Abstract: Disclosed is a bolt and nut fastening test apparatus. The bolt and nut fastening test apparatus includes an angle adjusting plate mounted on a supporting block so as to be adjustable in angle, a driving motor mounted on a side surface of the angle adjusting plate so as to be able to ascend and descend and having a driving shaft arranged to face downward, a bolt socket mounted on the driving shaft of the driving motor and to which a head of a bolt is coupled, and a nut socket disposed below the bolt socket and supporting a nut fastened to the bolt in a rotation limited state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for evenly heating a drum dryer of a print system. In one embodiment, the dryer is configured to rotate about an axis oriented in a lateral direction, to receive a radiant energy source disposed inside the drum that extends between each lateral end of the drum in the lateral direction, and to receive a reflective assembly inside the drum that includes an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion surrounds the radiant energy source and removably attaches the reflective assembly to a lateral end of the drum. The outer portion extends from the inner portion in a radial direction of the drum that is perpendicular to the lateral direction. The outer portion includes a reflective surface that reflects radiant energy from the lateral end to the central portion of the drum in contact with the web.

Abstract: A roller guides and processes synthetic strand material. The roller includes a drivable roller shell. The roller shell has, on a projecting free end thereof, a cover which is effective relative to the surroundings. In order to secure the end of the roller shell relative to an operating side, the cover is freely rotatably connected to the roller shell.

Abstract: An end cap sleeve stretch sub-assembly for holding the ends of the sleeve portion of a spreader roller assembly being rotatable on a stationary shaft, including a pivot arm assembly for adjusting the angular displacement of the end cap assembly with respect to an axis of the shaft in order to expand and contract sections of the roller assembly resilient sleeve, an outer bearing ring and bearing assembly including a slide ring which is adapted for slidable adjustment parallel to an axis of the shaft on the outer bearing ring in order to preload the end cap sub-assembly by adjusting the tension on the sleeve, and a clamping assembly for securely attaching the sleeve portion to the outer slide ring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices that comprise a 3-D microfluidic network of microchannels of arbitrary complexity and to a method for fabricating such devices. In particular, the invention relates to a method of forming microfluidic devices having 3-D microfluidic networks that contain open or closed loop microchannels using a single-step molding process without the need for layer-by-layer fabrication, and to the resultant microfluidic devices. The networks of such microfluidic devices may comprise one or more microchannel circuits which may be discrete or interconnected.

Abstract: A substrate support includes a drum, a first surface carried by the drum, and a second surface carried by the drum opposite and oblique to the first surface and a wedging member. The wedging member is sandwiched between the first surface and the second surface and is resiliently biased in a wedging direction.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for displaying at least one graphical representation as a stacked waveform strip, the stacked waveform strip including: a first strip segment, the first strip segment being associated with a first time period, a second strip segment, the second strip segment being associated with a second time period earlier than the first time period and being displayed beneath the first strip segment, and a third strip segment, the third strip segment being associated with a third time period earlier than the second time period and being displayed beneath the second strip segment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to control apparatus and methods of a printing system, for example, comprising an intermediate transfer member (ITM) and to user-related features of a printing system. Some embodiments relate to regulation of a velocity and/or tension and/or length of the ITM. Some embodiments relate to regulation of deposition of ink on the moving ITM. Some embodiments regulate to apparatus configured to alert a user of one or more events related to operation of the ITM. Some embodiments relate to a time-line GUI for visualizing and/or manipulating queued print jobs which may be employed. Some embodiments relate to a reversed augmented reality GUI for visualization and/or control of the printing system. In some embodiments, a display screen is mounted to a printer housing and/or able to control access to moving parts of a printing system.

Abstract: R-R interval data is presented in a format that includes relevant near field and far field ECG data. The near field view provides a “pinpoint” classical view at classical recording speed. The far field view that provides an “intermediate” lower resolution, pre- and post-event view. Both ECG data views are temporally keyed to the extended duration R-R interval data that is scaled non-linearly to maximize the visual differentiation for frequently-occurring heart rate ranges. All three views are presented simultaneously. The durations of the pinpoint view, the intermediate view, and the R-R interval plot are flexible and adjustable. Diagnostically relevant cardiac events can be identified and located to allow pre- and post-event heart rhythm data. The pinpoint “snapshot” and intermediate views of ECG data with the extended term R-R interval data comparatively depicts heart rate context and patterns of behavior prior to and after a clinically meaningful arrhythmia or patient concern.

Abstract: An experimental method for simulating an impact rock-burst, comprises the following steps: making a rock sample having a through hole or a half hole; loading initial static stresses of three directions onto the rock sample; then loading dynamic load(s) by 0.5-10 minutes, to determine whether a spalling phenomenon appears on an internal surface of the hole; if appears, and the rock sample is further damaged, determining and recording a failure course, if not appears, increasing the static stress(es) or the intensity of the dynamic load, then repeating the experiment procedure as far as the rock sample goes into the failure course, then determining and recording the failure course, and ending the expierment. The impact rockburst induced by dynamic load is simulated in the rock sample successfully, and by sudying mechanical mechanisms of the rock-burst, the present application lays foundations for gradually understanding and mastering the nature of real rock burst.

Abstract: A print drum subassembly suitable for ink jet printing applications includes a composite print drum including an outer shell having a wall thickness in a range of about 1.5 mm to about 15 mm and a thermal conductivity greater than about 200 W/m-K disposed around a hollow core having wall thickness in a range of about 4 mm to about 30 mm and a thermal conductivity less than about 10 W/m-K. A radiant heater is arranged within the hollow core and is configured to heat the outer shell without substantially heating the hollow core.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that operates a flattener in an ink-based printing apparatus. The printing apparatus can include a media path configured to transport media sheets. The printing apparatus can include a marking module configured to jet ink drops to generate images on the media sheets. The printing apparatus can include a flattener configured to flatten the ink jet drops of the images on the media sheets in a flattener nip. The printing apparatus can include a release agent distributer configured to distribute release agent on a first rotational flattener member. The printing apparatus can include a controller configured to control the printing apparatus to reduce an inter-copy gap distance between a first media sheet and a second media sheet to prevent a first rotational flattener member from contacting a second rotational flattener member between the first media sheet and the second media sheet.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a drum printer in which the loading and unloading of printing medium onto and off a drum of the printer is performed without interrupting or decelerating the drum rotation and the printing process.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus comprises a plurality of drums for holding a recording medium on their perimeter faces and for being able to rotate the recording medium, and printing unit, which are arranged as opposed to the perimeter faces of the drums, for being able to make printing on the recording medium. A tension generating unit for applying a tension to the recording medium is arranged in the upstream and the downstream of the drums on the conveyance path of the recording medium. A drum in the downmost stream side of the conveyance path is used as a driving drum, and the other drums are used as driven drums.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus comprises a plurality of drums for holding a recording medium on their perimeter faces and for being able to rotate the recording medium, and printing unit, which are arranged as opposed to the perimeter faces of the drums, for being able to make printing on the recording medium. A tension generating unit for applying a tension to the recording medium is arranged in the upstream and the downstream of the drums on the conveyance path of the recording medium. A drum in the downmost stream side of the conveyance path is used as a driving drum, and the other drums are used as driven drums.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for maintaining an edge of a print media against a printing drum, said drum comprising a surface on which a print media is wrapped for printing thereon, wherein said device comprises at least one holder which comprises an abutment portion against which an edge of the media abuts before or during wrapping of the media on the drum surface, the holder being adapted to bring an upstanding portion of the media into contact with the drum surface by performing a movement with respect to the drum surface between a media edge reception position and a media edge clamping position, the movement of the holder from said reception position to said clamping position being performed in such a way that as the holder approaches the clamping position the distance between the edge of the media and the abutment portion of the holder increases, or remains substantially the same, thereby allowing the media in its clamping position to be substantially flat on the drum surface.

Abstract: A clamping device, a cylinder including a clamping device, and a method for clamping a plate onto the outer surface of the cylinder. The clamping device includes a base body extending in the axial direction and fixed to, or incorporated into the cylinder. The clamping device also includes a clamping element extending in the axial direction. The clamping device also includes a lifting bar located in the interior of the base body and coupled to the clamping element by at least one guiding shaft. The lifting bar being movable in a first radial direction to move the clamping element away from the outer surface of the cylinder to form a gap between the outer surface and the clamping element. The lifting bar also is movable in the radial direction opposite the first radial direction to close the gap formed between the outer surface of the cylinder and the clamping element.

Abstract: A device for fixing a sheet material to a cylindrical rotating member. Without using a suction mechanism and a vacuum, pressing portions of sheet material leading end clamps provided at a peripheral surface of the rotating member press the sheet material against the peripheral surface of the rotating member and fix the sheet material thereat. Each pressing portion has a region which deforms most due to centrifugal force generated by the rotating member. The pressing portion is formed in advance on the whole in a bow-like shape such that this region projects the most toward a center of the rotating member. Due to deformation caused by centrifugal force, the pressing portion changes from bow-shaped to planar, and uniformly presses the sheet material without a gap therebetween.

Abstract: An imaging drum assembly is provided for use in an imaging apparatus for forming images on sheet material. The imaging drum assembly comprises a rotatable imaging drum having an outer surface adapted to attract sheet material to the imaging drum. A material clamp is mounted to the drum and has a retainer positioning a retaining surface radially outward of the outer surface and forming a space therebetween. A slide is movable positioned within the space between an outer radial position where outward radial movement of the slide is blocked by the retaining surface and an inner radial position distant from the retaining surface. A biasing member urges the slide toward the outer radial position.

Abstract: The invention provides an imaging drum (300) for an imaging apparatus, the imaging drum being provided with a recess (326) for receiving an image media. The recess is defined by one or more openings of a mask coupled to the drum. The invention also provides a method of making an imaging drum for use in an imaging apparatus. The method comprises the steps of providing a drum, applying a mask to the drum (300), the mask pattern being formed of a material having a thickness sufficient to define a recess of a desired depth on the drum surface when the mask is applied to the drum.

Abstract: A printing plate is only guided by and wound around peripheral surfaces of cylinders. The cylinders are disposed along an axis of a rotating shaft at predetermined intervals, and support the entire printing plate with substantially equal balance. The printing plate has a degree of firmness, and thus, the printing plate can hold itself in a substantially cylindrical shape even if it is merely rolled in the air. Therefore, the whole printing plate can be accurately wound and held onto a peripheral locus of a predetermined radius coaxial with the rotating shaft merely by disposing guide members as auxiliary guides for positioning and winding parts of the printing plate.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus comprises a rotary drum for attracting a recording medium to the surface thereof on which a plurality of through holes are formed, the rotary drum for attracting the recording medium via the plural holes by reducing pressure therein, a laser head for emitting a laser beam toward the recording medium on the rotary drum to record an image thereon; and a dummy sheet having an attracting area in which a plurality of through holes are formed, the area having a size substantially equal to the recording medium, the dummy sheet placed between the recording medium and the surface of the rotary drum such that the recording medium is placed on the attracting area and such that the plural through holes of the attracting area and the plural through holes of the rotary drum are superposed.

Abstract: A sheet to be scanned is conveyed to a sheet holding device provided with a support member having an arcuate and concave sheet holding surface and a sheet holding mechanism for holding the sheet on the sheet holding surface in which the sheet is conveyed along the sheet holding surface in its circumferential direction and is positioned in a predetermined position on the sheet holding surface. Air is blown into between the sheet holding surface and the sheet when the sheet is conveyed to and out of the sheet holding device through an air blow hole formed in the sheet holding surface.

Abstract: The invention enables even further improvement in quality of a recording image. A recording method for recording on a recording paper comprises the steps of: carrying the recording paper for a predetermined amount, based on a first carrying amount for which the recording paper is to be carried; executing recording on the recording paper that has been carried for the predetermined amount; executing an addition process of adding an amount obtained by subtracting the predetermined amount from the first carrying amount to a second carrying amount for which the recording paper is to be carried; and carrying the recording paper based on the second carrying amount to which the addition process has been executed.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus in which ink transfer from a donor sheet to an image-receiving sheet is carried out. The donor sheet has a size larger than the image-receiving sheet. The apparatus includes a rotating drum around which the image-receiving sheet and the donor sheet may be wound and laminated, and a squeeze roller. The squeeze roller has a middle portion with a fixed radius and a smaller radius portion at one or both ends. Outside an area for the image-receiving sheet, the drum has a first protruding mound portion with which the donor sheet is in surface-contact when the sheets are wound around the drum. A boundary of the smaller radius portion and the middle portion is positioned at an image-receiving sheet side of the first mound portion when the sheets are pressed against the drum.

Abstract: A low profile side punch assembly is provided to punch registration openings along the side edge of media in an imagesetter. The side punch assembly includes a punch actuator having a scissors configuration to provide a low profile. The punch assembly is fixed to a side face of the imagesetter. The punch assembly can be located at any location along the side face. This location can also be subsequently adjusted if necessary. The location of the punch pin is accurately set during manufacture with respect to the media surface of the imagesetter by a reference surface in the side face and by the side face of the drum. A drive mechanism for the punch actuator is also provided with a positive retraction of the actuator. The location of the punch pin may also be sensed to prevent advancement of the media before the punch pin has been retracted.

Abstract: A chuck for detachably fixing an object to a rotatable base, the chuck comprising (a) a support detachably mountable to the base, (b) a clamp having opposite ends, the clamp being pivotally mounted to the support between the ends of the clamp, and (c) a resilient member connected to one end of the clamp, the resilient member being resiliently deformed when the support is mounted to the base, which applies a force to the one end of the clamp, thereby causing the other end of the clamp to pivot downward, and apply a pressing force against an object disposed between the base and the other end of the clamp, wherein when the base rotates, centrifugal force acts on the clamp and increases the pressing force against the object.

Abstract: An aluminum foam core vacuum imaging drum (14) comprised of an aluminum foam cylinder (70) having a densified surface (72). A first metal layer (75) covers the densified surface (72), and vacuum holes (130) in the first metal layer (75) connect a surface of the first metal layer (75) to an interior of the aluminum foam cylinder (70). In one embodiment, the aluminum foam cylinder (70) is fabricated using open-cell aluminum foam construction.

Abstract: A system for holding recording media onto a media support surface, comprises, a media support element including a media support surface and a second side, substantially opposing the media support surface. A plurality of vacuum ports pass from the media support surface to the second side and communicate with a device for drawing air through each of the plurality of vacuum ports to hold the recording media against said media support surface. A sequencing manifold connected between the device for drawing air and the plurality of vacuum ports selectively draws air through a portion of the plurality of vacuum ports over a region substantially matching the size of the recording media.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a printing medium on a rotary drum, includes a rotary drum, a suction device, a medium holding mechanism and a medium removing device. The drum has a recess at its outer surface to extend along its rotation center line and rotates at a predetermined speed. A region of the outer surface, which is adjacent to a rearward end of the recess along the rotation direction, is smaller in the diameter than the remaining of the outer surface. The suction device holds by suction the medium onto the outer surface. The holding mechanism has a hook in the recess and selectively drives the hook between close and open positions. At the close position, the hook is placed over the adjacent region while being prevented from radially outwardly projecting from the remaining of the outer surface, and at the open position it is distanced from the adjacent region.

Abstract: The present invention is for a vacuum drum (300) with countersunk holes (334). In one embodiment, vacuum holes (306), countersunk vacuum holes (334), and blind countersunk vacuum holes (336) on an outer surface of the vacuum drum are connected by vacuum grooves to facilitate holding multiple sheets of media on the vacuum drum (300), which revolves at high speeds.

Abstract: An imaging processor for receiving a medium for processing, the processor comprises a print head for providing and for directing a writing laser beam. A laser source also disposed in the image processor for creating a focusing laser beam for ultimately permitting adjustment of the writing laser beam. An imaging receptacle receives the medium and is exposed to both the writing and focusing laser beams, and the writing laser beam is periodically directed from the medium, to the imaging receptacle and back to the medium. A laser-absorbent coating is coated onto the imaging drum for absorbing the focusing laser beam that is received by the imaging receptacle for substantially eliminating transient oscillations in the writing laser beam.

Abstract: A thermal transfer image forming method using a laser is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is for an image processing apparatus (10) for sheet thermal print media. The image processing apparatus (10) comprises a vacuum imaging drum (300) for holding thermal print media (32) and dye donor sheet material (36) in registration on the vacuum imaging drum (300). A printhead (500) moves along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the vacuum imaging drum (300) as the vacuum imaging drum (300) rotates. The printhead (500) receives information signals and produces radiation which is directed to the dye donor sheet material (36) which causes color to transfer from the dye donor sheet material (36) to the thermal print media (32). The vacuum imaging drum (300), having media contours (328) on the outer surface to facilitate holding media onto a vacuum imaging drum (300) revolving at high speeds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating the installation and alignment of side punches onto the internal drum of an imaging system. A side of the internal drum is provided with a T-shaped slot for movably positioning a plurality of side punches about the cylindrically shaped imaging surface of the internal drum. The proper radial alignment of the side punches along the T-slot is achieved using a unique band template. The band template includes a plurality of notches, each of which indicates the correct positioning of the pin of a side punch to be installed on the internal drum.

Abstract: A thermal printing apparatus for printing graphic images on sheet material, such as a vinyl sheet, utilizes a platen drive to move the sheet material between a roller platen and thermal print head. The thermal print head presses the sheet material into engagement with the roller platen along a linear zone of contact, and a drive motor is drivingly connected to the roller platen through a series of drive gears to rotatably drive the roller platen, and in turn move the sheet material between the platen and print head. A pair of registration sprockets are mounted on opposite ends of a common sprocket shaft, and engage corresponding feed holes formed in the marginal edges of the sheet material. The registration sprockets guide and steer the sheet material as it is driven between the roller platen and the print head, and substantially prevent buckling or like distortion of the sheet material.

Abstract: According to a precision assembly technique, a first subassembly is precisely aligned relative to a plurality of alignment features in an alignment fixture and at least three non-coplanar flexures having complementary alignment features are located with respect to corresponding alignment features on the alignment fixture and mechanically attached to the first subassembly. The first subassembly with the attached flexure sheets is removed from the alignment fixture and located with respect to a second subassembly having a plurality of alignment features identical to the alignment features in the alignment fixture using the alignment features on the second subassembly and the complementary alignment features on the flexure sheets to precisely align the first subassembly with the complementary alignment features on the second subassembly. The flexure sheets are then mechanically attached to the second subassembly, whereby the first and second subassemblies are aligned and rigidly connected to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for unloading a sheet medium from a vacuum drum which may be a vacuum drum of an imagesetter for example, or a vacuum drum of an input scanning machine. The unloading is facilitated by the stiffness of sheet medium. When the vacuum holding a sheet medium is released, the stiffness of the sheet medium causes the sheet to separate from the drum. A roll forces the sheet onto the drum and the motion of the drum forces the sheet medium onto a table which has been moved into proximity of the drum. The sheet travels onto a transport mechanism which eventually takes over the moving of the sheet medium without requiring synchronism between the drum rotational speed and the transport mechanism.

Abstract: An assembly for positioning a piece of photosensitive film into a scanning position on a curved film platen and an internal drum scanner assembly. The film platen is defined by a film feed edge and a film stop edge. An alignment mechanism is positioned proximate the film stop edge and a feed mechanism is positioned proximate the film feed edge. The feed mechanism operates to feed the leading edge of the film from the film feed edge along the film platen towards the film stop edge alignment mechanism, and wherein when the photosensitive film is in the scanning position, the photosensitive film is compressed against the curved film platen in alignment between the alignment mechanism and the feed mechanism. A centering mechanism is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is for an image processing apparatus (10) for a method of exposing imagesetter recording film (42) on a color-proofing apparatus. The method comprises the steps of loading a sheet of dye collection support (45) on a vacuum imaging drum (300) and loading a first sheet of imagesetter recording film in registration with the dye collection support. The first sheet of imagesetter recording film is loaded dye side down. An intended image is formed on the first sheet of imagesetter recording film by removing dye from the first sheet of imagesetter recording film which is collected on the dye collection support. Additional sheets of imagesetter recording film and other embodiments are prepared in a similar manner. In a further embodiment, the dye collection support is removed from the vacuum imaging drum as each sheet of imagesetter recording film is removed to provide a blue line image.

Abstract: The present invention is for a method of exposing imagesetter recording film (39) on a color-proofing apparatus (10). A sheet of support material (39) is loaded on a vacuum imaging drum (300). A sheet of imagesetter recording film (42) is loaded on the support material (39) and in registration with the support material (39). Images are formed on the imagesetter recording material (39) by removing dye from the imagesetter recording film (39).

Abstract: An exposure drum (11) of a CTP newspaper plate-making apparatus has a width (W) which is slightly greater than a vertical measurement (L.sub.1) of one page of a newspaper, a circumference (L) which is slightly greater than a vertical measurement (L.sub.2) of two pages of newspaper, first and second plate-material engaging pins (13a, 13b) spaced from each other on the cylindrical surface of the exposure drum a distance (L.sub.5) which is equal to 1/2 of the circumference (L), second plate-material suction apertures (14a) in the cylindrical surface spaced from the first plate-material engaging pins a distance (L.sub.7) which is slightly smaller than a horizontal measurement (L.sub.4) of two pages of newspaper, first plate-material suction apertures (14a) in the cylindrical surface spaced from the first plate-material engaging pins a distance (L.sub.6) which is slightly smaller than the vertical measurement (L.sub.

Abstract: A vacuum drum apparatus on which a mask is mounted having a resilient surface and an array of holes suitable for a substrate of a given size. The drum is a circular cylinder perforated with an array of holes. A hollow chamber within the drum is connected to a controlled pressure source for providing a vacuum. The mask may be magnetically attracted about the outer surface of the drum. Thus, the mask may be made of a flexible ferromagnetic sheet. The mask is preferably elastomeric and may include an inextensible layer.

Abstract: The invention resides in an imaging apparatus comprising a stationary support element for supporting an imaging material, an imaging device for exposing an image onto the imaging material, and a loading device for automatically loading and unloading the imaging material onto the stationary support element. The loading device includes an output conveyor mechanism for removing the imaging material from the stationary support element without contact between the image on the imaging material and an adjacent platen.

Abstract: A punching transport apparatus attached to an end surface a cylindrical inner surface drum includes two transport units which are connected with a pulse motor, two belts, and two pulleys so as to be able to move in synchronism to each other. The two transport units are linked to two punching units through linkage blocks. Transport carriers of the transport units are threadingly engaged with ball screws which are linked to the pulleys so that the transport carriers are loosely fitted to guide rails. Receiving an input signal which is entered in accordance with a plate edge distance which is determined by the specifications of a printer, a controller drives the pulse motor under the control of a pulse count. As a result, from an origin position which is determined in accordance with a condition which is detected by an origin sensor, the two transport units and the two punching units move in a central axis direction X.

Abstract: An ink jet printing system utilizes a heated rotary printing drum for mounting and carrying paper to be printed by one or more thermal ink jet printheads to achieve black or full color printing at high speed. As printing and drying are achieved prior to any transfer of the sheet from the drum, smudging of images is prevented. Such a printing system is capable of producing dried prints that can be immediately stacked and handled without smudging using slow-drying black inks and fast-drying color inks at speeds exceeding 10 pages per minute for color and 20 pages per minute for monochrome black text or images. Hold down of the sheet onto the drum can be achieved using vacuum or electrostatic forces to precisely retain the sheet on the drum until printing and drying are completed. Partial tone printing on multiple passes of the heated drum is provided to eliminate mottle on large solid areas. Heating of the drum can be performed internally or externally.

Abstract: A vacuum drum apparatus on which a mask is mounted having a resilient surface and a plurality of holes suitable for a substrate of a given size. The vacuum drum apparatus is balanced for rotation at high speeds by attaching a counterweight to the mask. The drum is a circular cylinder perforated with an array of holes. The drum has flat surfaces on its outer surface that are used to mount the mask and the substrate on the drum. A hollow chamber within the drum is connected to a controlled pressure source for providing a vacuum. The mask may be magnetically attracted about the outer surface of the drum. Thus, the mask may be made of a flexible ferromagnetic sheet. The mask may also be staged on the drum with other mechanical type entanglements. The mask is preferably elastomeric and may include an inextensible layer.

Abstract: The invention involves a thermal imaging apparatus comprising a support for supporting a receiver material and a donor material in a superimposed relationship. The support includes a cylindrical drum having an inner circumference on which the receiver material is supported against in a bottom layer of the superimposed relationship and the donor material in a top layer of the superimposed relationship. An imaging unit thermally transfers an image from the donor material to the receiver material.

Abstract: The invention involves an internal drum thermal imaging apparatus comprising a support for supporting a receiver material and a donor material in a superimposed relationship. The support includes a cylindrical drum having an inner circumference on which the receiver material is supported against in a bottom layer of the superimposed relationship and the donor material in a top layer of the superimposed relationship. An imaging unit thermally transfers an image from the donor material to the receiver material. An applicator automatically loads and unloads the receiver material and donor material onto the cylindrical drum comprising an applicator carriage, an attachment device for attaching the receiver material to the applicator and an applicator transport device for transporting the applicator carriage along the inner cirumference of the cylindrical drum.

Abstract: A photosensitive material is mounted onto an inner surface of a cylindrical inner surface drum. An input signal which provides the size of the photosensitive material is supplied to a controller. As the controller drives a pulse motor under the control of a control signal, a moving part with which punching units are connected is moved in a circumferential direction of the drum by means of the pulse motor and positioned at the desired positions for punching. Then only two punching units, determined by the controller in accordance with the size of the photosensitive material, are driven to punch holes in the photosensitive material.