Joseph Francis German

US Patent:

20050211123, Sep 29, 2005

Filed:

Mar 23, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/806897

Inventors:

Robert Montbleau - Dracut MA, US
John Wolber - Nashua NH, US
Joseph German - Salem NH, US
Mark Faynzilberg - Swampscott MA, US

International Classification:

B41F021/00
B65H005/10

US Classification:

101477000

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.