Abstract: This invention provides a flexible method capable of appropriately determining whether 2-path printing can proceed especially to second-path processing, in order to apply a conventional upper limit management mechanism to a 2-path printing system. According to this invention, when executing 2-path printing, the printing system performs upper limit management based on the sheet count of use for a user. When executing second-path print processing, even if the count of sheets used by the user in first-path print processing has reached an upper limit value, print processing is permitted in second-path print processing.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a plurality of paper insertion modes. An image of a document is formed based on image data by an image reader. If a document which is read in a state different from other documents in a plurality of documents, it is decided as a document specifying paper insertion. When the document specifying paper insertion is detected, a second sheet different from a first paper is supplied for insertion. The image of the document specifying paper insertion may be formed on the second sheet, or no image is formed on the second sheet. In a different mode, the second sheet is inserted just before or after a first sheet on which the image of the document specifying paper insertion is formed.

Abstract: A fiber optic apparatus and method are provided for cross-connecting the individual optical fibers of a plurality of fiber optic ribbons. A plurality of individual optical fibers are routed on a flat substrate to form at least one first fiber optic ribbon leading onto the substrate and at least one second fiber optic ribbon leading away from the substrate to a terminating end of the ribbon. The individual optical fibers of at least the second fiber optic ribbon being routed in a predetermined sequence from one side of the ribbon to an opposite side thereof. The individual optical fibers at the terminating end of the second fiber optic ribbon are cut-off at different lengths in a predetermined pattern correlated to the predetermined sequence of fibers in order to visually identify any fiber which is out of the predetermined sequence.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for viewing a pattern of fluorophors capable of fluorescing when exposed to visible light, e.g., fluorescently stained DNA, protein or other biological material. The system includes a light source emitting light in the visible spectrum, such as a fluorescent lamp used in domestic lighting, a first optical filter capable of transmitting light from the source at wavelengths capable of exciting the fluorophors and of absorbing light of other wavelengths, and a second optical filter capable of blocking substantially all the light from the source not blocked by the first filter, so that the only light reaching the viewer is light produced by fluorescence of the fluorophors.

Abstract: A contact printer for printing negatives in rows and columns directly onto photographic paper comprises a flat smooth base plate having a pair of upstanding pins adjacent one side edge. The pins are mounted in slots so as to be adjustable longitudinally of the side edge both in spacing and in distance from the bottom edge. The negatives are placed in rows and columns within an archival preserver sleeve which has holes along one side edge engaged over the pins to locate the sleeve and therefore the negatives on the base plate. Photographic paper is inserted under the sleeve and is located on the base plate by engagement with the pins and by alignment of the bottom edge of the paper with the bottom edge of the base plate. This ensures that the negatives are properly aligned with the paper. A transparent cover plate is also provided to press the negatives onto the paper for exposure of the paper by light directed through the transparent cover plate.

Abstract: A picture image editing system, incorporating a page memory device, having an editing subsystem and a boundary writing subsystem. The system is capable of writing desired boundary region data for at least some of the demarcating areas of a plurality of sets of picture image data to the page memory device, and of performing such writing operations in the course of or alternatively after the editing of the picture image data, such that boundary region data is present in a visually perceptible form, in a visually imperceptible form, or in a combination of both of these forms.

Abstract: A vacuum contact printing device comprises a pair of frame members for supporting a pair of originals disposed on both sides of a base member and a pair of transparent plates disposed outside the frame members. A first vacuum chamber is formed between the paired originals and a second vacuum chambers are formed between the paired originals and the transparent plates. A vacuum device is connected to the first and second vacuum chambers for exhausting inner air in the first and second chambers for reducing inner pressures thereof and being capable of releasing the vacuum condition at least in the second vacuum chamber. There is provided an exposure apparatus to which the original contact printing device is applicable, in which original contact devices are movable from exposure positions to other positions and a supplemental original contact device is movable to the exposure position.

Abstract: A photographic printer is provided for producing customized photographic prints including a customer-supplied image and an operator-selected artwork. The printer includes a new and improved film gate for supporting at least one printable artwork substantially coplanar with and adjacent to the customer-supplied artwork. The film gate further includes means for supporting a neutral density filter in registry with the artwork. In operation, the printer lamphouse and printing lens are used to print the artwork, during the same exposure as the negative, in a selected position relative to the negative. The printer can be used, for example, to produce customized greeting cards including a customer-supplied image and a holiday greeting.