Patent GB-997967-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to photographic type composing devices and a method of photographically composing type images
IPC: B41B17/02
Filed: 1961-10-04
Abstract: 997,967. Photographic type - composing. VISUAL GRAPHICS CORPORATION. Oct. 4, 1961 [Nov. 7, 1960], No. 35809/61. Heading B6W. [Also in Division G2] A method of photographically composing type characters on a light-sensitive strip comprises subjecting the strip to a developing solution and projecting a type character image on to the strip while so subjected to the solution so that a visible image of the character is formed. Apparatus for this purpose comprises a device having a projector section, a developing section and a light-proof hollow member providing a light path from the projector to the developing section, a light-sensitive element carried within the developing section, at least a first transparent recessed member overlying the light-sensitive element to define therewith a closed space, means for charging said space with developing fluid so as to cover the lightsensitive element therewith, and further optical means to project the image from the projector through the transparent member on to the light-sensitive element to print the image photographically thereon. As shown, a lightsensitive paper strip 20 is fed from a supply cassette 55 over a table 17 beneath developer, stop bath and fixer units 16, 18, 19, all beneath a removable light-tight cover 56. An image of the selected matrix film character positioned in the gate 61 of the projector unit 58 is formed via mirror 66 on the strip 20 beneath the developer unit by light from the projector lamp (Fig. 7, not shown), passing through a safe light filter 69, and the character is accurately positioned by manual adjustment of the matrix film reels 62, 63 while observing the projected image through a safe light window 40. The size of the image is adjusted by movement of the projector unit 12 along a horizontal support 72 which itself is movable vertically by means of a lockable tape arrangement, the object distance thus being varied, pointers and magnification scales being provided for both these movements so that by appropriate setting a focused image is formed on the strip 20, and the character style may be altered by the positioning of a rotatable lens 65 having a cylindrical component. Lever 51 is then pressed and operates valves in the supply lines from the store tanks 45, 47, 49 to the processing units to feed a small amount of appropriate processing liquid to each, thus ensuring that the channel 21 in each unit (see Fig. 4) is filled and any trapped air is expelled through a vent 27 together with any excess liquid which is drained off to a reservoir. Next a timer switch 85 (Fig. 1, not shown), is operated to effect exposure by moving aside the safe light filter for a predetermined interval. The developing action is observed by means of a safe light lamp 43 lit by operating switch 43. When the character image is developed, a lever 32 is depressed and brings pivoted arms 30 on a bracket 31 into frictional engagement with the paper strip 20 so that by rotating a crank 34 the bracket is moved longitudinally between guide rollers 31a and so feeds the strip 20 to effect character spacing and successive processing treatments. The strip 20 finally passes beneath a squeegee bar (Fig. 5, not shown), and emerges from the light-tight housing almost dry.