Abstract: A digital color printer uses different mounts for holding fibers that transport light from a distribution device to light modulators. One mount, for holding the optical fibers relative to a photosensitive surface, includes a body a body having a plurality of slots therethrough to receive the optical fibers. Each slot is provided with a funnel-shaped opening on an edge of the body. The slots are substantially parallel to each other and angled relative to the edge of the body. The slots have widths selected so that, when placed within the slots, the optical fibers form essentially linear arrays. Another mount, for grouping optical fibers to receive light from a light source, includes an element having a plurality of wells therethrough, each well connecting to an edge of the element by a respective channel section. Each channel section has a funnel-shaped section at the element edge. Each well has a shape selected so that input ends of fibers grouped in the well optimally couple light from the light source.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus modulates or gates pluralities of light beams through individual light valves, thereby providing a greater number and finer resolution of modulated light beams without increasing the number of light valves or decreasing the spacing between adjacent light valves. A two-step modulation process is used, the first step being performed by a light generator incorporating a polygon mirror that selectively illuminates selected bundles of fiber optic strands. One strand from each bundle is routed to illuminate one of the cells in a light valve array, such that when a bundle is illuminated, every cell is illuminated by a strand from the illuminated bundle. The second step of the modulation process involves controlling the light valve array to modulate the light beams formed by the illuminated strands at each cell.

Abstract: An electro-optic imager, used for exposing photosensitive media, wherein a moving drum or mirror(s) are used to obtain a scanning action, and a plurality of scanning beams is preferably used. An encoder, preferably a radial optical ruling and two or more optical interrupters, is attached to a shaft connected to the moving drum or mirrors which cause the optical scanning action. The output from the interrupters is processed in circuitry which interpolates position, generating clocks much faster than the rate of signals received by the interrupters, and responding quickly to any speed changes which might occur.

Abstract: An electro-optic imager, used for exposing photosensitive media, wherein a modulator, e.g. an array of PLZT light valves, is used to modulate one or more light beams. Temperature control is applied to the modulator to reduce or eliminate variations in response characteristics which would otherwise change the color balance of the final print from the desired color balance.

Abstract: An electro-optic imager, used for exposing photosensitive media imagewise, wherein an array, e.g. two or more linear arrays, of light sources are imaged onto a rotating drum, to produce images in bands. Apertures are used to shape the beam energies. The use of two or more linear arrays with interlaced imaging allows aperture shapes to be used which precisely control the region of overlapping exposures. With properly shaped apertures, scanning artifacts (e.g. aliasing) can be nearly eliminated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring xerographically printed information on a piece of paper (102) to an ultraviolet sensitive medium (101). The paper (102) can be optionally treated with a chemical (207) to enhance ultraviolet light transmission through the paper (102). The paper (102)/medium (101) assembly may be advanced via nip rollers (432, 433) at a predetermined rate so as to optimize time of exposure to the ultraviolet light source (410).

Abstract: An electro-optic imager, used for exposing photosensitive media imagewise, wherein a linear array of scanning elements is scanned across a portion of the image, to produce a first region or band of image or information, and then translated in a direction parallel to the linear axis of the scanning elements for another scanning operation to produce a subsequent band, slightly overlapping the previous band. The translation, relative to the photoreceptor, of the scanning array is made very reproducible by establishing the position of a moving member by reference to that of a stationary notched or indented member or members, and the resultant image is made very uniform by adjusting the data controlling the imager within the region of redundant imaging to compensate for minor but known imperfections in this stationary member.

Abstract: An electro-optic cell linear array, such cells being commonly referred to as PLZT cells or Kerr cells, for use in an electro-optic imager wherein the electrode lines are placed at from 15.degree. to 75.degree. relative to the centerline of the array. The advantages of such a configuration are that the electrode lines are not imaged and that adjacent cells have overlapping areas of exposure.