Patent EP0130028A2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
EP0130028A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Imaging method and apparatus
Assignee: Milliken Research Corp
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Filing: 1984-06-18
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2004-06-18
Abstract
Abstract A method for generating a latent image on a substrate surface using a low current (e.g. less than 2 x 10-' amperes) electrical discharge. The apparatus may include a movable carriage or roll (10) adapted to support a coated plate (20) and move it past an imaging assembly (30). The discharge is maintained by a voltage source (60) controlled by switching means (65) in response to a pattern data processor (55). The invention may be used, for example, to image lithographic plates, which plates may or may not contain a light-sensitive material, from a digital source of image data.
Inventors
- 👤 Franklin Sadler Love Iii
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 03:06
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41C; B41C1/00; B41C1/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
A method for creating a desired latent image on a substrate surface carrying a layer capable of undergoing a change in relative solubility when acted upon by a low current electrical discharge to form a latent image thereon which thereafter may be developed for use in a lithographic-type printing process charactereised by contacting areas of said layer corresponding to said image with a low current electrical discharge in the presence of a relatively inert gas, said discharge being of sufficient energy density to induce a change in the relative solubility of said layer to a lithographic-type developing material in said areas.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
101 words
A method for creating a desired latent image on a substrate surface carrying a layer capable of undergoing a change in relative solubility when acted upon by a low current electrical discharge to form a latent image thereon which thereafter may be developed for use in a lithographic-type printing process charactereised by contacting areas of said layer corresponding to said image with a low current electrical discharge in the presence of a relatively inert gas, said discharge being of sufficient energy density to induce a change in the relative solubility of said layer to a lithographic-type developing material in said areas.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method electrically conductive substrate surface of claim 1, characterised in that said layer comprises an unimaged photosensitive material carried on an L and that areas of said layer corresponding to said image are swept with a low current discharge of sufficient energy density to insolubilize said layer in said areas.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said layer comprises an unimaged water-soluble coating containing a diazonium resin carried on an additive lithographic-type printing plate.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
74 words
The method of any of claims 1 to 3, characterised by the steps of: a) positioning an electrode in close proximity to said surface, thereby forming a discharge gap; b) introducing a relatively inert gas into said gap; c) initiating a low current electrical discharge between said electrode and said surface; and (d) maintaining the time-averaged current flow within said discharge gap to a value sufficient to induce an insolubilizing effect in said layer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 4 characterised in that said value of the time-averaged current flow within said discharge gap is between 2x10 -6 and 2x10 amperes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 4 or 5, characterised in that said electrode is scanned over said surface by relative movement between said electrode and said surface, and said time-averaged current flow is maintained at said value only while said electrode is opposite areas of said surface wherein,said insolubilizing effect is desired.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 4, 5 or 6 characterised in that said current flow is limited to a maximum value which is insufficient to displace said layer so as to substantially expose said substrate under said layer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
131 words
An apparatus for creating a latent image on an unimaged substrate surface by a method according to claim 1, characterised by: (a) a voltage source (60); (b) electrode means (31) connected to said voltage source; (c) switching means (65) associated with said voltage source for controlling the voltage on said electrode means; (d) gas means (36) for introducing a gas into the region between said electrode means and said substrate surface; (e) current limiting means (40) for limiting the electrical current flowing through said electrode to values less than 2x10 3 amperes; (f) carriage means (10) for positioning said coated substrate surface opposite to and in close proximity with said electrode means; and (g) transport means (5, 7) for causing relative movement between said electrode means (31) and said substrate surface.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 8 further characterised by pattern data processing means (55) for generating switching instructions for said switching means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 8 or 9, characterised in that said electrode means (31) is positioned closer than 0.01 inch from said substrate surface.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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