Abstract: An imprint lithography apparatus having a first frame to be mounted on a floor, a second frame mounted on the first frame via a kinematic coupling, an alignment sensor mounted on the second frame, to align an imprint lithography template arrangement with a target portion of a substrate, and a position sensor to measure a position of the imprint lithography template arrangement and/or a substrate stage relative to the second frame.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a method of large area lithography to decrease widths of portions written into photoresists. One embodiment of the method includes projecting an initial light beam of a plurality of light beams at a minimum wavelength to a mask in a propagation direction of the plurality of light beams. The mask has a plurality of dispersive elements. A wavelength of each light beam of the plurality of light beams is increased until a final light beam of the plurality of light beams is projected at a maximum wavelength. The plurality of dispersive elements of the mask diffract the plurality of light beams into order mode beams to produce an intensity pattern in a medium between the mask and a substrate having a photoresist layer disposed thereon. The intensity pattern having a plurality of intensity peaks writes a plurality of portions in the photoresist layer.

Abstract: A camera configured for a predetermined environment can be made low profile in the following manner. The camera includes an image sensor that has a light sensitive portion that can sense light from the predetermined environment. A substantially opaque mask is disposed above the light sensitive portion of the image sensor and has at least one opening through which the image sensor senses light. The low profile structure of the camera can be realized with substantially transparent material disposed between the substantially opaque mask and the image sensor that has index of refraction that is greater than an index of refraction of the predetermined environment. Accordingly, light through the opening refracts as it passes through the substantially transparent material to the image sensor.

Abstract: A method of selectively exposing a liquid photopolymer printing blank to actinic radiation to create a relief image printing plate and a liquid platemaking exposure system. The method includes: (1) positioning a programmable screen programmed with an image file of a desired image between the top glass and an upper source of actinic radiation; (2) exposing the layer of liquid photopolymer to actinic radiation from the upper source of actinic radiation through the programmable screen to crosslink and cure at least a portion of the liquid photopolymer adjacent to the backing sheet and create a floor layer therein; and (3) imagewise exposing the layer of liquid photopolymer to actinic radiation from a lower source of actinic radiation through a negative of the relief image to crosslink and cure selective portions of the liquid photopolymer on the floor layer and create the relief image therein.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards technology managing three-dimensional object fabrication in full color. In order to transform the object's model into an instruction set for a fabrication device, a fabrication manager computes color values corresponding to geometry within a later of the object's model. After determining an amount of each colored material to deposit, the fabrication manager generates coordinated instructions configured to deposit a combination of colored materials according to the geometry and efficiently transitioning between colored materials during object fabrication.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multilayer optical film having a structure in which a first resin layer and a second resin layer are alternately laminated, wherein the first resin layer comprises a crystalline naphthalene dicarboxylic-acid polyester and the second resin layer comprises polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing a multilayer optical film comprising (a) melting extrusion a first resin comprising a crystalline naphthalene dicarboxylic-acid polyester and a second resin comprising PETG respectively and then alternately laminating the first resin and the second resin; and (b) elongating the laminated sheet in step (a) and then thermosetting them.

Abstract: To provide a substrate holding apparatus that can rapidly recover liquid that has infiltrated the rear surface side of a substrate. A substrate holding apparatus comprises: a base; a first support part, which is formed on the base and supports a rear surface of a substrate to be processed; a first circumferential wall part, which is formed on the base and is provided so that it opposes the rear surface of the substrate to be processed and surrounds the first support part; and a first recovery port, which is provided on the outer side of the first circumferential wall part; wherein, the flow of a gas along the first circumferential wall part moves the liquid on the outer side of the first circumferential wall part to the first recovery port, where the liquid is recovered.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting unit that ejects ink onto paper, a first removal portion that removes adhering objects that have adhered to the paper by making contact with a first surface of the paper during transport of the paper, and a second removal portion that removes adhering objects that have adhered to the paper by making contact with a second surface of the paper during transport of the paper. The first removal portion and the second removal portion are disposed so as to partially overlap in the transport direction of the paper and so that ends of the first removal portion and the second removal portion on an upstream side in the transport direction are distanced from each other in the transport direction.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting unit that ejects ink onto paper, a medium holding portion that holds the paper to be fed to the liquid ejecting unit, and a removal portion that removes adhering objects that have adhered to the paper, in a feed path of the paper that is positioned lower than the medium holding portion.

Abstract: An optical product that includes a transparent lens sheet, which has a first side with a plurality of side-by-side sets of linearly arranged lenses. Each of the sets of lenses is at a slant angle in the range of 10 to 46 degrees from a vertical or a horizontal axis of the lens sheet. The product includes an image layer that includes pixels from a number of digital images. The pixels are arranged in a pattern of pixel locations providing non-orthogonal interlacing of the digital images relative to each of the sets of the linearly arranged lenses. The pattern of pixel locations aligns a number of the pixels from each of the digital images to be parallel to a line extending through a center of the linearly arranged lenses in each set. Each of the linearly arranged lenses may have a round base, a hexagonal base, or a square base.

Abstract: A digital stereo imaging photosensitive device for a grating and a photosensitive material, includes: a photosensitive platform (8), connected with a base via a platform moving mechanism; a compressing mechanism (7) mounted on the photosensitive platform, wherein a grating (5) is positioned on the compressing mechanism; a LCD displayer (2) suspending above the photosensitive platform; and a lens suspending above the photosensitive platform via a lens moving mechanism, wherein the lens is under the LCD displayer. And a method for digital stereo projection is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus continues, before a number of pages where image data started to be input reaches N pages, inputting of the image data until an amount of the image data stored in a storage unit reaches a first amount, and thereafter, continue the inputting of the image data until the amount of the stored image data reaches a second amount, which is smaller than the first amount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a multicolor hologram by means of a capture beam, wherein the utilized capture beam (6) has a plurality of beam bundles of the same wavelength. Advantageously, the multicolor hologram is produced by copying the structure of multiple single-color subholograms of a master hologram (1) in a copy layer (5) which is affixed parallel to the master hologram, by illuminating this copy layer with the single-color capture beam. Each beam bundle appears at a prespecified angle of incidence, wherein the angles of incidence are calculated in such a manner that the structure of a corresponding subhologram is produced in the copy layer. this way, a falsification is nearly impossible.

Abstract: A destination address of transmission of designated image data attached to e-mail and a notification destination address to be notified of error information if a transmission error occurs are set. If a transmission error occurs due to size excess of the transmitted e-mail, retransmission confirmation information containing the error information and designate input accept information for accepting designate input which designates whether to execute retransmission of the e-mail in which the transmission error has occurred is generated. The generated retransmission confirmation information is notified to a notification destination specified by the set notification destination address.

Abstract: Contact printing can be used to form electrically active micro-features on a substrate. An ink formulation containing an oxide precursor is used to form the micro-features, which are heat cured to form oxides. Various precursors are illustrated which can be used to form conducting, insulating, and semiconductor micro-features.

Abstract: A lithography tool includes an exposure chamber and a reticle handler that exchanges a reticle being exposed as prescribed by the user of the lithography tool. The reticle handler can include a vacuum-compatible robot, a vacuum chamber to house the robot, a load-lock to input reticles and transition them from atmospheric pressure to vacuum, a processing station for processing the reticle, and a reticle library for storing at least one extra reticle so that it is quickly available for exchange during an exposure process. The robot can have a two or more handed gripper to simultaneously hold multiple reticles. This allows a first reticle to be removed from the reticle stage with a first hand and a second reticle to be loaded onto the reticle stage with a second hand, and so on, which minimizes exchange time.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a loader for moving (e.g., transporting) a printing plate into an exposer for printing plates and, after exposure, out of the exposer and into a processor, for example, saves space in the region of the exposer when moving the printing plate. In the method, the movement of the printing plate into the exposer takes place, at least in a path segment of the movement run, at a first level and the movement of the printing plate out of the exposer takes place, at least in a path segment of the movement run, at a second level that differs from the first level. The path segments of the movement run at the two different levels are each located on the same side of the exposer.

Abstract: A network scanner device for transmitting image data through networks, includes a reading section for scanning a document to obtain image data, a first setting section for setting up a recipient address to which the image data is to be transmitted, and a second setting section for setting up a sender address representing a sender in place of a sending station address specifying the device. It also includes a transmission control section for carrying out control for adding to the image data the sender address set by the second setting section and transmitting the image data to the recipient address set by the first setting section. Thereby, a person having performed an operation of image data transmission is capable of easily using reply mail and error mail responding to the transmission.

Abstract: Utilizing contact printing as the second exposure within a double exposure attenuated phase shift mask (APSM) fabrication process is disclosed. The process defines the shift pattern within the attenuated layer of the APSM using a first exposure, such as electron beam (e-beam) writing. The attenuated layer may be MoSi, MoSiO, and so on. The process then defines the border pattern within the opaque layer of the APSM using a second exposure. The second exposure employs contact printing, utilizing a contact exposure mask. The contact printing process may align the contact exposure mask over the wafer on which the APSM is fabricated utilizing a camera and an image storage system storing an image of this wafer.

Abstract: High resolution gray scale graphical images are formed in a semiconductor substrate by the use of two or more levels of indicia having a plurality of image segments and having a continuous conductive line formed in the surface of the substrate, each image segment includes a portion of said continuous conductive line and a contrasting material providing pixels in which the width of the line within a segment varies in relationship to gray scale levels in the graphic image to be formed. Providing a graphic image to be converted; converting the graphic image to a gray level, two dimensional bit mapped converting the bit mapped image into a set of parallel lines of varying width; each line comprising a single continuous segment in which the width varies based on the density of the gray level required to form the gray level image; and transferring the set of lines to a pattern of conductor/insulator lines on a substrate.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to prevent leakage of powder, etc. by effectively sealing en end of a rotary body with a simple structure. An end seal which prevents toner leakage by contacting an outer circumference of a developing roller, has a contact portion made of a sealing material of yarns including porous hollow fibers. Being made of hollow fiber, the seal exhibits reduced repulsive elasticity during compression, and high hermeticity is attained in the yarns by applying only a relatively light load to such an extent that deformation in a pressure-applying supporting plate and the to-be-pressed developing roller is not caused, thereby maintaining sealability. The seal is freely deformable so as for a stepped portion to be sealed effectively. By mixing non-hollow fibers, the seal can be partially provided with elasticity. By mixing electrically conductive fibers, the seal can be used in a region where static protection is necessitated.

Abstract: A preexposure apparatus comprises a film supply station ST1 for arranging a film cartridge 14 containing a film 12 accommodated therein, a film-drawing station-ST3 for automatically drawing the film 12 over its entire length, an exposure station ST5 for exposing a predetermined portion of the drawn film 12 with an image by the aid of an exposure section 32, a winding station ST6 for automatically rewinding the film 12 after the exposure into the film cartridge 14, and a withdrawing station ST8 for withdrawing the film cartridge 14. Accordingly, the predetermined portion of the film can be preexposed with a desired image automatically and efficiently.

Abstract: An optical system for image rotation comprises two Pechan prisms (8, 9) located on an optical axis (4) and a lens system located on the same optical axis. The two Pechan prisms (8, 9) can be rotated relative to each other around the optical axis (4). They are located next to each other without the interposition of lenses. The lens system comprises two lens subsystems (6, 7) that are located one on each side of the pair of Pechan prisms, and between which there exists a telecentric beam path.

Abstract: A negative to be printed is masked. The mask, or an image of the mask in the plane of the negative, or both the mask and the image, have a low resolution of 0.1 to 2 line pairs per millimeter.

Abstract: An exposure method includes the phase-shifting mask supply step, the phase-shifting mask being prepared by selectively forming a light-shielding portion and a phase shifter on a substrate, and the resist exposure step of performing both exposure of a resist by dark field illumination light and exposure of the resist by bright field illumination light by using the phase-shifting mask, thereby removing residual resist generated by the influence of the edge of the phase shifter.

Abstract: Bulk rolls of film are pre-exposed with a latent image of artwork positioned within a film frame. Multiple frames, each having an artwork image portion and an opaque portion, are formed within an imaging filmstrip formed in a continuous loop. The continuous loop is rotated while a portion of the filmstrip is in contact with a portion of the bulk film for transferring the artwork image from the filmstrip to the bulk film. The bulk film is advanced while a light source exposes the film when in contact with the filmstrip. The pre-exposed bulk roll of film is punched at preselected sprocket holes corresponding to the filmstrip length for providing a reference sprocket hole within each length of film cut from the bulk roll for loading within a camera for double exposure of the film and placement of a second latent image in juxtaposition with the artwork.

Abstract: A fun camera provides precise registration of a latent image within a film frame with subsequent images placed on the filmstrip through exposure of the filmstrip within the camera. Rolls of film are pre-exposed with the latent image of artwork positioned within film frames. Masks are provided for insertion of the camera frame opening for shielding that portion of the film frame which contains the artwork latent image. The art work is placed onto the pre-exposed filmstrip using an imaging filmstrip formed in a continuous loop. The continuous loop having multiple artwork images thereon is rotated while a portion of the filmstrip is in contact with a portion of the bulk film for transferring the artwork image from the filmstrip to the bulk film. The bulk film is advanced while a light source exposes the film when in contact with the filmstrip.

Abstract: A method of improving uneven illumination in a contact printer having an original image position and a light source to illuminate the original image position, which light source may illuminate the original image position non-uniformly, the method comprising: first forming a mask by exposing a photographic element to the light source and processing the element to form a negative image of the light source at a filtering position between the light source and the original image position; and positioning the mask at the filtering position. A second aspect of the method uses an electronic processor and gathered illumination data, to generate a mask.

Abstract: A method of transferring a color proof comprises stacking an image receiving sheet and a color sheet having colorant images formed on a support, applying pressing to the stacked sheets by a heating roller to transfer the colorant images to the image receiving sheet, and conducting the transfer repeatingly for different color sheets, the transfer for each of the color sheets being conducted at two stages with different rotational speeds of the transfer drum and the transfer being conducted at the second stage under a lower speed condition than in the first stage.

Abstract: A method for exposing film with a latent image, wherein the latent image is in precise registration with a subsequent image placed onto the filmstrip. Pre-exposed artwork is positioned to enhance a finished photograph creating a pleasing and interesting photograph without special efforts by a user. An exposure frame opening of the camera has a shielded portion in registration with the pre-exposed filmstrip artwork portion of the filmstrip. To place the artwork in proper registration, an imaging filmstrip is formed having an image of the artwork. The artwork image is located using an alignment filmstrip formed using the camera itself. Subsequent exposure provides each frame of the pre-exposed filmstrip with images in pleasing juxtaposition.

Abstract: A decorative card is produced by duplicating a microfiche on which is provided a suitable pattern, the light sensitive side of the fiche being subsequently provided with a protective layer. In producing frames of aligned characters to form the card, a master guide strip may be provided to be used in conjunction with a strip secured to a character for use in individual frames as required.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of forming a graphic image having the appearance of three-dimensionality, the method comprising the steps of: providing a preformed lenticular film having a flat side and having a side with lenticules opposite the flat side; and printing an image on the flat side of the lenticular film using web fed printing to produce a graphic image web in which the perceptible image possesses photographically acceptable quality, wherein the image elements are printed on the lenticular film at an angle which corresponds to the pitch of the lenticules of the lenticular film.

Abstract: A mask for evaluation of an aligner includes, on a transparent substrate, a plurality of resistance measurement pattern blocks each including a plurality of resistance measurement patterns which have shapes identical to each other. Resistance values of respective measurement patterns of conductive film portions on a substrate exposed and formed by using a mask having a plurality of the same measurement patterns vary in dependency upon the accuracy of a lens, etc. of the aligner. Accordingly, this evaluation mask is used to carry out exposure process to etch a conductive film to measure resistance values of the conductive film portions to compare them to each other, thereby making it possible to carry evaluation of an aligner including evaluation of a lens therefor.

Abstract: An exposure system for light sensitive materials held in a vacuum frame includes an electrical light source and a power supply to the light source, the power supply having a power consumption monitor so it can modify the power supplied to the light source to compensate for any fluctuations in power consumption by the light.The light source is supported in a housing having air exhaust openings proximate the mid-portion of the light source. A blower cools the light source with a helical airflow. The voltage drop across the electrical light source is used to control the speed of the blower to maintain the voltage of the light source at a desired level. The housing has an open face and a removable pane. An indicator indicates the presence of the pane. A metal shutter in the housing has a black ceramic surface adjacent the light source to selectively expose light sensitive materials. A control means closes the shutter when the indicator senses removal of the pane while power is being supplied to the light source.

Abstract: A "direct-to-press" diffusion transfer reversal positive lithographic printing plate and method for exposing same. The "direct-to-press" printing plate provides an ink receiving image area and at least one ink repelling mechanical gripper area. Additionally, the plate can include at least one ink repelling border area. The "direct-to-press" printing plate exposure method provides direct exposure of a diffusion transfer reversal photo-lithographic recording substrate by a laser imagesetter using a method of controlling both the imagesetter recording beam and the movement of the recording substrate by the imagesetter. The imagesetter improvements allow exposure of a recording substrate in regions which could not previously be exposed by an imagesetter, providing a positive lithographic printing plate which requires no additional stripping or exposure steps after imagesetter recording.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate printer includes: an original-film loading section; a lithographic printing plate loading section; a printing surface plate on which an original film is brought into close contact with a lithographic printing plate; a light source for printing an image on the original film onto the lithographic printing plate on the printing surface plate; a punch-hole punching unit for punching a punch hole in the original film; an original film transporting unit for taking out the original film in the original-film loading section and transporting it onto the printing surface plate via the punch-hole punching means; and a lithographic printing plate transporting unit for taking out the lithographic printing plate in the lithographic printing plate loading section and transporting it onto the printing surface plate.

Abstract: The present inventions are a reconditioned and resealed toner cartridge, the method of making the same, and a table saw used in this method. The reconditioned and resealed toner cartridge has a toner hopper, a new seal assembly and a mounting member. The new seal assembly comprises a gasket and a removable seal member which are secured between the toner hopper and the mounting member and seal the toner discharge opening. The method generally comprises the following steps: a) providing a used toner cartridge having a hopper and a mounting member which are attached by a used gasket, b) separating the toner hopper and mounting member from the used gasket, and c) securing a new seal assembly between said toner hopper and mounting member to seal the toner discharge opening. The table saw has a blade for cutting the outer edge of the used gasket, which separates the gasket from the toner hopper and mounting member. A cart is provided for aligning and carrying the toner cartridge passed the blade.

Abstract: By using a thermal development type photosensitive recording medium wherein a latent image is formed in a photocuring composition by exposure, and in which the components related to thermal color development or thermal color bleaching are diffused to form a color picture image within the photosensitive material correponding to the latent image, a picture signal representing a picture is received and an image of the picture is displayed on a liquid crystal panel as a black and white picture image corresponding to the picture signal. The displayed picture image on the liquid crystal panel is exposed on the photosensitive recording medium. Monomer is polymerized in the exposed areas by a photopolymerization initiator. The components related to color development or color bleaching of the unexposed areas are diffused by means of heating the photosensitive recording medium, and a visible picture is formed.

Abstract: A method of contact printing comprising the steps of supporting a film and an original in superposed relationship. A vacuum is progressively applied to the superposed film and original from a first edge to an opposite edge thereof to hold them in substantially intimate contact while simultaneously moving a source of collimated light over the surface of the superposed film and original and exposing the film through the cover sheet and the original.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermal development of thermal fixation of a flexible sheet of photosensitive material. The apparatus includes a heating roller provided with a heating lamp inside said heating roller, a plurality of conveyance rollers disposed in pressure contact with the heating roller, so that when the sheet is put in between the heating roller and the conveyance rollers, the sheet is heated to undergo the processing, and guides, provided in pressure contact with the peripheral surface of the heating roller, for holding the sheet against the peripheral surface of the heating roller.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus which records an image of an original document on an image receiving sheet with the use of a photosensitive recording medium, the image receiving sheet having front and rear faces differing in reflection ratio. To detect error in sheet face orientation, a sheet face sensor unit is provided upstream of a pressure developing unit which discriminates a face of the image receiving sheet. The sensor unit includes a light emitting element for emitting light toward the face of the image receiving sheet and a light receiving element for receiving light emitted from the light emitting element and reflected on the face of the image receiving sheet.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of transferring an image from a transferring medium onto a record sheet. The method includes steps of setting a record sheet on a rotatable drum; superposing a transferring medium, in which only an image to be transferred is formed on a support material of the transferring medium, on the record sheet; and pressing the transferring medium and the record sheet onto the drum by a pressing roller while rotating the drum so that only the image is transferred to the record sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new process for recording an image by using the above mentioned phenomenon. The process comprises (i) inserting an anisotropic molecular oriented film between two polarizing film of which polarization directions are parallel or perpendicular to each other, so that the anisotropy of said anisotropic molecular oriented film forms an angle of 45.degree. to the polarization directions of said polarizing film, and (ii) completely or incompletely degrading the anisotropy of an image portion in said anisotropic molecular oriented film.

Abstract: A color proof formation method includes the steps of bringing a first color separated film original mounted upon an original mounting table into tight contact with a photosensitive material fixed upon a mounting table, and exposing the film original; separating the photosensitive material mounting table from the original mounting table; replacing or exchanging the first film original upon the original mounting table with a second color separated film original; and bringing the second film original into tight contact with the photosensitive material. The steps are repeatedly performed a predetermined number of times so as to form a color proof.

Abstract: An apparatus for copying transparent and optionally mask films (19,20) onto a radiation sensitive plate (12) comprises a plate carrier (2) on which one or more radiation sensitive plates (12) and one or more transparent films (20) and optionally mask films (19) can be placed in predetermined mutual positions. The apparatus includes a contact frame (3) having means (18) for vacuum connecting the contact frame (3) to the plate carrier (2) and means (V1,V2) for vacuum connecting the transparent film(s) (20) and the mask film(s) (19) to a contact glass (16) of the contact frame (3). An exposure light (4) is provided for directing radiation through the transparent film(s) (20) and the mask film(s) (19) so as to copy them onto the radiation sensitive plate (12). The plate carrier (2) comprises a flexible support plate (8) which is connected to the apparatus frame (1) only along its outer edges, and which carries a flexible rubber blanket (10), which is connected to the support plate (8) only along its outer edges.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus having an exposure unit, pressure developing unit and a thermal fixing unit. The thermal fixing unit serves as an apparatus for forming a glossy output image provided on an image recording medium such as a developer sheet. The glossy image forming means includes a heating means, a pressure contact means and cooling means. The developer sheet passes through the heating means and the thus heated developer sheet is travelled along a pressure contact means. During this travel, the sheet is cooled by the cooling means.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing of an image of an original film on photosensitive material, the film and the photosensitive material being held together by vacuum contact between a transparent plate and a flexible sheet. The apparatus includes a squeegee unit which moves while pressing the flexible sheet. The squeegee unit forcibly moves the air, thereby speeding up the setting of the vacuum contact. The apparatus also includes a speed changing unit for changing the speed of the squeegee unit depending on the resistance of the air to movement. If the air moves easily, the squeegee unit moves rapidly. If the air does not move easily, the squeegee unit moves slowly, or the squeegee unit stops for a prescribed period and then, after the air is removed, is restarted. Thus, complete removal of air is carried out rapidly.

Abstract: A photographic contact printing process is disclosed having application in the mass production of replicate video discs from a master disc, and other applications wherein it is desired to replicate micro-detail over a relatively large area. A problem with conventional contact printing from a mask to a photographic medium is one of maintaining intimate contact over a relatively large area since dust, dirt, etc., are almost impossible to completely eliminate in any practical manner. In accordance with the present invention, a contact printing process is provided wherein intimate contact is not necessary for making high quality contact prints. The present invention recognizes that in contact printing information from a master disc to a replicate disc, the contact printing process is significantly less sensitive to imperfect contact between the master disc and the replicate disc if one employs a replicate disc comprising a photosensitive material having a certain optical properties.

Abstract: An improvement in a contact printer which comprises means for supporting a film and an original in superposed relationship on a vacuum table, means for providing a source of light for exposing the film through the original, and means for moving the light over the surface of the superposed film and original. A substantially impervious, flexible and transparent cover sheet carried by the light moving means is arranged to cover the superposed film and original as the exposing light is scanned across the film and original whereby the vacuum is applied to the film and the original to remove air from therebetween as the film is exposed by the light through the cover sheet and the original. The improvement comprises means for contacting the surface of the cover sheet during use and removing dust and dirt thereon to assure that the optical path for the exposing light remains clear and unobstructed.

Abstract: A color proof formation method includes the steps of bringing a first color separated film original mounted upon an original mounting table into tight contact with a photosensitive material fixed upon a mounting table, and exposing the film original; separating the photosensitive material mounting table from the original mounting table; replacing or exchanging the first film original upon the original mounting table with a second color separated film original; and bringing the second film original into tight contact with the photosensitive material. The steps are repeatedly performed a predetermined number of times so as to form a color proof.