Abstract: A film transport mechanism for extracting film from one or more cassettes, and for slicing a sheet of the film and storing the sheet at a temporary storage apparatus until the sheet is to be loaded. The mechanism includes a film guide which moves between two positions to alter the path length of film passing over it. As film is extracted the film exerted a force on the film guide causing the film guide to move. When the film is cut the force of the film guide disappears enabling the film guide to return to its relaxed position into the path of the film so as to increase the path length and thereby retract the film passing over the film guide.

Abstract: An optical scanning system for (i) scanning images from film transparencies or reflective copy, and for (ii) reproducing images onto film or photosensitive paper to prepare films, printing plates and the like. A paten assembly having two platens, each platen having an image area, is rotatable between positions to selectively locate one of the platens in an orientation for scanning an image area of such platen. A scanner traces scan lines across the image area in a first direction as a gantry assembly transports the scanner over the image area in a second direction. When scanning an image (as opposed to scanning to reproduce an image), photodetectors detect light either transmitted through a film containing an image or reflected from a reflective copy containing an image. The photodetector is sampled by a system computer. When scanning to reproduce an image, a film is loaded onto a platen and the scanner scans in raster fashion over the film.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for the array scanning of information upon a record medium to simultaneously develop a multiplicity of information lines. Scanning is carried out by a reciprocating shuttle traversing the width of the scanning area. The record medium to be scanned is mounted on a platen that undergoes periodic longitudinal advancement through a distance corresponding to the width of the band traced by the scanning array. The platen advances when the shuttle is undergoing its reversal. Precise incrementing of the platen is achieved by the positioning of a reference element during the active scanning segment of the shuttle and then locking the reference element in position. The platen is then quickly advanced into contact with the reference element during the short reversal of time of the shuttle. Springs are used to help reverse the direction of travel of the shuttle at each end of its reciprocating scan.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for organizing and preparing photogenerated printing media for multi-page printing including a method and the apparatus for carrying out the method in which the sequence in which the proof pages of the pages to be printed are to be sorted and arranged, are recorded on a film strip and the film strip is transorted through a viewer. The film strip is viewed through a viewer and the pages are sorted and arranged. The sorted and arranged papers are then affixed to segments of a conveyer sheet advanced through a paste-up machine. The sheet, after the proof pages have been affixed thereto is transported across a copy board and the images of the copy to be printed and which appear on the proof pages affixed to the conveyer sheet are photographically reproduced on a strip of roll film advanced through a camera. The film is then processed and the processed film is used to photosensitize printing plates.