Abstract: The present invention is directed to a variable density inking apparatus for use in a lithographic press, letter press, flexographic system or the like. The apparatus includes an anilox roll, means for feeding metered quantities of ink to the anilox roll surface, and a printing roll. A form roll is in peripheral engagement with the anilox roll and in ink delivering relation to the printing roll or to a further form roll. A characterizing feature of the invention lies in the provision of means for driving the form roll and anilox roll in the same direction while permitting relative speed variations in peripheral speed between the noted rolls in a ratio of from 1:1 to about 3:1 in either sense, thereby to enable an infinite variation in printing density.

Abstract: Offset, rotary newspaper printing press systems, particularly a method of enhancing inking of the plate cylinder. The method includes defining a plurality of ink repository cells within the surface of an inking cylinder, immersing the repository cells within an ink reservoir, scraping excess ink from the surface of the inking cylinder and rotating the inking cylinder and ink-filled cells against the surfaces of a pair of form rollers, contacting the plate cylinder. Modifications of invention include rotating the watering cylinders against one of the form rollers of the pair or rotating the watering cylinder against a form cylinder which independently controls the plate cylinder.

Abstract: Letterset, rotary newspaper printing press systems, particularly a method of enhancing inking of the plate cylinder. The method includes defining a plurality of ink repository cells within the surface of the inking cylinder, immersing the repository cells within an ink reservoir, scraping excess ink from the surface of the plate cylinder and rotating the inking cylinder and ink-filled cells against the plate form roller or directly against the surface of the plate cylinder. Modifications of invention include increasing the amount of ink deposited on the plate cylinder by reducing the number of ink cells per lineal inch and reducing the amount of ink deposited on the plate cylinder by increasing the amount of ink repository cells per lineal inch.

Abstract: Rotary printing presses of the type embodying rotatably driven series of inking cylinder, plate cylinder and impression cylinder components. Particularly, a mechanism for "bumping" the impression cylinder shaft with respect to the plate cylinder for press adjustment or repair and web adjustment without dismantling of the press. The "bumping" mechanism includes eccentric bushing plates supporting the impression cylinder shaft at either end and a pivotally mounted bell crank with a follower strut pivotally secured to the bushing plate. As the bell crank is pivoted, the impression cylinder shaft is "bumped" or displaced with respect to the plate cylinder.

Abstract: A baffle for use in rotary newspaper printing press ink reservoirs. In such ink reservoirs the inking cylinder, while rotating at high speed contacts ink within the reservoir. Conventionally, the high speed rotation of the inking cylinder creates vibrations and turbulence in the ink, such that air is forced between the rotating surface of the inking cylinder and the printing ink, causing bubbles and non-uniform inking of the ink cylinder. The present system includes a series of baffles positioned within the ink reservoir so as to inhibit turbulence and enhance the flow of ink onto the surface of the rotating cylinder.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for webs continuously moving along a path wherein a printing head is cyclically displaced along a further path which includes a portion extending substantially along the web path, the printing head engaging the web against a displaceable back-up member while traversing said portion of its path, the print head being spaced from the web path during the remaining portion of each cycle. Apparatus is provided for selectively adjusting the velocity of the print head while in engagement with the web and back-up member so that the print head and web are moving at substantially the same velocity. The print head may be a heated die, in which case a heat-released pigment bearing strip is incrementally advanced to the region intermediate the print head and web when the print head is spaced from the web and is engaged against the web by the heated die when the print head engages the web.

Abstract: An improved high speed in-line inserting method and apparatus which allows a modular construction and greater simplicity due to reliance on mechanical supporting and gripping procedures. Folded newspapers or other signatures are carried rectilinearly along an endless belt and supported within a pivotable frame and affixed frame. The pivotable frame and the fixed frame are provided on their distal ends with mechanical cam actuated gripping means to positively open a newspaper which includes a folded lap on its top half so that an insert may be impelled into a forwarded and upwardly opening pocket. The thusly formed composite newspaper is then advantageously discharged onto a self shingling endless belt below the first endless carrier belt. Inserts for impelling into the signature or folded newspaper are advantageously disclosed to be fed from a feeder hopper which includes a vibrating end plate and a bottommost feed through a suction pick-up and nipper rolling procedure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for inserting a bundle of newspaper inserts into a hopper station, particularly a method and apparatus for advancing a newspaper bundle into a position of support vertically above the hopper station, sensing the number of newspaper inserts within the bottom of the hopper and as the number of inserts approaches a critical low, dropping the newspaper bundle from the position of support downwardly into the hopper. The apparatus includes a newspaper insert level sensing means in the bottom of the hopper and a shovel platform reciprocably positioned above the hopper together with a guide, so as to support, then drop the bundle into the hopper.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for high speed in-line paper inserting, primarily for insertion of supplements and the like into newspapers, wherein newspaper jackets and inserts are advanced and manipulated in a straight line motion. The system includes means for rectilinearly conveying a folded newspaper jacket and placement thereof in a pocket, where the jacket is opened by an edge gripping mechanism, and an insert is impelled into the so opened jacket at a higher speed than that of the advancing jacket, the jacket then being released by the gripping mechanism to close with the insert therein, and the assembled newspaper, including insert, is then removed from the jacket for further conveying and processing. The insert pick-up station being of an improved advanced design to so improve pick-up and advancement of the insert.

Abstract: A machine for dispensing a single newspaper, magazine or the like from the top of the stack which includes a novel horizontally movable stripper assembly which allows dispensing of a single folded article in both a horizontal travel from left to right and the return travel from right to left. The folded articles, such as newspapers or magazines, are partially overlapped symmetrically about a vertical plane of symmetry and urged upwards against the horizontally traveling stripper assembly by a resilient platform. This dispenser has particular utility as a vending device where a single article only, such as a newspaper or magazine, will be dispensed upon selective operation of the horizontally movable stripper assembly in either direction of complete travel.