Abstract: A fluid applicator for use in a fluid application system includes a base plate comprising at least one rail and a housing slidably coupled to the base plate. The fluid applicator also includes a plurality of fluid permeable pads positioned within the housing and a fluid delivery conduit coupled to the base plate and to the housing. The fluid applicator further includes an actuator configured to selectively move the housing and the plurality of pads along the rails between a first position and a second position. The plurality of fluid permeable pads are in flow communication with the fluid delivery conduit in the first position, and the plurality of fluid permeable pads are prevented from being in flow communication with the fluid delivery conduit in the second position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surface foreign substance detector for a transparent or translucent film. The surface foreign substance detector for a transparent or translucent film according to the present invention comprises: an optical unit; an optical housing accommodating the optical unit therein; a light emission unit emitting light to the film; and a film holder providing a loading surface such that the film can be loaded thereon and made of a light-absorbing material capable of absorbing light or reflecting the light at a predetermined ratio or less. According to the present invention, the holder supporter is manufactured by using a material capable of generating a predetermined electrostatic force or more between the holder supporter and the foreign substances floating in a surrounding space to prevent foreign substances floating or scattered in a surrounding work space from being moved to the film side, thereby improving detection reliability.

Abstract: Novel materials and devices can remove small defects from long rolls of flexible electronics material while they are in continuous motion. The cleaning materials are designed to remove small particles without transferring defects or damaging the flexible electronics. The device generally consists of variable speed, motor-driven cylinders mounted on moveable brackets. The cylinders are capable of matching the speed of the cleaning material such that the cleaning material is always in contact with the web roll to be cleaned. The brackets are capable of rotating so the same material can be used more than once. Another material is used to remove debris from the cleaning material. A similar device consisting of motor-driven cylinders and moveable is used to apply the debris removal film to the cleaning film, allowing the cleaning film to be used multiple times.

Abstract: An example printing apparatus is described comprising a wiping element before the print zone, for slipping in contact with a print medium and wiping a printing surface of the print medium. An implementation of a wiping roller for wiping the printing surface of a print medium may comprise a rigid core, a layer of elastic material and a driving pinion. An example method for printing is also described, comprising spreading over a larger print medium area, by wiping, amounts of a substance that may migrate through a print medium and that is present on the printing surface of a print medium, before printing on the print medium.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing magnetic tape storage data cartridges may include cutting a master tape having a first width into multiple tape sections that each have a smaller width than the first width, cleaning the tape sections to remove debris caused by the cutting, and writing the servo tracks on each tape section after the tape section is cleaned. The method may further include spooling each tape section into a respective tape cartridge after writing the servo track on the tape section.

Abstract: A plastic card is printed on by transferring an adhesive to a surface of the plastic card from a thermal transfer ribbon using a thermal printhead. A donor material is then applied over the transferred adhesive to adhere the donor material to the card surface with portions of the card surface not containing the transferred adhesive not being covered by the donor material. The techniques described herein permit the addition of high value features, such as three dimensional features, matte finishes, metallic or metallic appearing features, optical structures, and the like, to the surfaces of plastic cards. In addition, the techniques described herein can be integrated into existing card processing systems, such as central issuance card processing systems, that use thermal printing technology.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus for cleaning a front-side clean target surface 1a and a back-side clean target surface 1b of a edge portion of a substrate 1 by wiping surfaces 12a, 12b of a cleaning tape 12. The substrate cleaning apparatus includes a presser member 11a for pressing the cleaning tape 12 against the clean target surface 1a, a presser member 11b for pressing the cleaning tape 12 against the clean target surface 1b, a tape path passing through between the presser member 11a and the clean target surface 1a and between the presser member 11b and the clean target surface 1b, a moving device for moving the cleaning tape 12 and the substrate 1 relative to each other in a longitudinal direction of the edge portion.

Abstract: An image removing method including heating a recording material having thereon an image to a temperature so that the image has a plasticity; pressure-contacting an uppermost stream peeling member with the recording material while the image maintains a plasticity; separating the uppermost stream peeling member from the recording material to transfer at least a portion of the image to the uppermost stream peeling member; and repeating the heating, pressure-contacting and separating steps at least one more time using at least one downstream peeling member, wherein the uppermost stream peeling member has a first outermost layer which does not have a plasticity when being pressure-contacted with the recording material, and at least one of the at least one downstream peeling member has a second outermost layer which has a plasticity when being pressure-contacted with the recording material.

Abstract: A motion picture camera is provided having a film magazine inside of which a film supply reel, from which a motion picture film to be exposed having a supporting layer and a light-sensitive emulsion layer is unwound and moved over a film conveying path past a picture window for picture exposure and a film winding reel are placed, onto which the exposed motion picture film is wound. A device, which serves to remove foreign bodies located on one or both surfaces of the motion picture film, is placed in the film conveying path between the film supply reel inside the film magazine and the picture window.

Abstract: Provided is a method of cleaning a flexible substrate. The method includes the steps of: preparing a flexible substrate and detaching an impurity adhered to both surfaces of the flexible substrate using rotating first rollers disposed on the both surfaces of the flexible substrate; and removing the impurity by transferring the impurity from the first roller to a second roller using the rotating second roller having a relatively higher adhesion than the first roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to surface cleaning apparatus for removing contamination from sheet materials such as phototools and liquid crystal display (LCD) screens. The apparatus comprises a base unit having opposing walls for supporting a removable roller cartridge containing at least one cleaning roller and one adhesive roller. Progressive insertion of the roller cartridge into the base unit causes a camming mechanism provided on the base unit and the roller cartridge to interact so as to move the cleaning and adhesive rollers from a non-operatinig position in which the rollers are separated into an operating position in which the adhesive roller is brought into abutment with the cleaning roller. The apparatus is held in the operating position by a latching mechanism, for example, an electromagnet which may be selectively activated and deactivated simultaneously with activation and deactivation of a driving motor.

Abstract: A film cleaning apparatus and method includes a cleaning member with at least one self-loading cleaning surface or pad mounted directly over the film, such that when assembled, the cleaning surface or pad applies a force onto the film. The cleaning member of the present invention is preferably provided upstream of a magnetic head with respect to a direction of travel of the film in an imaging apparatus. The cleaning member of the present invention contacts the film with a sufficient load or force to clean the film and preferably, the opposing magnetic tracks of the film, prior to the film passing the magnetic heads or reaching the magnetic head area.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning film comprising a mounting surface supporting: a first film core for holding film to be cleaned; a first film platter for supporting the first film core; at least one first guide member; at least one first particle transfer roller; at least one first static reducer; a cleaning sub-assembly; at least one pair of buffers; at least one second particle transfer roller; at least one second guide member; a second film core for receiving the film; and a second film platter supporting the second film core. The cleaning sub-assembly is comprised of a pair of drive rollers, a pair of applicators disposed on the drive rollers, a solvent tank to hold a cleaning solution, and a spiral screw within each solvent tank to deliver the cleaning solution to the applicators. The drive rollers and applicators rotate in opposite directions and can also be caused to move laterally.

Abstract: A web cleaner and cleaner roll system includes a frame having rotatably mounted thereon a web roll for rotation by a web that travels thereover during a web cleaning operation, a turret shaft rotatable in spaced, parallel relation to the web roll, and a pair of web cleaner rolls carried by the turret for rotation in spaced parallel relation to each other and the web roll. The turret shaft is intermittently rotated to move each of the two cleaner rolls between an operative position in which one of the two rolls is in rolling, cleaning engagement with the travelling web and the other is in an inoperative position in which it is spaced from said web. The turret shaft and cleaner rolls are mounted on the frame for limited movement toward and away from the web, and function to force a cleaner roll in its operative position resiliently against the web that is being cleaned.

Abstract: A part of a drive roller, whose peripheral surface is coated with an elastic body, is immersed in a cleaning liquid, and the rotation of the drive roller causes the surface of the elastic body to be wet with the cleaning liquid. The elastic body wet with the cleaning liquid continuously rubs a surface of a film being fed. Then, a wash nozzle sprays a cleaning liquid to the surface that has been rubbed by the elastic body. A shearing stress of the elastic body rubs off foreign matter adhering to the film. The foreign matter that has not been rubbed off by the elastic body is washed off by the cleaning liquid sprayed from the wash nozzle.

Abstract: A vehicle traffic detecting device is provided with an automatic cleaning device. The detecting device has an emitter and a receiver facing each other and respectively emitting and receiving a beam of electromagnetic radiation along opposite ends of a beam path. The cleaning device has first and second cleaning units for respectively cleaning the emitter and the receiver. Each cleaning unit includes a fastener fastening the cleaning unit to a casing of the detecting device, a dispenser dispensing a transparent film, a contoured guide defining a film path along which the dispensed film resides, and an actuator for moving the dispensed film along the defined film path. A portion of the defined film path is located in front of the emitter/receiver of the detecting device and thereby positions a portion of the dispensed film in front of the emitter/receiver of the detecting device.

Abstract: The device sprays a mist of cleaning fluid onto the record medium—e.g., motion picture film—and wipes it off, preferably with a soft material such as velvet. Then, the film is dried with air, including thin air jets to spread the liquid evenly, and heated, ionized air. The device has a closed housing and air in the housing is evacuated and sent to a still to recover much of the cleaning liquid and prevent its escape into the atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing dry contaminants, grease, oil, and mottle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pair of rollers, a pair of applicators secured to the rollers, a tank to hold a cleaning solution, and a pair of transfer rollers between the tank and the applicators, adapted to apply a cleaning solution to the applicator. A pair of electric stepping motors is utilized to drive the rollers, causing said rollers and applicators to rotate in opposite direction to one another. An oscillator, digital splitter, and a pair of translator drives are also employed to, in conjunction with the motors, to further cause the rollers and applicators to rotate in pulsed, 0.7 degree increments, at a rate of approximately 100 pulsed increments per second.

Abstract: A method of, and an apparatus for, cleaning a web of photo film during the manufacture is disclosed wherein the web of photo film is transported in its lengthwise direction, and a cleaning tape made of felt is pressed onto an entire area or a side portion of a surface of the photo film or a side edge of the photo film, while the photo film and the cleaning tape are transported in opposite directions.

Abstract: A camera has a rear backframe (exposure) opening, including a pair of spaced opposite ends across which successive sections of a filmstrip are moved for each section of the filmstrip to be advanced over the backframe opening. A pair of parallel film rails have longitudinal film support surfaces that support each section of the filmstrip over the backframe opening. A pair of parallel film debris catching combs are positioned between the film rails, proximate respective ones of the opposite ends of the backframe opening, and inwardly of the longitudinal film support surfaces to remove any debris from each section of the filmstrip before that section is advanced over the backframe opening. One of the film debris catching combs preferably is positioned inwardly of the film support surfaces farther than the other comb.

Abstract: A method of, and an apparatus for, cleaning a web of photo film during the manufacture is disclosed wherein the web of photo film is transported in its lengthwise direction, and a cleaning tape made of felt is pressed onto an entire area or a side portion of a surface of the photo film or a side edge of the photo film, while the photo film and the cleaning tape are transported in opposite directions.

Abstract: A method of, and an apparatus for, cleaning a web of photo film during the manufacture is disclosed wherein the web of photo film is transported in its lengthwise direction, and a cleaning tape made of felt is pressed onto an entire area or a side portion of a surface of the photo film or a side edge of the photo film, while the photo film and the cleaning tape are transported in opposite directions.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a web of photo film during manufacturing, wherein the web of photo film is transported in its lengthwise direction, and a cleaning tape made of felt is pressed onto an entire area or a side portion of a surface of the photo film or a side edge of the photo film, while the photo film and the cleaning tape are transported in opposite directions.

Abstract: The device sprays a mist of cleaning fluid onto the record medium—e.g., motion picture film—and wipes it off, preferably with a soft material such as velvet. Then, the film is dried with air, including thin air jets to spread the liquid evenly, and heated, ionized air. The device has a closed housing and air in the housing is evacuated and sent to a still to recover much of the cleaning liquid and prevent its escape into the atmosphere.

Abstract: The device sprays a mist of cleaning fluid onto the record medium—e.g., motion picture film—and wipes it off, preferably with a soft material such as velvet. Then, the film is dried with air, including thin air jets to spread the liquid evenly, and heated, ionized air. The device has a closed housing and air in the housing is evacuated and sent to a still to recover much of the cleaning liquid and prevent its escape into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A transfer roll cover has an inner surface made of conductive and elastic material to fit snugly around and make conductive contact with a transfer roll, and an outer surface made of looped yarns which are attached to the inner surface and have outer looped ends which make light rolling contact with a sheet transported over the transfer roll. The looped yarns are a composite of a cleaning yarn for cleaning particulate contaminants and an antistatic yarn for removing static charges from the transported sheet. In a preferred embodiment, the transfer roll cover has an inner surface made of nylon knitted yarn as a base yarn that holds the cover together and a LYCRA.TM. inlayed yarn which has an elasticity that allows the cover to stretch over and fit snugly onto the transfer roll. As an alternative, a heat-shrinkable polyvinyl acetate (PVA) yarn may be used as the elastic material. The preferred outer surface includes rayon knitted yarn with looped outer ends as the cleaning yarn, and BEKINTEX.TM.

Abstract: A method of, and an apparatus for, cleaning a web of photo film during the manufacture is disclosed wherein the web of photo film is transported in its lengthwise direction, and a cleaning tape made of felt is pressed onto an entire area or a side portion of a surface of the photo film or a side edge of the photo film, while the photo film and the cleaning tape are transported in opposite directions.

Abstract: A method and cleaning system to clean ink and coating from contact cleaner rolls. The contact cleaning rolls are located on a turret and as one contact cleaning roll is indexed sequentially out of contact with the imaging surface and into contact with a porous material another contact cleaning roll is indexed into contact with the imaging surface simultaneously. The porous material has a non-alcoholic solvent applied to clean the contact cleaning roll surface upon contact. The components found to create an efficient cleaning solvent for the CCRs include aliphatic ketones and alkylene halides. The aliphatic ketones are alkyl ketones containing from about 1 to 25 carbon atoms (with a preferred range of about 1 to about 10 carbon atoms). The aliphatic ketones contain solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone (i.e. the preferred solvent), methyl ketone, ethyl ketone, propyl ketone and butyl ketone.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning a surface of a moving web of material, particularly photosensitive web material. A particle transfer roller is disposed adjacent the moving web, and driven to a pre-determined speed approaching but not greater than a sensed speed of the moving web. A passive one-way clutch coupled to the particle transfer roller is engaged, such that when the driven particle transfer roller contacts the moving web, the moving web drives the particle transfer roller. A cleaning station is disposed adjacent the particle transfer roller so as to provide renewal of the particle transfer roller.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning photosensitive material (1) transported by a transport mechanism (26, 32) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support portion (15) for supporting the photosensitive material from a back side thereof, a press roller (11) rotatable relative to the support portion for pressing the photosensitive material against the support portion, a drive mechanism (13) for rotatably driving the press roller and a control unit (30) for controlling rotational drive of the drive mechanism. The control unit (30) selectively provides a first mode where the photosensitive material is transported in association with rotation of the press roller and a second mode where a peripheral speed of the press roller is rendered different from a transport speed of the photosensitive material by the transport mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photographic processing apparatus including a construction for cleaning a magnetic recording portion of a photographic film having such magnetic recording portion. The apparatus includes a transporting mechanism for transporting the film along a film transport passage, a magnetic head for recording magnetic information recorded in the magnetic recording portion, and a stationary head disposed upstream in the film transport passage for cleaning the magnetic recording portion of the film.

Abstract: A transparency cleaning device includes a pair of oppositely disposed wiping blades formed of a windshield wiper type soft rubber material, each of the wiping blades being biased to engage a surface of the transparency which passes therebetween, each of the wiping blades is attached to a corresponding member, said members being movable relative to each other so that the transparency can be easily directed between the wiping blades; as the transparency passes between the wiping blades the cleaning fluid is removed from the surfaces thereof without damage to the transparency, the wiping blades are also oriented during the cleaning operation so that the cleaning fluid removed from the transparency flows off of one end of the wiping blades toward the bottom of the cleaning device.

Abstract: A photo filmstrip (14) of a regular length (L) is produced from photo film web (45) having a predetermined width (W). The photo filmstrip and the photo film web have a back surface, an emulsion surface, a pair of lateral edge faces (45a), and four corner edges (45b, 45c) defined between the back surface, the emulsion surface, and the lateral edge faces. At least one of the lateral edge faces and at least one of the corner edges of the photo film web are abraded while the photo film web is conveyed. Photo film dust, created in the abrasion is eliminated from the photo film web. Perforations (34) are formed in the photo film web. The photo film web is cut by the regular length into the photo filmstrip, which is wound into a cassette shell.

Abstract: Elements having a support with lubricant on both sides can be treated to remove substantially all of the lubricant from one side only. Various chemical, mechanical and electrical treatments are contemplated, but glow discharge treatment is particularly useful. Photographic film supports having one or more layers applied thereto can be treated in this manner before or after annealing so that lubricant present on the treated side does not reduce adhesion of later applied silver halide emulsion layers.

Abstract: An apparatus for regenerating a recording medium has a feeder which feeds a recording medium, a transporter which transports the recording medium, an immersion bath for containing a cleaning liquid for swelling prints and immersing the recording medium in the cleaning liquid, a print remover which removes the prints by subjecting the surface of the recording medium to a physical treatment, and a fluidizing structure for fluidizing the cleaning liquid in a direction opposite to a direction in which the recording medium is transported in the immersion bath.

Abstract: A magnetically encoded plastic card production system is provided which includes a supply mechanism for supplying a series of blank plastic cards. An encoder is operatively coupled to the supply mechanism which encodes a magnetic strip on each card. A separating mechanism is operatively coupled following the encoder which has a roller surface for adhesively attracting loose particles from a surface of each card. A design placing mechanism is operatively coupled immediately following the separating mechanism which places a graphic design on each card. In this arrangement, the loose particles are separated from each card subsequent to encoding the magnetic strip on each card and prior to placing the graphic design on each card. A collecting mechanism is operatively coupled to the design placing mechanism which collects each card after each card has passed through the encoder, separating mechanism, and design placing mechanism. A method for producing magnetically encoded plastic cards is also provided.

Abstract: A tape cleaning apparatus for a tape recorder includes a cleaning member fixed on one side of the tape running path and a cleaning roller for pressing the tape toward the cleaning member. The tape recorder adopting such cleaning apparatus can remove foreign matter attached to the tape, so as to improve the running performance of the tape and prevent damage to the tape.

Abstract: A film strip cleaner apparatus includes a support plate having a plurality of film guide rollers journaled thereon to define a cleaning path of the film. A cleaning roller carrying arm is pivotally mounted on the support plate and has a pair of spaced apart film cleaning rollers journaled thereon and positioned on opposite sides of the film cleaning path. A position lock pin is mounted on an end of the roller arm and is resiliently urged toward the support plate. A pair of pin receiving apertures are formed through the support plate and are positioned in angularly spaced relation to the pivot axis of the roller arm.

Abstract: In an apparatus for cleaning a soiled film in which the soiled film is passed upwardly through a wet cleaning station wherein a liquid cleaning agent is applied to the soiled film by means of wick plates which are pressed against the film from opposite sides and which extend downwardly into a liquid cleaning agent storage chamber from which they draw cleaning agent for wetting the film, the capillary flow of liquid cleaning agent to the film is finely adjustable by pressure panels engaging the wick plates with the upper edges of the storage chamber so as to provide for a wick plate low cross-section restriction adjacent the upper edges of the storage chamber which is finely adjustable or accurately controlling the cleaning agent supply to the soiled film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for applying a protective coating to a film strip. The apparatus includes a coating unit for applying a coating of a curable liquid material to at least one surface of the film strip, a curing device for curing the coating of liquid material on the film strip into a protective coating, and a transport system for moving the film strip along a path extending from the coating unit to the curing device. The coating unit includes a substantially rigid, porous matrix having therein a plurality of interconnected pores, and is positioned such that the porous matrix contacts the surface of the film strip to be coated. The porous matrix stores the liquid material within the pores thereof and, upon contact with a surface of the film strip, transfers a coating of the liquid material thereto.

Abstract: A thin scraper blade member is arranged in interference with, and at a low angle of attack with respect to the photoreceptor so that a maximum shearing force can be applied by the blade to the spot-causing agglomerate particles for removal thereof. A slit extends laterally from one side of the blade and parallel to the edge of the blade, so that blade tuck occurrence is minimized. The slits serve to reduce the load and eliminate forces on the ends of the blade that cause the blade to tuck under. The slit also improves the range of tolerance of interference of the blade surface with respect to the photoreceptor surface before blade tuck occurs. A relatively low load is applied to the blade, so that the problems associated with the frictional sealing contact that must occur in the normal cleaning engagement of blades with a charge retentive surface are avoided.

Abstract: The card producing apparatus which records magnetic data or printed data on many cards, which washes the cards and records predetermined data on predetermined areas of the cards so that there will not develop erroneous recording, and which rejects cards in case erroneous recording developed, all automatically. The card producing apparatus characterized by the structure comprising a feeder that takes out a predetermined number of accommdated cards every time, magnetic data recording means for recording magnetic data on cards, a cleaner for washing the surfaces of cards, a printer for printing data on the surfaces of cards, a stacker for accommodating cards on which data are recorded, card carrier devices in the apparatus, and a controller for controlling them.

Abstract: A contact cleaner roll cleaning system includes a frame supporting the system relative to a moving web, a contact cleaner roll turret on the frame, and a roll cleaner on the frame. The turret supports two or more rotatable contact cleaner rolls, an active roll in rolling contact with the web, and an idle roll out of contact with the web for cleaning. The idle roll is kept rotating while it is idle and being cleaned. The turret is rotatable to sequentially put the cleaner rolls into and out of contact with the web. The roll cleaner includes an absorbent cleaning material mounted adjacent to the idle roll for placement against it and movement lengthwise along it to wipe it clean. Spindles advance the cleaning material between wipings of the idle roll, and a liquid delivery system keeps the cleaning material wet.

Abstract: Apparatus for wiping moisture off the sides of running webs of photosensitive material in developing machines employs one or more deformable elastic wiping elements in the form of elongated lips or rings which are maintained in contact with the respective side or sides of the running web. Each wiping element extends transversely of the path of the running web and is imparted a movement having a component in a direction transversely of the running web. This reduces the likelihood of extensive localized wear upon the wiping element or elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing a photosensitive element and, more particularly, for processing an aqueous developable photosensitive element which contains colorant. The apparatus comprises a a primary developing station for washing away most non-image portions from the element and a secondary developing station for washing away a remainder of the non-image portion. After the element is processed by the apparatus, the processed element forms a colored image on a support.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning electromagnetic tape wound onto dual reels of a tape cartridge is disclosed. A housing is provided having a pair of spindles rotatably supported thereon for receiving respective reels of a tape cartridge. A drive mechanism is drivingly connected to one of the spindles for causing the tape to be transferred from one reel to the other. A first absorbent pad is supported on the housing for wiping engagement with one side of the tape and a cleaner post carrier is supported on the housing for movement between a cleaning position adjacent the first pad and a loading position spaced from the first pad. The cleaner post has opposite first and second cleaner surfaces and is removably and reversably mounted on the carrier such that one surface faces the first pad. A cleaning fluid reservoir is mounted on the housing and in communication with at least the first pad.

Abstract: A reel on which a supply of binding tape is mounted. The reel has a hub adapted to be mounted on a shaft with at least one flange extending radially outwardly therefrom. The flange is adapted to engage a braking member to maintain the binding tape unwinding from the reel under tension as the reel rotates. The flange is mounted in a core of the reel with a pair of opposed, spaced frames extending radially outwardly from the core. The binding tape is wound about the core between the frames. A tape cleaning tool is molded integrally with the hub. The tool is molded operator removable from the hub and facilitates cleaning of the tape guides during routine maintenance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for printing a graphic design on a hard plastic workpiece such as a credit card blank includes a thermal printing element which is supported by a head assembly that has been designed a single link, to have low mechanical compliance in a horizontal plane and yet to allow the print head to align with a print roller. A cleaning assembly is further provided which includes a pair of cleaning rollers having an adhesive coating; and a novel arrangement for stripping particulate matter away from the cleaning rollers after a predetermined number of cards have been cleaned. A number of stepper motors are provided to perform the cleaning and printing functions. The stepper motors are controlled by a local control system which monitors a number of sensors provided on the cleaning and printing stations and is subservient to an overall system controller. The invention further includes a novel method of operation, a cassette for use with the printing station and a novel thermal printing foil.

Abstract: A processor for sheets of x-ray film has racks of rollers for transporting the film sheets sequentially through a series of stations including a washing station and a drying station. A pair of squeegee rollers located where the film leaves the washing station and enters the drying station squeezes most of the wash liquid from the sheet of film. However, a bead of water may remain on the tail end of the film as it leaves the squeegee rollers, and this bead of water can be deposited onto rollers in the drying station and then be deposited onto the next sheet of film to form water spots on the film after it is dried. In order to greatly reduced these water spots, an absorbent roller is located between the squeegee rollers and the rollers in the drying station so that after the film leaves the squeegee rollers it contacts the abosrbent roller which removes the bead of water from the tail end of the film.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically cleaning magnetic tape in a cartridge, and in particularl a 3480 type cartridge, has a cartridge nest for receiving and retaining the cartridge, a rotatable take-up hub, a load arm, cleaning apparatus and control apparatus. The load arm swings between a first position, where the arm engages the cartridge load block, and a second position, where the arm and the load block are at the take-up hub. In moving from the first to the second position, the load arm strings the tape through the cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus has tissues for wiping the tape and a scraper for scraping the oxide surface of the tape. The tape is cleaned as it is wound out to the take-up hub and also as it is rewound into the cartridge. The control apparatus provides automatic operation of the load arm, and the wind out and rewind operations.