Ryan W Vest

US Patent:

7232649, Jun 19, 2007

Filed:

May 23, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/439026

Inventors:

Ryan Vest - Cumming GA, US

International Classification:

G03F 7/095
G03F 7/34

US Classification:

430306, 4302701, 4302731, 430302, 430309, 430435, 430494, 430944, 430945

Abstract:

An improved method of manufacturing a photosensitive printing element that minimizes relief variation and improves image fidelity. The method involves a step of pre-curing the first (floor layer) of photocurable material prior to depositing an additional layer or layers of photocurable material that may be imaged and developed to produce a desired relief image on the surface of the photosensitive printing element. The photosensitive printing element is then thermally developed by contacting the photosensitive printing element with at least one roll that is capable of moving over at least a portion of the imaged surface of the flexographic printing element to remove the softened or melted non-crosslinked photopolymer. Non-crosslinked photopolymer on the imaged and exposed surface of the flexographic printing element can be softened or melted by positioning a heater adjacent to the imaged surface of the flexographic printing element and/or heating the at least one roll that contactable with the imaged surface of the flexographic printing element.

US Patent:

7237482, Jul 3, 2007

Filed:

Feb 10, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/055196

Inventors:

Ryan Vest - Cumming GA, US
Gary T. Markhart - Carlsbad CA, US

International Classification:

G03F 7/34

US Classification:

1014011, 1011284, 101430, 430300, 430306, 427510

Abstract:

An improved flexo processor and a method of using the improved flexo processor to increase the flexibility of both the type and the size of the flexographic printing element that may be processed. The novel thermal plate processor system is capable of processing both flat and round photosensitive printing elements with only minimal changes to the system. The thermal plate processor system may also include means for exposure and post-exposure/detack in the same system.

US Patent:

7247344, Jul 24, 2007

Filed:

Nov 16, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/990087

Inventors:

Timothy Gotsick - Acworth GA, US
Ryan Vest - Cumming GA, US

International Classification:

B05D 1/28

US Classification:

427144, 427177, 427314, 427402, 427429, 1014011, 118 60, 118264

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to a method and an apparatus for applying a surface treatment composition to a photosensitive printing element during thermal processing. A photosensitive printing element is contacted with a web of absorbent material that is capable of absorbing material that is melted or softened from an imaged and exposed surface of a photosensitive printing element. The web of absorbent material is coated with a surface treatment composition to transfer the surface treatment composition from the web of absorbent material to the imaged and exposed surface of the photosensitive printing element. Applying the surface treatment composition during thermal processing provides for more complete and more uniform coverage of the surface treatment composition on the photosensitive printing element.

US Patent:

7318994, Jan 15, 2008

Filed:

Oct 14, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/965315

Inventors:

Donald Long - Douglasville GA, US
Ryan Vest - Cumming GA, US

International Classification:

G03F 7/00

US Classification:

430302, 430306, 430309, 430138, 4302811, 430434, 430494, 101395, 101378, 1013821, 1014013

Abstract:

The present invention relates to an improved compressible flexographic printing plate that uses a compressible layer comprising a polyurethane (meth)acrylate resin and microspheres. The process of the invention produces a chemically fused printing plate that eliminates the need for an adhesive to secure the compressible layer to the back of the printing plate.

US Patent:

7736836, Jun 15, 2010

Filed:

Sep 22, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/946937

Inventors:

Jonghan Choi - Smyrna GA, US
Ryan Vest - Cumming GA, US

International Classification:

G03C 1/00
G03F 7/00
G03F 7/26

US Classification:

4302701, 4302731, 430302

Abstract:

The present invention relates to an improved slip film composition for use in manufacturing flexographic printing plates. The improved slip film composition of the invention comprises one or more solvents, one or more polymeric binders, a layered silicate, and optionally, a surfactant. The use of the layered silicate as a filler in the slip film composition produces an slip film composition with improved release properties and improved imaging. The slip film of the invention can be used with flexographic printing plates that are solvent developed or thermally developed.

US Patent:

7947427, May 24, 2011

Filed:

May 21, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/469721

Inventors:

Laurie A. Bryant - Douglasville GA, US
Jonghan Choi - Smyrna GA, US
Ryan Vest - Cumming GA, US

International Classification:

G03F 7/00
G03F 7/26

US Classification:

430306, 4302731, 430329, 430138, 705 7

Abstract:

A relief image printing element with an integral imageable printing surface and a method of preparing the relief image printing element are described. The relief image printing element comprises a dimensionally stable base layer; a floor layer comprised of a cured polymer selected from the group consisting of photopolymers, and polymers with a resilience of at least 40% when cured; and at least one layer of an imageable material. Most preferably, the floor layer created by curing the layer through the top of the printing element by face exposure. The printing element may also contain a compressible layer between the base layer and the floor layer.

US Patent:

8071269, Dec 6, 2011

Filed:

Nov 20, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/986074

Inventors:

Donald Long - Douglasville GA, US
Ryan Vest - Cumming GA, US

International Classification:

G03C 1/72
G03C 1/00

US Classification:

4302701, 430138

Abstract:

The present invention relates to an improved compressible flexographic printing plate that uses a compressible layer comprising a polyurethane (meth)acrylate resin and microspheres. The process of the invention produces a chemically fused printing plate that eliminates the need for an adhesive to secure the compressible layer to the back of the printing plate.

US Patent:

8476000, Jul 2, 2013

Filed:

Jun 4, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/794238

Inventors:

Ryan Vest - Cumming GA, US
Deborah Johnson - Powder Springs GA, US

International Classification:

G03F 7/26

US Classification:

430322

Abstract:

A method of producing a relief image from a liquid photopolymerizable resin, said method comprising the steps of: a) placing a coverfilm onto an exposure glass; b) casting a liquid photopolymerizable resin layer onto the coverfilm; c) laminating a substrate to a backside of the liquid photopolymerizable resin layer as the liquid photopolymerizable resin layer is being cast onto the coverfilm; d) placing an image or film negative on top of the substrate; and e) exposing the liquid photopolymerizable resin layer through the image or film negative from the backside of the liquid photopolymerizable resin layer to selectively crosslink and cure the photopolymerizable resin layer and form a cured relief image, wherein said depth of the cured relief image is less than the height of the cast liquid photopolymerizable resin.