Abstract: A solar reactive device is set forth for imparting images on light sensitive paper. Light sensitive paper is positioned within an open container whereupon a positive transparency is positioned thereover and finally a plastic-like cover encloses the contents. The container is positioned to receive solar light for a time period, whereupon the plastic-like cover is removed along with the positive transparency. Further utilization of solar light effects clarification of an image imparted via the removed positive transparency.

Abstract: A control mechanism of an automatic document feeder for an electrophotographic copying machine is provided with a plurality of document discharge trays and a selecting device to select one of the document discharge trays to receive a document which has been processed and discharged. The control mechanism generally selects a specified one of the document discharge trays when documents are set on a supply tray and transported sequentially by the feeder. Only while the first of these documents is being transported from the supply tray into a processing position, however, the control mechanism selects a tray other than the specified one such that a document which may have been left inadvertently in the feeder by the previous user does not become mixed with the documents which are discharged subsequently.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus used in a copying apparatus of the type using separate diffusion transfer photographic materials, and a photosensitive material in the form of a roller contained in a magazine which is withdrawn and cut to a predetermined length to form a photosensitive sheet. A latent image is created in the photosensitive sheet by exposing it using a light source, and an image-receiving material in the form of a sheet is superposed under the exposed photosensitive sheet. A positive image is formed on the image-receiving material using a diffusion transfer processing. The image-receiving sheet is withdrawn from a cassette wherein a stack of image-receiving sheets are contained.

Abstract: A method of picture recording in which a surface of a photosensitive material is exposed to light containing a picture image and the exposed surface of the photosensitive material is superposed on an image receiving surface of an image receiving material so as to transfer the picture image obtained on the exposed surface of the photosensitive material onto the image receiving surface of the image receiving material. Judgment is then made as to whether the surface of the image receiving material to be superposed on the photosensitive material is the image receiving surface by using a detection device for detecting an absorption or reflection factor for light of a wavelength peculiar to the image receiving surface before the photosensitive material is superposed on the image receiving material, so that feeding of the image receiving material may be stopped when the judgment proves that the detected surface is not the image receiving surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of printing through a contact exposure in a step-and-repeat machine which is constituted by a photosensitive material holder for supporting a photosensitive material, an original film holder having a transparent base plate for fixedly holding an original film and having a holder frame defining a first chamber between the photosensitive material holder and the base plate, first suction means for holding the original film on the base plate, second suction means for evacuating air within the first chamber, and a light source disposed behind the original film for exposing the photosensitive material through the original film.

Abstract: The invention sets forth an exceedingly accurate, however simple system or process for preparation of an Offset Printing-plate for consistant aligned matrices, while eliminating costly time consuming procedures and expensive apparatus of alignment; whereby: (a) the 2-dimensional graphic-art article is affixed to a standard Photo-table adjacent to a simple reference-line, as a preliminary registration-reference means; (b) the resulting repro-film is then provided with a special `anti-stretch`/backing-strip at one end (if it is of the inexpensive paper type place), and then placed upon a special zero-registration platen equipped with a special `floating Sight-wire` is to be visually aligned in superimposition over the said Ref.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing photosensitive media is disclosed in which the light reaching or passing through photosensitive media is monitored, with the exposure being terminated after the desired amount of light has been received. Slope control circuitry is provided to selectively and non-linearly vary the exposure with variations in the density of originals which are being copied simultaneously. In a wide variety of applications the apparatus produces high quality prints, by automatically compensating for variations in exposure due to, for example, variations in the number of originals being copied.

Abstract: An improved method for automatically focusing an integrated circuit manufacturing projection step and repeat photolithography printer employing an optical signal to focus the printer is disclosed. The automatic focusing is achieved by reflecting an optical signal off a photoresist layer on the surface of a wafer and converting the reflected optical signal into an electronic signal employed to focus the printer. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a dye which absorbs light at the wavelength the optical signal is added to the photoresist layer to improve the quality of the reflected optical signal thereby considerably reducing or eliminating focusing errors.

Abstract: Paste-consistency photopolymer is imaged onto printed wiring boards by coating the board overall and positioning the photographic film over the board in register and off-contact. A resilient blade is pressed against the phototool at one end of the board and drawn across the surface, thus forcing the photographic film into intimate contact with the photopolymer and purging all air therebetween. Mounted on the resilient blade aft of leading edge is a shuttered tubular lamp which hardens the photopolymer where the photographic film is clear, so that in a single pass the photographic film is sequentially mated and photopolymer exposed, to produce line widths unmatched by competing dry film systems and at speeds of 0.5 feet per second.

Abstract: A method of screening half-tone picture themes, in which the gray tones of the half-tone picture theme are reproduced by changes in the structural width of a basic screen structure having any desired form. The assignment of a gray tone area of the half-tone picture theme to the screen structure width reproducing this gray tone area may be selectively determined. In a photographic version of the inventive method (FIG. 1), a basic screen structure 1 of any form is prepared and used to produce broadening screen structures as negative films 9,11. The same number of tone separations 20,22 is produced as negative films from the picture theme 13 to be screened, each of which tone separations reproduces a certain gray tone area of the half-tone picture theme which can be adjusted by the exposure time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous and automatic operation control method and apparatus for an automatic photo-composer, and is composed mainly of the steps of attaching a mark such as a bar code on a photographic original plate prior to the printing work by a photo-composer, setting up the predetermined amount of a photographic original plate and a photosensitive plate in a holder of the automatic photo-composer, reading the contents of the mark attached on each photographic original plate by a mark reader arranged in the photo-composer after starting to operate the photo-composer, and causing the automatic photo-composer to execute processes necessary for the photographic original plate in accordance with the computer program.

Abstract: In a method for preparing in partiuclar portrait photos by means of montage, a torso specimen is combined with a head specimen previously cut-out along its contour and fitted to scale, and this combination is photographed.In order to prepare in simple and rapid manner a large number of different yet high-quality montages, the torso specimen is photomechanically transferred to a transparent foil, the transparent foil is opaqued on its back side in the area of the torso specimen, the transparent foil is placed on a background pattern and the head specimen is sandwiched between the transparent foil and the background pattern for its combination with the torso specimen.

Abstract: A photograph artwork containing a one to one scale exact image of the circuit pattern to appear on a fabricated printed-wiring board is modified in a predetermined manner. This has the effect of equalizing the amount of metallic conductive circuits on a double sided printed wiring board or panel. The resulting board or panel is plated uniformly on both sides when passed through the electrodeposition cycle of a fabrication process.

Abstract: There is described an improved vacuum sheet for use in contact vacuum frames, the sheet including at least two planar sheets of material joined together to form a seam therebetween, and a third planar sheet of material applied to one side of said at least two sheets to be substantially centered over the seam formed therebetween.

Abstract: A contacting method comprises the steps of holding a photomask and a wafer at a predetermined interval, curving at least one of the photomask and the wafer so as to form a convexity relative to the other, and moving the photomask and the wafer relative to each other to bring them into intimate contact with each other.

Abstract: In a photofinishing operation, the correlation of order envelopes, films and the paper prints produced therefrom is carried out automatically. The order envelopes, films and the strip of paper prints are provided with the same machine-readable control number per order. These control numbers are monitored during final processing by machine and, in case of a lack of agreement, the cutting of the film and the paper is prevented and an appropriate alarm is actuated.

Abstract: A computer aided design (CAD) system is operative to generate an output containing only the additions and deletions to an existing master artwork. The CAD output is in turn applied to photoplotter equipment which produces a "delete" artwork containing line representations of only the etch/wires to be deleted from the original master artwork and an "add" artwork containing line representations of ony the etch/wires to be added to the same original master artwork. These two artworks are photographically combined with the original master artwork in a predetermined manner to produce a new PWB artwork which incorporates the added and deleted wire changes.

Abstract: A vacuum frame is provided with a work surface with a known reference center point. Two vacuum chambers on the underside of the work surface are included for a lithographic plate and an image carrier. Vacuum motors associated with the two vacuum chambers, upon actuation, cause the lithographic plate and image carrier to be tightly drawn up against the work surface through a plurality of small apertures formed through the work surface and communicating with the vacuum chamber. A plurality of arrays of registering pins are disposed in the work surface, each array having a known relationship to the center of the work surface. Each registering pin is adjustable to be flush with or project at selected elevations above the work surface.

Abstract: A method of screening half-tone picture themes, in which the gray tones of the half-tone picture theme are reproduced by changes in the structural width of a basic screen structure having any desired form. The assignment of a gray tone area of the half-tone picture theme to the screen structure width reproducing this gray tone area may be selectively determined. In a photographic version of the inventive method (FIG. 1), a basic screen structure 1 of any form is prepared and used to produce broadening screen structures as negative films 9,11. The same number of tone separations 20,22 is produced as negative films from the picture theme 13 to be screened, each of which tone separations reproduces a certain gray tone area of the half-tone picture theme which can be adjusted by the exposure time.

Abstract: A film mask handling device is disclosed herein having a base supporting a positive image slide in a mount or frame and a film mask carrying a negative image thereof in close fixed spaced apart relationship. Adhesive strips are carried on a pivotal and laterally movable yoke that initially aligns with and picks up the film mask for subsequent indexing with and attachment to the mount or frame via the adhesive strips so that the negative image on the mask is in registry with the positive image on the slide. A vacuum system is operably provided in the base for releasably holding the film mask and adhesive strips in relative positions during alignment and registry procedures. Controls are provided for sequentially releasing and picking up of the mask and strips respectively during the aforementioned procedures.

Abstract: The invention provides a master for use in image transfer by contact printing onto a transparent electrophotographic (TEP) film, which comprises an electrically insulating substrate having a planar surface which carries image elements deposited thereon; and a thin transparent insulating layer covering said planar surface and said image elements. The surface of the thin transparent insulating material is preferably profiled so that it comprises a base level and raised portions extending above said base level, the area of the raised portions being small compared to the total surface area of the transparent insulating layer. A thin transparent electrode may be incorporated between the substrate and the thin transparent insulating layer.Methods of forming such a master and of contact printing with it are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular printed circuit construction using visual or other representations (1 to 7) which can be arranged so as to produce a visual pattern in which continuous interconnections between the modules appear (automatically as a result of overlapping of individual representations). The composite visual pattern can be used to produce a unitary printed circuit board. Alternatively the individual printed circuit boards can be combined in a board assembly using a mounting frame or edge connectors. Two dimensional extension is possible. Particular applications include microprocessor systems (include parallel processors using a common memory). Bus lines can extend completely across individual representations or the unitary board. The positions of such lines can be determined in dependence on the number of individual representations to which they are common.

Abstract: A data carrier, in particular check paper, having a picture theme printed on by the dot screen, grain screen, line-half-tone combination or special screen techniques or as a line copy, which is printed over by a security pattern serving the purpose of protecting the data carrier. The picture theme is interrupted by a negative security pattern adapted to the security pattern, into which negative security pattern the security pattern is printed congruently. The lines of the negative security pattern are preferably wider than the lines of the security pattern, so that the lines of the security pattern integrated into the picture theme are at a certain distance from the lines of the negative security pattern in the entire picture area and do not touch the picture theme.

Abstract: Paste-consistency photopolymer is imaged onto printed wiring boards by coating the board overall and positioning the photographic film over the board in register and off-contact. A resilient blade is pressed against the phototool at one end of the board and drawn across the surface, thus facing the photographic film into intimate contact with the photopolymer and purging all air therebetween. Mounted on the resilient blade aft of leading edge is a shuttered tubular lamp which hardens the photopolymer where the photographic film is clear, so that in a single pass the photographic film is sequentially mated and photopolymer exposed, to produce line widths unmatched by competing dry film systems and at speeds of 0.5 feet per second.

Abstract: A method and article are disclosed for facilitating repeated use in a photolithographic imaging process of a photomask assembly comprising a pair of glass plates by means of a flexible polymeric hinge permanently joining said pair of glass plates.

Abstract: A pattern forming method comprising a step of disposing a substrate with a coated film of photosensitive composition and a mask having a predetermined pattern in a first liquid which does not dissolve said coated film of photosensitive composition, and a step of exposing said coated film to light through said mask. An apparatus for attaining this method is also disclosed. The influence of dust can be readily avoided and an image with high resolution is obtained.

Abstract: A color photoprinter having a scanning light source and automatic control of contrast excursion limits and exposure level is disclosed. The printer is particularly well suited to contact printing with opaque image receiving materials. A prescan of the original photographic transparency, only, is made to determine the initial exposure level and contrast excursion limits to be expected on the opaque receiving material, and to establish the required automatic exposure and dodging control signals. The original is rescanned to generate signals which represent an unsharp, luminous, contrast controlling mask. These signals are retained in a memory, such as an image storage tube. The opaque image receiving material is then moved into intimate contact with the original for the actual exposing scan, which takes place with the unsharp luminous mask electronically superimposed on the scanning light source, in order to provide automatic contrast and exposure level control of the image during the printing step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a distorted photographic reproduction from a negative photographic image, in which a sheet of photosensitive printing paper is attached to a planar surface of a table, the image negative is placed over the paper and a slitted mask is placed over the image negative. The image negative and the mask are moved laterally relative to one another and to the paper while the mask is exposed to a light source. To obtain a circular reproduction the mask is held stationary and the printing paper is rotated about an axis intersecting the slit while the image negative is moved laterally with respect to the slit.

Abstract: In a solid-state imaging device wherein filters of the three primary colors in the mosaic filter configuration are stacked on a solid-state imager LSI in which a plurality of picture elements each consisting of a photoelectric conversion element and a scanning element are arrayed in the shape of a matrix; a method of producing a solid-state imaging device wherein the dimensions of filter layout patterns on exposure masks for the respective colors used in case of manufacturing the color filters of:T.sub.R <T.sub.B <T.sub.Gwhere T.sub.R denotes the thickness of the red filter, T.sub.G that of the green filter and T.sub.B that of the blue filter, are smaller than the dimensions of the picture elements, and especially, the dimensions of the filter layout patterns on the exposure mask for manufacturing the green filters are the smallest.

Abstract: The method disclosed enables one to transfer an image from a translucent material to a photosensitized material. Initially a translucent material which includes an image is placed between an unexposed sensitized material, such as a film negative, and a source of light. The source of light is energized for a predetermined time interval to pass light through the translucent material onto the negative to transfer the image from the translucent material to the film negative. The film negative can then be used to expose a printing press plate, such as a lithographic plate. The method can be used to transfer either black and white or color line work, pre-screened image material and either black and white or color image material to one or more film negatives or sheets of sensitized material.

Abstract: For contact-printing an original such as a photographic negative on a light-sensitive material a vacuum printing frame is provided which comprises a first vacuum chamber between a light-transmitting plate and an elastic diaphragm, and a second vacuum chamber opposed to the first vacuum chamber across the diaphragm. The two vacuum chambers are evacuated simultaneously, with the original and sensitive material mounted in superposition in the first vacuum chamber. Upon subsequent introduction of atmospheric pressure into the second vacuum chamber the original and the sensitive material make close, uniform contact with each other, thereby making themselves ready for exposure. Another embodiment employs a third vacuum chamber disposed opposite to the first vacuum chamber across the light-transmitting plate. Evacuated simultaneously with the first and second vacuum chambers, the third vacuum chamber makes possible the use of a thinner light-transmitting plate, which normally is of glass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing printing patterns through the use of a liquid photosensitive resin system. A partially cured resin backing member is applied to a vertical supporting surface and a glass cover plate having a photographic negative mounted on the glass surface is positioned in spaced relation to the backing member. A liquid uncured photosensitive resin is introduced into the space between the backing member and the photographic negative, and an ultra-violet lighting unit is then positioned adjacent the glass cover plate to expose portions of the resin to the light through the photographic negative, causing the exposed portions of the resin to cure or crosslink. The lighting unit is oscillated to provide tapered edges on the exposed crosslinked areas of the resin. Following the crosslinking, the pattern can be removed and the uncured portions of the resin can be washed from the pattern.

Abstract: The condition of a photographic copying and associated developing machine for prints of color photographic negatives is evaluated by exposing a calibrating sample onto a first portion and by making a test exposure with preselected exposure data onto a second portion of photographic paper in the copying machine. The two portions of photographic paper are then developed in the developing machine, and the thus obtained developed prints are monitored in the copying machine by comparing their densities in various colors with preselected reference densities. The results of comparison are indicative whether the machines operate satisfactorily, whether the copying machine requires one or more adjustments, or whether the developing machine is in need of at least one adjustment. The adjustment or adjustments can be effected automatically or upon examination of the results of comparison by an attendant.

Abstract: By providing a photographic original plate on which an original picture image and a light-shielding mask are formed, two identical pictures can be formed by exposing a sheet of photosensitive material with the original plate placed thereon and repeating the procedure after rotating the original plate 180 degrees about a point which is located outside of the picture image and the light-shielding mask. Though the two printed images are inverted relative to each other, the final prints are eventually cut apart along a central line and no problem arises. Through adoption of the method and the use of the novel photographic original plate, not only the printing process becomes simpler than conventional method but a better result in the final prints can be obtained.

Abstract: A method of providing full range color printing using duplicator technology is disclosed. The system utilizes subtractive color printing techniques, but avoids the necessity for color masking and generally eliminates color correction as well. Following exposure of multiple negatives to develop color separations, corresponding printing plates are prepared and developed. A proofing sequence is optional between the development of the negatives and the plates. The ultimate printing is achieved by feeding stock into a duplicator which carries each of the three basic negative complementary colors, in sequence; a "black" printer can also be used for a higher degree of contrast and tone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing printing patterns through the use of a liquid photosensitive resin system. A partially cured resin backing member is applied to a vertical supporting surface and a glass cover plate having a photographic negative mounted on the glass surface is positioned in spaced relation to the backing member. A liquid uncured photosensitive resin is introduced into the space between the backing member and the photographic negative, and an ultraviolet lighting unit is then positioned adjacent the glass cover plate to expose portions of the resin to the light through the photographic negative, causing the exposed portions of the resin to cure or crosslink. The lighting unit is oscillated to provide tapered edges on the exposed crosslinked areas of the resin. Following the crosslinking, the pattern can be removed and the uncured portions of the resin can be washed from the pattern.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for use in replicating information from a master record carrier, such as a videodisc, onto a replicate material in web form. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed replication apparatus comprises supply, exposure and takeup chambers. A web cleaning device in the supply chamber cleans the replicate material of foreign particles. In the exposure chamber, the replicate material and a master record carrier are brought into close contact in order to make a contact print exposure. The exposed replicate material is stored in the takeup chamber.

Abstract: A color picture tube having a slit type apertured mask, wherein the slit apertures are arranged in columns and the apertures in each column are separated by webs is improved by increasing the radius of curvature of the ends of the apertures at the webs to substantially greater than half the width of the central portions of the respective apertures. Such aperture shape may be achieved by a method wherein the aperture images of a photomaster used in fabricating the mask have greater width at the ends thereof than at the centers of the aperture images.

Abstract: Paste-consistency photopolymer is imaged onto printed wiring boards by use of glass exposure plate having opaque image areas which contact portions of the board on which photopolymer is not to be exposed, and having clear areas elevated above the photopolymer surface. A printed wiring board is coated with UV-curable solder mask photopolymer and exposed to a strong UV lamp through the glass plate pressed against the printed wiring board by atmospheric pressure. As the glass plate does not contact the photopolymer, trapped air can escape and the gloss surface of the photopolymer is preserved. A non-collimated light source is used to produce high resolution photopolymer coatings at line speeds of 12 feet per minute. Where opaque and raised images contact printed wiring board, photopolymer there between is extruded sideward to form beneficial areas of increased photopolymer thickness. In addition to solder mask imaging, graphics of several colors can be produced.

Abstract: A method of making overlay masks for photoetching of printing plates with printing matter utilizes a photoplotter having an optical exposure head to precisely expose a photosensitive film in a predetermined mask pattern. The pattern may include symbols, "knock out" windows for cropping pictures in both grey and color halftones, and line work such as framing for pictures and other printing matter.

Abstract: A method of making a mask and a wafer intimately contact each other by means of such a mask aligning apparatus comprising a base having a chamber, a piston apparatus movable up and down in the chamber, a wafer chuck provided at one end of the piston apparatus and adapted to fix the wafer, means for fixing the mask to the upper surface of the wafer in a superposed relationship, drive means adapted to impart a driving force to the piston, so as to move the wafer toward the mask, and means for biasing the piston apparatus in the direction to move the wafer away from the mask.

Abstract: Information on a patient chart is imaged onto a first portion of a dielectric receptor sheet simultaneously with, prior to or subsequent to exposure of a second portion of the receptor sheet to object-modulated X-rays in an ionography imaging chamber. The sheet has an outer layer consisting of polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene terephthalate and is brought into intimate contact with a chart at a station where the chart and the overlapping first portion of the sheet are exposed to electromagnetic radiation issuing from an electronic flash unit. This results in the formation of a latent image of the information on the first sheet portion, and such image is thereupon converted into a visible image, either on the receptor sheet or on a separate sheet, in accordance with a xerographic developing technique by resorting to toner particles. The sheet can be reused by neutralizing its charge, e.g., by heating its layer to a temperature approximately 10.degree. C.

Abstract: Signature verification and authentication systems are disclosed which include documents each of which bears a cryptographic representation of at least one property of a signature of an authorized user thereof modified in accordance with at least one of a set of indicia identifying the document with its authorized user. Apparatus are disclosed whereby said cryptographic representations can be decrypted and authenticated, using said indicia as a key. Apparatus are disclosed for producing such cryptographic representations on documents, which apparatus include cryptographic means for producing cryptographic representations of signatures and means for modifying the operation of these cryptographic means in accordance with one or more of said indicia. Methods of signature verification and authentication using documents bearing such cryptographic representations are disclosed.

Abstract: In certain types of printing applications (for example optical or magnetic contact printing) wherein it is desired to transfer imagery from a master device to a replicate device, providing and maintaining close contact between the master device and the replicate device poses certain problems. These problems become even more acute if the surfaces to be contacted are of large area. In accordance with the present invention, close contact over even large areas is obtained between a master device and a replicate device by forming a thin and uniform liquid layer between the master and replicate devices, thus producing a vacuum effect which serves to tightly press the master and replicate devices together.

Abstract: There is described a unique apparatus which is especially useful with very thin masks used in X-ray lithography, transmission electron lithography or electron projection lithography. The apparatus includes temperature stabilization means for counteracting the deleterious effects in the mask caused by absorption of energy from the energy source as well as positioning means for precisely spacing thin masks for proximity lithography techniques. The thermal effects are counteracted by providing a chuck which supports the substrate to be acted upon. A thermally conductive layer, for example a fluid or other conformable medium, can be provided between the substrate and the chuck. The mask is similarly spaced from the substrate by a thin layer of thermally conductive material, for example, a low pressure gas which is capable of passing the energy in question. The precise spacing of the mask is controlled by the use of a source which establishes an electrostatic charge between the substrate and the mask.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer holder, for use in discharge and other processing apparatus, comprised of a non-magnetic frame having an opening defined by an inner wall for receiving a wafer. A non-magnetic circular flange extends out from the frame body over the inner wall forming a bottom surface extending partially into the opening. The bottom surface acts as a mechanical stop for the top surface of a wafer forced up into the opening by a spring-loaded bottom plate. A spring-loaded plunger mechanism extends through a hole in the frame and inner wall into the opening to contact the side edge of a wafer in the opening and forces the wafer into contact with side-edge mechanical stops.

Abstract: A process for developing a photosensitive material, and a device therefor, are disclosed wherein an image on a photosensitive material consisting of a cover base laminated through the intermediary of a photosensitive layer to a support member is developed into a visible image by stripping the cover base from the support member. A preliminary stripping step of stripping the cover base from the support member in the leading end portion thereof is first performed. This is immediately followed by the reorientation of the leading end portion of the cover base to bring the same into registration with the support member. Therefore, a final stripping step is performed wherein the cover base is successively separated from the leading end portion thereof towards the trailing end thereof from the support member.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically producing finished lithographic plates from supplies of blank plates and negatives. The apparatus provides automatic sequential steps of coating and punching the blank plates, exposing the plates through the negatives, developing and bending the plates, and delivering them to an exit station. Vacuum locks are utilized for registration throughout the apparatus to provide positive registration and prevent injury to the plates or negatives. A vacuum locked registration carriage provides positive registration between a plate to be exposed and a negative and vacuum locks are provided in the exposure station which cooperate with the carriage. The apparatus is completely enclosed to prevent contamination by dust or the like.

Abstract: An automatic registration system for four-color image stripping employs in one embodiment a first punching press having a grid pattern die on which a "MYLAR" sheet carrier with desired windows is laid, and, on this, single color images are laid at the respective windows; registration holes are then punched at selectable positions keying the single color images to the carrier by use of a correspondingly-grid-patterned transparent punch holder providing good visual access for selection of positions in the grid pattern at which to mount punches, and a ram which drives the punches against compression-spring bias. Following perforation of the registration holes in the Mylar sheet carrier, each single color image is removed and matched with the remaining single color images of the four-color set to which it belongs, with appropriate locator pins inserted in prepunched holes customarily supplied in each for the color separation stage keying them together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a copying machine of the type in which a toner image bearing member is passed between heating and pressure rollers for thermally fixing the toner image on such member, in which the rollers are rotated under low pressure by a reversible sub-motor; upon initiating a copying action under high pressure a main motor is used to drive both the rollers and the paper feeding mechanism, while the sub-motor is reversed to actuate a high-pressure forming mechanism. At the end of the copying action, the main motor is cut out and the sub-motor again reversed to its original direction to rotate the rollers under low pressure; rotation of the rollers by the sub-motor may be at a lower speed than when they are driven by the main motor.