US3559558A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rotary processing apparatus for photolithographic plates
Assignee: EIDP Inc
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Filing: 1968-08-29
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Granted: 1971-02-02
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Expires: 1988-08-29
Abstract
Abstract An automatic rotary-processing apparatus for photolithographic plates having a magnetic drum on which the plate is fastened while it is processed. The apparatus contains developer tray, a rinse chamber incorporating a squeegee, pressure-scrubbing rolls, washing sprays, a treatment chamber having sprays, and a squeegee. The apparatus may also include a drying member for the processed plate. The plate is automatically moved in sequence through the developing tray, rinse chamber, treatment chamber, and past the squeegee and drying member. Mechanism are provided for controlling the operation of the squeegees, scrubbing rolls, and sprays.
Inventors
- 👤 James S Hamlin
- 👤 Walter G Neuman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 14:34
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03F; G03F7/00; G03F7/26; G03F7/30; G03F7/3035
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
A rotary-processing apparatus for an exposed lithographic plate comprising a frame carrying, in combination: a. a rotary drum for supporting and carrYing the exposed plate having a photohardenable layer, into: b. a developer pan adapted to supply a developer solution to such an exposed layer; c. adjacent said pan, a rinsing chamber adapted to remove the unexposed portion of the exposed layer by a rinsing solution; said rinsing chamber having in combination: 1. a squeegee adapted to remove part of the softened, unexposed layer, 2. roll means adapted to scrub the layer and remove additional unexposed parts of the layer, 3. spray means adapted to flush the plate with an aqueous processing solution; d. a treating chamber adapted to apply a treating liquid to the surface of the plate, and; e. means adapted to remove excess treating liquid from the plate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
141 words
A rotary-processing apparatus for an exposed lithographic plate comprising a frame carrying, in combination: a. a rotary drum for supporting and carrYing the exposed plate having a photohardenable layer, into: b. a developer pan adapted to supply a developer solution to such an exposed layer; c. adjacent said pan, a rinsing chamber adapted to remove the unexposed portion of the exposed layer by a rinsing solution; said rinsing chamber having in combination: 1. a squeegee adapted to remove part of the softened, unexposed layer, 2. roll means adapted to scrub the layer and remove additional unexposed parts of the layer, 3. spray means adapted to flush the plate with an aqueous processing solution; d. a treating chamber adapted to apply a treating liquid to the surface of the plate, and; e. means adapted to remove excess treating liquid from the plate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
roll means adapted to scrub the layer and remove additional unexposed parts of the layer,
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
roll means adapted to scrub the layer and remove additional unexposed parts of the layer,
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drum has a surface of ferromagnetic material, and includes fastening means for the plate which consists of a magnetic material embedded in a flexible plastic strip.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drum is hollow and is provided with means for passing a heating fluid into its interior.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
spray means adapted to flush the plate with an aqueous processing solution; d. a treating chamber adapted to apply a treating liquid to the surface of the plate, and; e. means adapted to remove excess treating liquid from the plate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
spray means adapted to flush the plate with an aqueous processing solution; d. a treating chamber adapted to apply a treating liquid to the surface of the plate, and; e. means adapted to remove excess treating liquid from the plate.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 provided with pneumatic means for activating and deactivating the squeegee.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 provided with pneumatic means for activating and deactivating said roll means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 provided with means for maintaining a level of developer solution in the developer pan.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 provided with means for activating and deactivating said means adapted to remove excess treating liquid from the plate.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 having: f. means adapted to dry the surface of the plate; and g. means for controlling the sequential operation of the parts of the apparatus.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-02-01 | 1974-08-03 | 1975-02-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-01 | 1978-08-03 | 1979-02-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-01 | 1982-08-03 | 1983-02-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |