Abstract: The package of recording media contains a set of recording media which are pre-stacked in a predetermined order is provided to a recording medium holding member so that immediately after the package is opened, the recording media are disposed in a recording apparatus at a time. This package, by avoiding a need of manual stacking of the recording media, lowers a possibility of each recording medium being contaminated with foreign particles so as to reduce resultant image defects. Further, a recording feed cassette stacking the recording media in said manner can achieve the same effect.

Abstract: A system and method of preparing artwork for a laser foil die implement prism lines designed to interact with the diffraction grating on a layer of laser hot foil. Artwork may be selectively segmented into discrete regions; prism lines may be created by assigning a halftone value, a frequency value, and an angle for each region of the artwork. A system and method of creating a laser foil die transfer such artwork and prism lines to a blank die; when created in accordance with the present invention, a die may transfer prism lines to a layer of laser foil applied to a substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for laser marking integrated circuit packages is provided. The integrated circuit packages to be marked are positioned within trays. The trays have pockets into which the integrated circuit packages fit. If an integrated circuit package is not properly positioned within a tray pocket, it will stick up. This condition is detected by an electric eye. In a method of the invention, trays loaded with integrated circuit packages are placed on a conveyor. The trays are conveyed under an electric eye the beam of which is broken if, but only if, an integrated circuit package is improperly positioned within a tray pocket. If the beam is broken, a controller stops the conveyor, permitting an operator to deal with the problem. If the beam is not broken, the conveyor takes the tray onward to a laser marking area where all the integrated circuit packages within the tray can be consistently marked.

Abstract: A laser marking apparatus and method for marking the surface of a semiconductor chip are described herein. A laser beam is directed to a location on the surface of the chip where a laser reactive material, such as a pigment containing epoxy is present. The heat associated with the laser beam causes the laser reactive material to fuse to the surface of the chip creating a visibly distinct mark in contrast to the rest of the surface of the chip. Only reactive material contacted by the laser fuses to the chip surface, and the remaining residue on the non-irradiated portion can be readily removed.

Abstract: A printer of the present invention includes at least a first and a second drum unit each including a respective print drum. Angular position sensing device each are assigned to the respective print drum. A main motor included in drum drive mechanism is controlled on the basis of the output of a first or a second drum unlock key such that the print drum of the first or second drum unit is brought to a preselected home position. The printer has a compact configuration and promotes easy, efficient manipulation without resorting to conventional top-bottom movement adjustment mechanism including top-bottom moving device.

Abstract: An apparatus for registering film in a drum scanner assembly including; a concave curved film platen having spaced first and second linear edges that are oriented horizontally and third and fourth curved side edges connected between the first and second edges, the concave, curved film platen having a curved surface defining a curved film path having a first downwardly curved position and a second upwardly curved position from the first to the second edges, first and second spaced film engagement assemblies independently and movably mounted relative to the platen at the second portion of the film path, the assemblies having film registration slides for engaging the leading edge of a sheet of film fed onto the concave, curved film platen from the first edge and along the curved film path the slides being mounted for movement over substantially the length of the second portion of the path and being adapted to register films of different lengths; and device associated with the slides for biasing the slides throug

Abstract: A thermal transfer material includes a support. A release layer is overlaid on the support. A coloring transfer layer is overlaid on the release layer, has thermoplasticity, and is colorable by being exposed and then pressurized. In a printer for use with the thermal transfer material, an image is formed by exposing the coloring transfer layer. The coloring transfer layer is placed on image receiving material after the image is formed. The thermal transfer material is heated and pressurized while the coloring transfer layer is placed on, so as to color the image and transfer the coloring transfer layer to the image receiving material.

Abstract: A thermal transfer material is provided which has a support on which a light-to-heat conversion layer and an image forming layer are provided, wherein a smoothster value of the surface of the image forming layer is no more than 2 mmHg, and a center line average surface roughness Ra thereof is in a range of 0.03 to 0.2 &mgr;m. Also provided is a laser thermal transfer recording method in which the thermal transfer material and a thermal transfer image receiving material are laminated to each other to produce a laminate. Further provided is a laser thermal transfer recording method in which the thermal transfer material and a thermal transfer image receiving material are laminated to each other to produce a laminate, the laminate is irradiated with a multi-mode semiconductor laser, the thermal transfer material and the thermal transfer image receiving material are peeled from each other, and an image is thereby formed on the thermal transfer image receiving material.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus provides a plurality of recording units to form images based on their respective image data, overlaying the images formed by the plurality of recording units on a single transfer member traveling in a predetermined direction, control means to sequentially cause registration patterns of predetermined shape to be formed by the plurality of recording units, and detecting means to detect each registration pattern on the transfer member in at least two locations in both the diretion of travel of the transfer member and a direction perpendicular thereto, and output non-integrated detection values.

Abstract: An object to be marked is prepared. Laser beam of a wavelength that is transmitted by the material from which this object to be marked is formed is focused on the inner portion of said object to be marked, using an f&thgr; lens. A mark is formed in the region of the object to be marked where the laser beam is focused. The mark is positioned inside the object to be marked and does not extend to the surface thereof. Therefore, generation of dirt caused by marking, rupturing of the object to be marked, and the like, can be prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling media sheets in a photo-plotter includes a plurality of aligning mechanisms for precisely positioning the media sheet relative to a drum of the photo-plotter. Each aligning mechanism has engaged and disengaged positions and include a registration pin having corresponding extended and retracted positions. In the engaged position, the extended registration pins of the aligning mechanisms pass through mounting features formed within the media sheet and are engagable with a plurality of drum openings formed within the drum of the photo-plotter. The present invention ensures that the media sheet is properly placed on the drum and also precisely positions the generated image relative to the mounting features.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus is provided with a recording head in which a plurality of light emitting sections are aligned along a single dotted line or plural dotted lines, and a shifting device for shifting photosensitive material relatively to the recording head so that an image is recorded on the photosensitive material with exposure light emitted by the light emitting sections while the photosensitive material is shifted relatively to the recording head. The recording head is controlled to conduct preliminary light emission to let the light emitting sections emit light before the image recording on the photosensitive material is started.

Abstract: A recording medium discharge apparatus includes bins for storing sheets of paper therein. The apparatus also includes level sensors for each detecting one of the bins having been filled with paper sheets. Each sensor consists of a light emitter and a light receiver, which are positioned on both sides of the associated bin. The emitter and the receiver are aligned on a line extending across the direction in which paper sheets can be discharged. This prevents paper sheets from coming into direct contact with the sensors. Even if paper sheets discharged into each bin are once taken out and then returned to it, the returned sheets do not come in contact with the associated sensor. It is therefore possible to keep the discharge of paper sheets in good condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding recording media against a media support surface of an imaging system using an arrangement of variable cross-section vacuum grooves. Each vacuum groove has a continuously decreasing cross-section along its length. Each vacuum groove has a maximum cross-section adjacent a vacuum port and a minimum cross-section at a distal end of the vacuum groove.

Abstract: A sheet treating apparatus has a container containing a plurality of sheets therein, a recorder for effecting recording on the sheets, a substantially straight path for conveying the recorded sheets and a heat-developer for heat-developing the sheets in the path. The container and/or the recorder are disposed under the heat-developer, are vertically overlapped with one another, and may be vertically overlapped with the heat-developer. The container and the straight path are disposed so that the straight path and the sheets in the container may be substantially parallel or substantially orthogonal to one another.

Abstract: An inner drum type image recording device is provided which, in exposure of a photosensitive lithographic printing plate, eliminates unnecessary light (reflected scattered light) other than light for main exposure, and eliminates fluctuations in a dot percent. By limiting baffles to a minimum number of positions necessary, fluctuations in the dot percent caused by reflected scattered light are suppressed, and a sufficient space needed for maintenance work on a spinner mirror and the like can be ensured. Further, by making the baffle fan-shaped and disposing the baffle at a periphery of the spinner mirror, light of a subscanning component of reflected scattered light can be reliably blocked.

Abstract: An optical printer has a DMD as a spatial light modulator. An optical image corresponding to a fraction of a picture frame is projected from the DMD onto a photographic paper at a predetermined time interval. The photographic paper is advanced intermittently by a length corresponding to an exposure area for one optical image. A fluctuation value from a set advanced length for one advancing step is detected at each advancing step and accumulated. The DMD is mounted on a swinging plate whose angle is controllable by a piezoelectric element, to shift the exposure position on the photographic paper. In accordance with an accumulated fluctuation value, drive voltage to the piezoelectric element is changed from a reference value to correct the exposure position so as to print the picture frame without any gap or overlap between the fractions.

Abstract: A conventional imagesetting system includes an imagesetter for transferring an image onto media, a wet chemical processor for processing the imaged media, an enclosed dryer section for drying the media by circulating air thereabout, and extraction rollers for extracting the media from the enclosed dryer section.

Abstract: Recording apparatus 1 builds up positive pressure in its interior with air being supplied by means of fan 3. Filter 4 rejects any dust and dirt contained in the air so they will not enter the apparatus. Humidifier 5 has a water-imbibed water-retaining material in its interior and humidifies the interior of the recording apparatus 1 so that the internal humidity is always maintained at an optimum value. The recording apparatus 1 ensures that there will be no change of the internal humidity that would otherwise deteriorate the performance of the constituent members of the apparatus or reduce the sensitivity of the sensitive material in the recording medium and this contributes to preventing unevenness in the finished image. The recording apparatus is also free from the development of static charge in the areas of contact between the recording medium and the constituent members and from the subsequent occurrence of transport jam and failures in electronic components.

Abstract: In the case where since there is no recording paper in an upper stage cassette in which recording papers of an optimum size (for example, A4 size) should be enclosed, a lower stage cassette in which recording papers of another size are enclosed is used as a temporary paper feeding unit and a paper feed is performed, whether there is a status change such as supply of recording papers, removal of output papers from a paper ejecting unit, or the like or not is discriminated on the basis of a status change signal, whether the recording papers of the A4 size have been supplied to the upper stage cassette or not is discriminated, and whether an automatic paper feeding mode has been set or not is discriminated. Thus, when the recording papers of the A4 size are supplied to the upper stage cassette and the automatic paper feeding mode has been set, the paper feeding unit is switched from the lower stage cassette to the upper stage cassette.

Abstract: A plate-making method is capable of recording a sharp image on a photosensitive plate, and is applicable to a process operation executed in a light room, while adverse influences caused by laser flares can be hardly received. Ultra-short pulse laser light emitted from a Ti:Al2O3 laser light source is modulated by an AOM (acousto-optic modulating element). The modulated laser light is focused by a collective lens onto a high-sensitive photopolymer layer of a photosensitive plate-making material. The focused ultra-short pulse laser light may cause a photopolymerization reaction in a laser-light-irradiated portion of the high-sensitive photopolymer layer by way of a multiple photon absorption phenomenon, so as to form a hardened portion.

Abstract: A process of forming an image comprising imagewise-exposing, by means of a laser, a thermal recording element comprising a transparent support having thereon at least two metal layers having a melting point below about 2,000° C. and a substantially transparent, polymeric spacer layer separating each metal layer from another metal layer, thereby causing portions of each metal layer to coalesce in response to the imagewise exposure by the laser, thus forming the image.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring and buffering sheets of media between first and second components of an imagesetting system operates by: rotating a transfer buffer having at least two storage devices, to align a first storage device with the first component while concurrently aligning a second storage device with the second component; transferring a first sheet of said media from the first component to the first storage device; rotating the transfer buffer to align the first storage device with the second component while concurrently aligning the second storage device with the first component; and transferring the first sheet of said media from the first storage device to the second component while simultaneously transferring a second sheet of said media from the first component to the second storage device.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided for imaging media of while supported at an imaging position on a support surfaces. The system includes a loading device configured to move the medium to be imaged along the support surface to the imaging position. During loading, the leading edge of the medium, which extends across the medium width and substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the medium, moves in a direction towards a registration device. A registration device is contacted by the leading edge of the medium during loading so as to position the medium in the imaging position on the support surface. A medium securing device secures the medium to the support surface and a perforation mechanism subsequently punches or notches the medium prior to imaging. A drive mechanism is provided to move the perforation mechanism and the registration device, typically prior to loading of the medium, to a position which corresponds to the particular width of the medium to be imaged.

Abstract: A method of producing a print, especially a multicolor print, especially for proof purposes, by controlled heating, in accordance with an image, of a surface layer one or more laser beams from a laser imaging unit and by applying the selected surface elements to a substrate. For the purpose of imaging the substrate, applied to a substrate cylinder, use is made of a tape-like transfer tape with a width which is small in relation to the substrate width, so that the gas produced during the laser imaging operation can escape to a sufficient extent because of the substrate and transfer tape being placed opposite each other over a small area. During the imaging operation this transfer tape is guided continuously through between the substrate and the laser beam or beams, close to the substrate surface, and is moved over the substrate width simultaneously and in synchronism with the movement of the laser imaging unit.

Abstract: A printing apparatus of a photosensitive microcapsule type comprises a chassis, a cassette for storing printing paper containing photosensitive microcapsules, a printing paper feeding device for intermittently feeding the printing paper in a feeding direction, and a printing paper pickup device for feeding the printing paper from the cassette to a preselected location from which the printing paper is intermittently fed by the printing paper feeding device. A scan shaft is mounted on the chassis for undergoing rotation about a rotational axis extending generally perpendicular to the feeding direction of the printing paper. A first spiral groove is formed in the scan shaft along a clockwise direction and has opposite ends. A second spiral groove is formed in the scan shaft along a counterclockwise direction and has opposite ends each connected to a respective end of the first spiral groove so that the first and second spiral grooves form a loop.

Abstract: An image-recording drum apparatus includes a rotatably driven clamping drum (100), means (160) for the fastening of a recording medium (M) on the mantle (110) of the clamping drum and a recording unit (200) which is stationary relative to the direction of rotation of the clamping drum and records on the recording medium (M) fastened onto the mantle of the rotating clamping drum (100) image information fed thereto in the form of electrical signals. Mounting means (120) are provided in the interior of the clamping drum (100) for supporting a supply of recording medium (M) wound up into a roll (130). The clamping drum (100) has a slit (140) in its mantle (110) through which the recording medium (M) can be guided from the interior of the clamping drum (100) to its mantle (110) and fastened thereon.

Abstract: A video controller generates a video signal from image data on the basis of a print instruction, and an engine controller controls a laser scanner in accordance with the generated video signal to record an image on recording paper by an image forming section. A master controller of an optional master unit performs overall control of a variety of optional units, such as a paper-deck optional unit and a sorter optional unit, in dependence upon a control instruction sent from the video controller. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image recording apparatus to which a wide variety of optional units can be connected freely without raising the cost of the main body of the apparatus.

Abstract: An image is generated by exposing the surface to a scanning laser beam in accordance with an image forming process. The intermediate image transfer member receives the image from the image carrying member and transfers it onto a recording sheet. A memory stores a plurality of values of process line speeds A for defining a speed of an image forming process in a sub-scanning direction, and a plurality of values of process line speeds B for defining a speed of the image transfer process.

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: In a computer-to-plate system, printing plates are loaded from their shipping container onto a drum, where they are exposed by a laser. As the plates are packed with paper sheets between them, a paper removal system followed by a capacitance probe is used. The capacitance probe detects any paper remaining on the front or back of the plate. The plate is gravity loaded onto the drum and is resting on two contact points identical in position to the contact points of plate punching equipment. The orthogonal edge of the plate is detected electronically, in order to fully register the image to the plate. Magnetic clamps hold the plate to the imaging drum.

Abstract: A square laser recording spot, having an energy profile with a very sharp transition between the writing and non-writing area in both dimensions, is created by a shaping the laser energy into a line narrower than the desired spot size and scanning this line to create a square spot. The sharp transition resists changes in the writing process which could vary the size of the mark created by the spot. The square shape of the mark avoids dot gain and eliminates the need for dot gain calibration.

Abstract: A single pass color printer employs a band drive to move media sheets through plural developer stations. The band drive also provides motive power to drive, in common (via frictional engagement with their respective peripheries), all of the organic photoconductor (OPC) rollers that are present in plural developer stations that are arrayed along the media movement path. The use of the common band drive assures that the surface speeds of the OPC drums and media sheets are synchronized at their respective points of contact, thus eliminating much of the station to station variations due to differences in diameters and runout of the plural OPC rollers.

Abstract: A laser marking apparatus and method for marking the surface of a semiconductor chip are described herein. A laser beam is directed to a location on the surface of the chip where a laser reactive material, such as a pigment containing epoxy is present. The heat associated with the laser beam causes the laser reactive material to fuse to the surface of the chip creating a visibly distinct mark in contrast to the rest of the surface of the chip. Only reactive material contacted by the laser fuses to the chip surface, and the remaining residue on the non-irradiated portion can be readily removed.

Abstract: A color image forming apparatus and method avoid a problem of color image shifting due to respective line start times that are largely shifted in a sub-scanning direction. The method and apparatus include compensation mechanisms configured to adjust the start position of writing images of respective color components in the sub-scanning direction and thereby compensating the color shift, by changing over the light beam by first writing the images of the respective colors on the photosensitive body among the plural light beams in accordance with a phase relationship between the phase of the intermediate transfer standard signal and that of the line synchronization signal.

Abstract: A vacuum system can remove ablated particles from an internal drum platesetter which has a drum for supporting a photosensitive medium, a carriage moveable in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the drum, and a laser mounted onto the moveable carriage for generating a beam to create an image on the medium during movement of the carriage, the beam ablating particles of the medium during creation of the image. The vacuum system includes: a vacuum head fixedly attached to the moveable carriage, and having at least one chamber for receiving the ablated particles through a slot located proximate to a periphery of the vacuum head; and an exhaust system connected to the vacuum head and including ductwork, at least one fan and at least one filter, for extracting the ablated particles from the at least one chamber of the vacuum head.

Abstract: An imaging system for imaging media while supported at an imaging position on a support surface, the imaging system, includes a storage device for storing media to be imaged and a loading device for moving a medium to be imaged to the imaging position on the support surface. A delivery device moves the medium to be imaged over the support surface at a distanced therefrom, to thereby deliver the medium from the storage device to the loading device. By moving the medium to be imaged over the support surface, the medium can be removed from the storage device and buffered close to the loading device while another medium is positioned on the support surface.

Abstract: A linear translation system for use in a laser imaging system. The linear translation system includes a base member including a pair of longitudinally extending guide rails positioned parallel to each other. A carriage mechanism is carried by the base member, wherein the carriage mechanism is slidably coupled to the guide rails using a three position kinematic design. A rotary to linear motion mechanism is coupled to the carriage mechanism which slidably moves the carriage mechanism along the guide rails. A laser imaging assembly is coupled to the carriage mechanism.

Abstract: A printer to print images on a continuous web. The printer has a print station at which the images are printed on the web. A web transport transports the web in a lengthwise direction through the print station. The web transport including a slack loop station having a web feeder and a web receiver. These are spaced apart from one another to transport a web in the lengthwise direction while establishing a web slack loop therebetween which extends in a first direction. The web transport also includes a web proximity sensor which is directed along the first direction to measure a distance between the sensor and the slack loop. A method of printing images on a continuous web is also provided.

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 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: A method and apparatus for forming machine readable code on an optical information storage disk is provided. The code is formed by periodically pulsing a laser along a path and directing the laser pulse to a preselected point. The laser pulse is adjusted to a preselected spot length and width. A prerecorded optical disk is placed in the path of said laser pulse at said preselected point. The disk is then selectively moved relative to the laser upon each pulse of the laser so that a machine readable mark is made at a different location in the program area of optical information storage disk upon each laser pulse to form a preselected machine readable code.

Abstract: A medium is retained in the predetermined mutual spaced relation in a gap between two plane faces on respective bodies. The bodies are mutually displaceable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the gap and biassed in the direction of displacement. One of the bodies is connected with a compressed air source providing through a plurality of outlets in the plane face of the respective body an air cushion between the face and the medium.

Abstract: A method for recording a rectangular image along helical tracks on a plate, while the plate is mounted on a cylindrical surface in an imagesetter, so that an edge of the image, corresponding to a reference edge of the plate, essentially parallels the reference edge. The method includes punching one or more notches across the reference edge of the plate, providing two stop pins, fixedly attached to the cylindrical surface, and positioning the plate on the cylindrical surface so that one of the stop pins engages one of the notches.

Abstract: Disclosed is the image forming apparatus 1 in which, when the image displayed on the display 31 of the other electronic apparatus 30 is formed on the microcapsule sheet 2, the LC shutter 9 is opened for a predetermined time while contacting the display 31 to the contact plane A of the image forming apparatus 1 and light is irradiated on the microcapsule sheet 2 from the display 31, thereby, the desirable image is formed on the image forming layer 13 of the microcapsule sheet 2 according to the image displayed on the display 31.

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: In a laser imaging system including a laser printer for exposing photothermographic sheet film to a medical image and a coupled thermal processor for thermally processing exposed photothermographic film, the processor having a thermal processing section, a sheet film registration and transfer mechanism comprising: a first film shock absorbing and deflector mechanism for absorbing the energy of exposed film as it moves vertically out of the printer and for then deflecting the film substantially horizontally; a film transfer mechanism for transferring the film between the printer and the processor along a substantially horizontal path; and a second film shock absorbing and deflector mechanism for absorbing the energy of the film as it is transferred along the horizontal path and for deflecting the film substantially vertically into the thermal processing section of the processor.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder mounted removably to a computer input device having a medium receiving and supporting surface includes a plurality of interconnectable modular assemblies for defining a medium path that extends from a medium input tray to a medium output tray via the medium receiving and supporting surface of the computer input device. One of the modular assemblies is a main chassis assembly includes an integrally formed main chassis shell having a substantially planar base. The input tray extends upwardly from the base and has a document receiving surface with a concave shape in both the vertical and horizontal planes to help facilitate proper sheet stiffening and alignment for sheet loading purposes onto the receiving and supporting surface of the computer input device. A paper pick and transport mechanism is housed in the main chassis and protrudes through a set of apertures in the output tray.