Patent · US Expired

Device for copying microfiche

US4801979A · kind A · utility

4Cited by
23References
41Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 23, 1987
Grant dateJan 31, 1989
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 23, 2007

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG03D7/00
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for copying images on a master microfiche film into a copy microfiche film. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises an endless tensioning belt threaded around belt rollers, the tensioning belt pressing the master film and the copy film into intimate contact with each other and with an exposure surface, such that there is substantially no slippage between the exposure surface, the master film, the copy film and the tensioning belt. After leaving the exposure station, the copy film is passed through a development section and then through a cooling section. Drive means are provided for driving the copy film. In one aspect of the present invention, the master film and the tensioning belt are passively driven by the drive means by virtue of contact between the copy film and each of the master film and the tensioning belt, and the exposure surface is rotated by virtue of contact with the master film. Helical grooves are preferably formed in the surfaces of the belt rollers such that the grooves converge or diverge relative to the tensioning belt. The cooling section preferably comprises air knife units having slo…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.