Presstek, Inc.

Howtek, Inc.

Presst, Inc.

Technographics Printworld, Inc.

Michael T Nowak

Thomas E Lewis

Richard A Williams

John F Kline

Kenneth T Robichaud

John P Gardiner

Frank G Pensavecchia

Bradley W Davidson

Kenneth R Cassidy

Stephen M LaPonsey

Michael L Demers

Lawrence A Howard

Carl E Sideman

Apparatus and methods for imaging lithographic plates using laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region, and plates suitable for imaging with the apparatus and methods. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink and/or a fluid to which ink will not adhere that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Laser-driven method and apparatus for lithographic imaging and printing

Apparatus and methods for imaging lithographic plates using laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region, and plates suitable for imaging with the apparatus and methods. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Laser-imageable lithographic printing members

Lithographic printing plates for use with laser discharge imaging

Lithographic printing plates suitable for imaging by means of laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Lithographic printing plates for use with laser-discharge imaging

Lithographic printing plates suitable for imaging by means of laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region. Laser output ablates a titanium layer sandwiched between an oleophobic or hydrophilic layer and a polyester layer, resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Lithographic printing members for use with laser-discharge imaging

Novel photomask blanks and methods for producing photomasks using laser-imaging apparatus. The photomask blanks include at least one layer that absorbs laser energy and ablates in response thereto, and, where unremoved as a result of the imaging process, perform the masking function by blocking the passage of actinic radiation; and a a mechanically strong, durable and flexible substrate that is substantially transparent to actinic radiation.

Laser imageable photomask constructions

Lithographic printing plates suitable for imaging by means of laser devices. Laser output ablates one or more plate layers, resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas. The plates also include a secondary ablation layer that ablates only partially, and in a controlled fashion, as a result of destruction of overlying layers.

Lithographic printing members having secondary ablation layers for use

Planographic printing plates coated with a two-component silicone formulations that consist of a high-molecular-weight silicone component and a low-molecular-weight silicone polymer. The components are combined in varying proportions with a cross-linking agent to produce compositions of varying viscosities and dispersibilities. The high-molecular-weight component is linear polysiloxane compound with a molecular weight of at least 300,000, and preferably 500,000 or higher. The low-molecular-weight component has a similar structure, with a molecular weight no greater than 70,000. Various substitutions are made to facilitate cross-linking among components. The coatings can contain pigments or other materials to enhance imaging performance.

Printing plates imageable by ablative discharge and silicone

An enclosure system for storage of electrostatically active, planar articles such as spark-discharge recording media. The enclosure includes a container portion, which defines a cavity for containing the articles and is conductive on all surfaces; and a nonconductive lid that fits over the container. In one embodiment, the enclosure cooperates with a set of interleaving sheets that a user places between the articles, and which make contact both with charged surfaces of the individual articles and the conductive interior of the container. In another embodiment, the interleaving sheets are integral with the article itself, thereby ensuring separation of each article from the one underneath by a layer capable of conveying electrostatic charge to the container.

Charge-dissipating packaging system

A lithographic printing plate that is transformable by spark-discharge techniques so as to change its affinity for ink. The plate features a layered structure including an ink-receptive substrate, a conductive layer and an ink-repellent coating. The ink-repellent coating contains a dispersion of image-support pigments that promote straight-line travel of the spark to the surface of the plate, thereby promoting accurate imaging.

Spark-discharge lithography plates containing image-support pigments

A novel photomask structure and method of producing photomasks using a non-contacting spark-discharge recording apparatus. The recording constructions of the present invention comprise a conductive layer, a layer transparent to the radiation that will be used to expose the target photosensitive material and, optionally, a coating layer deposited over the metal layer.

Method for producing photomasks

Two-component silicone formulations consisting of a high-molecular-weight silicone component and a low-molecular-weight silicone polymer. The components are combined in varying proportions with a cross-linking agent to produce compositions of varying viscosities and dispersibilities. The high-molecular-weight component is linear polysiloxane compound with a molecular weight of at least 300,000, and preferably 500,000 or higher. The low-molecular-weight component has a similar structure, with a molecular weight no greater than 70,000. Various substitutions are made to facilitate cross-linking among components. The formulations are well-suited to coating applications, and can advantageously be used as coatings for planographic plates.

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Gardner, MA, United States of America

Michael T Nowak