Eastman-kodak Company

David Aviel

Alon Siman-Tov

Lior Perry

Ophir Eyal

Yariv Yehuda Pinto

An optical imaging apparatus () for direct engraving of flexographic plates () includes at least two laser sources (), each emitting laser beams (). A mirror or prism () is placed in front of each of the laser sources to alter an optical path of each of the laser beams. The laser beams cut the flexographic plate at different depths and cut out chunks () of the flexographic plate.

Engraving of printing plates

A system for engraving flexographic printing plates, is presented. A flexographic plate () is mounted on an imaging drum. Printable areas () on the flexographic plate are engraved by an imaging source () configured to engrave fine detail information. Non-printable areas () are engraved on the flexographic plate by a second imaging source (, coarse imaging source) capable to engrave substantially deeper () than the depth of engraving used for the printable areas. Synchronizing () between the fine imaging source and the coarse imaging source, by directing the fine and coarse sources operate simultaneously, whereby the fine source images on the printable areas and the coarse source images the non-printable areas. In addition the fine source engraves the printable data areas () and non-printable support areas () underneath the printable areas. The non-printable support areas are engraved to be substantially wider than the printable data areas.

Direct engraving of flexographic printing plates

An imaging head () for writing an image on a substrate () includes an array of emitters () comprised of groups of emitters (); imaging lens () that focuses light from each group onto the substrate; and wherein light from each group is focused at a different depth relative to a surface of the substrate.

Imaging head for 3D imaging

An autofocus imaging apparatus () for three-dimensional imaging on a surface of a flexible media mounted on a cylindrical drum () includes a carriage () which moves parallel to a surface of the drum and an imaging stage () mounted on the carriage. The imaging stage includes a displacement sensor () for measuring a distance to the surface of the flexible media; imaging optics () for producing a three-dimensional image on the flexible media; and an autofocus drive () for changing a focus of the imaging optics. Encoders () provide data on the drum and carriage position. A controller () receives and processes data from the displacement sensor and the encoders. A computer () receives data from the controller, processes controller data, and transmits instructions to the controller. The controller receives computer instructions and transmits focus commands to the autofocus drive or the imaging stage.

Growing community of inventors

Tel Mond, Israel

David Aviel