Abstract: An automated media transport apparatus and method includes a load module for loading media plates from a flat cassette through one end of an internal drum of an imaging module. Sensors detect the presence of interleaved paper sheets from the media plates being loaded, and paper assemblies remove any interleaved paper sheets. An unload module unloads imaged media plates from the other end of the drum, and position the unloaded plates onto a multi-directional conveyor of the unload module. The conveyor is capable of moving the imaged media plate in one of several directions to other devices for further processing of the media plates.

Abstract: A multiple beam scanning system for an imaging device, such as a photoplotter and scanner, includes a plurality of scanning assemblies slidably coupled to a spar that extends the length and parallel to the longitudinal axis of a scanning surface of an internal drum. The scanning assemblies simultaneously reflect a plurality of optical beam to or from a plate of media disposed on the scanning surface. A photoplotter includes a plurality of independently controlled optical beam generators that emit an optical beam to a corresponding scanning assembly which then reflects the optical beams to the media. A scanner includes a plurality of optical beam receivers that generate imaging signals indicative of the optical beam reflected from the media by each corresponding scanning assembly. The optical beam generators and receivers may be disposed at one end of the internal drum.

Abstract: An imaging system for imaging a substrate surface at several imaging wavelengths comprises a replaceable beam generating module, a spinning mirror and a controller. The beam generating module generates an imaging beam in dependence on beam command signals. The imaging beam has a wavelength which is a one of the plurality of imaging wavelengths. The beam generating module further presents the imaging beam along a prescribed path, and the beam generating module generates wavelength signals indicative of the imaging beam wavelength. The controller receives the wavelength signals, and generates the beam command signals in dependence on the wavelength signals. The beam command signals control generation of the imaging beam in accordance with a prescribed pattern to image upon the substrate surface.

Abstract: An optical beam expander mechanism includes a plurality of lenses movably secured to a carriage of an imaging system for varying the magnification and adjusting the focus of an optical beam. A scanning means is also secured to the carriage for reflecting the optical beam from or to a media disposed within an exposure chamber. The carriage is slidably mounted to a spar for scanning the media as the carriage moves along the length of the spar. The carriage includes a plurality of independently controlled magnetically preloaded air bearings to provide an air cushion for frictionless movement of the lens along the carriage. The beam expander mechanism further includes an arm member which sequentially engages each lens and maintains the lens in fixed relationship to the spar for positioning the lens on the carriage. To move each lens to its proper position on the carriage, the arm member engages the lens.

Abstract: A photoplotting apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises an internal drum plotter and a media sheet handling apparatus for sequentially delivering a photosensitive media sheet to the photoplotter for exposure from a stack of such sheets. The photoplotter has reduced turbulence within the drum during exposure of the media sheet, and the sheet handling apparatus includes means for separating the sheets in the stack from interleaves disposed between adjacent sheets in the stack.