Abstract: The application discloses a method of liquid cold welding (LCW) including: (a) engaging two or more porous conductive substrate layers between perforated non-conductive frames so that the substrate layers contact one another; (b) immersing the substrate layers in an electrolyte solution; and (c) applying electric current and/or voltage and/or electric power to the electrolyte solution. Apparatus suitable for performance of some embodiments of the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for loading and clamping one or more plates onto the cylindrical surface of a rotatable drum, such as used in a platesetter for printing, and for unloading the plates from the drum. The system is characterized by clamps that are movable over the surface, preferably along circumferential tracks, enabling the attachment of multiple plates, end-to-end and/or side-by-side, each plate having any of a wide range of sizes. The clamps are preferably of the dynamic type, whereby the clamping force increases with rotational speed. Also disclosed is a method for mounting and unmounting plates, using the movable clamps, such that allows flexible and convenient arrangement of loading- and unloading stations.

Abstract: A system for loading and clamping one or more plates onto the cylindrical surface of a rotatable drum, such as used in a platesetter for printing, and for unloading the plates from the drum. The system is characterized by clamps that are movable over the surface, preferably along circumferential tracks, enabling the attachment of multiple plates, end-to-end and/or side-by-side, each plate having any of a wide range of sizes. The clamps are preferably of the dynamic type, whereby the clamping force increases with rotational speed. Also disclosed is a method for mounting and unmounting plates, using the movable clamps, such that allows flexible and convenient arrangement of loading- and unloading stations.

Abstract: A system for loading and clamping one or more plates onto the cylindrical surface of a rotatable drum, such as used in a platesetter for printing, and for unloading the plates from the drum. The system is characterized by clamps that are movable over the surface, preferably along circumferential tracks, enabling the attachment of multiple plates, end-to-end and/or side-by-side, each plate having any of a wide range of sizes. The clamps are preferably of the dynamic type, whereby the clamping force increases with rotational speed. Also disclosed is a method for mounting and unmounting plates, using the movable clamps, such that allows flexible and convenient arrangement of loading- and unloading stations.

Abstract: A system for loading and clamping one or more plates onto the cylindrical surface of a rotatable drum, such as used in a platesetter for printing, and for unloading the plates from the drum. The system is characterized by clamps that are movable over the surface, preferably along circumferential tracks, enabling the attachment of multiple plates, end-to-end and/or side-by-side, each plate having any of a wide range of sizes. The clamps are preferably of the dynamic type, whereby the clamping force increases with rotational speed. Also disclosed is a method for mounting and unmounting plates, using the movable clamps, such that allows flexible and convenient arrangement of loading- and unloading stations.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus is provided which includes a generally cylindrical support defining a substrate support surface, a head operative to record information onto a substrate on the substrate support surfaces, and apparatus for precise rotational positioning and displacement of the cylindrical drum with respect to the imaging head. The apparatus includes at least one linear motor arranged to drive the cylindrical support in rotational motion, and control apparatus for providing electrical inputs to the linear motor to achieve precise rotational positioning of the substrate support surface.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus is provided which includes a generally cylindrical drum defining a substrate support surface, a head operative to record information onto a substrate on the substrate support surface, and substrate feed and position apparatus for precise rotational positioning and displacement of the substrate with respect to an internal surface of cylindrical drum. The apparatus includes a plurality of linear motors arranged along the internal surface of the cylindrical drum for feeding the substrate, and control apparatus for controlling the linear motors to achieve precise positioning of the substrate support surface.

Abstract: A plate feeding system for grasping and moving a plate from a stack of plates. The system includes an arm mechanism having a plate grasping member for grasping the plate and a plate interposing member for interposing between the plate and an adjacent plate. Also disclosed is a method of feeding a plate from a stack of plates. The method includes grasping the plate, using a plate grasping member of an arm mechanism, interposing a member between the plate and an adjacent plate, and transporting the plate.