US3771871A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for forming images on continuously moving elements
Assignee: EIDP Inc
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Filing: 1971-10-04
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Granted: 1973-11-13
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Expires: 1991-10-04
Abstract
Abstract A machine for making resist images having separate means for feeding sheet or plate articles in sequence, for receiving and laminating the articles to a photosensitive layer on a flexible support, for continuously feeding the layer and support, for imagewise exposing the continuously moving laminae to actinic radiation, for delaminating the support from the remaining laminae, and optionally, means for applying heat to the laminae during delamination.
Inventors
- 👤 J Rattman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 02:25
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03F; G03F7/00; G03F7/20; G03F7/2002; G03F7/201; H; H05; H05K; H05K1/00; H05K1/02; H05K1/03; H05K1/0393; H05K3/00; H05K3/0073; H05K3/0082
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
An apparatus useful for forming an image on the surface of a continuously moving stiff article comprising a. means for conveying an article through the apparatus, b. laminating means for laminating one or more photosensitive layers to the article while the article is in motion, and c. a reciprocating exposure unit which moves synchronously with the laminated article and image-wise exposes the laminated article through at least one transparency while the exposure unit and laminated article are in synchronous motion.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
80 words
An apparatus useful for forming an image on the surface of a continuously moving stiff article comprising a. means for conveying an article through the apparatus, b. laminating means for laminating one or more photosensitive layers to the article while the article is in motion, and c. a reciprocating exposure unit which moves synchronously with the laminated article and image-wise exposes the laminated article through at least one transparency while the exposure unit and laminated article are in synchronous motion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
An appaRatus according to claim 1, wherein said laminating means comprises a pair of rolls spaced so as to engage said article.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said exposure unit has register pins that engage holes in said article during exposure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said photosensitive layers are adhered on one side to flexible supports, said supports comprising continuous web.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 4 having means for delaminating said supports from the laminated article after exposure.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
139 words
An apparatus useful for forming resist images on a plurality of stiff, flat boards comprising a. a pair of rolls for laminating continuous photosensitive sheets to both sides of the boards as the boards are fed sequentially between the rolls, said photosensitive sheets comprising flexible polymeric films with a layer of photosensitive material adhered to the films on the sides of the films adjacent to the boards, b. a reciprocating exposure unit that engages each moving laminated board and imagewise exposes the board through at least one transparency while the board and exposure unit are moving together at the same speed, the exposure unit having means by which it can be returned to its initial position for exposure to the next board in sequence, and c. a pair of delaminating rolls for removing said films from the exposed boards.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
139 words
An apparatus useful for forming resist images on a plurality of stiff, flat boards comprising a. a pair of rolls for laminating continuous photosensitive sheets to both sides of the boards as the boards are fed sequentially between the rolls, said photosensitive sheets comprising flexible polymeric films with a layer of photosensitive material adhered to the films on the sides of the films adjacent to the boards, b. a reciprocating exposure unit that engages each moving laminated board and imagewise exposes the board through at least one transparency while the board and exposure unit are moving together at the same speed, the exposure unit having means by which it can be returned to its initial position for exposure to the next board in sequence, and c. a pair of delaminating rolls for removing said films from the exposed boards.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 6, said apparatus having means for heating the boards prior to lamination and delamination.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said reciprocating exposure unit has registration means comprising: a. means to detect the presence of said article in position for exposure, and b. means to securely clamp said article to the exposure unit.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
79 words
An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said means to securely clamp said article to the exposure unit comprises: a. upper and lower exposure frames, at least one of which contains a transparency through which exposure is made, said exposure frames being supported by a supporting means which permits lateral movement of said exposure frames for registration with the laminated article, and b. registration pins capable of vertical movement for registration of said exposure frames with said laminated article.
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) | 1976-11-12 | 1977-05-14 | 1977-11-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-12 | 1981-05-14 | 1981-11-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-12 | 1985-05-14 | 1985-11-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |