Patent US3782532A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3782532A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for developing lithographic plates
Assignee: Western Litho Plate and Supply Co
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Filing: 1971-02-04
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Granted: 1974-01-01
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Expires: 1991-02-04
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for post-exposure treatment of lithographic plates having an endless belt on which such a plate is transported to, through, and beyond, at least one operating station, and in which the belt is wetted and the plate undergoing treatment is held fast on the wetted belt by interfacial tension.
Inventors
- 👤 R Harrell
- 👤 A Essmueller
- 👤 R Bax
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 05:04
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03F; G03F7/00; G03F7/16; G03D; G03D3/00; G03D3/02; G03D3/06; G03F7/26; G03F7/30; G03F7/3085
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
225 words
In apparatus for processing lithographic plates, means for conveying lithographic plates one after another in a predetermined generally horizontal path, to, through and beyond at least one operating station, with one face of each plate facing up at said station, comprising an endless belt having a generally flat and generally horizontal upper reach for conveying a plate along said path, the plate being applied to said upper reach of the belt at a place in advance of said operating station, means for wetting the belt in advance of said place of application of the plate, means for pressing the plate down flat on the said upper reach of said wetted belt at said place to exclude air from between the plate and the belt so as to cause the plate to be gripped flat to the belt, said plate being applied to the upper reach of the belt adjacent one end thereof constituting its starting end, said wetting means being located to wet the belt ahead of said starting end of said upper reach, the belt having a lower return reach, said wetting means comprising means for spraying water on the exterior surface of said lower reach, and means for removing excess water from the belt between the spray means and said point of application of the plate to the upper reach of the belt.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
225 words
In apparatus for processing lithographic plates, means for conveying lithographic plates one after another in a predetermined generally horizontal path, to, through and beyond at least one operating station, with one face of each plate facing up at said station, comprising an endless belt having a generally flat and generally horizontal upper reach for conveying a plate along said path, the plate being applied to said upper reach of the belt at a place in advance of said operating station, means for wetting the belt in advance of said place of application of the plate, means for pressing the plate down flat on the said upper reach of said wetted belt at said place to exclude air from between the plate and the belt so as to cause the plate to be gripped flat to the belt, said plate being applied to the upper reach of the belt adjacent one end thereof constituting its starting end, said wetting means being located to wet the belt ahead of said starting end of said upper reach, the belt having a lower return reach, said wetting means comprising means for spraying water on the exterior surface of said lower reach, and means for removing excess water from the belt between the spray means and said point of application of the plate to the upper reach of the belt.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the belt is made of a flexible substantially non-stretchable material which is wettable by water.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the belt is made of neoprene.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
157 words
In apparatus for processing lithographic plates, means for conveying lithographic plates one after another in a predetermined generally horizontal path, to, through and beyond at least one operating station, with one face of each plate facing up at said station, comprising an endless belt having a generally flat and generally horizontal upper reach for conveying a plate along said path, the plate being applied to said upper reach of the belt at a place in advance of said operating station, means for wetting the belt in advance of said place of application of the plate, and means for pressing the plate down flat on the said upper reach of said wetted belt at said place to exclude air from between the plate and the belt so as to cause the plate to be gripped flat to the belt, said pressing means comprising a squeeze roller for squeezing the plate flat against the upper reach of the belt.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
157 words
In apparatus for processing lithographic plates, means for conveying lithographic plates one after another in a predetermined generally horizontal path, to, through and beyond at least one operating station, with one face of each plate facing up at said station, comprising an endless belt having a generally flat and generally horizontal upper reach for conveying a plate along said path, the plate being applied to said upper reach of the belt at a place in advance of said operating station, means for wetting the belt in advance of said place of application of the plate, and means for pressing the plate down flat on the said upper reach of said wetted belt at said place to exclude air from between the plate and the belt so as to cause the plate to be gripped flat to the belt, said pressing means comprising a squeeze roller for squeezing the plate flat against the upper reach of the belt.
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) | 1976-12-31 | 1977-07-02 | 1978-01-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-31 | 1981-07-02 | 1982-01-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-31 | 1985-07-02 | 1986-01-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |