Abstract: According to the present invention in the image forming light path a direction-selective diffraction element is provided in such a manner that the image forming beam having entered into said diffraction element is diffracted by means of the diffraction grating structure of said diffraction element and devided into a plurality of beams, whereby at least one of the diffracted beams is led to a photo detecting device while the not diffracted beam is made use of as the image forming beam.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to an optical display apparatus, or fiber optics magnification panel, and a method of making same. The display apparatus comprises a light input surface defined by one end of each of a multiplicity of elongated optical carrier strands, e.g. fiber optic strands, the one ends being arranged in a relatively closely spaced array of rows and columns. A light output surface is substantially perpendicular to the light input surface and is defined by the other ends of the strands, the other ends being arranged in a relatively remotely spaced configuration of rows and columns. Each column of strands extends rearwardly from the input surface to a depth which depends upon the column's position in the order of columns. Each strand of a column bends sidewardly at its point of greatest depth to an orientation which is substantially parallel to the input surface.

Abstract: The machine provides access to a relatively large number of different characters located on relatively large spinning discs or drums. The characters are located in arrays such as concentric rows on a disc. A plurality of lenses is mounted on a lens carriage, and one or more light sources is mounted on a flash-lamp carriage. Character spacing is determined by motion of the lens carriage and/or the lamp carriage. Array selection is performed by motion of the lamp carriage, and/or motion of the lens carriage. Composition of lines or columns of characters taken from a relatively large number of different arrays, such as would be the case in type composition using Chinese ideographs, is speeded considerably by controlling the order in which the characters are projected so that the lens carriage need not reverse its direction of motion during composition of a line. A simple mechanism is used to change lenses for size changes by the selective use of stops at the ends of the travel path of the lens carriage.

Abstract: A unitary optical element as provided together with a tubular light source and housing therearound to form an integrated optical assembly suitable for illuminating a line of a graphic original traversed across one surface of the assembly, such that an image of the illuminated line is formed on a photoreceptive surface traversed across another surface of the assembly. The optical element includes a linear array of optical fibers for conveying light reflected from the original onto the receptor surface, which fibers are optically coupled and integrally bonded to a light collection member such that light from the tubular source is directed onto the collection member and over into the sides of the fibers to emerge through the fiber end, thus directly illuminating a line on the original.

Abstract: One or more rows of focussing optical fibers are disposed between an original document carrier and a photoconductive member. An illumination lamp illuminates an original document on the carrier and the fibers focus an image of a linear portion of the document onto the photoconductive member. Relative movement between the document carrier, fibers and photoconductive member perpendicular to the row or rows of fibers is produced to scan the document. An aperture assembly is provided between the fibers and the photoconductive member difining an aperture wide enough that unevenness of the intensity of the image on the photoconductive member due to the individual fibers is eliminated. The intensity of the light image is controlled by utilization of a variable transformer or triac provided to the illumination lamp.

Abstract: An illuminator for a line-scanning document copier including a fan-shaped array of optical fibers with light-output ends juxtapositioned along a line, and opposite light-receiving ends tightly bundled together. Light loss from fiber breakage, gaps and other defects inherent in fiber optic arrays cause non-uniform illumination of documents and streaks in the copy. Uniform and high level illumination are accomplished according to this invention with cylindrical light-refracting means placed between the line of fibers and the document to blend emitted light astigmatically.

Abstract: An additive tri-color lamp house having three lamps for conveying filtered light into a mixing chamber and illuminating a photographic image contained on a photographic film. The illuminated image is then projected onto a photosensitive paper for the purpose of making photographic prints and copies. The lamp house is characterized by having a combination of additive primary color filters and subtractive primary color filters positioned in front of the lamps and the amount of each additive primary color (i.e. red, green and blue) conveyed through the filters is controlled. By the proper positioning of the color filters in front of the lamps, the time required for proper exposure of the three separate emulsion layers on conventional color print paper is approximately equal.

Abstract: A rear projection screen and a method of using the screen in imaging systems is provided in which the screen provides discrete areas which are isolated from one another whereby the light of one discrete area cannot be transmitted to another discrete area, each discrete area being filled with a filler material which diffuses the light passing therethrough so that at the viewing face of the screen each discrete area has a uniform light intensity across its width while neighboring discrete area may have sharply contrasting light intensities.

Abstract: A horizontal platen is translatable through a first exposure position above a photoconductive drum for supporting bulky original documents such as books. A first focussing optical fiber array is disposed between the first exposure position and the drum. A sheet feed mechanism is provided at a second exposure position for feedingly scanning original documents in the form of sheets. The second exposure position is on a circle concentric with the first exposure position and a second focussing optical fiber array is disposed between the second exposure position and the drum. The sheet feed mechanism is located below the platen. A directed light source is movable to selectively direct light to the first or second exposure position. In one form of the invention only one focussing optical fiber array is provided which is movable between the first exposure position and the drum or between the second exposure position and the drum.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for removal of electrical charge from non-image bearing portions of a photosensitive medium in a photocopying machine, in which radiation of light for removal of electrical charge from portions of the medium which are not required for production of an image, when photocopies at reduced magnification are produced, for example, is made the same as or closely similar to the intensity of light for effecting production of an image, whereby unwanted adhesion of developer material to the medium is avoided, and at the same time, since all portions of the medium are always exposed to generally the same intensity of radiation, characteristics of different portions of the medium are maintained constant even after prolonged use thereof.

Abstract: According to the present invention in the image forming light path a direction-selective diffraction element is provided in such a manner that the image forming beam having entered into said diffraction element is diffracted by means of the diffraction grating structure of said diffraction element and divided into a plurality of beams, whereby at least one of the diffracted beams is led to a photo detecting device while the not diffracted beam is made use of as the image forming beam.

Abstract: An erect optical imaging system for copying apparatus and method of producing the same is provided. A first pair of array sets of thick object lenses is optically aligned with a second pair of array sets of thick relay lenses to provide a scan line of a plurality of optical paths across an object surface. The refractive powers of the first set of lenses produce a real image in a space between the lens sets and an erect image on an image surface. Each array set comprises two parallel but offset rows of lens elements to provide an overlapping field angle. The use of the thick lenses helps eliminate vignetting problems. Spherical aberration and field curvature is controlled by minimizing the aperture opening of each set of lenses to 4mm.sup.2. The lenses can be made by either molding plastic or by individually grinding square glass bars. Demagnification can be achieved with the use of spherical optical path compensators.

Abstract: In an electrostatic copying machine, a light source radiates an elongated, narrow beam of light onto an original document which is moved perpendicular to the beam of light for scanning. A plurality of imaging optical fibers are arranged in a row extending coextensively parallel to the light beam, which focus images of adjacent portions of the document onto a photoconductive member which is moved in a manner conjugate to the original document for scanningly forming an image of the document on the photoconductive member. The imaging optical fibers themselves extend parallel or at an angle to the document. First and second reflectors which may be mirrors or prisms are disposed between the document and imaging optical fibers and between the imaging optical fibers and the photoconductive member respectively to deflect the optical paths of the images.

Abstract: A bar lens array is mounted between an original document and a photoconductive member in such a manner that the ends of the bar lenses are equally spaced from the document and photoconductive member regardless of manufacturing differences in the length of the bar lenses of the array. Reference marks may be provided at the center of the bar lens array and at a point halfway between the document and photoconductive member which are aligned with each other. The bar lens array may be mounted in a sleeve which compensates for the length of the bar lenses. In this embodiment, a stopper is provided at a fixed distance from one of the document or photoconductive member. The distance C from one end of the bar lens array to a point on the sleeve adapted to align with the stopper is C=(D-L)/2-K where D is the distance between the document and the photoconductive member, L is the length of the bar lens array and K is the distance from the stopper to the one of the document or photoconductive member.

Abstract: An improved optical fiber cathode ray tube is provided which enables the recording of images on a recording medium with a high resolution even if the recording medium is disposed with an increased gap between the tube and the recording medium to prevent the mechanical contact therebetween. The tube is provided with a light transparent thin layer between the non-lens-like optical fiber face plate and the phosphor layer. The light transparent thin layer is a transparent plate and may include a spatial gap.

Abstract: An improved optical fiber cathode ray tube is provided which enables the recording of images on a recording medium with a high resolution even if the recording medium is disposed with an increased gap between the tube and the recording medium to prevent mechanical contact therebetween. The tube is provided with an additional stack of optical fibers facing the optical fiber face plate of the cathode ray tube with a light transparent thin layer being interposed between the face plate and the additional stack. The transparent thin layer may be a transparent plate and/or air gap. The stack of optical fibers may be in a form of an optical fiber plate or bundle.

Abstract: A focussing optical fiber array is disposed between an original document carrier and a photosensitive member such as a photoconductive sheet to focus an image of a linear portion of an original document onto the sheet. A reflector means comprising a plurality of mirrors or prisms is provided between the optical fiber array and the sheet. The reflector means provides an inverted image by reflecting the image an odd number of times which is at least three times. The reflector means reflects the image onto the sheet parallel to the axis of the optical fiber array. A drive means produces relative scanning movement between the document carrier, optical fiber array and sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing light wherein the various color components are efficiently mixed to a uniform distribution. Light is introduced into one end of an optically clear rod-like member through a diffuser and is mixed therein through internal reflection.

Abstract: An illuminator including an internally reflecting light conduit and a light source to illuminate at least one of its ends. The longitudinal surface of the light conduit has a coating arranged in desired geometry to allow the escape of light from the conduit in accordance with the geometry to illuminate an object as desired. The coatings disclosed are a diffuse material to scatter light internally of the conduit, and a transparent material of refractive index greater than that of the conduit.

Abstract: An electrophotocopying machine of the electrostatic latent image transfer type employing as a device for projection of images of original documents onto a photosensitive drum an optical fiber device which has a short focal length and permits efficient exposure of a narrow area of the photosensitive drum whereby the drum diameter can be small and machine height may be reduced. The electrophotocopying machine also occupies less area and makes efficient use of electrical power because use is made of a portion of a charging unit area to transmit image light to the photosensitive drum and use is also made of light from the document illumination device to erase the charge on the drum.

Abstract: A light mixing device of optically clear light transmitting material where the various color components of light introduced in the input end of the device are efficiently mixed by internal reflection through the length of the mixer. The mixer may be either linear or curved and includes axially extending reflective surfaces internal of its outer periphery.

Abstract: A microfiche editing device for copying images contained in several microfiche frames on a first microfiche simultaneously onto a second at least partly unexposed microfiche; the device includes an array of illuminating means which can be selectively brought into use each to project light through a selected frame on the first microfiche so as to expose frames of the second microfiche placed in contact with the first microfiche; the illuminating means may include either a hinged mirror arrangement or a fibre optic arrangement which feed light into a collimating array of cells each of which correspond to a microfiche frame of the first microfiche.

Abstract: An electrophotographic copying apparatus of the slit exposure type which includes a scanning box having image forming elements such as a photoreceptor drum, a corona charger, an optical system, and a transfer member, etc. incorporated therein. The photoreceptor drum is rotated in synchronization with the movement of the scanning box, while copy paper is transported by the direction of movement of the scanning box at a speed equivalent to the sum of the moving speed of the scanning box and the circumferential speed of the photoreceptor drum for causing the copy paper to contact the photoreceptor surface in synchronization with each other so that the image of an original formed on the photoreceptor surface is transferred onto the copy paper. The optical system includes an illuminating device which directs light rays toward the original being copied and also at a position on the photoreceptor surface following image transfer for erasing the residual charges remaining on the photoreceptor surface.

Abstract: A non-impact printing system is disclosed wherein electrical pulse signals control the lateral movement of a print head and the transfer therefrom of information bits to a receiver. Printing is accomplished by employing various imaging technologies including flash transfer, electrographics, and xerography.

Abstract: A read head for scanning the image information on an original paper, having an optical fiber assembly having a plurality of light emission fibers for emitting a light beam onto the original paper and a light receiving fiber for receiving the reflected light from said original paper, a transparent plate having an opaque film with a small hole mounted at the extreme end of said optical fiber assembly, the other extreme end of said light emission fiber and light receiving fiber in said optical fiber assembly being positioned in front of a light source and a light detector element, respectively, and said transparent plate being positioned in contact with or near the original paper to be scanned.

Abstract: A rectangular array of rod lenses is arranged between an original document and a photoconductive member, and the document and photoconductive member move relative to the rod lens array at the same speed. The document is illuminated for three sequential color separation exposures so that three color images are formed on the surface of the photoconductive member by the rod lens array. Due to the construction of the means for illuminating the document, the brightness of the illumination is different for the three color separation exposures. This is compensated for by varying the number of rod lenses for the three color separation exposures and thereby the cross sectional area of the rod lens array which constitutes an exposure aperture so that the effective brightness of illumination is the same for the three color separation exposures.

Abstract: The present invention is a projection device for a photocopying machine in which the original documents are moved during the photocopying process and which permits photocopying both of thick and of thin original documents. The projection means includes a focussing means which has a short focal length and is positioned to correctly focus the image of thin original documents which are brought to an exposure station and are only separated space-wise from the focussing means onto a photosensitive material, and a transparent block which, when a thick original document is copied, is automatically interposed between the focussing means and the exposure station and compensates the deviation in the path of image-wise light caused by the transparent carrier on which the thick original document is supported, whereby good resolution is achieved in photocopies of all types of original documents.

Abstract: A cleaning unit for an optical system of slit exposure type is provided for a copying machine in which either an original receptacle or the optical system is movable in reciprocal motion for scanning an original on the receptacle to be copied. By utilizing the relative movement of the receptacle and the optical system, a lens face or other faces of the optical system which are to be maintained cleaned are automatically wiped by means of a soft material each time the scanning takes place.

Abstract: Optical projection apparatus for an image transfer type electrophotographic copier, wherein prism-shaped reflecting members are disposed at both ends of an optical fiber type image transmitter formed by a bundle of optical fibers having graded refractive indexes, so as to refract an optical path, whereby an optical image of an original document is projected towards the side peripheral surface of a photosensitive drum, reducing the height of the optical projection apparatus and thus providing a compact copier. The optical projection apparatus is so constructed that the image transmitter formed by a bundle of optical fibers having graded refractive indexes is fixedly held between the prism-shaped reflecting members including a prism portion and a support or body portion integrally formed therewith.

Abstract: An optical magnifying device employing fiber optics. When functioning as a microscope, the object plane is defined by and divided into sub-areas by the input termini of many coherent fiber bundles. Each output terminal of each bundle is provided with an objective lens which projects onto an image plane. When used as a microfiche reader, a first magnifying stage is provided, and this (first) image is in turn further magnified in the same manner. Microfiche characters of 2 micron size may be resolved by the entire system.

Abstract: The invention consists of a device for lighting the light entering ends of a light guide consisting of at least two light guiding fibers, said lighting done by means of two light sources, by which, either singly or using both sources together, the receiving-ends of the light guides are illuminated.

Abstract: Light quantization of elemental areas of pictorial information by a plurality of contiguous light integrating tunnels, either with or without one of a group of different sampling-function array masks and/or printing-function array masks, is used to modify the original picture information for such purposes as subjectively providing a (1) more pleasing picture, (2) striking special display effects and (3) studying visual perception by the human visual system. Analog processor replaces expensive computer equipment which also required tedious programming, formerly required for producing similar modification of picture information.

Abstract: A combined microfiche camera and projection apparatus. The apparatus includes an objective lens for forming a real image on the input end of a coherent bundle of light fibers (internally reflecting glass fibers). The output end of the bundle is dispersed into a plurality of spaced-apart coherent fiber sub-bundles. The ends of the latter terminate contiguous to the emulsion of a microfiche. A projection screen is spaced from the microfiche. The device functions both to record and to read out.

Abstract: A cathode ray tube pickup device comprises a photosensitive medium having a dielectric layer, a photoconductive layer and conductive layer, a charger for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive medium, a discharger for uniformly discharging the charged surface of the photosensitive medium, an optical fiber tube closely spaced from the surface of the photosensitive medium to effect negative image application thereon, and developing means for developing the surface of the photosensitive medium with a toner opposite in polarity to the charge in said surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically issuing an identification card, such as a commutation ticket, airline ticket, credit card, driver's license or the like, which has information forming means having an information storage device for electromagnetically storing a coded information to be described on a web of paper to provide the identification card, a keyboard arrangement having a plurality of keys corresponding to the contents stored in the information storage device, a control device for selecting items from among the contents stored in the information storage device by operating the keyboard arrangement, and an information compiling device for compiling all of the coded information selected by the keyboard arrangement into a video signal information, a copying unit including a photoreceptor drum having the outer peripheral surface adapted to bear a latent image and an optical fiber tube which converts the video signal information into rays of light carrying the respective images of the coded information.

Abstract: In an electrophotographic copying machine having a transparent support for support thereon the original to be copied, an illumination device for illuminating the original on the transparent support and a photoreceptor surface adapted to be driven past charging, exposure, developing, transfer and cleaning stations, a discharging device for extinguishing unnecessary electrostatic charge on the photoreceptor surface which is formed at an area between each two adjacent areas to be optically exposed to the incoming light, which discharging device has at least one light guide having one end situated adjacent an intercepting mechanism and the other end situated in the vicinity of the photoreceptor surface. The intercepting mechanism is brought into operation to intercept passage of discharging light towards the photoreceptor surface.

Abstract: A photoplotter includes an image-projecting system movable with respect to a photosensitive material at relatively fast and efficient speeds and over relatively large areas. The photoplotter comprises a coherent fiber optic bundle for transmitting an image from the image-defining optics to the image-projecting system. The image can be moved over selective portions of the photosensitive material by moving the image-projecting system parallel to the material and rotated by rotating one end of the fiber optic bundle.

Abstract: A photocopying apparatus is disclosed of the type including optical means for progressively scanning an object in a strip-like manner and for projecting the image of the scanned strip portion of the object on a light-responsive medium that travels in synchronism with the scanning means. The invention is characterized by the provision of exposure means including a bundle of light conducting rods for illuminating the scanned strip portion of the object. The light output ends of the rods are arranged in a narrow zone that extends adjacent the object normal to the direction of scanning by the optical scanning means.

Abstract: An optical illumination device for use in a copying apparatus of the type wherein an object is to be illuminated and an image thereof is to be projected through a particular image transmitter formed of a plurality of optical fibers of graded refractive index in bundled configuration to a light sensitive surface, comprises a source of illumination light and a light guide duct of substantially flattened cubic body. The light guide duct is designed such that rays of light from the light source accommodated within the light guide duct are directed towards a curved reflective surface and subsequently converge at one point on the transparent support structure for the support of the original to be copied thereon to form a strip or ribbon of light available for illumination of the original to be copied.

Abstract: An image transmission means for employment in a photocopying machine wherein a document to be copied is scanned and image-wise light reflected therefrom is directed onto a photosensitive medium which is moved at a speed equal or proportional to the document scanning speed. The image transmission means comprises an image-transmitting light-conducting fiber array which transmits image light reflected from a document onto a photosensitive medium, and is so mounted that photosensitive medium portions which are less exposed due to characteristic variation in light transmission efficiency of different portions of the fiber array are disposed longitudinally with respect to the document image. Illumination of a document is provided by one or two tubular alternating current fluorescent lamps which are actuated to provide illumination which varies at a frequency and to a proportion that are selected with reference to the characteristic variations of different portions of the light-conducting fiber array.

Abstract: A combined microfiche camera and projection apparatus. The apparatus includes an objective lens for forming a real image on the input end of a coherent bundle of light fibers (internally reflecting glass fibers). The output end of the bundle is dispersed into a plurality of spaced-apart coherent fiber sub-bundles. The ends of the latter terminate contiguous to the emulsion of a microfiche. A projection screen is spaced from the microfiche. The device functions both to record and to read out.

Abstract: A slit exposure scanning type electrophotographic copying apparatus has an optical system enclosed in an optical frame within which a light source for illumination, an image transmitter formed by a bundle of optical fibers of graded refractive index, and other associated elements are secured in predetermined relative positions with the optical frame urged to engage a movable or stationary transparent platform for placing an original to be copied for easy focusing and positioning adjustments in assembling the copying apparatus. The concept of the optical frame is applicable both to a copying apparatus with a moving platform and a stationary optical system, and one with a stationary platform and a moving optical system irrespective of whether it is a wet-copying process type or dry-copying process type.

Abstract: A facsimile transceiver comprising a document/copy receiving drum, a motor for rotation of the drum about the drum axis and a read/write head mounted on a rotating shaft for linear movement in a direction parallel with the drum axis. When the transceiver is operating in the transmitting mode, the information of the original document is scanned by a reading fiber optic carried on the read/write head. Illumination of the document is provided by a light pipe or a plurality of fiber optics which substantially surround the reading fiber optic which extends from the base of a recess in an arcuate surface of the read/write head which rides on the document carried by the drum.

Abstract: An illumination means for use in association with a SELFOC image transmitter in a photocopying machine. The illumination means comprises at least one light generator in the form of a tubular fluorescent lamp or similar means emitting light through a slit disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, and an associated light-guide which is made of glass, plastic, or other material having a high refractive index, is generally equal in length to the light-generator, has a generally trapezoidal cross-section, and directs light emitted by the light-generator into an illumination slot or shutter means provided in or below a document rest for illumination of successive portions of a document to be copied, the light-guide broad base and narrow base being proximate to, in line with, and generally equal in width to the light-generator slit and the document rest slot, respectively.

Abstract: An optical illumination device for use in a copying machine, which illuminates the original to be copied, with a ribbon of light. The optical illumination device comprises a pair of reflectors respectively having concave, reflective surfaces which comprise individual portions of hollow right elliptical cylinders of different ellipticity. Each of these first and second elliptical cylinders has a pair of line foci and the first and second reflectors are arranged such that one of the line foci of the first elliptical cylinder is substantially in alignment with one of the line foci of the second elliptical cylinder. A line light source is disposed in alignment with the other focus of the first elliptical cylinder while the other focus of the second elliptical cylinder is situated in the vicinity or at a position where the original to be copied is placed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for determining the time intensity integral of the exposure of a negative in additive primary colors onto photographic paper. A plurality of discrete areas of a negative are scanned and the light transmitted through these areas is directed onto photosensitive devices each appropriately filtered to be responsive to a different one of the primary additive colors. The electric signals derived from the photoelectric device are applied to fulcrum circuits, one for each of the additive colors; the fulcrum circuits each form an analog voltage linearly corresponding in their respective colors to the fraction of the total area of the negative which has a transmissivity greater than the mean transmissivity of the whole. The analog voltages thus derived, one for each of the primary colors, are applied to control circuits that produce electrical signals to terminate the exposure in the corresponding primary color in accordance with the amplitude of the analog voltage.

Abstract: A display unit equipped with a copying device. The display unit has a double-sided display panel secured at the front of unit housing, a light shield film movably provided behind the display panel in parallel and spaced relation to the latter, a guide plate for a photosensitive copy paper sheet fixedly provided behind the shield film, and associated devices for developing the copy paper sheet. The shield film has a compact exposure member of image transmitters formed of a plurality of graded index fibers in bundled configuration which can advantageously direct, when desired, the image rays at the back surface of the display panel onto the copy paper sheet while the same images are being observed with the naked eye at the front of the panel.

Abstract: An illumination device for use in a copying machine of a type wherein the optical system comprises an image transmitter formed by a bundle of optical fibers of graded refractive index. The illumination device comprises a halogen vapor lamp housed in position within a casing forming a reflector and a pair of ventilation fans arranged adjacent both ends of the casing for simultaneously blowing and exhausting air into and from the casing to cool the halogen vapor lamp within the casing. The ventilation fans are reversible in operation.