Film duplicator

Abstract

A duplicator for making copies of a microfiche master. The master is positioned at a transfer station and a copy film is stored on a supply roll and incrementally advanced to the transfer station by a film drive disposed upstream of the transfer station so that fresh copy film is pushed downstream into registration with the master. Pressurized air supply conduits are disposed between the drive means and the transfer station and are activated so that the copy film moves downstream on an air cushion to minimize copy film drag and sticking. A film cutter is disposed immediately downstream of the transfer station in substantial registration with a downstream edge of the master to eliminate copy film waste. Exposed copy film is transported past a developing station and a curing station to a copy film discharge station. A first light source at the transfer station exposes the copy film and comprises an elongate, pulsed gas discharge lamp, such as a Xenon lamp which is surrounded by a coaxial, light transmissive flow tube having spaced apart intake and outlet conduits which are serially connected to a fluid circuit in which an electrically conductive, infrared absorbing liquid flows. A second light source is disposed at the curing station for curing the developed images on the copy film. Electric circuitry employs a single power source for alternatingly pulsing the two light sources.