Modular sheet output system for imaging apparatus

Abstract

A modular sheet output system includes a first tray and a sorter assembly including a transporter and a plurality of trays. The transporter has a primary transport path and a plurality of secondary transport paths branching from the primary transport path, each secondary transport path having an exit. The plurality of trays is coupled to the transporter, one tray of the plurality corresponding to each of the secondary transport path exits, wherein in a first mode the first tray is configured to couple to and to receive one or more developed sheets of imaging media from a turnaround mechanism, and in a second mode the first tray is configured to couple to the transporter so as to become one of the plurality of trays and the transporter is configured to couple to and receive one or more sheets of developed imaging media from the turnaround device, wherein the transporter is configured to transport each sheet along the primary transport path and to direct each sheet to a selected one of the plurality of trays via the corresponding secondary transport path.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates generally to the field of imaging, and in particular to an imaging apparatus employing an output system. More specifically, the invention relates to an imaging apparatus with a modular output system that provides efficient conversion from a single tray configuration to a sheet shorter configuration.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Light sensitive photothermographic film is used in many applications, ranging from a standard photography apparatus to graphic arts to medical imaging systems. For example, laser imagers are widely used in the medical imaging field to produce visual representations on film of digital image data generated by magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT), and other types of scanners. Laser imagers typically include a media supply system, an exposure system, a processing system, and an output system.[0003]In operation, the media supply system provides a sheet of photothermographic film along a transport pa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]An object of the present invention is to provide a modular output system that provides efficient conversion from a non-sorter configuration to a sorter configuration.

Problems solved by technology

Output systems vary from a single output tray which receives and holds developed sheets from the turnaround to more costly and complex sorter assemblies which receive, stack, and collate developed sheets into a series of output trays.

In other imagers, the original turnaround device is not compatible with the sort assembly and is replaces and discarded as part of the upgrade process.

Replacing and discarding such components is time-consuming, costly, and wasteful.

Images