Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for correcting scan position errors in an imaging system. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes determining an image beam velocity error as a function of a position within a scan line of an image, and using the image beam velocity error to determine a plurality of pixel clock frequencies to be respectively applied to a plurality of positions within the scan line.

Abstract: A cassette tray for use with an imaging system includes a plurality of sides that have a through slot, and a bottom surface that includes a plurality of slots sized to receive a respective plurality of plate stops capable of maneuvering within the plurality of slots, and a second plurality of slots sized to respectively receive a plurality of lift arms. A platform is provided that includes a same plurality of sides as the cassette tray, and a same first plurality of slots as the bottom surface that are aligned with the first plurality of slots of the bottom surface. The platform is positioned within the cassette tray to contact the plurality of lift arms. A plurality of guide blocks, extending outwardly from each of the plurality of sides of the platform, are sized to fit in the through slots, to facilitate movement of the platform within the cassette.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for lifting an object includes a rotational axis that has a first lead screw threaded in a first direction, a second lead screw threaded in a second direction, and a coupler that couples the first lead screw and the second lead screw. A first lifting arm has first and second members that move in a first plane that is substantially parallel to the rotational axis, and a second lifting arm has first and second members that move in a second plane that is substantially parallel to the rotational axis. A first transverse member is coupled to the first lead screw, and a second transverse member is coupled to the second lead. Rotation of the rotational axis in a first direction raises the first and second lifting arms, and rotation of the rotational axis in a second direction lowers the first and second lifting arms.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for correcting scan position errors in an imaging system. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes determining an image beam velocity error as a function of a position within a scan line of an image, and using the image beam velocity error to determine a plurality of pixel clock frequencies to be respectively applied to a plurality of positions within the scan line.

Abstract: A platesetting system and method comprising a pair of dual capstan rollers that receives a recording medium and records an image on the received medium as the medium is transported through the system. The system and method advantageously enable at least a portion of the image to extend from a leading edge of the medium to a trailing edge of the medium.

Abstract: A platesetting system and method comprising a pair of dual capstan rollers that receives a recording medium and records an image on the received medium as the medium is transported through the system. The system and method advantageously enable at least a portion of the image to extend from a leading edge of the medium to a trailing edge of the medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods that remove an interleaf sheet interposed between plate sheets from a material stack used, for example, in a computer-to-plate imaging system and/or environment. Embodiments of the system and method can also remove plate sheets from an interleaf sheet, and transport the plate sheet for subsequent imaging.

Abstract: A process for preparing a printing plate. In this process a photopolymer printing plate is exposed to a source of actinic radiation, and this exposure causes the photopolymer to change at least one of its physical properties. Thereafter, a portion of the photopolymer is removed. The developed printing plate is then irradiated with deep ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of from about 170 to about 290 nanometers.

Abstract: A method for transferring data (for example, image data) from disk storage directly to a peripheral device (for example, a pelbox) in which address information identifying disk storage locations where the data is stored is sent to the peripheral device, and a command is sent to the peripheral device to initiate data transfer from disk storage directly to the peripheral device using the address information received by the peripheral device.

Abstract: In a system for transporting film materials, rotation of the transported film caused by uneven stress across a width of the film is eliminated by providing a pinch roll drive in which the driven roll is a precision metal roll and the non-driven roll is a rubber roll, the outer cylindrical surface of which is defined by a plurality of axially-spaced annular ribs. Accumulated error is removed at regular intervals by braking the film to cause correction of slippage. Feed under uniform stress is achieved by forming a dancer roll film loop and correcting for differential alignment of the various transport rolls by displacing a portion of one side of the loop.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for synchronizing to a scanning galvanometer system provide for magnification changes on the order of one part in a thousand. The apparatus employs two phase locked loops connected in series with a digital counter divider. The combination of phase locked loop, digital divider, and phase locked loop provide a multiplication factor equal to a*c/b which enables the required precision in magnification step change to be achieved. Critical to operation of the circuitry is the provision for resetting the divider counter when the first phase locked loop is sufficiently synchronized to a ruled grating which is part of the scanning system.