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Apparatus and method for thermal film development and scanning

  • US 6,398,428 B1
  • Filed: 05/15/2000
  • Issued: 06/04/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/15/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for thermal development comprising:

  • a receiver for receiving an imagewise exposed thermal film element;

    an accumulator for gathering the film;

    a drive for advancing the film from the receiver to the accumulator;

    a heater located between the receiver and the accumulator for developing the film as it passes between the receiver and the accumulator;

    a compound image scanner for scanning the film after it has been thermally developed, the scanner having a first light source and a first sensor placed for forming a first electronic record of the image formed on the developed thermal film by reflection, a second light source and a second sensor placed for forming a second electronic record of the image formed on the developed thermal film by an opposing reflection, and a third sensor and a third light source placed for forming a third electronic record of the image formed on the developed thermal film by transmission;

    wherein the third sensor may be the same or different than the first sensor and the third light source may be the same or different than the second light source; and

    a lighttight container for the receiver and the heater.

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