Method and apparatus for exposure of flexographic printing plates using light emitting diode (LED) radiation sources
US11333980B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 10, 2020 |
| Grant date | May 17, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 10, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05K3/0082
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The overall mechanism for creating the exposure may comprise a table having an outer frame 1110 that holds a transparent (e.g. glass) inner portion 1112. The upper 1120 and lower 1122 linear radiation sources (e.g. banks of LED point sources, optionally mounted inside a reflective housing) are mounted on a gantry system or carriage 1130. The radiation sources are connected to a power source, such as an electrical power cord having sufficient slack to extend the full range of motion of the carriage. Tracks (not shown) disposed on the outer frame portion provide a defined path for the gantry system or carriage to traverse. The carriage may be moved on the tracks by any drive mechanism known in the art (also coupled to the power supply and the controller), including a chain drive, a spindle drive, gear drive, or the like. The drive mechanism for the carriage may comprise one or more components mounted within the carriage, one or more components fixed to the table, or a combination thereof. A position sensor (not shown) is preferably coupled to the carriage to provide feedback to the controller regarding the precise location of the carriage at any given time. The control signal output …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.