US5270734A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Auto-focus detector mask
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1991-08-23
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Granted: 1993-12-14
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Expires: 2011-08-23
Abstract
Abstract An imaging system comprising a source of light movable with respect to a writing element and projectable thereon to generate an image, a focusing device is provided for focusing a light source which generates a first beam of light of a wavelength selected to be actinic with respect to the writing element. The focusing device includes a focusing light detector which is mounted adjacent the light source and is provided with a micromask to protect it from unwanted light to improve the sensitivity of the detector and the focusing device.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael S. Ferschl
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 17:37
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41M; B41M5/00; B41M5/26; B41M5/382; B41M5/38207; B41M5/38221; B41J; B41J2/00; B41J2/435; B41J2/475; G; G03; G03F; G03F3/00; G03F3/10; G03F3/108; H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/00567; H04N1/024; H04N1/032; H04N1/036
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
A thermal imaging apparatus for writing an image on an image carrier member comprising means for generating a modulated coherent light beam, means for projecting said light beam onto said carrier member, said means for generating said light beam comprising a diode laser mounted stationarily in said apparatus, means for moving said light beam relative to the carrier member comprising a translator member arranged to be moved with respect to said carrier member, said translator member including a lens and means for focusing said lens, said lens focusing means including means for projecting a focusing beam onto said carrier member for reflection from a surface thereof, a split-cell photodetector arranged to receive said reflected focusing beam, a micromask disposed adjacent said photodetector and between said photodetector and said carrier member, said micromask having an aperture with a diameter in a range of 300 to 600 microns disposed over said split-cell photodetector to shield the photodetector from stray light other than said reflected focusing beam.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
164 words
A thermal imaging apparatus for writing an image on an image carrier member comprising means for generating a modulated coherent light beam, means for projecting said light beam onto said carrier member, said means for generating said light beam comprising a diode laser mounted stationarily in said apparatus, means for moving said light beam relative to the carrier member comprising a translator member arranged to be moved with respect to said carrier member, said translator member including a lens and means for focusing said lens, said lens focusing means including means for projecting a focusing beam onto said carrier member for reflection from a surface thereof, a split-cell photodetector arranged to receive said reflected focusing beam, a micromask disposed adjacent said photodetector and between said photodetector and said carrier member, said micromask having an aperture with a diameter in a range of 300 to 600 microns disposed over said split-cell photodetector to shield the photodetector from stray light other than said reflected focusing beam.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A thermal imaging apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said micromask aperture has a diameter of 400 microns.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A thermal imaging apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said micromask is spaced from said photocell a distance in a range of 125 to 500 microns.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A thermal imaging apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said micromask is spaced from said photocell a distance of approximately 400 microns.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A thermal imaging apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said micromask has a thickness of approximately 400 microns.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
163 words
A thermal imaging apparatus for writing an image on an image carrier member comprising means for generating a modulated coherent light beam, means for projecting said light beam onto said carrier member, said means for generating said light beam comprising a diode laser mounted stationarily in said apparatus, means for moving said light beam relative to the carrier member comprising a translator member arranged to be moved with respect to said carrier member, said translator member including a lens and means for focusing said lens, said lens focusing means including means for projecting a focusing beam onto said carrier member for reflection from a surface thereof, a split-cell photodetector arranged to receive said reflected focusing beam, a micromask having a thickness of approximately 400 microns disposed over said photodetector at a distance of approximately 400 microns from the photodetector, said micromask having an aperture with a diameter of about 400 microns to shield the photodetector from light other than said reflected focusing beam.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
163 words
A thermal imaging apparatus for writing an image on an image carrier member comprising means for generating a modulated coherent light beam, means for projecting said light beam onto said carrier member, said means for generating said light beam comprising a diode laser mounted stationarily in said apparatus, means for moving said light beam relative to the carrier member comprising a translator member arranged to be moved with respect to said carrier member, said translator member including a lens and means for focusing said lens, said lens focusing means including means for projecting a focusing beam onto said carrier member for reflection from a surface thereof, a split-cell photodetector arranged to receive said reflected focusing beam, a micromask having a thickness of approximately 400 microns disposed over said photodetector at a distance of approximately 400 microns from the photodetector, said micromask having an aperture with a diameter of about 400 microns to shield the photodetector from light other than said reflected focusing beam.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-12-13 | 1997-06-14 | 1997-12-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-12-13 | 2001-06-14 | 2001-12-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-12-13 | 2005-06-14 | 2005-12-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |