Abstract: An optical probe and an optical imaging system include an optical guide, and an actuator having driving coils and a magnet. By supplying a driving current through the driving a magnetic flux is generated which causes a displacement of the distal end of the optical guide. A position measuring device includes a position measuring coil used for monitoring the position of the optical guide, where displacement of the guide distal end causes change in the relative positions of the measuring and driving coils. A power supply supplies a high frequency AC current through the driving coils which causes, an induced voltage in the position measuring coil and thus generates a magnetic coupling between the measuring and driving coils. This induced voltage change is indicative for the position of the distal end.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical probe (200) and an optical imaging system, including an optical guide (201) having a proximal end and a distal end, an actuation means having driving coils (204) and a magnet, with of which being attached to the optical guide. By supplying a driving current through the driving coils a magnetic flux is generated which interacts with the magnet forming a driving force acting at on the optical guide causing a displacement of the distal end of the optical guide. A position measuring including a position measuring coil (205) is used for monitoring the position of the optical guide, where the internal arrangement of the position measuring coil and the driving coils is such that said displacement of the distal end of the optical guide causes a change in the internal arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a scanning device comprising a support (9) for an information carrier (1), a motor (13) for rotating the support about an axis of rotation (11), a scanning unit (15) for scanning the information carrier, and a displacement device (19) for displacing the scanning unit relatively to the information carrier. According to this method, the motor and the displacement unit are each provided on a separate frame (29, 31), and the scanning device is provided with a pretensioning means (39) and an adjusting device (33, 35, 37). In at least one adjustment position, the frames are held at a mutual distance under the influence of a pretensioning force exerted by said pretensioning means, said distance being adjusted by means of said adjusting device.

Abstract: A clamping device for a disc-shaped information carrier having a central clamping opening, includes a clamping member which is displaceable from a first position, in which the information carrier is clamped by the clamping member, to a second position in which the information carrier is released by the clamping member. The device further includes a lifting member which co-operates with the clamping member and which is displaceable from a first position, in which the lifting member is recessed with respect to a supporting member of the clamping device, to a second position in which the lifting member is raised relative to the supporting member. The device also includes a first locking member, which locks the clamping member in its second position when the lifting member is not substantially situated in its first position, and a second locking member, which locks the lifting member in its first position when the clamping member is not substantially in its second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a scanning device comprising a support (9) for an information carrier (1), a motor (13) for rotating the support about an axis of rotation (11), a scanning unit (15) for scanning the information carrier, and a displacement device (19) for displacing the scanning unit relatively to the information carrier. According to this method, the motor and the displacement unit are each provided on a separate frame (29, 31), and the scanning device is provided with a pretensioning means (39) and an adjusting device (33, 35, 37). In at least one adjustment position, the frames are held at a mutual distance under the influence of a pretensioning force exerted by said pretensioning means, said distance being adjusted by means of said adjusting device.

Abstract: A multifunctional cassette (1) for a printer (131), in which the cassette (1) that can be arranged in the printer (131) is provided with first, second and third chambers (31, 35, 37). The second chamber (35) and the first chamber (31) can accommodate a supply reel (59) and a takeup reel (57), respectively, for transport of a color transfer strip (55) past the printing head (143), while the third chamber (37) can comprise a supply of a data strip (41) to be transported along the printing head (143). Pins (103, 105) brake the web when the cassette is not in the printer. Whether using or not using the first and second chambers (31, 35), the multifunctional use of the cassette (1) becomes possible for different types of printers, such as black-and-white printers and color printers.

Abstract: A printer having a printing head (3) which is secured to a holder (1) and which is movable in a reciprocating manner along an information carrier, the holder (1) engaging with resilient force a first roller (55) and a second roller (57). The rollers (55 and 57) move over two fixedly arranged roll surfaces (59 and 61), as a result of which a guidance substantially without friction of the holder (1) with the printing head (3) is obtained.

Abstract: A color printer for printing a color image of sequential lines of three different base colors, with a drum having a length of sheet-like information carrier wrapped around it and secured thereto. A transmission means having a gear ratio is connected between a motor shaft and the drum for rotating the drum. The gear ratio of the transmission means, the drum radius and the thickness of the information carrier are so selected that for a whole number of revolutions of the motor shaft the drum moves a location on the information carrier a distance equal to 2(.pi.R)+x from the position at which the location was when the motor started revolving wherein R is equal to the sum of the radius of the drum and the thickness of the information carrier and x is equal to the distance between two successive lines of different base colors in the printed color image.

Abstract: A printer (1) having a guide (13,15,16) for an insertable cassette (17), which is provided with a data strip (175) displaceable along a printing head (19). In certain arrangements the cassette may also include a transfer strip (177), which could include colored portions. The cassette (17) has an entrance window (167) for a transport roller (65) pivotable in the printer (1) by translation of the cassette (17). During printing, the data strip (175) and the transfer strip (177), if any, are clamped between the printing head (19) on a first cassette side and the transport roller (65) pivoted from a second cassette side located opposite the first cassette side into the entrance window (167). Separate gear wheel trains both driven by the same motor transport the two strips when both are provided.