Thermal processor employing replaceable sleeve

1. A thermal processor for thermally developing an image in an imaging material, the thermal processor comprising:

an oven;

at least one rotatable member positioned within the oven; and

a sleeve adapted to slidably fit over and selectively couple to at least a portion of the rotatable member, the sleeve having an exterior surface coated with a layer of polymer material, wherein the sleeve is positioned such that the layer of polymer material contacts and transports the imaging material through the oven as the at least one rotatable member rotates;

wherein the sleeve comprises a material having high thermal conductivity characteristics; and

wherein the layer of material comprises a silicone fluid applied to an exterior surface of the rotatable member prior to the sleeve being slideably fitted over the rotatable member.

2. The thermal processor of claim 1 , wherein the sleeve is seamless.

3. The thermal processor of claim 1 , wherein the sleeve is selectively coupled to the rotatable member with a removable fastener.

4. The thermal processor of claim 1 , wherein the layer of polymer material comprises a silicone rubber polymer.

5. A thermal processor comprising:

an enclosure forming an oven;

a heated drum for thermally developing an image in an imaging media, the heated drum positioned at least partially within the oven;

a drive system for rotating the heated drum; and

a tubular sleeve adapted to slidably fit over and selectively couple to at least a portion of an outer surface of the heated drum, the tubular sleeve having an exterior surface substantially coated with a polymer material, wherein the tubular sleeve is positioned such that the polymer material contacts the imaging media and transports the imaging material through the oven as the heated drum rotates;

wherein the sleeve comprises a material having high thermal conductivity characteristics sufficient to enable heat transfer from the heated drum to thermally develop the imaging-material,

wherein the heated drum comprises a material having first coefficient of thermal expansion arid the tubular sleeve comprises a material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion,

wherein the first coefficient of thermal expansion is greater than the second coefficient of thermal expansion, such that when the heated drum and tubular sleeve are heated to a temperature above a threshold temperature an outer diameter of the heated drum expands at a rate greater than an inner diameter of the tubular sleeve so that an exterior surface of the heated drum is in intimate contact with an inner surface of the tubular sleeve such that the tubular sleeve is secured to the heated drum without mechanical fasteners.

6. The thermal processor of claim 5 , wherein the threshold temperature is less than a desired development temperature of the imaging media.

7. The thermal processor of claim 5 , wherein the heated drum comprises an aluminum material.

8. A thermal processor comprising:

an enclosure forming an oven;

a heated drum for thermally developing an image in an imaging media, the heated drum positioned at least partially within the oven;

a drive system for rotating the heated drum; and

a tubular sleeve adapted to slidably fit over and selectively couple to at least a portion of an outer surface of the heated drum, the tubular sleeve having an exterior surface substantially coated with a polymer material, wherein the tubular sleeve is positioned such that the polymer material contacts the imaging media and transports the imaging material through the oven as the heated drum rotates;

wherein the tubular sleeve comprises a material having high thermal conductivity characteristics sufficient to enable heat transfer from the heated drum to thermally develop the imaging-material;

wherein the tubular sleeve comprises nickel.

9. A thermal processor comprising:

an enclosure forming an oven;

a heated drum for thermally developing an image in an imaging media, the heated drum positioned at least partially within the oven;

a drive system for rotating the heated drum; and

a tubular sleeve adapted to slidably fit over and selectively couple to at least a portion of an outer surface of the heated drum, the tubular sleeve having an exterior surface substantially coated with a polymer material, wherein the tubular sleeve is positioned such that the polymer material contacts the imaging media and transports the imaging material through the oven as the heated drum rotates;

wherein the tubular sleeve comprises a material having high thermal conductivity characteristics sufficient to enable heat transfer from the heated drum to thermally develop the imaging-material;

wherein the tubular sleeve comprises a polycarbonate material.

10. A thermal processor comprising:

an enclosure forming an oven;

a heated drum for thermally developing an image in an imaging media, the heated drum positioned at least partially within the oven;

a drive system for rotating the heated drum; and

a tubular sleeve adapted to slidably fit over and selectively couple to at least a portion of an outer surface of the heated drum, the tubular sleeve having an exterior surface substantially coated with a polymer material, wherein the tubular sleeve is positioned such that the polymer material contacts the imaging media and transports the imaging material through the oven as the heated drum rotates;

wherein the heated drum has a first end and a second end and further includes a first flange selectively coupled to the first end and a second flange selectively coupled to the second end, the first and second flanges configured to retain the tubular sleeve about the heated drum.

11. The thermal processor of claim 10 , wherein the first flange and the second flange each include a tab adapted to slideably insert into and interlock with a corresponding notch in the tubular sleeve.

12. The thermal processor of claim 10 wherein the tubular sleeve has a wall thickness of less than 0.1 inches.

13. The thermal processor of claim 10 , wherein the wall thickness is 0.005 inches.

14. A thermal processor comprising:

an enclosure forming an oven;

a heated drum positioned within the oven for thermally developing an image in an imaging media;

means for rotating the heated drum;

means for selectively coupling a layer of polymer material about at least a portion of an exterior surface of the heated drum, the layer of polymer material positioned such that the polymer material contacts the imaging media and transports the imaging material through the oven as the heated drum rotates; and

means for improving heat transfer from the heated drum to the layer of polymer materials,

wherein the layer of polymer material comprises a material having high thermal conductivity characteristics sufficient to enable heat transfer from the heated drum to thermally develop the imaging media.

15. A thermal processor comprising:

an enclosure forming an oven;

a heated drum positioned within the oven for thermally developing an image in an imaging media,

means for rotating the heated drum; and

means for selectively coupling a layer of polymer material about at least a portion of an exterior surface of the heated drum, the layer of polymer material positioned such that the polymer material contacts the imaging media and transports the imaging material through the oven as the heated drum rotates;

further comprising: means for improving heat transfer from the heated drum to the layer of polymer material;

wherein means for improving heat transfer comprises providing a layer of silicone fluid between the exterior surface of the heated drum and the layer of polymer material.