METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTINUOUSLY PATTERNING A PHOTOSENSITIVE TAPE

摘要

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for continuously patterning a photosensitive tape. The apparatus is comprised of a unit for continuously translating the photosensitive tape in a predetermined direction at a predetermined speed between a tape feeding unit and a tape receiving unit. A cylindrical transparent body is provided which has its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the predetermined direction and its cylindrical surface adapted to have defined thereon in fixed relationship with respect to the body the entire extent of a first predetermined endless pattern to be projected. A direct drive is provided for the cylindrical body for synchronously coupling the translating unit and the body via electrical locking circuitry such that the pattern continuously rotates at the predetermined speed. An optical system is provided for projecting an image of the pattern onto the tape whereby the movement of a projected image is in the predetermined direction. The optical system is characterized by a high precision lens resolution relative to the surface of the tape. The coupling unit which includes the electrical circuitry serves to lock the movements of the tape and the pattern to each other within the lens resolution.