Unit for thermal treatment of an imaging element following image exposure

摘要

The thermal treatment unit comprises a housing (12) having an inlet (14) and an outlet (16) for the imaging element so positioned as to define a path (18) through the housing (12). A continuous surface (20), formed of heat conductive material, is positioned on one side of the path (18). Drive means (22) move the continuous surface (20) in synchronism with the imaging element (10) as it passes through the housing (12). The imaging element (10) is urged into heat conductive contact with the continuous surface (20) and a heat source (26) is provided on the far side of the continuous surface from the path. A more even transfer of heat to the imaging element (10) is thereby achieved.