Patent ID: 7152529
Filing Date: 2006-12-26
Classification: B41C,G03F

Abstract:
1. A system for forming a relief image on a photosensitive printing element, wherein the photosensitive printing element comprises a flexible substrate and at least one layer of photosensitive material deposited on the flexible substrate, the system comprising: an enclosure; a conveyor comprising a continuous loop wherein the photosensitive printing element is positioned on the continuous loop of the conveyor; a heatable element capable of being urged towards the photosensitive printing element positioned on the conveyor, wherein an absorbent material is conducted over at least a portion of an outer surface of the heatable element, and wherein the absorbent material is capable of absorbing material that is liquefied or softened from the photosensitive printing element when the heatable element is heated and the absorbent material contacts at least a portion of the photosensitive printing element; means for causing the at least one layer of photosensitive material and the absorbent material to come into contact at a point between the conveyor and the heatable element such that at least a portion of the liquefied or softened material is absorbed by the absorbent material and such that volatile organic compounds are released into the enclosure; and ventilation means operatively connected to the enclosure for recycling air containing volatile organic compounds from the enclosure through a treatment means and at least partially back to the enclosure; wherein the treatment means comprises a particulate filter and a means for adsorbing volatile organic compounds.