Abstract: An automatic integrated processor which sequentially develops, washes and, if desired, applies gum to the exposed surface of an offset photolithographic plate in appropriately separated processing stages. The exposed surface of the plate is subjected to a linear, reciprocating rubbing action by plural sponges, which rubbing action produces results surprisingly similar to those produced by a manual rotary action. A fully assembled processor of this invention requires only that it be connected to a water supply, a source of power, and to a reservoir for used, waste fluids. A single electric motor is adapted (a) to drive plural pairs of coupled drive rolls, (b) to reciprocate the sponges in frictional contact with a generally horizontal offset plate and (c) to agitate angularly disposed containers for developer and gum. The translation of the rotary motion of the electric motor to linear reciprocation in mutually orthogonal planes is effected by direct rod-actuated drives with swivel rod-ends.

Abstract: An automatic self-contained basic unit-processor for an offset photolithographic plate which may be used, at different times, for any processing step requiring contacting of the plate by liquid. For example, an exposed plate is developed by contacting the exposed surface of the plate with the conventional developing fluid, and subjecting the surface to a linear, reciprocating rubbing action by a sponge. This rubbing action produces results surprisingly similar to those produced by a manual rotary action. A fully assembled basic-unit processor of this invention requires only that it be connected to a source of power, and to a reservoir for recirculatable processing fluid. A single electric motor is adapted (a) to drive each roll of two pairs of coupled drive rolls, (b) to reciprocate a sponge in frictional contact with a generally horizontal offset plate, and (c) to supply a controllable flow rate of fluid for processing the plate.

Abstract: An automatic self-contained basic unit-processor for an offset photolithographic plate which may be used, at different times, for any processing step requiring contacting of the plate by liquid. For example, an exposed plate is developed by contacting the exposed surface of the plate with the conventional developing fluid, and subjecting the surface to a linear, reciprocating rubbing action by a sponge. This rubbing action produces results surprisingly similar to those produced by a manual rotary action. A fully assembled basic-unit processor of this invention requires only that it be connected to a source of power, and to a reservoir for recirculatable processing fluid. A single electric motor is adapted (a) to drive each roll of two pairs of coupled drive rolls, (b) to reciprocate a sponge in frictional contact with a generally horizontal offset plate, and (c) to supply a controllable flow rate of fluid for processing the plate.