Abstract: An object of this invention to perform positioning between the obverse surface and the reverse surface of a sheet and shape a pattern on each of the two surfaces of the sheet. A pattern manufacturing apparatus includes a shaping base, a light beam irradiation window, an optical engine, a lifting head, a head feed mechanism, and a stepping motor. A pattern forming sheet is a sheet in which an admixture containing a conductive material and a photo-curing resin is applied to both of the obverse surface and the reverse surface. The pattern forming sheet is provided with at least one positioning reference hole.

Abstract: A method and device for managing and configuring field devices in an automation installation has a configuration tool that is designed to physically identify a field device in the automation installation, to logically incorporate it into the automation installation and to configurate it in the automation installation, wherein the configuration tool to this end resorts to a prescribed first field-device-specific information package that describes the functions and data of the field device at least in part. The screen may have a first screen element provided on it that has a plurality of second screen elements in a first orientation and a plurality of third screen elements, which are each subordinate to a second screen element, in a second orientation, wherein precisely one second screen element and at least one third screen element, which are logically connected to one another, are arranged along the second orientation.

Abstract: A method of selectively exposing a liquid photopolymer printing blank to actinic radiation to create a relief image printing plate. The printing blank is produced by (i) placing a photographic negative on a bottom glass platen and placing a coverfilm over the negative, (ii) disposing a layer of liquid photopolymer on top of the coverfilm and negative, and (iii) placing a backing sheet over the liquid photopolymer layer. The method includes the steps of scanning a light bar across an upper surface of the liquid photopolymer printing blank through the backing sheet to cure the layer of liquid photopolymer in selected areas, creating islands of cured polymer adjacent to the backing sheet, and imaging the photopolymer through the bottom of the liquid photopolymer printing blank to crosslink and cure selective portions of the liquid photopolymer and create a relief image therein. The relief image is created on the cured islands.

Abstract: A method for producing a surface structure for a metallic press plate, endless belt or a cylindrical embossing roller through at least one laser and a device for using the method. In order to provide a cost effective production for the surface structure while using environmentally friendly techniques, it is proposed to use a laser which produces the entire surface structure through partial removal of a surface of a metallic press plate, endless belt or embossing roller to be processed. Thus, the laser is controlled by a provided 3D topography, wherein control of the laser is performed through obtained x, y and z coordinates in order to produce a depth structure, so that high portions and low portions are formed.

Abstract: Device for producing flexographic printing sleeves starting from photopolymerizable sleeves comprising at least a clean-out unit, a drying unit, and a post-exposure unit, wherein the flexographic printing sleeves are transported within the apparatus by means of a transport device, wherein the sleeves are mounted dually translationally in the longitudinal direction in the transport device, and a method for the production of flexographic printing sleeves using said device.

Abstract: A liquid transfer article is provided including a support assembly and an imaged surface formed directly on the surface of the support assembly by digital photopolymerization. The support assembly is in the form of a polymeric base, and the liquid transfer article is formed by providing a liquid photopolymer on the surface of the base and then irradiating the polymer with a light source to form the image. The liquid transfer article is reimagable and may be used in gravure printing processes, as well as other printing applications.

Abstract: A liquid transfer article is provided including a support assembly and an imaged surface formed directly on the surface of the support assembly by digital photopolymerization. The support assembly is in the form of a polymeric base, and the liquid transfer article is formed by providing a liquid photopolymer on the surface of the base and then irradiating the polymer with a light source to form the image. The liquid transfer article is reimagable and may be used in gravure printing processes, as well as other printing applications.

Abstract: In a method for improving the color reproducibility of printed matter to be produced by a printing press in proof print produced by a proof press, a look-up table containing converted values of image data over the entire color space with respect to the proof press is created, the look-up table is corrected based on the color of a printing paper for the printing press and a paper exposed area factor in the proofing, and proof print is created by the use of the corrected look-up table.

Abstract: Plate positioning and processing method and apparatus are disclosed. A plate is conveyed in a predetermined first direction so that the plate is in contact with a pair of first positioning pins. The plate is laterally moved contacting with the first positioning pins until reference positions displaced from contacting positions of the plate with the first positioning pins contact with the first positioning pins. A predetermined first processing is applied to the plate. The plate subjected to the first processing is conveyed in a predetermined second direction so that the plate is in contact with a pair of second positioning pins in positions different from the reference positions of front edge of the plate. The plate contacting with the second positioning pins is laterally moved until the same positions as the reference positions contact with the second positioning pins.

Abstract: A perforation and image exposure system comprises an image exposure apparatus and a punch unit. The image exposure apparatus has a first reference pin for defining a lateral position of a plate through contacting with one side edge of the plate contacting a pair of first positioning pins, and image exposure means for exposing the image into the plate subjected to positioning by the pair of first positioning pins and the first reference pin. The punch unit has a second reference pin for defining a lateral position of the plate through contacting with one side edge of the plate contacting a pair of second positioning pins, and perforation means for forming punched holes for positioning on the plate subjected to positioning by the pair of second positioning pins and the second reference pin.

Abstract: An integrated, in-line bumping and exposure system for printing plates or other substrates having a photosensitive layer. A linear illumination source or sources are for bumping the photosensitive material with a band of illumination to consume dissolved oxygen within the photosensitive layer. A raster scan optical assembly or an illuminated and re-imaged spatial light modulator array exposes the photosensitive material with a rasterized beam or beams or an array of modulated electromagnetic radiation located downstream of the bumping illumination. A conveyance mechanism is configured to provide relative continuous motion between one or more substrates and the bands of illumination to continuously bump and pattern one portion of the plate or plates while the other portion of the plate or plates is bumped in anticipation of patterning.

Abstract: A liquid transfer article is provided including a support assembly and an imaged surface formed directly on the surface of the support assembly by digital photopolymerization. The support assembly is in the form of a polymeric base, and the liquid transfer article is formed by providing a liquid photopolymer on the surface of the base and then irradiating the polymer with a light source to form the image. The liquid transfer article is reimagable and may be used in gravure printing processes, as well as other printing applications.

Abstract: An image exposure apparatus whose installation area and height are reduced and which enables smooth conveying of a printing plate. The apparatus comprises a cassette accommodating portion for the accommodation of printing plates therein, wherein the printing plates are loaded so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle, preferably at an angle near 90°.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of preparing a printing plate from a printing plate material comprising a support, and provided thereon, an image formation layer, the process comprising the steps of fixing the printing plate material onto a fixing member with suction through-holes by suction that evacuates air through the suction through-holes, the surface (rear surface) of the support opposite the image formation layer facing the fixing member, and then imagewise exposing the fixed printing plate material to laser to form an image on image formation portions of the image formation layer, wherein a degree of flatness of the surface on the image formation layer side of the fixed printing plate material is not more than 50 &mgr;m at the image formation portions.

Abstract: Plate positioning and processing method and apparatus are disclosed. A plate is conveyed in a predetermined first direction so that the plate is in contact with a pair of first positioning pins. The plate is laterally moved contacting with the first positioning pins until reference positions displaced from contacting positions of the plate with the first positioning pins contact with the first positioning pins. A predetermined first processing is applied to the plate. The plate subjected to the first processing is conveyed in a predetermined second direction so that the plate is in contact with a pair of second positioning pins in positions different from the reference positions of front edge of the plate. The plate contacting with the second positioning pins is laterally moved until the same positions as the reference positions contact with the second positioning pins.

Abstract: A perforation and image exposure system comprises an image exposure apparatus and a punch unit. The image exposure apparatus has a first reference pin for defining a lateral position of a plate through contacting with one side edge of the plate contacting a pair of first positioning pins, and image exposure means for exposing the image into the plate subjected to positioning by the pair of first positioning pins and the first reference pin. The punch unit has a second reference pin for defining a lateral position of the plate through contacting with one side edge of the plate contacting a pair of second positioning pins, and perforation means for forming punched holes for positioning on the plate subjected to positioning by the pair of second positioning pins and the second reference pin.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an image exposure apparatus whose installation area and height are reduced and which enables smooth conveying of a printing plate. In this image exposure apparatus, a cassette accommodating printing plates therein is loaded in such a manner as to be inclined at a predetermined angle, and preferably at an angle near 90°. A printing plate which has been taken out by a sheet unit is diverted in a curved manner and is sent to a recording section by a diverting unit. With this compact structure, the installation area and the height of the apparatus can be reduced.

Abstract: A fixing structure comprises a rotary drum having an outer peripheral surface, around which a printing plate is wound, and an inner peripheral surface portion, the drum including through-slots formed in the outer surface at predetermined intervals in the peripheral direction, each of which communicates the outer surface with the inner surface portion; and a chuck detachably mountable to the drum, for clamping one end of the printing plate onto the drum, the chuck including a support having opposite ends, a clamp plate provided on one support end, and a base section provided on the other support end, wherein when the chuck is mounted on the drum, the base section is inserted and passed through one associated through-slot and then hooked over the inner surface portion.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an image exposure apparatus whose installation area and height are reduced and which enables smooth conveying of a printing plate. In this image exposure apparatus, a cassette accommodating printing plates therein is loaded in such a manner as to be inclined at a predetermined angle, and preferably at an angle near 90°. A printing plate which has been taken out by a sheet unit is diverted in a curved manner and is sent to a recording section by a diverting unit. With this compact structure, the installation area and the height of the apparatus can be reduced.

Abstract: A system for producing a finished printed product exhibiting print specific conditions by automatically translating print or job specific conditions to an appropriate set of machine specific functions associated with printing press machines and auxiliaries so as to manipulate and obtain a final desired set of print specific conditions. The system includes software control means for controlling the printing press machines and auxiliaries, and an input device allowing a pressman to enter print specific data into the system.

Abstract: An improved method for generating masters having a plurality of randomly distributed speckle suitable for making seamless light shaping diffusers of virtually any size and at low cost is disclosed herein. The method utilizes incoherent light to record a desired speckle pattern in a photosensitive medium which is then exposed in an imagesetter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming process, an image forming device, and a pattern forming process intended to obtain an image by developing a latent image which has been formed by exposing to light a photosensitive material including a photocatalytic layer which includes a photocatalyst and a hydrophobic layer applied on top of said photocatalytic layer, or a photosensitive material including a hydrophobic photosensitive layer which includes a photocatalyst and an organic compound, wherein the photocatalyst, when exposed to light, changes the angle of contact with water in the area on the surface of the photosensitive material which is exposed to light, thereby differentiating from the angle of contact with water in the area which is not exposed to light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selectively allowing film-forming molecules to be chemically adsorbed onto an Si substrate to produce a good and robust organic monomolecular film, wherein molecules with SH groups are chemically adsorbed onto the Si substrate to form a monomolecular film of the molecules by heating an As molecular beam source 4 to allow a monoatomic layer thickness of arsenic to be adsorbed onto the clean surface of the Si substrate set on a sample stage 3 and then immersing the Si substrate terminated by arsenic in a solution containing molecules with SH groups.

Abstract: Apparatus for subjecting photosensitive letterpress lithographic plates to a pre-exposure operation and then to a main exposure operation. The apparatus includes a support for supporting a letterpress plate at a pre-exposure station, a pre-exposure system for pre-exposing a plate on the support, an infeed conveyor system for conveying a pre-exposed plate from the pre-exposure station to a main exposure station, a main exposure system at the main exposure station for exposing a pre-exposed plate, and an outfeed conveyor system for conveying a plate away from the main exposure station.

Abstract: Printing plates are formed from a layer of photopolymerizable resin by a process and assembly which involves moving a resin layer past a variable intensity light source so as to sequentially and selectively cross-link the resin layer as the resin layer moves past the light source.

Abstract: A compact print making device by which a desired imprint figure can be made easily in a short time. This print making device employs a resin seal face member, a part of which receives light having a wavelength within a predetermined range and thus is put into a state different from the state of the remaining part thereof and is adapted to have an uneven face formed by being acted upon by a predetermined fluid. The resin seal face member and an original picture representing an imprint figure are arranged with the original picture just in back of the resin seal face member. Imprint figure information representing the imprint figure shown in the original picture is taken in by an information reading mechanism. A negative film making unit is driven according to the imprint figure information so as to produce a negative film. Then, the produced negative film is carried to an irradiating position. Subsequently, a light irradiating unit irradiates the resin seal face member with light through the negative film.

Abstract: A system for generating from unimaged plates a plurality of exposed lithographic plates to be provided to a press for use in printing. The system is for use with a film exposer for exposing a negative which includes an identifying code identifying the negative. An exposing station has a first reader for reading the identifying code and has an exposer for exposing a number of unimaged plates to generate an image thereon from the exposed negative. The number of exposed plates corresponds to the identifying code read by the reader. A bending station has a second reader for reading the identifying code on the exposed plates and has an optical punch bender for bending the exposed plates in accordance with information corresponding to the identifying code.

Abstract: Apparatus for exposing photosensitized plates to light through films. The apparatus has an infeed end, an outfeed end forward of the infeed end, opposite sides, an exposure station forward of the infeed end at which a plate is exposed to light through a film, and a carriage for carrying plates and films in a forward direction from a loading station at the infeed end of the machine to the exposure station. The apparatus includes a support for supporting a stack of plates at one side of the apparatus generally adjacent the infeed end of the apparatus. A conveyor system conveys a plate in side-to-side direction with respect to the apparatus from the one side of the apparatus to the loading station. A transfer mechanism removes a top plate from the stack of plates and transfers it to the conveyor system for conveyance to the loading station.

Abstract: A process for making a printing plate includes composing a digital image of a page to be printed including at least one halftone image. Load imagesetting paper in an imagesetter. Operate the imagesetter to print a paper negative of the digital image on the imagesetting paper. Expose the paper negative to a printing plate.

Abstract: An exposing apparatus provided with a first alignment stage B, a first exposing stage C, a reverse stage D, a second alignmen stage E and a second exposing stage F in which the first alignment stage B, the reverse stage D and the second alignment stage E being provided in a straight line and each of the first alignment stage B and the second alignment stage E being provided in perpendicular dirction to the straight line the first exposing stage C and the second exposing stage F, respectively, and the ultraviolet rays irradiation stage H being located between the first exposing stage C and the second exposing stage F, offers an improved exposing apparatus of smaller installation space, the upper printing frame being replaced very easily when deteriorated after long time use, the lower printing frame properly absorb and displace the work from the lower printing frame, smaller consumption of the electricity, and forming of the vacuum frame and locating of the work are performed efficiently and accurately.

Abstract: A media handling unit is a selfcontained device which is capable of being moved to existing photoplotting structures to transport media sheets from a supply cassette housed within the unit and advanced into the plotter for conducting a plotting operation. The unit also retreives the scanned media from the photoplotter returning it the unit in a light tight environment where the scanned film is deposited onto a collecting tray. The supply of film is provided in a cassette having a semi-cyldrical support surface causing the film to take on a preformed configuration which is generally coincident with the shape of the support surface on the plotter.

Abstract: A printing plate employs a charge carrier medium and includes a printing area constructed from a toner layer and charge carrier layer on an electrically conductive substrate.

Abstract: A media handling unit is a selfcontained device which is capable of being moved to existing photoplotting structures to transport media sheets from a supply cassette housed within the unit and advanced into the plotter for conducting a plotting operation. The unit also retreives the scanned media from the photoplotter returning it the unit in a light tight environment where the scanned film is deposited onto a collecting tray. The supply of film is provided in a cassette having a semi-cyldrical support surface causing the film to take on a preformed configuration which is generally coincident with the shape of the support surface on the plotter.

Abstract: An image sheet (12) is coated with a radiation-curable adhesive (48) at a coating station and then laminated to a lenticular array sheet (20) at a laminating station (50). A lamination of the image and array sheets is then positioned on an aligning station (56) where the lenticules of the array sheet are aligned with the image lines (16) of the image sheet. The adhesive is set at a curing station (60).

Abstract: A contact printer for printing negatives in rows and columns directly onto photographic paper comprises a flat smooth base plate having a pair of upstanding pins adjacent one side edge. The pins are mounted in slots so as to be adjustable longitudinally of the side edge both in spacing and in distance from the bottom edge. The negatives are placed in rows and columns within an archival preserver sleeve which has holes along one side edge engaged over the pins to locate the sleeve and therefore the negatives on the base plate. Photographic paper is inserted under the sleeve and is located on the base plate by engagement with the pins and by alignment of the bottom edge of the paper with the bottom edge of the base plate. This ensures that the negatives are properly aligned with the paper. A transparent cover plate is also provided to press the negatives onto the paper for exposure of the paper by light directed through the transparent cover plate.

Abstract: An original film holder includes an elongated main body having a plurality of pins for engaging a plurality of punch holes formed in a side portion of an original film; a push-up plate for pushing up the side portion of the original film from the main body to disengage the original film from the pins, the push-up plate being located on the main body and having holes through which the pins are inserted; a pressing member located above the main body and the push-up plate to clamp the original film in cooperation with the push-up plate; a push-up plate moving unit for moving the push-up plate upwardly from the main body to disengage the original film from the pins; a pressing member moving unit for moving the pressing member downwardly to press the original film on the push-up plate; and a retreating unit for retreating the pressing member from a position above the main body.

Abstract: A photoconductive layer 5 of a photosensitive material 1 is located in opposition to a charge carrier layer 6 of a charge carrier medium 2, followed by connection to a power source 8. The charge carrier medium 2 is then exposed to light 9 having a given wavelength through the photoconductor material 1 to form an electrostatic latent image on the charge carrier layer 6 of the charge carrier medium 2. Subsequently, the charge carrier medium 2 is disconnected from the power source 8 to develop and fix the latent image on the charge carrier layer 1 with toner. Etching is finally carried out, using the thus formed toner image 16 as a mask, thereby removing all portions of the charge carrier layer 6, on which the toner is not deposited, Thereby obtaining a printing plate including a printing area constructed from the toner 16 and charge carrier layer 7 on an electrically conductive substrate 7.

Abstract: A photosensitive material printing apparatus equipped with a printing portion for printing images of an original film onto a photosensitive material. The photosensitive material printing apparatus is equipped with a holding device for holding the original film at a predetermined position of the printing portion, a moving device for moving the holding device along a photosensitive surface of the photosensitive material, an input board for inputting an amount of movement of the holding device, and a control device for controlling the moving device to move the holding device based on the amount of movement inputted by the input board. Accordingly, the amount of movement of the holding device can be adjusted via the input board.

Abstract: Automated apparatus and method for exposing lithographic plates to light through films and masks. The method involves placing a plate, film and mask at an exposure station in superposed relation to one another with the film overlying the plate and the mask overlying the film, exposing the plate to light through the mask and film at the exposure station, raising the mask off the film to a raised position, gripping the film and moving it relative to the plate to expose a portion of the plate therebelow, gripping the exposed portion of the plate, gripping the mask in its raised position, moving the film, plate and mask forwardly while so gripped to a discharge station, and releasing the film, plate and mask at the discharge station.

Abstract: An automatic loader loads multiple sizes of unexposed printing plates into an exposure unit without using cassettes. The cardboard shipping container is used as a cassette by removing the front wall. Plates are lifted and loaded by a vacuum system. Paper used to separate plates in shipping container is removed by two sets of motorized rollers. The top rollers slide the paper off the plate while the bottom rollers completely remove the separating paper from the shipping box in order to avoid jamming and allow the shipping box to be re-closed. Shipping container is used with the active side of the plates facing down in order to protect plates from accidental exposure.

Abstract: Apparatus for exposing photosensitized plates to light through films, having a window movable up and down at an exposure station adapted to grip a film after an exposure of a plate and to lift the film away from the plate, plates and films being fed in under its raised window from a loading station, films being discharged from the bottom of the raised window to a tray located above the loading system in a position wherein it does not interfere with manual loading of plates and films in the apparatus.

Abstract: A "direct-to-press" diffusion transfer reversal positive lithographic printing plate and method for exposing same. The "direct-to-press" printing plate provides an ink receiving image area and at least one ink repelling mechanical gripper area. Additionally, the plate can include at least one ink repelling border area. The "direct-to-press" printing plate exposure method provides direct exposure of a diffusion transfer reversal photo-lithographic recording substrate by a laser imagesetter using a method of controlling both the imagesetter recording beam and the movement of the recording substrate by the imagesetter. The imagesetter improvements allow exposure of a recording substrate in regions which could not previously be exposed by an imagesetter, providing a positive lithographic printing plate which requires no additional stripping or exposure steps after imagesetter recording.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate printer includes: an original-film loading section; a lithographic printing plate loading section; a printing surface plate on which an original film is brought into close contact with a lithographic printing plate; a light source for printing an image on the original film onto the lithographic printing plate on the printing surface plate; a punch-hole punching unit for punching a punch hole in the original film; an original film transporting unit for taking out the original film in the original-film loading section and transporting it onto the printing surface plate via the punch-hole punching means; and a lithographic printing plate transporting unit for taking out the lithographic printing plate in the lithographic printing plate loading section and transporting it onto the printing surface plate.

Abstract: A photosensitive resin printing plate which can provide printed matter with good ink coverage and little dot gain, and a plate making apparatus used therefor.

Abstract: A printing plate making apparatus for color printing is provided with a depicting section for recording an image on the surface of a printing plate, a processing section for processing the printing plate, with a processing solution, while conveying the printing plate, and a punching section for punching notches for positioning and winding the printing plate around a plate cylinder of a rotary press, the depicting and punching sections are provided with a first reference pin for abutting against a side edge of the printing plate being moved in a first direction to position the printing plate in the first direction, and a second reference pin for abutting against a side edge of the printing plate being moved in a second direction to position the printing plate in the second direction. The positional relation between the first and second reference pins in the depicting section and the positional relation between the first and second reference pins in the punching section are set identically.

Abstract: An imaging support assembly for precise and repeatable alignment and registration of plural, planar workpieces having a plurality of projecting registration pin assemblies. The workpieces contain holes where projecting pins of the registration pin assemblies are received. At least one of the registration pin assemblies contains a projecting pin of a non-circular shape when viewed end-on. A flanged barrel of the assembly is rigidly mounted to a planar support board. The projecting pin is spring biased within a sleeve that mounts in the barrel. The pin projects through a barrel aperture and is non-rotatively movable in the plane of the board within limits defined by the barrel aperture.

Abstract: A mask is used for mounting a sensitized sheet, such as a printing plate, onto the surface of an exposure drum. The mask, acting as an intermediary between the exposure drum and the printing plate, is a flexible sheet, with a top and bottom surface, that is mounted about the exposure drum. A groove formed within the top surface of the flexible sheet is used for securing the printing plate by means of a vacuum. A passageway formed within the flexible sheet connects the groove to the bottom surface and receives a vacuum from the exposure drum. Plates of different sizes are mounted to the exposure drum by interchangeable masks of corresponding sizes.

Abstract: An automatic printing system includes an array of printing devices arranged along a direction in which the printing member is fed, each of printing devices having a positioning mechanism for positioning the printing member, a feeding device for feeding a printing member to each printing device, a delivery device for picking up the printing member from the feeding device and bringing the printing member into engagement with the positioning mechanism, and a discharging device for discharging the printing member, which has been exposed by the printing device, from the printing device. the automatic printing system further includes a supplying device for storing printing members of different sizes and selectively supplying the printing members one at a time, a punching device for forming a positioning opening in the printing member supplied by the supplying device, and an automatic developing device for developing the printing member which has been exposed by the printing device.

Abstract: In the context of a device for the production of printing plates comprising a printing down station with a plate table and an associated illuminating means, which station has associated with it a foil receiving means formed preferably by a foil cassette for unprinted foil and preferably a receiving cassette for printed foil, in the case of which the foil to be printed onto an unexposed or blank printing plate is able to be taken from a foil receiving means by means of a moving vacuum frame, is able to be moved onto the blank plate on the plate table and after exposure is able to be discharged, preferably into a receiving cassette, a high rate of plate production and a smooth manner of operation without damaging the foils may be ensured if the foil conveying device has a plurality of vacuum frames moving in circuits which are out of phase with each other.

Abstract: A method of in-register exposing and printing of a flexible letterpress form for spot varnishing, which comprises fixing on a copying cylinder in-register a flexible letterpress form having a register system in a region of the leading edge of the form, and exposing the form, then clamping the flexible letterpress form on a rubber-blanket cylinder having a greater diameter than that of the copying cylinder so as to compensate for distortion of a subject in circumferential direction during circular exposure.