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:
May. 08, 2001
Filed:
Sep. 21, 1999
Simon John Blanchard, Harrogate, GB;
John Michael Kitteridge, Leeds, GB;
Agfa-Gevaert, Mortsel, BE;
Abstract
An apparatus is provided for processing a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising an aluminium support, an image-receiving layer and a silver halide emulsion layer. The apparatus comprises a tank for holding a processing liquid, at least one set of driving rollers, at least one guide roller or guide plate and means for providing direct electrical contact between the lithographic printing plate precursor and other electrically conducting surfaces in the apparatus which are in contact with the processing liquid. A method of processing a lithographic printing plate precursor using the apparatus is also disclosed. Undesirable electrochemical cell formation during processing, and the consequent deleterious effects on silver image formation, are prevented and subsequent problems with poor plate run length can therefore be avoided.