Abstract: A terminal 102 creates setting data 400 and inputs setting data 400 into an image output apparatus 101. The image output apparatus 101 sets the initial settings, operation settings, equipment settings, etc. based on the setting data, holds the setting data, and performs various processes based on the set settings and the held setting data. In addition, the image output apparatus 101 performs a media identification process, a media reader switching process, and the like using a media detection means 117, a media reader switching means 118, and the like, and allows only the use of the insertion opening of a predetermined media reader.

Abstract: According to a method of correcting light proximity effect, a decision distance from one exposure point to the other exposure point, where influence of the light proximity effect appears, as well as a reference area ratio for deciding as to whether the light proximity effect correction is necessary or not are determined based on an optical condition of an exposure apparatus having a photomask attached thereto. Respective sides of a photomask pattern are divided into portions each having at most a prescribed length, and a ratio of an area occupied by the photomask pattern to an area of a circle having a middle point of each divided side as a center and the decision distance as a radius is determined for each of the divided sides. Comparing the area ratio for each of the divided sides with the reference area ratio for decision, a decision is made for each divided side as to whether the light proximity effect correction is necessary or not.

Abstract: A self-contained machine for light exposing and developing images on a film requiring at least a film-activating operation prior to light exposure of an image and a heat development operation following exposure. The machine provides automated handling of the film in a light tight environment for convenient and rapid processing of such films. The machine includes mechanisms for handling and transporting the film and applying electrical charges and heat as required for new generation digital films.

Abstract: The device according to the invention includes a chassis (3) comprising a working surface (6) designed to support the photosensitive film (1); a frame (11) connected to the chassis by a hinge pin (19) and comprising a central opening (18); a removable plate (20) capable of being immobilized against the lower face (13) of the frame (11) and comprising a window (21) designed to be blocked by an original (2); an annular seal (36) mounted on the chassis (3) about the working surface (6); a chamber delimited by the seal, as well as by the working surface (6) and the removable plate (20) when the frame (11) presses the latter against the chassis; vacuum-creating means for creating a negative pressure in the chamber; and a light source for printing the film through the original.

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: In a projection exposure device in which an exposure light from a light source device is transmitted through a mask having a predetermined pattern formed therein and then an image of a mask pattern is focused by a projection lens on an exposure member held by a holding mechanism, an exposure light is emitted from the light source device along a horizontal optical axis. The mask, the projection lens and the exposure member are disposed on the horizontal optical axis and the holding mechanism is formed such that the exposure member is movable at least within a plane perpendicular to the horizontal optical axis. The distortion of the exposure member can be prevented to enable exposure at high accuracy and, also, with high throughput by holding the exposure member vertically, mask alignment is facilitated, the effect of heat from the light source can be minimized, and the size and the cost of the device can be reduced.

Abstract: An exposure unit for exposing photo-stencil materials in which the light box portion of the unit is continuously cooled by the vacuum pump that operates the vacuum frame portion of the unit. The vacuum pump is mounted internally of the light box portion of the unit and is interconnected with the vacuum frame by a direct interconnection so that a vacuum hose is not required. The unit also icludes a base for supporting the light box and vacuum frame which includes a light-tight, ventilated storage area for the storage of light sensitive materials.

Abstract: A contact printer for producing graphic material, such as engraving plates, by exposing a metallic surface by means of a light source emitting ultra-violet light. The light source is situated in a box with a lid which can be tipped up. Inside the box, a vacuum frame is provided which can be tipped down from a horizontal position below the lid to an inclined position for the exposure. The resulting apparatus is very compact, and simultaneously, an almost uniform exposure over the entire metallic surface is achieved.

Abstract: A vacuum frame apparatus and method for maintaining registration of graphic material to be exposed to light having a surface on a base for supporting graphic materials which remains stationary with respect to the base and having a cover which moves with respect to the stationary support surface into engagement with graphic materials to sandwich the same between the cover and support surface.

Abstract: A reprographic apparatus has a copyboard for holding a document to be exposed in a flat position in an exposure plane. The copyboard includes a support plate defining the exposure plane with transparent plate arranged above the plate and being pivotally connected therewith along one side edge. A releasable hold-down mechanism locks the glass plate in an operative position in which it holds the document in pressurized contact with the support plate. A movable pressure bar extends in parallel to the pivotally connected side edge of a glass plate, the bar being connected at its ends with side plates, which are displaceably and pivotally connected to a housing of the copyboard.Such an apparatus is known for instance from the EP 0 085 862.

Abstract: A new and improved graphic arts device for exposing copy sheets to controlled light from a light source passed through an image sheet includes a light source and a glass frame including a rigid panel of transparent material having a surface against which an image sheet and a copy sheet are pressed during an exposure cycle. A vacuum blanket is provided for biasing the image and copy sheets against the planar surface of the transparent panel. A yoke is provided for supporting the glass frame between the vacuum blanket and the light source at a convenient working level for movement between a horizontal, closed position used during exposure and a second, upwardly sloping open position for permitting removal and placement of the image and copy sheets on the transparent panel. The glass frame is normally locked in position on the yoke but can be unlocked for a full 360.degree. pivotal action about a central axis of the frame extending transversely between opposite legs of the yoke at said points thereon.

Abstract: A light-modifier for changing the character of light flowing from a light source towards an image forming sheet and a sheet of light sensitive copy in an exposure device includes a roll of thin, flexible light-modifying plastic sheet material which is rotatably mounted for rolling and unrolling on a roller to extend between a first light-intercepting unrolled position extending outwardly between said image forming and copy sheets on the one hand and said light source on the other hand and a second, rolled-up position offset from the copy sheet. The apparatus may be made for sale as an accessory or optional item for a wide variety of existing exposure devices whenever it is desired to change the character or form of the light energy by diffusion, filtering or attenuation, and the apparatus may be directly incorporated as an integral part of a new exposure device.

Abstract: A graphic arts exposure device includes a cabinet defining a work surface at a convenient working level and having a forward wall facing an operator utilizing the device. A drawer is positioned immediately below the working level movable between an extended position outwardly of the forward wall of the cabinet and a retracted position within the cabinet. A control panel for the exposure device is mounted on the drawer facing upwardly in the same general field of view for the operator as the working surface of the device. The drawer is supported on sloped slides in the cabinet below the work surface for movement between the extended and retracted positions and the slides are sloped downwardly and outwardly to automatically bias the drawer and control panel to the outwardly extended position ready for receiving operator inputs of the necessary control data while at the same time allowing the operator to view the control panel and working surface in the same general field of vision.

Abstract: An overhead light exposure unit for making copies on pre-sensitized sheets from images on film includes a base supporting a vacuum blanket for pressing the sheets and film together against a transparent panel. The transparent panel is mounted in a frame that is pivotally secured to the base for movement between a closed horizontal position for making copies and an upwardly tilted, open position for unloading and loading film, sheets and media into place. A light source is positioned above the panel for directing controlled, high intensity light downwardly through the panel to reproduce film images on the pre-sensitized sheets held in place by the vacuum blanket. A support system is provided for holding the light source in an exposure position space directly above the transparent panel for directing controlled intensity light downwardly through the panel to reproduce an image on a silk screen, sheet or film held in place by the vacuum blanket.

Abstract: A latch system for a vacuum frame has a plurality of separate latching mechanisms interconnected with a common actuator rod so that the glass frame can be unlatched and raised with one hand.

Abstract: A scanning light contact duplicating apparatus is described which includes an explosure frame having a front and rear edge between which extends a backing plate that is used for supporting an original sheet such as a negative transparency to be copied, together with a photosensitive sheet in contact with it. A transparent cover is connected to the exposure frame. Provision is also made for pressing the transparent cover toward the backing to force the original sheet (negative) into close contact with the copy sheet (photosensitive sheet). An elongated light, usually a gas or vapor lamp, is positioned parallel to the front edge of the exposure frame. The light is supported for rectilinear movement toward the rear of the exposure frame and parallel to the plane of the exposure frame. A collimator is preferably provided between the light and the exposure frame. The collimator has a honeycomb array of parallel open-ended cells, each of the cells having walls perpendicular to the exposure frame.

Abstract: A vacuum frame includes a base section having a recessed area within which are positioned a plurality of simultaneous instant start lights; a glass frame pivotally connected at the upper end of the base section by hinges so as to be pivotally movable between a closed position and a desired opened position; a blanket frame pivotally connected by hinges to the glass frame so as to be pivotally movable with respect to the base section and the glass frame between a closed position and a desired opened position; first and second piston-cylinder assemblies pivotally connected at opposite sides of the vacuum frame between the blanket frame and the base section for maintaining the blanket frame in a desired opened position; third and fourth piston-cylinder assemblies pivotally connected at opposite sides of the vacuum frame between the glass frame and the base section for maintaining the glass frame in a desired opened position independent of the pivoted position of the blanket frame; a first locking assembly for loc

Abstract: In a vacuum printer for the graphic arts having a bed, a blanket frame upon the bed including a flexible impervious blanket having a peripheral sealing bead, a glass frame juxtaposed over the blanket frame in snug registry with the blanket bead defining a contact printing chamber, the glass frame being movably mounted for opening and closing movements relative to the blanket frame, a vacuum source having a first vacuum conduit extending into communication with the printing chamber for evacuating it; the improvement which comprises a perforated blanket support plate within the blanket frame underlying the blanket and defining within the blanket frame a blanket chamber. A second vacuum conduit interconnects the vacuum source and the blanket chamber. An electronic control is connected to the conduits for evacuating the blanket chamber, and after a pre-set period evacuating the printing chamber.

Abstract: In a vacuum printer for the graphic arts having a housing, blanket and glass frames upon the housing adapted to receive a negative and a light sensitive sheet, and an upright mounted upon and projecting above the housing, an overhead multiple lamp mount console is adjustably spaced from the glass frame and comprises an upright carriage guidably mounted upon the upright. A top frame overlies the glass frame and is secured to the carriage assembly. First and second lamp assemblies of different wattages span and are movably mounted upon a pair of tracks on the top frame adjacent their respective ends. The lamp assemblies are adapted for alternate movements upon the tracks so as to centrally overlie the glass frame, adapted for selective light exposure of the sensitized sheet. A third lamp assembly of a different wattage spans and is movably mounted upon additional tracks underlying and secured to a second lamp assembly adapted for movement thereon to centrally overlie the glass frame.

Abstract: An open face vacuum light table with an associated overhead high intensity light source is provided with a movable, preferrably pivotable, framer structure capable of overlying either of two table surface areas, at least one of which is provided with an apparatus, for example a vacuum grid, for drawing lithographic work pieces into close contact for light induced image recordation on film or other light sensitive receiver. The frame may carry a clear sheet of stripping base material that also serves as the vacuum completing face of the vacuum grid. The table is provided with stripping pin grooves about the perimeter of the entire table, an entire sub-area, partially around the table or a sub-area. Apparatus for maintaining one face of the pivoted frame in coplanar relationship with either of the table areas over which the frame is located may include an elevator mechanism associated with one or both table areas or an eccentric pivot between the frame and table.

Abstract: A vacuum frame, comprising a base section, a cover hingeably attached to the base section and including a transparent section, the cover and base section forming a vacuum chamber therebetween when the vacuum frame is in a closed position, a reserve vacuum tank in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber, the vacuum tank adapted to create a vacuum within the vacuum chamber, a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the reserve vacuum tank, the vacuum pump adapted to create a vacuum within the reserve vacuum tank, and an electro-mechanical means for simultaneously regulating the vacuum pressure within the vacuum chamber and reserve vacuum tank and the actuation of the vacuum pump.

Abstract: A contact reproduction apparatus for duplicating images formed upon a transparency onto a photosensitive material, including plural vacuum contact printers, the respective evacuation chambers of which are connected, in parallel manner, to a master vacuum holding tank, the interior of which is maintained at an extremely high state of evacuation by a high displacement vacuum pump capable of drawing a maximum end vacuum in excess of 29 inches of mercury. An extremely high evacuation potential is provided at each evacuation chamber by making the volume of the master holding tank significantly larger than the combined volumes of the respective evacuation chambers.

Abstract: An optical copier has a transparent exposure plate which supports a portion of an original document to be copied and exposes the latter to light rays during the copying operation. The transparent plate extends across an opening of a frame, being inwardly offset with respect to a support surface of the frame. A lid is mounted on the frame for pivoting between a closed position in which the lid covers the transparent plate, and fully open position. A marginal portion of the frame holds the lid in its fully open position so that the lid serves to support another portion of the original document. A hinge which mounts the lid on the frame may include a connecting link and two pivots which respectively connect the link to the lid and to the frame. The hinge may be mounted either on the lid or on the frame for an easy detachment therefrom, for instance, by resiliently yieldable bearing blocks which engage with snap action behind an edge portion which surrounds an orifice.

Abstract: Stencil exposure apparatus having a flexible compressible peripheral seal element suspended by a plurality of radiating tension straps in a selected configuration between a translucent stencil pattern support surface on one side, and a stencil fabric layer retained in a stencil frame or chase on the other side, there being a suction connection for the space enclosed by said seal, said translucent surface, and said stencil fabric.In one apparatus embodiment disclosed, the peripheral seal is a traveling seal suspended on a stencil frame carriage which is selectively shiftable relative to the translucent surface and supports the stencil chase.In another apparatus embodiment disclosed, the tension straps are shiftable to vary the dimensions of the area enclosed by the peripheral seal.

Abstract: Apparatus for laminating pieces of sheet material comprising a base of rigid material having a flat upper surface formed with a plurality of spaced apart perforations distributed substantially uniformly over the surface, a support member having a flat upper surface supporting an underside of said base and having a plurality of concentric interconnected grooves defined and in communication with said perforations, means for developing a partial vacuum in said grooves for causing fluid flow through said perforations around one or more pieces of sheet material placed in contact with the upper surface of the base, a cover of flexible, fluid impervious transparent sheet material movable between an open position out of overlaying relation with said base and a closed or overlaying position covering said base along with any pieces of sheet material places on the base to be laminated together and means for sealing around the periphery of said base and said cover when said cover is in said overlaying position.