David L Seitz

US Patent:

6347891, Feb 19, 2002

Filed:

Dec 24, 1997

Appl. No.:

08/997942

Inventors:

Donald J. Muckerheide - Dayton OH
David R. Seitz - Vandalia OH

Assignee:

Ohio Electronic Engravers, Inc. - Dayton OH

International Classification:

B41C 102

US Classification:

395104, 358299, 358297, 358296

Abstract:

This invention relates to an engraving system and method for engraving a pattern using a plurality of engraving devices. The invention discloses apparatus and method for sequencing and engraving a plurality of engraving devices such that when the areas engraved by those heads meet they provide a continuous engraved pattern. The system and method also comprises an imaging system for imaging the engraved areas associated with each engraving head so that the heads or signals driving the heads may be adjusted to further facilitate providing engraved areas which appear as if they had been engraved by a single engraving head when, for example, the engraved area of one head meets the engraved area of another head. Also disclosed is a method for sequencing and transmitting image data associated with an image to be engraved in order to accommodate any cylindrical offset or the angular displacement between, for example, two engraving heads that are positioned in a generally opposed relationship. Finally, a single, multi-purpose engraving system and method are shown for both exposing resist on a workpiece and also engraving either the same or a different workpiece.

US Patent:

6348979, Feb 19, 2002

Filed:

May 22, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/083816

Inventors:

David Flannery - Dayton OH
David R. Seitz - Vandalia OH
Thomas P. Staub - Dayton OH
Matthew A. Thomas - Beavercreek OH

Assignee:

MDC Max Daetwyler AG

International Classification:

B41C 104

US Classification:

358 19, 358406, 358299

Abstract:

An error detection apparatus and method for use with engravers, such as gravure engravers. An error value E corresponding to the difference between a set of predetermined setup parameters and actual measurement of a portion of an engraved area on the cylinder is determined. The error value E is then used to adjust the engraver to engrave an actual cut or etch in accordance with the set of predetermined setup parameters. Advantageously, an error detection and correction system is suitable for providing a closed-loop system for engraving a cylinder. The apparatus and method may be used during initial setup or during normal operation of the engraver. Other features include an autofocus routine to facilitate the auto-focus procedure. Also, image processing is further enhanced by gap filling, discontinuity removal, and light calibration methods which may be used alone, in combination with each other, or in combination with the automatic focus system and/or automatic shoe system. Other embodiments of the invention illustrate the use of a polarizing element to polarize reflected light, as well as light directed to a surface of the cylinder prior to reflection, and the use of a light emitting diode (LED) for illuminating the surface of the cylinder.

US Patent:

6362899, Mar 26, 2002

Filed:

Apr 6, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/055518

Inventors:

David L. Flannery - Englewood OH
Thomas P. Staub - Dayton OH
David R. Seitz - Vandalia OH

Assignee:

MDC Max Daetwyler AG

International Classification:

B41C 1045

US Classification:

358 19, 382192

Abstract:

An error detection apparatus and method for use with engravers, such as gravure engravers. An error value E corresponding to the difference between a set of predetermined setup parameters and actual measurement of a portion of an engraved area on the cylinder is determined. The error value E is then used to adjust the engraver to engrave an actual cut or etch in accordance with the set of predetermined setup parameters. The error detection and correction system is suitable for providing a closed-loop system for engraving a cylinder. The apparatus and method may be used during initial setup or during normal operation of the engraver. A method is disclosed comprising the steps of engraving ink receptive cells in the surface of a rotating gravure printing cylinder consisting of the steps of generating a cell width command signal comprising a series of cell width commands, engraving the cells by using the cell width command signal to urge an engraving stylus into periodic engraving contact with the surface, measuring actual widths of cells which have been engraved as aforesaid, and adjusting the cell width command signal in correspondence with differences between the actual widths and the cell width commands.

US Patent:

6525839, Feb 25, 2003

Filed:

Apr 2, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/285128

Inventors:

Tony D. Beckett - Dayton OH
Kenneth William Jackson - Dayton OH
David R. Seitz - Vandalia OH

Assignee:

MDC Max Daetwyler AG

International Classification:

B41C 1045

US Classification:

358 331, 409131

Abstract:

An engraving method and apparatus for engraving a cylinder for printing an intaglio pattern and/or non-intaglio pattern on a web of material. The engraver includes a driver for rotatably driving the cylinder and a computer for controlling the operation of the engraver and for generating an intaglio engraving signal corresponding to an intaglio pattern and a non-intaglio signal for a gravure pattern. The engraver also uses an engraving head for engraving the cylinder with the intaglio pattern and the gravure pattern during the rotation of the cylinder in response to the intaglio engraving signal and non-intaglio signal. The invention includes an intaglio engraved pattern and method for engraving engraved areas having bottoms which are generally planar.

US Patent:

20020135811, Sep 26, 2002

Filed:

Feb 7, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/778506

Inventors:

David Flannery - Dayton OH, US
Thomas Staub - Dayton OH, US
David Seitz - Dayton OH, US

International Classification:

G06K015/02
B41C001/02
B41C001/04
H04N001/40
B41C001/045

US Classification:

358/003290, 358/406000

Abstract:

An error detection apparatus and method for use with engravers, such as gravure engravers. An error value E corresponding to the difference between a set of predetermined setup parameters and actual measurement of a portion of an engraved area on the cylinder is determined. The error value E is then used to adjust the engraver to engrave an actual cut or etch in accordance with the set of predetermined setup parameters. The error detection and correction system is suitable for providing a closed-loop system for engraving a cylinder. The apparatus and method may be used during initial setup or during normal operation of the engraver. A method is disclosed comprising the steps of engraving ink receptive cells in the surface of a rotating gravure printing cylinder consisting of the steps of generating a cell width command signal comprising a series of cell width commands, engraving the cells by using the cell width command signal to urge an engraving stylus into periodic engraving contact with the surface, measuring actual widths of cells which have been engraved as aforesaid, and adjusting the cell width command signal in correspondence with differences between the actual widths and the cell width commands. In another embodiment of the invention, an improved measuring system and method for measuring an engraved area is provided, the improved system and method utilize a system and method for automatically or self-calibrating an image system to provide accurate measurements of engraved areas imaged. The system and method determine a calibration factor which is utilized by a processor which is applied to a pixel span associated with an imaged engraved area to provide a measurement of a dimension of the engraved area. The calibration factor is determined using a ratio of a pixel span between imaged engraved areas to a known distance between the engraved areas which, in turn, provides a dimension for a pixel in real units, such as microns. The calibration factor obtained may then be applied to pixel representations of engraved areas to provide actual measurements.

US Patent:

54384222, Aug 1, 1995

Filed:

Mar 26, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/038679

Inventors:

Paul L. Holowko - Spring Valley OH
David R. Seitz - Vandalia OH
Curtis Woods - Centerville OH

Assignee:

Ohio Electronic Engravers, Inc. - Dayton OH

International Classification:

B41C 102
G06F 1700

US Classification:

358299

Abstract:

An error detection apparatus and method for use with engravers, such as gravure engravers. An error value E corresponding to the difference between a set of predetermined setup parameters and actual measurement of a portion of an engraved area on the cylinder is determined. The error value E is then used to adjust the engraver to engrave an actual cut or etch in accordance with the set of predetermined setup parameters. Advantageously, an error detection and correction system is suitable for providing a closed-loop system for engraving a cylinder. The apparatus and method may be used during initial setup or during normal operation of the engraver.

US Patent:

RE359114, Sep 29, 1998

Filed:

Mar 28, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/828321

Inventors:

David R. Seitz - Vandalia OH
Juli Ann Stuve - Dayton OH

Assignee:

Ohio Electronic Engravers, Inc. - Dayton OH

International Classification:

B41C 102
G01C 1128

US Classification:

358299

Abstract:

A system and method relates to an ink volume determination for determining the amount of ink to be applied by the printer. The ink volume determination involves generating a composite cylinder layout of at least one image for the engraved cylinder, generating a set of data corresponding to the composite cylinder layout and then using the set of data to determine the volume of ink. The printer is then filled with a volume of ink related to this calculated ink volume during a printing process. The method of determining ink volume may be used independently of the printing process, for example, in order to control or manage the amount of ink used in the printing press.

US Patent:

54248469, Jun 13, 1995

Filed:

May 5, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/057327

Inventors:

Kenneth F. Bornhorst - Centerville OH
Robert D. Likins - Wilmington OH
Thomas J. Eichhorn - Dayton OH
David R. Seitz - Vandalia OH
Curtis Woods - Centerville OH

Assignee:

Ohio Electronic Engravers, Inc. - Dayton OH

International Classification:

H04N 123
B23B 1500
B23C 900
B23D 708

US Classification:

358299

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for automated loading and unloading of a cylinder in an engraver. The method and apparatus permit the engraver to accommodate cylinders of differing geometries, including a range of lengths, diameters and mounting configurations. The engraver includes a headstock and a tailstock which cooperate to rotatably support a cylinder at an engraving station in the engraver. The engraver includes a cylinder handling system having at least one cylinder supporting the cylinder between the headstock and the tailstock during the loading and unloading of the cylinder. The cylinder handling system includes a driver for driving the cylinder support towards and away from the engraving station until the headstock and the tailstock engage and rotatably support the cylinder. Once the cylinder is rotatably supported between the headstock and the tailstock, then the cylinder support is retracted. The cylinder support includes a telescoping support member having a support nest for engaging and supporting the cylinder at the engraving station.