Eastman-Kodak Company

William Yuen

Martin Clifford Wight

The present invention provides a method and apparatus separating a media combination from a stack of interleaved slip-sheets and printing plates and relates to image recording systems such as, for example, computer-to-plate (CTP) systems. Image recording systems include imaging systems that image an image recordable material in response to imaging information. Image recordable materials can include, for example, printing plates. Image recording systems can include integrated systems that additionally process the image forming materials. Additional processing can include, but is not limited to materials punching, materials bending, exposure to non-imaging radiation, chemical development and materials drying. The present invention relates to a materials handling system that separates a media combination from a media stack that includes image recordable materials. A slip-sheet separates each of the image recordable materials from one another in the media stack. The image recordable materials removed from the stack are subsequently imaged and optionally additionally processed. The slip-sheets removed from the stack are stored in a slip-sheet holder.

Method and apparatus for separating media combinations from a media stack

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for separating an image recordable material from a stack of slip-sheets and printing plates. A slip-sheet separates each of the image recordable materials from one another in the media stack and is moved to expose the portion of the image recordable material. The image recordable material and the slip-sheet are gripped and the image recordable material is separated from the stack while being contacted by the slip-sheet.

Methods and apparatus for separating image recordable materials from a media stack

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for separating a media combination from a stack of interleaved slip-sheets and printing plates. A media combination is separated from a media stack, including image recordable materials and a slip-sheet, is separated. The media combination is gripped and flexed in a direction, and then flexed in a second direction.

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Vancouver, Canada

William Yuen