Etching machine and method for making printing plates
Abstract
Abstract THIS ETCHING MACHINE INCLUDES AN ETCHANT TANK HOUSING AN ETCHANT SPRAY SYSTEM AND A WORKPIECE SUPPORT SYSTEM. THE SPRAY SYSTEM INCLUDES AT LEAST ONE UPRIGHT ROTATABLE TUBULAR BODY FORMED FROM COAXIAL CYLINDERS CLOSED AT THE UPPER END TO PROVIDE A SPRAY CHAMBER. THE LOWER END OF THE TUBULAR BODY IS IMMERSED IN THE ETCHENT BATH AND HELICAL VANES WITH IN SPRAY CHAMBER DELIVER ETCHANT UNDER PRESSURE THROUGH THE SPRAY APERTURES AS THE TUBULAR BODY ROTATES. THE ROTATION OF THE TUBULAR BODY IS ACCOMPLISHED BY AN AXIAL DRIVE SHAFT ENCLOSED AT ITS LOWER END BY A WELL TUBE WHICH EXTENDS ABOVE THE ETCHENT LEVEL TO PRECLUDE ETCHANT LEAKAGE. THE WORKPIECE SYSTEM INCLUDES A ROTATABLE ELEMENT HOLDING THE WORKPIECE IN THE VERTICAL PLANE AND MOVABLE ALONG A TRACK TO REVOLVE THE WORKPIECE AS IT PASSES THROUGH THE SPRAY PATH.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles R Hillhouse
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-09-05 | 1976-03-06 | 1976-09-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-05 | 1980-03-06 | 1980-09-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-05 | 1984-03-06 | 1984-09-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |