Charles R Hillhouse

US Patent:

42122635, Jul 15, 1980

Filed:

Nov 15, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/960740

Inventors:

Charles R. Hillhouse - Aurora MO

Assignee:

Tasope' Limited - Aurora MO

International Classification:

B05C 1100

US Classification:

118 37

Abstract:

The printing plate processing machine includes a first conveyor for receiving printing plates and a second conveyor for receiving plate-separating sheets, and a feed mechanism for selectively transporting the plates and sheets from a loading station in which the plates and sheets are alternately disposed in a stack, toward the first and second conveyors. A plate and sheet diverting mechanism is located between the first and second conveyors for alternately delivering the plates to the first conveyor and the sheets to the second conveyor. The plates are processed after disposition on the first conveyor. A collecting station received the plates and sheets from the first and second conveyors alternately in a stack after processing of the plates. The feed-mechanism includes a fluid-operated cylinder and ram, the ram being movable selectively between an extended position and a retracted position. An operating mechanism places a gripping mechanism, carried on the ram, into gripping engagement with the plates and sheets when the ram is in one of the positions, the gripping mechanism transporting the plates and sheets toward the first and second conveyors as the ram moves toward the other position.