Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, devices, modules, and systems which may be employed for automated weed identification, control, and eradication. These methods, devices, modules, and systems provide an alternative to hand cultivation or chemical herbicides. Devices disclosed herein may be configured to locate, identify, and autonomously target a weed with a beam, such as a laser beam, which may burn or irradiate the weed. The methods, devices, modules, and systems may be used for agricultural crop management or for at-home weed control.

Abstract: Devices and methods for encapsulating a portion of a wound dressing with a coating are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method can comprise positioning a substantially flexible wound contact layer of the wound dressing on a perforated plate. The wound contact layer can include a first side supporting a plurality of electronic components protruding from a surface of the first side and a second side opposite the first side. The second side can be substantially smooth. The method can further comprise applying a vacuum to the wound contact layer through perforations in the perforated plate to hold the wound contact layer against the perforated plate and coating the wound contact layer with a coating.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, devices, modules, and systems which may be employed for automated weed identification, control, and eradication. These methods, devices, modules, and systems provide an alternative to hand cultivation or chemical herbicides. Devices disclosed herein may be configured to locate, identify, and autonomously target a weed with a beam, such as a laser beam, which may burn or irradiate the weed. The methods, devices, modules, and systems may be used for agricultural crop management or for at-home weed control.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, devices, modules, and systems which may be employed for automated weed identification, control, and eradication. These methods, devices, modules, and systems provide an alternative to hand cultivation or chemical herbicides. Devices disclosed herein may be configured to locate, identify, and autonomously target a weed with a beam, such as a laser beam, which may burn or irradiate the weed. The methods, devices, modules, and systems may be used for agricultural crop management or for at-home weed control.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, devices, modules, and systems which may be employed for automated weed identification, control, and eradication. These methods, devices, modules, and systems provide an alternative to hand cultivation or chemical herbicides. Devices disclosed herein may be configured to locate, identify, and autonomously target a weed with a beam, such as a laser beam, which may burn or irradiate the weed. The methods, devices, modules, and systems may be used for agricultural crop management or for at-home weed control.

Abstract: A vault inspection system is configured to obtain visual inspection data of an underground utility vault without disturbing the components within the vault. A support apparatus supports a pole that is used to advance an inspection structure into the vault. A mount frame may be configured to position the support apparatus over an access opening so that the pole will not contact components within the vault. The inspection structure may be a robot that is lowered to the floor of the vault. The inspection structure may be an expandable vision system that may be compacted for advancement through the access opening, and expanded within the vault to provide greater perspective for obtaining inspection data.

Abstract: There is provided an image reading device which includes an original retaining portion that includes an ADF unit which rotates to be capable of opening and closing in relation to an image reading surface, and a reinforcing member, and that retains the original which is placed on the image reading surface in a state in which the ADF unit is closed, and first and second fixing members which are elastic and serve as fixing portions which fix the reinforcing member to the ADF unit, in which, when the ADF unit is opened, a stretch amount of the second fixing member is less than that of the first fixing member, and in which, at the free end side of the ADF unit, a corner side of the sheet-shaped member separates from the image reading surface before the center side.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of an arrangement of at least two electric machines coupled to different wheels of a motor vehicle and connected to a battery which provides an actual minimum and maximum limiting current for the electric machines. Desired torques are provided for the electric machines by a drive control logic. A desired current resulting from the desired torque is ascertained for each electric machine, and the sum of the desired currents are compared with the maximum and minimum limiting current. If the sum lies outside an interval defined by the limiting currents, the desired currents are adjusted using at least one change rule such that the sum of the desired currents lies within the interval. Adjusted desired torques are determined from the adjusted desired currents and used to control the electric machines.

Abstract: In lithography applications, it is desirable to control, for example, a position or width of a printed line. An effective method of controlling these patterns and their resolution is by having as many grayscale levels as possible. The present invention comprises methods of grayscaling wherein modulation of the exposure time increases the number of grayscale levels on an object. In addition, the present invention comprises methods of grayscaling wherein modulating the power of an exposure beam provides additional grayscale levels.

Abstract: Described are systems for patterning a substrate by imprint lithography. Imprint lithography systems include an imprint head configured to hold a template in a spaced relation to a substrate. The imprint lithography system is configured to dispense an activating light curable liquid onto a substrate or template. The system includes a light source that applies activating light to cure the activating light curable liquid.

Abstract: Full-contact exposure device that allows high adherence of a photo mask with a board. Upon completion of prescribed processing, a controller controls a moving mechanism to move a platen upward, thereby moving the photo mask and a board closer, and to stop at a position where a sealed space is formed between the two. At the same time a controller starts vacuuming by controlling a vacuum pump. By this vacuum pressure in the space between the photo mask and the board becomes negative, and the photo mask bends downward with its center area sagging and contacting the board. The controller controls a cam drive mechanism to rotate cams while vacuuming, allowing the photo mask to gradually make contact with the board from the center area to its periphery while pushing out the air gradually from the center to the periphery, thereby completing full contact with the board.

Abstract: In a printing plate automatic exposing device, a vacuum pump and a pressure sensor are provided in communication with a detection hole provided in a surface plate. When a photopolymer plate is set on the surface plate, a degree of vacuum of the detection hole becomes a predetermined degree of vacuum due to operation of the vacuum pump.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for contact printing uses a vacuum contact plate and a screen frame to hold a master film sheet in contact registration with a screen having a region that is substantially porous to the passage of air disposed about a central photosensitive region. The vacuum contact plate receives the screen frame and supports the master film sheet and the screen on an elevated, substantially planar component. Air is evacuated from a hollow cavity within the elevated component to create a pressure differential across the master film sheet to urge the master film sheet in contact with the screen. If the master film sheet is not large enough to cover the entire porous region of the screen, the master film sheet is attached to a carrier sheet of sufficient size. The carrier sheet is then placed on the elevated component to be retained in contact registration with the photosensitive screen.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention uses a register light unit to facilitate manual alignment of master photographic images on a flexible carrier sheet. The carrier sheet and master images are positioned relative to a photosensitive screen using a vacuum contact plate that receives a screen frame in tight registration using a substantially planar surface for supporting the flexible carrier sheet with master images thereon. Vacuum is drawn around the screen to develop a pressure differential across the carrier sheet to urge the master images thereon into surface contact with the photosensitive screen during exposure to a source of illumination. Work stations include storage bins for prepared screens and master films to expedite processing through an exposure unit that includes a vacuum contact plate which is mounted to translate between a load/unload position outside of a housing and an exposure position inside of a housing that shields an operator from radiation from the source of illumination.

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: An automatic printing system includes an array of printing devices arranged along a direction in which the printing member is fed, each of printing devices having a positioning mechanism for positioning the printing member, a feeding device for feeding a printing member to each printing device, a delivery device for picking up the printing member from the feeding device and bringing the printing member into engagement with the positioning mechanism, and a discharging device for discharging the printing member, which has been exposed by the printing device, from the printing device. the automatic printing system further includes a supplying device for storing printing members of different sizes and selectively supplying the printing members one at a time, a punching device for forming a positioning opening in the printing member supplied by the supplying device, and an automatic developing device for developing the printing member which has been exposed by the printing device.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an aperture pattern printing plate in a limited number of steps using only one original printing plate. The method produces transparent portions on a portion of the printing plate corresponding to a non-effective area of a shadow mask, and opaque portions on a portion of the printing plate corresponding to an effective area of a shadow mask. The method has the steps of bringing a transparent plate having an unexposed transparent photosensitive layer formed on at least one of its principal surfaces into contact with an original plate having opaque areas corresponding to apertures in a to be constructed shadow mask. A first exposure is performed on the photosensitive layer through the original plate. The photosensitive layer is then developed to render exposed portions of the photosensitive layer opaque. These opaque portions are then etched away. A portion of the photosensitive layer corresponding to the non-effective area of a shadow mask is then covered to prevent exposure.

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: In the context of a device for producing printing plates comprising a printing down station with a plate table and an associated illuminating means, which station has associated with it a foil receiving means formed preferably constituted by a foil cassette for unprinted foil and preferably at least one receiving cassette for printed foil, in the case of which the foil to be printed onto an unexposed or blank printing plate is able to be taken from a foil receiving means by means of a moving vacuum frame, is able to be moved onto the blank plate on the plate table and after exposure is able to be discharged, preferably into a receiving cassette, a higher throughput rate and a gentle handling of the foils etc.

Abstract: An exposing apparatus arranged, while peripherally sealing a space between an original and a material to be exposed by a packing of elastic material, to evacuate the space to thereby ensure intimate contact between the original and the material to be exposed, the exposing apparatus being characterized in that the packing is hollow so as to make it possible to change its thickness by changing its internal pressure.

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: In an original film discharge mechanism in an inclined-type step and repeat machine that includes a photosensitive material holder having a rearwardly inclined surface for holding thereon a photosensitive material and an original film holder movable along the surface of the material holder, which mechanism includes a discharge part having a surface rearwardly inclined at substantially the same angle as that of the surface of the material holder with respect to the horizontal for receiving thereon the original film discharged from the film holder, and a supporting member for supporting the original film removed from the film holder, the improvement includes suctions provided on the surface of the discharge part for suction-holding the original film being discharged onto the part from the film holder, the suctions being positioned upward of and remote from the supporting member along the surface of the discharge part at a distance larger than longitudinal size of the original film; the film holder and suctions

Abstract: A vacuum frame for exposing a light-sensitive sheet to a light pattern according to a negative includes a blanket frame having peripherally bonded thereto a platen and a blanket with the platen being bowable and the blanket being flexible. The platen and blanket are peripherally sealingly bonded to one another, forming a vacuum chamber therebetween. A light transmissive frame mounted to the blanket frame for movement toward and away from the blanket and a spacing and sealing means peripherally interposed between the blanket and the light transmissive frame when the light transmissive frame is moved toward the blanket define an exposure chamber with the blanket. The exposure chamber is adapted to receive a light sensitive sheet and negative.A first vacuum inlet means connects the vacuum chamber to an evacuation means, and a second vacuum inlet means connects the exposure chamber to an evacuation means.

Abstract: A contact printer includes a printing table for mounting of photosensitive material thereon, a framework for supporting a light-transmitting plate, a packing, a conveyor belt for movement of an original in X and Y-directions, and an air-blowing nozzle and drive means for open and close operation of the framework. The framework is held at a position where it is in a slightly opened state during movement of the original, supported by the blown air in order to prevent the photosensitive material from being damaged and to insure accurate positioning of the original.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a camera for producing microfiche images, comprising a loading station, an exposure station, an unloading station spaced from the loading and exposure stations, vacuum means for taking a sheet of film to be exposed from the loading station, transporting the sheet of film to the exposure station for exposure to one or more images thereat, and transporting the exposed film sheet to the unloading station, and for transporting film sheets to other stations as may be required, said vacuum means being in the form of a vacuum platen mounted on an X-Y movement system comprising a first screw shaft operatively connected to the vacuum platen, a second screw shaft also operatively connected to the vacuum platen and extending at right angles to the first screw shaft, each of said screw shafts being connected to a respective stepper motor, each stepper motor being arranged to rotate its screw shaft.

Abstract: A film end holding device comprises a film holding plate, an operating plate, guide bushes and a contact member, in which the operating plate moves obliquely when pushed in the axial direction of a drum on which a film is to be fixed. The holding plate moves in the circumferential direction of the drum, and the operating plate (17) runs on an angle portion of the holding plate so that an end of a film may be held by the contact member of the holding plate on the drum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exposing a layer of photoresist on a sheet includes positioning the sheet in a vacuum printing frame comprising a glass photographic printing plate carrying an opaque master pattern of metal or metal oxide on a central area of the printing plate. A light transmissive rubbery material is patterned in such a fashion as to overlie the opaque portions of the master pattern and provide a continuous path between the islands overlying the opaque master pattern. The rubbery material also extends in the peripheral area of the photographic printing plate and a plurality of mesas separated by channels are formed in this peripheral area. The channels have a width substantially greater than the path width formed between adjacent islands of rubbery material overlying the opaque portions of the pattern. The peripheral channels facilitate the evacuation of the plate and reduce evacuation time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous and automatic operation control method and apparatus for an automatic photo-composer, and is composed mainly of the steps of attaching a mark such as a bar code on a photographic original plate prior to the printing work by a photo-composer, setting up the predetermined amount of a photographic original plate and a photosensitive plate in a holder of the automatic photo-composer, reading the contents of the mark attached on each photographic original plate by a mark reader arranged in the photo-composer after starting to operate the photo-composer, and causing the automatic photo-composer to execute processes necessary for the photographic original plate in accordance with the computer program.

Abstract: A copying frame machine for producing offset plates includes a rubber cover, a copying frame having a glass plate superimposable on the rubber cover so as to sandwich and lock therebetween an offset printing plate, a film and a sheet of copying material, means for applying a vacuum between the rubber cover and the glass plate, and vibration-generating means for applying vibration to at least one of the glass plate and the rubber cover.

Abstract: A suction film holder for a reproduction camera is formed by a flexible cover in the form of a conveyor band. One or more suction cups and a plurality of transverse grooves are provided in connection with the flexible cover. During the exposure of a sheet of light-sensitive material the transverse grooves tightly abut longitudinal grooves along the rim of an underlying glass plate, the grooves in the glass plate being connectable to an evacuation system.According to a particularly preferred embodiment air is blown inwards below the flexible cover upon the exposure. In this manner the time for loosening the flexible cover from the underlying glass plate is reduced to 5-10 secs. The blowing in occurs automatically when the vacuum is removed by means of an inflatable membrane in a box situated parallel to a pressurized valve communicating with the vacuum pump. The membrane is thereby blown up by means of vacuum and blows automatically the air inwards below the flexible cover when the vacuum is removed.

Abstract: A microfiche separator and transport apparatus is provided comprising a first vacuum means for separating and transporting a microfiche master from a stack of masters to a platen of a microfiche duplicator. The platen is actuable from a home position to a copying station for exposing the microfiche master to a roll film and return to the home position. On the return of the platen to the home position, a second vacuum means is provided for transporting the microfiche master from the platen to an exit hopper. The operation of the first vacuum means for separating and transporting the master from the stack to the platen, and the operation of the second vacuum means for transporting the master from the platen to the exit hopper, occur simultaneously.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a sheet of photosensitive material in the image plane of an optical imaging system for exposure thereat. The apparatus includes a first cover plate assembly having a transparent cover plate and a second backing plate assembly including a relatively flexible backing sheet. The cover plate assembly is driven into contact with the backing plate assembly with the photosensitive sheet to be exposed supported therebetween such that an air-tight chamber is defined between the cover plate assembly and the relatively flexible backing sheet. The air-tight chamber is then evacuated through the cover plate assembly, and as it is evacuated, the flexible backing plate will be sucked towards the cover plate assembly and drive the photosensitive sheet into firm contact with the transparent cover plate.By the use of the flexible backing plate, the chamber can be evacuated very rapidly, for example, in two or three seconds.

Abstract: A roller is coupled to a movable support frame which in a first position bears a flexible halftone screen which is fully wound up about said roller. As the support frame is translated in a first direction across the film mounted upon a vacuum platen, the flexible screen unwinds and is laid flat across the platen. When the movable support frame is translated in a second direction, the screen is thereafter wound up about said roller somewhat in the manner of a "reverse windowshade.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for exposing light-sensitive printing plates through an original to be copied, which includes forming a cassette-type, vacuum frame assembly by superimposing the printing plate and the original upon one another and disposing them in a cavity formed between an elastic blanket and a light-permeable plate, and evacuating the assembly, to improve contact between the printing plate and the original, at a position removed from a light means, thereafter temporarily placing the assembly in a position to be exposed to the light means and finally removing the assembly from the exposure position. A vacuum frame assembly is provided having a connect-disconnect means for temporary attachment both to the evacuation means removed from the light source and, if desired, to an evacuation means at the exposure position.