Abstract: An actuator device for providing a focusing mechanism in an optical printer or optical recording device. The focusing optics are housed in a lens barrel which is maintained in position within a cylindrical winding of electrical wire by means of two diaphragm springs at the ends of the barrel. Movement of the barrel and the optics is affected by passing a current through the cylindrical winding to produce a longitudinal force on a permanent magnet secured to the lens barrel.

Abstract: A focusable imaging system particularly suitable for use in acquiring digital images for subsequent processing such as in a hand held, omnidirectional symbology or bar code reader by which linear and two dimensional (matrix, maxi-code) bar codes may be imaged over relatively long working distances. The imaging system includes an focusing objective taking lens and a two-dimensional photodetector that operate to form an image of an object such as a bar code in X and Y directions simultaneously and generate an electrical signal representative of the object or code for subsequent downstream processing by which information embedded in the object or bar code may be extracted. Focusing is achieved via a rotating disk that carries a plurality of optical shims or other light controlling surfaces to provide for different focus zones.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-level current driver suitable for driving a semiconductor laser for printing applications, the laser driver including a primary power source for producing a first current pulse of amplitude I.sub.1 and of duration T.sub.2, a secondary power source for producing a second current pulse of amplitude I.sub.2 and of duration T.sub.1, means for combining the outputs of the power sources, and sensing means for detecting the current pulse output from the primary power source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laser print head, suitable for use with a recording medium, comprising a print head base comprising a plurality of mounting surfaces, one or more optical radiation source removably affixed to a first base mounting surface, at least one collimating lens, at least one focusing lens affixed to a second base mounting surface, a pre-objective lens affixed to a third base mounting surface; an objective lens, and one or more optional mirror facets.

Abstract: A device for redirecting beams of light emitted from different sources includes: a monolithic stationary substrate having alignment surfaces for aligning the device for mounting into a system; multiple facets resident on the substrate including at least two facets having surfaces for redirecting the beams of light emitted from different sources; and facet edges on the substrate demarcating each of the multiple facets from one another, the edges providing outside corners greater than .pi. radians between surfaces of adjacent multiple facets. The surfaces of the multiple facets are preferably surfaces of revolution created by cutting the facet surfaces while the device is rotated about a common axis, for instance, by machining via single diamond point turning.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for exposing multilayered thermal imaging media to eliminate "cloud" or "woodgrain" artifacts by proper optimization of the exposing radiation angle of incidence. The exposure angle of incidence is large enough so that all rays with high reflectance loss are paired with equally many with low reflectance loss to increase printing efficiency.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for exposing multilayered thermal imaging by proper optimization of the exposing radiation angle of incidence of a coherent radiation source to eliminate "cloud" or "woodgrain" artifacts stemming from local differences in printing efficiency across a sheet of the multilayered imaging media. A media is mounted to an exposure surface and exposed with a scanning coherent Gaussian laser beam at an angle other than normal incidence. The angle of incidence of the exposing beam is intentionally made large enough so that all rays with high reflectance loss are paired with equally many with low reflectance loss to increase printing efficiency. This efficiency occurs over a range of angles between 21 and 25 degrees, with some benefit beginning at 16 degrees.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus is disclosed for electronically sensing a negative and a positive in a novel integral film structure of the instant development type using light of different wavelengths so as to produce reflected light from the negative and the positive which are indicative of the luminance characteristics and the chrominance characteristics of the image. The novel integral film structure has a filter which allows the negative to be scanned. Specifically, the filter transmits incident infrared radiation to which silver halide emulsion layers are sensitive and blocks the transmission of radiation in the range of wavelengths to which the silver halide emulsion layers are sensitive.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus is disclosed for electronically sensing a negative and a positive in a novel integral film structure of the instant development type using light of different wavelengths so as to produce reflected light from the negative and the positive which are indicative of the luminance characteristics and the chrominance characteristics of the image. The novel integral film structure has a filter which allows the negative to be scanned. Specifically, the filter transmits incident radiation in the range of wavelengths other than a select range of wavelengths to which silver halide emulsion layers are sensitive and blocks the transmission of radiation in the range of wavelengths to which the silver halide emulsion layers are sensitive.

Abstract: A lens system for a folding reflex camera is provided. The system includes: (a) a first group on the object side of the system's stop which (i) has a positive dioptric power, (ii) includes an aspheric surface, and (iii) has a concave surface adjacent to the stop; and (b) a second group on the image side of the stop consisting of either a single positive component or the combination of a single positive component and one or more focusing elements. The system includes at least two elements made of materials differing in dispersive powers where at least one of the elements is of plastic. The system can comprise just two plastic elements and even with such a simple configuration achieves excellent optical performance including a relatively flat field, relatively low distortion, and at least partial correction for lateral chromatic aberration.

Abstract: A lens composed of a single material and having at least one refractive surface on one face and a kinoform on the other face. The purely refractive between the surfaces varies dimensionally and in refractive index in response to temperature changes and thereby changes a characteristic, such as back focal length, of the lens while the kinoform varies differently in response to the same temperature changes. The kinoform power is sufficient to vary the temperature induced characteristic changes of the lens in an opposing sense at a given wavelength and in an amount sufficient to athermalize the optical device. In one embodiment the kinoform power compensates for the combined temperature-induced effects upon the refractive portion and any mount that supports the lens.

Abstract: An imaging medium comprises means for providing a light-reflecting layer, an image-receiving layer for receiving image-forming components, a transparent layer superposed over the image-receiving layer such that an image in the image-receiving layer can be viewed through the transparent layer against the light-reflecting layer, and an image enhancement layer disposed between the image-receiving layer and the transparent layer, the image enhancement layer having a refractive index less than that of the transparent layer and the image-receiving layer and not greater than about 1.43. The image enhancement layer decreases internal reflections within the medium and thereby improves the quality of the image seen. The imaging medium can be used as the imaging element of a diffusion transfer process film unit.

Abstract: An optical component for bidirectionally coupling an optical fiber with active devices for transmitting and receiving information in the form of electromagnetic radiation. The component comprises an integrally formed body molded of optical quality plastic and having two opposed ends, one of which is adapted to receive an optical fiber and the other the active devices. Between the two ends are symmetrically arranged ellipsoidal and planar reflecting surfaces which define a pair of double folded optical paths, one each from an active device to the optical fiber. The reflecting surfaces operate by total internal reflection and are arranged along with other body surfaces so that the component can be molded without the need for mold side action.

Abstract: Method and apparatus which utilize an LCD modulator array for printing and/or enlarging an image recorded in a color film negative, a positive transparency or a color print, which LCD modulator array has pixels whose "closing time" (the time it takes to convert a pixel from a condition wherein it transmits radiation to a condition wherein it blocks radiation) is substantially longer than their "opening time" (the time it takes to convert a pixel from a condition wherein it blocks radiation to a condition wherein it transmits radiation). In accordance with the present invention, each pixel of the LCD modulator array is opened and closed in a rapid sequence, one after the other, at intervals which are much shorter than the closing time of the pixels of the LCD modulator array.

Abstract: Optical, low-pass filter, anti-aliasing apparatus for an array of photosensor elements is a substantially wavelength independent optical, low-pass phase filter formed from a substantially transparent, convex or concave pyramidal structure.

Abstract: Color film which has relatively high photographic sensitivity, improved spatial sensitivity and reduced problems with aliasing between film stripe structure and scene content and from which full color photographic information can be extracted. An embodiment of the color film includes a black and white photographic film emulsion which is coated upon a substrate, which emulsion is covered with a repetitive pattern of a triad of: (a) color stripes such as yellow, green and cyan stripes wherein at least one of the colors is a nonprimary color; (b) color stripes of unsaturated hues such as, for example, pastel yellow, pastel green and pastel cyan stripes wherein at least one of the colors is a nonprimary unsaturated hue; or (c) color stripes of unsaturated hues of any color. Full color prints or enlargements are made by a hybrid process which includes electronic scanning to extract color information and an optical or an electronic method to extract detail information.

Abstract: The structure of a miniature component for use in connecting optical fibers along with methods for fabricating the component. A small scale tube having precision surfaces inside and out has formed directly in it a converging, preferably plastic, lens capable of imaging a fiber end properly located into assimilarly situated fiber in another like facing component. The outside precision surfaces of the tube serve as references for precision alignment of the component while its inside precision surfaces aid in formation of the lens.

Abstract: Phase array apparatus for use with a lens system to provide a substantially smooth, uniform image of a laser array comprised of a multiplicity of lasers wherein the phase of the radiation emitted by the lasers alternates by an amount which is substantially equal to 180.degree.. The phase array includes: (1) phase means, disposed substantially at a far-field image of the laser array formed by the lens system, which far-field image comprises two prominent lobes, for changing the phase of the radiation in the two prominent lobes by 90.degree.

Abstract: A CCD pixel pattern for receiving an image to be recorded by a rotary head printer as a series of record track scans each having a predetermined curve geometry. The pixels are arranged in rows having a curvature proportional to the record track scan geometry so that the physical location of incident image light seen by each pixel will correspond directly to the physical location of the printed image increment originating with each pixel, respectively.

Abstract: Magnetic recording media, and magnetic recording systems using such media, are disclosed which incorporate a light-transmitting optical grating at least substantially coextensive with the magnetic recording area. A second light-transmitting optical grating is associated with the magnetic transducer or read/write head. A moire pattern is produced by light transmitted through both optical gratings, and changes in the moire pattern resulting from changes in the alignment of the optical gratings resulting from movement of the read/write head relative to the media are utilized to provide servo information to keep the magnetic transducer aligned with the magnetic track.Higher magnetic recording capacities may be obtained using such media and systems, since none of the magnetic recording area is used for servo information.