Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for incrementally displacing a supply of recording media, such as a printing plate, past a scanning system. The apparatus includes an entrance platen, an exit platen, and a reference platen, movable between a first position adjacent the entrance platen and a second position adjacent the exit platen, for incrementally displacing recording media past the scanning system.

Abstract: An imaging engine for a platesetter comprises an imager for exposing a line of the plate that extends transversely across the plate. The plate is supported on a belt adjacent to the imager. The belt moves the plate to scan the line from the imager laterally across the plate. A vacuum platen is provided under the belt to pull the plate against the belt. The belt is the preferably porous to transfer the vacuum provided by the platen to the plate, to thereby pull the plate against the belt. Variable depth vacuum grooves can be utilized to provide a more constant vacuum across the platen. The belt is preferably supported by a first roller and a second roller that tension the belt under the imager. A detent system is provided to lock the rotation of the rollers to the movement of the belt. In this way, by using a high precision encoder in the drive motor, the belt can be positioned to the resolutions required for high resolution imaging of the plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding recording media against a media support surface of an imaging system using an arrangement of variable cross-section vacuum grooves. Each vacuum groove has a continuously decreasing cross-section along its length. Each vacuum groove has a maximum cross-section adjacent a vacuum port and a minimum cross-section at a distal end of the vacuum groove.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding recording media against a media support surface of an imaging system using an arrangement of variable cross-section vacuum grooves. Each vacuum groove has a continuously decreasing cross-section along its length. Each vacuum groove has a maximum cross-section adjacent a vacuum port and a minimum cross-section at a distal end of the vacuum groove.

Abstract: The invention involves an internal drum thermal imaging apparatus comprising a support for supporting a receiver material and a donor material in a superimposed relationship. The support includes a cylindrical drum having an inner circumference on which the receiver material is supported against in a bottom layer of the superimposed relationship and the donor material in a top layer of the superimposed relationship. An imaging unit thermally transfers an image from the donor material to the receiver material. An applicator automatically loads and unloads the receiver material and the donor material onto the cylindrical drum comprising an applicator carriage, an attachment device for attaching the receiver material to the applicator and an applicator transport device for transporting the applicator carriage along the inner circumference of the cylindrical drum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding recording media against a media support surface of an imaging system using an arrangement of variable cross-section vacuum grooves. Each vacuum groove has a continuously decreasing cross-section along its length. Each vacuum groove has a maximum cross-section adjacent a vacuum port and a minimum cross-section at a distal end of the vacuum groove.

Abstract: The invention resides in an imaging apparatus comprising a stationary support element for supporting an imaging material, an imaging device for exposing an image onto the imaging material, and a loading device for automatically loading and unloading the imaging material onto the stationary support element. The loading device includes an output conveyor mechanism for removing the imaging material from the stationary support element without contact between the image on the imaging material and an adjacent platen.

Abstract: The invention involves an internal drum thermal imaging apparatus comprising a support for supporting a receiver material and a donor material in a superimposed relationship. The support includes a cylindrical drum having an inner circumference on which the receiver material is supported against in a bottom layer of the superimposed relationship and the donor material in a top layer of the superimposed relationship. An imaging unit thermally transfers an image from the donor material to the receiver material. An applicator automatically loads and unloads the receiver material and donor material onto the cylindrical drum comprising an applicator carriage, an attachment device for attaching the receiver material to the applicator and an applicator transport device for transporting the applicator carriage along the inner cirumference of the cylindrical drum.