Production of graphic patterns

Claim 1

A device for producing graphic patterns such as inscriptions on a substrate covered with a light-sensitive layer, in particular on an oxidized aluminum sheet or on an oxidized aluminum foil secured to a plastic support film, whereby the substrate is illuminated through a master pattern which has areas transparent to UV light, comprising an illuminating unit including an ultraviolet light source and a holding frame operable to press the master pattern onto the substrate and to hold the pattern and the substrate in position to be exposed to illumination from said light source; a developing tank including a spraying device and being operable to treat the exposed substrate by spraying developer from said spraying device onto the substrate; a first storage tank for storing used developer; a first pump operably connected between said spraying device and said first tank for delivering used developer to said spraying device at predetermined time intervals; a second storage tank for storing fresh developer; a second pump operably connected between said spraying device and said second tank for delivering fresh developer to said spraying device at predetermined time sequences as required; a distillation chamber structure connected to said first storage tank and including a heating device to vaporize the developer from said first storage tank, a cooling device to condense the vaporized developer, and having a collecting channel for the condensate connected to said second storage tank, whereby used developer from said first storage tank is distilled and thereafter delivered to said second storage tank; an etching tank including a heater and a thermostat device cooperating for maintaining a liquid etchant in said etching tank at a predetermined temperature; a drying tank positioned between said developing tank and said etching tank and operable for drying the substrate after treatment in the developing tank; a water holding tank for rinsing said substrate; and a stripping tank operable for receiving and holding a solvent for the part of the light-sensitive layer hardened by the light.

Claim 2

A device for producing graphic patterns such as inscriptions on a substrate covered with a light-sensitive layer, in particular on an oxidized aluminum sheet or on an oxidized aluminum foil secured to a plastic support film, whereby the substrate is illuminated through a master pattern which has areas transparent to UV light, comprising an illuminating unit including an ultraviolet light source and a holding frame operable to press the master pattern onto the substrate and to hold the pattern and the substrate in position to be exposed to illumination from said light source; a developing tank including a spraying device and being operable to treat the exposed substrate by spraying developer from said spraying device onto the substrate; a first storage tank for storing used developer; a first pump operably connected between said spraying device and said first tank for delivering used developer to said spraying device at predetermined time intervals; a second storage tank for storing fresh developer; a second pump operably connected between said spraying device and said second tank for delivering fresh developer to said spraying device at predetermined time sequences as required; a distillation chamber structure connected to said first storage tank and including a heating device to vaporize the developer from said first storage tank, a cooling device to condense the vaporized developer, and having a collecting channel for the condensate connected to said second storage tank, whereby used developer from said first storage tank is distilled and thereafter delivered to said second storage tank; an etching tank including a heater and a thermostat device cooperating for maintaining a liquid etchant in said etching tank at a predetermined temperature; a drying tank positioned between said developing tank and said etching tank and operable for drying the substrate after treatment in the developing tank; a water holding tank for rinsing said substrate; and a stripping tank operable for receiving and holding a solvent for the part of the light-sensitive layer hardened by the light.