Abstract: A method is provided for applying a watermark pattern along a length of photosensitive medium, the photosensitive medium having a frame pitch in the length direction that is the sum of an image frame height plus an interframe distance. The method exposes watermark tiles contiguously along the length of the photosensitive medium, wherein each watermark tile has a height dimension that is an integral divisor of the frame pitch.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus (10) for writing images to print media (32), which comprises an imaging drum (300) for supporting the print media (32), wherein the imaging drum (300) has a surface, a drive end wall (310), and a vacuum end wall. A printhead (500) is used for forming an image onto the print media (32). A motor rotates the imaging drum (300) and a blower creates a vacuum supply to the imaging drum (300) for holding the print media (32) on the surface. At least one vacuum piston (504) creates a second vacuum supply (508) to the surface, wherein the vacuum piston (504) is mounted in the drive end wall (310) or the vacuum end wall, or if more than one vacuum piston (504) is used, optionally in both walls.

Abstract: A photosensitive tabular member suction mechanism that can reliably suck with a simple configuration, on a stage, photosensitive tabular members of different sizes by effectively using the suction force resulting from negative pressure, and an image recording device disposed with this photosensitive tabular member suction mechanism. Cylinder members are attached inside the stage in correspondence to respective suction holes, and the piston members accommodated in the suction holes are urged upward by springs. In a state where a substrate is not placed on a placement surface of the stage, the piston members are in a closed position due to the urging force of the springs and block off the suction holes. When the substrate is placed on the placement surface, the piston members move to an open position counter to the urging force of the springs and the suction holes are opened, whereby the substrate is sucked by a suction force resulting from negative pressure.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for duplex printing has a duplex printing unit conveying the paper sheet, which is printed on a first side by a developing unit and a fixing unit on a first paper conveyance path and then conveyed to the paper discharge unit, to be fed back to the developing unit through the fixing unit to form another image on a non-printed side of the paper sheet.

Abstract: A method of using a printing plate includes, in a first step, setting an image on the printing plate in an imaging machine, while holding the printing plate firmly on a magnetic cylinder of the imaging machine during the imaging process, and in a second step, printing in a printing machine with the printing plate having the image set in this manner; and an imaging machine and a printing machine for performing the method.

Abstract: A roller incorporating a relief surface is used for handling the emulsion coated surface of laser sensitive media in a laser imaging system. In some embodiments, the roller incorporating the relief surface is used to mount and demount media from a media support surface of the laser imaging system. The relief surface may be an integrally formed component of the roller. Alternatively, the relief surface may be provided by a braided sheath that is removably couplable to the roller. The relief surface minimizes debris contamination of the roller during the process of unloading an imaged media from the media support surface. This in turn minimizes contamination of subsequent pieces of media that are loaded by the roller onto the media support surface in order to be imaged.

Abstract: First and second light receiving windows are formed on a head cover of a thermal head. The first light receiving windows are disposed to cross the lateral edges of the first king-sized recording paper. The second light receiving windows are disposed to cross the lateral edges of the second large-sized recording paper. First and second phototransistors are provided on the thermal head so as to measure quantity of light passed through the first and second light receiving windows. When printing the first recording paper, the first light receiving windows are partially shielded with lateral edges of the first recording paper and the second light receiving windows are completely shielded with the recording paper. Positions of the lateral edges are determined from the difference between output signals of the two phototransistors. When printing the second recording paper, the first light receiving windows are shielded by light-tight shielding stickers.

Abstract: A laser thermal transfer recording method comprises: dispensing a thermal transfer sheet and an image-receiving sheet to an exposure recording device; cutting each of the sheets into pieces of a predetermined length; superposing each of the cut pieces of the image-receiving sheet on each of the cut pieces of the thermal transfer sheet; loading an exposure drum installed in the exposure recording device with the thus superposed pieces of sheets; and irradiating the sheets loaded on the exposure drum with a laser beam according to image information, in which the laser beam is absorbed in the thermal transfer sheet and converted into a heat, and an image is transferred onto the image-receiving sheet by the heat converted from the laser beam, wherein each surface of the thermal transfer sheet and the image-receiving sheet is cleaned by contacting with an adhesive roller that includes an adhesive material on its surface, in which the adhesive roller is disposed in any one of a feeding part and a conveying part of

Abstract: In a medical facility, image forming apparatus are connected to a local area network, and the characteristics of the photosensitive mediums are stored in a database connected to the local area network. When new photosensitive mediums are loaded in a certain image forming apparatus, attribute information of the new photosensitive mediums is transmitted to the database via the local area network. If the characteristics of the photosensitive mediums depending on the attribute information are stored in the database, then the characteristics of the photosensitive mediums are downloaded from the database via the local area network into the certain image forming apparatus. The characteristics of the photosensitive mediums can thus be shared among the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An isolation system comprising: a substantially rectangular stationary frame; an imaging assembly including a curved platen for supporting image media and an exposure assembly for imagewise exposing a supported image media to produce exposed image media, wherein the imaging assembly has a substantial rectangular footprint and is sized to fit within the stationary frame; and a cable and spring assembly for suspending the imaging assembly from the frame to substantially isolate the imaging assembly from sources of external vibration.

Abstract: An edge detection apparatus for detecting an edge on a surface. The apparatus comprises a source of coherent radiation for generating a radiation beam and directing the beam onto the surface. A radiation detector is located so as to detect radiation diffusely reflected, but not specularly reflected, from the surface. A system is provided for causing relative scanning movement between the radiation beam and the surface. A monitor is coupled to the detector for monitoring the intensity of the detected radiation.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is disclosed in which media advances at a first speed to an interim position based on signals from a first sensor having a first accuracy. While the media is advancing at the first speed, signals are accumulated from a second sensor having a second accuracy greater than the first accuracy. Upon the media reaching the interim position, an actual position of the media is adjusted based on the signals accumulated from the second sensor.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device includes a cassette in which recording media are configured to be stacked. The cassette includes a rear end regulation member configured to be moved in a direction in which the recording media are fed to regulate rear ends of the recording media and a size detection device configured to swing with movement of the rear end regulation member. The sheet feeding device further includes a size determination device arranged within an area corresponding to a width of the cassette in the direction in which the recording media are fed. The size determination device is configured to determine a size of the recording media stacked in the cassette by detecting a position of the size detection device.

Abstract: An image recording method includes the steps of attaching recording paper on an outer peripheral surface of a recording drum, attaching an image receiving sheet having an image receiving layer on the recording paper to transfer the image receiving layer thereon, attaching a toner sheet on the image recording sheet, and transferring toner of the toner sheet onto the image receiving layer in accordance with recording data.

Abstract: An apparatus for registering film in a drum scanner assembly including: a horizontally oriented concave curved film platen having first and second horizontal edge regions and third and fourth curved side edge regions connected between first and second edge regions, the concave, curved film platen having a curved surface defining a curved film path from the first edge region to the second edge region; a plurality of slider assemblies having film engagement members mounted relative to the platen to engage film fed into the film platen, the film engagement members being independently slidable within the slider assemblies; and means for simultaneously moving the slider assemblies according to the size of film to be fed onto the film platen such that all of the film engagement members are aligned across the platen in a direction perpendicular to the film path; wherein as film is fed onto the film platen from the first edge region along the curved film path toward the second edge region, the leading edge of the fil

Abstract: An image forming apparatus (X) includes a print head (2) provided with a projection (23a) which is offset with respect to a lens (22a) in an secondary scanning direction (CD) and which protrudes beyond the lens (22a) toward the photosensitive recording medium (4) for abutting against the photosensitive recording medium (4). The projection (23a) moving in contact with the photosensitive recording medium (4) during exposure corrects waviness of the photosensitive recording medium (4).

Abstract: The package of recording media contains a set of recording media which are pre-stacked in a predetermined order is provided to a recording medium holding member so that immediately after the package is opened, the recording media are disposed in a recording apparatus at a time. This package, by avoiding a need of manual stacking of the recording media, lowers a possibility of each recording medium being contaminated with foreign particles so as to reduce resultant image defects. Further, a recording feed cassette stacking the recording media in said manner can achieve the same effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photothermographic material including, on a same surface of a support, a photosensitive silver halide, a non-photosensitive organic silver salt, a reducing agent and a binder, wherein the photosensitive silver halide has a silver iodide content within a range from 40 to 100 mol %, and the material is thermally developed within a developing time of 12 seconds or less. The invention also relates to an image forming method using the photothermographic material.

Abstract: In an internal drum scanner assembly having a curved platen for supporting media during exposure by a laser image scanner, media positioning apparatus comprising: a media feed device for feeding media onto the curved platen; and an assembly for pushing the media out of the feed device into the scanning region of the platen so that a borderless image can be produced on the media.

Abstract: An isolation system comprising: a substantially rectangular stationary frame; an imaging assembly including a curved platen for supporting image media and an exposure assembly for imagewise exposing a supported image media to produce exposed image media, wherein the imaging assembly has a substantial rectangular footprint and is sized to fit within the stationary frame; and a cable and spring assembly for suspending the imaging assembly from the frame to substantially isolate the imaging assembly from sources of external vibration.

Abstract: An apparatus for registering film in a drum scanner assembly comprising: a horizontally oriented concave curved film platen having first and second horizontal edge regions and third and fourth curved side edge regions connected between first and second edge regions, the concave, curved film platen having a curved surface defining a curved film path from the first edge region to the second edge region; a plurality of slider assemblies having film engagement members mounted relative to the platen to engage film fed into the film platen, the film engagement members being independently slidable within the slider assemblies; and means for simultaneously moving the slider assemblies according to the size of film to be fed onto the film platen such that all of the film engagement members are aligned across the platen in a direction perpendicular to the film path; wherein as film is fed onto the film platen from the first edge region along the curved film path toward the second edge region, the leading edge of the fi

Abstract: In an internal drum scanner assembly having a curved platen for supporting media during exposure by a laser image scanner, media positioning apparatus comprising: a media feed device for feeding media onto the curved platen; and an assembly for pushing the media out of the feed device into the scanning region of the platen so that a borderless image can be produced on the media.

Abstract: An image setting apparatus produces an image on a flexible section of imageable material. The apparatus includes a retainer for retaining the flexible section in a cylindrical configuration about a cylinder axis. An imageable surface of the section faces inwardly toward the axis. The apparatus includes an imaging source for selectively exposing the inwardly-facing imageable surface to produce the image. The retainer includes a plurality of arced supports spaced from each other along the axis. Each support has a curved surface segment for physical contact with an outwardly-facing surface of the section.

Abstract: A laser thermal transfer recording method is disclosed. The method employs an ink sheet having a light-heat conversion layer an a laser thermal transfer image receiving sheet having an image receiving layer in which Vicat softening point of the resin composing the thermoplastic layer of the image receiving layer is less than 80° C., and one of the image receiving layer and the ink layer contains a matting agent having a particle diameter larger than the thickness of the layer containing matting agent, the projection height of the matting agent is less than 3.5 &mgr;m and the frequency of the projections is from 400/mm2 to 4,000/mm2, and the peeling angle of the ink sheet and the image receiving sheet is controlled at an angle less than 30°.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a partition layer on a substrate by imaging a thermal or laser transfer medium onto the substrate using a imagewise controlled radiation source. A matrix of partition cells are created on the substrate that can, in a further step, be selectively filled with fluid or ink using an inkjet printing technique. The partition layer, the substrate, and fluids to be deposited are selected so that the fluids wet the substrate but not the partitions, preventing bending between adjacent cells.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate substrate is conditioned for imaging in a printer engine by attaching a leader to the leading edge. The leader is sufficiently flexible to be drawn into the printer engine and is adapted to pull the plate substrate through the printer engine.

Abstract: A sheet treating apparatus is mountable in a space portion of an image forming apparatus including an image-forming portion for forming an image on a sheet and an image-reading portion for reading an image of an original. The image-reading portion is disposed above the image-forming portion. The sheet is delivered in the space portion formed between the image-forming portion and the image-reading portion. The sheet treating apparatus includes a connection path unit to be connected with a sheet delivery path for delivering the sheet from the image-forming portion, which connection path unit is mounted in the space portion from the outside of a side surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus, and a sheet-treating unit for performing a treatment of the sheet transported from the connection path unit, which sheet-treating unit is mounted in the space portion from the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A device for removing an image recording material is provided, which takes up little space and is used with printing plates and interleaf sheets set alternately in a cassette. An interleaf sheet and a printing plate are taken out simultaneously. In the midst of being conveyed along a conveying path leading to an exposure section, only the interleaf sheet is sucked by a fan or drawn-in between a roller pair so as to be peeled off from the printing plate. The peeled-off interleaf sheet is discarded, and the printing plate is conveyed reliably to the exposure section.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus (10) includes: a) a rotatable, magnet-attracting imaging drum (300) arranged to mount a receiver sheet (32) and a donor sheet (36) in superposed relationship; b) a motor (258) for rotating the imaging drum; c) a sheet transport assembly (91); d) a printhead (500); e) a lead screw (250) for moving the printhead; f) a linear translation subsystem (210); and g) a magnetic load roller (350) for eliminating entrained air.

Abstract: The invention provides an imaging drum (300) for an imaging apparatus, the imaging drum being provided with a recess (326) for receiving an image media. The recess is defined by one or more openings of a mask coupled to the drum. The invention also provides a method of making an imaging drum for use in an imaging apparatus. The method comprises the steps of providing a drum, applying a mask to the drum (300), the mask pattern being formed of a material having a thickness sufficient to define a recess of a desired depth on the drum surface when the mask is applied to the drum.

Abstract: A magnetic clamp for firmly clamping the edge of an imaging media on an imaging bed has one or more magnetic assemblies located in a clamp frame. The magnetic assemblies include magnets which may be permanent magnets. the magnets are prevented from contacting the imaging bed surface by pole pieces. The pole pieces contact the surface of an imaging bed thus channelling the magnetic flux generated by the magnets through the surface to provide a clamping force. In one embodiment, the magnetic assemblies are slidable in a frame to allow clamping of different thickness media.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus for recording an image on a sensitive material mounted on a drum by emitting light beams to the sensitive material. The apparatus includes a cylindrical drum for supporting the sensitive material mounted peripherally thereof, a drive mechanism for rotating the drum with a rotary shaft disposed on an axis of the drum, guide members formed in opposite end surfaces of the drum and extending circumferentially about the rotary shaft, a pair of counterweights movable along each of the guide members, a moving mechanism for engaging each of the counterweights and moving relative to the drum, thereby to move the counterweight along the guide member, and a fixing mechanism for fixing the counterweight to the guide member in time of image recording.

Abstract: A laser printing system for imaging using plain paper, rewritable media, or both. The rewritable media employs a molecular colorant. The rewritable media is brought into contact with an electrical charge deposited on the surface of a photoconductor drum or belt. Field generated cause the molecules of the colorant to change state to develop the desired text or print image.

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: A lock claw is provided on a pack loading door for opening a pack loading chamber. A lock lever is attached to the pack loading chamber. The lock lever is movable between a lock position where a lock claw engages with the lock claw, and a release position where a lock claw is away from the lock claw. The camera has a system controller and a film counter. The film counter counts a remaining number that represents the number of the instant film left inside the pack loading chamber. When a lock release button is operated, the system controller checks the remaining number. If the remaining number is equal to zero, the system controller controls a feeding motor to rotate inversely, so that the lock lever moves to the release position. If the remaining number is more than zero, the system controller keeps the lock lever at the lock position.

Abstract: A self-balancing imaging drum (300) for supporting print media (32) includes an external surface (303) having a plurality of vacuum holes (306) extending from the hollowed-out interior portion (304) of the self-balancing imaging drum (300). A first vacuum supply (450) is formed in the hollowed-out interior portion (304) thereby communicating vacuum through the plurality of vacuum holes (306) for holding print media (32) onto the external surface (303) of the self-balancing imaging drum (300). At least one balance corrector (490) consists of a vacuum cylinder (480) for housing a vacuum piston (470) with a return spring (460) mounted in the wall of the self-balancing imaging drum (300) such that when the self-balancing imaging drum (300) is rotated it generates a second vacuum supply (440) to the external surface (303) of the self-balancing imaging drum (300) for holding the print media (32).

Abstract: A printer with donor and receiver media supply trays each adapted to allow a printer to sense type of media therein, and method of assembling the printer and trays. Donor and receiver media supply trays to be loaded into the printer are adapted to allow the printer to sense type of media therein. Each supply tray comprises a tray body having a supply of the media (i.e., donor or receiver) therein. A transceiver is disposed proximate the trays. The transceiver is capable of transmitting a first electromagnetic field and sensing a second electromagnetic field A first transponder is integrally connected to the receiver supply tray and has encoded data previously stored therein indicative of the type of receiver media. A second transponder is integrally connected to the donor supply tray and also has encoded data previously stored therein indicative of the type of donor media.

Abstract: An automatic exposure apparatus for printing plates and a method for exposing printing plates, which can prevent a defective image such as an unfocused image from being formed when an image is recorded onto the printing plate is provided. Suction holes are formed at a surface plate 110 of an automatic exposure apparatus 100 for printing plates, and a vacuum pump 306 communicates with the suction holes. A solenoid valve 308 is provided at a communicating path 304 between the suction holes and the vacuum pump 306, and a chamber 310 is provided at the communicating path 304 between the solenoid valve 308 and the vacuum pump 306.

Abstract: A sheet material stacking device and an automatic exposure device for a printing plate, capable of stacking a number of interleaf sheets stably and efficiently. A pair of skewered rollers are provided at the sheet material stacking device used for the automatic exposure device. An interleaf sheet, which is fed from an interleaf sheet transport section, is guided by guide plates and nipped by the rollers. The interleaf sheet, while maintaining a so-called stronger pulling tension, is forcibly fed to an interleaf sheet accommodating section and stacked. Even if the interleaf sheet is thin, the interleaf sheet can behave stably as it is being stacked, and a number of the interleaf sheets can be stacked regularly and effectively.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking belts disposed on rollers in a photoreceptor apparatus. The system includes a movable, belt edge guide that operates in combination with an encoder, a belt edge sensor, a belt hole sensor for detecting a hole in the belt surface, wherein the profile of the edge of the belt is learned as a function of the belt position on the rollers. The encoder and belt hole sensor are used to actuate the edge guide system to compensate for the contours of the belt edge and to maintain a constant lateral position of the belt at any given point on the belt.

Abstract: A self-balancing imaging drum (300) for supporting print media (32) comprises an external surface (303) having a plurality of vacuum holes (306) extending from the hollowed-out interior portion (304) of the self-balancing imaging drum (300). A first vacuum supply (450) is formed in the hollowed-out interior portion (304) thereby communicating vacuum through the plurality of vacuum holes (306) for holding print media (32) onto the external surface (303) of the self-balancing imaging drum (300). At least one balance corrector (490) consists of a vacuum cylinder (480) for housing a vacuum piston (470) with a return spring (460) mounted in the wall of the self-balancing imaging drum (300) such that when the self-balancing imaging drum (300) is rotated it generates a second vacuum supply (440) to the external surface (303) of the self-balancing imaging drum (300) for holding the print media (32).

Abstract: An optical printer module has a film pack compartment that stores a film pack which stores an instant print film in a frame composed of a main frame, a subframe and a cover. The frame contains a claw mechanism and a spread mechanism that includes a pair of spread rollers. The claw mechanism feeds the instant print film out of the film pack while the instant print film is being exposed, and the spread rollers pinch the exposed instant print film fed out of the film pack by the claw mechanism to develop the exposed instant print film and feed the developed instant print film from the optical printer module. The whole surface of the frame shades the film, except for an opening for the film pack.

Abstract: Before warm-up of a printer, sheets are initially fed for printing based on a normal assumed lock time for rotation of polygonal mirror (116) of a laser printhead (100). After an initial printing when in a mode in which the printer is warmed, such as a standby mode, sheets are fed for printing based on a lock time shorter than the normal lock time. When a lock time failure is observed when using the shorter lock time, use of the longer lock time is resumed. Time to begin printing is improved by the use of the shorter lock time.

Abstract: There is provided a print control method in which the user, in designating an interruption printing from the host computer, can change the sheet discharge method and the sheet discharge unit for a print job designated for interruption printing, so that the prints of the interruption print job are not mixed with the prints of other print jobs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for personalizing a recordable data storage medium. At least one property of a non-recorded data area is modified in the same way as if data were recorded thereby creating determined patterns on or in the data storage medium. The property to modify may be an optical property rendering the determined patterns visible to human eyes. The invention further relates to a data storage medium comprising the mentioned determined patterns and to a device for transfering determined patterns on or in a data storage medium.

Abstract: Arrangements and procedures are described to provide print media information to an imaging device independently of marking every sheet in a stack of print media and independently of repetitively marking portions on a roll of media after images have been formed on the roll. Specifically, an electronic tag is fixed to a medium. The electronic tag stores information that identifies a corresponding quantity and type of print media. After the medium has been loaded into an imaging device, the stored information is detected by the imaging device. The imaging device uses the detected information to automatically configure itself to print on each sheet or portion of a roll loaded print media.

Abstract: A printer feeds cut-sheet print media past an exposure area of a linear exposure print engine exposing the edges of the media. A sheet of print media is fed into a pair of open leading edge pinch rollers as printing is started. These rollers close and push the media past the exposure area where the leading edge of the sheet is exposed to the image being printed. The leading edge then passes through a pair of open trailing edge pinch rollers, which close to start pulling the media through the exposure area. After the trailing edge pinch rollers close, the leading edge pinch rollers open, transferring the movement from the leading edge pinch rollers to the trailing edge pinch rollers, allowing the trailing edge pinch rollers to pull the trailing edge of the sheet through the exposure area where it is exposed to the image being printed.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate substrate is conditioned for imaging in a printer engine by attaching a leader to the leading edge. The leader is sufficiently flexible to be drawn into the printer engine and is adapted to pull the plate substrate through the printer engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photographic recording arrangement for the recording of photographic images onto a band-shaped medium, with a medium source which a supplies a band-shaped medium, with a clamping arrangement which provides a clamping track and a band-shaped medium output at the beginning of the track through which the band-shaped medium is supplied by the medium source along which clamping track the band-shaped medium is guided and tightened and at the end of which track the guided band-shaped medium is clamped by a first holding mechanism for tightening, with at least one recording apparatus for the recording of images onto the tightened band-shaped medium.

Abstract: A method of printing image information on a receiving material, two sides of which are provided with a binding portion for collecting a plurality of receiving materials into a booklet, the image information of at least two images being printed next to one another on the receiving material such that the images situated next to one another are printed with reading orientations rotated 180° relative to one another and forming a right angle with the sides of the receiving material that are provided with the binding portion. To rotate the images, a fast method of rotating digital images is described which requires minimal memory space. Furthermore, the rotation method is particularly applicable to rotating a series of images and includes the capability of rotating each image in the series differently while utilizing minimal memory space and processor time.