Importance

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Abstract

The imaging layer coated side of a heat-responsive recording medium is selectively heat-sinked by the raised portions of live skin tissue contacting the same so that only the unheat-sinked portions of the recording medium will reach an imaging temperature. The source of heat for the film may be a flash lamp directed against the opposite substrate side of the film where the electromagnetic energy thereof is converted into heat when absorbed by the substrate, or may be a source of externally applied heat transmitted through the substrate to the imaging layer of the film. In the latter case, the recording medium is preferably initially in spaced relationship with a heat contact plate which is to be contacted by a heat source, which may be the end face of a piston either pre-heated to a given temperature or having a current heatable resistance thereon to be pulsed with current. In the former case the plunger end face preferably has a low heat conductivity coating thereon. The live skin tissue, like a finger, is pressed against the imaging layer coated side of the recording medium to bring the substrate side thereof against the heat contact plate which receives heat from the piston end face. The plunger is automatically withdrawn from the heat contact plate a short time after the recording medium is pressed against the heat contact plate to prevent any discomfort or burning of the finger.

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First Claim