Patents by Inventor Howard A. Fromson

Howard A. Fromson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6014931
    Abstract: A substrate is coated with a first material which is soluble in a first solvent, whereupon a second material which is strongly adherent to the first material and insoluble in the first solvent is selectively applied by an ink jet printer. The substrate is then developed in the first solvent to establish the image. In a preferred embodiment the substrate is hydrophilic, the first material is a negative working photosensitive material, and the second material is a transparent adhesive, which permits curing the first material by exposure to actinic light after the development step. The adhesive is then removed. In an embodiment directed to a waterless plate the substrate includes a surface coating of silicone, and the first material is a primer which promotes adhesion of a second material in the form of an oleophilic adhesive which is selectively applied. The primer is then developed to expose the silicone on the non-image areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Howard A. Fromson
    Inventors: Howard A. Fromson, Robert F. Gracia, Steven A. Rubin
  • Patent number: 5992322
    Abstract: A substrate is coated with a first material which is soluble in a first solvent, whereupon a second material which is strongly adherent to the first material and insoluble in the first solvent is selectively applied by an ink jet printer. The substrate is then developed in the first solvent to establish the image. In a preferred embodiment the substrate is hydrophilic, the first material is a negative working photosensitive material, and the second material is a transparent adhesive, which permits curing the first material by exposure to actinic light after the development step. The adhesive is then removed. In an embodiment directed to a waterless plate the substrate includes a surface coating of silicone, and the first material is a primer which promotes adhesion of a second material in the form of an oleophilic adhesive which is selectively applied. The primer is then developed to expose the silicone on the non-image areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Howard A. Fromson
    Inventors: Howard A. Fromson, Robert F. Gracia, Steven A. Rubin
  • Patent number: 5967048
    Abstract: A series of printing plate imagers for imaging lithographic printing plates onto a continuous web are combined in a single imaging process line. The imageable web is passed through a series of properly spaced imaging stations in the line with multiple plate sections being selectively imaged in one or another of the stations or with each individual plate section being partially imaged in two or more stations. The imaging stations may operate in different modes, such as the digital mode with a laser and the analog mode with actinic radiation, with the prepared web capable of being imaged by either of the modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Howard A. Fromson
    Inventors: Howard A. Fromson, William J. Rozell
  • Patent number: 5865118
    Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for the imaging of a continuous web on an internal drum type imaging device is disclosed. The method and apparatus may further be included in a process to produce punched, imaged sheets. A web is punched with registration holes and imaged in an internal drum-type imager prior to cutting the web into individual imaged plates particularly for use as printing plates. The web with an imageable surface is serially punched, imaged and sheeted with the punched holes being utilized to assure registration and alignment in the imaging operation and in the subsequent use of the plates on a printing press. The imaging station has an arcuate concave imaging platen. The web is advanced under tension and then stopped while a roller on an arm forces the web down into contact with the platen. Vacuum is then used to hold the web on the imaging platen while the web is imaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Howard A. Fromson
    Inventors: Howard A. Fromson, William J. Rozell, Paul C. Schunk
  • Patent number: 5833931
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formation and use of catalytic materials as a part of or in association with heat exchangers such as automotive radiators and air conditioning condensers. The catalytic material involves a metal substrate with a porous anodic oxide coating and metallic nodules which are electrodeposited in the pores and extend above the surface of the anodic oxide coating. The nodules are either formed of the catalytic metal or formed of other metals and then coated with the catalyst metal. The catalytic stock material is then formed into heat exchanger fins and mounted on the heat exchanger tubes. In the alternative, the catalytic stock material may be formed into a separate catalytic structure which is then mounted in an air flow stream and preferably in air-flow relationship to the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Howard A. Fromson
    Inventors: Howard A. Fromson, William J. Rozell
  • Patent number: 5826513
    Abstract: A web is punched with registration holes and imaged prior to cutting the web into individual imaged plates particularly for use as printing plates. The web with an imageable surface is serially punched, imaged and sheeted with the punched holes being utilized to assure registration and alignment in the imaging operation and in the subsequent use of the plates on a printing press. The punching and imaging may be performed at separate stations or at a single punching and imaging station. The web is preferably advanced under tension and tension and/or vacuum may be used to hold the web flat on the imaging platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Howard A. Fromson
    Inventors: Howard A. Fromson, William J. Rozell, Paul C. Schunk
  • Patent number: 5750314
    Abstract: A substrate is coated with a first material which is soluble in a first solvent, whereupon a second material which is strongly adherent to the first material and insoluble in the first solvent is selectively applied by an ink jet printer. The substrate is then developed in the first solvent to establish the image. In a preferred embodiment the substrate is hydrophilic, the first material is a negative working photosensitive material, and the second material is a transparent adhesive, which permits curing the first material by exposure to actinic light after the development step. The adhesive is then removed. In an embodiment directed to a waterless plate the substrate includes a surface coating of silicone, and the first material is a primer which promotes adhesion of a second material in the form of an oleophilic adhesive which is selectively applied. The primer is then developed to expose the silicone on the non-image areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Howard A. Fromson
    Inventors: Howard A. Fromson, Robert F. Gracia, Steven A. Rubin
  • Patent number: 5738943
    Abstract: The water-loving properties of an anodized aluminum lithographic surface are enhanced or restored by treatment with a solution containing a monomeric, organo-phosphonic acid chelating compound or salt thereof. Such treatment can take place following, during or in lieu of the treatment of anodized aluminum in web form with an alkali metal silicate in the process of manufacturing printing plates. Alternatively, the treatment can be carried out as a plate is developed and/or prepared for the press. In a third approach, an organo-phosphonic acid chelating compound can be incorporated into a fountain solution, ink or correction fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Howard A. Fromson
    Inventors: Howard A. Fromson, Robert F. Gracia, Sean P. Evans, William J. Rozell
  • Patent number: 5738944
    Abstract: The water-loving properties of an anodized aluminum lithographic surface are enhanced or restored by treatment with a solution containing a monomeric, organo-phosphonic acid chelating compound or salt thereof. Such treatment can take place following, during or in lieu of the treatment of anodized aluminum in web form with an alkali metal silicate in the process of manufacturing printing plates. Alternatively, the treatment can be carried out as a plate is developed and/or prepared for the press. In a third approach, an organo-phosphonic acid chelating compound can be incorporated into a fountain solution, ink or correction fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Howard A. Fromson
    Inventors: Howard A. Fromson, Robert F. Gracia, Sean P. Evans, William J. Rozell
  • Patent number: 5736256
    Abstract: The water-loving properties of an anodized aluminum lithographic surface are enhanced or restored by treatment with a solution containing a monomeric, organo-phosphonic acid chelating compound or salt thereof. Such treatment can take place following, during or in lieu of the treatment of anodized aluminum in web form with an alkali metal silicate in the process of manufacturing printing plates. Alternatively, the treatment can be carried out as a plate is developed and/or prepared for the press. In a third approach, an organo-phosphonic acid chelating compound can be incorporated into a fountain solution, ink or correction fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Howard A. Fromson
    Inventors: Howard A. Fromson, Robert F. Gracia, Sean P. Evans, William J. Rozell
  • Patent number: 5711071
    Abstract: Catalytic materials are used as a part of or in association with heat exchangers such as automotive radiators and air conditioning condensers. The catalytic material involves a metal substrate with a porous anodic oxide coating and metallic nodules which are electrodeposited in the pores and extend above the surface of the anodic oxide coating. The nodules are either formed of the catalytic metal or formed of other metals and then coated with the catalyst metal. The catalytic stock material is then formed into heat exchanger fins and mounted on the heat exchanger tubes. In the alternative, the catalytic stock material may be formed into a separate catalytic structure which is then mounted in an air flow stream and preferably in air-flow relationship to the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Howard A. Fromson
    Inventors: Howard A. Fromson, William J. Rozell
  • Patent number: 5693207
    Abstract: A substrate metal such as aluminum or titanium, usually in the form of a web, is anodized to form a porous unsealed oxide coating. An inexpensive core metal such as copper or chromium is then electrodeposited in the pores of the oxide coating to form metal nodules extending above the oxide coating in a bulbous, undercut configuration. A second metal, usually an expensive catalytic metal, is deposited onto the surface of the core metal nodules by electro or chemical deposition. A large surface area of catalyst is formed with the use of a minimum amount of catalyst metal. The nodules may be liberated from the substrate metal surface by dissolving the oxide layer and releasing discrete particles to form a fine catalyst powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Howard A. Fromson
    Inventors: Howard A. Fromson, William J. Rozell
  • Patent number: 5651871
    Abstract: Smooth planar metal surfaces, usually an aluminum web, intended for a lithographic printing plate, are roughened by brush graining with fine abrasive particles which are hard and dense and have a radial or disk-like configuration such that the abrasive particles are forged into the surface of the metal forming cavities in which the abrasive particles remain embedded. The embedded abrasive particles are dislodged and removed from the cavities by subjecting the web to an anodic treatment employing electrolyte materials and concentrations, temperatures and voltage which will dislodge and remove the particles while retaining the surface texture or morphology of the as-roughened surface. The web is then subjected to a second anodic treatment under conditions which favor oxide formation in order to provide a final anodized product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Howard A. Fromson
    Inventors: Howard A. Fromson, William J. Rozell, Robert F. Gracia
  • Patent number: 5301578
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting continuous material to length. Lithographic printing plates are cut from a substantially continuous lithographic aluminum web by a plurality of aligned shear units displaced from each other longitudinally along the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Howard A. Fromson
  • Patent number: 5267776
    Abstract: Two tetrahedrons are fixed together at a common joint and provided with a seat fixed between faces of respective tetrahedrons and parallel to a support plane formed by two joints meeting the common joint at the common joint. For equilateral tetrahedrons which meet at an angle of 109.degree.30' between faces, plural seating can be provided by fixing three or more tetrahedrons together in a variety of configurations having a common support plane and seats parallel thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventor: Howard A. Fromson
  • Patent number: 5069948
    Abstract: Tetrahedral elements are hingedly connected along opposed edges to form an elongate structure with a pair of cable guides at apices of each pair of connected edges. Cables fixed at or near the apices of the element at the free end of the structure and passing through the guides are used to control the shape of the structure by applying tension at the fixed end of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventor: Howard A. Fromson
  • Patent number: 5045430
    Abstract: A process for forming printing plates using an imaging sheet which carries a layer of microcapsules containing a photohardenable composition; the imaging sheet is preferably assembled with a printing plate support, exposed and subjected to pressure to rupture the microcapsules and differentially transfer the photohardenable composition to the support; the transferred composition is hardened to provide ink-receptive images useful in printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventors: Dale R. Shackle, Michael J. Cousin, Gerhart Schwab, Christina M. Narrick, Howard A. Fromson
  • Patent number: 4865699
    Abstract: Anodizing current is prevented from being carried downstream by an aluminum web after anodizing in a continuous anodizing process. An anode is placed in a post-treatment cell containing an electrolyte which is electrically connected to a cathode in the anodizing cell via a source of DC current which is independent of the source of anodizing current. The web polarity is switched from positive to negative and a voltage greater than the exist voltage of the web is applied to prevent anodizing current from being carried downstream in the web after anodizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Inventors: Howard A. Fromson, Robert F. Gracia
  • Patent number: 4731317
    Abstract: A coated lithographic printing plate comprises a grained, anodized aluminum substrate and coating thereon comprising a diazo resin in admixture with particulate energy absorbing material that will absorb incident radiation and re-radiate it as radiation that will change the diazo resin coating which is imageable with a Crosfield Datrax 760 YAG laser plate maker producing incident radiation of 1/06 microns. The topography of the substrate and the particulate material in the coating trap and convert a substantial portion of the incident laser radiation which passes through the coating without substantially affecting same into radiation that will change the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Howard A. Fromson
    Inventors: Howard A. Fromson, Robert F. Gracia
  • Patent number: D347331
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventor: Howard A. Fromson