Abstract: Laser-imageable lithographic printing members have thin metal imaging layers and layers thereunder that reflect imaging radiation. Radiation from an imaging pulse that passes through an imaging layer is returned to that layer, thereby augmenting the effective energy flux density. The constructions can include dimensionally stable base supports adhered to the reflective substrate by, for example, lamination.

Abstract: Laser-imageable lithographic printing members have rigid base supports that confer strength and rigidity. The supports may reflect imaging radiation so that radiation from an imaging pulse that passes through an imaging layer is returned to that layer, thereby augmenting the effective energy flux density. In the case of thermally conductive (e.g., reflective metal) base supports, heat is concentrated in the imaging layer by an underlying insulating layer interposed between the imaging layer and the base support.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for imaging lithographic plates using laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region, and plates suitable for imaging with the apparatus and methods. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for imaging lithographic plates using laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region, and plates suitable for imaging with the apparatus and methods. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: Lithographic printing constructions and methods of imaging them. The constructions include a grained-metal substrate, a protective layer that can also serve as an adhesion-promoting primer, and an ablatable oleophilic surface layer. In operation, imagewise pulses from an imaging laser interact with the surface layer, causing ablation thereof and, probably, inflicting some damage to the underlying protective layer as well. The imaged plate may then be subjected to a solvent that eliminates the exposed protective layer, but which does no damage either to the surface layer or to the unexposed protective layer lying thereunder.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plates suitable for imaging by means of laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: Seamless, sleeve-shaped dry and wet lithographic printing members that can be recycled after use along with methods for their manufacture and use. The members include a strong, durable, hollow cylinder or sleeve that is attached to the plate mandrel or cylinder jacket of an offset printing press or platemaking apparatus. Surrounding the sleeve is a layer of a material, preferably polymeric in nature, which is characterized by efficient, ablative absorption of laser radiation, as well as other layers that facilitate imaging and subsequent printing.

Abstract: An electrical box assembly including an electrical box and a mounting bracket rigidly coupled to the box for mounting the box onto a support member, such as a stud or a joist. The mounting bracket includes a base portion and a pair of leg portions resiliently coupled to the base portion to form a substantially U-shaped, three-sided bracket. The mounting bracket has inwardly extending arms for resiliently gripping the support member. The arms of the mounting bracket grip onto either side of a metal or wood support member to secure the electrical box to the support member and prevent relative movement between the electrical box and the support member. In one embodiment, the arms include teeth to improve the grip between the mounting bracket and a wood support member. In another embodiment, the mounting bracket is coupled to the box by clamping tabs.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for imaging lithographic plates using laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region, and plates suitable for imaging with the apparatus and methods. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plates suitable for imaging by means of laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region. Laser output ablates a titanium layer sandwiched between an oleophobic or hydrophilic layer and a polyester layer, resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: Novel photomask blanks and methods for producing photomasks using laser-imaging apparatus. The photomask blanks include at least one layer that absorbs laser energy and ablates in response thereto, and, where unremoved as a result of the imaging process, perform the masking function by blocking the passage of actinic radiation; and a a mechanically strong, durable and flexible substrate that is substantially transparent to actinic radiation.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plates suitable for imaging by means of laser devices. Laser output ablates one or more plate layers, resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas. The plates also include a secondary ablation layer that ablates only partially, and in a controlled fashion, as a result of destruction of overlying layers.

Abstract: Techniques for imaging lithographic printing members responsive to the output of laser devices. Laser output passes through at least one discrete layer and ablates one or more underlying layers, resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the printing member. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plates suitable for imaging by means of laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: Planographic printing plates coated with a two-component silicone formulations that consist of a high-molecular-weight silicone component and a low-molecular-weight silicone polymer. The components are combined in varying proportions with a cross-linking agent to produce compositions of varying viscosities and dispersibilities. The high-molecular-weight component is linear polysiloxane compound with a molecular weight of at least 300,000, and preferably 500,000 or higher. The low-molecular-weight component has a similar structure, with a molecular weight no greater than 70,000. Various substitutions are made to facilitate cross-linking among components. The coatings can contain pigments or other materials to enhance imaging performance.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for imaging a lithographic plate having a printing surface by exposing the printing surface to plasma jet discharges between the plate and a plasma jet nozzle spaced close to the printing surface of the plate. These plasma jet discharges are sufficient to ablate or otherwise transform one or more layers of the printing surface, thereby changing the affinity of the printing surface for ink and/or water at the points thereof exposed to the discharges so as to produce image spots on the plate.

Abstract: An enclosure system for storage of electrostatically active, planar articles such as spark-discharge recording media. The enclosure includes a container portion, which defines a cavity for containing the articles and is conductive on all surfaces; and a nonconductive lid that fits over the container. In one embodiment, the enclosure cooperates with a set of interleaving sheets that a user places between the articles, and which make contact both with charged surfaces of the individual articles and the conductive interior of the container. In another embodiment, the interleaving sheets are integral with the article itself, thereby ensuring separation of each article from the one underneath by a layer capable of conveying electrostatic charge to the container.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate that is transformable by spark-discharge techniques so as to change its affinity for ink. The plate features a layered structure including an ink-receptive substrate, a conductive layer and an ink-repellent coating. The ink-repellent coating contains a dispersion of image-support pigments that promote straight-line travel of the spark to the surface of the plate, thereby promoting accurate imaging.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for imaging a lithographic plate having an oleophobic first layer, a metal second layer and an oleophilic third layer. The first and second layers are removed in an imagewise pattern to reveal the third layer, resulting in direct production of image spots. The plate is ready for printing at the conclusion of the imaging process.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plates suitable for imaging by means of laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.