Patent ID: 7055431
Filing Date: 2006-06-06
Classification: B41C,B65H,G03F

Abstract:
1. An automated computer-to-plate plate handling apparatus for making printing plates comprising: a plurality of cassettes, each cassette containing a supply of printing plates of a particular characteristic, a plurality of vertically-spaced supports wherein a separate support corresponds to each cassette and holds each corresponding cassette; an elevator that operatively holds and automatically moves the supports and corresponding cassettes, wherein the elevator positions a first support holding a first cassette to a first level so that The first cassette may move substantially horizontally on the first support at the first level; a surface in proximity to the first support so as to form a substantially horizontal extension of the first support that is vertically fixed at the first level and permits the first cassette to move substantially horizontally between the first support and the surface and, when at least a portion of the first cassette is on the surface, the surface is used for one of unloading the first cassette or accessing the printing plates in the first cassette.