US3845713A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic etcher for offset master
Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc
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Filing: 1973-01-29
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Granted: 1974-11-05
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Expires: 1993-01-29
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for automatically applying etching solution to the surface of an offset master. The master is secured to the surface of a master cylinder. Etching solution is contained in an enlongated reservoir parallel to the master cylinder. A foam rubber feed roller is partially immersed in the etching solution and has a squeegee roller in contact with it. The feed roller is caused to step sequentially through three positions: a ''''rest'''' position in which it is withdrawn from the master cylinder and at rest with squeegee roller pressure relieved; a ''''make ready'''' position wherein it is rotating with the the squeegee roller bearing on it but still withdrawn from the master cylinder; and an ''''etch'''' position wherein it is in scrubbing contact with the master cylinder and rotating in the same direction as the master cylinder.
Inventors
- 👤 W Ross
- 👤 R Schmaling
- 👤 W Olson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 19:45
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41F; B41F7/00; B41F7/20; B41F7/24; B41N; B41N3/00; B41N3/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
165 words
Apparatus for automatically applying an etching solution to an offset master which comprises: a rotatable master cylinder for supporting the offset master; means for rotating the master cylinder; an elongated reservoir for etching solution; said reservoir extending substantially parallel to said master cylinder; a rotatable feed roller extending substantially parallel to said master cylinder; means for rotating said feed roller partially immersed in etching solution in said reservoir; squeegee means engageable with said feed roller; and automatic control means for sequentially positioning said feed roller in three discrete positions including a make ready position wherein said rotating feed roller is disposed in engagement with said squeegee means but out of engagement with said master cylinder; then in an etching solution application position wherein said rotating feed roller is disposed in engagement with both said squeegee means and said rotating master cylinder and then in a rest position wherein said feed roller is disposed out of engagement with both said squeegee means and said master cylinder.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
165 words
Apparatus for automatically applying an etching solution to an offset master which comprises: a rotatable master cylinder for supporting the offset master; means for rotating the master cylinder; an elongated reservoir for etching solution; said reservoir extending substantially parallel to said master cylinder; a rotatable feed roller extending substantially parallel to said master cylinder; means for rotating said feed roller partially immersed in etching solution in said reservoir; squeegee means engageable with said feed roller; and automatic control means for sequentially positioning said feed roller in three discrete positions including a make ready position wherein said rotating feed roller is disposed in engagement with said squeegee means but out of engagement with said master cylinder; then in an etching solution application position wherein said rotating feed roller is disposed in engagement with both said squeegee means and said rotating master cylinder and then in a rest position wherein said feed roller is disposed out of engagement with both said squeegee means and said master cylinder.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
70 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said control means comprises: lever means adapted to be moved for raising and lowering said feed roller, a rotatable control shaft having an eccentric pin extending therefrom, and link means including a link interconnecting said control shaft pin and said lever means, said control shaft being rotatable for moving said interconnecting link and thus said lever means for raising and lowering said feed roller.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus of claim 2 including said offset master supported by said master cylinder and wherein the link means includes means for adjusting the working length of said link for varying the pressure with which the feed roller engages the offset master as supported by said master cylinder.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the engaged portions of the respective surfaces of said rotating feed roller and offset master cylinder move in directions which are opposite to one another.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for rotating said feed roller comprises a driven gear connected to said feed roller, and a driving gear meshing with said driven gear and rotatable about an axis; and wherein said positioning means comprises means for moving said feed roller and driven gear about said axis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said squeegee means comprises a squeegee roller and means disposing said squeegee roller for engagement by said feed roller.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
73 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said squeegee roller disposing means comprises: a pivoted support arm carrying said squeegee roller at a first end thereof, spring means for urging said support arm in a direction to resiliently hold said engaged squeegee roller in contact with said feed roller, and adjustable stop means for limiting movement of said support arm and for varying the pressure of the squeegee roller against the engaged feed roller.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
64 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: means for wiping excess etching solution from the offset master as supported by said master cylinder; said wiping means including an elastomeric wiping blade disposed parallel to said master cylinder and out of contact therewith, and means for rotating said wiping blade to a wiping position wherein said wiper is disposed in contact with said master cylinder.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said feed roller has opposed ends and includes a spring-loaded hub at at least one end thereof, said hub being normally rotatably engaged by said feed roller rotating means, and said hub being movable against the spring-loading thereof for disengagement from said feed roller rotating means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1977-11-04 | 1978-05-06 | 1978-11-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-04 | 1982-05-06 | 1982-11-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-04 | 1986-05-06 | 1986-11-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |