Method and apparatus for stacking and drying cut imaged media

An imagesetting system comprising an imagesetter that transfers an image onto media, a wet chemical processor that processes the imaged media, a dryer section that dries the media by circulating air along an underside of the extracted media to support a leading edge of the media by air as the leading edge of the media is transferred from the drying apparatus to a downward sloped section of a curved stacking surface, and extraction rollers that extract the media from the dryer section, the extracted media being stacked on the curved stacking surface, the imagesetting system further comprising:

• an indent which extends the stacking surface beneath the extraction rollers in a direction opposite to a direction of movement of the media being extracted, said indent preventing binding of trailing edges of the media by accepting sections of the extracted media abutting the trailing edges onto the stacking surface proximate to the indent.

An imagesetting system comprising an imagesetter that transfers an image onto media, a wet chemical processor that processes the imaged media, a dryer section that dries the media by circulating air thereabout, and extraction rollers that extract the media from the dryer section, the imagesetting system further comprising:

• an apparatus that blows air along an underside of the extracted media to support a leading edge of the media by air as the leading edge of the media is transferred from the drying apparatus to a downward sloped section of a curved stacking surface on which the extracted, dried media is stacked, said stacking surface being formed by one or more external surfaces of the imagesetter and the processor;
• and
• an indent which extends the stacking surface beneath the extraction rollers in a direction opposite to a direction of movement of the media being extracted, said indent preventing binding of trailing edges of the media by accepting sections of the media abutting the trailing edges onto the stacking surface proximate to the indent.

A method for drying media extracted form an imagesetting system, comprising the steps of:

• blowing air along an underside of the extracted media to dry the media;
• and
• generating sufficient air pressure along the underside of the media to support a leading edge of the media by air as the leading edge of the media is transferred to a downward sloped section of a curved receiving surface.