Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
An apparatus for releasably holding a thin-walled cylinder, comprising carrier means having fluid pressure supply means coupled thereto; first and second hubs mounted on said carrier means, said first hub being adjustably mounted on said carrier means to vary the spacing between said hubs; first and second centering flanges slidably and sealingly coupled to said first and second hubs, respectively, each said flange having an outer perimeter seat surface; and a thin-walled cylinder having ends thereof mounted on said flanges, said cylinder and said flanges comprise means defining a pressure space in fluid communication with said fluid pressure supply means so that when pressure is supplied to said space by said fluid pressure supply means, axially extending, annular seal slit openings are formed between said cylinder and said outer perimeter seat surfaces of said flanges and in fluid communication with said pressure space.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
143 words
An apparatus for releasably holding a thin-walled cylinder, comprising carrier means having fluid pressure supply means coupled thereto; first and second hubs mounted on said carrier means, said first hub being adjustably mounted on said carrier means to vary the spacing between said hubs; first and second centering flanges slidably and sealingly coupled to said first and second hubs, respectively, each said flange having an outer perimeter seat surface; and a thin-walled cylinder having ends thereof mounted on said flanges, said cylinder and said flanges comprise means defining a pressure space in fluid communication with said fluid pressure supply means so that when pressure is supplied to said space by said fluid pressure supply means, axially extending, annular seal slit openings are formed between said cylinder and said outer perimeter seat surfaces of said flanges and in fluid communication with said pressure space.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first hub has a tightening device comprising an expansion ring element to fasten said first hub to said carrier means and to provide a pressure tight connection therebetween.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
100 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of said hubs has a sleeve slidably coupled thereto, said sleeve having a generally annular groove formed in an outer surface thereof and a thrust ring mounted in said groove for radial movement between expanded and retracted positions, in said expanded position said thrust ring abuts the flange on said one hub to prevent axial movement therebetween in a direction away from the other hub, and in said retracted position said thrust ring frees the flange on said one hub to permit axial movement in a direction away from the other hub.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said sleeve and one of the hubs are threadably coupled.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said thrust ring comprises two ring halves.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said flanges have radially extending shoulders adjacent said outer perimeter seat surfaces which abut opposite ends of said cylinder.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a light-blocking cylinder is slidably mounted on said carrier means within said pressure space, said light-blocking cylinder being adjustable in length.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said cylinder is a screen covered by a photoengraving coating.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
45 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said carrier means comprises an elongated arbor extending substantially the entire length of the apparatus, and said first and second hubs are adjustably mounted on said arbor to locate said hubs independently along the length of said arbor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first hub is rotatably mounted in a support, and said support is slidable on said carrier means and has means for locking said support in position.