Abstract: A load driving device including a semiconductor switch arranged in a current path extending from a power supply to a load. A control circuit controls activation and deactivation of the semiconductor switch. The control circuit deactivates the semiconductor switch when it is determined that overcurrent is flowing through the current path. A current detector detects current that is flowing through the current path. The control circuit determines that overcurrent is flowing when the current detector continuously detects current that is greater than a threshold value over a predetermined detection time. The detection time is set to be shorter than the time from when the current in the current path exceeds the threshold value to when an increase in resistance value of the semiconductor switch resulting from heat generated by the current lowers the current to the threshold value.

Abstract: A gravure printing method is provided for printing characters or patterns with desired colors and tones on a base material with a printing drum set with 200 to 400 mesh lines and the depth in the range from 10 to 17&mgr;. The ink may be process color of aquatic gravure ink in which coloring materials for indigo blue, red, yellow, black, and white colors are printed once or repeatedly in the overlaid state or specially toned inks. Another aspect of the invention provides an ink pan structure and arrangement for a gravure printing machines using aquatic or oil gravure ink. The ink pan structure has an ink pool sized for only a furnisher roll to be dipped therein and a cooperating printing drum is always maintained outside the ink pool. A furnisher roller unit and arrangement for a gravure printing machine is also provided. The unit may include a plurality of furnisher rollers. A doctor knife unit and arrangement for a gravure printing machine is also provided. The unit may include a plurality of doctor knives.

Abstract: A gravure printing method is provided for printing characters or patterns with desired colors and tones on a base material with a printing drum set with 200 to 400 mesh lines and the depth in the range from 10 to 17&mgr;. The ink may be process color of aquatic gravure ink in which coloring materials for indigo blue, red, yellow, black, and white colors are printed once or repeatedly in the overlaid state or specially toned inks. Another aspect of the invention provides an ink pan structure and arrangement for a gravure printing machines using aquatic or oil gravure ink. The ink pan structure has an ink pool sized for only a furnisher roll to be dipped therein and a cooperating printing drum is always maintained outside the ink pool. A furnisher roller unit and arrangement for a gravure printing machine is also provided. The unit may include a plurality of furnisher rollers. A doctor knife unit and arrangement for a gravure printing machine is also provided. The unit may include a plurality of doctor knives.

Abstract: A gravure printing method is provided for printing characters or patterns with desired colors and tones on a base material with a printing drum set with 200 to 400 mesh lines and the depth in the range from 10 to 17&mgr;. The ink may be process color of aquatic gravure ink in which coloring materials for indigo blue, red, yellow, black, and white colors are printed once or repeatedly in the overlaid state or specially toned inks. Another aspect of the invention provides an ink pan structure and arrangement for a gravure printing machines using aquatic or oil gravure ink. The ink pan structure has an ink pool sized for only a furnisher roll to be dipped therein and a cooperating printing drum is always maintained outside the ink pool. A furnisher roller unit and arrangement for a gravure printing machine is also provided. The unit may include a plurality of furnisher rollers. A doctor knife unit and arrangement for a gravure printing machine is also provided. The unit may include a plurality of doctor knives.

Abstract: A gravure printing plate is formed by a plurality of concave portions called "cells", arranged in vertical and lateral directions, four sides of each generally square cell being surrounded by walls. A "cell group" is formed of one core cell and four sets of paired cells adjacent to each other arranged to surround the core cell. A notched portion is formed in either one of two intersections of a wall and another wall intersecting therewith on the wall separating the paired cells. The positions of the notched portion is selected to be in point symmetry about the core cell. The direction of flow of a quick-drying ink, during use with the gravure printing plate, becomes random in the vertical and lateral directions in the cell group due to the notched portions, hence mottling of the ink can be prevented.