Abstract: After forming a phosphor film on an inner face of a front panel, light exposure is performed with respect to the phosphor film by irradiating light from an exposure light source onto the phosphor film through an exposure lens. The exposure lens has a concave incidence surface on which light from the exposure light source is incident, and the incidence surface has an average radius of curvature of 100 mm to 500 mm. Thus, light to which peripheral portions are exposed can have a smaller incident angle with respect to the incidence surface of the exposure lens, thereby allowing the reflectance of the light to be decreased. As a result, even in light exposure with respect to a phosphor film of a color picture tube with a wide deflection angle, an amount of light for the light exposure can be secured in the peripheral portions.

Abstract: A liquid transfer article is provided including a support assembly and an imaged surface formed directly on the surface of the support assembly by digital photopolymerization. The support assembly is in the form of a polymeric base, and the liquid transfer article is formed by providing a liquid photopolymer on the surface of the base and then irradiating the polymer with a light source to form the image. The liquid transfer article is reimagable and may be used in gravure printing processes, as well as other printing applications.

Abstract: For dividing an image and recording divided images on a photosensitive film with a plurality of laser beams, an auxiliary scanning speed is reduced in the vicinity of junctions between adjacent ones of the divided images to adjust the intervals between main scanning lines, and each of the main scanning lines is divided into divided main scanning lines in a main scanning direction, and the divided main scanning lines are formed separately in an auxiliary scanning direction. With such a correcting process, a high-quality image free of striped artifacts and inclination differences of main scanning lines can be recorded on the photosensitive film.

Abstract: Image scanning apparatus comprising a profiling surface; a feed mechanism for feeding a flexible radiation sensitive record medium across the profiling surface; a scanning system for scanning a modulated radiation beam across the record medium to expose the record medium; and a pressurizer operable simultaneously with the feed mechanism to apply a pressure difference across the record medium as it is fed across the profiling surface whereby the record medium engages the profiling surface and conforms with the shape of the profiling surface.

Abstract: The image recording method and apparatus focus or image a two-dimensional image formed by a group of two-dimensionally disposed light source elements through an optical system on a recording medium which is moving in a relative relation to the group two-dimensionally disposed light source elements. The method and apparatus deflect light from the group of two-dimensionally disposed light source elements to move the image focused on the recording medium in synchronism with a movement of the recording medium such that the image can remain stationary at least in a main scanning direction in a relative relation to the recording medium. The group of two-dimensionally disposed light source elements can be produced by a two-dimensional spatial light modulator illuminated with an illumination light flux.

Abstract: The image exposing method and apparatus expose a light-sensitive material with the light emitted from a light source matching the spectral sensitivity of the material and modulated with a two-dimensional spatial modulator. The light-sensitive material and the modulator are relatively scanned in the direction of one pixel column in the modulator, as well as, in synchronism with this scanning, the image created by the modulator is also scanned in the scanning direction so as to perform multiple exposures of the material and exposure with part of the pixels in at least one of the pixel columns is rested always irrespective of the image to be recorded such that a maximum quantity of exposure with each of the pixel columns in the scanning direction in equal in each pixel column.

Abstract: The emission level of a laser source at the non-imaging time when image data “0” is input and the emission level at the imaging time when image data “1” is input are controlled so that each of them becomes a desired level. The light output intensity is stabilized at all times regardless of variations in ambient temperature. As a result, images uniform in density can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention involves a photolithographic process, and apparatus and material for use therein, for producing etched or eroded areas or holes in a selected pattern on or in the surface of fine workpieces, such as small diameter tubes. One aspect of the present invention is a photolithographic process for producing a selected pattern on a nonplanar surface of a workpiece using at least one mask to define the selected pattern. The process includes the acts of applying a photoresist material to the workpiece and aligning the mask with the nonplanar surface of the workpiece. The mask may have an inner surface that corresponds to the nonplanar surface. The process may also include the acts of exposing and developing the photoresist material.

Abstract: An image recording device, wherein deviation of an image-recording start position, which results from a difference in the amount of expansion and contraction based on temperature changes between a printing plate precursor, a rotating support, a mechanism for moving a recording head, and the like, is corrected so that an image can be recorded at a proper position. Temperature 1 near the rotating support is obtained by a first temperature sensor, and temperature 2 near the mechanism is obtained by a second temperature sensor. Then, an amount for correcting an image-recording start position is obtained from a correction table based on the temperatures 1 and 2 and on a size of the printing plate precursor, and the number of drive pulses for correction corresponding to the obtained amount of correction is outputted to a drive motor of the mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and lense system for performing lithography on a substrate. The system includes a unique lense system for nonplanar substrates. The lense system includes a first lense section for receiving a pattern and producing a concave image of the pattern. The concave image can the be received by a second lense section for producing a nonplanar image of the pattern. The system also includes two light sources and a digital imaging device for projecting and exposing the pattern through the lense section and onto the substrate. Light from the first light source is used for exposing the pattern while light from second light source is used for receiving an alignment image. An image sensor, using the light from the second light source, detects an alignment image from the substrate. The alignment image is used to accommodate the projection of the pattern onto the substrate so that the pattern is properly aligned to the substrate.

Abstract: The illumination optical system includes an illumination light source and a spatial light modulator having a plurality of elements which reflect incident light from the illumination light source to form outgoing light and which flexibly switch a deflecting direction of a principal ray of the outgoing light between at least two directions including a first deflecting direction and a second deflecting direction, wherein a first angle between an incident direction of a principal ray of the incident light and the first deflecting direction is set to be approximately equal to a second angle between the first deflecting direction and the second deflecting direction and/or the first and second deflecting directions of the principal ray of the outgoing light inclines with reference to a normal line to an element array surface of the spatial light modulator. The image display apparatus and the image exposure apparatus have the above illumination optical system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photographic recording arrangement for the recording of photographic images onto a band-shaped medium, with a medium source which a supplies a band-shaped medium, with a clamping arrangement which provides a clamping track and a band-shaped medium output at the beginning of the track through which the band-shaped medium is supplied by the medium source along which clamping track the band-shaped medium is guided and tightened and at the end of which track the guided band-shaped medium is clamped by a first holding mechanism for tightening, with at least one recording apparatus for the recording of images onto the tightened band-shaped medium.

Abstract: A method of processing a print order in which the entire order is delivered simultaneously. An exposed sheet carrying all the latent images of the order is developed in a single processing space.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a main body, a cover for opening and closing a portion of the main body, a laser scanning unit for irradiating a laser light on a photosensitive drum disposed at a developing device, a exposing hole which is formed at a side of the developing device to exposing a surface of the photosensitive drum to the light from the laser scanning unit and a protecting plate for covering the exposing hole to protect the exposing hole from-external light when the cover is opened, thereby preventing the photosensitive drum to be exposed to natural light and maintaining the photosensitive drum in an optimum operational state.

Abstract: A multi-beam scanning apparatus including a light source unit having a plurality of light emitting parts configured to emit a plurality of divergent light fluxes, a deflector configured to deflect the plurality of divergent light fluxes emitted from the light source unit, and an imaging system configured to couple the plurality of divergent light fluxes from the light source unit with the deflector and to condense the deflected plurality of light fluxes into optical spots on a surface to be scanned. The light source unit is configured so the optical spots are separated from each other in a sub-scanning direction on the surface to be scanned, and optical axes of the light fluxes emitted from the plurality of light emitting parts are angled in a substantially same direction in the sub-scanning direction relative to optical axes of respective corresponding coupling lenses.

Abstract: A microlithography system, capable of performing high resolution imaging on large-area curved surfaces, based on projection lithography. The system utilizes a high-resolution lens to image a curved mask directly onto a curved substrate. The system uses a curved mask which is identical in shape to the curved substrate, in order to achieve a constant track length for conjugate object and image points, thereby maintaining focus over the full area of curved substrates having height variations that greatly exceed the depth-of-focus of the imaging lens. Magnification errors are controlled by continuous adjustments of the z-position of the projection lens during scanning, with the adjustments depending upon the topography of the curved mask and substrate. By performing the lithography using a step-and-scan seamless-patterning microlithography system, it is possible to pattern over large areas, greater than the field size of the lens.

Abstract: The image recording method and apparatus focus or image a two-dimensional image formed by a group of two-dimensionally disposed light source elements through an optical system on a recording medium which is moving in a relative relation to the group two-dimensionally disposed light source elements. The method and apparatus deflect light from the group of two-dimensionally disposed light source elements to move the image focused on the recording medium in synchronism with a movement of the recording medium such that the image can remain stationary at least in a main scanning direction in a relative relation to the recording medium. The group of two-dimensionally disposed light source elements can be produced by a two-dimensional spatial light modulator illuminated with an illumination light flux.

Abstract: A plate with substantially constant thickness is used to compensate for the residual distortion in the image projected by a high-quality projection lens for lithography. The two surfaces of the plate have an identical aspherical profile, whose shape has been calculated using the measured distortion map of the lithographic objective. The figuring process applied to the plate uses the principle of polishing in the presence of an elastic deformation, so as to achieve the desired aspherical shape on both sides.

Abstract: Distortions, wherein a recording image is inclined relative to a printing plate, are removed when image data from a computer are recorded spirally in recording bands, having a predetermined band width, of a plurality of picture elements on the printing plate which is wound on a drum. Printing plate exposure apparatus comprises the printing plate being wound spirally on the drum such that an extension line of a side edge line of the printing plate is shifted a band width after one drum revolution. The printing plate exposure apparatus further includes: an exposure unit for recording the image data in the recording bands on the printing plate; a moving mechanism for moving the exposure unit by one band width along a drum axial direction relative to the drum during one revolution of the drum; and a timing mechanism for adjusting a band recording start position of the image data for each rotation of the drum so as to set a top edge line of the recording image parallel to a top edge line of the printing plate.

Abstract: For dividing an image and recording divided images on a photosensitive film with a plurality of laser beams, an auxiliary scanning speed is reduced in the vicinity of junctions between adjacent ones of the divided images to adjust the intervals between main scanning lines, and each of the main scanning lines is divided into divided main scanning lines in a main scanning direction, and the divided main scanning lines are formed separately in an auxiliary scanning direction. With such a correcting process, a high-quality image free of striped artifacts and inclination differences of main scanning lines can be recorded on the photosensitive film.

Abstract: An image processing device for processing an image read by an image scanner or similar image reading device is disclosed. The image processing device is capable of accurately detecting, without resorting to a range finding sensor or similar special sensing means, the bound portion of a spread book by recognizing the configuration of the bound portion out of a read image, and thereby accurately correcting the distortion of the portion of the image representative of the bound portion.

Abstract: A preexposure apparatus comprises a film supply station ST1 for arranging a film cartridge 14 containing a film 12 accommodated therein, a film-drawing station ST3 for automatically drawing the film 12 over its entire length, an exposure station ST5 for exposing a predetermined portion of the drawn film 12 with an image by the aid of an exposure section 32, a winding station ST6 for automatically rewinding the film 12 after the exposure into the film cartridge 14, and a withdrawing station ST8 for withdrawing the film cartridge 14. Accordingly, the predetermined portion of the film can be preexposed with a desired image automatically and efficiently.

Abstract: A projection microlithography system that can pattern very large, curved substrates at very high exposure speeds and any desired image resolution, the substrates being permitted to have arbitrary curvature in two dimensions. The substrate is held rigidly on a scanning stage, on which is also mounted a mask containing the pattern to be formed on the substrate. The mask is imaged on the substrate by a projection subsystem which is stationary and situated above the scanning stage. The mask is illuminated with a polygonal illumination beam which causes a patterned region of similar shape to be imaged on the substrate. Different regions of the substrate are moved in a direction parallel to the direction of the optical axis at the substrate (z-axis) by suitable amounts to keep the segment being exposed within the depth of focus of the imaging lens. The stage is programmed to scan the mask and substrate simultaneously across the polygonal regions so as to pattern the whole mask.

Abstract: A guide method and apparatus is provided for use in an imaging system in which media is moved through the system in a first direction. The guide apparatus includes a roller unit for contacting a surface of the media and maintains contact with the surface of the media as the media moves in the first direction, and a retraction unit for separating the roller unit from the media. In an embodiment, the guide apparatus includes a carriage that moves radially toward and away from an internal drum so that the leading portion of media may be held against the internal drum. In other embodiments the guide apparatus includes a carriage that moves along the inner surface of an internal drum together with the leading portion of media. The method guides media in an imaging system in which media having a curled leading edge is moved through the system in a first direction along an inner surface of a cylindrical drum.

Abstract: A circuit pattern surface curving in correspondence with the surface shape of a ball-like semiconductor device material such as a silicon ball is formed in a reticle. A resist-applied surface of the device material is so exposed as to move the ball-like semiconductor device material close to the circuit pattern surface. In this manner, a circuit pattern is formed on the surface of the ball-like device material.

Abstract: An optical scanning system for a printer includes an optical scanning unit having a deflector divided into a plurality of deflection regions to allow repetitive scanning of light emitted from a light source by rotation, the optical scanning unit for scanning light onto a photosensitive belt traveling around a plurality of rollers; a first photodetector installed at a position separated from the edge of the photosensitive belt, to be able to receivable light scanned beyond the edge of the photosensitive belt; a second photodetector installed a predetermined distance apart from the first photodetector, to be able to receive light scanned just beyond the edge of the photosensitive belt until the light hits the edge of the photosensitive belt; a scanning reference position signal generator for generating a scanning reference position signal at a point in time at which a signal output from the first photodetector in response to the reception of light, and a signal output from the second photodetector in response t

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for reshaping the best focus surface to more closely match the surface geometry of a nonplanar surface, such as a sphere. The apparatus includes a complex phase plate located between a mask for generating an image and an elliptical mirror. The mirror has a unique wavefront error and an aspheric image focus surface which is corrected by the complex phase plate, thereby shifting the focus surface to correspond to the nonplanar surface. The apparatus may be used for various shaped substrates, such as a spherical shaped semiconductor device. The complex phase plate includes a variable focal length optical element. The variable focal length optical element may include a diffractive optical element with a plurality of complex phase grating sections repeated over a surface of thereof, located in immediate proximity to the mask.

Abstract: A stimulable phosphor sheet, on which a radiation image has been stored, is scanned with stimulating rays in a main scanning direction and moved in a sub-scanning direction, which is approximately normal to the main scanning direction. A read-out device photoelectrically detects the light, which is emitted by the stimulable phosphor sheet when the stimulable phosphor sheet is scanned with the stimulating rays in the main scanning direction, to obtain an image signal representing the radiation image. A light guiding mirror for reflecting the emitted light toward the read-out device is located to extend in the main scanning direction at a position in the vicinity of a position on the stimulable phosphor sheet, which position is scanned with the stimulating rays in the main scanning direction. The light guiding mirror is supported by a support member, which is formed from a metallic material and is electrically isolated from a ground, or which is formed from an electrical insulating material.

Abstract: A removable cover for protecting a reticle used in a lithography system is described. The removable cover includes a frame and a membrane supported by the frame. The membrane is transparent to an inspection wavelength such that the reticle can be inspected with the removable cover in place. This removable cover protects the reticle when the removable cover is in place and is removable for lithographic exposure. The removable cover can further include at least one reticle fastener that applies force to the reticle thereby preventing movement of the removable cover relative to the reticle when the removable cover is in place. A plurality of fasteners are used to position and secure the removable cover and reticle. A method of performing lithography and a lithographic system are also described.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided for imaging media of while supported at an imaging position on a support surfaces. The system includes a loading device configured to move the medium to be imaged along the support surface to the imaging position. During loading, the leading edge of the medium, which extends across the medium width and substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the medium, moves in a direction towards a registration device. A registration device is contacted by the leading edge of the medium during loading so as to position the medium in the imaging position on the support surface. A medium securing device secures the medium to the support surface and a perforation mechanism subsequently punches or notches the medium prior to imaging. A drive mechanism is provided to move the perforation mechanism and the registration device, typically prior to loading of the medium, to a position which corresponds to the particular width of the medium to be imaged.

Abstract: A high-quality image is formed by using light emission element arrays of plural lines. The plural light emission element arrays are arranged substantially in parallel, an area of a light emission part of each array being different from others, respective light emission elements in the light emission element arrays are caused to selectively perform light emission according to gradation data, and the respective light emission element arrays overlappingly perform exposure on a relatively moved photosensitive body.

Abstract: A platen surface structure construct, particularly useful in a hard copy apparatus for a vacuum holddown, is configured by dimensioning print media platen surface structure channels and ports in order to ensure print media leading edge and trailing edge holddown. Moreover, the vacuum is distributed across the platen surface in accordance with predetermined dye flow characteristics based upon known dye composition and known print medium composition and such that print artifacts are not created by vacuum pulling wet dye through the capillaries of the medium.

Abstract: A recorded image frame is distorted on the printing plate when image information or image data from a computer is recorded in the form of band strips, with a plurality of image elements dotted on each widthwise dotted line of the band, on a printing plate wound over a drum. The present invention permits an undistorted recording on the printing plate by an arrangement which includes a printing plate wound around a drum in the form of a right circular cylinder, an exposing assembly to record image information in the form of a band strip on the printing plate by means of light beam, a moving mechanism to move the exposing assembly in relation to the drum in the direction of the drum axis--by one band width per revolution of the drum--and a circuit to generate an incline distortion offsetting signal in a sawtoothed pattern having the cycle synchronized with that of the rotation of the drum with the initial writing position on the band as starting point.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus for a ball shaped substrate for manufacturing semiconductor devices. An exposure apparatus continually exposes light through a mask having a specified pattern to a surface of a ball shaped substrate. Holders each holding a ball shaped substrate are attached to an annular member that rotates continuously. Optics equipment guide the light from a light source to a surface of the substrate through a mask having a specified pattern. At the same time, optics equipment scans the light emission end to maintain the location relationship of the substrate with the annular member. The substrate is exposed while moving continuously.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with a developer for developing a latent image on a photoreceptor drum into a visible image and a transfer drum having a position detector, for holding a supplied transfer material at a predetermined position and conveying the transfer material, and a transfer voltage source for supplying a transfer voltage to a conductive base of the transfer drum and output values of the transfer voltage source vary in stages when toners of a plurality of colors are transferred. In the image forming apparatus, when printing is continuously performed on a plurality of transfer materials, the timing where output values of the transfer voltage source are returned to the initial value is synchronized with the timing where the rear end of a transfer material having a maximum length capable of being printed is separated from the photoreceptor drum. As a result, the transfer material attracted by the transfer drum can be surely prevented from being jammed.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus for exposing a pattern on a device material includes a holder for chucking and holding a silicon ball, a spherical reticle on which a hologram of a circuit pattern to be exposed is formed, a light source, a focusing optical system for focusing light emitted by the light source on a first position, and an elliptic mirror having a first focal point at the first position and a second focal point at the central position of the silicon ball (reticle). The center of the reticle coincides with the center of the silicon ball.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for orienting a sheet of recording media on a support surface for recording an image onto the recording media in a predetermined location. A registration device, which includes two contacting points for contacting an edge of the media, establishes a registration axis having a know orientation and location with respect to the support surface and with respect to the image to be recorded. A media loading device advances the media across the support surface and orients an edge of the media against the two contacting points of the registration device. At least one of the two contacting points of the registration device is movable with respect to the support surface for adjusting the separation between the two contacting points in accordance with a width of the recording media. The image may also be located at a known location with respect to another perpendicular edge of the recording media.

Abstract: A plurality of LED chips is turned on at theoretical arrangement pitches. The distance between a theoretical imaging point of one LED chip located farthest from an optical axis and the optical axis, and the distance between an actual imaging point and the optical axis are obtained. With the increasing ratio of the distances being set as a reference, the positions where the LED chips are arranged are shifted in a direction opposite to that of the displacement caused by distortion aberration. The further the LED chip is located from the optical axis, the larger the amount of displacement thereof becomes. Further, the nearer the LED chips is located to the optical axis, the smaller the amount of displacement thereof becomes. As a result, the LED chips are arranged on a substrate in such a configuration that compensation for the distortion aberration produced on the photosensitive material can be achieved.

Abstract: In an image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording sheet wound around a circumferential surface of a drum rotatable while retaining the recording sheet wound around the circumferential surface thereof, the drum is provided with a plurality of through holes to suck the recording sheet, connecting grooves to connect among the plurality of holes provided on the circumferential surface, and a leading end supply section to which the leading end of the recording sheet is supplied, wherein the connecting grooves shaped in parallel to the leading end of the recording sheet are not provided to the leading end supply section, and a drum controller controls the position of the circumferential surface of the drum so as to supply the leading end of the recording sheet to the leading end supply section when the recording sheet is supplied to the drum.

Abstract: A recorded image is distorted on a printing plate when an image information for a computer is recorded in the form of a band with a band width of a plurality of image elements on a printing plate wound around a drum. This invention provides an undistorted recording on the printing plate, made possible by an arrangement that has a printing plate wound around a drum in the form of a right circular cylinder, an exposure unit that uses a light beam to record image information in the form of a band on the printing plate, a moving mechanism to move the exposure unit by one band width in the direction of the drum axis in relation to the drum while the drum makes a revolution, an image treating apparatus with the image information stored in the form of a right quadrangle, and an image modulator to rearrange and slant each band of image information readout from said image treatment apparatus by one band width in the opposite direction to the movement of said moving mechanism.

Abstract: A spherical shaped semiconductor integrated circuit ("ball") and a system and method for manufacturing same. The ball replaces the function of the flat, conventional chip. The physical dimensions of the ball allow it to adapt to many different manufacturing processes which otherwise could not be used. Furthermore, the assembly and mounting of the ball may facilitates efficient use of the semiconductor as well as circuit board space.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing printing plates (1) for printing newspapers includes: a plate feeder (2) for feeding plate materials (A); an exposure device (6) for exposing the plate materials conveyed from the plate feeder, the exposure device having an exposure drum (21) which is inclined by a specified angle .theta. with respect to a direction perpendicular to a direction of advancement of the plate materials and on which the plate materials are wound spirally, and an exposing element (22) for exposing the plate materials wound on the exposure drum; a development device (8) for developing the plate materials conveyed from the exposure device; and a guide device (12) capable of guiding two plate materials (A1) having standard width or one plate material (A2) having double width when they are conveyed from the plate feeder via the exposure device to the development device.

Abstract: A system and a method for focusing an image onto the surface of a nonplanar substrate or device, such as a spherical semiconductor substrate, that substantially eliminates misalignment and overlapping problems between neighboring images. The system includes a plurality of mirrors arranged in a ring, a support reciprocatingly positioned relative to the center of the ring of mirrors for positioning the nonplanar substrate or device relative to the ring of mirrors. The nonplanar substrate or device is positioned such that each mirror will be capable of reflecting a focused image onto the surface of the substrate. The image is generated using a mask positioned relative to the ring of mirrors and illuminated to project the image onto the surface of the nonplanar substrate or device.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus is provided which includes a generally cylindrical support defining a substrate support surface, a head operative to record information onto a substrate on the substrate support surfaces, and apparatus for precise rotational positioning and displacement of the cylindrical drum with respect to the imaging head. The apparatus includes at least one linear motor arranged to drive the cylindrical support in rotational motion, and control apparatus for providing electrical inputs to the linear motor to achieve precise rotational positioning of the substrate support surface.

Abstract: A process of forming a pattern on a substrate by irradiating light for exposure from a light source to a mask to transfer the pattern of this mask onto the substrate, wherein, before forming the intended final pattern on the substrate, exposure is carried out with an inspection pattern to a diagnostic region in which the final pattern is not to be formed, the distribution of the intensity of light irradiated to the diagnostic region is found, and at least the secondary peak of this distribution of the light intensity is observed, whereby the light source conditions are optimized and the optimized condition light source is used for forming the pattern.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus for reading open-faced documents comprises a document table for placing documents, an image sensing device for reading a document placed on said document table, a height detector for detecting height of said document at different positions in the main scan direction, and a displacement mechanism for displacing said image sensing device to accomplish focusing within a plane perpendicular to the subscan direction.

Abstract: The improved apparatus for exposing a light-sensitive material to recording light modulated in accordance with an image to be recorded includes a source of recording light, a multi-channel spatial light modulating element using a liquid crystal, imaging optics with which the recording light modulated with the spatial light modulating element is imaged on the light-sensitive material, and apparatus for adjusting the temperature of the spatial light modulating element. This exposing apparatus ensures that image of high quality (high resolution) can be recorded at high speed by performing multi-channel exposure with an inexpensive and simple device design.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus is provided which includes a generally cylindrical drum defining a substrate support surface, a head operative to record information onto a substrate on the substrate support surface, and substrate feed and position apparatus for precise rotational positioning and displacement of the substrate with respect to an internal surface of cylindrical drum. The apparatus includes a plurality of linear motors arranged along the internal surface of the cylindrical drum for feeding the substrate, and control apparatus for controlling the linear motors to achieve precise positioning of the substrate support surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a lithographic printing plate according to the silver salt diffusion transfer process image-wise exposes an imaging element with a high intensity short time scanning exposure. The imaging element comprises on a support in the order given a silver halide emulsion layer and a layer containing physical development nuclei. A thus obtained image-wise exposed imaging element is subsequently developed in the presence of a developing agent and silver halide solvent. The image-wise exposure is focused substantially within the silver halide emulsion layer of the imaging element.

Abstract: A mobile device for close-up -photography or -video-recording is so designed that it is easily useable for the investigation of surface details of an object which is particularly large and soft, for example human skin. When placed in contact with the surface of the object, then without further adjustments a sharp and greatly enlarged image is obtained. The device includes a distance-enforcing structure between the optical system and the object which in the object-side focal area ends with a vaulted surface. The vaulted surface is mechanically stiff and is shaped to compensate the image-plane curvature of the optical system by establishing a corresponding object-plane curvature. This compensation enhances the sharpness of the image obtained for an object surface which is pressed against the vaulted surface and thus is positioned in the true object-side focal area of the optical system.