Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically producing finished lithographic plates from supplies of blank plates and negatives. The apparatus provides automatic sequential steps of coating and punching the blank plates, exposing the plates through the negatives, developing and bending the plates, and delivering them to an exit station. Vacuum locks are utilized for registration throughout the apparatus to provide positive registration and prevent injury to the plates or negatives. A vacuum locked registration carriage provides positive registration between a plate to be exposed and a negative and vacuum locks are provided in the exposure station which cooperate with the carriage. The apparatus is completely enclosed to prevent contamination by dust or the like.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing lithographic plate which includes two sprayer/scrubber stations separated by a water rinse. The fluids to be sprayed are continuously circulated through fluid feed tubes provided with externally actuable metering orifices. The valve operators for the orifices are pneumatically operated in a periodic manner to provide even dispersion of the fluid.