Abstract: A structure forming apparatus includes a rotary body, an irradiation unit, and a holding member. On the rotary body, a mask that is subjected to patterning is capable of being disposed. The irradiation unit is capable of irradiating an area along an axis direction of a rotation of the rotary body with an energy line with the mask intervened therebetween. The holding member is disposed to be opposed to the rotary body so that a holding area that holds a material cured with the energy line is formed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: a circuit board including a varistor, an electric part different from the varistor, and a heatsink for the electric part, the circuit board being supplied with a voltage from a commercial power source; a fan configured to cool the circuit board; and a housing configured to house the circuit board, wherein an opening is formed in the housing, wherein a cross-section shape of the heatsink is a U-shape, the varistor is positioned between a first wall portion and a second wall portion of the heatsink so that the heatsink straddles the varistor, and a position of the heatsink in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the heatsink overlaps with a position of the opening in the direction so that an air is caused to flow between the first wall portion and the second wall portion through the opening by the fan.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and apparatus useful in the nanopatterning of large area substrates, where a rotatable mask is used to image a radiation-sensitive material. Typically the rotatable mask comprises a cylinder. The nanopatterning technique makes use of Near-Field photolithography, where the mask used to pattern the substrate is in contact or close proximity with the substrate. The Near-Field photolithography may make use of an elastomeric phase-shifting mask, or may employ surface plasmon technology, where a rotating cylinder surface comprises metal nano holes or nanoparticles.

Abstract: Rolls include a core and a glass outer coating on the core. The glass can be electrically charged and discharged. The outer coatings have smooth finishes and controlled electrical properties. The outer coatings can also provide selected mechanical, chemical and thermal properties. The rolls can be used in various applications in which controlled electrical properties are desired. For example, the rolls can be used as charge donor rolls in electrostatographic imaging apparatus.

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

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

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

Abstract: A mask is used for mounting a sensitized sheet, such as a printing plate, onto the surface of an exposure drum. The mask, acting as an intermediary between the exposure drum and the printing plate, is a flexible sheet, with a top and bottom surface, that is mounted about the exposure drum. A groove formed within the top surface of the flexible sheet is used for securing the printing plate by means of a vacuum. A passageway formed within the flexible sheet connects the groove to the bottom surface and receives a vacuum from the exposure drum. Plates of different sizes are mounted to the exposure drum by interchangeable masks of corresponding sizes.

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: 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: An image scanning apparatus comprises a linear light source being arranged in parallel with a picture plane to be scanned. The linear light source is composed of a cylindrical rod made of a transparent material on which light diffusing reflecting layer of stripe-shaped is provided along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical, rod and a lighting means for entering light fluxes into the inside of the rod at least from one end thereof to emit light fluxes each having directivity from the outer surface of the rod.

Abstract: A drum type image scanning and recording apparatus, with a drum around whose cylindrical external surface a film is fixedly wrapped and a drum-driving apparatus mechanically coupled to the drum for rotating the drum, has a string tensionally stretched nearby and along the external surface of the drum in parallel with the drum axis by a string stretching device. A swing detecting device detects the swing of the string produced when part of the film and the string are in contact with each other, as when the drum is rotating and the film separates away from the drum external surface. The rotation of the drum is stopped in response to an abnormality detection signal from the swing detecting device, thus precluding significant physical separation of the film from the drum.

Abstract: A method of rolling a photosensitive film on a drum wherein the film is wound on the drum being held at the seam by a double-sided adhesive band and then heat shrunk into a smooth surface on the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as in a copying machine, by which an original sheet and a light-sensitive sheet can be fed along separate feed paths toward and onto one another and then one upon another through a station for exposure of the light-sensitive sheet to a light image of the original sheet is provided with a control system, including a separating device disposed to act on the sheets passing from the exposure station, whereby after an exposure the original sheet can be led away from the light-sensitive sheet irrespective of the relative position of the sheets fed for the exposure. A detector sensing the leading edge of an original sheet in its own feed path, activates the control system which in turn puts the separating device into operation after the lapse of a period of time corresponding to the time of transport of the leading edge of the original sheet from the detector up to the separating device.

Abstract: A device, which is especially useful in color scanning equipment and the like, for supporting a photograhic transparency on a scanning cylinder, in which the cylinder surface is provided with a window and a layer of magnetic rubber surrounding the window, and a trimming mask made of magnetic material held in position by the rubber magnet layer, thereby enabling the support of the photographic transparency to be scanned between the trimming mask and the magnet layer so that the transparency covers the window.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for contact printing which comprises moving a photographic image-bearing web and a photosensitive web in close contact, and at substantially uniform speed past an exposure position in which the photosensitive web is exposed to light that passes through the transparency web. A vapor generator is provided with its output connected to a nozzle which injects vapors at the nip formed by the two intersecting webs in advance of the exposure position such that a micro-thin layer of condensation is provided between the webs so that intimate contact is established between the webs at the time they are brought together in a film gate at the exposure position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a seamless printing roll. A liquid photosensitive resin is applied to the space between a process cylinder and a rigid plate which is transparent to actinic light. Relative movement is provided between the cylinder and the plate perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, while the cylinder is rotated in synchronization with the relative movement of the rigid plate to evenly spread the photosensitive resin. The photo-sensitive resin is simultaneously exposed in the space between the cylinder and rigid plate.

Abstract: A fixing device in which a toner image support member is pressure-held between and conveyed by a pair of rollers at least one of which is heated to a temperature at which the toner image may be fixed on the support member, characterized in that the end of at least one of the rollers which tends to be higher in temperature is cooled or the opposite end of said at least one roller is supplied with heat, whereby the thermally expanded state of said at least one roller and the thermally expanded state of the other roller are maintained in such a condition that the toner image support member is not laterally displaced from a predetermined conveyance path.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a relief printing form which is at least partially cylindrical from a liquid photopolymerizable molding material. In accordance with the process, a molding material is spread over the internal surface of the cylindrical wall by centrifugal force and hardened in the desired places with ultraviolet light to form an image corresponding to a printing design. The nonhardened portions of the molding material are then removed. The cylindrical wall is a transparent cylindrical tube. An exchangeable image-bearing film is placed on the inside of the tube.Photopolymerizing radiation of the printing form material is effected during rotation of the transparent cylindrial tube. An exchangeable image-bearing film is placed on the inside of the tube. Photopolymerizing radiation of the printing form material is effected during rotation of the transparent cylinder by means of one or more radiation sources distributed around the circumference of the transparent cylinder.

Abstract: Electrical components in an elongated array are suspended within the interior of a sleeve type closed loop member such as a rotatable photoconductor drum or closed loop belt of a compact copier. Preferably some of the components are mounted on a board and held within the sleeve by edge slots or the like in sleeve mounting end caps, attached to the machine frame. A drive motor can be attached as part of the array and further can be arranged to drive a fan blade so that cooling air is forced through the sleeve and over the components so that the sleeve acts as a plenum. Power can be coupled from the drive motor through the end mounts to motivate the sleeve in the direction of its closed loop and/or apply power to other components of the copier.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a seamless printing roll. A liquid photosensitive resin is applied to the space between a process cylinder and a rigid plate which is transparent to actinic light. Relative movement is provided between the cylinder and the plate perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, while the cylinder is rotated in synchronization with the relative movement of the rigid plate to evenly spread the photosensitive resin. The photosensitive resin is simultaneously exposed in the space between the cylinder and rigid plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of duplicate micro and other film from an original film in which the duplicate film of considerably greater length than the original film is housed on a spool in a light tight magazine and fed therefrom through a light trapped slot, the duplicate film and the original film being fed together over a transparent cylinder in a lamp house, an opaque slotted cylindrical sleeve surrounded by the cylinder and a lamp within the sleeve. The films are held in contact with the cylinder by an endless belt driven synchronously with the take up spools for the films, a sensing finger being mounted to engage the original film as it is taken up by the delivery spool to stop the apparatus a predetermined interval after the last image on the film. The duplicate film in the magazine operates a meter to register the length of film remaining on the spool in the magazine.

Abstract: An electrostatic printing or copying device has a charge image of a form to be printed generated on a photoelectric recording medium with the assistance of a forms printing device. The forms printing device comprises a roller having a transparent cylinder which is arranged between two roller receiving flanges and a lamp tube arranged in the roller. The master copy to be imaged is applied to the transparent cylinder and is illuminated with the assistance of the lamp tube so as to be imaged on the recording medium. A drum acceptance flange is provided with a groove and a peripheral gear for a simple interchange of the roller. The roller is slipped onto the lamp tube for securing the roller in the printer. Subsequently the lamp tube, along with the roller, is rotated with respect to a housing part so that a centering roller engages in the groove of the roller acceptance flange and brings the roller into the correct position.

Abstract: An automatic microfiche duplicator having an upper receiving slot for receiving a copy sheet and master sheet, and a first conveyor which transports the copy sheet and master sheet together in a generally horizontal direction past an exposure cylinder where the copy is exposed and then to a separator which automatically separates the master sheet down and away from the copy sheet. Three embodiments of the separator are illustrated (FIGS. 9-11, 12-14, and 15a-c). The master sheet is then delivered to a reverse, lower conveyor which conveys the master sheet in a reverse horizontal path to an exit tray located below and near the receiving slot. A second upper conveyor transports the exposed copy sheet in the same general horizontal direction as before to a belt driven cylindrical heat developer and then down to a cooling tray where the copy is held for a few seconds.

Abstract: In an elongate exposure assembly in a copying machine, an illumination cylinder is nested in an array of elongate rolls which cooperate with endless elastic belts to drive the cylinder and feed the originals and copy sheets around the same. The rolls are of minimum stiffness, but are nevertheless capable of acting to feed the sheets correctly by reason of one or more self-locating spreader plates arranged at appropriate positions along their lengths to hold the rolls locally in the proper relationship to each other. Each such plate is provided with a throat opening into the cylinder receiving opening to provide access for the sheets to be exposed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuously patterning a photosensitive tape or foil wherein a master pattern and the tape or foil are synchronously coupled. An optical system comprising a plano-convex lens, a concave spherical mirror, and a pair of right-angle prisms is optically-coupled between the master pattern and the tape or foil for projecting an image of the pattern onto the tape. The optical system is such that the movement of the image is in the same direction as the movement of the tape. The apparatus is such that patterning can take place through projecting an image on one or on both sides of the tape. Alternatively, projecting an image on one side of the tape and contact printing of a pattern on the other side of the tape is also made possible by the apparatus.

Abstract: In the non-mechanical printing art relating to equipment for reproducing a negative on a photoelectric data carrier, a mechanical device for readily detachably applying a negative to a cylinder in such a manner as to assure flush application of the negative to the cylinder and proper positioning of the negative. The negative is provided with a spring contact strip at the leading edge and a knob contact strip at the trailing edge. The film is wrapped around the cylinder such that springs on the spring contact strip are caused to snap over knobs on the knob contact strip causing a tight wrapping of the film about the cylinder. The spring contact strip and the knob contact strip are positioned in proper registry with the film by the use of round and square locating markers and corresponding holes on the films and the strips respectively.

Abstract: A printing head assembly is disclosed for use in a contact film printer for exposing raw stock film with a preprint film or negative. The printing head assembly includes an aperture jaw through which light is projected onto the film strips to transfer the images from the preprint film onto the raw stock. The printing head is adapted to be mounted with the aperture jaw adjacent a drive sprocket for driving the film webs past the aperture in a contact relationship and at a predetermined rate. The edge of the preprint film strip opposite the drive sprocket is supported by a shoulder or idler ring rotatably mounted within the printing head by a stationary support shaft. The support shaft is mounted with its axis extending at a small angle with respect to the horizontal. The rotating shoulder thus rotates in a plane offset from the vertical to permit sufficient clearance for the printing light beam to be projected through the printing aperture.

Abstract: A paper guiding device for the discharge of copied original sheets from and mountable on copying machines. Said guiding device comprises first elongated flexible guide means provided with fastening means for mounting adjacent the opening from which the original is discharged, the free end or ends of which extend curvedly and vertically upward and backwardly over portions of the front and top surfaces of the copier; a second elongated shorter guide means mounted along the upper front edge of the copier and extending bidirectionally curvedly thereover, beneath and substantially parallel with a length portion of the first guide means; the original, in being discharged, is caused to move upwardly on and along the first guide means, and then into the passage formed by the overlapping portions of said two guide means and beyond, to the top surface of the copier.

Abstract: Method for the production of a serigraphic screen by the photochemical method, characterized by the fact that, starting from a blank tubular screen obtained by tubular weaving or by closing a flat fabric on itself, one at least of the faces of the screen is coated with a photosensitive film, against the screen is placed a transparent tubular masking film bearing the design to be printed in ink in opaque zones, stretching the masking film and the screen axially and radially, under the conditions of tension wherein the finished screen will be used for the printing, urging the screen and the masking film against one another, and exposing to actinic rays, on the side of the masking film, the assembly of the superimposed masking film and screen, the photosensitive film being then removed by washing in the zones of the screen covered by the opaque zones of the masking film during exposure, while it remains in the irradiated zones.

Abstract: A heat transfer assembly is provided having heat transfer elements which contact end portions of a pressure roller of a fuser assembly. A heat transfer fluid is caused to pass over the elements in response to a signal to remove heat therefrom thereby cooling such portions of the pressure roller in contact with the elements.

Abstract: The optical distortion device which can make a contact copy of a photographic film image with one dimension of the copy lengthened or shortened while the perpendicular dimension is unchanged is comprised of a pair of cylindrical motor driven rollers, at least one of which can be driven at a variable speed. The axes of the rollers are disposed parallel to each other and to a narrow slit through which a beam of light is directed. A photographic image and a sheet of photosensitive material are disposed in superimposed relation with one edge of each secured to a respective roller so that upon rotation of the rollers the photographic image and the photosensitive sheet will be simultaneously moved over the light slit.