WO2002017012A2

WO2002017012A2 - Apparatus and method for pre-exposing a border on photosensitive film

Info

Publication number: WO2002017012A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/041779
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jon D. Lauver; Douglas J. Buschor; David T. Ohmer
Original assignee: Cycolor Inc
Current assignee: Cycolor Inc
Priority date: 2000-08-22
Filing date: 2001-08-17
Publication date: 2002-02-28
Anticipated expiration: 2003-02-22
Also published as: WO2002017012A3; AU9321001A

Abstract

A first drum has a first light source placed inside a rotatable first outer shell which includes coaxially-aligned, longitudinally-adjacent, and alternating opaque rings and transparent rings. A first method positions an unexposed web of photosensitive film on the first outer shell so that, when the web moves and the first outer shell rotates, imaging areas on the web are aligned over the opaque rings and along-web borders adjacent the imaging areas are aligned over the transparent rings to pre-expose the along-web borders. A second drum has a second light source placed inside a rotatable second outer shell which includes longitudinally-extending, circumferentially-adjacent, and alternating opaque strips and transparent strips. A second method positions the web of photosensitive film on the second outer shell for alignment of the imaging areas over the opaque strips and for alignment of the cross-web borders adjacent the imaging areas over the transparent strips to pre-expose the cross-web borders.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRE-EXPOSING A BORDER ON PHOTOSENSITIVE FILM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to photosensitive film, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for pre-exposing a border adjacent an imaging area on a web of photosensitive film.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is known to manufacture photosensitive film first as a continuously-moving web having a row-and-column array of spaced-apart imaging areas, wherein the space or border between the imaging areas is not intended to be imaged. Later in the film manufacturing process, the moving web typically is cut into ribbons using slitters, with each ribbon containing a single column of spaced-apart imaging areas, and wherein the space between the column and each side edge of the ribbon and the space between adjacent imaging areas are not intended to be imaged. A ribbon of film is sold as a roll of film for those cameras requiring film to be supplied in rolls. The film manufacturing process optionally additionally cuts a moving ribbon into sheets using crosscut knives, with each sheet containing a single imaging area surrounded by a border, wherein the border is not intended to be imaged. Sheets of film are sold in a cartridge for those cameras requiring such film. In the case of digital images from digital sources (such as from digital cameras), the photosensitive film is used by a printer to turn the digital image into a photographic image.

A conventional technique for pre-exposing borders surrounding imaging areas stops the previously-described moving web each time a row of imaging areas is brought into alignment beneath a box containing a light source. The light source is an array of incandescent bulbs. The rectangular-shaped bottom of the box has open areas and opaque mask areas. The mask areas protect the imaging areas in the aligned row from exposure by the light source. The open areas expose the along-web borders of the imaging areas in the aligned row and expose the cross-web border between the imaging areas in the aligned row and the imaging areas of the next-to-be-aligned row. The open areas together resemble a row of joined-together, rectangular-shaped, letter n's, and the mask areas together resemble a row of spaced-apart, rectangular-shaped, long teeth, with each tooth fitting into the underside of a corresponding letter n of the open areas. When the film is ready for use, a picture is obtained from a digital source or from a film-using camera. Then, a photographic image is created by a film-using printer for a picture obtained from a digital source or by developing the film of a picture taken by a film-using camera. When the photographic image is created, the pre-exposed borders turn out as desirable white (or other color depending on the light source) borders surrounding the photographic image. However, stopping the moving web to pre-expose the borders of each row of imaging areas slows down the film manufacturing process.

What is needed is apparatus and methods for pre-exposing borders on photosensitive film which does not slow down the film manufacturing process and which is conducive to continuously moving webs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first expression of a preferred embodiment of the invention is for a drum for pre-exposing along-web borders adjacent columns of a row-and-column array of spaced- apart imaging areas on an unexposed web of photosensitive film, The drum includes a rotatable first outer shell and a first source of actinic radiation located within the first outer shell. The first outer shell includes coaxially-aligned, longitudinally-adjacent, and alternating opaque rings and transparent rings. The opaque rings have a width matching the width of the corresponding imaging areas, and the transparent rings have a width matching the width of the corresponding along-web borders.

A second expression of a preferred embodiment of the invention is for a system for pre-exposing along-web borders adjacent columns of a row-and-column array of spaced-apart imaging areas on an unexposed web of photosensitive film. The system includes a first drum identical to the drum described in the previous paragraph and also includes a mechanism for moving the web of photosensitive film. The web-moving mechanism is positioned so that the web of photosensitive film contacts the first outer shell with the imaging areas aligned with the opaque rings and with the along-web borders aligned with the transparent rings.

A third expression of a preferred embodiment of the invention is for a drum for pre-exposing cross-web borders adjacent rows of a row-and-column array of spaced of spaced-apart imaging areas on an unexposed web of photosensitive film. The drum includes a rotatable second outer shell and a second source of actinic radiation located within the second outer shell. The second outer shell includes longitudinally-extending, circumferentially-adjacent, and alternating opaque strips and transparent strips. The opaque strips have a height matching the height of the corresponding imaging areas, and the transparent strips have a height matching the height of the corresponding cross-web borders.

A fourth expression of a preferred embodiment of the invention is for a system for pre-exposing cross-web borders adjacent rows of a row-and-column array of spaced-apart imaging areas on an unexposed web of photosensitive film. The system includes a second drum identical to the drum described in the previous paragraph and also includes a mechanism for moving the web of photosensitive film. The web-moving mechanism is positioned so that the web of photosensitive film contacts the second outer shell with the pre-exposed imaging areas aligned with the opaque strips and with the cross-web borders aligned with the transparent strips.

A first method of the invention is for pre-exposing along-web borders adjacent columns of a row-and-column array of spaced-apart imaging areas on an unexposed web of photosensitive film. The method includes several steps. In one step, a first drum is obtained having a first outer shell rotatable about a longitudinal axis and having a first source of actmic radiation located within the first outer shell. The first outer shell has coaxially-aligned, longitudinally-adjacent, and alternating opaque rings and transparent rings which circumferentially surround the first source of actinic radiation. Next, the web of photosensitive film is partially-circumferentially positioned on the first outer shell so that, when the web of photosensitive film moves and the first outer shell rotates, each column of imaging areas is aligned over a corresponding one of the opaque rings and each along-web border is aligned over a corresponding one of the transparent rings. Then, the web of photosensitive film is moved, and the first outer shell is rotated.

A second method of the invention is for pre-exposing cross-web borders adjacent rows of a row-and-column array of spaced-apart imaging areas on an unexposed web of photosensitive film and includes several steps. In one step, a second drum is obtained having a second outer shell rotatable about a rotational axis and having a second source of actinic radiation located within the second outer shell. The second outer shell has circumferentially-adjacent and alternating opaque strips and transparent strips which are positioned radially outward rom the second source of actinic radiation and which extend parallel to the rotational axis. Next, the web of photosensitive film is partially- circumferentially positioned on the second outer shell so that, when the web of photosensitive film moves and the second outer shell rotates, each row of imaging areas is aligned over a respective one of the opaque strips and each cross-web border is aligned over a respective one of the transparent strips. Then, the web of photosensitive film is moved, and the second outer shell is rotated.

Several benefits and advantages are derived from the invention. Using either or both of the drums of the invention allows pre-exposure of corresponding borders of imaging areas on an unexposed web of photosensitive film while the film is moving at a normal speed during the film manufacturing process. This increases productivity over conventional techniques which stopped the moving film each time the borders associated with a row of imaging areas were pre-exposed. Positioning the moving film on either or both of the rotating drums during pre-exposing creates a light-seal, which increases the sharpness between the photographic image and the border, over conventional techniques which need a space between a stop-and-go film positioned underneath a box containing a light source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a schematic side-elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a view taken along lines 2-2 in Figure 1, wherein the film has been cut and laid flat to better illustrate the movement of the film over the first and second drums;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first drum, wherein the longitudinal axis of the rotatable first outer shell of the first drum lies in the cutting plane;

Figure 4 is a view taken along lines 4-4 in Figure 3, wherein structure, other than the shaft and the fluorescent light bulbs, has been omitted for clarity to better show the alignment of the fluorescent light bulbs about the shaft; and

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the second drum, wherein the rotational axis of the rotatable second outer shell of the second drum lies in the cutting plane. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 1 through 5. A first expression of the preferred embodiment of the invention is for a first drum 10 for pre- exposing along-web borders 12 (whose width is indicated by the double-arrow line 12) adjacent columns 14 of a row-and-column array 16 of spaced-apart imaging areas 18 on an unexposed web of photosensitive film 20. The imaging areas 18 are geometric areas of the photographic film which are reserved for creating photographic images and which are shown in dashed-line as rectangular areas in Figure 2. Preferably, but not necessarily, the web of photosensitive film 20 is a web of conventional photohardenable film used by a printer to produce a photographic image of a digital-image picture taken by a digital camera. It is noted that three columns 14 of vertically-aligned imaging areas 18 are shown in Figure 2, with each column showing five imaging areas 18. It is also noted that the along-web borders 12 are borders running along the length of the web of photosensitive film 20, and that Figure 2 shows four vertically-extending along-web borders 12. The first drum 10 includes a rotatable first outer shell 22 and a first source of actinic radiation 24 disposed within the first outer shell 22. Actinic radiation includes ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, visible light, x-rays, and ion beam irradiation. Preferably, the first source of actinic radiation 24 is a source of visible light. The first outer shell 22 includes a plurality of coaxially-aligned, longitudinally-adjacent, and alternating opaque rings 26 and transparent rings 28. By a plurality of opaque rings and transparent rings is meant at least one opaque ring and at least one transparent ring. Preferably, the first outer shell 22 includes several opaque rings 26 and several transparent rings 28 as shown in Figure 2. The opaque rings 26 have a width matching that of the corresponding imaging areas 18, and the transparent rings 28 have a width matching that of the corresponding along-web borders 12. Thus, the opaque rings may have different widths to match corresponding different- width imaging areas, and the transparent rings may have different widths to match corresponding different- width along-web borders. An opaque ring 26 is a ring which sufficiently blocks transmission of the actinic radiation of the first source of actinic radiation 24 so that unexposed photosensitive film blocked by the ring remains unexposed. A transparent ring 28 is a ring which sufficiently allows transmission of the actinic radiation of the first source of actinic radiation 24 so that unexposed photosensitive film "blocked" by the ring becomes exposed. Examples of transparent rings 28 include, without limitation, a ring of translucent material, a ring which is an empty slot bounded by adjacent opaque rings, and a ring of transparent material.

Preferably, the first drum 10 also includes a nonrotating first shaft 30 and a pair of spaced-apart and nonrotating first hub assemblies 32 attached to the first shaft 30. The first outer shell 22 is rotatably attached (such as with bearings 33) to the first hub assemblies 32, and the first hub assemblies 32 have cooling holes 34. Preferably, the first source of actinic radiation is a plurality of spaced-apart fluorescent light bulbs 36 attached to the first shaft 30, extending generally parallel to the first shaft (as best seen in Figure 3), and arrayed in a partial circumferential configuration (as best seen in Figure 4). In a preferred design, the opaque rings 26 comprise (and preferably consist essentially of, and more preferably consist of) black nylon, and the transparent rings 28 comprise (and preferably consist essentially of, and more preferably consist of) clear acrylic. In an exemplary construction (not shown), adjacent opaque rings overlap portions of the intervening transparent rings. In this construction, an overlapped portion of a transparent ring is not considered to be part of the transparent ring for purposes of describing the operation of the invention, as can be appreciated by the artisan. In another design (not shown), the first shaft 30, the first hub assemblies 32, and the first outer shell 22 all rotate together.

A second expression of the preferred embodiment of the invention is for a first system 38 for pre-exposing along-web borders 12 adjacent columns 14 of a row-and- column array 16 of spaced-apart imaging areas 18 on an unexposed web of photosensitive film 20. The system includes the previously-described first drum 10 and also includes means 39 for moving the web of photosensitive film, wherein the web-moving means 39 is disposed so that the web of photosensitive film 20 contacts the first outer shell 22 with the imaging areas 18 aligned with the opaque rings 26 and with the along-web borders 12 aligned with the transparent rings 28. Preferably, the web-moving means 39 includes a powered take-up reel 40 (as shown in Figure 1) for roll-to-roll processing, wherein an end of the web of photosensitive film 20 is attached to the take-up reel 40. Other web- moving means includes pinch or nip rollers (not shown) for roll-to-sheet processing, and the like. Preferably, the first system 38 includes a film-supply reel as shown in Figure 1. It is noted that unnumbered arrows in Figure 1 indicate the directions of rotation of the take-up reel 40 and the film-supply reel 41 and that unnumbered arrows in Figure 2 indicate the direction of movement of the web of photosensitive film 20.

A third expression of the preferred embodiment of the invention is for a second drum 42 for pre-exposing cross-web borders 44 (whose height is indicated by the double- arrow line 44) adjacent rows 46 of a row-and-column array 16 of spaced-apart imaging areas 18 on an unexposed web of photosensitive film 20. Preferably, but not necessarily, the web of photosensitive film 20 is a web of conventional photohardenable film used by a printer to produce a picture (i.e., a photographic image) for a digital image exposure taken by a digital camera. It is noted that five rows 46 of horizontally-aligned imaging areas 18 are shown in Figure 2, with each row showing three imaging areas 18. It is also noted that the cross-web borders 44 are borders running across the width of the web of photosensitive film 20, and that Figure 2 shows two complete and five height-shortened horizontally-extending cross-web borders 44. The second drum 42 includes a rotatable second outer shell 48 and a second source of actinic radiation 50 disposed within the second outer shell 48. Preferably, the second source of actinic radiation 50 is a source of visible light. The second outer shell 48 includes a plurality of longitudinally-extending, circumferentially-adjacent, and alternating opaque strips 52 and transparent strips 54. By a plurality of opaque strips and transparent strips is meant at least one opaque strip and at least one transparent strip. Preferably, the second outer shell 48 includes several opaque strips 52 and several transparent strips 54 as shown in Figure 2. The opaque strips 52 have a height matching that of the corresponding imaging areas 18, and the transparent strips 54 have a height matching that of the corresponding cross-web borders 44. Thus, the opaque strips may have different heights to match corresponding different-height imaging areas, and the transparent strips may have different heights to match corresponding different-height cross-web borders. An opaque strip 52 is a strip which sufficiently blocks transmission of the actinic radiation of the second source of actinic radiation 50 so that unexposed photosensitive film blocked by the strip remains unexposed. A transparent strip 54 is a strip which sufficiently allows transmission of the actinic radiation of the second source of actinic radiation 50 so that unexposed photosensitive film "blocked" by the strip becomes exposed. Examples of transparent strips 54 include, without limitation, a strip of translucent material, a strip which is an empty slot bounded by adjacent opaque strips, and a strip of transparent material. Preferably, the second drum 42 also includes a nonrotating second shaft 56 and a pair of spaced-apart and nonrotating second hub assemblies 58 attached to the second shaft 56. The second outer shell 48 is rotatably attached (such as with bearings 59) to the second hub assemblies 58, and the second hub assemblies 58 have cooling holes 60. Preferably, the second source of actinic radiation is a plurality of spaced-apart fluorescent light bulbs 62 attached to the second shaft 56, extending generally parallel to the second shaft (as best seen in Figure 5), and arrayed in a partial circumferential configuration (identical to the configuration of the fluorescent light bulbs 36 shown in Figure 4). In a preferred design, the opaque strips 52 comprise (and preferably consist essentially of, and more preferably consist of) black nylon, and the transparent strips 54 comprise (and preferably consist essentially of, and more preferably consist of) clear acrylic. In another design (not shown), the second shaft 56, the second hub assemblies 58, and the second outer shell 48 all rotate together.

A fourth expression of the preferred embodiment of the invention is for a second system 64 for pre-exposing cross-web borders 44 adjacent rows 46 of a row-and-column array 16 of spaced-apart imaging areas 18 on an unexposed web of photosensitive film 20. The system includes the previously-described second drum 42 and the previously- described web-moving means 39, and wherein the web-moving means 39 is disposed so that the web of photosensitive film 20 contacts the second outer shell 48 with the imaging areas 18 aligned with the opaque strips 52 and with the cross-web borders 44 aligned with the transparent strips 54. Preferably, the previously-described first and second systems 38 and 64 are combined into an overall system 66 as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

A first method of the invention is for pre-exposing along-web borders 12 adjacent columns 14 of a row-and-column array 16 of spaced-apart imaging areas 18 on an unexposed web of photosensitive film 20. The method includes steps a) through c). Step a) includes obtaining a first drum 10 having a first outer shell 22 rotatable about a longitudinal axis 68 and having a first source of actinic radiation 24 disposed within the first outer shell 22, wherein the first outer shell 22 has a plurality of coaxially-aligned, longitudinally-adjacent, and alternating opaque rings 26 and transparent rings 28 which circumferentially surround the first source of actinic radiation 24. Step b) includes partially-circumferentially disposing the web of photosensitive film 20 on the first outer shell 22 so that, when the web of photosensitive film 20 moves and the first outer shell 22 rotates, each column 14 of imaging areas 18 is aligned over a corresponding one of the opaque rings 26 and each along-web border 12 is aligned over a corresponding one of the transparent rings 28. Step c) includes moving the web of photosensitive film 20 and rotating the first outer shell 22. Preferably, the first outer shell 22 is a freely-rotatable first outer shell, and step c) includes moving the web of photosensitive film 20 so as to rotate the first outer shell 22.

A second method of the invention is for pre-exposing cross-web borders 44 adjacent rows 46 of a row-and-column array 16 of spaced-apart imaging areas 18 on an unexposed web of photosensitive film 20. The method includes steps a) through c). Step a) includes obtaining a second drum 42 having a second outer shell 48 rotatable about a rotational axis 70 and having a second source of actinic radiation 50 disposed within the second outer shell 48, wherein the second outer shell 48 has a plurality of circumferentially-adjacent and alternating opaque strips 52 and transparent strips 54 which extend parallel to the rotational axis 70 and which together circumferentially surround the second source of actinic radiation 50. Step b) includes partially- circumferentially disposing the web of photosensitive film 20 on the second outer shell 48 so that, when the web of photosensitive film 20 moves and the second outer shell 48 rotates, each row 46 of imaging areas 18 is aligned over a corresponding one of the opaque strips 52 and each cross-web border 44 is aligned over a corresponding one of the transparent strips 54. Step c) includes moving the web of photosensitive film 20 and rotating the second outer shell 48. Preferably, the second outer shell 48 is a freely- rotatable second outer shell, and step c) includes moving the web of photosensitive film 20 so as to rotate the second outer shell 48. For some applications, as can be appreciated by the artisan, the first and second methods are combined into an overall method.

The foregoing description of several methods and several expressions of a preferred embodiment of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form and processes disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A drum for pre-exposing along-web borders adjacent columns of a row-and-column array of spaced-apart imaging areas on an unexposed web of photosensitive film, the drum comprising: a) a rotatable first outer shell, wherein the first outer shell includes a plurality of coaxially-aligned, longitudinally-adjacent, and alternating opaque rings and transparent rings, wherein the opaque rings have a width matching that of the corresponding imaging areas, and wherein the transparent rings have a width matching that of the corresponding along-web borders; and b) a first source of actinic radiation disposed within the first outer shell.

2. The drum of claim 1, also including a nonrotating first shaft and a pair of spaced-apart and nonrotating first hub assemblies attached to the first shaft, wherein the first outer shell is rotatably attached to the first hub assemblies and wherein the first hub assemblies have cooling holes.

3. The drum of claim 2, wherein the first source of actinic radiation is a plurality of spaced-apart fluorescent light bulbs attached to the first shaft, extending generally parallel to the first shaft, and arrayed in a partial circumferential configuration.

4. The drum of claim 1, wherein the opaque rings comprise black nylon and wherein the transparent rings comprise clear acrylic.

5. A system for pre-exposing along-web borders adjacent columns of a row-and-column array of spaced-apart imaging areas on an unexposed web of photosensitive film, the system comprising: a) a first drum including:

(1) a rotatable first outer shell, wherein the first outer shell includes a plurality of coaxially-aligned, longitudinally-adjacent, and alternating opaque rings and transparent rings, wherein the opaque rings have a width matching that of the corresponding imaging areas, and wherein the transparent rings have a width matching that of the corresponding along-web borders;

(2) a first source of actinic radiation disposed within the first outer shell; and b) means for moving the web of photosensitive film, wherein the web-moving means is disposed so that the web of photosensitive film contacts the first outer shell with the imaging areas aligned with the opaque rings and with the along-web borders aligned with the transparent rings.

6. The system of claim 5, also including a nonrotating first shaft and a pair of spaced- apart and nonrotating first hub assemblies attached to the first shaft, wherein the first outer shell is rotatably attached to the first hub assemblies and wherein the first hub assemblies have cooling holes.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first source of actinic radiation is a plurality of spaced-apart fluorescent light bulbs attached to the first shaft, extending generally parallel to the first shaft and arrayed in a partial circumferential configuration.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the opaque rings comprise black nylon and wherein the transparent rings comprise clear acrylic.

9. The system of claim 5, also for pre-exposing cross-web borders adjacent rows of the row-and-column array, the system also comprising: c) a second drum including:

(1) a rotatable second outer shell, wherein the second outer shell includes a plurality of longitudinally-extending, circumferentially-adjacent, and alternating opaque strips and transparent strips, wherein the opaque strips have a height matching that of the corresponding imaging areas, and wherein the transparent strips have a height matching that of the corresponding cross-web borders; and

(2) a second source of actinic radiation disposed within the second outer shell, wherein the second drum is disposed so that the web of photosensitive film contacts the second outer shell with the pre-exposed imaging areas aligned with the opaque strips and with the cross-web borders aligned with the transparent strips.

10. The system of claim 9, also including a nonrotating first shaft and a pair of spaced- apart and nonrotating first hub assemblies attached to the first shaft, wherein the first outer shell is rotatable attached to the first hub assemblies and wherein the first hub assemblies have cooling holes, and also including a nonrotating second shaft and a pair of spaced-apart and nonrotating second hub assemblies attached to the second shaft, wherein the second outer shell is rotatably attached to the second hub assemblies and wherein the second hub assemblies have cooling holes.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first source of actinic radiation is a plurality of spaced-apart fluorescent light bulbs attached to the first shaft, extending generally parallel to the first shaft and arrayed in a partial circumferential configuration, and wherein the second source of actinic radiation is a plurality of spaced-apart fluorescent light bulbs attached to the second shaft, extending generally parallel to the second shaft, and arrayed in a partial circumferential configuration.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the opaque rings and the opaque strips comprise black nylon and wherein the transparent rings and the transparent strips comprise clear acrylic.

13. A drum for pre-exposing cross-web borders adjacent rows of a row-and-column array of spaced-apart imaging areas on an unexposed web of photosensitive film, the drum comprising: a) a rotatable second outer shell, wherein the second outer shell includes a plurality of longitudinally-extending, circumferentially-adjacent, and alternating opaque strips and transparent strips, wherein the opaque strips have a height matching that of the corresponding imaging areas, and wherein the transparent strips have a height matching that of the corresponding cross-web borders; and b) a second source of actinic radiation disposed within the second outer shell.

14. The drum of claim 13, also including a nonrotating second shaft and a pair of spaced- apart and nonrotating second hub assemblies attached to the shaft, wherein the second outer shell is rotatably attached to the second hub assemblies and wherein the second hub assemblies have cooling holes.

15. The drum of claim 14, wherein the second source of actinic radiation is a plurality of spaced-apart fluorescent light bulbs attached to the second shaft, extending generally parallel to the second shaft, and arrayed in a partial circumferential configuration.

16. The drum of claim 15, wherein the opaque strips comprise black nylon and wherein the transparent strips comprise clear acrylic.

17. A system for pre-exposing cross-web borders adjacent rows of a row-and-column array of spaced-apart imaging areas on an unexposed web of photosensitive film, the system comprising: a) a second drum including:

(1) a rotatable second outer shell, wherein the second outer shell includes a plurality of longitudinally-extending, circumferentially-adjacent, and alternating opaque strips and transparent strips, wherein the opaque strips have a height matching that of the corresponding imaging areas, and wherein the transparent strips have a height matching that of the corresponding cross- web borders; and

(2) a second source of actinic radiation disposed within the second outer shell; and b) means for moving the web of photosensitive film, wherein the web-moving means is disposed so that the web of photosensitive film contacts the second outer shell with the pre-exposed imaging areas aligned with the opaque strips and with the cross-web borders aligned with the transparent strips.

18. The system of claim 17, also including a nonrotating second shaft and a pair of spaced-apart and nonrotating second hub assemblies attached to the second shaft, wherein the second outer shell is rotatably attached to the second hub assemblies and wherein the second hub assemblies have cooling holes.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the second source of actinic radiation is a plurality of spaced-apart fluorescent light bulbs attached to the second shaft, extending generally parallel to the second shaft, and arrayed in a partial circumferential configuration.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the opaque rings comprise black nylon and wherein the transparent rings comprise clear acrylic.

21. A method for pre-exposing along-web borders adjacent columns of a row-and- column array of spaced-apart imaging areas on an unexposed web of photosensitive film, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) obtaining a first drum having a first outer shell rotatable about a longitudinal axis and having a first source of actinic radiation disposed within the first outer shell, wherein the first outer shell has a plurality of coaxially-aligned, longitudinally-adjacent, and alternating opaque rings and transparent rings which circumferentially surround the first source of actinic radiation; b) partially-circumferentially disposing the web of photosensitive film on the first outer shell so that, when the web of photosensitive film moves and the first outer shell rotates, each column of imaging areas is aligned over a corresponding one of the opaque rings and each along-web border is aligned over a corresponding one of the transparent rings, and c) moving the web of photosensitive film and rotating the first outer shell.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the first outer shell is a freely-rotatable first outer shell and wherein step c) includes moving the web of photosensitive film so as to rotate the first outer shell.

23. The method of claim 21 also for pre-exposing cross-web borders adjacent rows of the array, wherein the method also includes the steps of: d) obtaining a second drum having a second outer shell rotatable about a rotational axis and having a second source of actinic radiation disposed within the second outer shell, wherein the second shell has a plurality of circumferentially-adjacent and alternating opaque strips and fransparent strips which extend parallel to the rotational axis and which together circumferentially surround the second source of actinic radiation; e) partially-circumferentially disposing the web of photosensitive film on the second outer shell so that, when the web of photosensitive film moves and the second outer shell rotates, each row of imaging areas is aligned over a corresponding one of the opaque sfrips and each cross-web border is aligned over a corresponding one of the transparent sfrips; and f) rotating the second outer shell.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the second outer shell is a freely-rotatable second outer shell and wherein step f) includes moving the web of photosensitive film so as to rotate the second outer shell.

25. A method for pre-exposing cross-web borders adjacent rows of a row-and-column array of spaced-apart imaging areas on an unexposed web of photosensitive film, wherein the method includes the steps of: a) obtaining a second drum having a second outer shell rotatable about a rotational axis and having a second source of actinic radiation disposed within the second outer shell, wherein the second outer shell has a plurality of circumferentially-adjacent and alternating opaque strips and fransparent strips which extend parallel to the rotational axis and which together circumferentially surround the second source of actinic radiation; b) partially-circumferentially disposing the web of photosensitive film on the second outer shell so that, when the web of photosensitive film moves and the second outer shell rotates, each row of imaging areas is aligned over a respective one of the opaque sfrips and each cross-web border is aligned over a respective one of the transparent strips; and c) moving the web of photosensitive film and rotating the second outer shell.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the second outer shell is a freely-rotatable first outer shell and wherein step c) includes moving the web of photosensitive film so as to rotate the second outer shell.