reoriented thus preparing the tape segment for the next imaging operation fig2 shows a preferred embodiment of the transfer station 21 a portion backplate 47 of which station incorporates the present invention the segment of tape 13 carrying an imaged line of text is shown in position between the paper 15 and platen portion 43 of the transfer station 21 platen 43 includes a horizontal portion 54 bearing a resilient covering 73 on its operative face situated behind the paper 15 is the transfer electrode 45 as contained in vacuum backplate 47 the paper 15 is maintained uniformly on the flat lower surface of backplate 47 by the presence of a controlled negative pressure thereon which communicates with the paper via a suitable arrangement of apertures not shown in the backplate 39 s lower surface as illustrated an initial gap h exaggerated for ease of understanding exists between the tape medium 13 and the paper 15 platen 43 is mounted upon a pair of rods housed in respective relatively long bearings 98 suitably affixed to the frame not particularly shown of the system movement of platen 43 is governed by a drive arrangement 78 which comprises an eccentrically mounted cam 76 having cam surfaces 80.