Abstract: Apparatus and method for imaging a lithographic plate having a metal first layer and a second layer underlying the metal layer, the first and second layers exhibiting different affinities for fountain solution and/or ink. Selective removal of the first layer in an imagewise pattern reveals the second layer, resulting in direct production of image spots. The plate is ready for printing at the conclusion of the imaging process.

Abstract: A novel photomask structure and method of producing photomasks using a non-contacting spark-discharge recording apparatus. The recording constructions of the present invention comprise a conductive layer, a layer transparent to the radiation that will be used to expose the target photosensitive material and, optionally, a coating layer deposited over the metal layer.

Abstract: Two-component silicone formulations consisting 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 formulations are well-suited to coating applications, and can advantageously be used as coatings for planographic plates.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate that is transformable by spark-discharge techniques so as to change its affinity for ink. The plate features a metal substrate and includes a conductive layer and an ink-adhesive coating. The plate can also include a heat-resistant insulating layer, or can be laminated using an adhesive that serves this function.

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: Printing apparatus has at least one print station including a blanket cylinder in rolling contact with an impression cylinder, a print cylinder for supporting a lithographic plate, the plate cylinder being in rolling contact with the blanket cylinder, at least one discharge source for applying an image to a plate supported by the plate cylinder, and a motor for moving the energy source relative to the plate cylinder so that when the plate cylinder is rotated, the discharge source scans a raster on the surface of the plate supported by the plate cylinder. The apparatus may be configured as an in-line or central-impression type press. A controller responsive to picture signals representing an original document repeatedly actuates each discharge source momentarily during the scan thereof so that the discharge source forms on the plate surface an image comprised of dots corresponding to the original document.

Abstract: A method of extending the useful life and/or enhancing the performance of wet or dry lithographic printing plates. A strong curable composition that adheres to the ink-receptive plate areas is first applied to an imaged plate. After removal of the composition from non-image plate areas, it is cured, thereby augmenting the resilience of the ink-receptive plate areas. If imaging of the plate results in surface recesses, the cured composition can enhance plate performance by making the entire surface coplanar.

Abstract: A coated wire or other elongated article production system having means to form wire or other elongated article in tandem with an extruder of substantially solvent-free polymer in tubular form around the wire or article. The tubular polymer is applied to the wire or article with the aid of a vacuum, and the froming speed relative to the rate of polymer extrusion is controlled to thin the tubular polymer between its extrusion and its contact with the wire or article.

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 crystalline metal oxide particles that promote straight-line travel of the spark to the surface of the plate, thereby promoting accurate imaging.

Abstract: A novel color proofing construction and method of producing color proofs using spark-discharge recording apparatus. The recording constructions of the present invention comprise a conductive layer, an ink-transfer or toner-accepting layer, a support layer and, optionally, a coating layer and/or an undercoating layer.

Abstract: A novel method of producing individualized labels using a non-contacting spark-discharge or plasma-discharge recording apparatus. The apparatus is used to image recording constructions that comprise a conductive background layer, an underlying image layer contrasting in tonality and/or color to the background layer, and an adhesive layer.

Abstract: A method of imaging a lithographic plate having a printing surface comprises 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 remove a layer or layers of the plate to thereby change the affinity of the printing surface for ink and/or water at the points thereof exposed to the discharges, thereby producing image spots on the plate.

Abstract: A method of controlling unwanted degradation of overlapping image points in a sparked-imaged lithographic plate. A suitable conductive sheet having an appropriately selected volume resistivity is placed beneath the conductive metal sheet of the plate, thereby drawing off excess spark energy during the imaging process.

Abstract: A method of imaging a lithographic plate having a printing surface comprising mounting a plate to the plate cylinders of a lithographic press having at least two plate cylinders, a corresponding number of blanket cylinders and an impression cylinder, exposing the printing surface to spark discharges between each plate and an electrode spaced close to the printing surface produced in response to picture signals, the spark discharges producing sufficient heat to change the affinity of each printing surface for printing liquid at the points thereof exposed to the spark discharges thereby producing image spots on each plate corresponding to the picture signals, moving the electrode relative to the plate to effect a scan of the printing surface, and controlling the spark discharges to the plate in accordance with picture signals so that they occur at selected points in the scan so as to form an image of the original document on the printing surface. Imaging apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A printing member for a press without dampening made by forming on a metal substrate an organic plastic layer having an exposed surface which is highly oleophobic and thermally decomposing the layer surface at selected image points thereon without contacting the surface and without penetrating through the layer so that there is a transformation of the surface structure which renders said surface oleophilic at said image points.

Abstract: A printing member for a press with dampening made by forming on a substrate a chromium layer having an exposed surface with pores or capillaries which render that surface hydrophilic and melting the layer surface at selected image points thereon without contacting the surface so that molten chromium is free to flow to and fill the pores or capillaries at the image points thereby rendering the image points hydrophobic.

Abstract: A printing member for a press with dampening is made by forming in a metal body an exposed surface which is cleaned and polished sufficiently to render it oleophilic due to surface tension. Then the surface is heated at selected image points thereon without contacting the surface and without penetrating through the body to create tiny surface fissures or capillaries at the image points which render the surface hydrophilic at the image points.

Abstract: A printing member for a press with dampening made by forming on a metal body, e.g. of aluminum, an exposed oxidized surface with a grained surface structure which renders that surface hydrophilic and heating the body surface at selected image points thereon without contacting the surface so that there is a transformation of the surface structure which renders it hydrophobic at the image points.

Abstract: A lithographic plate for printing without dampening comprising a strong stable substrate, an oleophobic surface layer on the substrate and an oleophilic surface underlying the surface layer, the surface layer being decomposable by spark discharges originating from a non-contacting electrode scanned across the plate surface. A preferred plate embodiment includes a multiplicity of tiny electrically conductive peaks in the plate which point away from the substrate and are in a relatively uniform distribution across the plate surface area.

Abstract: An electrical outlet box formed of nonmetallic material which has a pair of integral bosses that angularly align, engage and retain wiring device mounting screws therein. The bosses each have a through bore for receiving the screws comprising in sequence a frustoconical surface, a cylindrical surface having a diameter slightly larger than the crest diameter of the mounting screw threads, and a self-tapping surface defining a regular hexagon in transverse cross section. The hexagon has a diameter across its corners slightly larger than the crest diameter of the screw threads, and a diameter across its flat sides slightly larger than the root diameter of the screw threads and slightly smaller than the crest diameter of the screw threads.