Printing plate conveyor system
US6948430B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 27, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 23, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2701/1928
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A conveyor system for transporting a printing plate in a platemaking system includes: a carriage riding on a track and one or more low friction substantially horizontal planar support surfaces provided as a high wear laminate, positioned above the carriage and the track, for supporting the printing plate on the non-emulsion side without the use of rollers, belts, bearings or air cushioning. The carriage includes one or more engagement mechanisms for engaging a bottom, non-emulsion side of the printing plate, and the track includes an air cylinder. The engagement mechanisms can be, for example, suctions cups which engage the plate by a vacuum, suction cups which engage the plate by pressure and adhesion, other adhesive devices, or a mechanical gripper for gripping the plate. The track or linear actuating system is preferably an air cylinder. Alternatively the linear actuating system could include a belt and pulleys, a chain and gears, or a threaded lead screw.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.