Abstract: Light valve imaging apparatus utilizes an area light valve array to effect high pixel resolution exposure of a line of record medium passing through an area exposure region during a plurality of partial-line-exposure sub-periods.

Abstract: A light valve device for locationally-interlaced, optical addressing of an imaging or scan zone includes an array having a plurality of location-address sectors, each including a plurality of discrete light valve pixel portions which are electrically addressable to control the passage of light. Each light valve pixel portion is coupled for common electrical address with one light valve pixel portion of each of the other location-address sectors, so as to form inter-sector groups, but is independently addressable with respect to light valve pixel portions of its own location-address group.

Abstract: Electronic imaging apparatus of the kind having an electro-optic light valve array effects more uniform inter-element light transmission by utilizing predetermined, nominal activating potentials. In one preferred embodiment the potentials are proximate the array's half-wave voltage. In a related aspect color period activations are effected by means of a plurality of discrete sub-period activations which can be of different duration and binarily related. Such activations are preferably effected by means of a serial-in, parallel-out shift register.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transferring non-insulative toner, having charge of a first polarity, from an electrically-insulative image member to a transfer member of high relative-conductivity, features feeding successive portions of such members into opposing relation at a transfer zone, contacting the non-opposing surface of such transfer member portions with a compliant, conductive surface biased to a polarity opposite said first polarity and controlling contact between such member portions to extend for a predetermined period not exceeding 0.030 seconds.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus of the kind in which successive image portions of a length of strip material are sequentially imaged and developed, features a development device adapted to provide continuous development periods of equal duration for all image portions, regardless of intermittent operation of said apparatus. One disclosed embodiment features guide means sequentially movable at the strip-feed rate between a first position, constraining all strip portions that are within the development zone in a developing relation, and a second position wherein all such strip portions are released from the developing relation.

Abstract: Electronic imaging apparatus of the kind having an imaging zone; a light valve array comprising a plurality of discretely-addressable light-modulating pixel regions; illuminating means for directing light to the imaging zone via the array and means for addressing the pixels in accordance with image information, features light control means located between the illuminating means and such array for collimating illuminating light in a direction substantially normal to the ingress surface of the array.

Abstract: Electronic imaging apparatus of the kind having a light valve array comprising a plurality of discretely addressable pixel portions which are transformable between light blocking and light passing states in response to activating electric fields features a plurality of color filter elements respectively of different colors and integral with different respective pixel portions of such array.

Abstract: Electronic color imaging apparatus of the type having an image exposure control means including a plurality of electrically-addressable pixel light valves for selectively controlling the passage of light to different pixel regions of an imaging zone in response to information signals, is provided with improved electro-optic color control means. Such color control includes a plurality of strip modulators which respectively control the passage of one of a plurality of light colors and synchronization control means activate the exposure control means and color control means in proper timed relation such that the pixel light valves are activated with the appropriate information for the light color then passing the color control means.

Abstract: An optical disc-unit including (i) a flexible, disc-shaped support bearing a record layer, (ii) a flexible disc-shaped cover sheet which is transparent to write/read light and (iii) annular retaining means which engage the support and sheet, in spaced relation, substantially continuously around peripheral regions. In preferred embodiments the retaining means symmetrically tension the sheet and support into substantially flat dispositions. Cooperative optical disc write/read apparatus and optical disc-unit fabrication methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Optical disc structure physically optimized for real-time recording and playback of high-density information and methods and apparatus pertaining to such disc structure. One disclosed disc embodiment is designed for heat-deformation recording and reflective read-out and, in regard to the chosen reading wave-length, is optimized in recording stratum thickness and optical constants for high sensitivity writing and high contrast, phase interference reading. Another disclosed disc embodiment is further optimized in thickness and optical constants with respect to a chosen writing wavelength to further enhance writing sensitivity and reduce requisite writing power.

Abstract: An optical disc of the type having a thermally deformable recording layer overlying a reflectively surfaced support features a crenelated disc support surface having grooves of predetermined depth and interleaved lands arranged in a spiral or concentric pattern. The recording layer's outer surface is nominally planar so that the differences in thickness between "over-land" and "over-groove" portions thereof impart high phase-shift contrast to light of a given read wavelength.

Abstract: Electronic imaging apparatus of the kind having light valve arrays operable to selectively pass light to an imaging zone in response to electrical activation according to an image signal features a light valve array having a plurality of pixel exposing regions that are each larger in area than the pixels to be imaged thereby at the imaging zone and means for directing light from respective pixel exposing regions to respective reduced-size pixels of the imaging zone.

Abstract: Migration imaging apparatus of the kind using a photoelectrophoretic dispersion and having an electrode moveable along an endless operative path past dispersion application and imaging zones features improved dispersion applicator structure comprising a flat-spray, atomizing nozzle adapted to form a uniform layer of dispersion on the electrode without imparting velocity perturbations to the moving electrode.

Abstract: An improved magnetic brush development device features magnetic counterpoise means located in opposing relation (across the development zone) with the primary magnetic brush field adjacent the development zone. The magnetic counterpoise means has a repelling polarity relative to the primary magnetic brush field and cooperates to form a compressed, smooth nap at the development zone.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reading optical discs containing information in the form of tracks of high-spacial-frequency, phase-modulating marks (e.g., depressions or pits) includes means for directing the zero and one first diffraction order of read light returned from the scanned track into superimposed relation on a photodetector and means for predeterminedly masking a portion of the zero diffraction order light so that its magnitude is more equal to that of the first diffraction order light.

Abstract: Improved electrographic development apparatus and procedure for use with partially-conductive developer employs transport of the developer through a first development zone in a direction generally countercurrent to a moving image member and through a second development zone in a direction generally co-current to the moving image member. The extent of image development within each such zone is controlled by the rate of developer transport and/or the magnitude of developer bias, so that overall development of the different portions of large solid image areas (particularly leading and trailing portions of such areas) is equalized.

Abstract: Electrophotographic apparatus of the kind utilizing a flexible photoconductor film or web including a support and photoconductive layer sandwiching a conducting layer comprises a grounding member having an incising edge. The grounding member is electrically coupled to a reference potential and urged into a predetermined cutting position to incise the photoconductive layer and to effect contact of the conductive layer as film is moved therepast along the operative path of the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a laser printer for printing alphanumeric characters and the like on a photosensitive surface. An acoustooptic cell, in cooperation with its driving circuitry, serves to diffract an incident laser beam to produce two or more first-order diffracted beams, and to deflect such beams in a common plane through discrete angular ranges to produce tandem scan lines on a photosensitive surface. A data source, such as a character generator or programmed computer, is used to modulate the intensity of each of the diffracted beams independently so that the tandem scan lines collectively define a full column (or row) of picture elements of information to be printed.

Abstract: A recording element adapted for real-time writing and reading with light of a single given wave-length utilizes a recording stratum, including a heat-deformable dye-binder layer, overlying a reflective support and is characterized by the dye-binder layer having optical constants such that its reflectance versus thickness variation curve has a first reflectance minimum having a high depth of modulation and the recording stratum having a nominal thickness sufficiently greater than the thickness corresponding to the first reflectance minimum to effect reflection of a significant portion of light of such given wavelength.

Abstract: A subtractive color electrophotographic process is disclosed for producing a multicolor print from a single exposure of a color original. The process utilizes a novel multilayer recording element containing an electrically conducting layer, an insulating layer and two or more photoconductive layers, each spectrally sensitized to a different portion of the optical spectrum. In carrying out the process, the recording element is first uniformly charged and exposed to a color original and then developed by a multistep procedure. Each step of the development procedure comprises flood exposing the recording element to radiation to which at least one of the photoconductive layers is responsive while applying toner particles having a different subtractive color characteristic and an appropriate electrical bias.