Abstract: A semi-automatic system for the manufacture of large electrical induction coils comprises a table for the manufacture of coils which is worked on by means of an articulated head that exerts the necessary pressure on each of the turns in the coil and is aided by a system that tightens and feeds the conductor, being controlled by a remote programmed system wherein the relevant orders are entered for the characteristics of the coils to be manufactured. Said system makes the manufacturing cycle much shorter since it removes the need for jobs that are currently carried out by hand, such as controlling the coil size and pressing the coils, therefore achieving greater precision in the size of coil required. This process regulates and controls the mechanical tension of the conductor, avoiding the risk of stretching or distortion thereof and thus producing better quality coils.

Abstract: A winder for winding a web material into rolls is disclosed and claimed. The winder is provided with a winding spindle that is rotatably driven about an axis generally parallel to the cross-machine direction of the web material. The web material is disposed about the winding spindle when the web material is proximate thereto. The winder is also provided with a contact roll disposed adjacent, and contacting a portion of the web material being disposed about, the winding spindle. Each of the winding spindle and the contact roll are capable of cooperative engagement when the web material is disposed therebetween. Both the winding spindle and the contact roll are operatively disposed upon a winding turret. The contact roll is adjustable relative to the winding spindle when the web material is disposed upon the winding spindle.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for rewinding a web material. The method comprises the steps of: (1) Disposing the web material on a winding spindle, the winding spindle being operatively associated with a winding turret; (2) Cooperatively engaging a contact roll with the winding spindle when the web material is disposed therebetween, the contact roll being operatively associated with the winding turret; and, (3) Adjusting the position of the contact roll upon said winding turret relative to the winding spindle as the web material is being disposed upon the winding spindle.

Abstract: A yarn package supporting bracket for use on a creel and attached to the creel for swiveling between a yarn feeding position and a yarn package loading position. The bracket has a magnet and the creel has a magnetically attractable portion with the magnet and magnetically attracted portion having flat surfaces that are in flush contact when the bracket is in yarn feeding position to releaseably fix by magnetic force the bracket and yarn package in the yarn feeding position.

Abstract: A wiping material dispenser includes a drum receiving a cutting blade holder. An extension of one of the drum lateral sides comprises an offset supporting plate provided with an opening for fixing an end of the blade holder. A toothed sector is mounted on the end and interacts with a gearwheel freely mounted on the drum axis and connected to a hooked cam. The drum has a projected element having a ramp profile. A lateral flange of a housing receiving the drum axis makes it possible to fix a shaped body exhibiting elastic pivoting capacity in order for an end thereof to interact with the hooked cam or the projected element.

Abstract: A tape reel according to the present invention includes: a disk-shaped first flange; a cylindrical hub; and a disk-shaped second flange. The first flange and the second flange extending in a radial direction from an outer periphery of the hub. At least one flange selected from the first flange and the second flange is joined to the hub with an injection molding resin.

Abstract: The method in accordance with the invention is a method of improving aeronautical safety relating to air/ground communications and to the environment of aircraft and it is characterized in that the quality of the air/ground exchanges between the crew and an air traffic control center is monitored automatically aboard the aircraft in which this method is implemented, that the context arising from these exchanges is correlated with the onboard data and those produced by the monitoring of the environment of the aircraft, and that warnings destined for the crew of the aircraft are formulated by allocating these messages a severity level as a function of the degree of dangerousness of a detected threat and/or of gaps or inconsistencies between the instructions and information from the control center and the flight parameters of the aircraft or the intentions of its crew and/or messages destined for the air traffic control.

Abstract: The aircraft includes a boomerang-shaped front wing (4), curving gibbously to the front, having a leading edge (4F), a trailing edge (4B) and the first and second airfoil tips (4E1, 4E2), a boomerang-shaped rear wing (6), curving gibbously to the back, having a leading edge (6F), a trailing edge (6B) and the third and forth airfoil tips 86E1, 6E2), the first wing box (8L) connecting the first airfoil tip of the front wing and the third airfoil tip of the rear wing, the second wing box (8R) connecting the second airfoil tip of the front wing and the fourth airfoil tip of the rear wing. The trailing edge of the front wing, the leading edge of the rear wing, and the internal surfaces of the wing boxes form a center opening (9) having, at least in part, elliptical shape.

Abstract: A propeller having one or more blades eccentrically mounted to a shaft dynamically changes the blade pitch to produce free vortices in a fluid. For extracting energy from a moving fluid, the fluid flow acting on the blades rotates the propeller, while the pitch changes create a fluid flow pattern known as a von Karman vortex street. The resulting time averaged flow field distant from the propeller is a wake flow, and the energy of the fluid flow can be efficiently converted to rotation of a shaft driven device. For propulsion, applied shaft rotation and the dynamic pitch change in a fluid together create a flow pattern that is the inverse of the von Karman vortex street. For either energy extraction or propulsion, the propeller is particularly suited for low flow speeds, where the effects of low Reynolds number induced flow separation on blades may make other propellers inefficient.

Abstract: A vertical takeoff and landing (“VTOL”) aircraft, e.g., an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”), includes an elongated fuselage having a pair of forward swept wings and a pair of rearward swept canards, the outer tips of which are respectively joined with a respective tip end portion of one of the forward swept wings. The thrust outlet of a thrust-vectoring jet engine is disposed along the roll axis of the aircraft and aft of the pitch axis thereof, and a pair of downwardly exhausting ducted lift fans, e.g., tip turbine fans, are respectively disposed within a tip end portion of respective ones of the forward swept wings such that the fans are located symmetrically with respect to each other on opposite sides of the roll axis and forward of the pitch axis. The aircraft is capable of VTOL operations, including hovering, and is highly maneuverable at both very low and very high speeds.

Abstract: A rotor assembly having a rotor hub, a plurality of yokes, and a plurality of swing arms is provided. The yoke depending from the rotor hub. Each swing arm is movably positioned on the rotor hub for rotation between an unlocked position and a locked position. The yokes are freely movable about a pitch axis and a lead/lag axis when the swing arms are in the unlocked position and the yokes are locked in a predetermined pitch position and a predetermined lead/lag position when the swing arms are in the locked position.

Abstract: A radio controlled helicopter is provided which eliminates or simplifies forward/reverse flight control for safe and easy indoor operation. Embodiments include a helicopter having a pair of counter rotating rotors which are driven at the same speed, a vertically aligned tail rotor driven by a reversible motor for controlling yaw, and a mass, such as a power supply battery, mounted for changing the center of gravity of the helicopter to adjust the tendency of the helicopter to move in a forward or reverse direction. The mass is either rigidly mounted, so that the helicopter is always moving forward during flight, or adjustably mounted so that the helicopter's forward or reverse direction can be adjusted prior to or during flight. A protective cage is provided to protect persons from injury from the rotors and to prevent damage to the rotors due to contact with objects during flight.

Abstract: A vertical takeoff and landing (“VTOL”) unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) incorporates a pair of substantially identical thrust-vectoring engines, e.g., turbofans, which are respectively mounted on opposite sides of the aircraft at substantially equal lateral and vertical distances above or below, and at substantially equal longitudinal distances forward and aft of, the center of gravity of the aircraft. The thrust vectoring of the engines can be either two-dimensional or three-dimensional, and can be effected by rotatable vanes, flaps, nozzles or combination thereof, on the engines. By locating the engines equidistantly from the center of gravity of the aircraft and re-spectively forward and aft of its pitch axis, the aircraft is provided with VTOL capability, including hovering, and the operation of its conventional attitude control mechanisms are substantially enhanced at both very low and very high speeds. The vehicle is particularly well suited to missions in hostile urban environments, such as cities.

Abstract: A ground handling system for an airship which comprises a first track system to allow a plurality of docking carts to move from a hangar to a weathervane/launching/landing ring R. The docking carts are configured to complete a second track system. Carried by each of the docking carts is a mooring cart that carries a mooring structure. Upon the completion of the second track system by each of the docking carts, the mooring carts are able to move about the second track system. Thereby allowing the airship to be oriented in a desired manner to facilitate its launch or landing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for refueling aircraft in flight are disclosed herein. An aerial refueling system in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes a movable aerial refueling boom configured to be carried by an aerial refueling aircraft. The system can also include two or more actuators operably coupled to the boom to control motion of the boom relative to the refueling aircraft. In several embodiments, the boom does not include any boom aerodynamic control surfaces to control motion of the boom relative to the refueling aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft incorporates a lift system 2 for guiding a lift cabin 21, wherein the lift cabin 21 services several decks 11, 12 and 13 in the aircraft, and can traverse a guiding structure 3 mounted inside the aircraft fuselage 1. The lift cabin 21 can travel down to the landing strip 4 through an opening 16 on the fuselage underside. The lift cabin 21 is arranged on the guiding structure 3 by means of a bogie truck 24 situated above the lift cabin roof 23, and the bogie truck 24 is actively connected with profile rails 31 of the guiding structure 3 via guiding elements 25. The part of the bogie truck 24 carrying the guiding elements 25 remains in the fuselage 1 in the bottom lift position, while the lift cabin 21 is entirely removed from the fuselage 1. In particular, this configuration enables a ground-level lowering of the lift cabin 21 to the landing strip 4.

Abstract: A C-shaped clip 54 is set on the outer periphery of a shaft section 21 of a guide member 2. Part of the C-shaped clip 54 is held between a front edge of a clamp member 3 and the shaft section 21 by gripping a lever 4. In this case, the C-shaped clip 54 is held slantwise to situate the lower end thereof in front. Then, the shaft section 21 of the guide member 2 is inserted into a piston pin installation hole 51 of a piston. In this manner, the lower end of the C-shaped clip 54 is first fitted into an annular groove 53. If the shaft section 21 is further driven to advance while releasing the lever and releasing the holding condition by the clamp member 3, the rest of the C-shaped clip 54 is pushed into the annular groove 53 by a step section between the shaft section 21 and a joint section 22.

Abstract: A movable cover-plate of a computer host is installed on a front panel of the computer host to cover a slot of hard disk driver and a slot of CD-ROM disk driver of the front panel in normal times, and to be opened by being pressed down, when being used.

Abstract: An integrally molded vibration-insulation plastic fastener comprises a base and a pair of clamps. Each clamp has a U-shaped receiving member with an opening into which an elongated component can be inserted to be held in the clamp. The openings of the U-shaped receiving members of the respective clamps face in different directions. Each clamp has a hinged cover moveable between an open position and a closed position at which the cover closes a corresponding opening. Each U-shaped receiving member is spaced from a corresponding base part except at predetermined regions where the receiving member is connected to the corresponding base part. In some embodiments protrusions are provided in space between the U-shaped receiving member and the corresponding base part.

Abstract: An attaching portion (12) includes resiliently deformable holding pieces (24), each of which has a pressing portion (26). A clearance between pressing portions (23, 26) is less than the thickness of a bracket (B) in a free state where the holding pieces (24) are not deformed. The holding pieces (24) are deformed to widen the clearance between the pressing portions (23, 26) in the process of inserting the bracket (B) between the pressing portions (23, 26). Thus, insertion resistance does not become excessive. The bracket (B) is sandwiched between the pressing portions (23, 26) by resilient forces of the holding pieces (24) with the attaching portion (12) attached to the bracket (B). Therefore, the attaching portion (12) and the bracket (B) do not shake relative to each other.

Abstract: A device for organizing slack in a flexible line comprising a unitary element with clips formed in the top and bottom of the element for releasably retaining a flexible line at a point intermediate the ends of the line in the absence of an inwardly pinching bias. The device preferably has a saddle curved first major surface.

Abstract: This display support mechanism comprises a support shaft provided in the form of a plate, a display screen support member, having a first hole receiving the platelike support shaft, provided on the side of a display screen and a base support member, having a second hole receiving the platelike support shaft, provided on the side of a base, and at least either the first hole or the second hole receiving the platelike support shaft is provided in the form of a sector while the display screen support member is rotatable about the platelike support shaft serving as an axis of rotation in the angular range of the sector.

Abstract: A display support mechanism capable of inclining a display screen by a prescribed angle without employing a round shaft as an axis of rotation is obtained. This display support mechanism comprises a support shaft provided in the form of a plate, a display screen support member, supporting a display screen, having a sectoral first hole receiving the platelike support shaft and a base support member having a sectoral second hole receiving the platelike support shaft, while the display screen support member is rotatable about the support shaft serving as an axis of rotation in the total angular range of the sectoral first hole of the display screen support member and the sectoral second hole of the base support member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display apparatus having a display body, comprising: a connecting member combined with the display body at an upper end part thereof and having a swivel part at a lower end part thereof; and a base having a swivel supporter where the swivel part is inserted and supporting the swivel part to be rotatable. Thus, the present invention provides a display apparatus which is swiveled stably and smoothly with a slim structure.

Abstract: An improved bow holder is comprised of a bow cradle, at least one extension member and a base. The bow cradle is comprised of a body, a guide and a limb rest. The guide receives and holds the limb of a bow and is attached to the top of the body. The limb rest is comprised of a pair of extension arms pivotally attached to the body, upright arms projecting from each extension arm and a stop. The extension arms and upright arms securely hold the lower limb and cam of a bow. The base is comprised of a stem for insertion into a ground surface and a pair of pedals for applying ground insertion force to the stem. The bow cradle is attached to the base, or if a higher bow holding position is desired, an extension member.

Abstract: A height-adjustable chair column includes a vertical post axially extending along a longitudinal axis, a bottom plate, a guide cylinder bushing permanently inserted into the upper end area of the vertical post, and a guide tube inserted in the guide cylinder bushing so that it is guided with freedom of axial movement and secured against rotation in the guide cylinder bushing. Further, the chair column includes a lockable gas spring assembly with a pressure cylinder, which is installed coaxially in the guide tube such that it is secured against axial displacement relative to the guide tube and it is free to rotate about the longitudinal axis, and with a piston installed in the pressure cylinder with freedom of sliding axially. The piston is connected to a piston rod which is fastened to the bottom plate and supported there with freedom of rotation about the longitudinal axis. Moreover, a height-adjustable foot rest is attached to the upper end region of the guide tube.

Abstract: A multi-configurable furniture assembly including height adjustable legs, a height adjustable pedestal support structure, a variable height foot support for cabinets and shelves and a panel wall assembly where each of the separate assemblies have finished and high quality appearances after a configuration is constructed.

Abstract: A hands-free device capable of adjusting an angle thereof toward any direction and positioning same includes a suction cup including a central, threaded bolt; a swivel mount rotatably mounted on the suction cup; a first turning assembly rotatably mounted on the swivel mount; an arm having one end pivotably formed with the first turning assembly; a second turning assembly including a pivot formed at one end of the arm and adapted to pivot about the first turning assembly; and a mounting seat fixedly formed at the other end of the arm, the mounting seat including a rotatable seat member projected therefrom for securely engaging with a portable electronic device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for installing a post mount. In one embodiment, a method for securing a post mount to a support surface includes assembling the post mount, where the post mount includes: a support pipe having a first end and a second end, a first support block coupled to the first end of the support pipe, and a second support block coupled to the second end of the support pipe. At least one fastener is then inserted through the first support block and through the support surface.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for storing an item is provided that includes a pegboard wall-plug having a plate including a central opening. A tube projects outwardly from a rear surface of the plate in surrounding relation to the central opening. A plurality of circumferentially arranged, spaced-apart parallel ridges project outwardly from a surface of the cylindrical tube. A hole is defined by a surface of a wall where the surface defines a diameter of the hole that is less than a diameter of at least one of the circumferentially arranged, spaced-apart parallel ridges. In this way, when the tube is received within the hole, the circumferentially arranged, spaced-apart parallel ridges engage and bite into the surface so as to retain the pegboard wall-plug in the wall.

Abstract: A retaining component for securing an external structure or panel to a seat track within a mobile platform, such as an aircraft. The retaining component includes a pair of flexible flanges that are adapted to engage an external component or panel, in one example a seat track in a commercial aircraft cabin area. The retaining component also includes a base portion having a flexible portion with at least one locking tab protruding therefrom. One or more hook-shaped engaging tabs also protrude from the base portion. The engaging tabs and the locking tab enable the retaining component to be secured to a flange of a seat track having a plurality of spaced apart holes in a manner that does not require any external threaded or rivet style fastening elements, or the use of separate assembly tools.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a wheelchair's footrests when not in use. The apparatus comprises an elongated upright member having a first predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material. Such first member is engageable with a rear upright post of a wheelchair. A clip member is attachable to such elongated upright member for holding such footrest of such wheel chair. The clip member has a second predetermined shape and is formed of a second predetermined material. There is a first means for securing the elongated upright member to such rear upright post of such wheelchair and a bolt for securing such clip member to the elongated upright member.

Abstract: A screw is used as part of a securing mechanism with a fixture, particularly with a swiveling arm, for a support system to secure, in particular, a medical or salon-technical device, with a holding part and a mounting part mounted on the holding part. The screw is screwed into the holding part or the mounting part, wherein the screw head projects into a groove of a bushing of the other part, i.e., of the mounting part or the holding part, and wherein the screw head can move freely in the groove when there is a relative rotation between the holding part and the mounting part, and wherein the groove is bordered by an upper surface. If there is a failure in the connection between the holding part and the mounting part, for example, if the securing ring fails, the surface impacts the screw head. In this manner, the holding part is held on the mounting part (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for hanging an object from a fixed surface. Fixed bolts insert into tapered slots connecting the fixed surface with the object. Gravity and the weight of the object ensure that the connector stays firmly attached to the fixed surface.

Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly for hanging a heavy object in a ceiling area comprises a support bar and a clamping component. The support bar telescopes to span a distance between a pair of spaced joists, includes two tubular members which have axes that are parallel and are oriented side-by-side, and an end-plate at each end of the support bar. An overlay for each end-plate includes circular bosses to hold and align preset fasteners, and a slide to adjust the height of the end-plate. The clamping component includes a clamping bar, and at least one fastener that attach the clamping bar to an electrical junction box. When a portion of the support bar is positioned between the clamping bar and the electrical junction box, tightening the fastener that attaches the clamping bar to the electrical junction box will secure the electrical junction box to the support bar.

Abstract: A head component for an anchor assembly for mounting a load bearing track to a hanger component attached to an overhead structure (e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure), said track comprising a rail element and a mounting element, said mounting element comprising one or more retaining formations, each retaining formation defining a holding cavity and an (cavity) opening communicating with the holding cavity, said holding cavity being sized larger than the (cavity) opening communicating therewith, the head component comprising a support member and a flarable member, said flarable member being attached to and flarable from said support member, said head component being sized and configured such that said head component is able to pass through said (cavity) opening into said holding cavity wherein the flarable member is able to flare (i.e.

Abstract: A floor stand for a relatively small medical device. The floor stand stabilizes and/or levels the medical device when the device is on the floor. When the device is being carried or moved, the floor stand is completely underneath the device, so as to minimize the possibility of the stand coming into contact with an exterior person or item. Also, a method of stabilizing and/or leveling a small medical device.

Abstract: A display including a body and an elevation adjusting base is provided. The elevation adjusting base is secured to the body. The elevation adjusting base includes a base, an elevation adjusting mechanism, an outer bushing, an inner bushing and a friction ring. The elevation adjusting mechanism is connected to the base. The outer bushing is connected to the base and mounted on the elevation adjusting mechanism. The inner bushing is embedded inside the outer bushing. The friction ring is disposed between the outer bushing and the inner bushing. After the elevation of the elevation adjusting mechanism is adjusted, the friction ring provides a friction force between the outer bushing and the inner bushing to fix the elevation of the elevation adjusting mechanism. Users can accurately adjust the elevation of the display panel according to the view-angle and personal preferences.

Abstract: A telescopic monitor support post is disclosed. It comprises a shaft and a sleeve slideable over the shaft against the force provided by a gas strut mounted within and extending between the shaft and the sleeve. A bearing slide assembly is disposed between the shaft and the sleeve and is configured to slide relative to both the shaft and the sleeve during movement of the sleeve relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A seat assembly comprising a track assembly and a cartridge assembly. The track assembly is configured to position the seat assembly. The cartridge assembly is disposed at least partially inside the track assembly for dampening motion of the seat assembly.

Abstract: A lectern enhances the ability of a speaker to deliver a presentation to an audience. This invention is a lectern with support, base, and two side components assembled in a loop-frame construction. The loop-frame construction of the lectern minimizes the use of material, provides a functional and aesthetic design, and resists shear stress. A removable front panel can be attached to or removed from the loop frame without disassembling or reassembling the lectern.

Abstract: A picture frame fixing for use in conjunction with a fastener having a shank and an enlarged head, the fixing having therein a keyhole-shaped slot comprising a large diameter portion dimensioned to permit passage therethrough of the head of the associated fastener, a narrower portion dimensioned to receive the shank of the fastener but narrower than the head of the fastener, and, intermediate the enlarged and narrower portions of the slot a narrow neck region the width of which is less than the corresponding dimension of the shank of the associated fastener such that during relative movement of the fixing and the fastener resilient deformation permits the shank to pass through the narrow neck to achieve a snap-fit in said narrower portion of said keyhole-shaped slot.

Abstract: The present invention is a seat height adjustment mechanism for exercise equipment having a seat. Examples of such exercise equipment include: stationary exercise bicycles; road or mountain type bicycles; resistance strength training supporting racks or platforms (e.g., preacher curl benches, military or shoulder press racks, etc.) for use with free weights; and resistance strength training machines that employ as resistance weight plates, deflectable members, elastic bands, springs, hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, etc. The mechanism comprises a member, a telescopic member, and an engagement member. The member extends upwardly and includes a rack. The telescopic member includes a first end telescopically received in the member and a seat end. The engagement member is coupled to the telescopic member and adapted to engage the rack.

Abstract: An attachment system for a medical device, wherein the attachment system is compatible with a wide variety of structures, at least in the sense that it may be used to hang the medical device in a level position. Also, a method for attaching a medical device to a wide variety of structures that allows for the medical device to be hung in a level position. The attachment system and method are often used in conjunction with a chest drainage unit as the medical device.

Abstract: A drainage catch basin is formed from a rectangular trough with a planar upper rim defined by at least two opposite sidewalls and includes at least one inner wall forming a lower rim to define the gutter opening for flush mounting with the curb. The basin is covered by a top with a planar bottom that preferably includes a central circular manhole cover. The top is preferably formed by first providing a mold having a bottom and side frame of steel plates reinforced by a galvanized steel nosing and crossing rebar. The mold is then filled by concrete casting while installed on the catch basin trough to match the exterior color and/or finish of the adjacent sidewalk, street and/or curb.

Abstract: The present invention is a reusable anchor bolt holder having a generally annular column that detachably secures to and covers a concrete anchor bolt by a plurality of attachment members which secure to the threads of the anchor bolt. The annular column secures the anchor bolt in a vertically fixed position by means of a rotatably hinged wall support bracket that connects the annular column to a wooden retainer wall by being forcefully lowered onto the top surface of the wooden retainer wall. The wall support bracket has a spiked contact face, which when downward force is applied, is inserted and securely attached to the retainer wall, thereby keeping the anchor bolt in place. The wall support bracket can be removed from the retainer wall with an upward force, thereby rotating the contact portion of the bracket to a vertical position. The top of the annular column of the device mates with, or is formed to create an integrated safety cap of a larger surface area to prevent injury.

Abstract: A concrete mold device for vertically forming a concrete panel comprises a plurality of concrete forms for collectively defining a mold cavity for receiving an uncured concrete mixture therein. The concrete forms include: a pair of opposing side wall forms configured to define side wall surfaces of the mold cavity; and a pair of opposing end wall forms, configured to define end wall surfaces of the mold cavity. An elongate lower support gasket has an upper surface configured to define a bottom surface of the mold cavity, the lower support gasket having gasket side walls configured to abut against at least a portion of each of the side wall forms to provide a seal between the lower support gasket and the side wall forms to retain the concrete mixture within the mold cavity. Reinforcing structure is associated with the lower support gasket to increase a load-bearing capacity of the lower support gasket.

Abstract: A form bracket is provided. The bracket includes a central plate portion having tab portions and a receiver portion protruding from the central plate portion. Pieces of wood or other materials may be attached to the bracket at the tab portions and at the reciever.

Abstract: Two mirrors are placed in such a manner as to line in a Z-axis direction in a beam irradiation head. These mirrors are located at a position beyond a normal scan range of the laser light in the Z-axis direction and within a limit range of scanning of the laser light, and the angles of inclination of mirrors are adjusted so as to reflect incident laser light toward a PD. In the case where a lens is driven in a Z-axis direction (a lateral scanning direction), driving current values Ia, Ib of an actuator at the times when reflected light from these two mirrors enters the PD at the maximum light quantity are detected. A driving current Imz required to position a lens for irradiation at a neutral position and a drive amount Azd of the lens for irradiation per a unit driving current are then determined based on the detected driving current Ia and Ib.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus of the invention has a dot array head of a fluorescent type having light-emitting units UR, UG, UB of three primary colors. A controller E is provided with an area dividing unit that divides the dot array head into an image area, in which control of light emission based on image data is performed, and the other non-image areas. In addition, a dot array head control unit in the controller E comprises a light emission control unit that controls the dot array head such that light is emitted based on the image data in the image area and dummy light emission takes place in the non-image area when exposing photographic paper. The dummy light emission data is created by the dummy light emission data creating unit, based on image data corresponding to a single dot D1 adjacent to a boundary of the image area and the non-image area.