Abstract: An information recording apparatus, includes a semiconductor light source responsive to an information signal to be recorded to produce information light; a photosensitive member for receiving the information light produced by said semiconductor light source; a driver for supplying to said semiconductor light source an electric current I.sub.0 having a current level lower than a light emitting threshold current Ith of said semiconductor light source before said semiconductor light source is driven in accordance with the information signal to be recorded, so that said semiconductor light source heats itself by the application of the current I.sub.0. Thus when the apparatus is in a stand-by state, the semicondcutor light source is supplied with an electric current which has a lower level than the threshold level, so that the semiconductor light source is self-heated due to the low level current.

Abstract: A multi-magnification, short focal length imaging system is enabled by providing a lens assembly having a plurality of short focal length lens arrays formed within a unitary plastic or glass body. The lens arrays are composed of a plurality of lenslets formed by either a masking/radiation heat treating process when using a photosensitive glass or by plastic injection molding techniques. The lenslets are formed with the appropriate spacing parameters and lens axis tilt orientation to enable projection of a reduced or enlarged image of a document at an image plane. The lens assembly is translated and/or rotated in response to magnification reproduction values selected by an operator so as to place the appropriate lens array into an optical projection path.

Abstract: Coherence of an optical fiber bundle with randomly different geometries at its two ends is achieved electronically. A photosensitive random access memory is used as a sensor array to determine the addresses of fiber at which light exits when light is sequentially directed into consecutive fibers at the other end. The addresses are stored in a ROM and used to provide coherence of an otherwise unordered fiber optic bundle having one end formed in a linear array, for example, and used to scan documents. A printer also is described using electronically acieved coherence.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an image formation apparatus for producing both mirror images and normal images. The apparatus comprises an image inverting prism positionable selectively in an optical path of an image transmission device or outside thereof. The prism is so shaped as to give the same optical path length when positioned in the optical path and when positioned otherwise.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display is provided on the surface of a vidicon face plate. A number of conductive pins or electrodes connect to associated field effect transistors imbedded in the liquid crystal display for selectively energizing discrete areas in the liquid crystal display; the pins extend through the vidicon face plate. The electron beam of the vidicon is scanned sequentially across the terminals, and is turned on and off in accordance with stored binary data to impinge upon and selectively activate certain ones of the pins or electrodes, turning on the associated FET. After the full face of the vidicon has been scanned to form the desired pattern of activated FET's, a voltage is applied across the liquid crystal display. The area opposite each turned on FET will be appropriately polarized presenting a display on the outward facing surface of the display. This display is used to excite a photoconductive drum such as in an electrostatic photocopier to print a copy of the display data.

Abstract: A reproduction machine employing a gradient index fiber lens array having a mounting pin adjacent each end of the array body, a flat metallic array support surface in the machine against which the array abuts when in place in the machine, a mounting hole in the array support surface opposite each of the array mounting pins, the array mounting pins fitting snugly into the array mounting holes on assembly of the array with the support surface, and a pair of strip magnets on the side of the array facing the support surface for attracting and holding the array tightly against the support surface.

Abstract: A printer head comprises a plurality of light emitting portions (104) on one side of a rectangular substrate (101), the portions (104) being aligned in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the substrate, and two driver circuit units (112, 113) on the other side of the substrate (101) such that the respective input/output terminals of the units (112, 113) are aligned in a direction orthogonal to the aligning direction of the light emitting portions (104). Each of lead electrodes (106) of the light emitting portions (104) is connected to one of output terminals of first and second driver circuit units (112, 113) from one of first conductive strip lines (108) through a resistor (111), and the input terminals of the first and second driver circuits (112, 113) are connected to external connecting terminals (118).

Abstract: An image sensing head including a block, a multiplicity of light emitting optical fibers, a multiplicity of light receiving optical fibers, a multiplicity of light emitting elements connected to the light emitting optical fibers and a multiplicity of light receiving elements connected to the light receiving optical fibers. A thin sheet formed with an opening in a portion thereof which faces the sensing end portions of the light emitting and light receiving optical fibers is attached to one side of the image sensing head, so that a predetermined clearance can be maintained between the sensing side end portions of the light emitting and light receiving optical fibers and a document surface to be sensed by the image sensing head.

Abstract: An image exposing apparatus comprises a focusing optical system for focusing an image onto a photosensitive member and having a one-line array of a plurality of focusing light transmission media, and light intensity distribution correction means arranged in a light path for forming the image for eliminating an ununiformity of light intensity on the photosensitive member due to the focusing optical system.

Abstract: An electrophotographic copying machine includes a photosensitive drum. A first electrostatic latent image according to an original copy image is formed in a state wherein a certain electric charge is accumulated and an original copy image formed by a first light source like a halogen lamp is focussed on this photosensitive drum. In order to form an additional information other than the original copy image, an LED array as a second light source is provided. By the second light source the additional information is formed on the photosensitive drum as the second electrostatic latent image. In case of recording the additional information, a shield member is utilized to prevent the electrostatic latent image by the original copy from being formed in the corresponding region of the photosensitive drum. The photosensitive drum comprises a material like amorphous silicon which is able to react to both first and second light sources.

Abstract: Assembly for taking pictures in copiers comprising illuminating tubes, an optics and devices for driving in translational movement the original document in sheets for taking picture, line by line, wherein a light-proof housing disposed in the body of the copier comprises in the center, an assembly of optical fibres disposed along the length of the line, and on each side, an illuminating tubular assembly and a driving roller.

Abstract: An optical assembly for forming an image of the original to be copied on a photosensitive member at a selected magnification, is detachably mounted in a copying apparatus. The optical assembly includes a number of small imaging elements which are arranged in a row or rows in the direction crossing the optical axes of the imaging elements. The copying apparatus is provided with a detector for detecting the imaging magnification of the optical assembly mounted in the copying apparatus. The optical assembly provided with a portion actable on the detector.

Abstract: In m.sub.1 magnification copy mode, a photosensitive member, at the first exposure station is exposed to the light image of an original existing at the first illumination position through a first lens array. In m.sub.2 magnification copy mode, the photosensitive member, at the second exposure station, is exposed to the light image of the original existing at the second illumination position through a second lens array. The original is moved through the first and second illumination positions in sequence while the photosensitive member is moved through the first and second exposure stations in the order named. Registration rollers for feeding transfer materials to a transfer station is operated with different timings in the m.sub.1 magnification and m.sub.2 magnification modes, these timings being different from each other by a period of time which corresponds to the spacing between the first and second exposure stations.

Abstract: A reduction/enlargement gradient index lens array is provided which comprises several groups of square-ended fibers, the fibers within a particular group being of the same length. Group fiber length decreases generally from center to the ends of the array. The group are assembled in a characteristic fan-like fashion to form a reduction/enlargement lens array.

Abstract: A high resolution printing head for a line printer using photographic recording medium has a plurality of modules connected to form a two dimensional printing array. Each module has three fiber optic ribbons bonded together to form a staggered array of fibers. An apertured mask is photolithographically attached to the two dimensional array so that there is one aperture positioned over each fiber. The aperture has a cross-section less than the fiber so there is no overlapping of output light from each fiber and the apertures are also staggered so that a three fold increase in line density is achieved over conventional single ribbon arrays.

Abstract: The optical printing apparatus comprises a fluorescent lamp light source, a shield plate for blocking substantially all of the light emitted from the light source, a liquid crystal panel subject to irradiation with the light emitted from the light source and passing through a slit in the shield plate. The liquid crystal panel includes a plurality of light valves. A driver is disposed on the outside of the shield plate for selectively opening and closing the light valves. Fibers disposed below the liquid crystal panel and functionally equivalent to a self-focusing lens direct incident light, which has passed through the light valves, onto a photosensitive drum and printing is completed in the conventional manner. The light source, slit, liquid crystal panel and fibers are arranged in a line. The temperature and brightness of the light source are precisely controlled with feedback circuits and the liquid crystal panel is temperature controlled.

Abstract: A two-dimensional full frame illumination and imaging assembly is formed, in a preferred embodiment, by joining, in combination, a platen, platen housing extension and full frame lens array. The combined assembly is converted into a higly efficient, light directing cavity by making the sides of the platen and platen housing diffusely reflective. The top surface of the lens array, excluding the lenslet entrance aperture, is also made reflective. Light is then coupled into the housing through an aperture formed in at least one of the sides. The light undergoes multiple reflections from all sides of the assembly, providing illumination of the document whose relfection is transmitted by the lens array onto a photosensitive image plane.

Abstract: A fiber optic writing head delivers light from the ends of a close-packed array of optical fibers through a small inexpensive lens which images the light onto the writing surface. The ends of the individual fibers in the array are fixed at various angular positions to form a surface that is the image of the writing surface through the lens. The ends of the fibers are spaced along the surface so that the image that is produced on the writing surface has uniform spacing. The angular positions of the fibers are chosen such that the axis of the refracted beam emitted by each fiber is directed at the center of the entrance pupil of the lens.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises a light source, a photosensitive member adopted to be illuminated by a light from the light source, a liquid crystal for controlling illumination and non-illumination of the light to the photosensitive member to form an image on the photosensitive member, a detector for detecting an image reproduction ability of the photosensitive member to set an image forming condition on the photosensitive member, and setting means for setting the liquid crystal to a predetermined state to allow the detection by the detector.

Abstract: A transparent, generally wedge-shaped linear illuminator is used to provide a uniform level of illumination suitable for performing various functions in a reproduction device. One function is to provide uniform illumunination of a charged surface so as to selectively erase charge on said surface. Another is to illuminate a document in an illumination plane. In a specific embodiment, the illuminator consists of a glass or plastic body having a first sector formed with parallel sides and a second sector having a wedge-shaped configuration. Light is introduced into the first sector and is coupled along the length of the second sector by internal reflection. As the distance between the slope and base surfaces of the wedge sector decreases in the direction of the wedge end, the angles of incidence of the incident light decrease proportionately.

Abstract: An erase device for removing residual charges from the photoreceptor of a xerographic type reproduction machine or printer preparatory to recharging, comprising, an elongated rectangular light conducting bar or fiber adapted for disposition with one side thereof in preset spaced relation to the photoreceptor surface; a light impervious cover about the remaining sides of the fiber to prevent escape of light from the interior thereof; an illumination cavity at one end of the fiber; a lamp in the cavity in operative relationship within the fiber end, the lamp and cavity cooperating so that light is discharged by the lamp into the fiber for transmittal axially within the fiber toward the fiber opposite end, portions of the light in the interior of the fiber escaping through the fiber one side to impinge upon the photoreceptor surface and discharge the photoreceptor; the fiber one side being roughened so that the light exit area progressively increases in proportion to the distance from the lamp, the roughened por

Abstract: A compact, two-dimensional full-frame document illumination and imaging device is formed by combining a short focal length imaging area array, such as a gradient index fiber lens area array, with a light source formed in the fiber interstitial areas of the array. The light source is addressed to provide a uniform illumination level at a document platen interface. The full document image is reflected back to the array and projected onto a photosensitive image plane.

Abstract: An optical writing or scanning device includes an array of fluorescent light emitting elements provided on a substrate which is embedded with optical fibers for guiding the light emitted to an imaging surface such as a photoreceptor for forming an electrostatic latent image thereon. Such a structure of embedded optical fibers allows to make the device sturdy in structure, compact in size and reliable in operation. Besides, the use of fluorescent light emitting elements allows to fabricate the device with ease and at low cost.

Abstract: The invention provides an image density detecting unit for an image formation apparatus, which is made of a transparent optical medium, which has a reflecting plate whose section is substantially a quadric surface, and which has a focusing unit for focusing, by means of the reflecting plate, light incident on the transparent optical medium at a predetermined position inside the transparent optical medium.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for printing a colored mark in a colored dot pattern on a colored light sensitive material which is moving. A plurality of picture element display sections are aligned in a row perpendicular to the direction of movement of the colored light sensitive material, each of the plurality of picture element display sections emitting a single colored dot, and selectively emitting light to form a dot pattern. Each of the picture element display sections comprises a plurality of sources of lights of different colors, and a plurality of light guides for transmitting the respective colored lights. The outlet ends of the plurality of light guides are regularly arranged so that the light guides transmitting different colored lights are adjacent to each other, thereby mixing the different colors of lights. By changing the intensity of the light sources, a colored dot having the desired color and intensity is produced.

Abstract: The invention discloses an imaging system for a reproduction device for reproducing a document at reduced or enlarged magnification, as well as unity magnification. The system includes at least two linear lens arrays, one lens array providing the 1:1 magnification and the second array adapted to provide a reduced or enlarged image depending upon its vertical orientation. Mechanical arrangements are disclosed which translate a magnification selection into the position of the appropriate lens array into the optical path. This positioning includes both horizontal and rotational movement of the lens arrays. A magnification selection also enables a platen (or document) drive system which selects the proper document scanning speed for that magnification. In a disclosed embodiment the linear lens arrays are gradient index lens arrays.

Abstract: A temporary security badge fabrication system is provided comprising a badge having at least one surface coated with an ambient light sensitive coating which when exposed to ambient light conditions for a specified predetermined period of time will change to a specified color. A means is also provided for printing information on the badge. An attachment means is provided which is mounted to the badge for attaching the badge to a wearer and permitting exposure of the badge to ambient light. Thus when the badge is attached to the wearer and exposed to ambient light for the specified period of time, the badge changes to the specified color.

Abstract: A contrast control device fogs a photographic recording medium with diffuse light simultaneously with the imaging of that medium. The diffuse light is colinear with the imaging light. The contrast control includes a semi-transparent mirror arranged diagonally across the light path. A fiber optic cable collects diffuse light and delivers it at a right angle to the cone of imaging light. This diffuse light also passes through the partial mirror and is received by a reflector. The reflector converts the diffuse light into a diffuse cone of light which approximates the imaging cone of light. This second or diffuse cone of light is reflected onto the partial mirror which in turn, reflects it onto the photographic medium substantially colinear with the imaging cone of light.

Abstract: An erase device for removing residual charges from the photoreceptor of a xerographic type reproduction machine or printer preparatory to recharging, comprising, an elongated rectangular light conducting bar or fiber adapted for disposition with one side thereof in preset spaced relation to the photoreceptor surface; a light impervious cover about the remaining sides of the fiber to prevent escape of light from the interior thereof; an illumination cavity at one end of the fiber; a lamp in the cavity in operative relationship within the fiber end, the lamp and cavity cooperating so that light is discharged by the lamp into the fiber for transmittal axially within the fiber toward the fiber opposite end, portions of the light in the interior of the fiber escaping through the fiber one side to impinge upon the photoreceptor surface and discharge the photoreceptor; the fiber one side being roughened so that the light exit area progressively increases in proportion to the distance from the lamp, the roughened por

Abstract: An optical image projector includes an array of optical elements which projects an erect positive image of an object onto an image receiving surface which is not parallel to the plane of the object. The array, the plane of the object and the image receiving surface are disposed in a manner such that the angles formed between the plane of the object and the image receiving surface on one hand and the optical axis of the array on the other are equal to each other and are disposed on the same side of the optical axis.

Abstract: An optical printing device for generating a linear light pattern which is applied to a moving photosensitive recording medium, which device is composed of a plurality of subassemblies each located for providing a respective segment of the linear light pattern, each subassembly including: a unit composed of a row of generally parallel optical fibers arranged to conduct light from a light source to their output ends, and a photocoupler composed of a thin transparent plate extending transversely of the direction of light propagation by the optical fibers and having a light entrance surface coupled to the output ends of the optical fibers to receive light therefrom, a light exit surface to which light is conducted from the light entrance surface, and lateral surfaces spaced apart in the direction of the linear pattern and extending between the light entrance and light exit surfaces.

Abstract: An optical printing head for recording graphic and text information line by line, including a plurality of juxtaposed, actuatable optical components, including picture dot elements, from which light is transmitted in dots by means of objective lenses along the length of a line to be recorded on a photosensitive record carrier, and cross-section converters for conducting light from a light source to the light switching components.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrophotographic copying and printing apparatus having copying function and printing function.

Abstract: In a xerographic image transfer device, copy sheets are sequentially aligned and position sensed before introduction to the image transfer zone. The position sensing is used to compare the copy sheet location with the position of the image panel on a moving photoconductor. The timing and velocity profile of the copy sheet drive after the position sensing is arranged so that the copy sheet arrives in registry with the image panel and at the same velocity.

Abstract: A paper loading mechanism for a copier or the like is disclosed. A paper guide member and a foam pressure roller rotatably coupled to a paper drive roller feeds a web of paper to the drive roller, thereby semi-automatically feeding the paper along a predetermined path. A paper canister, having the webs of paper disposed therein, is affixed to a front cover of said paper loading mechanism. This structural arrangement simplifies the procedure of loading paper into the paper loading mechanism of the present invention.

Abstract: An image processor and method are disclosed for use in making photographic prints, in which a relatively thin plate-like unit is placed over unexposed photographic sheet material while an enlarger or the equivalent is used to develop a primary image at the top face of the unit. The unit includes an array of optical elements in the form of lenses having a certain focal length which produces an averaging effect to cause development of a resultant image which is divided into contiguous modular portions.

Abstract: A synchronous copying and collating system 10 uses side-by-side original document and copy paper feed paths having reprographic portions 11 and 20 extending vertically downward. Endless belts 24 and 54 with drive perforations 26 driven by pinwheel drives 34 and 34c advance simultaneously at the same speed for moving original paper and copy paper synchronously in a continuous succession through their respective reprographic paths 11 and 20. Endless drive belts have alignment tabs 25 arranged to locate sheet boundaries at predetermined and regular intervals on endless belts to keep originals and copies registered with reprographic reading and imaging devices. These include fiber optic lens arrays 12, 14, 16, and 18 adjacent the original path for reading moving information, optical fibers for transferring the information to the copy paper, and reprographic imaging devices arranged for copying the information onto the moving copy paper.

Abstract: A camera for reproducing prints or transparencies, known as a reprography camera, is provided with means to emit spots of light on the copy table of the camera. The light spots are produced first in the image platform by light guides which are exposed to a timed light source. A mirror reflects the spots through the lens to the copy table so that when the lens is focused, the longitudinal displacement of the lens will cause a corresponding displacement in the light spots. These light spots illuminate the copy table to show the respective size of a copy and also to indicate the proper position of the original.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrostatic recording apparatus which comprises:a fluorescence generation tube having a plurality of small-sized light emission segments aligned on a substrate;an image-forming optical system for focusing light emitted from said light emission segments on the surface of a photosensitive member and forming an electrostatic image on said surface of the photosensitive member; anda plurality of driving circuits for controlling light emission of the light emission segments in response to image signals fed thereto.

Abstract: An image density detecting device for an image forming apparatus includes a substantially rectangular diffusing member for receiving light from document through a focusing light-transmission member and a plurality of photodiodes embedded at a suitable interval in the bottom of the light diffusing member. The longitudinal dimension of the light receiving surface mentioned above has a longitudinal dimension equal to the width of a document set on a table and a transversal dimension corresponding to an area of the document surface illuminated by an exposure lamp. Light reflected from the document illuminated by the exposure lamp is uniformalized through the light diffusing member before it is detected by the photodiodes.

Abstract: In a laser beam printer for scanning a surface of a uniformly charged photoconductive photosensitive drum by a laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image and developing the electrostatic latent image by fine particles of toner, a dust-proof box is provided at a laser beam emitting port of an exposure optical system to prevent the toner from entering into the exposure optical system and contaminating the same.

Abstract: A gradient index lens array used in an optical imaging system is modified so as to compensate for factors creating a non-uniform image exposure at an image plane. Various parameters of the individual fibers comprising the array, such as index gradient, radii and packing density, are selectively modified so as to obtain a desired exposure profile.

Abstract: In electrostatic recording apparatus recording head such as an optical fiber tube (OFT) is closely spaced from the image forming member, such as a drum covered with a photosensitive substance. The electrostatic latent image is generally formed with the use of a toner applied to the drum. Despite the use of various cleaning devices, toner particles are carried by the drum into the narrow gap between the OFT and the drum and adhere to the scanning face of the OFT, interfering with the projected image. The present invention provides a manual or automatic cleaning device positioned in the narrow gap for removing adherent toner or other interfering material from the scanning face of the OFT.

Abstract: A document reproduction system is disclosed which employs an imaging array assembly positioned to transmit reflected images from a document in an object plane onto an imaging plane. The imaging assembly includes a 1X lens array and at least one reduction/enlargement lens array. The overall dimensions of the total imaging area of the reproduction system are reduced from conventional fixed lens or fixed document system by providing means for moving the document, imaging assembly and imaging plane in certain prescribed relationships. These means include a pulley/cable/clutch arrangement which enables changes in velocity relationships which are required for a unity magnification mode of operation as well as those for a reduction or enlargement modes of operation.

Abstract: A method of creating designs and images on a color photographic sheet. The sheet is selectively exposed by passing light beams of preselected colors, i.e. preselected wave length ranges over selected areas thereof under darkroom conditions. Thereafter the sheet is processed by conventional photographic techniques to develop the images.

Abstract: An improved optical printing head is described including a linear array of light sources, and a lens array comprised of graded index optical fibers arranged in a hexagonal close-packed array, there being at least three rows of individual fiber lenses. The linear array of light sources is aligned with, and parallel to, lines of symmetry of the graded index lens array, where the lines of symmetry are defined as lines along said graded index lens array which will transmit a line of light incident thereon with a minimum deviation in the intensity of light transmitted through the lens array. A photosensitive surface on a rotating drum is provided onto which light images from the optical printhead are incident. The print head can be used in optical printing machines.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printing device is provided with an exposure unit comprising light-emitting diodes which are light sources and means for transmitting the light beams emitted from the light-emitting diodes and converging or focusing them like converging lenses, whereby electrostatic latent images of characters and the like are formed on the surface of a photosensitive member.

Abstract: A temporary badge fabrication system is provided. The system comprises a badge having at least one surface coated with an ambient light sensitive coating thereon which when exposed to ambient light conditions for a specified period of time changes to a specified color. An apparatus is further provided for printing information on the badge. The apparatus comprises a source of radiation and a printing mask facing the radiation source. The mask comprises an opaque portion and a radiation transmissive portion. The radiation transmissive portion contains an information portion. A badge holding means is disposed so that the mask is located between the radiation source and the badge holding means. A means is provided for activating the radiation source for a period of time sufficient to print the information on the badge in the specified color. Thus, when the badge is exposed to ambient light for the specified period of time the badge changes to the specified color and the information is not discernible.

Abstract: A projection apparatus for forming an image of original on a photosensitive material opposed to the plane of the original. The projection apparatus has a projecting system composed of a plurality of projection optical system arrays. Each individual projection optical system is composed of a first and a second lens coaxially disposed and having a relatively large length as compared with its effective lens diameter respectively. The first lens is an exit side telecentric lens whereas the second one is an incident side telecentric lens. The first lens forms an intermediate image of a portion of the original on a plane between the first and second lenses and the second lens reforms the intermediate image on the photosensitive material.

Abstract: An improvement in a fiber optic illuminating system having a linear array of fiber ends and a platen for supporting an original document to be scanned and copied. The improvement includes a flexible lens assembly situated intermediate the array of fiber ends and the platen, a deflectable frame supporting the flexible lens assembly, and a device for deflecting the deflectable frame, whereby the flexible lens assembly can be transversely deflected to thereby modify the linearity of the lens assembly without disturbing the focal adjustment thereof.