Abstract: In a printing apparatus, a supply pallet storing an original and a photosensitive film is located above a printer. The films are carried onto a transparent plate of the printer in this order by a carrier. Then, light from a light source of the printer is directed toward the transparent plate, whereby an image provided on the original film is printed onto the photosensitive film. Thus, the printing apparatus is small in plane size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an off-press method for laminating an image sheet to an image receiving substrate and, more particularly, for laminating a plurality of image sheets to the receiving substrate and then laminating a portion of the receiving substrate to a display sheet.

Abstract: In the context of a device for producing printing plates comprising a printing down station with a plate table and an associated illuminating means, which station has associated with it a foil receiving means formed preferably constituted by a foil cassette for unprinted foil and preferably at least one receiving cassette for printed foil, in the case of which the foil to be printed onto an unexposed or blank printing plate is able to be taken from a foil receiving means by means of a moving vacuum frame, is able to be moved onto the blank plate on the plate table and after exposure is able to be discharged, preferably into a receiving cassette, a higher throughput rate and a gentle handling of the foils etc.

Abstract: A compound register pin is provided for aligning lithographic plates and mask sheets which has a rectilinear base portion adapted to fit into the slot of the lithographic plate and a further outer cylindrical portion adapted to accurately fit within the hole of a mask sheet so as to accurately align the mask sheet over the lithographic plate for transfer of the mask sheet images to the lithographic plate in precise registration.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a transfer image comprising at least a light source for exposure, an exposure cylinder and a second cylinder which can contact the exposure cylinder, wherein the light source for the exposure is arranged outside the radius of the exposure cylinder, the exposure cylinder has means of attaching an image-forming material thereto, and the second cylinder has means of receiving the image-forming material from the surface of the exposure cylinder and holds the received image-forming material, and a method of forming as transfer image on an image receptor by using the apparatus.

Abstract: An overhead light exposure unit for making copies on pre-sensitized sheets from images on film includes a base supporting a vacuum blanket for pressing the sheets and film together against a transparent panel. The transparent panel is mounted in a frame that is pivotally secured to the base for movement between a closed horizontal position for making copies and an upwardly tilted, open position for unloading and loading film, sheets and media into place. A light source is positioned above the panel for directing controlled, high intensity light downwardly through the panel to reproduce film images on the pre-sensitized sheets held in place by the vacuum blanket. A support system is provided for holding the light source in an exposure position space directly above the transparent panel for directing controlled intensity light downwardly through the panel to reproduce an image on a silk screen, sheet or film held in place by the vacuum blanket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and imaging press plates whereby the image is exposed on the press plate under conditions which duplicate the manner in which the plate will be mounted to a specific press cylinder so as to insure alignment of the image with the rotational axis of the cylinder and wherein the apparatus includes an exposure device including a platen having a forward beveled end to which is engaged the forward bent end of a preformed press plate and which also includes rear tensioning pins which are engageable through preformed holes formed in the trailing edge of the press plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively exposing photosensitized plates to light through films operable selectively in a first mode for exposing plates of single newspaper page size to light through films of such size, and in a second mode for exposing plates of double newspaper page size to light through films of such size, utilizing a first window frame with two single-page size windows therein in the first mode and a second window frame with a double-page size window therein in the second mode.

Abstract: Automatic process line for exposing photosensitive printing plates with a film and a mask, if any, lying thereon, in a light box. Magazines (13, 14, 15) for plate, film and mask are disposed one above the other in said order from top downwards, displaced in stepped relationship to each other at one side thereof with the lowermost magazine projecting furthest. Moreover, means (20) are provided for picking up plate, film and mask separately at said one side and for picking up the plate also at the opposite side and for displacement thereof stepwise from the pick-up position to a deposit position at said one side of the magazines as well as disposition of plate, film and mask in registered position one on top of the other. A transfer member (33) is provided for receiving plate, film and mask in the deposit position and transferring them to a light box (42) with plate, film and mask in exposure position.

Abstract: Paste-consistency photopolymer is imaged onto printed wiring boards by coating the board overall and positioning the photographic film over the board in register and off-contact. A resilient blade is pressed against the phototool at one end of the board and drawn across the surface, thus forcing the photographic film into intimate contact with the photopolymer and purging all air therebetween. Mounted on the resilient blade aft of leading edge is a shuttered tubular lamp which hardens the photopolymer where the photographic film is clear, so that in a single pass the photographic film is sequentially mated and photopolymer exposed, to produce line widths unmatched by competing dry film systems and at speeds of 0.5 feet per second.

Abstract: A capped printing plate making machine is used for making flexographic capped printing plates. The machine includes a pair of troughs for applying two layers of photopolymerizable resin materials simultaneously. The troughs are so designed that actuation of one trough to permit its material to be applied automatically results in the other trough being positioned and opened for the application of its material.

Abstract: A copying frame machine for producing offset plates includes a rubber cover, a copying frame having a glass plate superimposable on the rubber cover so as to sandwich and lock therebetween an offset printing plate, a film and a sheet of copying material, means for applying a vacuum between the rubber cover and the glass plate, and vibration-generating means for applying vibration to at least one of the glass plate and the rubber cover.

Abstract: A process comprising the steps of preparing from a positive original transparent film pieces bearing the image of the original in a positive form for color separation, fixedly laying out each of the film pieces on a transparent film for each of the separated colors, and making a printing plate for each color with use of the transparent film having the film piece thereon.

Abstract: A contact printing system produces photopatterned planar workpieces, such as printed wiring boards, with polymerized patterns on photopolymer coatings of precisely controlled thicknesses from a few microns to at least 0.003 in., with the workpieces ready for development by washing out unpolymerized portions. Mesh screens deposit the initial polymer coatings, on the workpiece and preferably also on a phototool image bearing surface, so that two layers are merged into one. A clamshell fixture permits the layers of pastelike consistency liquid photopolymer to be sandwiched in precise registration for photoexposure from an U. V. lamp radiation source. An operator can prepare one workpiece as another is being photoexposed.

Abstract: A printing apparatus including at least one pallet for accommodating an original film and a mask film, at least one pallet for accommodating a spent original film and spent mask film, at least one pallet for accommodating each one of the sizes of the sensitive sheets, a pair of guide rails provided among a pallet for temporarily storing the sensitive sheet, the pallets being movable between a waiting position and a drawn position right above the exposure section provided adjacent to the waiting position by engagement between a pair of guide members mounted on each pallet and the guide rails, a pallet shifting mechanism for the reciprocating movement of each pallet between the waiting position and the drawn position along with the guide rail, and a carrier having suckers mounted on a movable plate thereof and for the reciprocating movement between the waiting position and the drawn position as well as for the vertical movement between a path for the reciprocating movement and an upper side of the exposure sect

Abstract: Two platens having glass plates are pivotally interconnected by means of hinges and U-shaped brackets. Spring loaded fasteners hold the platens closed but the fasteners may be opened to permit the platens to pivot open. The two platens are seated one on top of the other upon a housing within which are mounted lamps which produce ultra-violet rays. The position of the platens can be reversed so that the lower platen is on top of the upper platen. There is a cavity between the closed platens for accommodation of a negative, a layer of photo-sensitive composition and bearer strips. The photo-sensitive composition is exposed to the ultra-violet rays first on one side then on the other by reversal of the positions of the platens so that both a base on one side and a raised image on the other side are formed. The thickness of the bearer strips governs the thickness of the finished printing plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing boards which are photosensitive on both sides, for production of printed circuits on both sides, to light through films on both sides in which a lower film, a board, and an upper film in registered position on a light-transmitting platen are pressed down by a window and exposed to light on both sides through the platen and window. A pair of registration pins are adjustably positioned in spaced relation along an edge of the platen and corresponding holes in the boards are used to align the boards and films for exposure. The pins are spaced as widely apart as possible to provide maximum registration between boards of varying sizes and films.

Abstract: A method for providing an image of zones of ultraviolet absorbing material in a medium substantially transparent to ultraviolet light, such as nucleic acid in a polyacrylamide gel, comprises the steps of placing in juxtaposition to the gel standard photographic film and directing ultraviolet light to the gel such that the photographic film is in the path of light exiting the gel. The zones in the gel absorb one or more discrete wavelengths of ultraviolet light, and the film is exposed by incident ultraviolet light such that a photographic image of the nucleic acid zones is created on the photographic film. Apparatus for providing ultraviolet images of ultraviolet light absorbing material in a medium relatively transparent to ultraviolet light comprises an enclosure in which a medium with zones of ultraviolet light absorbing material is placed.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the preparation of photopolymerized relief image plates is disclosed in which a series of indicators are used to indicate that the liquid photopolymerizable material is prepared for exposure to actinic radiation. Such detection may be accomplished by the closure of electrically energized indicator circuits used to detect when a top cover is in position over a layer of liquid photopolymerizable material. In addition, the actinic radiation may be activated directly by the closure of such circuits. Also disclosed is a method by which the time required for the top cover to come to rest in position over the photopolymerizable layer can be measured, and this measurement may then be used as a control to determine if a sufficient amount of photopolymerizable material to make an acceptable relief image plate was deposited on the platemaking surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exposure device for reprographic techniques to expose photosensitive materials through a master in which the copy partners are pressed by a rubber mat against a glass plate and the exposure is effected through the glass plate.To improve the complete contact of the copy partners with each other and with the glass plate, a smoothing device (6) is provided on the rear surface of the rubber mat, consisting of pressure elements, in particular rollers (12), drawn on chains (7) over the rear surface of the rubber mat. The pressure elements squeeze out potential air pockets between the rubber mat and the glass plate and insure that the copy partners fit tightly against each other without separation over their entire surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for exposing lithographic plates to light through a film, e.g. a negative, adapted for exposing one plate to light through a film or a plurality of plates to light through a film, having a first carriage with vacuum grippers for picking up a plate and a negative from each of two side-by-side plate stacks and two side-by-side negative stacks, the carriage being adapted to carry the picked-up plates and negatives to an exposure station and deposit them in registration on a platen at the exposure station for exposure of the plates to light through the negatives and through a window movable up and down at the exposure station, the window having vacuum grooves for raising the negatives, the apparatus further having a second carriage with vacuum grippers for gripping the plates exposed at the exposure station and negatives raised with the window and carrying the exposed plates and the films away from the platen and the window and out of the exposure station.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a seamless printing roll. A liquid photosensitive resin is applied to the space between a process cylinder and a rigid plate which is transparent to actinic light. Relative movement is provided between the cylinder and the plate perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, while the cylinder is rotated in synchronization with the relative movement of the rigid plate to evenly spread the photosensitive resin. The photo-sensitive resin is simultaneously exposed in the space between the cylinder and rigid plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed which will rapidly provide uniform layers of two liquid photopolymerizable materials for a capped (i.e., two layer) printing plate. The apparatus comprises a dual manifold which spans the plate-forming area of a surface and which is moved in tandem transversely in order to provide two overlapping layers of liquid photopolymerizable materials.

Abstract: A positioning machine of original films on a base sheet, wherein a base sheet having a pair of first register pin holes and pairs of second register pin holes is placed on a base plate which is provided with a pair of first register pins and pairs of second register pins corresponding to the first and the second register pin holes, by fitting the first register pins into the first register pin holes, and then the original films, each having a pair of second register pin holes, is positioned on the base sheet by fitting the second register pins into the second register pin holes of the base sheet and the original films.

Abstract: Apparatus for exposing lithographic plates to light through a film, e.g. a negative, adapted for exposing a plurality of plates to light through the same film, having a conveyor with grippers for conveying a plate with a film thereon to an exposure station, where a window comes down on the film and plate, the grippers being opened to allow the window to vacuum-lift the film off the plate and retain it while another plate is conveyed to the exposure station for exposure through the retained film.

Abstract: A method of providing full range color printing using duplicator technology is disclosed. The system utilizes subtractive color printing techniques, but avoids the necessity for color masking and generally eliminates color correction as well. Following exposure of multiple negatives to develop color separations, corresponding printing plates are prepared and developed. A proofing sequence is optional between the development of the negatives and the plates. The ultimate printing is achieved by feeding stock into a duplicator which carries each of the three basic negative complementary colors, in sequence; a "black" printer can also be used for a higher degree of contrast and tone.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a relief printing form which is at least partially cylindrical from a liquid photopolymerizable molding material. In accordance with the process, a molding material is spread over the internal surface of the cylindrical wall by centrifugal force and hardened in the desired places with ultraviolet light to form an image corresponding to a printing design. The nonhardened portions of the molding material are then removed. The cylindrical wall is a transparent cylindrical tube. An exchangeable image-bearing film is placed on the inside of the tube.Photopolymerizing radiation of the printing form material is effected during rotation of the transparent cylindrial tube. An exchangeable image-bearing film is placed on the inside of the tube. Photopolymerizing radiation of the printing form material is effected during rotation of the transparent cylinder by means of one or more radiation sources distributed around the circumference of the transparent cylinder.

Abstract: A method for producing prints having continuous tone gradation which includes the steps of selectively placing solvents on a semi-opaque substrate having a surface altering the surface of the substrate enabling the substrate to hold a colorant, placing colorant on the areas of the substrate so treated, thereby producing continuous tone gradations, transferring an image of the continuous tone gradation substrate onto a conventional print plate and printing prints from the print plate. The steps of transferring can be done either by direct contact printing or by an intermediate conventional negative. The most preferred embodiment includes ethyl alcohol as the solvent, cellulose acetate as the substrate and india ink as the colorant. Multicolor prints can be made from varying density print plates produced by differing exposure times of transferring the image and overprinting the plates using differing inks.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a seamless printing roll. A liquid photosensitive resin is applied to the space between a process cylinder and a rigid plate which is transparent to actinic light. Relative movement is provided between the cylinder and the plate perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, while the cylinder is rotated in synchronization with the relative movement of the rigid plate to evenly spread the photosensitive resin. The photosensitive resin is simultaneously exposed in the space between the cylinder and rigid plate.

Abstract: In a copying machine having a drum of the type in which a master sheet is detachably attached to the periphery of the drum, the improvement comprising a rotary shaft for supporting the drum, clutch means provided between the drum and a driving member for rotating the drum, a pair of fastening members mounted on the drum for attaching both ends of the master sheet onto the drum, wherein at least one of fastening members is moved from a fastening condition to removing condition by the relative displacement of the drum and the driving member.

Abstract: A thin-walled hollow metal cylinder is rotatably held at its ends between holding flanges which are mounted with a pressure-tight seal on an opposing aligned pair of rotatable hubs. The spacing between the hubs can be adjusted. In one embodiment, the hubs are supported on a hollow pipe arbor and make a pressure-tight seal against it. In another embodiment, one hub is mounted on a stub shaft which is held in bearings and another is held in the head stock of a lathe in proper alignment. In both cases, a pressure medium, air, is supplied to the inner space of the cylinder through the arbor at a pressure of about 0.5 to about 1.0 atmospheres to increase the inherent rigidity of the cylinder. This improves the stability of the cylinder for various processes, such as for photoengraving of the surface of the cylinder to prepare it as a screen-printing stencil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for producing a color thermogram on a color film beginning with images, such as those of a black and white television monitor, projected on the color film through color filters, with preferably three achromatic images being formed. The intensity of the achromatic color in each image as a function of temperature is selected in accordance with a predetermined characteristic or relationship and the images are projected through a color filter having a separate color for each image, e.g., blue, yellow and red. In this way the same portions of the image with achromatic colors which conform to the characteristic selected for the different filters are projected through the different filters, so as to produce a picture having color hues which vary between the colors of the filters. For example, a green hue is produced for an "overlap" of the characteristics for blue and yellow.

Abstract: A printing resin plate is produced by adoption of such process and apparatus that a negative film is placed on a transparent plate positioned on a frame stand; a liquid photopolymerizable resin is applied through a cover film onto said negative film to form a layer; the frame stand and/or a means having a belt, which has been extended between at least two rolls and which can rotate synchronously with the frame stand, are moved to insert a support into a space between the liquid photopolymerizable resin layer on the frame stand and the lower surface of said belt; the frame stand is moved to below the lower surface of the belt while pressing the support with the lower surface of the belt by the downward pressure of the belt thereby closely adhering the support onto the liquid photopolymerizable resin layer; and then the liquid photopolymerizable resin layer is exposed to light.

Abstract: An automatic registration system for four-color image stripping employs in one embodiment a first punching press having a grid pattern die on which a "MYLAR" sheet carrier with desired windows is laid, and, on this, single color images are laid at the respective windows; registration holes are then punched at selectable positions keying the single color images to the carrier by use of a correspondingly-grid-patterned transparent punch holder providing good visual access for selection of positions in the grid pattern at which to mount punches, and a ram which drives the punches against compression-spring bias. Following perforation of the registration holes in the Mylar sheet carrier, each single color image is removed and matched with the remaining single color images of the four-color set to which it belongs, with appropriate locator pins inserted in prepunched holes customarily supplied in each for the color separation stage keying them together.

Abstract: Apparatus for duplicating microfiche, which is of moderate cost yet which operates rapidly to make duplicates of high quality from both jacketed and unjacketed microfiche. A relatively uniform and collimated light source is provided for use with jacketed microfiche, by utilizing a bank of fluorescent aperture lamps and a bank of cylindrical lenses between the lamps and microfiche, with the side of the lenses closest to the microfiche being flattened and with the lenses having baffles of lower index of refraction than the clear segments of the lenses. A developing station for holding gaseous ammonia or other developing medium, is sealed by an inflatable seal.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing a photopolymer plate having relief images thereon. Successive portions of a continuous length of a protective film material are travelled in a horizontal elongated plane defined by a pair of parallel and spaced guide rollers. A layer of liquid photosensitive material is applied to a length of the horizontal web of the protective film material. A length of backing material is then laminated onto the upper surface of the layer to form an assembly. The assembly is moved by the protective film material into a relief exposure station for the exposure of the lower surface of the layer through an image-bearing transparency and the protective film material to an actinic radiation. The laminated portion of the backing material is separated from the remaining continuous web of the backing material. The image-bearing transparency is fed to the relief exposure station by a continuous length of another film material.

Abstract: The invention is an improved liquid photopolymer applicator means for use on photorelief printing platemaking machines. The applicator means comprises a substantially vertical plate which acts as both the rear wall of the applicator means and as a doctor blade for uniformly spreading the photopolymer. The remaining sides of the applicator means form a scoop means which is substantially movably connected to the vertical plate to define a bottom slot-like opening immediately in front of the vertical plate to discharge the photopolymer at a controlled rate, said photopolymer being doctored by the vertical plate as the entire assembly traverses the length of the platemaking machine. The entire assembly is a part of a movable carriage which traverses the length of the platemaking machine, said carriage being movably mounted to said platemaking machine upon a shim which determines the thickness of the photopolymer plate desired, and said carriage driven by an adjustable gear means.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of exposed printing plates consisting of a resin layer and a support, said resin layer being prepared from a fluid photopolymerizable material which is introduced into a mold having at least one transparent wall which is covered with an image-bearing transparency, and being exposed through said image-bearing transparency, which causes photopolymerization of the exposed areas of the resin layer and bonds these areas to the support which is provided with an adhesive layer.

Abstract: A device for the processing of uniquely combined thermally developable, photosensitive layers with illuminating means for imagewise exposing one of the photosensitive layers while it is being heated to development temperature and also exposing with another illuminating means another of the photosensitive layers from the image exposed and developed in the first photosensitive layer, the last exposed layer being developed by the same heating imparted thereto for development of the first exposed layer to obtain an image which can be transferred in the same operation to a receiving medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing photopolymer plates includes an exposure unit, a washing unit, and a drying unit. The plate, which has a water-developable photopolymer surface, is continuously conveyed through each unit so that the functions therein performed, are done automatically. More particularly, exposure is accomplished by bringing a negative photographic image into alignment with the water-developable photopolymer plate, and then passing light through the negative and onto portions of the plate. Unexposed areas of the plate are then washed away in the washing unit, thus producing a relief surface necessary for letter-press printing. Finally, the photopolymer plate is conveyed to the drying unit where drying and postcuring take place.

Abstract: A new and improved printer for depositing photopolymer laminates to form a color display of geophysical and other scientific and industrial or similar technological data which is readily and quickly obtained from input data and containing color indications of variables in the data in a form better adapted for interpretation by analysts.

Abstract: A device for producing graphic patterns such as inscriptions on a substrate covered with a light-sensitive layer, in particular on an oxidised aluminum sheet or on an oxidised aluminum foil stuck on to a plastic support film. The substrate is illuminated through a master pattern which has areas transparent to UV light. In a common housing there is provided an illuminating unit, with UV bulbs, a holding frame to press the master pattern onto the substrate, a developing, an etching, a rinsing and a stripping tank.

Abstract: The invention is apparatus for laying film in wrinkle-free fashion on a flat surface. A protective film is automatically laid down on a flat rigid vacuum support plate capable of having an image bearing transparency thereon when the instant invention traverses the rigid support plate in one pass in one direction. A photosensitive material and a backing material may then be subsequently supplied to the rigid support plate upon a second pass in the reverse direction to provide a photopolymer plate which may be exposed through a transparency covered by said first film. The resulting photopolymer plate having hardened relief image areas may then be further treated to provide a printing plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for graphic arts plate making suitable for exposing diazo plates and the like. A unit providing an exposure bed with a plurality of lamps close to the negative and plate and operating in the ultraviolet region, and another plurality of lamps in the visible light region with a diffused glass top for a work table and for fixing an exposed plate. Separate control units for each exposure lamp to provide uniform radiation from all lamps to the plate.