Abstract: A supporting device (53) provided with a first part (69), a second part (71), and a gas spring (73) for supporting the second part relative to the first part parallel to a support direction (Z). The gas spring (73) comprises a pressure chamber (75) which is provided in an intermediate part (79) and is bounded by a piston (81) which is displaceable in the intermediate part (79) parallel to the support direction and is supported perpendicularly to the support direction by means of a static gas bearing (85). A stiffness of the supporting device parallel to the support direction is thus substantially entirely determined by a stiffness of the gas spring, and a low stiffness can be achieved through a suitable design of the gas spring. A transmission of vibrations directed parallel to the support direction from the first part to the second part is prevented as much as possible thereby. The invention also relates to a lithography device having a plurality of such supporting devices.

Abstract: An exposing apparatus provided with a drum to fixedly hold a sheet-shaped light sensitive material onto an outer peripheral surface thereof by suctioning; a rotating driver capable of rotating the drum at a rotational speed not less than 1200 rpm; and an exposing device for exposing on the basis of image data the light sensitive material fixedly held on the outer peripheral surface of the drum rotated by the rotating driving means.

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: Apparatus and method for supporting master image sheets on supporting platens includes forming vacuum seals between sheets and platens and evacuating air from therebetween to retain the master image sheets against movements on the supporting platens. An image receiving layer such as a photosensitive printed circuit board is disposed between supporting platens that are, then evacuated to retain the opposite surfaces of the layer in contact with the master image sheets for parallax-free photographic exposure to light through the platens, with inherent alignment of images thus formed on the opposite surfaces of the layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining media size and width and position by detection on a vacuum platen. Detection is provided by using electrical signals from vacuum ports arranged in an X-Y array in the platen. The electrical signals are capable of interfacing with digital circuitry. The X-Y array of vacuum ports with associated detectors permit the determination of media size, shape, and position with reference to the platen, allowing printing to be contained within the media.

Abstract: An original-cover closer has: a mounting or base member to be installed on the body of a copying machine; a supporting member pivoted at side plates thereof by a first hinge pin to side plates of the mounting member and on which an original cover is supported and; a lifting member mounted at side plates thereof by a second hinge pin on the supporting member at free ends of the side plates thereof to be pivotable in an opposite direction to the direction in which the support member is opened and closed and to which the original cover is to be fixed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for processing images such as photographs or magazine pages. The computer-driven apparatus includes a reciprocating easel which moves along railings under an image capture device such as a camera. Vacuum pickers pick up images which have been processed and drop them into image drop bins under computer control, thus freeing the human operator from moving images. Vacuum compartments on the reciprocating easel hold images securely in place while they are photographed but release them when they are not being photographed. A bar code scanner system may be used to track images and correlate the images with film frames in the camera. Translucent panels within the easel allow transparencies to be processed by illuminating the images from beneath the easel.

Abstract: A pellicle which reduces the number of particles that migrate onto a stepping field of the mask is disclosed. The pellicle frame in a preferred embodiment has an inner and an outer wall. The pressure relief system has an indirect air path which reduces the chance of particle migration from outside the frame to the protected area. The pellicle membrane is attached to the top of the outer wall and stretches over the rounded top of the inner wall, which has a slightly greater height than the outer wall. The reticle is attached to the bottom of the outer wall, while the bottom of the inner wall is sealed against the reticle with an O-ring. In this way, none of the adhesives used to attach the frame to the membrane or to the reticle are in direct contact with the protected area of the reticle. The pressure relief system allows for equalization of pressure between the area protected by the pellicle and atmospheric pressure with a reduced chance of particle migration.

Abstract: An inventive system and method for continually advancing film through an air-bearing film flattening system having at least one scanning area through which the air-flattened film may be scanned. The film is provided to an air-bearing mechanism comprising two opposing air-bearing plates which create opposing air cushions for maintaining the planarity of the film. The scanning area may comprise at least one optical aperture in the air-bearing plate or plates through which the scanner views the film, or a "viewing" area occupied by bundled coherent optical fibers which sequentially pick up image information from aligned regions of the image. The system provides for time efficient, clean, and error-free reading of the scanned image.

Abstract: To prevent tilting or bending of a large mask frame holder and at the same time to prevent distortion when the mask holding frame is attached to a support base by ball plungers in three of the four corner areas of a mask holding frame that engage V groove bodies which face the ball plungers on the surface of the base, compression springs are provided in those three corners which pre-stress the mask holding frame toward the support base while a compression spring is provided between the remaining corner area of the mask holding frame and the base which acts in a direction pressing the mask holding frame away from the support base, thereby preventing the mask holding frame from bending or tilting. As an alternative, in each of the three pre-stressed corner areas of the mask holding frame, instead of a compression spring, an elastic attachment component in the form of a bracket with spring-like legs mounted to the supporting component can be provided.

Abstract: Vacuum easel for releasably holding material. The vacuum easel includes a panel having a first sheet and a second sheet with a plurality of walls disposed between the first and second sheets. The walls define a series of progressively larger air pathways between the first and second sheets. A plurality of openings are formed in the first sheet to allow communication of air between the exterior of the first sheet and the respective air pathways. At least a subset of the openings are associated with each of the air pathways. A zone selector is operable to selectively communicate a source of vacuum with at least one of the air pathways to draw air from the exterior of the vacuum easel through the openings associated with the selected air pathway.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for scanning photographic film includes a scan gate (14, 16, 18, 26-30) having a film track (14) to guide a filmstrip (50) longitudinally in a direction of travel, a film guide surface (26) in the film track, and an elongated scan aperture (28) through the guide surface, the scan aperture being extended transverse to the film track; an image scanning device (18) positioned opposite the scan aperture, the scanning device including a housing (20) with a window (36), the housing enclosing an elongated array (44)of sensors faced through the window toward the film track opposite the scan aperture, the array of sensors having a length (L) and being spaced from the film guide surface; the scanning device further having a transparent cover (42) between the sensors and the film guide surface; the array and the cover being extended transversely to the film track, whereby a passage (48) for a filmstrip (50) is defined between the cover and the film guide surface; a conduit (78, 80)for delivering pressuriz

Abstract: The pattern transfer apparatus includes a first substrate on which a circuit pattern of an arbitrary semiconductor device is drawn, a first stage including a substrate holding mechanism for holding the first substrate, an illumination optical system for illuminating the circuit pattern of the semiconductor device drawn on the first substrate, a second stage on which a second substrate can be mounted, a reducing optical system or an equimultiple optical system for transferring a part of the circuit pattern of the semiconductor device drawn on the first substrate, and a mechanism for moving at least one of first and second elements, the first element being one of the first and second stages and the second element being the reducing optical system or an equimultiple optical system, wherein the first stage has a holding mechanism for holding one of substrates of at least two sizes and for changing a gripping force in accordance with the sizes of the substrates.

Abstract: A photographic printing apparatus is provided in which a plurality of film cartridges X stored in a cartridge storage 1 are unloaded and transferred one by one to a film table 5 and after reading image data from a film of the cartridge with a scanner module 6 using light from a light source module 4, and printing it on a photosensitive material PC placed on an exposure bed 3c by exposure of light through a lens unit 4b, returned back to the cartridge storage 1.

Abstract: A photofinishing device for handling different formats of photographic film. The photofinishing device comprising a work station for photofinishing a respective format type of photographic film, means for moving the respective format type of photographic film along the work station, and at least one sensor assembly pivotably mounted to the photofinishing device so as to move between an engaged position and a non-engaged position, the at least one sensor assembly having a sensor, the at least one sensor being in substantial contact with the film when the sensor assembly is in the engaged position, the at least one sensor assembly when in the non-engaged position allowing easy access to the sensor.

Abstract: A photofinishing device for handling different format types of photographic film includes a work station with a film interface for photofinishing a respective format type of photographic film. The photofinishing device is provided With a first film deck interface utilized for containing a first format type of photographic film at the work station so that the first format type of photographic film may be photofinished while it is maintained in a specified orientation relative to the work station. The first film deck interface is releasably secured to the work station and replaceable with a second film deck interface capable of containing a second format type of photographic film at the work station. In this manner, when the photographic film in the device is changed from the first format type to the second format, the film decks may be quickly changed so that the second format type of photographic film is maintained in a specified orientation relative to work station for photofinishing.

Abstract: A filmstrip holding apparatus for supporting a filmstrip having image frames to be scanned with reduced transverse curl is disclosed. The filmstrip holding apparatus includes a base defining a channel, the channel including a bottom surface having an aperature and two opposed parallel sides to accomodate the filmstrip lengthwise past the aperture; and a clamp having two opposed elongated clamping members and a support frame extending between the clamping members to hold them in their opposed relationship.

Abstract: A film holder holds a film original and an image reading device uses the film holder for the purpose of easily changing the frames of the film original. The film holder is provided with a holder main body and an adapter. The holder main body holds the film original and has a plurality of openings that face the images of each frame of the film original. The adapter holds the holder main body so that sliding is possible along a length of the film original and has windows that coincide with at least one of the plurality of openings of the holder main body.

Abstract: An apparatus for constraining a moving web of photographic film includes a first frame (84); a pair of oppositely facing, substantially parallel edge guides (148, 156, 158) supported by the first frame, each edge guide comprising a serpentine contact surface (160) with a central portion (162) for engaging an edge surface of a web moving between the edge guides; a second frame (70, 186, 248); a pair of film deflectors (262, 264) supported by the second frame; and a mechanism (74-96, 180-238) for relatively positioning the two frames with the film deflectors at least partially engaging the film with the serpentine contact surface, the mechanism being selectively adjustable to vary the deflection of the web toward the serpentine path, so that webs of different types of photographic film can be constrained for bar code reading.

Abstract: A paper magazine including a magazine main body in which a photosensitive material is accommodated; a guide member for guiding the photosensitive material to a magazine opening through which the photosensitive material is delivered out to an exterior; at least one guide roller which is attached to the guide member so as to be freely rotatable, and which contacts a transverse direction end portion of the photosensitive material and guides the photosensitive material when the photosensitive material is delivered out to the exterior; and a cover which is supported at the magazine main body so as to be able to open and close an open portion of the magazine main body, and when the cover is closed, the cover is positioned so as to oppose the guide member with the photosensitive material being disposed between the guide member and the cover.

Abstract: An image processor, including a housing having a transparent plate disposed on the upper surface thereof, and a swing frame pivotally mounted on the housing. In the swing frame is disposed a document conveyer which includes document suppressing rollers. In a state where the swing frame is brought to the closed position, the document suppressing rollers extend over the transparent plate, maintaining a space relative thereto in the direction of width of the transparent plate. A first shaft member is mounted on the swing frame, a pair of support brackets are rotatably mounted on the first shaft member separated by a distance in the axial direction, a second shaft member is mounted on the pair of support brackets to extend in the direction of width of the transparent plate in a state where the swing frame is brought to the closed position, and the document suppressing rollers are mounted on the second shaft member.

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 control strip holder having a light interrupting door opened and closed by the instruction of an external open-and-close instruction means is installed on the exposure table of an automatic printing and developing machine, which is provided with the open-and-close instruction means. The control strip is automatically drawn out from the holder, held onto the exposure table by air-suction and transferred to the developing unit. The control strip is drawn out by the holding force of the exposure table. As a structure for concentrating the holding force on the driving of the control strip, a mask plate is provided on the control strip holder to cover almost all the holding zone of the exposure table. The leading end of the control strip remaining outside the control strip holder is held on the exposure table by a force which is stronger than exerted on normal paper. Thus, the control strip is transferred to the developing unit through the outlet by the paper conveying belt of the exposure table.

Abstract: The improved film clamp comprises a base plate having an aperture defined therethrough and over which a film strip is positioned in a plane; a platen having a flat surface and an aperture defined therein and mounted to said base plate with the apertures of said base plate and said platen aligned with each other when the platen is clamped to the base plate; and flexible gripping means positioned around the periphery of the aperture of either said platen, said base plate or both, each of said flexible gripping means including a locating section arranged so as to be inserted into locating slots provided around the periphery of the aperture of either said platen, said base plate or both, said locating slots being, when said base plate and said platen are clamped together, substantially perpendicular to the plane of the film strip and a gripping section angled with respect to said locating section outward from the aperture(s) so as to grip and tension said film strip between said base plate and said platen when th

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 thin flexible film is loaded into an interior surface of a hollow image-processing drum by releasably adhering a sheet of the film to a carrier. The carrier is admitted into the drum and positioned in spaced relation to the interior surface of the drum. The upper surface of the carrier is urged to the surface of the drum to place the sheet in residence against the interior surface of the drum. The sheet of film is releasably adhered to the drum and the carrier is removed from the drum. A receptor sheet may be placed within the drum and a donor sheet placed over it in a similar manner.

Abstract: A proximity exposure method and apparatus therefor. Replications of mask patterns are carried out, wherein as a mask closely approaches a substrate, the displacement of the mask is detected, and the atmospheric pressure between the mask and the substrate, or around the side of the mask opposite the substrate is controlled so as to cancel the displacement of the mask. The apparatus includes positioning apparatus, a light source for exposing the mask pattern, displacement measuring means, and atmospheric pressure controlling means.

Abstract: A film registration gate assembly has a gate with focal positioning location for focal positioning of an image frame of a strip film with edge perforations. Undersized first and second pins enter a pair of transversely aligned perforations of the film to register the image frame with the positioning location. An undersized third pin enters a third perforation spaced along the film from the second pin and then pulls the film obliquely to a reference line extending between the first and second pins to nest against the first and second pins the perforations thereat and register the image frame precisely at the aperture. A plate with a window registering with the image frame and aperture clamps the film against the gate. The window, positioning location and image frame are of corresponding size and shape. The pins register the image frame precisely with the positioning location, and the plate maintains the image frame in precise focal position thereat.

Abstract: A pellicle which reduces the number of particles that migrate onto a stepping field of the mask is disclosed. The pellicle frame in a preferred embodiment has an inner and an outer wall. The pressure relief system has an indirect air path which reduces the chance of particle migration from outside the frame to the protected area. The pellicle membrane is attached to the top of the outer wall and stretches over the rounded top of the inner wall, which has a slightly greater height than the outer wall. The reticle is attached to the bottom of the outer wall, while the bottom of the inner wall is sealed against the reticle with an o-ring. In this way, none of the adhesives used to attach the frame to the membrane or to the reticle are in direct contact with the protected area of the reticle. The pressure relief system allows for equalization of pressure between the area protected by the pellicle and atmospheric pressure with a reduced chance of particle migration.

Abstract: A clamping arrangement essentially comprising two lever arms driven at one end by a solenoid and having a resilient clamp pad mounted on a flexure member at the other end thereof. The clamp pad is made of a resilient material such as, for example, urethane and has four non-parallel side walls defining an upper face which is complementary to the radial face of the scanning apparatus gate. The sloping side walls of the clamp pad act as a light baffle to prevent reflected light from entering the imaging lens, and the pad is gimballed so that any variations between the upper surface of the clamp pad and the radial surface of the gate will be eliminated attain as perfect a match therebetween as is possible. In another embodiment of the clamping arrangement, a single arm can be utilized in place of the dual arm arrangement described above. The single arm has a Y-shape in which the clamp pad is supported on the branched end of the arm and the solenoid drives the single member.

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 film flattening apparatus and method of operation for a printer particularly operable in a film flattening mode for flattening image frames of filmstrip segments attached by a side attached tow web and transported through a transport path gap between the flattening apparatus and an aperture formed in a stationary film transport base. The flattening apparatus is formed of first and second clamping members suspended apart from the base in a retracted position during the web transport and moved toward the base to a contact position pressing against the longitudinal or lateral and the transverse edges of the filmstrip image frame in a film flattening mode. The first and second clamping members are formed with longitudinally and transversely extending clamping elements, respectively and are suspended apart from one another and the base in the retracted position and advance sequentially in a nested relation toward the base and the contact position in the film flattening mode.

Abstract: An exposed and developed photographic film is moved through a copying machine between a fixedly mounted lower guide member and an upper guide member which is movable up and down away from and toward the lower guide member. The confronting surfaces of the guide members have raised portions which surround registering windows of the guide members and engage a film all the way around a film frame which is aligned with the windows when the film is brought to a halt. Once the imaging of the frame which is aligned with the windows is completed, several springs lift the upper guide member, and ports in the raised portions of the confronting surfaces discharge jets of compressed air which cause the film to levitate between the two guide members during advancement of the next film frame to a position of alignment with the windows. This reduces the likelihood of scratching of and/or other damage to the film during transport.

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 parallel-moving apparatus includes a fixed table with a static pressure bearing pad, and a movable table with an inclined static pressure bearing pad. A driving plate having a wedge-shaped cross-section is disposed between the fixed table and the movable table, and both surfaces thereof are parallel to the static pressure bearing pad of the movable table and the static pressure bearing pad of the fixed table, and are noncontact-supported thereby. When the driving plate is moved by an actuator, the movable table is moved toward or away from the fixed table while keeping its parallelism to the fixed table.

Abstract: An apparatus for enlarging and printing panoramic photographs includes a light source and a negative shuttle having upper and lower parallel plates for securing and enclosing entirely a negative placed therebetween. Interposed between the light source and the negative shuttle is a focusing device for concentrating light emanating from the light source. The three above-described elements are operative to project an image from a negative secured in the negative shuttle in a direction opposite the light source. A lens is supported in an adjustable lens support for magnifying and focusing the image projected from the negative shuttle. Photosensitive material is supported on a supply spool, the photosensitive material being passed to a take-up spool adapted to receive the photosensitive material. A photosensitive material is supported in substantially parallel relation to the negative shuttle and is exposed to the image projected through the lens.

Abstract: A film accumulator includes a pressing mechanism for consecutively pressing a plurality of films which are consecutively fed out from a printer and a holding member in which the films are accumulated and held with widthwise sides of the pressed films retained therein. Accordingly, the plurality of films can be accumulated automatically.

Abstract: An imager apparatus for exposing a film with a plurality of recorded images separated by border areas includes an exposure site, a primary film path along which unexposed films are fed to the exposure site, a secondary film path along which exposed films are taken away from the exposure site, and a film driver at the exposure site. The film driver drives films between the primary and the secondary film paths. The film support for holding the film at the exposure site during exposure includes at least one rod on which the film rests. The rod contacts the film at only the border areas.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a scanning gate of a photographic film scanning apparatus utilizes a reversible m s , stepping motor, and a system driven by the motor for moving the gate in a pendulum-like manner. The means comprises a shaft, a gear sector fixedly connected on the shaft and a crank arm fixedly connected on the shaft so as to operatively engage the scanning gate, and a worm configured to be driven by the motor. A biasing device is arranged between the gear sector and a chassis of the scanning apparatus to maintain a positive engagement between the worm and the gear sector. Additional biasing devices are connected between the crank arm and the gate to provide for adjustment of the gate about two axes.

Abstract: An arc-segment-shaped gate for a photographic film scanning apparatus has a six inch radius from a pivot shaft of the gate to the outermost surface at which the scanning of the film is to occur. The gate is pivoted around a pivot axis through an optical chassis of the scanning apparatus and is driven by a worm-gear segment arrangement via a reversible electric motor. The gate swings through an arc of approximately 61/2.degree. on each side of a vertical initializing position of the gate and has an aperture at which a frame of the film can be held against the gate by a clamping arrangement which is moved with the gate. The gate of the present invention is that the gate is mounted to be adjusted about a spherical bearing by the use of bearings mounted on eccentric shafts against which a wear plate on the gate is registered. Pins and biasing springs mounted on the gate and the gate system drive allow adjustment of the gate in .THETA. X and .THETA. Z directions for obtaining precise optical alignment.

Abstract: A pellicle mounting apparatus adheres a pellicle frame to a surface of a reticle glass under pressure. The apparatus includes a reticle glass support device for supporting the reticle glass and pellicle frame support device for supporting the pellicle frame. An elastic pressure member is provided on the pellicle frame support device in contact with the pellicle frame along a periphery thereof. The pressure member has a sufficiently small reaction to deformation under the pressure applied to the pellicle frame as compared with the pressure. A pressurizing device applies fluid pressure uniformly to the periphery of the pellicle frame via the elastic pressure member.

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: Clamping of different format sizes of film is achieved by aperatured inserts of the required size being insertable in a base member and a platen. The base member is provided with a relatively flat surface and an aperature therein over which a film strip is positioned. The platen is provided with an aperture therethrough and a gripping strips positioned around the periphery of the aperature with the gripping strips being angled away from the aperture. A clamping of the platen to the base member, with said apertures in alignment, provides a tension in the film along all sides of the aperture as the gripping strips are urged outward from the aperture. A two degree of freedom gimbal is formed in the platen to insures that the gripping strips clamp parallel to the aperture plate. Also the design will apply an equal and even clamping force and tension around the film because the two degrees of fredom of rotations are about the center of the clamping plate inserts.

Abstract: A substrate holding apparatus for vertically holding a substrate to be exposed by radiation includes a substrate holding member for attracting a substrate by a magnetic force or vacuum and an engaging device for engaging the substrate on the substrate holding member. The engaging device is retractably supported by or fixed to the substrate holding member, and is engageable with or engages the substrate in such a manner that the engagement between the vertically held substrate and the engaging device is maintained even if the substrate holding member ceases to attract the substrate. Thus, dropping of the substrate by gravitation is prevented even if the substrate ceases to be attracted by the substrate holding member.

Abstract: In a pivotably liftable platen cover unit for a copier or scanner, wherein the platen cover unit has an upper surface and at least one pocket for document sheets, the document retaining pocket provides an integral document retaining surface when the platen cover unit is lifted, and integral springs retain documents in the pocket when the platen cover unit is raised. The pocket preferably has a roof member spaced above the upper surface, and the springs are integral unitary extensions of the roof member which extend towards the upper surface of the platen cover unit within the pocket. Preferably, the document holding springs comprise two spaced apart, elongated cantilevered angled arms positioned to gradually engage document sheets in the pocket with document rounded surfaces spaced less than 20 centimeters apart at the ends of the arms.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a background having a desired color and/or pattern on photocopies made of bulky objects comprises a cover for placement between a platen of a photocopy machine and a bulky object, such as a book, to be photocopied. In the preferred embodiment, the cover comprises a clear, transparent, flexible envelope filled with a white liquid. The cover is placed on a platen of a photocopy machine, and a book to be photocopied is placed face-down on the cover. The weight of the book, or pressure applied on the book, forces the white liquid out of the area between the pages of the book to be photocopied and the platen, allowing the photocopy machine to "see" the page or pages to be photocopied against a white background. A photocopy reproduces the page on a white background, instead of the black background which is usually present in a photocopy, made without the cover, of a page of a book.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus for scanning image information of a document on a document support (D) and a scanning unit (50) being positively guided along a predetermined scanning path; characterized in that said scanning unit has bearing members (30) for making contact with a face of said document or document support and thereby determining the optical distance between that face and said focusing means (10), and in that said unit is mounted so that it is under biasing forces which maintain its said bearing members in running contact with said document or document support during a scanning movement of the unit.