US3686675A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for drawing with a spot of radiant energy
Assignee: FAUL CORADI Inc
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Filing: 1970-03-19
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Granted: 1972-08-22
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Expires: 1990-03-19
Abstract
Abstract A line is traced on a photosensitive surface by a moving spot of light which has a uniform and constant intensity, and variable outside dimensions to change the width of a line produced thereby. Within the spot, there is a darkened area which changes in size according to the velocity of the spot over the photosensitive surface in order to expose the photosensitive surface uniformly along the length of the line. A cathode ray tube presents a picture which is projected on the photosensitive surface to create the spot of light.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas L Faul
- 👤 Richard G Young
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 01:38
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K15/00; G06K15/22; G06K15/225
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
124 words
A method of drawing on a sensitive surface with a spot of radiant energy directed thereagainst comprising the steps of projecting on the sensitive surface a spot of radiant energy having constant outside dimensions and a given intensity, said spot surrounding a centrally located void area which has a lesser intensity than said given intensity, moving the spot relative to the sensitive surface to irradiate a line on the sensitive surface, changing the dimensions of the void area in response to changes in the velocity of the spot across the sensitive surface, with the size of the void area decreasing with increases in the velocity of the spot so that the spot will produce a line which has a cOnstant density along its length.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
124 words
A method of drawing on a sensitive surface with a spot of radiant energy directed thereagainst comprising the steps of projecting on the sensitive surface a spot of radiant energy having constant outside dimensions and a given intensity, said spot surrounding a centrally located void area which has a lesser intensity than said given intensity, moving the spot relative to the sensitive surface to irradiate a line on the sensitive surface, changing the dimensions of the void area in response to changes in the velocity of the spot across the sensitive surface, with the size of the void area decreasing with increases in the velocity of the spot so that the spot will produce a line which has a cOnstant density along its length.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
165 words
Apparatus for drawing on a photosensitive surface with a spot of radiant energy comprising, a base member for supporting a sheet of sensitive material which undergoes chemical or physical changes upon exposure to the radiant energy, a housing supported for movement along coordinate axes which lie substantially parallel to a sheet of sensitive material on said base member, means for projecting a spot of radiant energy which moves with the housing and is of constant intensity on the sensitive sheet, means for moving the housing along said coordinate axes so that the spot will follow a path to produce a line on the sensitive sheet, means for automatically changing the spot dimension which lies parallel to the spot path in response to changes in the spot velocity without changing the maximum dimension across the spot in a direction perpendicular to the spot path, with the magnitude of the dimension which lies parallel to the spot path increasing with increases in the velocity of the spot.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
165 words
Apparatus for drawing on a photosensitive surface with a spot of radiant energy comprising, a base member for supporting a sheet of sensitive material which undergoes chemical or physical changes upon exposure to the radiant energy, a housing supported for movement along coordinate axes which lie substantially parallel to a sheet of sensitive material on said base member, means for projecting a spot of radiant energy which moves with the housing and is of constant intensity on the sensitive sheet, means for moving the housing along said coordinate axes so that the spot will follow a path to produce a line on the sensitive sheet, means for automatically changing the spot dimension which lies parallel to the spot path in response to changes in the spot velocity without changing the maximum dimension across the spot in a direction perpendicular to the spot path, with the magnitude of the dimension which lies parallel to the spot path increasing with increases in the velocity of the spot.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the spot has a circular periphery and the changes in the spot dimension are produced by changing the radial dimensions of the spot while holding its outside diameter constant.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
10 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the spot is annular.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
10 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the spot is rectangular.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the spot is in the shape of a square which surrounds a darkened interior area.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
104 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 having means for generating a first signal indicative of the amount of radiant energy in an area corresponding to an area of the spot bounded on its sides by a pair of lines which lie substantially parallel to the path of the spot, means for generating a second signal indicative of the velocity of the spot across the sensitive surface, means for comparing said first and second signals and generating an error signal indicative of the comparison, said means for changing the dimension of the spot which lies parallel to the spot path being responsive to the error signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
47 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 including display means providing a picture having the shape and proportions desired in the spot, said means for projecting the spot being located and constructed to receive light from the display means and to direct it on the sheet of sensitive material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the display means is a cathode ray tube.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-22 | 1976-02-21 | 1976-08-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-22 | 1980-02-21 | 1980-08-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-22 | 1984-02-21 | 1984-08-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |