Patent GB-1237769-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to printing plate processing arrangements
IPC: B41L39/00
Filed: 1968-09-06
Abstract: 1,237,769. Cutting &c. RICOH K.K. 6 Sept., 1968 [20 Sept., 1967], No. 42460/68. Heading B4B. [Also in Division B6] A printing-plate processing machine, e.g., a photocopying machine for producing the plate, includes a device for recording on the plate indicia representing the number of copies required to be printed from the plate, such device comprising means for selecting the indicia according to the number of copies, and means sensing the passage of a plate to render the recording means operative. The indicia is such that it can be sensed in the printing machine to effect printing of the required number of copies. In one arrangement, Figs. 3, 4, two settable drums 19, 20 control the printing or punching of code marks corresponding respectively to the units and tens of the number. Each drum has a setting flange 21 with the numerals 0 ... 9 thereon and a cylindrical part 22 with slots or projections in line with each numeral corresponding to the code marks for the numerals. Four levers 24 ... 27 are spring-urged towards the drum part 22 and, according to the setting of the drum, one or more of the levers engage the slot or slots in the drum and close corresponding switches 34, there being one switch for each lever. The printing plate 12 in its passage through the apparatus engages a first pivoted detector 10 so as to close contacts 13, 15 and establish, via contacts 14, 17 associated with a second detector 11, a circuit through each switch 34 of the drum arrangement 19, each circuit including a solenoid 41 which when energized operates a plunger 40 and lever 38 to cause a marking head 39 to make a code mark on the plate. Thus there are four heads 39 each corresponding to a switch 34, so that when the detector 10 is depressed by the plate 12, as shown, the heads 39 corresponding to the closed switches 34 and to the unit number set on the drum, make the required code marks on the plate. Springs 42 return the heads, and switches 43 are opened during a printing movement of the heads 39 so as to open the circuits of solenoids 41 to permit such return. When the plate 12 in its continued movement depresses the detector 11, contacts 14, 16 instead of contacts 14, 17 are closed. The tens drum 20 is now in circuit with the solenoids 41 and causes operation of the heads 39 to print the tens code mark or marks in the same manner as was effected by the drum 19. A fifth lever 28, Fig. 4, operates to cause a timing mark T 1 , T 2  to be made in line with the tens and units digits, respectively. A separate set of marking heads 39 may be associated with each drum 19, 20, in which case a single detector such as 10 or 11 may be provided.  In another embodiment, Figs. 6 to 8 (not shown), for each digit of the number of copies required, a hole or a mark is made on the plate in a predetermined position along a line parallel to the edge of the plate. Detectors somewhat similar to detectors 10, 11 are employed in the apparatus, and as each detector is engaged by a line of holes in the plate, a preset ratchet-wheel is stepped forward until a cam part thereon causes a switch to be closed to operate the punch or marking device to make a hole or mark at the requisite position.