Abstract: A system and method for adaptive interpolation of image data selects one of a plurality of different interpolation kernel functions based on one or more variables, such as a selected format for the visible presentation of the interpolated image data on an output imaging media, a selected type of the output imaging media for visible presentation of the interpolated image data, and an appearance characteristic, such as sharpness or smoothness, of the visible presentation of the interpolated image data. The system and method select an appropriate interpolation kernel function to improve an appearance of the visible presentation of the interpolated image data on the output imaging media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiographic cassette to be used for exposing a radiographic film to X-ray radiation, the radiographic cassette comprising a base element and an upper element, a front phosphor screen adhered to the inner portion of the base element, and a back phosphor screen adhered to the inner portion of the upper element, wherein the radiographic cassette has a front electrical contact on the inner portion of the base element and a back electrical contact on the inner portion of the back element, the front and back electrical contacts facing each other and being connected to respective front and back outer electrical contacts. The invention also relates to the apparatus and method for automatically loading/unloading the above radiographic cassette.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiographic cassette to be used for exposing a radiographic film to X-ray radiation, the radiographic cassette comprising a base element and an upper element, a front phosphor screen adhered to the inner portion of the base element, and a back phosphor screen adhered to the inner portion of the upper element, wherein the radiographic cassette has a hole passing through each of the base and upper element and the front and back phosphor screen, the hole being closed with absorbing means capable to absorb the radiation to which the radiographic film is sensitive. The invention also relates to the apparatus and method for automatically loading/unloading the above radiographic cassette.

Abstract: A cartridge can contain a photoreceptive sheet(s), allow for the introduction of the photoreceptive sheet to an imaging apparatus, and receive the photoreceptive sheet from the imaging apparatus. The cartridge can store the photoreceptive sheet(s) in a curved form or in a flat form. The cartridge can include internal rollers for driving the photoreceptive sheet in and/or out of the cartridge.

Abstract: A cooling article includes a plate positioned adjacent the exit of a thermal processor. The plate has a surface for receiving a sheet of thermally-processed material such that the sheet of thermally-processed material moves along the surface. A first region of the surface of the plate adjacent the exit of the thermal processor includes a thermally insulative material, whereas a second region of the surface of the plate on a side of the first region opposite the exit of the thermal processor includes a thermally conductive material. The sheet of thermally-processed material contacts the thermally insulative material during movement in the first region, and contacts the thermally conductive material during movement in the second region. The thermally insulative material prevents excessive heating of the first region of the cooling plate by leading portions of the sheet of thermally-processed material.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for use in the processing of a material traveling in a material direction, such as a photosensitive material. The apparatus directs a first fluid stream and a second fluid stream respectively across the first and second width portions of the material. The first and second fluid streams do not flow substantially cocurrently with nor countercurrently to the material direction.

Abstract: An imaging system and method employ a linear perceived optical density interface that produces a substantially linear relationship between digital image values generated by an input imaging device and perceived optical densities of corresponding pixels within a visible representation of the image on film. The interface produces a linear change in perceived optical density in response to a linear change in the digital image values, enabling a system user to achieve predictable changes in appearance characteristics by simply adjusting the digital image values. The user can adjust the appearance characteristics in a flexible manner, without being constrained to a set of fixed transfer functions. The user can also perform desired formatting of the image at the input imaging device. The interface provides a single transfer function that is commonly applicable different input imaging devices, such that development of modality-specific transfer functions is unnecessary.

Abstract: A developer for sheets of dry silver media includes an oven having a film entrance and a film exit. A bed of spaced rollers of low thermal conductivity foam material is positioned within the oven between the entrance and exit. A roller drive mechanism rotates the rollers causing the film to be transported through the oven and developed without visible patterns.

Abstract: A container and a method of using the container for storing sheets of material, such as photosensitive materials, enables individual sheets to be transported from the container to an imaging unit by a feed mechanism of the imaging unit. The container fits within the imaging unit to provide a light-tight environment for the photosensitive material. The container includes shiftable walls, including a front ramp which can have a serrated surface to separate sheets. The container also includes a clamping components to allow for the removal of a light-tight bag which encloses the sheets.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for passively steering an endless belt toward a lateral target belt position while the endless belt is transported by a transporting mechanism. A steering roller contacts the belt inner surface, the steering roller being rotatable about a roller axis and being pivotable about a steering axis, and the steering roller having a first roller end. A carriage supports the steering roller and is pivotable about a steering axis such that the steering roller is pivotable about the steering axis. A first member is positioned adjacent to the first roller end and functionally connected to the carriage. The first member contacts the belt inner surface when the first belt edge extends sufficiently beyond the first roller end. The first member applies greater friction to the endless belt than the steering roller when the belt contacts the first member.

Abstract: A photoreceptive sheet within an imaging apparatus is repeatedly transportable through a transport path and capable of capturing and transferring images. In addition, the photoreceptive sheet is repeatedly transportable for capturing and transferring a number of images. A transport path of the photoreceptive sheet can be a transport loop having a loop distance which can be greater than the length of the photoreceptive sheet. Excess ink or toner can be removed from the photoreceptive sheet by directing the excess to the resulting gap between a first end and the second end of the photoreceptive sheet and into a container.

Abstract: An apparatus (14) for developing an exposed proof (16) provided with a visible light absorbing composition such as color particles or pigments includes a transport means (22-28, 36) for transporting the proof (16) along a treatment liquid dispenser unit (30, 32) and a take-off device (44, 38, 40) for removing detached composition from the proof (16). A tempering device (48) is provided for keeping the treatment liquid, which in the dispenser unit (30, 32) is applied onto the proof (16), at the optimum temperature for the developing process. The tempering device (48) comprises at least one Peltier element (52) which has at least one of its two tempering faces thermally connected with treatment liquid. The Peltier element (52) is adapted to receive a reversible supply voltage whose amount and polarity can be controlled. Depending on the polarity of the supply voltage, the Peltier element (52) operates either as a heating element or a cooling element.

Abstract: An apparatus thermally laminates at least two materials together while minimizing wrinkles, ripples, curl, and color density loss in the laminate applying heat and pressure to the materials, by turning the laminate in a first direction away from a hotter laminating member causing a curvature of the laminate, and by turning the laminate in a second direction which reverses the curvature of the laminate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaporating a coating solvent from a coating on a first substrate and for minimizing the formation of mottle. A drying oven includes a plurality of air foils positioned adjacent to the second substrate surface. Each of the plurality of air foils have a foil slot through which a stream of drying gas is supplied to the drying oven. The foil slot length is adjusted to not be significantly greater than the first substrate width to minimize air flow over the first and second coating edges which minimizes the creation of mottle.

Abstract: In the method for controlling the temperature of an intermittently standing and flowing fluid which is at rest during standstill intervals and is flowing during flow intervals, a desired temperature for the fluid is predetermined and the actual temperature of the fluid is measured. The fluid is heated and/or cooled by a tempering device, depending on whether the actual temperature is higher or lower than the desired temperature. The tempering device is controlled by a control unit with at least one variable and self-adjusting control parameter. In the method, it is detected whether the fluid is presently at a standstill or in flow. The value of the control parameter of the control unit valid at the end of a flow interval is stored and at the beginning of the next flow interval is set as the current control parameter in the control unit.

Abstract: A cooling article adapted for use with a thermal-processing apparatus for cooling a thermally-processable element after the element is heated by a heating member within the thermal-processing apparatus. The cooling article can include a cooling plate having a textured and/or perforated top surface positionable relative to the heated member so that the sheet slides on the top surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing the deflection of a beam directed at an article detects slight deflection of the beam when the beam is directed at a large angle of incidence. The large angle of incidence increases the apparatus sensitivity to detect certain characteristics within an article which cause slight deflection, and allows the use of smaller optical elements. The apparatus can detect defects such as coating voids, streaks, and caliper variations when transparent materials are coated onto transparent substrates.