The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 18, 1997
Filed:
Apr. 26, 1996
James Brian Vrotacoe, Rochester, NH (US);
Roland Thomas Palmatier, Durham, NH (US);
Howard Walter Hoff, Lee, NH (US);
Richard L McKrell, Rye, NH (US);
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, Heidelberg, DE;
Heidelberg Harris, Inc., Dover, NH (US);
Abstract
A printing plate has an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface for receiving an image to be transferred to a printing blanket. The printing plate also includes a lead end and a tail end. A first bend and a second bend are formed at a first distance from the lead end of the printing plate, and a third bend is formed at a second distance from the lead end. A recessed portion is thereby formed between the second bend and the third bend, and an angular end portion is formed between the third bend and the lead end. The tail end of the printing plate is bonded to the recessed portion with an adhesive. In order to install the printing plate on the plate cylinder, the source of pressurized fluid is engaged to supply pressurized fluid, e.g. air, through the apertures of the plate cylinder. A press operator mounts an end of the printing plate onto the plate cylinder, aligning the angular end portion of the printing plate with the slot in the plate cylinder. The pressurized fluid effects a radial expansion of the printing plate so that the printing plate can be slid axially over the plate cylinder. Once the printing plate has been slid over the entire length of the plate cylinder, the source of pressurized fluid is disengaged, the printing plate undergoes a radial contraction, and the printing plate is securely fixed to the plate cylinder.