Abstract: A method of forming an article including a diffraction grating includes forming a periodic structure by printing lines on a first side of transparent substrate with a toner. The lines have a frequency and a spacing which causes incident light to be diffracted into a plurality of beams travelling in different directions. The method can be used for forming reflective or transmissive diffraction gratings using xerographic printing techniques.

Abstract: A printing assembly includes a printing device and a retractable screen assembly that blocks UV light. As the printing device moves across a platform, the retractable screen assembly may fasten to support members, thereby causing a screen member to extend from the retractable screen assembly and prevent UV light from traveling along a range of viewing angles.

Abstract: Presented are methods for forming a predetermined pattern in a predetermined area of an elongated sheet material. The methods include applying a two-dimensional tension to a portion including the predetermined area of the sheet material, and allowing a flat reference surface to adsorb a rear surface portion corresponding to the predetermined area of the sheet material applied with the two-dimensional tension. The methods then illuminate an energy beam corresponding to the pattern to the predetermined area of the sheet material adsorbed to the reference surface.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the invention provides a table for compensating deformation in flexible foils (1) The table comprises a supportive base (2) and a deformation compensation system (3). This system comprises a plurality of movable elements (4), supported by the base (2), wherein the movable elements form a surface for supporting the flexible foil. The movable elements comprise clamps (6) for clamping the foil (5). The movable elements (4) are individually movable parallel to the surface for supporting the foil, so as to stretch the clamped foil into a predefined shape. The table for compensating deformation in flexible foils may be used in a manufacturing process of flexible functional foils to compensate deformation of the foils during sequential patterning.

Abstract: In an exposure apparatus, exposure light from a lamp (continuous light source) (9) is applied at an exposure station (exposure section) (2) to a substrate (4), which is being transferred at a fixed speed in a fixed direction by a substrate transfer section (5), through a mask (11) arranged on an optical axis (optical path) (S) of an exposure optical system (3). At the time of exposing an image of an opening section (11a) of the mask (11) on the substrate (4), the front edge and the side edge (pattern edge) of a pixel (reference pattern) (18) previously formed on the substrate (4) are photographed by a linear CCD (20) of an imaging section (6), and a reference position in the transfer direction and a direction vertical to such direction on the substrate (4) is detected.

Abstract: When a segmented region SAi of a sheet S is scan-exposed, a stage SST1 adsorbs, at a standby position at the +X end portion of a scan region AS, a rear surface portion corresponding to the segmented region SAi of the sheet S onto a holding surface of a sheet holder SH1, and moves in the X axis direction (the ?X direction) with a predetermined stroke in synchronization with a mask (a mask stage). At this time, illumination beams corresponding to the parts of a pattern of the mask are irradiated onto the sheet S via projection optical systems. Thereby, the pattern is transferred (formed). After scan-exposure on the segmented region SAi, a stage SST2 moves to a standby position within the XY plane. After the stage SST2 adsorbs a rear surface portion corresponding to the next segmented region SAi+1 of the sheet S onto a holding surface of a sheet holder SH1, an exposure is performed by the scan-exposure method similarly to the above, to thereby form the pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer device that can feed a work in a stable condition without applying it any excess loads. The transfer device for feeding a tape-shaped work to a process stage standing in an upright position, which is placed on one side of the process stage and which includes a supply reel, a take-up reel and a work feeding mechanism. Specifically, the supply reel, around which the work and a protective sheet are wound, is adapted to feed the work and the protective sheet therefrom. The take-up reel is adapted to wind the work and the protective sheet that have been fed from the supply reel, and it is located below the supply reel. The work feeding mechanism is adapted to forward the work from the supply reel to the take-up reel through the process stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exposure device for transferring circuit patterns of a mask to a roll-film-shaped object. The exposure device includes a supply reel rotation section that is constituted by a supply reel around which the object is wound and that feeds the object by rotating the supply reel, at least one guide roller for guiding the object fed from the supply reel rotation section, an exposure stage on which the circuit patterns are transferred to the object guided by the guide roller, and an alignment mark forming section which forms, on the object, alignment marks that are used to align the mask with the object and which is positioned between the guide roller and the exposure stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer device that can feed a work in a stable condition without applying it any excess loads. The transfer device for feeding a tape-shaped work to a process stage standing in an upright position, which is placed on one side of the process stage and which includes a supply reel, a take-up reel and a work feeding mechanism. Specifically, the supply reel, around which the work and a protective sheet are wound, is adapted to feed the work and the protective sheet therefrom. The take-up reel is adapted to wind the work and the protective sheet that have been fed from the supply reel, and it is located below the supply reel. The work feeding mechanism is adapted to forward the work from the supply reel to the take-up reel through the process stage.

Abstract: A direct thermal barcode printer including a print assembly is provided. The print assembly is movably positioned relative to a print media for adjusting printing characteristics of an attached print head.

Abstract: A dual sided integral composite image product and method of make same. The image product includes a first support substrate having a separate image layer thereon and a second support substrate having separate image layer thereon. The second support substrate being secured to the first support substrate so as to form the dual sided integral composite image product. A fold line is provided on said image product about which the integral composite image product may be folded.

Abstract: An optical system includes multiple cubic crystalline optical elements and one or more polarization rotators in which the crystal lattices of the cubic crystalline optical elements are oriented with respect to each other to reduce the effects of intrinsic birefringence and produce a system with reduced retardance. The optical system may be a refractive or catadioptric system having a high numerical aperture and using light with a wavelength at or below 248 nanometers. The net retardance of the system is less than the sum of the retardance contributions of the respective optical elements. In one embodiment, all cubic crystalline optical elements are oriented with identical three dimensional cubic crystalline lattice directions, a 90° polarization rotator divides the system into front and rear groups such that the net retardance of the front group is balanced by the net retardance of the rear group.

Abstract: A photolithographic machine is described for transferring fine patterns from a photomask to a flexible roll-to-roll format. It is capable of printing multiple layers in exact registry onto a distorted format. It contains 1 to 1 reflective optics, dynamic distortion and magnification correction. The optical transfer assembly scans reciprocally across the format and back and the photomask/platen assembly moves incrementally forward between scans to complete a raster pattern. Both the object and image fields are autofocussed. The optical transfer assembly is retained into a straight-line scanning path by opposed air bearings retained on a straight guide. The photomask/platen assembly is retained into an orthogonal path by air/vacuum bearings operating on a vertical stone face. Together this arrangement substantially prevents yaw scanning errors. The web is fed through the machine from roll to roll without twisting. It remains stationary during each recording pass.

Abstract: A pattern region of a working reticle is divided into existing pattern portions and newly-forming pattern portions. With respect to the existing pattern portions, already-formed master reticle patterns are reduction-projected while stitching screens using an optical-type projection exposure apparatus. With respect to the newly-forming portions, enlarged patterns are formed by an electron beam drawing apparatus to form new master reticles, and reduced images of the newly formed master reticles are exposed while stitching screens using an optical-type projection exposure apparatus.

Abstract: For dividing an image and recording divided images on a photosensitive film with a plurality of laser beams, an auxiliary scanning speed is reduced in the vicinity of junctions between adjacent ones of the divided images to adjust the intervals between main scanning lines, and each of the main scanning lines is divided into divided main scanning lines in a main scanning direction, and the divided main scanning lines are formed separately in an auxiliary scanning direction. With such a correcting process, a high-quality image free of striped artifacts and inclination differences of main scanning lines can be recorded on the photosensitive film.

Abstract: Method for high definition printing to be dip transferred to a three-dimensional article comprises four color process printing a digital image from a digital image file onto a water soluble polymer film with solvent based ink to form a printed water soluble film and dip transfer printing the solvent based ink image through transcription on the surface of the article. The method is suitable for printing three-dimensional articles of a variety of shapes with high definition, photographic-quality images. The method is particularly suitable for decorating articles with complex images such as camouflage patterns.

Abstract: A storing structure is used for a document camera. The storing structure includes a camera for picking up an image of a document and having a first lateral side, an extensible arm pivotally connected to the first lateral side of the camera for adjusting a distance between the camera and the document, a base having a second lateral side pivotally connected with the extensible arm for supporting the camera, a first pivot device connected to the first lateral side of the camera and the extensible arm for pivoting the camera, and a second pivot device connected to the extensible arm and the second lateral side of the base for pivoting the extensible arm to store the document camera.

Abstract: The improved image recording apparatus comprises a main scanning section; an auxiliary scanning section; and an upstream transport section; wherein a light-sensitive material, as it is transported in an auxiliary scanning direction after its position in a main scanning direction was regulated by the upstream transport section, is illuminated with recording light beams, whereby the light-sensitive material is scanned two-dimensionally with the recording light beams to record an image on the light-sensitive material. The apparatus further includes vibration damping members by which the main scanning section, the auxiliary scanning section and the upstream transport section are coupled to other components of the image recording apparatus in such a way as to insulate vibrations.

Abstract: Apparatus for imaging photographic negatives onto light-sensitive photoprint material includes a platform (3) for the print material; a digital image projection system (2) with an electronic image generation unit; and an integrated analog image projection system (1) with an light source and a negative holder. The image generator of the digital image projection system is disposed outside the light ray path of the analog image projection system. The projection systems are so constructed and arranged that the photoprint material on the platform (3) can receive images from both projection systems simultaneously or consecutively. When a change is made for the projection of images by one projection system to the other, the two light ray paths remain unchanged.

Abstract: A system for producing prints of a professional motion picture film by dye transfer, including a roll tank, a pin belt, and a transfer cabinet. A dye imbibed matrix film and blank film are superimposed together in a predetermined registration by rollers in the roll tank, creating a two-film sandwich, which is directed onto the pin belt. The pin belt includes a plurality of pins traveling in an orbital path, which detachably engage the two-film sandwich, thereby directing the two-film sandwich along a portion of the orbital path. The transfer cabinet includes a plurality of relatively large diameter rollers in a predetermined relationship to one another, and an elevator mechanism for adjusting the predetermined relationship. The rollers define a substantially rectilinear film path along which the two-film sandwich from the pin belt is directed. The film path has a length sufficient to allow complete dye transfer to occur at high drive speeds within the transfer cabinet.

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: The improved image recording apparatus comprises a main scanning section; an auxiliary scanning section; and an upstream transport section; wherein a light-sensitive material, as it is transported in an auxiliary scanning direction after its position in a main scanning direction was regulated by the upstream transport section, is illuminated with recording light beams, whereby the light-sensitive material is scanned two-dimensionally with the recording light beams to record an image on the light-sensitive material. The apparatus further includes vibration damping members by which the main scanning section, the auxiliary scanning section and the upstream transport section are coupled to other components of the image recording apparatus in such a way as to insulate vibrations.

Abstract: A device for exposing image information which is recorded on a photographic original (10) and is to be exposed onto a light sensitive medium (16; 12). An exposure assembly (25; 26; 31) is provided for outputting optical radiation which includes a plurality of adjustable area segments (44A, 44B) for adjusting the light intensity in certain local adjustment regions. A beam path (24; 33) is defined which directs the light to the light sensitive medium (16; 12). The exposure assembly (25; 26; 31) is arranged at a fixed location in the beam path (24; 33). An imaging sensor (12) capture a format of a region of the photographic original (10) containing to the image information to be copied. The device further includes a controller (14; 28) for setting a local adjustment region of the exposure assembly (25; 26; 31) depending on the format of the region to be copied.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus, in which a necessary place can be suitably exposed by simple operation and the workability of inspection, maintenance and the like improves, is obtained. In the image recording apparatus, an upper cover is rotatably connected to and supported at a base stand by an intermediate hinge. Accordingly, there are a first stage opened/closed state, in which the upper cover opens and closes around a supporting shaft, and a second stage opened/closed state, in which the upper cover integrally opens and closes along with the intermediate hinge around another supporting shaft. In the second stage opened state, the inner portion of the base stand is exposed by a large amount, the distal end portion of a stage is lifted, and further, the holding of a supply magazine and a take-up magazine is released. As a result, the innermost place within the apparatus is exposed and the workability of inspection and maintenance, such as replacement of the supply magazine or the take-up magazine, improves.

Abstract: An apparatus for accommodating a photographic document comprises a web member; a first roller to which one end of the web member is fixed; and a driving force transmitting means for rotating the first roller to wind up the web member thereon so that the photographic document is wound around the first roller together with the web member.

Abstract: A copying apparatus is adjusted in order to produce high-quality copies of transparent negatives or diapositives having excessive variations in brightness. The adjustment is performed using a reference master. The apparatus is properly adjusted when a copy of the reference master meets specific criteria.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes a first recording device for recording an image of an original on a first recording medium, wherein identification information is imparted to the first recording medium, a second recording device for recording the image of the original on a second recording medium, wherein identification information is imparted to the second recording medium, a holder for removably holding the first recording medium and the second recording medium on a body of the apparatus, and a memory for storing a combination of the identification information of the first recording medium and the second recording medium, on which a related image is to be recorded.

Abstract: A recording apparatus is provided with plural recording units. A supplied original is discriminated by an original discriminating unit, and is recorded by a recording unit selected according to the result of the discrimination by the discriminating unit. The plural recording units are mutually different in the recording image magnification or in the recording method.

Abstract: An electrographic image transfer element having a protective coating is disclosed. The protective coating is a single protective layer that contains a fluoropolymer and an acrylic polymer. Because the protective coating is resistant to surface pitting, dirt, stains, and general degradation, images formed from the element can be used effectively on billboards, banners, and other outdoor signs.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus for forwardly and reversely photographing images on two rows of film, the leader of the film is transported in a set amount before starting photographing images on the first row, and after photographing on the second row terminates, the trailer of the film is transported in an amount set on the basis of the amount of the leader transport.

Abstract: Improvement in the microfilm camera for reading an amount of money of an addressed bill or check brought into a bank, the amount of money being written in the column for writing the amount of money by the drawer of the addressed bill or check, for printing the read amount of money for magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) and for photographing the image of the addressed bill or check on a microfilm. The improved microfilm camera, provided by the invention, comprises an OCR for reading the amount of money written by the drawer, an MICR printer disposed downstream of the OCR for printing the amount of money read by the OCR, and an optical system for photographing the image of the addressed bill or check on a microfilm after the addressed bill or check is printed for MICR by the MICR printer.

Abstract: A microfilm camera which is adapted to photographing images on a reduced scale of documents placed on a support table and to photograph a mark also on the film in the vicinity of each image thereon so that the location and/or size of the original image corresponding to the document photographed can be located from the size and location of the marks by automatic retrieval equipment. When a bad or unsatisfactory exposure is made, the operator merely presses the appropriate button(s) and the unwanted image on the film does not receive either an image address or an image mark and for all intents and purposes, the image is "lost" on the roll of film. The unwanted image is on the roll of film, but it cannot be automatically retrieved because the image does not have an image mark associated with it. This error correction is accomplished by having the document photographed and the film moved a distance of at least one image frame before the image mark and image address are applied to the film.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved device for transporting photographic negatives mounted on carrying cards to the optical stage of a photographic printer. A storage bin houses a plurality of the carrying cards prior to being transported to the optical stage of the printer. A first vacuum member releasably engages one of the carrying cards and transports that carrying card to a predetermined intermediate location. A second vacuum member operates to transport the carrying card between the intermediate position and the optical stage of the photographic printer. A third vacuum member operates to transport the carrying card from the predetermined intermediate position to a discharge bin. A secondary carrying card transport assembly is adapted to transport at least one carrying card having a secondary photographic negative mounted thereon to the same predetermined location to simultaneously transport multiple negatives to the optical stage of the printer.

Abstract: An apparatus that produces digitally generated index prints and normal optical prints as part of the normal printing operation, without requiring the negatives to be cut and handled separately. The foregoing is accomplished by using the exposure determination and subject classification data generated for the normal optical printing operation to rapidly provide the low resolution digital data for creating the individual index print images, during the normal optical printing operation. While the digital images are being created, each digital image is being simultaneously corrected for its own exposure requirement.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved device for transporting photographic negatives mounted on carrying cards to the optical stage of a photographic printer. A storage bin houses a plurality of the carrying cards prior to being transported to the optical stage of the printer. A first vacuum member releasably engages one of the carrying cards and transports that carrying card to a predetermined intermediate location. A second vacuum member operates to transport the carrying card between the intermediate position and the optical stage of the photographic printer. A third vacuum member operates to transport the carrying card from the predetermined intermediate position to a discharge bin. A secondary carrying card transport assembly is adapted to transport at least one carrying card having a secondary photographic negative mounted thereon to the same predetermined location to simultaneously transport multiple negatives to the optical stage of the printer.

Abstract: A rotary camera for photographing a plurality of original documents on microfilm and for recording information relating to the photographed original documents together with data concerning the conditions for photographing additional necessary data. The rotary camera has an exposure roller on which images of the original documents are focused to be photographed and unidimensionally arranged light emitting elements opposed to the exposure roller. The light emitting elements are selectively energized so that the microfilm is exposed to the data-writing lights forming any desired images of the data in the form of letters, numerals or marks while moving in contact with the exposure roller. The data to be recorded is designated and is put into the control system through a keyboard. A jam-mark may be recorded on the microfilm as the data in response to an output from a jamming detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for reformatting microfiche to microfilm, paper, films or other substrates, and methods of reformatting microfiche into microfilm, paper films, or other substrates.

Abstract: An image input device including an original pedestal for placing an original to be imaged, a camera unit for taking an image of the original, a camera supporting unit for supporting the camera unit at a predetermined position relative to the original pedestal, a light source for illuminating the original and a light source supporting unit for supporting the light source movable between a first position where the light source is used as a reflection illumination light source and a second position where the light source is used as a transmission light source. In addition, an image input device including an original pedestal for an original to be imaged, a camera unit for taking an image of the original, a support unit for supporting the camera unit at a predetermined position relative to the original pedestal and a housing unit for detachably housing a transmission illumination unit in the original pedestal.

Abstract: A method of reenlargement of microfilm originals stored in form of microimages includes providing a plurality of microimages on a carrier, selecting microimages from the plurality of microimages for reenlargement on a receiving medium, positioning a selected microimage in an image window suitable for the reenlargement, transferring the microimage on the receiving medium by an objective focused on the image window, during the transfer of the microimage on the carrier positioning a second microimage located on another carrier in a second image window and after the transfer of the first mentioned microimage, transferring the second microimage on the receiving medium.

Abstract: A microfilm camera comprises a camera head and a document support. The camera head includes a film transport mechanism for intermittently feeding a strip of microfilm past an exposure station at which an aperture plate is disposed. The aperture in the aperture plate is adjustable in one of at least two different sizes by means of a masking flap supported for movement between a first size position, in which a portion of the aperture is shielded, and a second size position in which the masking flap is clear from the aperture. When a document of a relatively small size is placed on the document support, the masking flap is in the first size position, but when a document of a relatively large size is placed on the document support, the masking flap is in the second size position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recording apparatus comprising an image recording means for recording image information on a recording medium, a code recording means for photographing inherent code information on the recording medium, a memory means for previously storing a number of code information, a registering means for previously registering the code informations in correspondence to corresponding switches, and a recording means for recording the code information registered in the registering means when the corresponding switch is depressed.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus, wherein a film storage unit is detachable from the main unit even when the film storage is reversed so that the positions of the supply and windup sides of film will be switched, enables a user to replace film for reciprocatory recording with the film loaded in the storage unit, and helps reduce fogging and improve operability.

Abstract: A spool assembly for use in a printer assembly which allows substantially the entire web of photographic paper to be exposed in the printing process. The printer assembly includes a web, a printer operative to expose photographic images on portions of the web, and a drive means operative to systematically convey the web of photographic paper through the printer. Extender strips of non-photographic material are attached to the ends of the web of photographic paper to allow the end of the web proximate the respective extender strip to be positioned within the printer for exposure purposes. The spool assembly includes a spool formed of a plastic material and a retaining clip mounted thereon to engage the related extender strip. The spool is adapted to maintain the paper in a rolled configuration and are preferably constructed with a central portion of reduced diameter which contains a retaining clip.

Abstract: A microfilm reader/printer for selecting a desired image from images recorded on a microfilm roll to print the desired image, the images being recorded by the duo photographing system in two channels so that the images recorded in one channel are in the normal orientation while the images recorded in the other channel are in the inverted orientation. Desired images are printed by the microfilm reader/printer always in the normal orientation irrespective of the orientation thereof recorded in either one of the two channels on the duo mode microfilm automatically without the need of manual operation. Channel exchanging means and image rotating means are combined so that orientation of images is inverted every time the channel being retrieved is exchanged so as to display or print desired images in the same orientation. The channel exchanging means may be mechanical or optical means, and the image rotating means may be optical or electronic image processing means.

Abstract: An image reproducing device includes a container for storing a strip-like photosensitive material in a condition that the photosensitive material is rolled, the photosensitive material having a mark at a predetermined length from a final end thereof. Rollers pull out the rolled photosensitive material from the container and convey the photosensitive material. A cutter cuts the conveyed photosensitive material into a sheet-like photosensitive sheets one by one. A pair of developing rollers roll the cut photosensitive sheet put together with a transfer sheet between which a developer-containing pod is interposed. A detector detects the marking of the conveyed photosensitive material, and a controller inhibits the cutter from cutting the photosensitive material in a case where the detector detects the mark of the conveyed photosensitive material.

Abstract: A microfilm camera for photographing a plurality of originals on a microfilm is disclosed. The improved microfilm camera is provided with a display lamp for indicating that an original is left in a non-photographed state and a buzzer for issuing an alarm on that occasion. If the original non-photographed is left as it is, the display lamp turns on and the buzzer sounds. Accordingly, the original to be photographed is not left in the non-photographed state for a long period.

Abstract: A transport device for a microfilm passage camera has a document supply device, and a transport device for further transporting a document in a camera and/or a document discharge device. Each of the document supply device and document transport device have a plurality of rotary members, a plurality of rings arranged so that each of the rotary members abuts against a respective one of the rings, a plurality of transporting rollers arranged so that the rings are mounted in groups on the transporting rollers, a lower guiding sheet limiting from above a document passage and provided with a plurality of perforations through which the rings extend into the document passage. The transporting rollers are driveable with a speed corresponding to filming of a document in the filming station.

Abstract: In a final phase of the photographic process a customer generally receives an envelope containing a group of prints and a plurality of strips of negatives associated with the prints. Packaging the prints and negatives in this manner can lead to the negatives getting demand and/or the negatives getting separated from the original prints, thus making it difficult to produce high quailty reprints and making it difficult to determine which negative is to be reprinted. A photographic image set including an index print integrally stored with the associated negative strips provides a convenient single storage and retrieval system. A method of making the photographic image set provides acceptable overall exposure of the index print and reduces the incidence of damage to the negative strips.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a lens shuttle mechanism for a microfilm camera. The lens system (25) is mounted in a lens carrier which is itself mounted for reciprocating motion in a film gate casting (10) by means of four leaf springs (31,35,41,45). The two outer springs (31 and 35) are centrally fixed to the casting (10) while the two inner springs (41 and 45) are centrally fixed to the lens carrier. The free ends of all four springs are fixed to spacers (51 and 52). The lens carrier includes a threaded bore (71) which receives a lead screw (72). A servo motor (76) is provided to rotate the lead screw (72) in both directions alternately.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the chaotic filming of documents in which the latter are equipped with a first code, and then in unordered sequence are filmed with the application of a pulse code, wherein of the first code applied respectively on the documents fed for filming at least the address is detected and intermediately stored, the pulse code on the exposed film is detected and continuously added up, and the number corresponding to the image of the relevant document in the pulse code and the address of the first code are jointly stored as the image address.According to a first embodiment the documents are paged in unordered sequence and then filmed with the allocation of a blip pulse code. According to a second embodiment, documents are provided with the code allocated respectively by a computer, whereby the computer contains the code and optionally further information in store. The documents are then filmed in unordered sequence with the simultaneous application of a pulse code, using a camera.