Cutting – Processes – Cutting wall of hollow work
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-19
2001-01-16
Rachuba, M. (Department: 3724)
Cutting
Processes
Cutting wall of hollow work
C083S023000, C083S078000, C083S109000, C083S167000, C083S560000, C083S948000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173634
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is in the field of imaging systems. More particularly, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for the collection and removal of pieces of recording media, hereinafter referred to as “chaff,” punched out by the side punches of an imaging system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In many imaging systems, such as imagesetters or platesetters, a movable optical carriage is used to displace a laser system or other imaging source in a slow scan direction along an internal drum to expose a supply of recording media supported on the drum. Generally, the imaging source includes a beam deflection assembly, comprising a deflector element (e.g., a mirror) and a spin motor for rotating the deflector element to deflect an imaging beam generated by a radiation source across the recording media. Such an imaging system is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,739, assigned to Agfa Corporation, incorporated herein by reference.
As known in the art, imaging systems are commonly equipped with internal punches that are configured to punch a predetermined set of registration openings (e.g., holes, notches, etc.), into the recording media being imaged. Advantageously, by registering the recorded image to the set of holes in the recording media, accurate registration throughout the prepress process can be achieved. A virtually limitless number of positions, types, and configurations of punches are possible in imaging systems due, for example, to the availability of a large number of different types of punches, registration systems, and printing presses, as well as the use of a wide variety of sizes of recording media, etc.
If steps are not taken to immediately collect the chaff produced by the punches, the chaff may accumulate within, or be blown around, the interior of the imaging system. The chaff, if uncollected, may be deposited onto the recording media prior to, or during, imaging, thereby adversely affecting imaging quality and accuracy. The chaff may also foul various subsystems within the imaging system, or may cause other problems in the imaging system. Accordingly, chaff collection systems have been developed and used to collect and remove the chaff generated by the punches of imaging systems. Unfortunately, currently available chaff collection systems that are designed to accommodate a multitude of different punch positions and punch types are incapable of effectively collecting and capturing the chaff produced by the punches. For example, chaff collection systems have employed large open trays to accommodate all potential punch positions. While the chaff is usually initially captured within such trays, the chaff is often blown out of the open trays into the imaging system by streams of air produced by the vacuum systems, fans, etc., of the imaging system, thereby defeating the intended purpose of the chaff collection system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the effective collection and removal of chaff from an internal drum imaging system. The present invention further provides a chaff collection apparatus capable of accommodating a large number of punch positions and types of punches, and permanently capturing the chaff produced by the punches of an imaging system.
The chaff collection apparatus according to the present invention comprises an arcuately shaped chaff tray that conforms to the curvature of the cylindrical imaging surface of the internal drum. The chaff tray is coupled in any suitable manner to the side of the internal drum below the side punches.
The chaff tray includes a cover comprising a plurality of evenly spaced frangible sections, hereinafter referred to as “fingers.” Prior to, or after, coupling the chaff tray to the side of the internal drum, a specific set of the fingers is removed from the cover according to the locations of the side punches on the internal drum. In this manner, only the portions of the cover below the side punches are open to the interior of the chaff tray. The chaff produced by each punch passes into the chaff tray through a respective opening in the cover, and is captured within the chaff tray. Advantageously, areas of the cover of the chaff tray that are not located below the side punches are covered by the remaining frangible fingers, thereby preventing chaff from escaping the chaff tray.
Generally, the chaff collection apparatus of the present invention comprises:
a system for collecting chaff produced by at least one punch, the chaff collection system including a chaff tray and a cover formed by a plurality of removable fingers.
The present invention additionally provides a method for collecting chaff produced by at least one punch, comprising:
providing a chaff tray having a cover formed by a plurality of removable fingers; and
selectively removing a specific set of the removable fingers from the cover according to a location of each punch, thereby forming a respective opening in the cover for the collection of chaff produced by each punch.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4509397 (1985-04-01), Mori et al.
patent: 5638730 (1997-06-01), Karlis
patent: 5655452 (1997-08-01), Blake et al.
patent: 5709139 (1998-01-01), Shimizu et al.
patent: 5842397 (1998-12-01), Shimizu et al.
patent: 5953807 (1999-09-01), Garland
patent: 5996206 (1999-12-01), Lynch et al.
Lynch Richard J.
Waterman James D.
Agfa Corporation
Merecki John A.
Pryor Sean
Rachuba M.
Sabourin Robert A.
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