Abstract: A development device (100) for printing plates (112) includes a straight transport unit (116) adapted to transport printing plates inside the development device in a straight transport path (116), an immersed transport unit (120) adapted to transport printing plates inside the development device in an immersed path (120), and a switching element (232, 244b) adapted to switch between the straight transport unit (116) and the immersed transport unit (120).

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting developer liquid (108) level in a plate developer section tank (104) includes a reflective surface (204) installed on at least on one edge of the developer tank; a light emitter (232) which emits light onto the reflective surface; a light detector (236) adapted to detect reflected light from the reflective surface, wherein the light emitter and the light detector are positioned relative to the reflective surface such that the emitted light from the light emitter is deflected by the developer liquid hitting the reflective surface at 90 degrees.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to minimize carbonization of developer liquid within a printing plate developer device (100). The apparatus includes, at least one open tank (204, 220) containing developer waste (148) positioned in proximity to plate developer tank (104) inside the developer device, and a replenishment element (212). The replenishment element is configured to replenish the at least one open tank with a developer waste. The developer waste and the air trapped (132) in proximity to the printing plate developer tank will generate a carbonization reaction.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to minimize carbonization of developer liquid within a printing plate developer device (100). The apparatus includes, at least one open tank (204, 220) containing developer waste (148) positioned in proximity to plate developer tank (104) inside the developer device, and a replenishment element (212). The replenishment element is configured to replenish the at least one open tank with a developer waste. The developer waste and the air trapped (132) in proximity to the printing plate developer tank will generate a carbonization reaction.

Abstract: A development device (100) for printing plates (112) includes a straight transport unit (116) adapted to transport printing plates inside the development device in a straight transport path (116), an immersed transport unit (120) adapted to transport printing plates inside the development device in an immersed path (120), and a switching element (232, 244b) adapted to switch between the straight transport unit (116) and the immersed transport unit (120).

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing printing plate deformation (29) in a plate processor device comprising a plate transport means (19) comprising a motor (15) and plurality of rollers (11, 12, 13, 14). A one way coupler (21) connects the motor (15) and the plurality of rollers (11, 12, 13, 14). Identifying means identifies the slower rollers and decouples the slower rollers from the motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting developer liquid (108) level in a plate developer section tank (104) includes a reflective surface (204) installed on at least on one edge of the developer tank; a light emitter (232) which emits light onto the reflective surface; a light detector (236) adapted to detect reflected light from the reflective surface, wherein the light emitter and the light detector are positioned relative to the reflective surface such that the emitted light from the light emitter is deflected by the developer liquid hitting the reflective surface at 90 degrees.

Abstract: An apparatus for reusing developer liquid in a plate processor device includes: a new developer liquid container (13); a work in progress developer liquid tank (10) for plate processing is filled with developer liquid (15) from the new developer liquid container (13); a waste developer liquid container (14) configured to receive spilled over developer liquid (16) from the work in progress developer liquid tank (10); and replenish means configured to replenish the waste developer liquid (21) from the waste developer liquid container (14) back according to the conductivity level of the waste developer liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing foam formation of a developer liquid (19) in a plate processor device includes: means for pumping the developer liquid (19) into a developer liquid reservoir (17); and means for splitting (21, 22) the flow of the developer liquid (19) into the developer liquid reservoir (17) by filling the liquid reservoir through a first reservoir opening (14) and through a second reservoir (27) opening in parallel.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing printing plate deformation (29) in a plate processor device comprising a plate transport means (19) comprising a motor (15) and plurality of rollers (11, 12, 13, 14). A one way coupler (21) connects the motor (15) and the plurality of rollers (11, 12, 13, 14). Identifying means identifies the slower rollers and decouples the slower rollers from the motor.

Abstract: A system for enhanced plate processing including an imaging device (12) for imaging printing plates and a plate processing device for processing imaged plates. A system controller (21) is configured to send and receive information to the imaging device and the plate processing device.