opposite direction along the transporting passage and are passed again through the transfer station. The apparatus has a takeup device for drawing out the cover sheet as the guide plate is transported in one direction, and for taking up the cover sheet as the guide plate is transported in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A thermal copier for reproducing an image printed on a document on a thermosensitive sheet by transporting the document and sheet together and illuminating them by thermal rays that pass through the sheet. A belt for transporting the document and sheet to an exposing position has opposite ends, as distinguished from an endless belt. The opposite ends of the belt each is anchored to respective one of a reversible feed roller and a reversible take-up roller. The document and sheet are driven to the exposing position by the reversible rotation of the rollers.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus which includes a conveying device for conveying a transfer recording medium having a transfer recording layer whose transfer characteristics change when a first energy and a second energy different from the first energy are applied thereto. A recording section is disposed along a conveying route of the transfer recording medium conveyed by the conveying device and having a first energy applying device for applying the first energy to the transfer recording medium and a second energy applying device for applying the second energy thereto. A tension imparting device is used for imparting tension to the transfer recording medium in such a manner that the transfer recording medium is pressed against the first energy applying device. A transfer device for transferring an image formed on the transfer recording medium in the recording section to a recording medium and a conveying device for conveying the recording medium to a discharge section via the transfer device are also employed.

Abstract: A method of heating an image formation sheet of the present invention comprises heating while winding the image formation sheet around the periphery of a drum during heat developing and heat transfer. When the total length of the image formation sheet is greater than the length of a contact portion on the periphery of a drum, the image formation sheet and a sheet on which an image is formed are heated while being conveyed at a constant speed so that the heating time is over a given value. While when the total length of the image formation sheet is less than the length of the contact portion on the periphery of the drum, the image formation sheet is wound around the drum at a speed higher than the constant speed, and is heated for development in a stationary state, and is subsequently separated from the drum at the higher speed than the constant speed.

Abstract: In the particular embodiment of the invention described in the specification, a hot melt ink print is prepared by applying the ink to a porous substrate, permitting it to solidify, and reheating the substrate and the ink to a temperature 5.degree. C. to 30.degree. C. above the melting point of the ink for 0.5 to 10 seconds. In one embodiment, the porous substrate is supported on a platen which is maintained at least 30.degree. C. below the melting point of the ink to prevent drying of the substrate and to inhibit spreading of the ink into the substrate. The subsequent reheating of the ink in a controlled manner causes the ink to penetrate to a desired extent into the substrate while preventing shrinkage or cockling of the substrate.

Abstract: An image transfer apparatus for transferring an image on an image sheet to an image-receiving sheet, while the image sheet and the image-receiving sheet are held in a superposed condition, comprises a working station for placing the image sheet and the image-receiving sheet one above the other on a support member to make up a transported sheet assembly, a tacking station for tentatively occuring the image sheet and the image-receiving sheet of the transported sheet assembly together, a transfer station for applying pressure and heat to the transported sheet assembly tentatively secured, and a feed mechanism for feeding the transported sheet assembly through the working station, the tacking station and the transfer station in sequence. Accordingly, the transported sheet assembly is fed automatically by the feed mechanism from the working station through the tacking station and the transfer station in sequence.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus which produces an image on a photosensitive recoding medium through a light shieldable mask image carried on a light transmissive member. The apparatus comprises; a mask image forming means provided at a mask image forming zone for forming the light shieldable mask on the light transmissive member; exposure means for exposing the photosensitive recording medium to light through the light transmissive member carrying the mask in an exposure zone for forming a latent image corresponding to the mask image on the photosensitive recording medium, the mask image forming zone being identical with the exposure zone; developing means for developing the latent image into a visible image on the photosensitive recording medium; and, a holding means for selectively holding portions of the light transmissive member extending outside of the exposure zone and maintaining the light transmissive member in the exposure zone during the mask image formation and during the exposure.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus in which a latent image formed on a photo-sensitive material by optical exposure is thermally developed. The photo-sensitive material is piled on an image receiving material so that the image developed on the photo-sensitive material is transferred onto the image receiving material. A moisture detecting sensor directly or indirectly detects the moisture content of the photo-sensitive material to output a control signal. In response to the control signal, a preheating roller preheats the photo-sensitive material or a humidifying nozzle is operated to humidify the photo-sensitive material, whereby the moisture content of the photo-sensitive material is maintained at a desired value.

Abstract: A thermal copying apparatus disclosed holds an original and a recording sheet in intimate contact with each other between a holding member and a transparent member and operates a light source to irradiate the original through the transparent member thereby to effect a copying operation thermosensitively. The apparatus further has at least one of a heater for heating the transparent member at a portion where the original and the recording sheet are fed into prior to the copying operation, a cooling fan for generating a cooling gas flowing perpendicularly to the conveying direction of the original and the recording sheet and reversing its flowing direction at predetermined cycles, a sensor for detecting temperature of the transparent member, and a circuit for controlling energy of the light source in accordance with the detected temperature, thus being capable of always obtaining uniform copying density.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus of the type in which a latent image formed on a heat-developable photosensitive material through exposure is developed and the developed image is then transferred to an image-receiving material so as to be recorded on said image-receiving material. The exposure is effected on the heat-developable photosensitive material wound on the outer peripheral surface of an exposure drum, and the development and the transfer of the image are conducted with the image-receiving material wound around the heat-developable photosensitive material on the exposure drum, whereby the size of the apparatus as a whole is remarkably reduced.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for obtaining a dye image on an image receiving material by applying an image forming solvent to a heat development photosensitive material and/or the image receiving material comprises: a solvent application device for applying the solvent to the heat development photosensitive material and/or the image receiving material to circulate and reuse the solvent; and a cation exchanger and/or a pollutant adsorbent disposed in the solvent application device so as to come into contact with the solvent. Accordingly, since Ca.sup.2+ ions, Mg.sup.2+ ions, etc., can be removed, the apparatus effectively prevents the fouling of the solvent.

Abstract: A heat developing and transferring apparatus for conducting a heat development of a latent image formed on an exposed heat-developable photosensitive material and for conducting transfer of the developed image from said heat-developable photosensitive material to an image receiving material in the presence of an image forming solvent. The image receiving material and the heat-developable photosensitive material are superposed on a rotary drum in the mentioned order. An image formed on the heat-developable photosensitive material is transferred to the image receiving material by the heat generated by a heater. Then, the heat-developable photosensitive material is separated from the rotary drum and the image receiving material remaining on the rotary drum is dried before it is separated.

Abstract: A pressurizing image forming apparatus makes use of a photo- and pressure-sensitive heat-developable material including a substrate and a layer formed on the substrate from a heat-developable material which enables the developed image to be fixed by the application of pressure. The image on the exposed photosensitive material is developed by application of heat and then fixed by application of pressure onto an image receiving layer on the photosensitive material itself or a separate image-receiving sheet. The fixing of the image is effected by intermittant application of impact pressure by cooperation between an impact pressurizing means; and platen means disposed to oppose the impact pressurizing means.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus employs a photo- and pressure-sensitive heat-developable material having a substrate and a layer formed on the substrate from a material which is photo-sensitive and heat-developable and which enables the developed image to be fixed by a pressure, and an image receiving material. The photosensitive material and the image receiving material being adapted to be superposed one on the other and pressed to each other so as to transfer the image from the photosensitive material to the image receiving material. The pressing of these two materials is conducted by a means which includes a pair of pressing rolls for nipping the photosensitive material and the image receiving material therebetween; back-up rolls means having an axial length smaller than that of the pressing rolls and adapted for acting on at least one of the pressing rolls; and back-up roll pressing means capable of independently adjusting the pressure exerted by the back-up roll means on the pressing rolls.

Abstract: An image recording method wherein an image recorded on a thermal developing photosensitive material is transferred to an image-receiving material in the presence of an image forming solvent so as to be formed on the image-receiving material. In this method, the image forming solvent is applied to only the whole or a part of that portion of either the thermal developing photosensitive material or the image-receiving material which is to be laid on the other, and the thermal developing photosensitive material and the image-receiving material are then laid one upon the other, thereby effecting the transfer of the image. Accordingly, transport means for transporting the thermal developing photosensitive material and/or the image-receiving material, such as a feed roller, can be prevented from being stained with the image forming solvent which might otherwise be applied in surplus.

Abstract: An image recording method wherein an image recorded on a thermal developing photosensitive material is transferred to an image-receiving material in the presence of an image forming solvent so as to be formed on the image-receiving material. A water absorbent applicator member which retains the image forming solvent is allowed to come in and out of contact with the surface of either the thermal developing photosensitive material or the image-receiving material, which are moving. Also disclosed is an apparatus suitably employed to carry out the above-described image recording method. The apparatus has driving means for activating the water absorbent applicator member retaining the image forming solvent to move between an application position at which the applicator member applies the image forming solvent to the surface of either the thermal developing photosensitive material or the image-receiving material, which are moving, and a retraction position which is spaced apart from the application position.

Abstract: There is provided a web printing apparatus (20 ) comprising a web feed means (4, 5, 6), two or more printing stations (21, 22) arranged to print radiation-curable ink onto a web (3) and a primary radiation source (11) arranged to radiate said web with an ink-curing radiation after said web has passed a first said printing station (21) and before said web passes the subsequent printing station (22), wherein said apparatus further comprises a plurality of secondary radiation sources (13, 14) each extending part way across the width of said web and each being arranged to radiate a part of said width after said web has passed said first printing station and before it has passed said subsequent printing station.

Abstract: In the particular embodiment described in the specification, a hot melt ink jet system includes a temperature-controlled platen provided with a heater and a thermoelectric cooler electrically connected to a heat pump and a temperature control unit for controlling the operation of the heater and the heat pump to maintain the platen temperature at a desired level. The apparatus also includes a second thermoelectric cooler to solidify hot melt ink in a selected zone more rapidly to avoid offset by a pinch roll coming in contact with the surface of the substrate to which hot melt ink has been applied. An airtight enclosure surrounding the platen is connected to a vacuum pump and has slits adjacent to the platen to hold the substrate in thermal contact with the platen.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus employs a photo- and pressure-sensitive heat-developable material having a substrate and a layer formed on the substrate from a material which is photo-sensitive and heat-developable and which enables the developed image to be fixed by a pressure. The apparatus has the following major parts: an exposure device for exposing the material to an original image so as to form a latent image corresponding to the original image on the photo-sensitive material; a heat-developing device for thermally setting the portion of the material corresponding to the latent image thereby immobilizing the image; a pressing transfer device for superposing the material and an image-receiving material in contact with each other and pressing them together; and a conveyor drum defining a path of convey therearound. At least two of the exposure device, the heat-developing device and the pressing transfer device being arranged along the path.

Abstract: A copying machine records an image on a recording sheet through the use of an ink donor sheet with thermally transferable ink.

Abstract: A thermography apparatus includes a wire mesh conveyor belt for conveying sheets through a heating zone in which a resin is heated and melted. A plurality of inserts is mounted on the belt for supporting the sheets. Each of the inserts comprises an elongate strip, the strip including an edge integrally formed with a plurality of pointed projections. A widest cross-section of the insert is sized to permit the insert to be inserted laterally into a lateral opening in the belt with the projections thereof lying in the plane of the belt and then rotated 90.degree. to a position wherein the projections extend beyond the plane of the belt to support the sheets. Provided at each end of the strip is a pair of bendable tabs which can be crimped around a wire portion of the belt to anchor the strip to the belt. Since the sheets are supported only by pointed projections, thermography printing can be performed on both sides of the sheets with little risk of the ink being smeared.

Abstract: A two-color copying machine records an image on a recording sheet in two colors such as red and black by using thermally transferable red and black inks on ink donor sheets.

Abstract: A method for transferring an image from an image sheet to an image-receiving sheet while the sheets are superposed, and an apparatus therefor. A support plate of good thermal conductivity and rigidity is placed against the sheets, and a cover sheet superposed remotely from the support plate. The resulting assembly is passed through a pair of heated rollers. Cooling rollers may cool the superposed sheets following image transfer. Additional cooling may be provided.

Abstract: A stimulable phosphor sheet is exposed to an electron beam having passed through a specimen in an electron microscope to record a first magnified image of the specimen on the sheet. A stimulating energy is applied to the sheet for discharging light therefrom which represents the first magnified image. The light discharged from the image sensor is photoelectrically detected to reproduce the first magnified image which can be observed to attain a desired focused condition and/or a desired field on the electron microscope. Then, the same or another stimulable phosphor sheet is exposed to the electron beam to record a second magnified image of the specimen on the sheet, and the second magnified image is reproduced as a final image under the desired focused condition and/or with the desired field.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for developing and transferring an image from a sheet of thermally developing photo-sensitive paper N containing a mobile pigment to a sheet of print paper P containing a pigment fixer, comprising a thermal developer 4 of the photo-sensitive paper, means for overlaying the photo-sensitive and print paper, a heater 8 for transferring the mobile pigments from the developed photo-sensitive paper to the print paper, and a separator 54 for peeling apart the photo-sensitive and print papers.

Abstract: A color copying machine includes a device separating the image information from each area of the original into colors corresponding to predetermined recording colors to thereby form corresponding video signals. A preferential selection circuit converts each video signal into a 2-level signal and performs an arithmetic operation on each 2-level signal to thereby key the image information from each area of the original to one of the recording colors or white. Black is selected as the recording color if a chromatic color competes with black in the same area.

Abstract: A thermal duplicating apparatus for forming a duplicate image of an original image by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive recording medium is provided. The present apparatus utilizes a flexible cylinder which is substantially transparent to the irradiated light ray. The flexible cylinder in effect rolls along the heat sensitive recording medium overlying an original in a flat state as pressed thereagainst to effect duplicating operation progressively from one end to the opposite end.

Abstract: A compact thermosensitive printing machine includes a paper supply guide extending obliquely into a housing to a printing roller at its lower end, and a discharge tray on top of the supply guide for receiving the copied paper face-up after it has passed around the printing roller.

Abstract: A method for exposing a sheet to light radiation while it is under pressure, in which successive portions of the sheet which slightly overlap one another are sequentially clamped between a pressure plate and a light transmitting plate, and are irradiated with electromagnetic radiation through the light transmitting plate in the clamped condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal-plain paper recording system wherein one or a plurality of heater means or hot styli or thermal print heads are brought into contact with one surface of a recording sheet and are energizable and de-energizable in response to time serial pattern signals so that a thermally adherent or heat-sensitive coloring substance may be adhered to an elemental area heated on the sheet, whereby an image may be formed in accordance with the thermal distribution pattern of the recording sheet generated by the energization and de-energization of heater means. Also disclosed is a multi-color recording system by color addition or subtraction.

Abstract: An improvement in carrying heat away from the drum in a thermographic duplication apparatus. The drum is formed of two concentric shells, the outer being only a segment of a cylinder.

Abstract: A process of forming a picture image information such as a manuscript, etc. on a dry treated roll film and developing the same is disclosed. The process comprises successive steps of preparing a film segment having a given length and formed thereon with said picture image information and hot developing said image information formed on said film segment under a flat state without applying tension thereto. An apparatus for practicing the process is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises a cutting block, a photographic block and a hot developing block arranged in succession along a path, said hot developing block having at least one flat surface for attracting a film segment having a given length, and a film carriage provided at its one end with a holding head for attracting and holding said film segment formed thereon with said picture image information and movable along said path to carry said film segment in succession to a position opposed to each of said blocks.

Abstract: In a photoprinting machine including a developing chamber in which a web of exposed diazotype paper continuously fed at an adjustable speed is developed with a developer medium composed of a vaporous ammonia/water mixture, an after-treating chamber following next in the direction of feed of the diazotype paper and which is connected with a device for removing ammonia-containing exhaust air, and a device for expelling developer medium from the developed diazotype paper. The expelling device includes a high energy infrared radiator positioned opposite the web in the after-treating chamber, a connection between the high-energy infrared radiator and an output of a heat output control device, and an input for the heat control device connected to a transmitter of the feed speed. The heat output control device having a characteristic such that the heat output of the high-energy infrared radiator is proportional to the feed speed and the color temperature of the high-energy infrared radiator is about 2000.degree.

Abstract: In an electro-photographic copier of the type wherein an image is formed on an image-carrying sheet and is thereafter fixed by subjecting the sheet at a fixing station to the influence of heat, a combination comprises a heating arrangement at the fixing station for fixing an image on a sheet, and a conveyor arrangement for advancing the sheet through the station at a predetermined speed sufficient to permit the heating arrangement to fix the image on the sheet. An automatic de-actuating timing switch is employed to prevent charring of the sheet in the event that the latter is advanced through the fixing station at a speed lower than said predetermined speed.