Method and apparatus for producing thermal slide transparencies

摘要

A method and apparatus are disclosed for producing thermal slide transparencies. Receiver elements mounted in open slide frames are positioned on a platen in an exposure station, and donor elements in the form of cut sheets are positioned over the receiver element prior to exposure. A laser beam, modulated in accordance with an information signal, is scanned across the surface of the donor element in order to provide the necessary thermal energy to effect a transfer of dye from a donor element to a receiver element. The elements are moved in a cross-scan direction during exposure by means of a lead screw connected to the platen. In order to form a color slide, successive donor elements of the necessary colors are moved into register with the receiver element. After the image has been formed on the receiver element, the receiver element is moved to a fusing station where the image is fixed. Sections of the slide frame are then joined together to complete the slide.