Thermal processor employing a temperature compensation system

A method for developing an image in a thermally processable material transported along a transport path through a thermal processor, the thermal processor including a preheat assembly for preheating the thermally processable material to a threshold temperature, and a dwell assembly for thermal development of the image in the thermally processable material, the thermally processable material defined by a leading edge and a trailing edge, the method comprising the steps of:

• Operating a roller assembly to move the thermally processable material through the preheat assembly, including the step of contacting the thermally processable material with the roller assembly to move the thermally processable material along the transport path;
• Heating the thermally processable material as it moves along the transport path through the preheat assembly using a heated member, wherein the roller assembly includes rollers positioned between the heated member and the thermally processable material;
• and
• Changing the temperature of the heated member as the thermally processable material moves along the transport path reducing optical density loss in the thermally processable material.

A thermal processor for use in developing an image in a thermally processable material which is transported along a transport path through the thermal processor, the thermal processor comprising:

• A preheat assembly for preheating the thermally processable material to a threshold temperature, including a first heated member having a major surface facing the thermally processable material;
• A transport system including a roller assembly positioned about the thermally processable material which contacts the thermally processable material for moving the thermally processable material along the transport path, the roller assembly including a plurality of rollers positioned between the first heated member and the thermally processable material;
• and
• A thermal processor control system operably coupled to the first heated member and the transport system, the thermal processor control system including a controller for selectively changing the temperature of the heated member as the thermally processable material moves along the transport path.