Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an exhaust device. The exhaust device includes a duct main body and a duct mounting member. The duct main body and the duct mounting member are integrated with each other to form a first air passage and a second air passage that communicate a periphery of a fixing unit and an exhaust port of an apparatus main body. The first air passage is provided with a first fan and a first air passage filter. The second air passage is provided with a second fan and a second air passage filter. Each of the first fan and the second fan is a centrifugal fan. Each of the first air passage filter and the second air passage filter includes a filter for collecting at least ultrafine particle (UFP).

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a dryer to force air onto a printed media during use to dry the printed media, and an air collector comprising at least one suction opening throughout which, in use, air from the dryer is collected. The apparatus may guide the collected air back to the dryer. The at least one suction opening may be arranged so as to stop the printed media from rising due to pressure differential.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form a measurement image on a recording paper by using a color material, a fixing unit configured to fix a plurality of measurement images onto the recording paper by heating the measurement images, a measurement unit configured to measure the measurement images fixed onto the recording paper downstream of the fixing unit in a conveyance direction of the recording paper, a cooling unit configured to cool the recording paper heated by the fixing unit, and a control unit configured to perform control such that a cooling capacity of the cooling unit in a case where the measurement unit measures color of the measurement images is higher than a cooling capacity of the cooling unit in a case where the measurement unit measures density of the measurement images.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method for locating an unexposed region of film. The method includes the step of illuminating film with a light source while the film has developing chemical applied thereto, the film comprising at least two edges along an x direction perpendicular to a y direction parallel to a surface of the film. The method also includes the step of identifying an unexposed region of the film as a region containing ones of a first plurality of columns of the film, the columns disposed generally in the y direction and captured using at least one sensor operable to capture light reflected from the film, and wherein a representative value for each of the ones of first plurality of columns exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method and system for producing a digital optical recording. The process can be divided into two separate operations: mastering of the optical recording on the surface of an elongated member, such as a cylinder, etc., and fast replication of the master record onto the surface of flexible film which is essentially parallel to the surface of the cylinder, etc.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus which effects digital exposure while aiming for compactness. An exposure unit digitally exposes a photosensitive material successively while moving above a stage. An application unit moves from the rear side of the exposure unit and applies water successively to the photosensitive material. A superposing unit moves from the rear side of the application unit, and successively superposes an image-receiving material on the photosensitive material. Heat development transfer is carried out, and an image is obtained on the image-receiving material.

Abstract: High volume manufacturing process for flexographic printing plates comprises wash out, drying and post-exposure. During drying the printing plates are transported with a plurality of endless conveyors. The transport speed during drying/post-exposure is lower than the transport speed during wash out such that a storage of flexographic plates can be achieved in the drying and post exposure portion of the process.

Abstract: A method for controlling pressure applied to a press roller unit during image development in which a photosensitive sheet coated with microcapsules containing photosetting materials and coloring dyes is exposed to light and then superimposed on an image receiving sheet so that the superimposed sheets are pressed together so as to form an image on the image receiving sheet. The pressure is applied or released under the controls of the timers.

Abstract: An image formation device photocopying system that transports a film type medium (100) along a passageway (6) such that it encounters the image exposure assembly (4), developer assembly (7), and transfer pressure assembly (8) sequentially from supply cartridge (5), and forms a latent image on medium (100) by exposing an image on it in the image exposure assembly (4), after which it heat develops the latent image in developer assembly (7) and transfers the developed image (100) to the transfer medium (102) in the transfer pressure assembly (8). A tensioning means (26) that applies tension to medium (100) being transported in passageway (6) on the upstream end or in supply cartridge (5).

Abstract: An apparatus for making a color proof. An original loading portion having a loading opening provided for loading the original is disposed side by side at an exposure portion so that a carriage may be substantially horizontally moved between the exposure position of the exposure portion and the copy exchange position of corresponding to the loading opening. When the original is exchanged and recharged, the loading opening is open by a lid member and when the carriage is positioned to the copy exchange position, the original is placed. Since the exposure portion and the like are not disposed upwardly of the original loading portion, the exposure unit and the like are not mounted with the result that the lid member can be made compact and lightweight while exchange of the original can be eased. In addition, the carriage is not withdrawn into the working space allowed for the operators.

Abstract: A recording system in which film stored in a state of loops can be fed smoothly due to the film guide members which can change their positions depending on the amount of films a sensor means has detected. In addition, the assembly of a film transport unit and a development container can be mounted or dismounted to or from the development unit easily.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermal development of thermal fixation of a flexible sheet of photosensitive material. The apparatus includes a heating roller provided with a heating lamp inside said heating roller, a plurality of conveyance rollers disposed in pressure contact with the heating roller, so that when the sheet is put in between the heating roller and the conveyance rollers, the sheet is heated to undergo the processing, and guides, provided in pressure contact with the peripheral surface of the heating roller, for holding the sheet against the peripheral surface of the heating roller.

Abstract: A thermal developing unit in a photocopier in which a latent image is formed on a photo-sensitive material which is then pressed between an endless belt and a heating drum to be thermally developed. In order to maintain the correct temperature on the heating drum, the drum and belt are rotated during a warm-up period or whenever a long sheet of photo-sensitive material is being used. Alternatively, the endless belt can be made of a material having a low heat capacity.

Abstract: The present invention aims to make an image forming apparatus using photopolymerization reaction small-sized, and the image forming apparatus is designed so that a supporting device for supporting a photosensitive image forming member used in a sheet fashion and having a polymerizable layer is shifted endlessly. Further, an exposure device for effecting the image exposure on the image forming member is disposed within a light-shield mechanism, and a whole image exposure device is also disposed within this lightshield mechanism. The image formation on the image forming member is effected by shifting the supporting device endlessly, by passing the image forming member through the exposure device at least two times, by effecting the image exposure by the exposure device, by effecting the heating by a heating device and by effecting whole image exposure at a position of the exposure device.

Abstract: A light-and pressure-sensitive recording sheet and an original, overlapping each other, are introduced into an image forming apparatus, and are exposed to radiation on a transparent drum by means of a light source in the drum, whereupon a latent image, based on the contents of the original, is formed on the recording sheet. Then, the recording sheet is separated from the original by means of a separator, and is passed between a pair of pressure rolls. When the recording sheet is exposed, microcapsules thereon change their hardness. These microcapsules are ruptured selectively by pressure applied to the sheet. As a result, a chromogenic material, contained in the microcapsules, and a developer material, on the surface of a substrate of the recording sheet, react with each other, so that the sheet surface changes its color. Thus, the latent image is developed to accomplish copying in accordance with the original.

Abstract: A developing unit comprising a developing chamber having an upper film pass roller and a lower film pass roller, a gasifying chamber, and a heating chamber, discharging outlets connecting from the heating chamber to the developing chamber at upper and lower portions of the upper film pass roller, and sucking inlets connecting from the developing chamber to the gasifying chamber at upper and lower portions of the lower film pass roller, so that the surface area of each sucking inlet is made substantially equal to that of each discharging outlet. This improves convection efficiency of the hot blast and thus temperature differences between the upper and lower portions within the developing chamber thereby preventing tone variations of the copied images.

Abstract: A diazo copy machine comprises a roll of diazo sensitized copy paper cradled between a pair of drive rollers above an exposure apparatus. The copy machine is activated by insertion of an original tracing sheet whereupon the copy paper and original are automatically fed in superimposed relation into the entrance of the exposure apparatus, with the leading edge of the copy paper being advanced by a programmable amount relative to the leading edge of the original. Upon exiting the exposure apparatus the superimposed sheets are directed to an automatic sheet separating apparatus which deflects and feeds the copy paper along a downward path to a developer and carries the original along an exit path out of the front of the copy machine. In the event that the two superimposed sheets both inadvertently enter the downward path, a fail-safe mode of operation is initiated for redirecting both sheets along the exit path.

Abstract: A thermal fixing device for an image forming apparatus is disclosed which comprises a heater for heating a piece of developer sheet to thermally fix and accelerate coloring of the image on the developer sheet, a sheet delivery path along which the developer sheet is delivered, a cover casing for substantially covering the heater, and a suction/discharge unit for sucking/discharging a gas generated from the developer sheet by the heater. The suction/discharge unit is connected to the cover casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a transfer image comprising at least a light source for exposure, an exposure cylinder and a second cylinder which can contact the exposure cylinder, wherein the light source for the exposure is arranged outside the radius of the exposure cylinder, the exposure cylinder has means of attaching an image-forming material thereto, and the second cylinder has means of receiving the image-forming material from the surface of the exposure cylinder and holds the received image-forming material, and a method of forming as transfer image on an image receptor by using the apparatus.

Abstract: A cylithographic copying apparatus includes a coil comprising continuous webs if imaging sheet and intermediate developer sheet formed in a spiral having alternating layers of imaging and intermediate developer sheet. The laminate formed of imaging and intermediate developer sheet is payed out from the coil past a developer station, where it is image-wise exposed, and through pressure rollers which form an image on the intermediate developer sheet. The intermediate developer sheet is conveyed to an assembling station where the imaged developer layer is transferred to a sheet of plain paper. In a preferred embodiment, the imaging sheet includes a support of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the intermediate developer sheet includes a substrate of aluminized PET. The coil preferably is rotatably mounted within a cassette which also includes a take-up spool for the spent imaging sheet; the cassette is easily insertable and removable from the copier housing.

Abstract: In a film duplicator original and copy sheets are initially brought together in unaligned relationship and permitted to drop under the influence of gravity along a predetermined path past an exposure station and into an alignment box where the ends of the sheets strike the bottom of the box to align the sheets. The aligned sheets are then transported back to the exposure station to expose the copy sheet. The sheets are then separated and exited from the duplicator.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus in which an image on a light-sensitive photographic material is transferred to an image-receiving material by superimposing the materials to bring them into close contact with each other. The apparatus is provided with guide plates for guiding the materials to pinch rollers in such a manner that the materials are kept away from each other before they are fed to the pinch rollers which superimpose the materials and bring them into close contact with each other. Therefore, the materials can be prevented from coming into contact before they are superimposed.

Abstract: An imaging device for forming a visible image by pressurizing and feeding an exposed recording sheet with a developing sheet detects that the recording sheet and the developing sheet are accurately overlapped with each other before the pressurizing operation is begun. The position of the sheets is monitored and the pressurizing rollers are controlled in accordance with the detected positions.

Abstract: A device for reproducing an image of an original by using photosensitive material and transfer material for receiving an image formed on the photosensitive material. The original is optionally scanned to produce an optical signal which represents an image of the original, and the photosensitive material is exposed in accordance with the optical signal from the scanner together with the movement of the photosensitive material in synchronization with the scanning. A developer device superposes the exposed photosensitive material on the transfer material and spreads a developer between the superposed photosensitive material and transfer material so as to reproduce the image on the transfer material.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a pair of rollers normally in contact with each other. An invisible image is formed on a light-accepting sheet in the form of a roll sheet coated with microcapsules which harden when exposed to light. The image carrying sheet is kept half-way wrapped around one of these rollers and compressed between them together with an image receiving sheet such that microcapsules remaining soft are ruptured and a visible image is formed on the image receiving sheet. After each cycle of image forming processes is completed, the roll sheet is moved backward by a specified distance to reduce waste and the rollers are moved apart so that the roll sheet can correct itself if it is beginning to wrinkle or to move sideways.

Abstract: A thermal developing and transferring apparatus in which light-sensitive material on which an image is recorded is adhered to an image receiving material and is wound around the outer peripheral surface of a heating drum to effect thermal development and to transfer the developed image to the image receiving material. The light-sensitive sheet and the image receiving material are supplied to the periphery of the heating drum after which is curved with predetermined curvatures, thereby being prevented from shifting away from each other during transfer owing to the difference between winding radius with which the two material are wound around the heating drum.

Abstract: In a color picture recording apparatus, a picture image of an original document is formed on a photosensitive and pressure-sensitive recording medium which may be either a self-coloring type or a transfer type made up of a microcapsule sheet and a developer sheet. According to one aspect of the present invention, in the recording apparatus of the type in which the transfer type recording medium is used, the copy sheets are discharged face-up so as to facilitate an operator's confirmation of the copied picture image. According to another aspect of the invention, the cut developer sheets are stacked in a sheet cassette so that the surface on which the developer material is coated is face-down so that a feeding roller for feeding out the developer sheet does not come into contact therewith.

Abstract: A dry silver salt roll film for use in the rotary type microphotography is stored in the form of a roll within a range of hardness from 70 of durometer A to 80 of durometer D, so that an unexposed film can be stored stably for a long period of time.

Abstract: The heating device and the feeding device of an image medium which are provided in an image recording apparatus in order to furnish the image medium with glosses are made movable with each other by a contacting mechanism. Normally, the heating device and the feeding device are separated so that unnecessary heat transfer from the heating device to the feeding device is avoided, whereby the heating capacity of the heating device is minimized and no cooling mechanism for the feeding device is needed. When the image medium comes, the two devices are contacted to pinch and directly heat the image medium therebetween, whereby a beautiful gloss surface is obtained.

Abstract: A pressure developing device has a pair of pressure developing rollers for pressing a photosensitive and pressure-sensitive recording sheet with a latent image formed thereon and a color developer sheet in overlapping relation to develop the latent image into a visible image and transfer the visible image onto the color developer sheet. The pressure developing rollers have respective pressing surfaces for pressing the photosensitive and pressure-sensitive recording sheet and the color developer sheet, and at least one of the rollers has non-pressing surface extending axially of the roller.

Abstract: A laser imager has a laser image forming apparatus and an automatic developing apparatus transporting photosensitive sheets at a lower speed than the former and which is adapted to successively produce prints efficiently without a trailing sheet interfering with the transport of a leading sheet in the path of transport. The laser imager has a control device for judging whether or not two photosensitive sheets would overlap each other while the sheets are being transferred in succession from a transport device of the image forming apparatus to a transport device of the developing apparatus, and for controlling the sheet transport timing based on the result of the judging.

Abstract: A color copier includes an exposure light source for exposing an original document with red, blue, and green light, on a photosensitive film having a substrate and an ink coating which includes ink particles of multiple colors carried on the substrate, and on which a reproduction of the original document is formed, in response to the light exposure, through a reaction of ink particles of the color which corresponds to the wavelength of the light reflected from the original document. The color copier further includes a lightproof film case for storing the photosensitive film, an image forming lens for forming an image of the original document on the photosensitive film by focusing the reflected light; a copy paper feeder for feeding a copy paper; a fixer for fixing the image formed on the photosensitive film on the copy paper; and a separation claw which separates the photosensitive film from the copy paper after the fixing of the image.

Abstract: Line broadening is eliminated in dry heat-developed films by using a development temperature which is higher than the manufacturer-recommended standard temperature, so that a much shorter development time can be used, and masking the edges of the film to prevent exposure thereof. The hot/short development cycle and the masking of the film edges substantially eliminate image smearing caused by emulsion shrinkage and migration.

Abstract: An automatic photosensitive material conveying apparatus to be disposed between an recording apparatus and a developing apparatus having different conveying velocities. The conveying apparatus comprises an inlet for receiving the photosensitive material from the recording apparatus, an outlet for feeding the photosensitive material to the developing apparatus, a first and a second conveying units extending between the inlet and the outlet in parallel to each other, and a guide mechanism switchable between a position to guide the photosensitive material to the first conveyor unit and a position to guide the photosensitive material to the second conveyor unit. Each of the conveying units is selectively driven at the conveying velocity of the recording apparatus and that of the developing apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally developing a photosensitive material having an image produced by image-like exposure, comprising a heating roller, a plurality of support rollers, and a rotating endless belt stretched around these rollers. At least one of the support rollers is movable along its radius. A tension adjusting mechanism pushes the roller outwardly from the belt. The support rollers may have a flange on each end for preventing slippage of the endless belt from the rollers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for copying images on a master microfiche film into a copy microfiche film. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises an endless tensioning belt threaded around belt rollers, the tensioning belt pressing the master film and the copy film into intimate contact with each other and with an exposure surface, such that there is substantially no slippage between the exposure surface, the master film, the copy film and the tensioning belt. After leaving the exposure station, the copy film is passed through a development section and then through a cooling section. Drive means are provided for driving the copy film. In one aspect of the present invention, the master film and the tensioning belt are passively driven by the drive means by virtue of contact between the copy film and each of the master film and the tensioning belt, and the exposure surface is rotated by virtue of contact with the master film.

Abstract: The developing section in an image recording apparatus includes a belt having a heater incorporated therein, and the exposed sensitive material and belt are wound together onto a take-up roll for thermally developing the image. After development, rotating the take-up roll in the reverse direction unrolls the sensitive material and allows it to be forwarded on for image transfer.

Abstract: An essentially odorless photocopy development station, adopted for use in diazotype reprography apparatus, includes means for driving a copy bearing a latent image and means for developing said latent image, said copy drive means comprising a rotary cylinder engaging a tensioned fixed web and said web encircling a portion of the circumferential face surface of said cylinder, whereby a copy can be frictionally rotated therebetween, and said developing means comprising at least one pathway on the outside face surface of said web, with the interior of said pathway being in communicating relationship with the inside face surface of said web, e.g., via a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, and adopted to deliver developer material to a copy being frictionally rotated between said cylinder and said web.

Abstract: The device for duplicating microfilms or microfiches comprises an exposure section (4), a separating means (8) in which the two components (2,3) of the film material, viz. film original (2) and copying film (3) are mutually separated in the film plane during the further advance by a marginal guide means or keep-off plate (23) so that the copying film (3) immediately gets into the developing section (9) while the film original (2) is discharged laterally. The separating means (8) consists of an inclined roller assembly of two groups of transport rollers (12a, 12b, 12c; 13a, 13b) provided at both sides of the film material (2,3) and of which one group of at least two transport rollers (13a, 13b) is arranged in such a way that their roller axes (16a, 16b) extend obliquely relative to the opposite three lower transport rollers (12a, 12b, 12c).

Abstract: A material transport for conveying photographic materials in a light tight environment from a typesetter to a material processor. The transport is supported in a shroud which is connected to the processor by a pair of slides. The transporter includes at a delivery end a gasket member in compression with a material receiving slot in the processor. The transporter is supported along an axis adjacent said processor for pivotal movement to a service position. The shroud and transporter are thereby slidable to a service position, permitting access to one side of a typesetter.

Abstract: An electrophotocopier for relatively large and valuable originals such as engineering drawings, wherein an electrostatic image is formed by contact exposure using a fluorescent light source and wherein contamination of the original by solid or liquid components of the developer is prevented by a transparent membrane disposed between the photoconductive imaging surface and the original.

Abstract: There is disclosed a diazotype copier for deodorizing developed diazocopy material. The copier includes a light source for exposing the diazotype copy material and a developing chamber for developing the exposed copy material. After exiting the developing chamber, the developed material passes under a heating chamber which includes a heating element and means for providing a flow of air into the chamber, around the heating element, and across the developed copy material. The heating air releases the entrapped ammonia vapors from the developed copy material. Thereafter, the air, including the released ammonia vapors, flows toward and into a scavenging device which neutralizes the ammonia vapors.

Abstract: A thermal duplicating apparatus for forming a duplicate image of an original image by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive recording medium is provided. The present apparatus utilizes a flexible cylinder which is substantially transparent to the irradiated light ray. The flexible cylinder in effect rolls along the heat sensitive recording medium overlying an original in a flat state as pressed thereagainst to effect duplicating operation progressively from one end to the opposite end.

Abstract: A diazo copier having an exposure section, an ammonia developer section, a copy degassing section, and an enclosed copy receptacle. To develop an exposed copy, it is contacted with ammonia vapors in the development section. The ammonia vapors absorbed by the copy material are released by heating the copy to an elevated temperature in the degassing section from which the copy is deposited in the enclosed receptacle. The released ammonia vapors are removed from the copy by circulating a stream of air through the receptacle and around the copy.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a paper cutter, a hole puncher and a guide clip which engages a strip of printed paper for conveyance to a developer. As the printer operates intermittently while the developer operates continuously, a reservoir or buffer zone is provided for the paper between the two. A mechanism for storing guide clips automatically delivers and orients a guide clip so as to engage a transported paper strip for further conveyance therewith by means of a chain conveyor or the like. As the printer may move vertically independently of the fixed developer, the conveyor is made expandible so as to accommodate differences in the conveyance distance.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for achieving a thorough degassing of developed diazo copy material to eliminate the ammonia vapors permeating the developed diazo copy material as a result of the development process. The developed copy is moved from a development chamber containing the developing vapors into a degassing chamber, where the developed copy material is passed over a heated surface in intimate contact therewith to drive out the ammonia from the copy material. The ammonia vapors are carried away by a suction pump or fan to an external ammonia absorbing canister. In a first version, the heated contact surface is provided by a heated tube about which the developed print is drawn after passing off a developer-drive cylinder.

Abstract: In an apparatus for copying sheetlike originals, wherein a transport system feeds originals from a positioning surface onto an exposure plate and from the latter after exposure to a receiving tray, the positioning surface presents at least two distinct areas upon each of which an original can be laid ready to be fed in for copying and each area is bordered by a lateral arrest so that plural originals laid ready in the areas and against the arrests will be fed together to exact positions on the exposure plate for copying on one sheet of receiving material in one copying run of the apparatus. A system of open-front trays for piles of originals, each aligned with one of the positioning surface areas, facilitates the laying of originals in ready position. A control system responds to sensed presence of a complete set of originals in ready position to start a run.

Abstract: A photocopy machine is provided comprising an exposure roller for exposing a sensitized copy sheet to an original document to be copied and an applicator roller for applying a developer to the exposed copy sheet to produce a visible image. A drive means is provided for selectively operating the rollers in a first or a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, the rollers are positively driven in one direction for making copies and in the second mode of operation the rollers are free wheeling in either direction to facilitate removal of a sheet jam and servicing of the machine.

Abstract: A combined exposing and developing apparatus for film units wherein a negative sheet overlaps and extends beyond a positive sheet has an exposing unit in which the uppermost film unit of a stack of such units in a cassette is exposed to light. The developing unit has a casing which is adjacent to a compartment for cassettes and has two advancing rolls which pinch the leader of the negative sheet of a freshly exposed film unit in response to manual pivoting of a carriage for the advancing rolls by way of a rotary knob. The leader of the negative sheet is automatically separated from the positive sheet by a separating device in response to rotation of the knob before the two sheets advance through separate channels which are filled with a developing liquid. The sheets are thereupon reunited and moved into the nip of two squeezing rolls which are driven by the knob and wipe off the surplus of developing liquid before the reassembled film unit enters a diffusion chamber below the compartment for cassettes.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for achieving a thorough degassing of developed diazo copy materal to eliminate the ammonia vapors permeating the developed diazo copy material as a result of the development process. The developed copy is moved from a development chamber containing the developing vapors into a degassing chamber, where the developed copy material is passed over a heated surface in intimate contact therewith to drive out the ammonia from the copy material. The ammonia vapors are carried away by a suction pump or fan to an external ammonia absorbing canister. In a first version, the heated contact surface is provided by a heated tube about which the developed print is drawn after passing off a developer-drive cylinder.