Abstract: A printer has a scanning station where the negatives of a film are scanned zone-by-zone. One or more of the negatives are subsequently printed at a printing station by directing a beam of light through the negatives and onto a first photographic copy material. An exposure control unit adjusts the color composition and intensity of the light beam on the basis of data from the scanning station. Once a negative at the printing station has been printed in this manner, a reflector is moved into the path of the light beam between the negative and the copy material. The reflector deflects the light beam to a video camera which scans the negative line-by-line and point-by-point to generate a series of electrical signals representing an image of the negative. The signals are sent to a memory where they are combined with information about the image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling photographic film within the print-exposure section of a photographic printer. A mask matches the film frame (negative) and has a window for the passage of the exposure light. The mask also has holes through which air can be directed onto the film. A guide for the edges of the film parallels, and demarcates a gap with the mask. A source of air under either overpressure or underpressure supplies such air to the mask (4) and the film (1) through the air-direction openings (15). The air is supplied with overpressure while the film is being advanced. The air is supplied with underpressure while the print is being exposed to clamp the film.

Abstract: An apparatus for rectilineal heating of a flat workpiece of thermoplastic material, so that the workpiece is bendable upon heating, includes first and second frame-shaped supports, the second support being positionable opposite the first support. The second support is pivotally mounted so that it can be swung upwardly away from the first support. The apparatus further includes first and second pairs of bars which are substantially juxtaposed with one another and displaceably disposed on the first and second supports, respectively, for gripping the workpiece, and at least one heating wire forming a heat source for contactless operation which is strung between at least one pair of the bars. The heating wire can be variably spaced on at least one side of and with respect to the workpiece.