Abstract: A negative carrier for a photographic printer, which is installed on a photographic printer for print-exposing an image on a negative film onto a photosensitive material, and which effects the positioning of the negative film during print-exposure of the photosensitive material. The negative carrier includes a sensor disposed in a transporting passage of the negative film so as to detect information concerning the negative film; and a controlling device for determining the presence or absence of the negative film over the sensor on the basis of a detection signal from said sensor, and for calibrating the sensor if it is determined that the negative film is absent. The sensor is prevented from being calibrated erroneously in a state in which the negative film is present over the sensor, thereby facilitating the calibration of the sensor.

Abstract: A registration pin for a rotating drum recorder device cooperates with a film to register and support the film during loading the film onto the drum. The registration pin has a reduced profile to reduce the overall size of the drum. The pin also has a construction to permit loading of different types of films onto the drum. The head of the registration pin is provided with a profile that supports and positions the film on the drum, even though the registration pin is shorter than conventional pins. The registration pin includes at least one protrusion to sandwich the film against the surface of the drum. The protrusion may take any appropriate form. The protrusion may include a "teardrop" shaped form, in order to positively hold the film on the drum.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus includes holding devices for holding a photo-mask, a supporting device for supporting a substrate, a detecting device, and force-exerting devices. The photo-mask and the substrate have positioning marks, respectively. The detecting device detects positional errors between the positioning marks on the photo-mask and the positioning marks on the substrate. The force-exerting devices apply forces to a periphery of the photo-mask in accordance with the detected positional errors. When receiving forces, the photo-mask elastically deforms in its plane to move the positioning marks so that the positional errors can be corrected to predetermined values.

Abstract: Scanning microlithography apparatus for effecting exposures of substrates to radiation sources. A mask support and a substrate stage are disposed in spaced-apart positions directly opposite each other, witch a lens system between them and with a radiation source on the outer side of the mask support. The mask support and substrate stage are at a substantial angle to horizontal in order to achieve benefits including reduction in gravitation-induced sagging of the mask. A massive block of granite is provided at the substantial angle to horizontal, and has a flat face that keeps the mask support and substrate stage at desired positions relative to the radiation source and lens system, during scanning.