Method and apparatus for making lithographic printing plates in an automated computer to plate imaging system

An apparatus for providing access to a plate of a particular type within a plurality of plates of different types, comprising:

• a command generator configured to generate command signals including a signal identifying a first type plate and a second type plate;
• a transfer mechanism for individually transferring plates in accordance with the command signals;
• and
• a positioning mechanism configured to position, during the transfer of the first type plate by the transfer mechanism, at least one of a plurality of plates such that the second type plate is accessible by the transfer mechanism in accordance with the command signals.

An apparatus for providing one of a plurality of plates to an imager, comprising:

• a plate handler configured to contain a plurality of plates, each plate in the plurality of plates having an associated characteristic;
• a command generator for generating command signals;
• a removal mechanism configured to move plates from the plate handler in accordance with the command signals;
• and
• a positioning mechanism configured to move, during movement of one of the plurality of plates by the removal mechanism, at least one other of the plurality of plates contained in the plate handler to provide access to another of the plurality of plates for movement by the removal mechanism in accordance with the command signals.

A method of operating an automated platesetting system having a plate handler storing a plurality of plates and an imager, the plurality of plates including plates having different characteristics, comprising the steps of:

• issuing command signals including a signal informing the plate handler of a required one of the different characteristics;
• automatically positioning, in accordance with the command signals, a portion of the plurality of plates during movement of another plate to the imager such that one of the plurality of plates having the required characteristic is placed in an access position;
• and
• automatically moving, in accordance with the command signals, the one plate from the access position to the imager.