Abstract: An illumination system for a photographic printer having a printer lens and a film gate, includes a light source for producing a beam of light directed toward the film gate, reflecting means disposed between the light source and film gate for intercepting peripheral portions of the beam and redirecting the peripheral portions toward the film gate, so that the light emerging from the reflecting means has a characteristic angular spread of between about .+-.35.degree. and .+-.65.degree., and means for conditioning the light emerging from the reflecting means such that the image produced by the printing lens is substantially uniformly illuminated, and such that the angular spread of the light is not substantially increased, thereby providing a relatively highly efficient scratch suppressing illumination system.

Abstract: Compact optical imaging apparatus for projecting in focus an upright and wrong-reading light image of an information bearing document in an object plane onto a parallel image plane. The apparatus comprises a plurality of lenses located between the object plane and the image plane for projecting a plurality of overlapping segments of a light image along an optical path. A light image of an information bearing document in the object plane is directed to the lenses. A plurality of roof mirrors (i) receive such image segments from the lenses, (ii) reverse and invert such image segments, and (iii) reflect the image segments back through the lenses along the path toward the image plane. The image segments are then directed from the lenses to the image plane to form an upright and wrong-reading image of the information bearing document in the image plane.

Abstract: A projection lens is disposed directly above a vacuum chuck for projecting an image of an illuminated portion of a semiconductive wafer held thereby to an image plane where that image may be viewed through a pair of objective lenses of a compound microscope. Microcircuitry contained on a reticle held by a holder positioned above the projection lens is photometrically printed onto the semiconductive wafer by passing exposure light through the reticle and the projection lens to the semiconductive wafer. At least one fiber optic source of illuminating light and one or more optical lenses are employed for projecting an image of the fiber optic light source through the objective lens to an entrance pupil of the projection lens without passing through the reticle to provide uniform illumination of the semiconductive wafer and facilitate direct wafer alignment prior to photometrically printing on the semiconductive wafer.

Abstract: In an optical scanning system for scanning an original document to be copied, in which the system includes a carriage, an array of fiber optics for illuminating the original document with a line of light, a first mirror, a second mirror opposing the first mirror and forming an acute angle therewith, the mirrors being separated by a predetermined distance, whereby one end of the mirrors is more open than the other end of the mirrors and input light rays enter at the more open end of the mirrors upon the first mirror at a predetermined angle, and wherein the light rays are reflected off each of the mirrors a predetermined multiplicity of times and exit the mirrors at the more open end by reflecting off the second mirror at the same predetermined angle the input rays make with the first mirror, and a lens cell for focusing the line of light upon a light sensitive surface, an improved adjustment mechanism for the lens cell.

Abstract: An electrophotographic copier for forming a copy of a document with a unit image magnification and a modified magnification, i.e. reduced or enlarged magnification is disclosed. A converging optical fiber array for forming a life-size image of a document is movably arranged with respect to an optical axis and reflection mirrors of a reduced-size image projecting optical system are secured to the converging optical fiber array so as to be moved together with the array. Remaining optical elements such as reflection mirrors and a projection lens are arranged fixedly. When the converging optical fiber array is brought into the optical axis, the life-size image of document is projected onto a photosensitive drum and when the converging optical fiber array is removed from the optical axis, the reflection mirrors of the reduced-size image projecting optical system are brought into the optical axis and the reduced image of document is projected onto the photosensitive drum.

Abstract: A duplicating system comprises an electrophotographic copier which includes a first document detecting switch, a first optical scanning system for making a slit exposure, a first document feeder for feeding a first document to be copied at a first speed with respect to the first optical scanning system, a rotating photosensitive drum for forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image of document, and apparatus for forming a duplicated copy with the aid of the latent image. An option device is detachably mounted onto the copying apparatus and comprises a second document detecting switch, a second optical scanning system for making a slit exposure, a second document feeder for feeding a second document to be copied at a second speed with respect to the second optical scanning system and an optional optical system for projecting the image of the second document onto the photosensitive drum.

Abstract: The invention discloses a document illumination assembly which combines the functions of enhanced document illumination and illumination level control. A reflector assembly is modified by introducing a light collecting mechanism within the reflector interior, the light collector being in association with a photosensing means. The reflector performs the normal function of reflecting a portion of the incident light toward the document to enhance illumination efficiency. The reflector also enables the additional function of monitoring the axial illumination of the illumination source by permitting an axial-located radiation band of illumination to enter the reflector body and propagate along the light collecting mechanism where it is sensed by the detector. The detector generates an output signal which can be used to control the output of the illumination source.

Abstract: A duplicating system comprises an electrophotographic copying apparatus which includes a first optical scanning system for making a slit exposure, a first document feeder for feeding a first document to be copied at a first speed with respect to the first optical scanning system, a rotating photosensitive drum for forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image of document, and means for forming a duplicated copy with the aid of the latent image; and an option device detachably mounted onto the copying apparatus and comprising a second optical scanning system for making a slit exposure, a second document feeder for feeding a second document to be copied at a second speed with respect to the second optical scanning system and an optional optical system for projecting the image of second document onto the photosensitive drum.

Abstract: A multi-color printer using an additive color process to provide either partial or full color copies. Multiple scanning beams, each modulated in accordance with distinct color image signals, are scanned across the printer's photoreceptor at relatively widely separated points, there being buffer means provided to control timing of the different color image signals to assure registration of the color images with one another. Each color image is developed prior to scanning of the photoreceptor by the next succeeding beam. Following developing of the last color image, the composite color image is transferred to a copy sheet.In an alternate embodiment, an input section for scanning color originals is provided. The color image signals output by the input section may then be used by the printing section to make full color copies of the original.

Abstract: In a method of cleaning the scanning surface of an electrostatic recording apparatus, the steps of: rendering inoperative a portion of an attachment device, which is used to treat the picture image forming member, when a cleaning operation is necessary; and electrostatically attaching a flexible cleaning sheet to the picture image forming member so that the cleaning sheet is carried past the reproducer scanning surface thereby to clean the scanning surface. The cleaning sheet is supplied from a recording paper supply magazine or from a magazine which is disposed above a recording paper supply magazine and discharged into a tray.

Abstract: A color balanced scratch suppressing projection apparatus for color transparencies includes an objective lens having a rectangular aperture and defining first and second conjugate planes. An integrating bar having a rectangular cross section and first and second end faces is located with its first end face adjacent the first conjugate plane of the objective lens. A condenser lens, disposed between the first conjugate plane and the first end face of the integrating bar forms an image of the rectangular aperture on the second end face of the bar. The linear dimensions of the image of the rectangular aperture are an even multiple of the dimensions of the second end face.In one embodiment of the invention, the projection apparatus is a color transparency scanner, a flying spot light source such as a CRT is located at the second conjugate plane of the objective lens, and a plurality of color photosensors are located at the second end face of the integrating bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging system for a multi-magnification copier which employs a plurality of gradient index lens arrays to provide a 1.times. as well as a magnification capability. The magnification range of the copier is extended beyond the discrete value associated with each lens array by changing the speed at which the document is normally scanned in the isometric mode so that the image is anamorphically magnified in the scanning direction. This magnification either enlarges or compresses the image at the imaging plane and, due to the narrow scan slit employed with gradient index lens arrays, retains adequate resolution in the developed image.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus for an electronic duplicator including a first light-receiving element for receiving light reflected by a reference reflector plate or by an original and a second light-receiving element for receiving light reflected from an image focusing point of a photosensitive medium. The doses of light received by these light-receiving elements are converted to voltage signals for comparison with a reference voltage level in a comparator. The output of the comparator is coupled through a control signal generator and a trigger pulse generator to a lamp driver for controlling the document illuminating lamp light intensity and is also coupled through the control signal generator and a transformer for controlling the bias voltage applied to a developing device.

Abstract: An optical device for non-contact recording image information on a recording material which is in the shape of a cylindrical configuration by a recording head which has a plurality of light waveguides in the form of glass fibers having entrance ends receiving modulated light from individual sources and exit ends facing the recording material and being densely packed in a linear arrangement characterized by the recording head including at least one adjustment plate having a plurality of individual grooves with one groove being provided with each of the waveguides which are secured therein with the exit ends being oriented in a line extending parallel to the cylindrical axis of the material and the recording head including a light source member containing the individual light sources for each of the waveguides arranged at the spacing corresponding to the spacing at the entrance ends of the waveguides so that when the member is secured to the recording head, the individual light sources are aligned with the resp

Abstract: In a system which uses a linear lens array or light transmitter array, reflective elements are placed at the array ends so as to intrude a slight distance into the optical path. Light reflected from these elements is used to eliminate unwanted edge borders on an underlying photoreceptor surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic duplicator having a focusing light transmitting body, which includes optical fiber tubes for image formation and optical fiber tubes for detecting the image density. The image density detection optical fiber tubes effect the measurement of the dose of light reflected by the document before the image formation by the image formation optical fiber tubes with respect to the advancement of a document table. The information of the measured value is supplied to an exposure control section and a bias voltage control section for appropriate exposure and bias voltage control.

Abstract: A rod-like light collector for collecting light reflected from a photoconductive surface bearing a developed image and scanned by a flying spot scanner with a central core of a relatively rigid transparent material encased by a cladding material having an index of refraction lower than that of the core and an outer light diffusing coating, a portion of which is removed to provide a slit-like aperture for receiving light reflected from the photoconductive surface. The shape of the light receiving aperture may be varied uniformly along the length of the collector with the size of the aperture at the center at a minimum. And, a slit-like axial section of the cladding material opposite the light receiving aperture may be replaced by a highly reflecting, light diffusing coating.

Abstract: A gradient index lens array is formed by assembling a plurality of gradient index fibers into a single row. The fiber parameters and fiber-to-fiber spacing are optimized to provide required illumination level while minimizing illumination spatial modulation.

Abstract: The lamphouse comprises a white-light source and a primary optical fiber subdivided into three secondary fibers for guiding the white light from the source through an optical system comprising rotatable disks fitted with peripheral lenses having graduated neutral gray densities. Any one lens or pair of lenses can be positioned on the path of one of the three beams emerging from the secondary optical fibers in order to dose to the required value the red, blue or green primary color to be selected by any one of three dichroic exit mirrors.

Abstract: An illuminating system has as main components: a light source comprising four low voltage lamps and, associated therewith, reflectors and condenser lenses, a filter unit, an image-producing pair of lenses, a deflecting mirror and light-mixing element made of glass. The condenser lenses produce images of the coils of the low voltage lamps in the central horizontal plane of the filter unit. Images of the condenser lenses are produced by the image-producing lens pair in a light entry face of the light-mixing element. This light entry face is provided with ribbings constituting cylindrical lenses of special dimensioning which effect homogenization of the light in the light-mixing element. In order to reduce light losses, the light-mixing element is composed of two frusto pyramidal element parts and has its smallest cross-sectional area in a middle region in which the smaller end faces of the frusto pyramidal parts are joined to an interposed diffusor disc.

Abstract: A duplicating system comprises an electrophotographic copier which includes a first optical scanning system for making a slit exposure, a first document feeder for feeding a first document to be copied at a first speed with respect to the first optical scanning system, a rotating photosensitive drum for forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image of document, apparatus for forming a duplicated copy with the aid of the latent image and a sequence control circuit for controlling a duplicating operation in such a manner that the image of first document is projected onto the photosensitive drum from an imaginary control start position.

Abstract: Electronic imaging apparatus of the kind having an imaging zone; a light valve array comprising a plurality of discretely-addressable light-modulating pixel regions; illuminating means for directing light to the imaging zone via the array and means for addressing the pixels in accordance with image information, features light control means located between the illuminating means and such array for collimating illuminating light in a direction substantially normal to the ingress surface of the array.

Abstract: An optical device for non-contact recording image information on a recording material which is stretched into a cylindrical configuration by a recording head which is mounted on the guide device for movement parallel to the cylindrical axis along the surface of the recording material, and has a plurality of light waveguides in the form of glass fibers having entrance ends receiving modulated light from individual sources and exit ends facing the recording material and being densely packed in a linear arrangement characterized by the recording head including at least one adjustment plate having a plurality of individual grooves with one groove being provided with each of the waveguides which are secured therein with the exit ends being oriented in a line extending perpendicular to the cylindrical axis and the recording head including a light source member containing the individual light sources for each of the waveguides arranged at the spacing corresponding to the spacing at the entrance ends of the waveguide

Abstract: In an image-forming apparatus, a shield case housing an optical fiber tube for projecting images on the surface of a photoconductive drum is movable to an exposure position close to the surface and to a non-exposure position away from the surface. A cleaning device cleans only the face of the optical fiber tube in the non-exposure position in response to the closing of the main switch of the apparatus and upon detecting that the tube is in the non-exposure position away from the surface of the drum.

Abstract: A combination of a circular/straight line light beam scan transforming apparatus and optical device constitutes an optical system. In the optical device, a light beam whose intensity is varied by a modulation signal is produced, and an object is exposed to the scanning beam from the light beam scan apparatus. The light beam scan apparatus includes a circular/straight line transforming optical fiber assemblage having a cylindrical portion and a linear portion. The cylindrical portion has a fore end part bent toward the center thereof so that the extension of the bent part intersects the axis of rotation of a rotary mirror rotatable at high speeds. The light beam produced in the optical device is directed to the rotary mirror and reflected thereby, focussed on the fore end part, transmitted through the optical fiber assemblage and emitted from the linear portion as a linear scanning beam in a sequence in conformity to the sequence of reception of light beam by the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: An electrostatic printer including a movable photosensitive drum, an OFT unit having a cathode ray tube (CRT) for transmitting an optical image to the photosensitive drum and an optical plate connected to the CRT and located a fixed distance from the photosensitive drum, a developing unit for developing the electrostatic image by application of toner to the photosensitive member, a transfer unit for transferring the developed electrostatic image to paper, a transparent film provided between the photosensitive drum and the optical fiber plate such that it covers and contacts the optical plate. Accordingly, the transparent film is moved in a direction to bring a clean film portion into position facing the optical plate before the formation of the electrostatic image.

Abstract: A projecting device having an array, in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, of plural element lens systems each axially provided with two bar lenses of an axial length larger than the effective diameter thereof, characterized by the presence of an intermediate ring positioned between two bar lenses for extracting the effective beam emerging from the first bar lens and entering the second bar lens and providing a determined light intensity distribution on the projection plane.

Abstract: A scanning illuminator suitable for use in high speed copying machines is adapted to compensate the distribution of loss in light quantity with respect to an imaging lens due to the so-called Cos.sup.4 law in the scanning direction and includes fixed sources of light. The scanning illuminator is characterized by illuminating systems disposed symmetrically relative to an original supporting area, each illuminating system being adapted for illuminating the opposite end areas of an original by a portion of light beam from the fixed source of light adjacent one end of the original, especially the light beam portion emitted and bled backward of the light source, the illuminating system having at least one rotating or translating scan mirror for scanning the illuminating light beam.

Abstract: A gradient index lens is positioned between an object and image plane to transmit an image of an object onto the image plane. The lens is oriented at an angle with respect to the object and image planes such that exposure modulation of the image plane in the process direction is minimized.

Abstract: An array of gradient refractive index lenses designed to produce an erect image of an extended object. The lenses are supported in a matrix of light-absorbing cladding glass for stray light control.

Abstract: Erase apparatus for use in an electrophotographic copier machine where an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is placed adjacent a plano-convex-cylindrical entrance end of an optical element such that light rays from the LED array are directed through the optical element to its exit end. At the convex-cylindrical exit end, the light rays are directed to the photoconductive surface of the machine. The optical element directs the more intense light rays emitted from the LEDs near the central axis to the edges of the erasure footprint while the less intense rays emitted from the LEDs at larger angles from the central axis are redistributed to the central portion of the erasure footprint.

Abstract: An illumination system for a document scanner comprising a fluorescent lamp for illuminating a document to be scanned and an efficient light guide which "pipes" the light to the target document area. The fluorescent lamp has an aperture defined by an aperture angle wherein the lamp radiance is determined by the aperture angle. The light guide has a trapezoidal longitudinal cross section. An input window associated with the narrow base of the trapezoidal shape light guide is coupled to the aperture of the lamp. An output window associated with the wide base of the trapezoidal shape light guide is directed to the document area.

Abstract: A light collector for collecting light reflected from a photoconductive surface bearing a developed image and scanned by a flying spot scanner. The collector includes a rod-like element, the central core of which is made up of a relatively rigid transparent material. The core is encased by a cladding material having an index of refraction lower than that of the core. A light diffusing coating is provided on the outer surface of the cladding material, except for a slit-like aperture for receiving light reflected from the photoconductive surface. In an alternate embodiment, the dimention of the light receiving aperture is varied uniformly along the length of the collector, the size of the aperture at the collector center being at a minimum. In a further embodiment, a slit-like axial section of the cladding material opposite the light receiving aperture is removed and replaced by a highly reflecting, light diffusing coating.

Abstract: A method for collecting market survey data from universal product type code bearing market items is provided in which a lenseless data recorder is employed for collecting the universal product type code encoded market data. The data recorder comprises a housing with the housing having an exposure aperture therein for admitting a source of light therethrough, such as ambient light or artificial light. A photographic recording medium, such as a film having photographic emulsion on opposite sides thereof to permit recording on both sides, is disposed in the housing adjacent the exposure aperture. The exposure aperture is optically alignable with the universal product type code on a market item for which the survey data is to be collected. A keyboard is provided in the housing for enabling the insertion of ancillary market survey information corresponding to the market item whose product code has been recorded.

Abstract: A gradient index lens array is provided with reduction and enlargement capabilities. Gradient index fibers are arranged in single row or double row (bundled) configuration with fibers increasingly departing from the perpendicular condition at the center of the array relative to object and image planes in a characteristic fan-like manner. Fiber lengths are adjusted to compensate for changes in total conjugate which occur because of the progressive tilting of the axes of the individual fiber lenses. This is achieved, in one embodiment, by grinding the faces of a lens array into a convex configuration.

Abstract: A multispectrum light detection system for controlling exposure time of a photoresist coated substrate in a projection aligner-printer machine wherein the relatively narrow spectral responsivity characteristics of a selected photoresist is matched to the wider spectrum inherent in the output flux of a combined light source and optical system. A representative sample of the system's wide spectrum output flux is divided into three or more narrower spectral bands each of which is measured by its own detector that provides an electrical signal proportional to the radiant flux intensity within that band. The resultant electrical signals from the separate spectral bands are weighted and combined in a summing amplifier to form a composite exposure control signal. Means are provided to adjust the contribution of each electrical signal to the combined control signal in accordance with known spectral response characteristics of the photoresist.

Abstract: An optical printing device includes a photosensitive means having a photosensitive surface and an optical print head. The optical print head has a plurality of arrays of a plurality of light emitting devices selectively energized and an optical means to form light images from the light emitting devices on the photosensitive surface.A plurality of the light emitting device arrays are arranged in a plurality of rows, with the light emitting devices aligned in a common direction with the arrays.The optical means comprises a plurality of graded index optical fiber arrays of which the optical axes are directed perpendicularly to the aforesaid photosensitive surface.

Abstract: In a slit exposure type copying machine, a projection device basically includes transmission type element lens systems each including a lens having a great length in the direction of the optic axis thereof as compared with the effective diameter thereof. A part area of an original is projected upon a predetermined part area on an image plane and the light intensity distribution of the projected part area has a predetermined central area controlled by lens aperture eclipse and extending diametrically from at least the optic axis and a marginal area lying outwardly of the central area and weak in light intensity. A plurality of such element lens systems are substantially equidistantly arranged in the lengthwise direction of the slit in a plane perpendicular to the optic axis so that the marginal areas in at least the element lens systems are superposed upon one another.

Abstract: A liquid crystal light pipe display for direct imaging onto photosensitive materials, having a non-conductive, transparent first sheet and a non-conductive substantially opaque second sheet, each having substantially planar inner and outer surfaces. The non-conductive sheets are disposed adjacent to one another with their inner surfaces opposing one another in spaced-apart relationship separated by a sealed-in, normally transparent, liquid crystal material. The non-conductive sheets each have a transparent conductive electrical coating disposed on their inner surface, of a plurality of discrete character forming segments with means connected thereto for electrically coupling said segments to an external power source. The second non-conductive sheet has a plurality of discrete transparent light pipes formed therethrough, each of which are aligned with one of said character forming segments.

Abstract: A moving exposure system is provided having a semiconductor light source, which may be incorporated in a module with modulating electronics, and disposed on a moveable platform for exposing a special surface to light rays. The moving exposure system can be optically coupled to a printer's photoconductive element by means of a flat field correction device such as a lens or a fiber optic bundle, in the case of rotating motion of the light source, which maximizes the area exposed while minimizing the bulk of the exposure apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting market survey data from universal product type code bearing market items is provided in which a lenseless data recorder is employed for collecting the universal product type code encoded market data. The data recorder comprises a housing with the housing having an exposure aperture therein for admitting a source of light therethrough, such as ambient light or artificial light. A photographic recording medium, such as a film having photographic emulsion on opposite sides thereof to permit recording on both sides, is disposed in the housing adjacent the exposure aperture. The exposure aperture is optically alignable with the universal product type code on a market item for which the survey data is to be collected. A keyboard is provided in the housing for enabling the insertion of ancillary market survey information corresponding to the market item whose product code has been recorded.

Abstract: A character generator for use in photocomposing comprises a fibre optic faceplate (23) of which the front face is polished and bevelled at its leading and trailing edges. On the rear surface of the faceplate is a mask which has an array of apertures each aperture encompassing a multiplicity of the fibres. Photoemissive diodes or other illuminators (25) are approximately aligned with the holes in the mask and are disposed for connection to terminals 22 on a printed circuit mounting. The generator is intended for use in the constitution of characters by selective illumination of elementary areas. The faceplate is intended to be in close proximity to a film or other radiation sensitive recording medium which is moved relative to the faceplate to build up lines of composition.

Abstract: An electrostatic printer comprises a movable photosensitive body, a cathode ray tube adapted to transmit a light image to the photosensitive body through an optical fiber plate located near the photosensitive body to form an electrostatic image on the photosensitive body, a developing unit, a fixer, a transparent film provided between the photosensitive body and the optical fiber plate such that it covers and contacts with the optical fiber plate, the transparent film being moved in a direction opposite to that in which the photosensitive body is moved and a roller contacting the film and urging it into contact with the plate to eliminate any slack.

Abstract: This specification discloses a compact projection device in which lens systems extending in the direction of the optic axis for projecting a part area of an object upon a predetermined part area on an image plane (hereinafter referred to as element lens systems) are initially set by a lens holding member having groove portions or hole portions extending in the direction of the optic axis, the distributions of intensity of light of the element lens systems on the image plane are controlled by an aperture eclipse such that the intensity of light is weaker in the marginal area than at least in the central area, a plurality of such element lens systems are arranged in a predetermined direction in a plane perpendicular to the optic axis and the distributions of intensity of light of the element lens systems are suitably superposed upon one another at least in the marginal area to provide uniformity of the distribution of the exposure amount integrated in the scanning direction with respect to the lengthwise direct

Abstract: An array of optical elements having imaging properties in one meridian and light-containment properties in another meridian for imaging a slit aperture in such a way that inversion of the image occurs across the width of the slit but not along the length of the slit. This one-way image reversal may be used to improve efficiency in photocopying.

Abstract: Erase apparatus for use in an electrophotographic copier machine where an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are placed adjacent one end of a light channel with the other end adjacent a moving photoreceptive surface. The channel allows light rays to pass freely from LED to LED but contains the rays in a direction parallel to the direction of photoreceptor movement. The channel may be comprised of sides with reflective surfaces normal to the photoreceptive surface or may be a solid plastic sheet through which the rays pass. In the latter embodiment, rays are internally reflected from the surfaces of the plastic sheet.

Abstract: An illuminating device for use in a copying apparatus, a facsimile apparatus, and the like in which a document is illuminated and imagewise exposure of the illuminated document is effected comprises an illuminating fluorescent lamp having an elongated tube, and a mask having a plurality of apertures formed therein, whereby the mask is provided around the tube in closely contact therewith and extending substantially over the whole length of the tube and said openings are so configurated that the document is illuminated with a uniform light distribution.

Abstract: A light mixing system for use in a photographic enlarger in which light from a light source is admitted to a light mixing module through an aperture (and/or through a light modifying filter system for color correction for color enlargements) to mix light beams to provide substantially uniform energy distribution at the outlet port of the light mixing module. The light mixing module includes a lens having a conical surface to receive the admitted light beams and to direct the light beams along angular paths with respect to the axis of the conical surface. The lens interfaces with a diffuser means comprising a multitude of fiber optic elements each adapted to receive light beams along the angular path, to transmit and reflect the light beams and to cause the light beams to depart the exit end of the fiber optic element in the form of a fan or cone of substantially the same angle as that of the light beams at the lens for mixing said beams.

Abstract: An imaging device for flash imaging, through an imaging mask at an imaging film plane, a dry-process imaging film having a layer of an energy dispersible image forming material on a surface thereof. The device comprises electromagnetic energy collecting means which is associated with a source of electromagnetic energy. The energy collecting means includes an energy transmitting body which directs, collimates and shapes the electromagnetic energy emitted by the energy source. The energy collecting means also includes energy intercepting and reflecting members which form a chamber in which the energy source and the energy transmitting body are at least partially encased. A housing is provided for maintaining the energy transmitting body and the energy intercepting and reflecting members in a predetermined position with relation to one another, the energy source and the imaging mask at the imaging film plane.

Abstract: A device for flash imaging, through an imaging mask at an imaging film plane, a dry-process imaging film having a layer of an energy dispersible image forming material on a surface thereof. The device comprises a solid, electromagnetic energy transmitting body advantageously in the form of a quartz prism having a generally frusto-pyramidal configuration. The energy transmitting body is associated with a source of electromagnetic energy, and acts to collect, direct, collimate and shape the energy emitted by the source to provide maximum utilization and substantially uniform distribution of the energy at the imaging film plane.