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.

Abstract: A film treating apparatus has an apparatus body for executing the treatment of untreated film at a predetermined position, the apparatus body being capable of inserting thereinto and removing therefrom untreated film container containing untreated film therein. A film separating mechanism is provided in the apparatus body, the film separating mechanism taking out sheets of untreated film to be conveyed to the predetermined position one by one from the untreated film container. The film separating mechanism is insertable into and removable from the apparatus body in the same directions as the directions of insertion and removal of the untreated film container with respect to the apparatus body.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus to record picture information on recording material in the form of single sheets. The picture information to be recorded for each sheet is present in electronically stored pixel form and is recorded pixel by pixel onto the recording material. The sheets of the recording material are transported through a paper stage of a printer in at least two adjacent tracks, and the stored picture information belonging to the respective sheets located in the recording station is recorded onto the sheets located in the adjacent tracks. Because the sheets are transported in a plurality of tracks through the recording station, a higher throughput can be attained even if smaller sheet sizes are being processed.

Abstract: Distortions, wherein a recording image is inclined relative to a printing plate, are removed when image data from a computer are recorded spirally in recording bands, having a predetermined band width, of a plurality of picture elements on the printing plate which is wound on a drum. Printing plate exposure apparatus comprises the printing plate being wound spirally on the drum such that an extension line of a side edge line of the printing plate is shifted a band width after one drum revolution. The printing plate exposure apparatus further includes: an exposure unit for recording the image data in the recording bands on the printing plate; a moving mechanism for moving the exposure unit by one band width along a drum axial direction relative to the drum during one revolution of the drum; and a timing mechanism for adjusting a band recording start position of the image data for each rotation of the drum so as to set a top edge line of the recording image parallel to a top edge line of the printing plate.

Abstract: A method of printing image information on a receiving material, two sides of which are provided with a binding portion for collecting a plurality of receiving materials into a booklet, the image information of at least two images being printed next to one another on the receiving material such that the images situated next to one another are printed with reading orientations rotated 180.degree. relative to one another and forming a right angle with the sides of the receiving material that are provided with the binding portion. To rotate the images, a fast method of rotating digital images is described which requires minimal memory space. Furthermore, the rotation method is particularly applicable to rotating a series of images and includes the capability of rotating each image in the series differently while utilizing minimal memory space and processor time.

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: Image processing equipment (10) having an image processor housing (20) and a transport roller assemblage (100) for transporting a web (116) of donor dye material (44) arranged in the housing. The transport roller assemblage (100) has at least one of either the first and second rollers (112, 114) comprising a composite mixture of polymer and inorganic particulate materials (172). Alternatively, a hard coating (182, 184) is applied on a polymeric roller comprising primarily hard inorganic particles.

Abstract: A media guidance system for substantially reducing media jamming as the leading (head) end of a web of recording media is directed over the drum surface of an internal drum type laser imagesetter during a media loading procedure. The media guidance system includes a hollow shield, at least one outrigger extending laterally away from the hollow shield, and at least one retractable plate assembly for selectively applying a pressure load against the leading end of the recording media as it approaches the exit aperture of the internal drum.

Abstract: A method for automatically processing a job in a prepress printing environment includes the steps of: moving an image receiving substrate from a storage bin to a staging area; moving the image receiving substrate from the staging area into a drum; imaging a predefined area of the image receiving substrate in the drum with a laser while simultaneously moving a next image receiving substrate from the storage bin to the staging area; upon completion of the imaging of the image receiving substrate in the drum, simultaneously (a) moving the image receiving substrate from the drum into a processing area for developing an image on the image receiving substrate, and (b) moving the next image receiving substrate from the staging area into the drum; and finally repeating the above steps until the job is completed.

Abstract: A collapsible shield for shielding the imaging beam of an internal drum imaging system. The collapsible shield is configured to be positioned in an extended position to enclose the imaging beam during scanning of an imaging material, and positioned in a retracted position during loading of the imaging material into the imaging system.

Abstract: An apparatus (40) for scanning an image to a lenticular material (43) having a first pressure roller (11), which in combination with the first drive roller (13), forms a nip (10) for moving the lenticular materials (43). An axis (71) of the first pressure roller (11) is skewed at an angle to an axis (73) of the first drive roller (13). A second pressure roller (21) forms a second nip (20) in combination with a tensioning roller (23) for tensioning the lenticular material (43). An axis (61) of the second pressure roller (21) is skewed at an angle to an axis (63) of the tensioning roller (23). A scanner writes an image to the lenticular material (43) as it passes between the first and second nip (10,20).

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: A punch assembly including at least one punch installed and aligned on a carrier plate. The carrier plate includes a plurality of openings which are configured to mate with corresponding precision locator pins on an imaging system. The punch assembly is installed on the imaging system by inserting the precision locator pins through the plurality of openings in the carrier plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a roller unit comprising a roller rotatable about a shaft, a bearing for supporting the shaft, and a mechanism for imparting a pre-load to the bearing, characterized in that the mechanism has structure capable of varying the pre-load. This roller unit is mounted on the frame of an imaging apparatus or the like, and is designed such that during the mounting thereof, the pre-load becomes great to thereby eliminate the play (backlash) of the bearing.

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: A film thermal processor assembly for use in an imaging system. The assembly includes a retention member for receiving a plurality of thermal processor rollers and their shaft mounted sleeve bearings which are adapted for snap insertion into snap fingers of the injection molded non-metallic retention member. The rotation member holds bias springs for radially loading the rollers. A direct contact thermal sensor having a large sensing area, which conforms to the shape of the drum, directly measures the surface temperature of the processing drum.

Abstract: A conveyor conveys first and second plates to an exposure station. First and second laser imagers mounted at the exposure station above the support generate first and second laser beams adapted to sweep over the first and second plates, respectively. A mechanism effects simultaneous relative movement between the first laser imager and the first plate and between the second laser imager and the second plate. A computer system receives source image data corresponding to first and second source images, which correspond to first and second print images to be formed on the first and second plates, respectively. The computer system generates a first set of electrical signals corresponding to the first source image which are provided to the first laser imager, and generates a second set of electrical signals corresponding to the second source image which are provided to the second laser imager.

Abstract: An ink sheet having an ink layer, containing ink to be molten by heat generated by its absorption of received light, includes a magnetic layer being magnetized to have a preset magnetic pattern. The direction of polarization of the reflecting light varies depending on a state of the magnetization on the magnetic layer when part of the received light is incident on and reflected from the magnetic layer. The ink sheet is combined with a printer in which a recording medium and the ink sheet are coupled together, and ink is transferred to the recording medium when the ink sheet receives light. The printer includes optical heads for projecting a light beam upon the ink sheet while moving in the width direction of the ink sheet, sensors for sensing a state of polarization of the light beam reflected from the ink sheet, and actuators for adjusting an irradiating position of the light beam on the ink sheet on the basis of a state of polarization of the reflecting light that is sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: In a continuous form printer, a passage of the leading edge of the continuous form sheet is detected by a top sensor located along a feeding path thereof. A system determines whether the detection of the leading edge by the top sensor is correct, by comparing the feeding amount of the continuous form sheet after the feeding is started until the leading edge is detected with the distance between a feeding start position and the top sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is the printing system 1 including the printer 2 and the personal computer 51 through which the command combination is selected according to kind of the print sheet A among four command combinations (the first combination is defined by both the print order standard command and the print direction standard command, and corresponds to pattern 1; the second combination is defined by the sheet plane standard command and the print direction standard command, and corresponds to pattern 2; the third combination is defined by the print order standard command and the sheet direction standard command, and corresponds to pattern 3; the fourth combination is defined by the sheet plane standard command and the sheet direction standard command, and corresponds to pattern 4), further the print condition is determined by the selected command combination, thereby image printing is conducted in the two-sided printing mode by the printer 2 under print control by the personal computer 51 while reversing the feed direct

Abstract: In an electronic white board apparatus, when at power on a screen is not in a screen home position, the screen is moved in a first direction. When the screen reaches the home position during a predetermined movement thereof, the screen is stopped. If the screen does not reach the home position even after it has been moved more than the predetermined movement, the screen is moved in the opposite to the first direction until the screen reaches the home position.

Abstract: An envelope printing system including a laser printer or similar printer operating under control of a microcomputer to print pairs of envelopes. The envelopes are printed with a FIM mark in a manner consistent with the requirements of the U. S. Postal Service. The envelopes are fed, two at a time, from a cassette which includes an identification mark. The envelopes are positioned in the cassette with their upper edges adjacent to the center line of the feed path and the printer controller is programmed to respond to identification of a cassette feeding pairs of envelopes to form an image containing two sub-images to be printed on corresponding envelopes. One of the sub-images is inverted so that the orientation of the printed information on the envelope will be correct.

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: A laser printer having a manual insertion port through which a pair of lamination sheet members interposing therebetween a printed card is insertable into a sheet feed passage. The laser printer also includes a sheet supply roller, a pair of resist rollers, an image forming unit, and a fixing unit. The pair of lamination sheet members are heat-sealed together by the heat generated at the fixing unit. An operation panel is provided for selecting one of printing mode and lamination mode. If the printing mode is selected, rotation of the resist rollers is temporarily stopped so as to abut a leading edge of the sheet with the resist roller for performing skew correction. If the lamination mode is selected, the skew correction with respect to the lamination sheet members is not performed.

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 registration apparatus for positioning a medium on a media support surface, includes a moveable member and a registration member. The moveable member is contacted by an edge of a medium, and moves therewith as the medium is moved to a set position on a support surface. The registration member restrains the movement of the moveable member, at the point at which the moveable member contacts the registration member, to position the medium at the set position on the support surface.

Abstract: A news-printing photoengraving machine of this invention increases photoengraving speed without unduly increasing size or manufacturing costs of a CPT-type photoengraving machine by decreasing waiting time for form plates transferred from a plate feed section. The machine comprises a plate feed section, an exposure section, a plate discharge section, and a development section to make a drawing on a form plate at the exposure section in accordance with a signal output from a computer. The form-plate feed section has a stocker case for storing form plates and a transfer unit set above the stocker case to be vertically movable for transferring form plates along a guide rail. The exposure section has at least two exposure barrels arranged at intervals, a laser-beam scanning head, a first table on a side of each exposure barrel toward the form-plate feed section, and a second table on a development-section side of each exposure barrels.

Abstract: An optical scanner assembly for exposing an image on a photosensitive film. The photosensitive film is positioned on the internal surface of a drum. The optical scanner assembly includes a laser assembly for producing a laser beam representative of the image to be exposed on the photosensitive film, a scanner, and a long, flexible lens curved to the shape of the photosensitive film positioned on the internal surface of the drum, wherein the lens is positioned between the scanner and the film. The scanner operates to scan the laser beam through the lens across the surface of the photosensitive film in an image-wise pattern.

Abstract: A double-side digital copier reads an image on documents fed into an image reading unit in accordance with a predetermined cycle based on copying conditions such as the number of copies to be made and single/double-side copying, and the number of documents and copy sheets temporarily maintained in the respective circulation paths formed therein. Further the image data obtained by that reading are stored in two memories alternately, one of the memories alone, or both the memories in a predetermined order in accordance with the predetermined cycle, and are read out in a corresponding order, optimizing throughput without increasing the manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A media guidance system for substantially reducing media jamming as the leading (head) end of a web of recording media is directed over the drum surface of an internal drum type laser imagesetter during a media loading procedure. The media guidance system includes a hollow shield, at least one outrigger extending laterally away from the hollow shield, and at least one retractable plate assembly for selectively applying a pressure load against the leading end of the recording media as it approaches the exit aperture of the internal drum.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for the imaging of a continuous web on an internal drum type imaging device is disclosed. The method and apparatus may further be included in a process to produce punched, imaged sheets. A web is punched with registration holes and imaged in an internal drum-type imager prior to cutting the web into individual imaged plates particularly for use as printing plates. The web with an imageable surface is serially punched, imaged and sheeted with the punched holes being utilized to assure registration and alignment in the imaging operation and in the subsequent use of the plates on a printing press. The imaging station has an arcuate concave imaging platen. The web is advanced under tension and then stopped while a roller on an arm forces the web down into contact with the platen. Vacuum is then used to hold the web on the imaging platen while the web is imaged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel thermal printing recording apparatus which can perform printing at a resolution as high as not less than 600 DPI and a higher rate than the prior art. The thermal printing recording apparatus of the present invention comprises a light-emitting device which emits light according to image data, and a light-receiving heating element which selectively generates heat on the area irradiated with light from the light-emitting device.

Abstract: An electrophotographic laser printing process using dry low gloss toner formulations for producing either low gloss images or high gloss images. In an instance when a low gloss image is produced, the process selects a low gloss paper, and all other parameters of the process of printing low gloss images are consistent with known parameters for the production of electrophotographic low gloss images using dry toner formulations. In order to produce a high gloss image using a low gloss toner formulation, the method involves selecting a high gloss media, if available, from a media source and reducing the feed speed of the media through the process. Additionally, the fuser roller temperature is increased to ensure maximum fixing and fusing of the toner to produce a single voidless plane of toner on top of the media which exhibits a high reflective index and results in less light scattering at the surface of the toner.

Abstract: A virtual-drum capstan-driven device for outputting images from electronic files onto paper, film or plate material has increased output speed and reduced cost compared to an internal drum device. A capstan drive moves web type image recording media through a curved media platen having an upper curved surface and a lower curved surface which form the media into a virtual drum. The optical system has a rotating reflective spinner at the center of curvature of the virtual drum to scan modulated image date across media while being continuously driven. A tensioning mechanism maintains the media in a taught configuration and works in cooperation with the capstan drive to accurately control the motion of the media during imaging.

Abstract: A tractor unit for a recording sheet is provided. A tractor belt is provided with protrusions for engaging with feed holes formed on both sides of the recording sheet. A pulley rotates the tractor belt and a frame supports the pulley. The recording sheet is fed in a predetermined direction by rotation of the pulley. The frame has a top sensor for sensing passage of a leading edge of recording sheet and for outputting a predetermined signal. A cover member covers the recording sheet such that the recording sheet does not warp or float up from the tractor belt.

Abstract: A print control method of an image forming apparatus having a print engine unit which is controlled by a command applied from an external device and prints an image in accordance with image data applied from the external device on a recording medium by a page unit. The method includes the steps of: standing-by a reception of a print command signal from the external device in a stand-by state; detecting an operation state of the external device after starting a print operation in response to the received print command signal; printing an image in accordance with image data on printing paper, discharging the printed paper to outside of the image forming apparatus, and then executing a stand-by mode, when the external device is in a normal state; and stopping a print operation and then performing error processing operation, after discharging printing paper in state of white paper to outside of the image forming apparatus, when the external device is in an abnormal state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for serializing compact discs on which is optically readable digital information for corresponding serializing disc sleeves, and for inserting each of the serialized discs into correspondingly serialized sleeves. A laser printing device marks with a unique serial marking, each of the compact discs and a sleeve labeling device marks each of the sleeves with one of the unique serial markings. A sleeve conveyor formed of a pair of opposed endless belts of generally fixed lengths maintained under tension and in proximity to each other holds sleeves in place as the belts move along a path extending through the sleeve labeling device and a loading station.

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: Drum-type imagesetter for producing an image on a flexible sheet of radiation-sensitive material, which comprises retaining bars (62) for retaining a sheet in a substantially cylindrical configuration, and an exposure system (70) for image-wise exposing the curved sheet, the radial position of the sheet retaining bars (62) being controlled by adjustment screws (49, 50) allowing different drum diameters to be set.

Abstract: A transparent adhesive layer 3 with good permeability to laser light is provided on a base sheet 4, a colored layer 2 with good absorption of laser light is provided on the transparent adhesive layer 3, and a transparent layer 1 with good permeability to laser light is provided on the colored layer 2. Laser light 6 is irradiated from the side of the transparent layer 1 to form marked sections 5 at prescribed areas of the colored layer 2. To paste the marking sheet A onto the outer surface of a product, the base sheet 4 is peeled off and the transparent adhesive layer 3 is pasted onto the outer surface of the product. The color of the outer surface of the product may then be seen through the marked sections 5. Thus, satisfactory displays may be provided using only the marked sections 5 formed by laser light irradiation, without any additional special painting step.

Abstract: Rotating drum (10) imagesetter for producing an image on a flexible sheet of radiation-sensitive material, wherein a sheet (20) is held on the inside surface of the drum (14), and the exposure means (25) his located inside the drum.

Abstract: In a printing station, pins for engaging edge perforations of the paper are mounted on a toothed belt. The paper is lifted from a position fully engaged on the pins to a tapered head portion of the pins higher up on the pins to avoid stress on the paper from the pins. Lifting of the paper is provided by a paper guide element.

Abstract: A flaw recovering apparatus for an optical recording medium comprising a liquid tank for applying refractive index matching liquid onto a recording surface of an optical card to form a refractive index matching liquid layer, a liquid applying roller, a film cassette for forming a transparent film layer on the index matching layer, and a film adhering roller.

Abstract: A photoplotting apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises an internal drum plotter and a media sheet handling apparatus for sequentially delivering a photosensitive media sheet to the photoplotter for exposure from a stack of such sheets. The photoplotter has reduced turbulence within the drum during exposure of the media sheet, and the sheet handling apparatus includes means for separating the sheets in the stack from interleaves disposed between adjacent sheets in the stack.

Abstract: A laser film printer system comprising:a source of a beam of light having a wavelength in the blue or ultraviolet region;a modulator for modulating the beam of light according to an input image signal;a monochrome film having a photosensitive layer which is sensitive to light in the blue or ultraviolet region; anda scanner for scanning the film with the beam of light to form an image therein representative of the input image signal;wherein the wavelength of the source of a beam of light and the grain size and coating density of the silver halide in the photosensitive layer of the monochrome film are chosen to eliminate interference fringes of said film image.

Abstract: A control system used in a printer drive train of the type having a driving gear in meshed engagement with a driven gear so that, upon rotation of the driving gear in a first direction, the driven gear is rotated by the driving gear in a second direction opposite the first direction. The control system includes a first gear in meshed engagement with the driving gear for rotation thereby in the second direction, a second gear in meshed engagement with the first gear for rotation thereby in the first direction, and a coupling mechanism operative between the driven gear in the drive train and the second gear in the control system for selectively transmitting at least a part of the rotational force of the second gear to the driven gear. Any velocity perturbations transmitted down the drive train to the driven gear are inverted and fed back into the drive train through the control system to actively attenuate the velocity perturbations in the driven gear.

Abstract: An optical information recording medium 10, being a reloadable optical information recording medium, has a first surface on which a pre-group is formed. A lower protective multi-layer film 2 consisting of a total of four film layers, a recording film layer 3, an upper protective film layer 4 and a reflective film layer 5 are successively accumulated on the first surface. On a second surface opposed to the first surface, there is formed an anti-reflective multi-layer film 6 consisting of an anti-reflective film (I) layer 6a and an anti-reflective film (II) layer 6b. Provided with the anti-reflective multi-layer film 6, the optical information recording medium 10 can eliminate reflections of irradiated light on the surface of its substrate.

Abstract: In reproducing medical images which are supplied in digital form and which vary in size, a web-like reproducing material is used. The reproducing material is cut at variable lengths in correspondence with the sizes of the images.

Abstract: An air-bearing imaging platen (20) for supporting imaging medium (40). The imaging platen (20) is comprised of an array of disks (62). Each disk has an air exit hole (64) in an approximate center of the disk (62) and a pneumatic system provides air to each disk. Air exits the hole (64) and flows in a radial direction across a surface (69) of the disk (64) creating a negative pressure in the area between the hole (64) and an edge (68) of the disk (62). The negative pressure holds the imaging medium (40) close to the hole (64), and the air flow provides a cushion which supports the imaging medium (40), thus insuring frictionless support while holding the image medium (40) in a curved shape. The air flow exits at the edge (68) of each disk. In various embodiments the contour of the surface (69) of the disk (62) may have various cross sectional shapes such as flat, conical, or spherical.

Abstract: A printed paper sheet, on which plural pages of image are formed, is cut by detecting the position of conveying, the dimension of paper width and the amount of skew of the printed paper sheet, and by controlling the position of a slitter for cutting the printed paper sheet based on the detected result. The plural sheets of the cut printed paper sheets are divided so as to pass through plural routes to pile them in order of page.