Abstract: The present invention relates to inspection apparatus and method in which, based on images under a plurality of focus conditions formed by way of an optical system to be inspected, namely, using images under a plurality of defocal conditions, tendency in positional change or change of asymmetry between the images is calculated so as to specify at least one of aberration condition and optical adjustment condition of the optical system to be inspected as well as to exposure apparatuses and overlay accuracy measurement apparatuses provided with the inspection apparatus. In addition, the present invention relates to an image-forming optical system suitable to an alignment apparatus which is applicable to the exposure apparatuses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling photographic film within the print-exposure section of a photographic printer. A mask matches the film frame (negative) and has a window for the passage of the exposure light. The mask also has holes through which air can be directed onto the film. A guide for the edges of the film parallels, and demarcates a gap with the mask. A source of air under either overpressure or underpressure supplies such air to the mask (4) and the film (1) through the air-direction openings (15). The air is supplied with overpressure while the film is being advanced. The air is supplied with underpressure while the print is being exposed to clamp the film.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus comprises a substrate holding portion for holding a photosensitive substrate including a surface, a substrate stage for two-dimensional positioning of the photosensitive substrate via the substrate holding portion, the substrate stage including an upper surface, and an exposure system for transferring a pattern on a mask to the photosensitive substrate by an exposing illumination light. The substrate holding portion is provided in the substrate stage so that the portion of the upper surface of the substrate stage surrounding the photosensitive substrate is substantially flush with the surface of the photosensitive substrate.

Abstract: An image media assembly comprising: a donor element, a receptor element, and means for maintaining at least the elements in a predetermined position wherein one element overlies the element, said means including a vacuum present between the elements.

Abstract: A photographic printing apparatus includes a first and second magazines for storing a roll-shaped photographic light-sensitive material therein respectively, a first and second draw-out members each for drawing out the material from the first or second magazine at a first or second draw-out position, a first and second cutters for cutting the materials drawn out from the first and second draw-out members respectively, an accepting device for accepting and holding the materials drawn out from the first draw-out member at an exposure position, and a driving device for driving the accepting device from the first draw-out position to the second draw-out position. The driving device drives the accepting device which has held the material drawn out by the second draw-out member at the second draw-out position, from the second draw-out position to the first draw-out position so as to hold the material at the exposure position.

Abstract: A method of and printer for printing photographs on light-sensitive paper of a particular format from transparent masters on a roll of film by means of a projector. Both the film and a strip of the paper are advanced through a printing point. The paper is displaced across the direction the film travels in with the center of the prescribed paper format at a distance from the optical axis of the projector. The projector can be adjusted to project the image of the master larger or smaller than the paper format.

Abstract: A substrate holder is provided with two kinds of grooves (clearances) in the absorbing surface thereof. One kind of groove is made of a suitable depth so as to be able to quickly exhaust air and reduce pressure to thereby vacuum mount a substrate, and the other kind of groove is formed with a very small depth within such a range that there is no influence of dust being interposed between the holder and the substrate, in order to better the heat conduction between the substrate and the substrate holder. In addition, the area of the latter is made large as compared with the area of the former.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus is for illuminating a pattern on a mask by an illumination optical system to transfer the pattern on the mask onto a photosensitive substrate set on a stage through a projection optical system. The exposure apparatus comprises a first supply device for supplying an inert gas toward the photosensitive substrate substantially in parallel with the optical axis of the projection optical system in a space open to communicate with the atmosphere between the projection optical system and the photosensitive substrate, and a second supply device for supplying the inert gas to the space in a direction intersecting with the optical axis of the projection optical system so as to establish an inert gas atmosphere in the space together with the first supply device. The transfer is conducted in the inert gas atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention includes a tooling apparatus designed to provide accurately aligned printed circuits on both major sides of a printed circuit board layer, especially advantageous for use in multi-layer PCB's. Also disclosed is the method manufacture of the apparatus and the methods of using the apparatus. The apparatus includes patterns formed on glass masks attached to frames incorporating alignment pins and slots. The patterns include registration marks for alignment during manufacture of the apparatus. During use, the apparatus allows accurate alignment of patterns on both sides of a PCB layer. Also disclosed is the apparatus with buttons used to pattern PCB layers having pre-drilled Z-axis holes.

Abstract: A vacuum table (10) for holding a document in position e.g. during scanning comprises a supporting surface (11) and a vacuum distribution line (13) which, in the absence of such a document, is in gas flow communication with the ambient atmosphere over a vacuum zone (A, B, C, D) on the table surface (11) via an array of openings (12) distributed over that surface. The table (10) further comprises means (20) such as a flexible curtain for obstructing such gas flow communication over a selected length of such array of openings (12) whereby the length (A, B) of the vacuum zone (A, B, C, D) may be matched to the length of a said document, and means (32) for selectively obstructing such gas flow communication over the width of the array whereby the width (B, C) of the vacuum zone may be matched to the width of such document.

Abstract: A vacuum frame apparatus including a latching system with means to assist in repressurizing the vacuumized area of the frame includes a vacuum blanket support frame pivotally mounted along one side of a glass panel for holding workpieces in precise registration against the glass panel for making copies includes a hollow rectangular frame around a flexible vacuum blanket. The frame members have a plurality of small vacuum ports on the underside inside a peripheral bead seal for evacuating the space between the flexible vacuum blanket and the glass panel when a vacuum is pulled on the interior of the hollow peripheral frame by a vacuum pump. Large size frontal ports are provided on the front side member of the frame to cooperate with batch mechanisms for clamping and holding the frame tightly against the glass panel during copy making.

Abstract: A method and a copying frame for copying of negative and positive original films, in combination with or without so called masking films, onto a material which is covered with a light sensitive layer, and having a frame rim of a non-transparent material and a glass plate inserted in a recess of said frame rim, and suction channels (9, 14, 17, 18) provided in said frame rim, and in which the copying frame, for making it possible to handle original films both of a "small" size format and of a "large" size format is formed with two sets of suction grooves, namely a) two cooperating, separate, parallel grooves (14) for suction connecting a "small" size original film (23), which grooves have a length matching the the width of said "small" size film format and are arranged along a part of the long sides of the frame rim, and b) two separate and cooperating, mainly C-shaped grooves (17) having the openings thereof facing each other and being arranged for suction connecting an original film of the "large" size film f

Abstract: A substrate supporting apparatus designed so that a substrate received and delivered by the apparatus can be positioned easily with improved accuracy. For this positioning, pressurized air is supplied between a float chuck and a base chuck of the substrate supporting apparatus to float the float chuck, and peripheral end surfaces of the float chuck are supported by cylinder pins and fixing pins. In this state, a substrate is received from a transport hand and is attracted to a surface of the float chuck. Thereafter, the cylinder pins are caused to recede, and the float chuck is moved together with the substrate by pressing forces of pressing springs to abut reference pins. As a result, a changeover valve is operated by output signals from photosensors to attract the float chuck to the base chuck.

Abstract: A substrate holding apparatus includes a pump, serving as a suction source, a conveying chuck for holding a wafer substrate by suction, a connection arrangement, including parallel lines intermediate the connection arrangement, for conneting the pump to the chuck, and a valve arrangement including at least one valve provided in at least one of the parallel lines. By selecting one of the parallel lines by controlling opening/closing of these valves, the conductance of the connection line is adjusted, whereby the optimum suction pressure for the chuck is set.

Abstract: A sheet material holder includes a vacuum platen defining a plurality of arrays of vacuum channels corresponding in number and size to a plurality of sheet material sizes on one surface thereof and including a corresponding plurality of distinct vacuum plenums communicating with the arrays of vacuum channels; a vacuum pump; a corresponding plurality of remotely actuatable valves connected between the vacuum plenums and the vacuum pump; a corresponding plurality of flow sensors for sensing the flow of air between the plenums and the vacuum pump; and logic and control means connected to the flow sensors and the valves for sensing air flow between a plenum and the vacuum pump and actuating the corresponding valve. Sheet size is automatically inferred by the pattern of valves that are actuated.

Abstract: A method for imaging film with color separations and text which eliminates manual stripping and the use of mylar carriers. Color separation data from a color scanner is stored digitally on a computer. Text is input directly into the computer. The data for the images and text is manipulated digitally to compose a page layout. The computer then instructs an image setter to image the complete, composed page onto four pieces of film in the four color printing colors--cyan, magenta, yellow and black. The imaged film is used to make lithographic printing plates for color printing. The image setter used in the method includes a specially pinned drum having pins corresponding to pins used during imposition. Blank film has prepunched holes corresponding to the pins on the pinned drum so that the imaged film comes off of the drum with images and text in position and register relative to the pin holes. The labor intensive steps of manually stripping film onto mylar carriers is eliminated.

Abstract: A rotatable drum for use in a plotter, or similar device, that provides vacuum for holding the film or other media to the drum's surface, so as to easily accommodate films of various sizes. The drum includes first and second journals and a plate mounted on the circumference of the first and second journals. At least one of the journals has defined on its circumference circumferential channels. The plate has interior and exterior sides, and the first and second journals and a portion of the plate's interior side define a chamber. The plate's exterior side has defined thereon a plurality of grooves. In one embodiment, at least one of the grooves, associated with a first film size, is in fluid communication with the chamber, and some of the remaining grooves, associated with the larger film sizes, are in fluid communication with the channels. A vacuum is supplied to the chamber, and a valve is provided for controlling fluid communication between the channels and the chamber.

Abstract: An imaging system having a source of light movable with respect to a writing element and projectable thereon to generate an image, a focusing device is provided for focusing a light source which generates a beam of light of a wavelength selected to be actinic with respect to the writing element. At least a portion of the beam of light is absorbed by the writing element. The apparatus includes a vacuum imaging drum for holding donor sheets and receiver sheets independently for exposure by the light beam. The drum has an axial planar area which facilitates loading and unloading the donor sheets in superposition with the receiver sheet without disturbing the registration of the receiver sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically clamping film material onto the recording drum of a reproduction device and for releasing the film material exposed by a recording element from the recording drum. The apparatus has a roll film cassette introducible into a light tight portion of the reproduction device. Conveyor and guide surfaces are provided between the roll film cassette and the recording drum. Film conveying means is provided for conveying the film web situated in the roll film cassette to the recording drum. A film cutting means is provided for the separation of film sheets. A film length measuring means, a pressure means having a lowerable pressure roller for the film sheets, a positioning drive for turning the recording drum into a start of clamping, start of exposure and start of release position, and a lift-off means having a lowerable lift-off finger for peeling the exposed film sheets from the recording drum are all provided. The film sheets are fixed on the recording drum by vacuum.

Abstract: A mechanism for clamping a flexible metal printing plate to the circumferential surface of a rotatable plotter drum is provided. The clamping mechanism includes a mounting member affixed to the drum's surface. The mounting member has a passage aligned radially with respect to the drum. A slidable member extends through the passage and past the drum's axis of rotation. The slidable member has, at one end, a head and, at the other end, a weight. The clamp head is disposed further from the axis of rotation than the mounting member and adjacent the drum surface so as to permit clamping between the head and the drum surface. The slidable member is disposed so that its center of mass is opposite the drum's axis of rotation from the head. A mechanism, such as a compressed spring mounted between the weight and the mounting member, is provided for urging the slidable member so as to force the head towards the drum surface. An actuator having two modes is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for clamping sheet-shaped film material onto the recording drum of a reproduction device and is directed to the operation of this device. The recording drum comprises axially proceeding suction-hole rows for the vacuum-fixing of the recording material. Suction channels, each of which connects the suction holes of a suction hole row to one another, proceed in the wall of the recording drum. A vacuum distributor controllable by the rotational movement of the recording drum is arranged in the recording drum, this controllable vacuum distributor selectively bringing the individual suction channels, the corresponding suction hole rows into communication with a stationary vacuum pump. The vacuum distributor is controllable such that that suction hole row on which the starting region of the recording material lies is first charged with vacuum during the clamping event.

Abstract: Apparatus for making prints of exposed and developed film frames on discrete sheets of photographic paper and for developing the sheets has a copying station for successive exposed and developed film frames and a printing station where a discrete sheet of photographic paper receives an image of the frame at the copying station. A platform at the printing station carries a turntable which can change (when necessary) the orientation of a sheet, e.g., through 90.degree., to thus properly position a larger or smaller sheet for reception of the image. The turntable can receive sheets which are severed from different webs of unexposed photographic material, and each such web has a different width. The turntable can attract a sheet by suction during turning and/or during exposure. Such turntable can cooperate with one or more conveyors to maintain a sheet at the printing station in a predetermined plane during imaging of a film frame.

Abstract: A slide track, pin registration system for registering photosensitive media to light exposure equipment. The system includes one or more slide tracks and each of which contain media registration pins. The slide tracks are orthogonally mounted within grooves let into a resilient media support mat. Each pin is restrained in a spring biased retainer which retainer is loosely confined in a support base that slide mounts to the track. The number of pins and profile shapes are variable to match the media and registration requirements. In one vacuum system, the tracks are supported in a multi-chambered, foam backed bladder. In another the tracks are supported on a single chambered bladder. In still another system, the retainer slides within grooves formed in a rigid board.

Abstract: Both surfaces of a substrate formed with a resist or a thin film sample can be exposed concurrently and either one surface exposure or both surface concurrent exposure of the sample can be carried out. The first groove for use in fixing the flat plate holder of transparent material held by a frame to the frame under a suction of vacuum and fixing is formed at a lower circumferential edge of the flat plate holder, the second groove for sucking by vacuum and fixing the mask film on the upper surface of the flat plate holder is formed at the upper surface of the flat plate holder and at the same time there is provided a seal member for sealing a clearance between the mask film and the end part of the sample formed with a resist position aligned to each other, and suction holes for use in sucking by vacuum and fixing the lower surface of the end part of the sealed sample are communicated with each of the seal member, mask film and the flat plate holder in a sample holding device of the exposure device.

Abstract: A mask is used for mounting a sensitized sheet, such as a printing plate, onto the surface of an exposure drum. The mask, acting as an intermediary between the exposure drum and the printing plate, is a flexible sheet, with a top and bottom surface, that is mounted about the exposure drum. A groove formed within the top surface of the flexible sheet is used for securing the printing plate by means of a vacuum. A passageway formed within the flexible sheet connects the groove to the bottom surface and receives a vacuum from the exposure drum. Plates of different sizes are mounted to the exposure drum by interchangeable masks of corresponding sizes.

Abstract: A device for holding a substrate includes a holding system for holding a substrate by attraction and a guard system for preventing dropping of the substrate held by the holding system, the guard system being out of contact with the substrate as the same is held by the holding system.

Abstract: A drum for an image recording apparatus for absorbing and winding a recording material for the purpose of recording the image by an exposure head thereof. The main body of the drum is structured by arranging a plurality of cylindrical members having a relatively smaller axial direction. Since the drum is formed by arranging the cylindrical members, the drum can be readily manufactured. A guide is provided on the outer surface of the drum, this guide guiding, pressing, and retaining the front portion of the recording material to the outer surface of the drum so that the absorption of the recording material is conducted assuredly. The shaft of the drum is borne by a radial ball bearing which has a sealing member so that air leakage when the absorption is conducted is prevented.

Abstract: A carrier apparatus for carrying a plane member such as a semiconductor wafer, a mask for exposure, a optical disk substrate, a liquid crystal panel and so on. To hold such a flat member tightly, the carrier apparatus comprises an elastic member between a holding part and a carrier arm.

Abstract: A pneumatic pressure pad within an exposure stage of a microfiche duplication equipment cyclically reliably evenly progressively pressures a microfiche master film into uniform pressured contact with an unexposed film in order that the unexposed film may be exposed from the master film without appreciable distortion. A housing of the pneumatic pressure pad defines a chamber divided into separate volumes by a flexible diaphragm. A pneumatic source cyclically applies a differential air pressure between the chamber's two volumes and across the flexible diaphragm. Outside of the housing, an elastomeric pressure pad presents a substantially planar precision crowned surface in a direction oriented towards the planes of each of the unexposed and exposed films. A shaft connects the diaphragm to the pressure pad.

Abstract: A process camera includes: an original holder; a lens for projecting an image of the original on an image forming plane; a frame having an opening defining the image forming plane; a focusing glass attached to the frame movable between a portion covering only a part of the opening of the frame and an open position freeing the opening for forming an image of the original of the surface thereof; a vacuum board for holding a film thereon; and a member for mounting to the frame the vacuum board rotatably around a predetermined axis of rotation between a closed position covering all of the opening and a position covering only a part of the opening. Since the area of the focusing glass is selected to be smaller than the area of the opening, the area required by the focusing glass at the open position is small. The axis of rotation of the vacuum board is provided crossing the opening, but not along sides of the opening.

Abstract: A platen 23, 96 having a series of channels 174 which are in fluid communication with a vacuum and a fluid source. The grooves 174 preferably extend through an end of the platen 23 to the atmosphere such that the vacuum has a maximum value. The platen 23, 96 is used in a printer-processor 10 which has a printing unit 11 and a processing unit 12. A light source 18 directs light 64 toward light-sensitive photographic printing material 22 held by the platen 23, 96. A transport system 132 conveys the print material 22 from the platen 23, 96 to the entrance 29 of the processor 12.

Abstract: In a drum having a flexible sheet material removably held on to an outer surface thereof, a method for reducing aerodynamic lift of an edge of the material, comprising the step of introducing a thin sealing strip between the outer surface of the drum and an inner surface of the film at the edge of the material. The lift may be caused by the natural tendency of the sheet material to curl at its edges and may be exacerbated by the flow of air under the edges as the drum rotates.

Abstract: An apparatus in which successive toner images are transferred from a photoconductive drum to a sheet at a transfer zone. The sheet is transported by a perforated belt entrained about a stationary sleeve through a recirculating path. The sleeve has a plurality of spaced ports extending in and through the periphery thereof and connected to a vacuum source. In this way, the sheet is vacuum tacked to the belt to move in unison therewith in synchronism with the photoconductive drum. At the transfer zone, the sheet separates the belt and is interposed between the photoconductive member and a corona generator. The corona generator applies an electrostatic charge to the sheet to attract successive toner images thereto. The sheet moves with the belt in a recirculating path so that successive different color toner images are transferred thereto in registration with one another.

Abstract: A photosensitive sheet (11) having photohardenable microcapsules is unrolled to be intermittently fed onto the exposure stage (300), and color separated images are projected onto a common area of the photosensitive sheet. A receiver paper (12) having a color coupler layer is overlaid on the photosensitive sheet, and pressed with a press roller mechanism (700), whereby a color image appears on the receiver paper. The receiver paper is separated from the photosensitive sheet, and thermally treated with a heater (820).

Abstract: A kit comprising various components which are connectable to a first and second member for making a phototool from the first and second members.

Abstract: A phototool having frame assemblies connected by a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly comprises a first hinge plate, a second hinge plate and a hinge shaft. Protrusions are connected to the first hinge plate and a non-rotating insert is disposed in each protrusion. Each non-rotating insert receives a portion of the hinge shaft and is sized so that the hinge shaft is substantially non-rotatable within each non-rotating insert. Protrusions are connected to the second hinge plate and a rotating insert is disposed in each of these protrusions. The hinge shaft extends through each rotating insert and each rotating insert is sized so that the hinge shaft is rotatable within the insert without movement in radial directions.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus has a sheet feeding device which employs the structure wherein pawls or the like disposed at part of the sheet feeding device push down both ends of the sheet to be fed so as to separate the sheets that overlap with one another. The sheet feeding device further employs the structure which pushes the sheet, that falls onto a sheet tray, into the tray in order to store the sheet in the sheet tray.

Abstract: An apparatus for scanning a transparent platen including a relatively rigid plate of transparent material. In use, an original document sheet from which data are to be acquired by examination of the document through the plate is retained against the bottom side of the rigid plate of transparent material, by suction, which is applied to the interface between the original document sheet and the plate about the perimeter of the original document sheet, near the outer the edge of the relatively rigid plate. Alternatively, the original may be placed on an exchangeable, elastic support plate of transparent material retained to the relatively rigid plate by suction. Since the support plate is removable, it can be mounted on a light board, thus allowing a digitizer to determine the area to be scanned. The support plate is preferably rather thin so that it can sealingly abut originals of varying thickness.

Abstract: A board for precise and repeatable alignment and registration of plural workpieces includes a planar board member (10) with a plurality of registration pins (28,30,32) mounted thereon. The workpieces have holes in which the registration pins are received. At least one of the pins is mounted so that it can move multidirectionally within the plane of the board to maintain registration of the multiple workpieces.

Abstract: A transfer member, for example, a transfer drum utilizes a vacuum applied through vacuum holes to the drum surface for holding a receiving sheet. A toner image is transferred to the sheet under the urging of an electric field. To prevent non-transfer over the vacuum holes, the holes are filled or covered with a conductive material that is sufficiently conductive to maintain the electric field over the holes and sufficiently porous to maintain the vacuum at the surface. For example, a polyurethane foam material can be used for the material in or over the vacuum holes.

Abstract: Apparatus for reading optically a scene made up of symbols on a transparent medium comprises a transparent flat plate on which the scene is supported. An illumination system on one side of this plate illuminates at least part of the scene. An optical reader device on the opposite side of the plate incorporates an optical sensor. A pneumatic skid is moved over the opposite side of the plate and has a recess in its surface facing the plate in which the sensor is accommodated. Thus the scene is scanned by the sensor as the skid is moved over the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for printing and processing photographs is disclosed. The printer-processor has a printing unit 11 and a processing unit 12. A light source 18 directs light 64 toward light-sensitive photographic printing material 22. The negative 19 is held by a rotatable negative carrier 20. The optics 21 for the printer-processor 10 are mounted upon a rotatable lens carousel assembly 63 having a plurality of lens decks 65. The printing material 22 is supported by one or two platens 23, 96, each having a plurality of vacuum grooves 174 to hold the print material 22. A transport system 132 conveys the print material 22 from the platen 23, 96 to the entrance 29 of the processor 12. The transport system 132 includes a pre-accumulation conveyor system 147 and a post-accumulation conveyor system 149, between which is a holding area 40 and accumulation system 148 for accumulating exposed print material 22.

Abstract: An apparatus for making contact prints, the apparatus including a frame having a transparent plate, and a pair of frame carriers for supporting the frame at opposite sides of the printing box such that the frame is placeable over the printing plate in an optically sealed manner, each of the frame carrier including a stop means for anchoring the frame carrier at a predetermined position alongside the printing box.

Abstract: A transport belt for an automatic camera vacuum feed and hold down system is provided. The movable, flexible opaque transport belt has a substantially uniform bottom surface facing the exposure platen and a top surface provided with at least one transverse resilient belt flexing member. The belt flexing member is preferably a curved plastic member having memory which assumes a first, curved position to create at least one air channel beneath the belt. The air channels reduce the length of time required to evacuate air beneath the belt. During vacuum hold down for exposure, the resilient belt flexing member assumes a second position, substantially parallel to the platen and the air channels are eliminated, such that the bottom belt surface presents a substantially flat uniform background surface during exposure.

Abstract: A variable width transparent photographic film vacuum hold-down device. Two spaced parallel vacuum slits formed on a flat platen are connected by the longitudinal edges of the film, and when covered by a flexible cover sheet form two vacuum channels holding the film flat and unobscured to the extreme edges. Any film width not exceeding the length of the vacuum slits is held without any modification or adjustment to the device. Any length of film can be used.

Abstract: An automatic vacuum feed and hold down system is provided having a transport belt with vacuum grippers, a peripheral vacuum channel surrounding the platen, and a lead edge blow apparatus. In the preferred embodiment the transport belt consists of polyester fabric selectively coated with plastisol sealant to define a window area similarly shaped but smaller than the platen and suction grippers within the window area. In the preferred mode of operation a lifting apparatus raises the belt away from the exposed photosensitive sheet on the platen and the natural curl of the sheet, together with the lead edge blow, cause the sheet to release from the platen. The lifting apparatus then lowers the belt and suction is reapplied to the grippers, whereafter the belt and sheet are raised and advanced to deliver the exposed photosensitive sheet for processing.

Abstract: A film applying and removing device in a drum type picture scanning recording apparatus is adapted that a photosensitive film is wound onto a rotary drum to be scanned by an exposing head, and comprises a first tray for accommodating a plurality of unexposed films, a film ascending and descending means for ascending the tip end of the film in the tray to contact it with the surface of the drum, a vacuum suctioning means to hold the tip end on the surface of the drum, an inversely rotatable driving means to rotate the drum and guide means for introducing a second tray for receiving exposed films.

Abstract: A photographic printer apparatus is provided, with quick change self-threading magazines of photographic material which enables use of different widths and types of photographic material at the input of the printer apparatus. A cutter station is positioned within the printer console adjacent the magazine input, where roll material is pre-cut to the desired size of the photographic print to be made before being exposed. Transport systems are provided in the console for vacuum guidance and positioning of the photographic material while it is being cut and for accurately positioning the photographic material opposite a first exposure station for exposure, and for transporting the piece of photographic material to a second exposure station or for storage and subsequent processing or to a continuously running processor adapted to develop, and wash and dry the previously exposed photographic material.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus comprises a stage; a base plate provided on the stage; a flexible chuck plate which is capable of sucking under vacuum a substantially entire surface of a substrate to a surface thereof; a plurality of vertical displacement generating mechanism including a plurality of feedscrews provided at the base plate with predetermined intervals therebetween, a plurality of rotational actuators for rotatively driving each of the feedscrews, and a plurality of spring members interposed between the chuck plate and the base plate so as to allow a tip of each of the feedscrews to be engaged with a rear surface of the chuck plate; restricting mechanism for restricting the chuck plate in such a manner as not to be displaced horizontally relative to the base plate; a mask holder for holding a mask; a mechanism for measuring a level of the mask held by the mask holder; and a mechanism for measuring a level of the substrate sucked onto the chuck plate, whereby each of the rotational actuators of the vertica

Abstract: A device for supplying/discharging PS plates in an inclined-type step and repeat machine having a rearwardly inclined exposing table which includes a supplying holder disposed on a side of the exposing table for supplying the PS plate thereto, the holder having a surface thereof rearwardly inclined at the same angle with respect to the horizontal as that of a surface of the exposing table, a pair of endless chains respectivley disposed along both side edges of the holder and adapted to move up and down longitudinally of the holder in synchronism with each other, metal support supported by the chains at both ends thereof, support bars also supported by the chains at respective both ends thereof via metal pieces the chains being driven to move up while carrying the PS plate which is being held by the metal support and support bars, and a guide provided on the top of the supplying holder and bent backwardly for guiding upward the plate being discharged.