U.S. patent application number 11/117389 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-02 for system and method for holding imaging plates and/or delivering imaging plates to an imaging system.
This patent application is currently assigned to ECRM Incorporated. Invention is credited to James A. Dougherty, Chang J. Yee.
Application Number | 20060244197 11/117389 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37233696 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060244197 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yee; Chang J. ; et
al. |
November 2, 2006 |
System and method for holding imaging plates and/or delivering
imaging plates to an imaging system
Abstract
A cassette tray for use with an imaging system includes a
plurality of sides that have a through slot, and a bottom surface
that includes a plurality of slots sized to receive a respective
plurality of plate stops capable of maneuvering within the
plurality of slots, and a second plurality of slots sized to
respectively receive a plurality of lift arms. A platform is
provided that includes a same plurality of sides as the cassette
tray, and a same first plurality of slots as the bottom surface
that are aligned with the first plurality of slots of the bottom
surface. The platform is positioned within the cassette tray to
contact the plurality of lift arms. A plurality of guide blocks,
extending outwardly from each of the plurality of sides of the
platform, are sized to fit in the through slots, to facilitate
movement of the platform within the cassette.
Inventors: |
Yee; Chang J.; (Stow,
MA) ; Dougherty; James A.; (Lowell, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOWARD J. GREENWALD P.C.
349 W. COMMERCIAL STREET SUITE 2490
EAST ROCHESTER
NY
14445-2408
US
|
Assignee: |
ECRM Incorporated
Tewksbury
MA
|
Family ID: |
37233696 |
Appl. No.: |
11/117389 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
271/145 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2405/312 20130101;
B65H 2511/10 20130101; B65H 2220/11 20130101; B65H 2220/04
20130101; B65H 2511/10 20130101; B65H 2405/1116 20130101; B65H 1/26
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
271/145 |
International
Class: |
B65H 1/00 20060101
B65H001/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a mobile cart assembly; a cassette
tray, adapted for use with the mobile cart assembly, comprising: a
plurality of sides, each side comprising a through slot; and a
bottom surface comprising: i) a first plurality of slots sized to
receive a respective plurality of plate stops capable of
maneuvering within the first plurality of slots, and ii) a second
plurality of slots sized to respectively receive a plurality of
lift arms; a platform comprising: i) a same plurality of sides as
the cassette tray, and ii) a same first plurality of slots as the
bottom surface that are aligned with the first plurality of slots
of the bottom surface; wherein the platform is positioned within
the cassette tray to contact the plurality of lift arms; and a
plurality of guide blocks, extending outwardly from each of the
plurality of sides of the platform, sized to fit in the through
slots, to facilitate movement of the platform within the cassette
tray.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first
door, contacting at least two of the plurality of sides, and
covering at least a portion of the platform.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first door
slides in a first direction and a second direction with respect to
the cart assembly to respectively expose and cover at least a
portion of the platform.
4. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a second
door, contacting at least one of the plurality of sides, covering
at least a portion of the platform.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second door
rotates about an axis in a first direction and a second direction
to respectively expose and cover at least a portion of the
platform.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first
door that rotates about an axis in a first direction and a second
direction to respectively expose and cover at least a portion of
the platform.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of rails that contact a first side of the platform to
facilitate insertion and removal of the cassette into and out of
the cart assembly.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a
plurality of detents contacting the first side of the platform.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of
detents facilitate positioning of the cassette cart with respect to
an imaging system.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of support bars that contact a first side of the
platform, wherein at least one of the plurality of guide blocks are
coupled to each of the plurality of support bars.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of support bars that contact a first side of the
platform, wherein each of the plurality of support bars comprise at
least one guide block.
12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a first side of the
platform has coupled thereto a plurality of support covers
respectively positioned to contact the plurality of lift arms.
13. A method, comprising: providing a cassette tray, adapted for
use with the mobile cart assembly, comprising: a plurality of
sides, each side comprising a through slot; and a bottom surface
comprising: i) a first plurality of slots sized to receive a
respective plurality of plate stops capable of maneuvering within
the plurality of slots, and ii) a second plurality of slots sized
to respectively receive a plurality of lift arms; providing a
platform comprising: i) a same plurality of sides as the cassette
tray, and ii) a same first plurality of slots as the bottom surface
that are aligned with the first plurality of slots of the bottom
surface; wherein the platform is positioned within the cassette
tray to contact the plurality of lift arms; and providing a
plurality of guide blocks, extending outwardly from each of the
plurality of sides of the platform, sized to fit in the through
slots, to facilitate movement of the platform within the
cassette.
14. An apparatus, comprising: a cassette tray, comprising: a
plurality of sides, each side comprising a through slot; and a
bottom surface comprising: i) a first plurality of slots sized to
receive a respective plurality of plate stops capable of
maneuvering within the first plurality of slots, and ii) a second
plurality of slots sized to respectively receive a plurality of
lift arms; a platform comprising: i) a same plurality of sides as
the cassette tray, and ii) a same first plurality of slots as the
bottom surface that are aligned with the first plurality of slots
of the bottom surface; wherein the platform is positioned within
the cassette tray to contact the plurality of lift arms; and a
plurality of guide blocks, extending outwardly from each of the
plurality of sides of the platform, sized to fit in the through
slots, to facilitate movement of the platform within the cassette
tray.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to systems and
methods for utilizing a cassette cart and tray used in connection
with, for example, Computer-to-Plate (CTP) imaging systems.
[0003] 2. Background Description
[0004] Automating the printing process in Computer-to-Plate (CTP)
imaging systems involves the alternating process of extracting
plate sheet material, and then interleaf sheet material, from a
material stack. Images are exposed on the plate sheet material, and
the interleaf sheet material is used to protect the imaging surface
of plate sheets from each other.
[0005] Interleaf sheets, though varying from manufacturer to
manufacturer in material characteristics such as smoothness,
porosity, and color, are generally paper-like with a thickness of
about 0.003 inches. Plate sheet material typically varies in
thickness from 0.005 inches to 0.014 inches.
[0006] Extracting the plate sheets and interleaf sheets manually is
labor intensive, but normally does not present other issues or
challenges. Plate sheets and/or interleaf sheets may be
automatically removed by using, for example, a "pick and drag
approach" that generally includes precise plate lifting at a
controlled rate and height, air blowing to create an air cushion
between the bottom of the plate and top of the slipsheet, static
brushes, and air ionization to help neutralize static. All these
events can vary in time and intensity depending on the plate
dimensions (length, width, and thickness) and/or the height needed
to lift and clear the inherent cassette containment wall depth.
[0007] Plate sheet cassettes typically hold approximately 60 plates
and slipsheets. If a plate is 0.012 inches thick and a slipsheet is
0.003 inches thick, this amounts to a relatively shallow depth to
overcome when picking up plates and slipsheets that are located
toward the bottom of the cassette. However, even within this
relatively shallow range of depth, the events can be numerous and
complex, as described above. I have determined that the "pick and
drag approach," for example, becomes even more challenging and less
reliable when plate sheets and interleaf sheets are extracted from
a deeper (higher capacity) cassette. I have determined, therefore,
that a system such as a cassette cart and tray that holds plate
sheets that can, for example, keep plate sheets at a constant
height as they are removed from the tray would facilitate removing
plate sheets and interleaf sheets from a cassette.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to
Computer-to-Plate (CTP) imaging systems and, more particularly, to
systems and methods for enabling the top of the plate/interleaf
stack height to remain relatively close to the opening of the
cassette tray to maintain or substantially maintain the same
pick-up mechanism lift height.
[0009] One or more embodiments of the present invention allow the
top of the plate sheet/interleaf sheet stack height to remain
relatively close to the opening of the cassette to minimize and
maintain the same or substantially the same pick-up mechanism lift
height. An entire stack of imaging plates and alternating interleaf
sheets are thus raised as they are removed from the top of the
cassette, to keep the top imaging plate within the stack at a same
or substantially same position as imaging plates are removed from
the stack. Embodiments of the present invention thus advantageously
simplify removing a plate sheet from a cassette, since successively
removed imaging plates will be at a same or substantially same
height, and will thus not have to be lifted increasing amounts to
clear cassette walls.
[0010] One or more embodiments of the present invention also
advantageously maintain the ability of the image cassette cart to
be separable from the lift mechanism and imaging system, while
retaining its light tight feature. Additional features include
provision for allowing for varying size plates/slipsheets,
detection of a presence quantity of imaging plates, and adjustment
capabilities.
[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus includes a
mobile cart assembly, and a cassette tray adapted for use with the
mobile cart assembly. The cassette tray includes a plurality of
sides, with each side having a through slot, and a bottom surface
that has a first plurality of slots sized to receive a respective
plurality of plate stops capable of maneuvering within the
plurality of slots, and a second plurality of slots sized to
respectively receive a plurality of lift arms.
[0012] In addition, the cassette has a platform that has a same
plurality of sides as the cassette tray, and a same first plurality
of slots as the bottom surface that are aligned with the first
plurality of slots of the bottom surface. The platform is
positioned within the cassette tray to contact the plurality of
lift arms. A plurality of guide blocks, extending outwardly from
each of the plurality of sides of the platform, sized to fit in the
through slots, facilitate movement of the platform within the
cassette tray.
[0013] The apparatus can also have a first door that contacts at
least two of the plurality of sides, and covers at least a portion
of the platform. The first door can slide in a first direction and
a second direction with respect to the cart assembly to
respectively expose and cover at least a portion of the
platform.
[0014] The apparatus can have a second door that contacts at least
one of the plurality of sides, and covers at least a portion of the
platform. The second door can rotate about an axis in a first
direction and a second direction to respectively expose and cover
at least a portion of the platform.
[0015] The cassette tray can have a plurality of rails that contact
a first side of the platform to facilitate insertion and removal of
the cassette tray into and out of the cart assembly. The cassette
tray can also have a plurality of detents that contact the first
side of the platform. The plurality of detents can be used to
facilitate positioning of the cassette cart with respect to an
imaging system.
[0016] The cassette tray can also have a plurality of support bars
that contact a first side of the platform. At least one of the
plurality of guide blocks can be coupled to each of the plurality
of support bars. In addition, a plurality of support bars can
contact a first side of the platform. Each of the plurality of
support bars can have at least one guide block. In addition, a
first side of the platform can have coupled or affixed thereto a
plurality of support covers respectively positioned to contact the
plurality of lift arms.
[0017] A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention includes providing a cassette tray, adapted for use with
the mobile cart assembly, that has a plurality of sides with
through slots, and a bottom surface that has a first plurality of
slots sized to receive a respective plurality of plate stops
capable of maneuvering within the plurality of slots, and a second
plurality of slots sized to respectively receive a plurality of
lift arms.
[0018] A platform is provided that has a same plurality of sides as
the cassette tray, and a same first plurality of slots as the
bottom surface that are aligned with the first plurality of slots
of the bottom surface. The platform is positioned within the
cassette tray to contact the plurality of lift arms.
[0019] A plurality of guide blocks, extending outwardly from each
of the plurality of sides of the platform, are provided that are
sized to fit in the through slots, to facilitate movement of the
platform within the cassette.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The Detailed Description including the description of
preferred structures as embodying features of embodiments of the
invention will be best understood when read in reference to the
accompanying figures wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a Computer-to-Plate (CTP)
imaging system, also showing an exemplary docking interface for a
imaging cassette cart.
[0022] FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of the imaging cassette cart
that is removed from the imaging system.
[0023] FIG. 2B shows an embodiment of the imaging cassette cart
that interfaces with the imaging system.
[0024] FIG. 3A shows an embodiment of the cassette in which slots
are provided in the bottom surface of the cassette to allow lift
mechanism arms to protrude therethrough.
[0025] FIG. 3B shows two tracks on a side of the bottom surface of
the cassette, which can be used to align the cassette within the
cart.
[0026] FIG. 4A shows an embodiment of the cart subassembly portion
of the imaging cassette cart.
[0027] FIG. 4B shows an embodiment of the cart subassembly portion
of the imaging cassette cart in which a fifth castor is
provided.
[0028] FIG. 5A shows an embodiment of a platform that can be raised
and lowered with the cassette.
[0029] FIG. 5B is an embodiment of the platform that has a
stiffener bar and supports.
[0030] FIG. 6A shows the imaging cassette cart with top doors in a
closed position.
[0031] FIG. 6B shows an embodiment of the imaging cassette cart in
which a door can be moved to an open position to allow user access
to the cassette.
[0032] FIG. 7A shows an embodiment of the imaging cassette cart in
which the cassette is accessed to load or unload plate sheets.
[0033] FIG. 7B shown an alternative view of the imaging cassette
cart.
[0034] FIG. 7C shows an embodiment of the cassette that has slots
within the side walls of the cassette.
[0035] FIG. 7D shows an embodiment of the cassette that has a plate
sheet on the platform.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0036] FIG. 1, generally at 100, is a perspective view of a
Computer-to-Plate (CTP) imaging system, also showing an exemplary
docking interface 102 for a imaging cassette cart, which is shown
in FIG. 2, generally at 200. Apparatus 104 can be used to remove
interleaf sheets (not shown) from plate sheets 106, remove plate
sheets 106 from interleaf sheets, and/or transport plate sheets 106
to input shelf 108. Apparatus 104 can use a "pick and drag"
approach to remove plate sheets 106 and any associated interleaf
sheets. When plate sheets 106 are received at input shelf 108,
imaging system 100 generally utilizes one or more lasers to perform
plate sheet 106 imaging in a standard manner.
[0037] FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of imaging cassette cart 200
that is removed from imaging system 100. FIG. 2B an embodiment of
imaging cassette cart 200 that interfaces with imaging system 100.
The sides of docking interface 102 mate with an inside portion of
imaging cassette cart 200 in a standard manner such as, for
example, described in connection with FIG. 3B.
[0038] FIG. 3A shows an embodiment of cassette 300 in which slots
302a-d are provided in bottom surface 303 of cassette 300 for lift
mechanism arms (not shown) to protrude through. application Ser.
No. ______, filed Apr. 25, 2005, entitled System and Method for
Positioning Imaging Plates Within a Cassette Tray, by inventor
Chang J. Yee, discloses exemplary lift mechanism arms, and is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0039] Lift mechanism arms are used to raise and lower platform 520
within cassette 300 as described, for example, in connection with
FIG. 5A. Cassette 300 can slide into and out of image cassette cart
200 and, in conjunction with platform 520 described in connection
with FIGS. 5A and 5B, be used to hold plate sheets 106 and any
associated interleaf sheets (not shown). Adjustable plate stops
304a-c are respectively shown in slots 306a-c to accommodate
various plate sheet 106 sizes. Plate stops 304a-c may also be moved
for use in conjunction with slots 306d-f. Abrasive (e.g., velcro)
surface strips 308a-c are shown along the inside of wall 310 to aid
in plate separation during the automated plate removal sequence.
For example, as a top plate sheet 106 is removed from a stack of
plate sheets, strips 308a-c can be used to hold in place plate
sheets below the top plate sheet that is to be removed, so that the
lower plate sheets are also not lifted from the stack. Wear strips
702a-c (shown in FIG. 7C) may be attached to wall 312 to reduce
wear from the upward sliding motion of a stack of plate sheets
106.
[0040] FIG. 3B shows the bottom side 303a of bottom surface 303 in
which two tracks 314a, 314b can be used to align cassette 300, a
member of imaging cassette cart 200, over docking interface 102.
For example, track 314a, 314b can be used to respectively mate with
rollers 110a, 110b and 110c, 110d shown in FIG. 1. Similarly, as
shown in FIG. 2A, tracks 314a, 314b can respectively mate with
guide rails 204a, 204b and 204c, 204d shown in FIG. 2A. Tracks
314a, 314b can be positioned substantially parallel to each other,
respectively along slots 302a, 302d and 302b, 302c. Detents 316a-b
(e.g., vee-block detents) allow for positive cassette 300 position
when cart 200 interfaces with imaging system 100 as shown, for
example, in FIG. 2B.
[0041] FIG. 4A shows an embodiment of subassembly portion 402 of
imaging cassette cart 200. Subassembly portion 402 includes handle
404, shelf 406, and castors 408a-d. Handle 404 and castors 408a-d
enable imaging cassette cart 200 to be moved (e.g., pushed and/or
pulled) to interface with CTP imaging system 100. Subassembly
portion 402 also includes sides 410a, 410b, which can be held
together by transverse member 412, transverse member 414, and
transverse member 418.
[0042] FIG. 4B shows an embodiment of subassembly portion 402 in
which a fifth castor 408e is provided. Castor 408e can be coupled
or attached to support shelf 416 to provide additional stability.
Shims 420a-d can respectively be provided, for example, to change
the overall height of cart subassembly 402 (and thus imaging
cassette cart 200) to allow proper positioning of imaging cassette
cart 200 relative to CTP imaging system 100.
[0043] In particular, shim 420d is positioned between side 410a and
L-shaped transverse member 418. The thickness of shim 420d can be
varied to raise or lower imaging cassette cart 200. Multiple shims
(not shown) of a same or varying thickness may also be used to
achieve desired height of imaging cassette cart 200. Of course,
shims do not need to be utilized if imaging cassette cart 200 is at
a desired height without them. Securing bracket 422d can be used to
secure shim 420d in place. Securing brackets 422a-c and shims
420a-c can be respectively configured in a same or similar manner
as shim 420d to achieve a desired height of imaging cassette cart
200.
[0044] FIG. 5A shows an embodiment of platform 520, which is placed
into cassette 300. Bottom surface 303 has slots 302a-d, whereas
platform 520 does not have slots 302a-d. Bottom surface 303 has
slots 302a-d so that lifting arms (not shown) can protrude through
slots 302a-d, and raise and lower platform 520 within cassette 300,
to keep plate sheets 106 at a same height as they are removed from
a stack of plate sheets 106 within cassette 300.
[0045] On platform 520, guide blocks 502a-d are located, for
example, at or near the center of each side of platform 520. Guide
blocks 502a-d can respectively slide inside through slots 704a,
704b shown in FIG. 7C (only two through slots 704a, 704b are shown
in FIG. 7C, although there would be one through slot on each side
of the four walls of cassette 300) to provide a path for platform
520 to move in. This allows the outer walls 504a-d of platform 520
to not make contact, or reduce contact, with the inner walls (e.g.
walls 310, 312) of cassette 300, thereby facilitating the raising
and lowering of platform 520 within cassette 300.
[0046] FIG. 5B is an embodiment of platform 520 in which support
bars 506a-c are provided. Additional or fewer support bars can also
be used, in the same and/or similar location as shown in FIG. 5B,
and/or in a different area(s) of bottom surface 303. Support bars
506a-c can be provided, for example, to minimize bending of
platform 520, and cassette 300 generally. In the embodiment of FIG.
5B, support bar 506a can include or can have associated therewith
guide blocks 502a and 502c. Similarly, support bar 506b can include
or have associated therewith guide block 502b. Likewise, support
bar 506c can include or have associated therewith guide block
502d.
[0047] Supports 508a-d can provide contact areas for lift mechanism
arms (one lift arm mechanism for each of supports 508a-d) to raise
and lower platform 520. Supports 508a-d can also serve to
distribute the plate sheet 106 load.
[0048] Platform 520 may also have a hole 510 that may be used to
detect whether a plate sheet 106 is on the top of the stack, an
interleaf sheet is on the top of the stack, or that nothing is on
platform 520. For example, a standard reflective-type sensor can be
placed on apparatus 104. The sensor can be positioned to detect or
"read" light reflected from a plate sheet 106 or interleaf sheet.
If a plate sheet 106 is on the top of the stack, a first signal
will be reflected back to the sensor. If an interleaf sheet is on
the top of the stack, a second type of signal will be reflected
back to the sensor. If neither a plate sheet 106 nor an interleaf
sheet is on platform 520, hole 510 will be exposed, thereby
providing a third signal to the sensor, indicating that nothing is
on platform 520.
[0049] FIG. 6A shows an embodiment of the imaging cassette cart 200
in which door 602 and door 604 are in a closed position. Door 602
can be, for example, a sliding door. Door 604 can be, for example,
a hinged door. Door 604 can pivot clockwise about axis 610, to
expose and provide access to a portion of platform 520. Door 604
can rest on shelf 406 when platform 520 is exposed. At the leading
edge 606 of door 602, an identifier assembly 612 using standard
sensor technology can be provided that can be used to identify
different sizes and/or types of plate sheets 106 for CTP imaging
system 106. Within the identifier assembly 612, a plurality of
white stripes can be read by a sensor to determine the model of
cassette 300. For example, the three white stripes can yield a
total of eight (2.sup.3=8) possible types of cassettes 300. Of
course, fewer or more white stripes can be used (e.g., 2 white
stripes would yield a possibility of four different cassettes 300,
and 4 white stripes would yield a possibility of 16 different
cassettes 300). By knowing the type/model of cassette 300, a
control system used in conjunction with system 100 can know, for
example, the maximum distance of platform 520 to the top of
cassette 300, and other mechanical characteristics and/or
relationships of cassette 300 that may be used to facilitate
operation thereof. Doors 602, 604, in combination with supports
508a-d and cassette 300 walls, provide a substantially light tight
enclosure for image plates 106 within cassette 300.
[0050] FIG. 6B shows an embodiment of imaging cassette cart 200
which door 602 is slid in the direction of arrow 608, thereby
exposing a portion of platform 520. Door 602 can be slid over and
contained by door 604 when door 604 is in a position as shown in
FIG. 6A.
[0051] FIG. 7A shows an embodiment of imaging cassette cart 200 in
which door 602 and door 604 are displaced to expose platform 520.
Plate sheets 106 (not shown) can be placed in cassette 300.
Adjustable plate stops 304a-c can be adjusted to accommodate
various sides of plate sheets 106. FIG. 7B shows an alternative
view of imaging cassette cart 200 with platform 520.
[0052] FIG. 7C shows an embodiment of imaging cassette cart 200
that has a through slots 704a, 704b respectively within walls 312,
310. Through slots 704a, 704b allow platform 520 to move up and
down within cassette 300. In particular, each of the slots (e.g.,
704a, 704b) receive one of guide blocks 502a-d, as discussed in
connection with FIG. 5A. The "MAX" fill label determines the
maximum plate stack 106 (not shown) fill height.
[0053] FIG. 7D shows an embodiment of imaging cassette cart 200
showing plate sheet 106 on platform 520, with platform 520 in a
substantially raised position within cassette 300. Plate stops
304a-c are positioned such that they are nominally spaced away from
plate sheets 106. A nominal spacing will generally hold plate
sheets 106 in place, and also minimize or eliminate friction
between plate sheets 106 and plate stops 304a-c when plate sheets
106 are removed from cassette 300 by apparatus 104.
[0054] The many features and advantages of the invention are
apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended
by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of
the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations
will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within
the scope of the invention. While the foregoing invention has been
described in detail by way of illustration and example of preferred
embodiments, numerous modifications, substitutions, and alterations
are possible without departing from the scope of the invention
defined in the following claims.
* * * * *