The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 10, 1998
Filed:
Apr. 30, 1996
Arthur J Bellemore, Chelmsford, MA (US);
Agfa Division--Bayer Corporation, Wilmington, MA (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for an electronic prepress system includes a computer workstation for preparing electronic image files. The computer workstation transfers the image files to an image processor that converts the image files into digital data. The digital data is then transferred to a virtual-drum capstan-driven output device for outputting the image files onto paper, film or plate material. The output device has increased output speed and reduced cost compared to an internal drum device. A capstan drive moves web type image recording media through a curved media platen having an upper curved surface and a lower curved surface which form the media into a virtual drum. The optical system has a rotating reflective spinner at the center of curvature of the virtual drum to scan modulated image date across media while being continuously driven. A tensioning mechanism maintains the media in a taught configuration and works in cooperation with the capstan drive to accurately control the motion of the media during imaging.