Abstract: A laser marking apparatus includes at least one laser beam source, a multichannel acoustic modulator defining a plurality of at least partially overlapping modulation regions, apparatus for directing at least one laser beam from the at least one laser beam source through the multichannel acoustic modulator such that each laser beam extends across at least two of the at least partially overlapping modulation regions, and imaging apparatus for directing light from the modulator to a laser marking image plane.

Abstract: An external drum plotter including a generally cylindrical drum having a longitudinal axis of symmetry and a cylindrical support surface disposed about the longitudinal axis, for supporting thereon in generally cylindrical configuration, recording material to be written upon, apparatus for rotating the drum about the longitudinal axis, longitudinal track apparatus arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis; mounting apparatus arranged for longitudinal riding movement on the track apparatus and parallel to the longitudinal axis and a multiplicity of laser diode writing assemblies mounted on the track apparatus and arranged for writing engagement with the recording material while the recording material rotates and the mounting apparatus moves longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An optical inspection system for distinguishing between a laminate formed of a first component having a second component disposed on a first surface thereof, comprising a collection optics including a cylindrical concave elliptical reflecting surface and having a first focal line coplanar with a first surface of the laminate. A light source in fixed spatial relationship with the collection optics directs a first beam of light through an aperture in the elliptical reflecting surface towards the laminate so as to strike the surface along the first focal line and to produce a substantially conical fluorescent emission and so as to be reflected as a substantially conical reflection beam from respective first and second components of the laminate. A filter is disposed near a second focal line of the elliptical reflecting surface for separating the fluorescent emission from the reflection beam.

Abstract: A method and system for forming an artwork on a sheet material and punching holes therethrough while the sheet material is disposed on a working surface so that the holes are punched in precise registration with the artwork. The method comprises the steps of providing for each hole to be punched a corresponding socket in the working surface, and securing the sheet material on the working surface so as completely to overlap all of the sockets whereupon the artwork is formed on the sheet material in precise registration with a predetermined origin of the working surface. Associated with each of the sockets is a punch and block combination disposed on opposite surfaces of the sheet material, the block being formed of a softer material than the punch and having an operating surface larger than a cutting surface of the punch.

Abstract: A high resolution two-directional optical scanner, comprising a source of very high frequency light pulses, a first acousto-optic cell for diffracting the light pulses towards an image plane so as to form on a predetermined area thereof a line of pixels corresponding to the data, and a second acousto-optic cell intermediate the first acousto-optic cell and the image plane for intercepting the light pulses diffracted by the first acousto-optic cell and diffracting them towards the image plane in a second direction perpendicular to the line of pixels at an angle dependent on a scanning signal fed to the second acousto-optic cell. The invention is particularly suited for use with flat bed plotters and reduces the need to transport the plotter bed mechanically in order to achieve scanning normal to the direction of each complete scan line.

Abstract: An optical system for focusing a light beam on to an image plane particularly suited for compensating for manufacturing tolerances associated with laser diodes having variable divergence and astigmatism characteristics. The system comprises a collimation lens for collimating the light beam so as to produce a collimated beam in a first plane and an optical shaper having an axis perpendicular to the first plane for correcting distortions associated with the collimated beam and spatially displaced from the collimation lens so as to form the collimated beam on to the image plane. Preferably, the optical shaper includes a pair of cylindrical lenses separated from each other a predetermined distance so as to minimize astigmatism and divergence of the beam.

Abstract: In a drum having a flexible sheet material removably held on to an outer surface thereof, a method for reducing aerodynamic lift of an edge of the material, comprising the step of introducing a thin sealing strip between the outer surface of the drum and an inner surface of the film at the edge of the material. The lift may be caused by the natural tendency of the sheet material to curl at its edges and may be exacerbated by the flow of air under the edges as the drum rotates.

Abstract: Scanning apparatus comprising a base, a light source mounted on the base, a camera mounted on the base and arranged to observe a workpiece surface to be scanned and an optical waveguide arranged in light receiving relationship with the light source for directing light to the workpiece surface, the optical waveguide being operative to provide uniform, homogeneous diffuse illumination of the workpiece surface, thereby to prevent definition of shadows thereon.