Abstract: An optical scanner feedback system. The feedback system provides a feedback signal representative of a laser beam focused along an optical path onto a scanning surface. The feedback system includes a cylinder lens having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, located along the optical path having an optical surface for shaping and focusing the laser beam in a first direction. A photodetector is provided having an active region sensitive to light. The laser beam includes a scanning portion which passes through the lens and a reflected portion which reflects off the lens. The reflected portion is reflected such that it is incident on the photodetector active region for providing an output signal representative of the laser beam.

Abstract: A thermal processor and method for using the same which is particularly useful for developing a sheet of imaging material, such as photothermographic film. The thermal processor includes means for transporting the imaging material through the apparatus. The thermal processor also includes means for heating the imaging material to develop the image in the imaging material. The thermal processor also includes means for reducing fogging on the imaging material as the image is developed on the imaging material.

Abstract: An assembly for positioning a piece of photosensitive film into a scanning position on a curved film platen and an internal drum scanner assembly. The film platen is defined by a film feed edge and a film stop edge. An alignment mechanism is positioned proximate the film stop edge and a feed mechanism is positioned proximate the film feed edge. The feed mechanism operates to feed the leading edge of the film from the film feed edge along the film platen towards the film stop edge alignment mechanism, and wherein when the photosensitive film is in the scanning position, the photosensitive film is compressed against the curved film platen in alignment between the alignment mechanism and the feed mechanism. A centering mechanism is also provided.