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US 6,186,068 B1Granted
Method for holding printing sleeves in an imaging device
AssigneeCreo Inc.
InventorDaniel Gelbart
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for imaging seamless printing sleeves of varying length and diameter includes providing a retractable support for the end of a mandrel holding the sleeve and a tilting mechanism to title the mandrel upwards, allowing sleeve replacement. Since different length sleeves can be used on a fixed length mandrel, a fixed size frame can be used for different sleeve lengths. Tilting of the mandrel allows the use of a rigid frame, eliminating the need for a removable end block.
Claims16
A method for holding printing sleeves in an imaging device comprising:
- a) providing a printing sleeve having an internal diameter;
- b) selecting from a plurality of mandrels having different external diameters a mandrel having an external diameter which matches the internal diameter of the printing sleeve;
- c) detachably affixing the selected mandrel to an imaging device;
- d) supporting the mandrel on the imaging device from one end only in a first position which allows unobstructed mounting of the printing sleeve on the mandrel;
- e) mounting the printing sleeve on the mandrel;
- f) bringing the mandrel to a second position used during imaging;
- g) adding support to a second end of the mandrel;
- h) imaging the printing sleeve while rotating the mandrel with mounted printing sleeve;
- i) temporarily removing support from the second end of the mandrel;
- and,
- j) returning the mandrel to the first position in order to remove the imaged printing sleeve.
8 more elements
A method for holding printing sleeves in an imaging device comprising:
- a) providing a printing sleeve having an internal diameter;
- b) selecting from a plurality of build up sleeves having different external diameters a build up sleeve having an external diameter which matches the internal diameter of the printing sleeve;
- c) supporting a mandrel on the imaging device from one end only in a first position which allows unobstructed mounting of the build up sleeve and the printing sleeve on the mandrel;
- d) mounting the build up sleeve on the mandrel;
- e) mounting the printing sleeve on the build up sleeve;
- f) bringing the mandrel to a second position used during imaging;
- g) adding support to a second end of the mandrel;
- h) imaging the printing sleeve while rotating the mandrel with mounted build up sleeve and printing sleeve;
- i) temporarily removing support from the second end of the mandrel;
- and,
- j) returning the mandrel to the first position in order to remove the imaged printing sleeve.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.