Patent US3597080A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3597080A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for preparing a printing plate from a photosensitive composition
Assignee: WR Grace and Co
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Filing: 1968-10-25
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Granted: 1971-08-03
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Expires: 1988-10-25
Abstract
Abstract The disclosed invention is for a photocomposing apparatus and improvements in a method of operating a photocomposing apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing having at one end an actinic light source and at the other end a support adapted to receive thereon a liquid photocurable composition which on exposure to actinic light through an image bearing transparency becomes selectively insolubilized in the exposed portions thereof. The invention is especially useful in preparing a developable printing plate from a liquid photocurable composition.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald P Gush
- 👤 Manuel C Uy
- 👤 Einstein E Caicedo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 20:41
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03F; G03F7/00; G03F7/26; G03F7/30; G03F7/3014
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
An apparatus for photocomposing which comprises, a frame network adapted to support at one end thereof an actinic light source and at the other end a platform adapted to receive thereon a photocurable composition, dispensing means for dispensing a liquid photocurable composition to said platform; leveling means for leveling the dispensed liquid composition to a substantially uniform thickness, a pivotally mounted transparency film holder having a substantially flat face adjacent to an image bearing transparency supported thereagainst and positionable over said leveled liquid composition, and means for supplying actinic radiation through said image bearing transparency to the liquid photocurable composition to selectively insolubilize the exposed portions thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the liquid photocurable composition is received from a continuously recirculating supply to maintain uniformity in the consistency of the liquid photocurable composition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the recirculating supply is maintained under vacuum.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the recirculating supply is heated by a suitable heat source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein a carriage is included and positionable over said platform, said carriage including liquid photocurable composition dispensing means, leveling means, and a means for directing a stream of heated gas against the liquid photocurable composition over the platform.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein a motor is mechanically engaged to said carriage for positioning over said platform.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein switch means are included for starting and stopping dispensing, and for starting and stopping the stream of heated gas at predetermined positions along said platform.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein a means is included for receiving excess liquid photocurable composition removed by said leveling means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein a shield is included between said means for receiving excess liquid photocurable composition and said actinic light source to prevent photocuring of excess liquid photocuring composition.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein a means is included to adjust the spaced relationship between the surface of the liquid photocurable composition and the image bearing transparency.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the platform is heated by a suitable heat source.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
68 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the liquid photocurable composition is received from a supply system which includes a positive displacement pump; a reservoir for storing a supply of liquid photocurable composition; transport means connecting said pump, reservoir, and dispenser; and an automatic control valve means disposed along said transport means for regulating flow and for providing a metered quantity of liquid photocurable composition at desired time intervals.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the reservoir is heated and equipped with an agitator, degassing vacuum means, recycle lines, and means for resupplying liquid photocurable composition to the system.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said leveling means is a doctor blade.
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) | 1974-08-02 | 1975-02-01 | 1975-08-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-02 | 1979-02-01 | 1979-08-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-02 | 1983-02-01 | 1983-08-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |