US5367360A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic loader for unexposed printing plates
Assignee: Creo Inc
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Filing: 1993-10-25
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Granted: 1994-11-22
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Expires: 2013-10-25
Abstract
Abstract An automatic loader loads multiple sizes of unexposed printing plates into an exposure unit without using cassettes. The cardboard shipping container is used as a cassette by removing the front wall. Plates are lifted and loaded by a vacuum system. Paper used to separate plates in shipping container is removed by two sets of motorized rollers. The top rollers slide the paper off the plate while the bottom rollers completely remove the separating paper from the shipping box in order to avoid jamming and allow the shipping box to be re-closed. Shipping container is used with the active side of the plates facing down in order to protect plates from accidental exposure.
Inventors
- 👤 Lon W. McIlwraith
- 👤 Timothy J. Henthorne
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 22:13
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B27/00; G03B27/32; G03B27/52; G03B27/58; G03B27/585; G03B27/586; B; B65; B65H; B65H3/00; B65H3/08; B65H3/0808; B65H2301/00; B65H2301/30; B65H2301/32; B65H2301/321; B65H2701/00; B65H2701/10; B65H2701/19; B65H2701/1928
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
An automatic loader for printing plates capable of picking up plates directly out of their shipping container, comprising: a plurality of light sensitive unexposed printing plates packed in a re-closable closeable shipping container, said plates having the light sensitive side facing down and the back of the plate facing the cover or said container and having a thin sheet of separator material between every two plates; means of opening and closing said container; a plurality of suction cups for picking up said plates from their back side; a motorized elastomeric roller applied to the back side of said plates in order to remove said separator material from the area said suction cup need to contact said plates; a pair of motorized pinch rollers located at the bottom of said automatic loader and rotating in a direction pulling any separator material caught by the rollers out of said shipping container in order to prevent any accumulation of separator material in the shipping container.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
An automatic loader for printing plates capable of picking up plates directly out of their shipping container, comprising: a plurality of light sensitive unexposed printing plates packed in a re-closable closeable shipping container, said plates having the light sensitive side facing down and the back of the plate facing the cover or said container and having a thin sheet of separator material between every two plates; means of opening and closing said container; a plurality of suction cups for picking up said plates from their back side; a motorized elastomeric roller applied to the back side of said plates in order to remove said separator material from the area said suction cup need to contact said plates; a pair of motorized pinch rollers located at the bottom of said automatic loader and rotating in a direction pulling any separator material caught by the rollers out of said shipping container in order to prevent any accumulation of separator material in the shipping container.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
An automatic loader as claimed in claim 1 wherein said shipping container is disposable.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
An automatic loader as claimed in claim 1 wherein said shipping container is reusable.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
An automatic loader as claimed in claim 1 wherein said shipping container is made of corrugated cardboard.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
An automatic loader as claimed in claim 1 wherein said separator material is made of thin paper.
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) | 1997-11-21 | 1998-05-23 | 1998-11-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-11-21 | 2002-05-23 | 2002-11-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-11-21 | 2006-05-23 | 2006-11-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |