Abstract: An identity card, especially a credit card, having a picture section, which contains a photo of the card holder. In this section, pixels of different absorptions, especially the gray and black parts, are burned by a laser beam point-by-point into a surface layer and/or an intermediate layer located below a transparent surface layer of the identity card. In addition, a colored part is applied, particularly using the thermal transfer process, which covers the same area as the image. Security features can also be introduced into the image division.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having an insulated member disposed adjacent to a photosensitive member, a scanner exposing an image on the photosensitive member in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the insulated member while voltage is applied between the photosensitive member and the insulated member so as to provide a charge on the insulated member surface corresponding to the optical exposure image. The exposure position exposed by the scanner is changed in the direction of movement of the image-bearing member for each scan.

Abstract: A digital image reproduction system includes a sorter which is programmable to store media sheets from a single source of digital images in one or more assigned sorter storage locations. The sorter is controlled to switch from one of the assigned sorter storage locations to another assigned sorter storage location when the one storage location is full or when a predetermined number of media sheets have been placed into the one storage location.

Abstract: 278 An image recording apparatus, which records an image on a recording medium by performing a sub-scan operation by conveying the recording medium by a predetermined amount upon completion of each main scan operation of a recording unit, is disclosed. The apparatus stops a convey operation of the recording medium after a first image is recorded on the recording medium. When a recording start command is generated within a predetermined period of time after the convey operation is stopped, a re-convey operation of the recording medium is started in response to this command, and a second image is recorded by the recording unit on the recording medium on which the first image is recorded. When the recording start command is not generated within the predetermined period of time, the recording medium on which the first image is recorded is automatically ejected.A plurality of images can be synthesized on a single recording medium before the medium is ejected without using a large-capacity memory.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing contact between a donor sheet and a receptor sheet in a laser-induced thermal transfer printer make use of a support means for supporting a receptor sheet, means for mounting a donor sheet proximal to the receptor sheet over the support means, and means for applying tension to the donor sheet to draw the donor sheet into contact with the receptor sheet. The means for mounting the donor sheet and applying tension may be a clamp mechanism mounted on the support means. The clamp mechanism has a first clamp for holding a first end of the donor sheet and a second clamp for holding a second end of the donor sheet. The second clamp is movable relative to the first clamp to apply tension to the donor sheet, thereby drawing the donor sheet into contact with the receptor sheet.

Abstract: A transfer printing medium that includes a carrier to which is applied a curable laser-transferrable ink having one or more layers. The transfer medium is capable of converting laser energy to heat. The ink includes: (a) at least one colorant; (b) at least one polymerization initiator; and (c) at least one curable prepolymer.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately guiding a web of light-sensitive recording media into a cylindrical support shoe of a printer includes a metering roller at the inlet side of a stationary support shoe around which a received media web is wrapped. At least one media guide belt is mounted about a set of pulleys to guide media toward a nip between a pressure roller and the metering roller through which the media is driven into the stationary support shoe. The metering roller is mounted to rotate about a predetermined axis, and the pressure roller has one end held in a frame and is spring loaded into the frame and the metering roller.

Abstract: A platesetting method and apparatus provides for dimensional and/or exposure sensitivity changes in a printing plate to be imaged in a platesetter. A condition sensor senses the temperature of the plate prior to exposure so that a control unit can adjust the control commands to the scanning exposure mechanism of the platesetter in order to compensate for any thermal expansion or exposure sensitivity shifts. An image to be recorded onto the plate material has a standard size at a standard plate material temperature. When the plate material is at a non-standard temperature, as determined by the thermal sensor, a program, stored in memory, calculates a new image size based on the non-standard temperature and the thermal characteristics of the plate material which are also stored in memory. The imagesetter electronic controller then exposes an image having a size which will be the standard size when the plate material returns to the standard temperature.

Abstract: A printer has (1) a support shoe with a cylindrical inner surface and (2) a write head carried by a rotor which is simultaneously rotatable about and linearly translated along the axis of the cylindrical surface. A media guide member is mounted for movement along the axis of rotation of the rotor. The media guide member is moved to a position within the cylindrical inner surface of the support shoe so as to form a gap between the inner surface of the support shoe and the outer surface of the media guide member. The recording media can advance around a gap formed between the outer surface of the media guide member and inside of the cylindrical inner surface of the support shoe. The rotor is carried by a rotor support member in fixed spacial relationship to the media guide member for simultaneous linear translation along the axis of rotation of the rotor. The rotor support member is attached to a carriage assembly which is supported for movement along a pair of guide rods.

Abstract: A recording apparatus such as a laser beam printer has a laser beam unit for forming an image, a cassette for automatically feeding paper sheets, a manual insertion port for allowing manual insertion of paper sheets, a switch to allow selection of the cassette sheet feed or manual insertion sheet feed at the side of the printer, a timer to count a predetermined period of time, and a CPU for switching from the manual insertion sheet feed mode to the cassette sheet feed mode when no paper sheet is manually inserted in the manual insertion sheet feed mode after the time in the timer has elapsed. Undesired accumulation of data designating printing in the cassette sheet feed mode is prevented.

Abstract: A laser-exposed thermal recording element comprising a flexible support having thereon the following imaging layers in sequence:a) an electrically conductive layer, andb) an electro-deposited black layer,with the proviso that the sum of the optical densities of layers a) and b) is between about 0.5 and about 5.

Abstract: An image reading device and method for producing a uniformly focused light image on a source document includes a document mount, an imaging device, and a drive assembly for moving at least one of the mounting device and the imaging device in a secondary scanning direction. The image reading device includes a control circuit for establishing multiple designated positions on the source document in the primary scanning direction and in the secondary scanning direction and for calculating the focus position from a signal output from the imaging device for the multiple designated positions. A cam member can be provided to adjust the position of the document mount along the optical axis of the light striking the document, a cam surface of the cam member contacting the document mount.

Abstract: A laser processing method irradiates an excimer laser beam at a surface of an object composed of a polymer material that absorbs the excimer laser beam. The polymeric object is substantially free of lubricants that reflect wavelengths within the range of operation of the excimer laser beam. The invention also relates to a nozzle plate of an ink jet device, which does not contain such lubricants, produced with an excimer laser beam.

Abstract: A printer has a support shoe with an arcuate inner surface for receiving a light-sensitive recording media and a write head assembly to record onto media received on the inner surface of the support shoe. The printer includes a web cutting means at the exit end of the support shoe and means for applying vacuum sequentially (1) to a region of the arcuate inner surface furthest from the web cutting means, (2) to the center region of the arcuate inner surface, and (3) to a region of the arcuate inner surface closest to the web cutting means to thereby force media to wrap around the arcuate inner surface. The vacuum may be applied to a center region of the arcuate inner surface to remove slack in a media segment between the center region and the web cutting means.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus comprises a facsimile unit for sending data corresponding to image data that has been received, and a printer unit for performing image recording by discharging ink droplets in accordance with data sent from the facsimile unit. A first CPU for the control of the facsimile unit sends, after one page of image data, data in a predetermined pattern and further a paper exhausting command to the printer. A second CPU of the printer unit performs a paper exhausting operation upon receiving the paper exhausting command, after recording of the predetermined pattern, and upon conveying the recording paper up to a predetermined position, sends a signal for starting detection of the predetermined pattern to the first CPU. The first CPU thereby receives a detection signal from a photo sensor. The second CPU further conveys the recording paper, and at a timing of exhausting out of the apparatus, sends a signal for the detection end of the predetermined pattern to the first CPU.

Abstract: A scanner printer includes a scanner portion for reading written information on an original manuscript paper and a printer portion for printing written information on printing paper, both of which are integrally combined within a single casing. The respective paper feeding into the scanner portion and the printer portion is performed through a common feeding passage. Thus, the overall dimension of the scanner printer can be downsized. A pointer directs the original manuscript and the printing paper into an original manuscript passage and into the printer portion, respectively. Hence, wear an on a surface of a photo-sensitive drum of the printer portion can be greatly reduced thus maintaining accurate and sharp printing characteristics.

Abstract: A raster output scanner having a laser diode which generates a laser beam with a controlled beam intensity. The raster output scanner includes a time base generator which divides time into a sequence of periods; a laser diode; a current driver which applies laser excitation current to the laser diode in selected pixel periods, wherein the drive current causes the laser diode to generate a laser beam, and wherein the drive current depends upon a control input; a latent image producing surface; and a raster scanner for sweeping a focussed laser beam in scan lines across the latent image producing surface, wherein the time required to complete a scan line is a N pixel periods.

Abstract: A optical storage disc for use in an optical storage system includes a storage layer which is capable of being disrupted when a laser beam of sufficient intensity is focused thereon. The optical storage disc has a transparent substrate layer on one side of the storage layer and a lacquer layer on the other side of the storage layer. The disruptions provided by the laser beam are selected to provide human readable and/or machine readable patterns. To reduce the damage to portions of the optical disc other than the storage layer, the storage layer is exposed to the laser beam prior to curing, or prior to applying and curing the lacquer layer. The optical disc can be of the type with data written thereon during fabrication, or the disc can be of the type in which data can be impressed thereon after fabrication of the optical disc. The patterns on the optical disc can be in the form of optical bar codes formed in a mirror region of the disc.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which converts character or pattern information into bit map information (pixel information) and forms an image based thereon. The image forming apparatus includes a light-beam generator for generating a modulated light beam, a light-beam deflector for scanning an image carrier, a device for feeding a sheet to registration rollers and a driver for driving the image carrier. A time period is provided to operate the light-beam deflector and the feeding device before the driver starts to drive the image carrier to form an image.

Abstract: A method for controlling paper conveyance of an electrophotographic reproduction device which receives data to be printed from an external device through a data transmission medium comprises the steps of conveying a paper to a paper registration position upon initial reception of input data to be printed transmitted through a data transmission medium and conveying the paper to a transfer unit in the electrophotographic reproduction device for enabling received data to be printed on the registered paper when the received data reaches a set unit amount of data.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus, an optical unit goes out from a reference stop position, reads an image from a document, and returns to the reference stop position. A position sensor detects a position of the optical unit and output a trigger signal when the optical unit comes to a predetermined position. There is provided a frequency divider to divide a frequency of a pulse signal used to detect the rotations of a driving motor, a pulse width detector to detect the divided pulse width in response to the trigger signal, and a rectifier to rectify an braking amount applied onto the driving motor in accordance with the pulse width so that the optical unit is stopped at the reference stop position.

Abstract: A method of using color laser printing technology to create printed matter on heavy sheet stock incapable of being accepted by a color laser printer by instead using a plurality of sheets and laminating them after printing so as to be equivalent in total weight to the weight of the non-acceptable weight sheet stock. Laminating sheet stock enables applications requiring use of heavy weight sheet stock to take advantage of laser printer and computer graphics technology. Graphics are created by use of desk-top publishing software, and then are printed using a high-quality color laser printer onto sheet stock regularly capable of being accepted by color laser printers. Supplies of backing sheet stock are obtained and combined with the laser printed sheet stock so as to obtain an end-product weight comparable to that of a sheet stock weight ordinarily used for the given application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining contact between the recording media and the media support surface of a scanning system. A pressure load is applied on the recording media in the immediate vicinity of a scanning laser beam, thereby ensuring surface to surface contact between the recording media and the media support surface while scanning.

Abstract: A printing system which controls whether to print on a manually-inserted sheet or a sheet fed from within a sheet cassette. Data received from a data source includes both print data and instruction data which indicates whether to print on a manually-inserted sheet or a sheet from within the sheet cassette. The received data is discriminated to determine whether it is instruction data or print data, and the instruction data is discriminated to determine whether it indicates to print on a manually-inserted sheet or a sheet from within the sheet cassette. The printer is thereafter controlled so as to print an image corresponding to the print data on a sheet fed in accordance with the discrimination of the instruction data.

Abstract: An optical probe element for focusing light from a light source into micro light of a diameter not larger than the diffraction limit, includes a light transmitting flat substrate and an optical probe formed on one of the surfaces of the flat substrate. The optical probe has a substantially conical light transmitting projection, and a reflective film which covers the conical surface of the projection so that the tip of the projection is exposed. The optical probe element enables the optical probe to be formed on the flat substrate using a semiconductor processing technique, thereby achieving efficient mass production of a standardized optical probe element. Thus, a recording and reproduction apparatus using the optical probe element is efficiently mass-produced.

Abstract: An optical probe element for focusing light from a light source into micro light of a diameter not larger than the diffraction limit, includes a light transmitting flat substrate and an optical probe formed on one of the surfaces of the flat substrate. The optical probe has a substantially conical light transmitting projection, and a reflective film which covers the conical surface of the projection so that the tip of the projection is exposed. The optical probe element enables the optical probe to be formed on the flat substrate using a semiconductor processing technique, thereby achieving efficient mass production of a standardized optical probe element. Thus, a recording and reproduction apparatus using the optical probe element is efficiently mass-produced.

Abstract: Printing data are memorized temporarily in a printing data memory unit 40 and then read out for printing on a printing medium 6, which is being transported by a pulse motor 10 first in a forward direction (this state is called "normal operation state"); and when all the data in the printing data memory unit 40 have been read out, the CPU 31 makes the motor control unit 32 shift to a "stand-by state", wherein by an operation pattern of the pulse motor 10 memorized in RAM 33 the pulse motor 10 transports the printing medium 6 at equal short lengths forward and backward at a lower speed than in the normal operation state; and thereafter the printing medium is transported at the same speed as that in the normal operation state; a smooth continuous printing with a memory of a relatively small capacity is performed.

Abstract: An image recording and erasing method for recording images and erasing the same repeatedly by use of a reversible thermosensitive recording medium which is capable of reversibly changing the transparency and color tone thereof depending upon the temperature thereof, includes the steps (a) disposing a light-to-heat conversion sheet above the reversible thermosensitive recording medium; (b) applying a laser beam to the light-to-heat conversion sheet to heat the reversible thermosensitive recording medium by the heat generated by the light-to-heat conversion sheet upon the application of the laser beam thereto, thereby forming images on the reversible thermosensitive recording medium and/or erasing images therefrom; and (c) removing the light-to-heat conversion sheet away from the reversible thermosensitive recording medium.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a media handler which is capable of processing a supply of media sheets which can take the form of plates, aluminum or plastic used in lithographic printing presses or the like, or can be film which is advanced to a drum and scanned by a scanning process and thereafter removed from the drum surface by appropriate handling means.

Abstract: In a three-dimensional recording and reproducing apparatus having a recording medium including a plurality of recording layers stacked on a substrate and an optical system for converging a light irradiated from the substrate side on each of the plurality of recording layers to three-dimensionally record and reproduce information, the following equation is satisfied:.lambda./4.ltoreq.(1/8NB)(1/NB.sup.2 -1)NAF.sup.4 .DELTA.dwhere.lambda.: Wavelength of the light;NB: Refractivity of the substrate 3;NAF: Numerical aperture of a focus lens 8 for converging a light;.DELTA.d: Positional range in the optical axis direction in which exists a recording layer on which the light is to be converged.A light spot is focused on each layer of the multi-layer structured disc to record and reproduce highly reliable data in a high density.

Abstract: A scanning system which includes a medium support unit for supporting a medium in a generally curved orientation by contacting substantially less than the entire surface area of the medium and a scanning unit for scanning the medium.

Abstract: A sheet holding device includes a sheet-holder having a concavely-curved surface for receiving a sheet, a sheet feeder at a first end of the concavely-curved surface for feeding a sheet thereon, a releasable holder at the second end of the concavely-curved surface including a recess in the concavely-curved surface at the second end located to be covered by the leading edge of the sheet, and a vacuum-producing device selectively actuatable to produce a vacuum in the recess when covered by the leading edge of the sheet.

Abstract: An ablated materials collection apparatus for a laser dye ablation printing process includes a set of walls to define a vacuum chamber open towards the platen surface, a vacuum source which communicates with the vacuum chamber through an opening in the walls on the crosstrack side of the vacuum chamber away from areas of the recording element already written and on the intrack side of the vacuum chamber downstream with respect to the direction of scan. A heat source for the vacuum chamber inhibits adherence of ablated material to surfaces of the vacuum chamber, and a solvent application prevents buildup of ablated material on surfaces of the vacuum chamber. An electrostatic air cleaner and a carbon filter clean the discharge air. The wall set defines a semicylindrical end surface which substantially conforms to the cylindrical shape of the platen surface to thereby form a close fit with the platen surface such that the platen surface forms a wall of the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A magnetic recording layer is formed on one surface of a card-shaped base plate. A printing layer, for printing visible information such as "matters to be attended", is formed on the magnetic recording layer. A laser recording layer is formed on the other surface of the base plate. A visible image, which can be color-developed by radiation of a laser beam, can be recorded on the laser recording layer. The surface of the recording layer is coated with a transparent protection film, and a predetermined pattern is printed on the protection film. The laser recording layer includes a photothermic conversion material and a thermosensitive recording material. The photothermic conversion material has a major absorption wavelength corresponding to a major wavelength of the laser beam. A visible image can be recorded on the card by means of a laser beam without damaging a predetermined pattern on the protection film.

Abstract: For a printing operation, it is judged whether a print-direction indicated sheet is stored in a longitudinal sheet cartridge or lateral sheet cartridge. If the indicated sheet is judged to be a sheet stored in the longitudinal sheet cartridge, the presence of a sheet in the longitudinal sheet cartridge is judged. If a sheet is judged to remain in the longitudinal sheet cartridge, the longitudinal sheet cartridge is selected and a second feeding control unit feeds a sheet to perform the printing operation in a print engine. On the other hand, if a sheet is judged not to remain, the sheet cartridge is switched to a lateral sheet cartridge and a sheet is fed by a first feeding control unit. In this switching operation, the print data is developed to meet the switched print direction in a data developing unit so that the same print-out result as obtained before the cartridge switching operation takes place is obtained after the cartridge switching operation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for exposing multi-pages original images or several separate text and/or picture portions onto a light sensitive material like an offset plate or an intaglio plate by a laser exposure process. The apparatus includes a cassette for a light sensitive material, a laser unit for exposing the light sensitive material, a discharge conveyor for the exposed light sensitive material, and an exposure table which is stepwise movable between the plate cassette and the discharge conveyor and under the laser unit. The exposure table is formed with a device for holding the light sensitive material in a predetermined position thereon.

Abstract: In an electronic image printing apparatus of the type in which a light sensitive image recording layer is exposed by a light beam, an apparatus is provided for determining and controlling the position of the light beam which comprises one or two alternating pluralities of diffraction grating patterns disposed in a corresponding relationship with at least a portion of the light sensitive image recording layer to produce a diffraction grid which when irradiated by the light beam provides a diffracted beam which is representative of the position of the light beam on the diffraction grid. The position of the diffracted beam is detected to provide the requisite signal for controlling the position of the light beam.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus provided with a document feeder, and in which a plurality of originals are set on a platen glass and read in a single reading operation to obtain image data. The obtained image data are stored in an image memory. The number of originals which can be placed on the platen glass varies in accordance with the size of the originals to maximize the number of originals to be placed on the platen glass.

Abstract: An image forming device having a rotating drum around which an image forming material is trained, an ink sheet conveying mechanism which conveys an ink sheet synchronously with rotation of the rotating drum, an ink transfer device which fits the image forming material and the ink sheet together and effects either heating or pressing such that ink is transferred onto the image forming material, and a fitting/conveying device which moves an image receiving material with respect to a peripheral surface of the rotating drum synchronously with the rotation of the rotating drum and which fits the image forming material and the image receiving material together and applies either a predetermined pressure or a predetermined temperature so that ink is transferred from the image forming material to the image receiving material; and an image forming method including above-described processes. Exposure need be effected only once for each color, and the image forming materials can be used repeatedly.

Abstract: In order to reduce a space required to install a facsimile apparatus and to facilitate the change of recording sheet, a recording sheet discharge tray forms a part of a body of the apparatus so that outward projection of the discharge tray from the apparatus body is prevented. Since a document cover serves as a tray for receiving discharged document and a document sheet supply tray is disposed on it, the projection of the document sheet supply tray from the apparatus body can be prevented. Since the recording sheet cassette can be drawn out from a front side of the apparatus body, the operation of supplying or adding the cut sheets can be performed from the front side of the apparatus body, and therefore a user need not move to the side portion of the apparatus body. Since one line sensor of an image reading portion can read both a document placed on an image reading surface and a document from the document sheet supply tray, the structure of the apparatus can be simplified.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus comprises a temporary storing magazine for temporarily retaining a recorded photosensitive material sheet. The temporary storing magazine stocks the recorded photosensitive sheet received therein from an image recording section while discharging the recorded photosensitive material sheet into an automatic developing machine. Hence, image recording is executed without interruption and parallel to discharge of the recorded photosensitive material sheet into the developing machine, enhancing the capability of the image recording apparatus.

Abstract: The label printing apparatus has a structure including: a label feed means for successively feeding plural labels, each having an information printing area including a heat-sensitive color developing ink layer, to predetermined printing positions; a laser printing device which is provided with a sensor and a light source, said sensor serving to discriminate between presence and absence of the label in the predetermined printing position and to output a label detection signal, said light source serving to release a laser beam, and which receives the label detection signal directly from the sensor, prints information on the label by means of the laser beam when the presence of the label on the predetermined printing position is confirmed by the label detection signal, and outputs a shot signal; and a controller to discriminate whether the output interval between the shot signals is within a given period of time or not and to output an error signal when the output interval between the shot signals is not within

Abstract: A color printing apparatus and method for printing separate color images onto the two sides of a substrate, which includes a number of image bearing cylinders, not necessarily of the same size, each of which is related to a single color and an imaging mechanism for imaging each of the cylinders with two separate images. The apparatus includes a number of transfer mechanisms for simultaneously transferring each of the images of each of the cylinders onto the substrate, with at least one of the images being transferred to each side of the substrate, and each of the images being transferred to the substrate from a different location along each of the cylinders. Finally, the apparatus includes a turnover mechanism for turning the substrate over between the transferring of the first of the images of all of the cylinders and the transferring of the second of the two images. A similar apparatus can also be used in monochrome printing using a single imaging cylinder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing laser dye ablation printing utilizing a laser diode with improved contrast and uniformity produces exposed film having a minimum optical density (Dmin) of less than 0.11 and exhibiting significant reductions in visible raster lines. Specifically, a laser printing apparatus is provided that includes a mechanism for retaining a film to be exposed, a laser diode source for generating a write beam, and a mechanism for scanning the write beam across the film to generate an image. The intensity of write beam generated by the laser diode source at the film is preferably at least 1.0 mW/square micron. During operation, a film to be exposed is placed in the retaining mechanism and the write beam is scanned across the film to generate an image.

Abstract: A photosetting apparatus is provided having a cylindrical bed into which sheet-shaped photo-material is transported and placed against an inside thereof. The cylindrical bed has a longitudinal axis positioned in spaced relation from an inside surface of the bed and such that the cylindrical bed inside surface curves in cylindrical fashion partially around the longitudinal axis. An exposure optics exposes the sheet-shaped photo-material, the exposure optics being displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical bed. A conveyor mechanism conveys the photo-material parallel to and in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical bed into a position adjacent the inside surface of the bed. A guide mechanism having movable elements presses the photo-material against the inside surface of the cylindrical bed from inside.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing image reproducing materials, especially newspaper printing plates or proofs having a predetermined image. A photothermographic material having a polymeric base supporting at least one photosensitive layer, capable of being developed by heat, is exposed to radiation at a first wavelength modulated in accordance with the predetermined image to produce a latent image representing the predetermined image in the photothermographic material. The photosensitive layer contains an antihalation colorant in an amount greater than 0.02 percent by weight. The antihalation colorant is active to radiation in the first wavelength and is transparent to radiation at a second wavelength. The photothermographic material is heated to develop the latent image in the photothermographic material. The image reproducing material is imaged with radiation at the second wavelength using the photothermographic material as a mask.

Abstract: An optical conductive thermal transfer ink medium is disclosed, comprising at least the following layers laminated on a light-transmitting substrate in this order: a light-transmitting conductive layer, a photothermal layer exhibiting photo-conductivity, a conductive layer and a thermal transfer ink layer and which is used, when printing, by applying a voltage between the light-transmitting conductive layer and the conductive layer. It may also comprise a low surface energy protection layer between the conductive layer and the thermal transfer ink layer or a conductive heating layer between the photothermal layer and the conductive layer, in the above described structure.

Abstract: A thermal imaging assembly for imaging a heat-sensitive material comprising:a source of radiant or projected energy (9)two surfaces (1,3) which co-operate to form a pinch (5), one of the two surfaces being the surface of a solid roller (1) which is transparent to the exposing radiation;means to bias one or both surfaces against the other so as to exert a minimum pinch pressure of at least 10 g/mm.sup.2,the assembly being constructed and arranged such that radiation from the source is focused at the pinch by means of the solid roller (1).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a movable image bearing member; an image forming device for forming an image on the image bearing member; a transfer device for transferring an image from the image bearing member onto a recording material at a transfer position; a detector for detecting a recording material conveying passage from a recording material feeding station to the image transfer position; and a controller responsive to the detector to form blanks at a leading and trailing edges of the recording material by controlling image forming operation of the image forming device.

Abstract: A continuous-form electrophotographic printer 10 measures velocity information each time a new continuous-form media 12 is loaded into the printer to compensate for differences in media, printer wear, and variations in manufacturing tolerances. The continuous-form electrophotographic printer 10 includes a media motion assembly 53 which moves the continuous-form media 12 at a constant velocity initially past an image transfer station 20 and then past an image fixing station 22. A media motion sensor 49 measures the movement of the media 12 and outputs a signal at equal predetermined segments of the media. An image forming device 60 at the image transfer station 20 places multiple scan lines at a predetermined scan rate on a drum 28. A scan line sensor 78 senses each scan line. A speed control system 52 varies the velocity of the media for sequential segments of media and counts the number of scan lines per media segment.