Abstract: A roller is coupled to a movable support frame which in a first position bears a flexible halftone screen which is fully wound up about said roller. As the support frame is translated in a first direction across the film mounted upon a vacuum platen, the flexible screen unwinds and is laid flat across the platen. When the movable support frame is translated in a second direction, the screen is thereafter wound up about said roller somewhat in the manner of a "reverse windowshade.

Abstract: A system for adding or subtracting in real-time image detail of first and second images. In a first embodiment a plane parallel reflective image shear plate superimposes a first radiation beam carrying the first image with a second radiation beam carrying the second image to achieve exact registration of similar image detail. Depending upon the phase difference between the first and second beams, the beams either destructively or constructively interfere. Constructive interference results in amplitude addition of image detail in the first and second images. Destructive interference results in an image having only image detail which is different between the first and second images. A second embodiment adds a plane parallel source shear plate to the structure of the first embodiment, which results in several significant advantages. In the second embodiment radiation from a light source is first directed against the source shear plate which shears the radiation to derive the first and second radiation beams.

Abstract: An optical sensor is positioned at the output of a variable magnification optical system which focuses differing character size images upon a photosensitive medium. A reference voltage, which is a function of the proper exposure for a particular photosensitive medium, is compared with the photosensor voltage. The system automatically tests for the correct light flux before each size change by projecting a reference image through the optical system at the photosensor, such image having a relatively low intensity level, so that no output signal is produced by the above-mentioned comparator. The intensity of the reference image is iteratively increased until such output signal is produced by the comparator, thereby to maintain the light intensity at the last level attained, until a character size change is effected, wherein the comparison process is repeated.

Abstract: A pivotable camera back is provided containing a film cartridge having a movable light sealing member for preventing light from entering the cartridge when the camera back housing is pivoted to an open position for access thereto, together with a sealing member actuation device for causing the light sealing member to open with respect to the cartridge feed orifice to permit photosensitive material to be fed to the imaging area upon the closing of the camera back housing.

Abstract: A camera-processor magazine is disclosed having a cartridge for storing light sensitive roll material, together with means for driving such material out of the cartridge and upon an exposure platen. A roller curtain for shielding the material when the magazine is open also functions to guide the leading portion of the roll material across the exposure platen and into the nip of a pair of exit rollers.

Abstract: A first and second channel coupled to a leading edge comparator and a trailing edge comparator is provided wherein pulses having widths to be determined are transmitted to the comparators, the pulses in one channel emanating therefrom being delayed with respect to pulses emanating from the other channel. Biasing circuitry produces an offset bias voltage to change the relative D.C. levels of the pulses, thereby to establish two leading edge crossover points which effect operation of the leading edge comparator and two trailing edge crossover points which effect operation of the trailing edge comparator so that the time differences between pulses produced by the comparators is a measure of the widths of the pulses, regardless of changes in pulse amplitude, D.C. input drift, and changes in duty cycle.

Abstract: A circularly polarized, broad-beamed antenna system capable of effectively covering the entire bandwidth of from about 0.5 GHz to about 18 GHz or higher. The system provided comprises a generally conventional planar spiral antenna modified by having the outer ends of its arms terminated by a bifilar helix. The bifilar helix is positioned behind the planar spiral and at 90.degree. to it. By proper coupling of the two antenna portions, it has been found that within the 2 to 18 GHz range, the planar spiral operates as if the helix were not present, while below 2 GHz, the spiral functions as a transmission line feeding the helix and the helix radiates essentially all of the energy from the antenna.The antenna system provided is approximately the same size as conventional 2 to 18 GHz cavity backed spiral antennas and generally satisfies all of the physical constraints and limitations placed upon airborne radar-warning systems.

Abstract: A toner dispensing apparatus for electrophotographic copiers. The apparatus includes a toner dispenser portion positioned within the developer housing of the copier, and a toner supply portion positioned exteriorly of the developer housing. The two portions are detachably secured to one another such that when the supply of toner in the toner supply portion becomes exhausted, that portion may be replaced in its entirety. Both portions are provided with a novel valve means to permit transfer of toner from the supply portion to the dispenser portion in normal operation and to prevent toner spillage from either portion when separated. Additionally, a novel toner agitator structure is provided in the toner supply portion to ensure a smooth flow of toner therefrom. This structure includes a plastic bag for holding the supply of toner together with means for periodically deflecting the walls of the bag to loosen up the toner therein.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for measuring the background density of an object to be photographed wherein a count is inserted into a counter proportional to the measured density. The intensity of illumination of the object is thereafter measured and the count within the counter is counted down at a rate proportional to the measured illumination intensity until the count reaches zero; the beginning of the exposure interval being defined by the start of the countdown step and the end of the interval being defined by the count in the counter reaching a predetermined value.

Abstract: A special inexpensive development electrode within a cascade development station is positioned closely adjacent to a xerographic drum to define a development zone therebetween. The electrode is roughened by producing deflection elements thereon forming a waffle-like or diamond-shaped knurled pattern projecting into the development zone, and, at the same time, is designed to be spaced from the drum by a distance which varies from between a relatively wide spacing adjacent the input end of the development zone and a relatively narrow spacing toward the output end of the zone.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting and analyzing cosmetic defects on the surface of ophthalmic lenses. The apparatus according to one embodiment comprises means for scanning a narrow beam of light across the lens surface under inspection together with an array of photodetectors for detecting the manner in which the scanning beam is scattered or deflected as a result of striking a defect on or beneath the lens surface. More particularly, the photodetector array is mounted around the edge of the lens in a symmetrical pattern such that by properly monitoring the outputs of the detectors and by correlating these outputs with the position of the scanning beam, information regarding the position of the defect, the type of defect, and its severity can readily be ascertained in an automatic manner.

Abstract: A toner dispensing apparatus for electrophotographic copiers. The dispenser includes an elongated hollow tubular member extending across the developer assembly of the copier within which is positioned a rotatable auger of novel construction having a helical groove formed around its surface. One end of the auger extends out of the tubular member into a toner supply container which is adapted to feed fresh toner into the groove of the auger. Rotation of the auger transports closely metered amounts of toner from the supply container into and along the tubular member and as it is carried there along, the toner will be automatically dispensed in precise amounts through a plurality of apertures extending along the bottom of the tubular member. According to one important feature of the invention, the toner dispenser is supported across the developer assembly in a position to dispense toner into the developer as it is falling from the development zone toward the elevator sump.

Abstract: A roller wick is positioned to transmit moisture in an uphill direction by capillary action from a roller wick reservoir to an inked paper roller drive means. A thicker relay wick transmits relatively large amounts of fluid from a relay wick reservoir, positioned higher than the roller wick reservoir, to the roller wick reservoir. The relay wick itself is positioned over the roller wick reservoir so that any drippings therefrom are deposited within the roller wick reservoir.

Abstract: Reflective optical encoder for monitoring the movement of a machine tool component or the like. The encoder comprises a code disc having a code track thereon in the form of alternating radiation transmissive and radiation opaque areas. A source of radiation and at least two detectors are supported on one side of the code disc while a reflector is supported on the opposite side. Radiation from the source is directed through the code track to the reflector and is reflected off of the reflector back through the code track to the detectors such that the detectors will receive radiation modulated by the code track as a function of the movement of the code disc.

Abstract: A telescopic optical system adapted to form an image of an object of interest which is only slightly angularly displaced in space from a bright object such as the sun. The optical system is pointed directly at the object of interest such that the geometrical image of the sun is not within its field of view. However, radiation from the sun is of such great intensity that radiation diffracted into the optical system may be many times greater than radiation forming the image of interest. In the preferred embodiment the image of interest is positioned beyond the hundredth diffraction ring of the sun. Undesired diffracted radiation is substantially reduced by apodizing the edge of the entrance aperture to the optical system to change the diffraction pattern of the solar radiation. In a first embodiment, the edge of the entrance aperture is apodized by placing a saw tooth pattern along selected edges of the aperture.

Abstract: A mirror structure designed to minimize damage to the mirror caused by soft X-rays. A reflective coating having a high reflectivity at wavelengths of interest is deposited on a glass substrate. The reflective coating has a moderately low atomic number to reduce direct susceptibility to substantial X-ray damage, and further has a high coefficient of thermal conductivity so that it is a good conductor of heat from the reflective coating to the glass substrate. Unfortunately, glass is a poor conductor of heat, and the accumulation of absorbed energy in the reflective coating will rapidly lead to crazing, melting, and vaporization. Accordingly the mirror structure is designed with a heat sink coating between the reflective coating and the glass substrate. The heat sink coating has a higher coefficient of thermal conductivity than glass so that it conducts heat away from the reflective coating, and also has an atomic number which is lower than glass so that it is subject to less X-ray energy absorption.

Abstract: An electro-optic system having an extended dynamic power range. The dynamic power range of a Bragg cell spectrum analyzer is expanded by unevenly splitting the radiation output of the Bragg cell with a beam splitter and directing a major portion of the radiation output to a first photodiode array and a minor portion of the radiation output to a second photodiode array. The first photodiode array is utilized to detect the output of the Bragg cell until it becomes sufficiently intense to saturate it. When the first photodiode array becomes saturated, the second photodiode array, which receives a minor amount of radiation from the Bragg cell, is utilized to detect the output of the Bragg cell. Detection with the first and second photodiode arrays allows the dynamic power detection range of the system to be expanded to include the combined detection ranges of the first and second photodiode arrays.

Abstract: A transport mechanism is disclosed for driving inked paper emerging from the printing station of a duplicating machine into a stacking station, the transport mechanism employing a first pair of beveled drive rollers and a second pair of rounded rollers biased against the beveled drive rollers by gravity which prevents ink buildup upon the second pair of drive rollers where bleed edge inked paper is being transported through the system.

Abstract: A printing station including an impression cylinder and a plate cylinder is positioned adjacent an air applicator which causes paper emerging from the nip of the cylinders to be pressed against an arcuate portion of the impression cylinder so as to be driven over a paper guide means which forwards the paper to a stacking station. Drive means are also included adjacent the guide means, consisting of a pair of beveled rollers which produce stiffening of the paper to give it rigidity along its length in order to support the paper in cantilever fashion as it passes from the drive means to the stacker. The air applicator is designed to produce some air travel in the direction of motion of the inked paper to assist in driving the paper and drying the ink.

Abstract: An improved system for detecting movement of an image formed by a reconnaissance optical system. A photodiode array is placed in the focal plane of the optical system to detect the image. The photodiode array is first read out at a time T into a shift register where the signal is stored. After passage of a time .DELTA.T the photodiode array is read out a second time. The first and second read out signals are then correlated to determine the amount of movement of the image between times T and T + .DELTA.T.