Abstract: In a printing press wherein wetting water is supplied to a platen roller thereof through a group of rollers including a water feed roller immersed in a body of water, an adjusting roller, a transfer roller and a water supply roller in contact with the platen roller, the water supply roller is positioned remote from an inking roller. The transfer roller is rotated at a peripheral speed of 1.5 times to twice of that of the water feed roller.

Abstract: A liquid transport mechanism for use particularly in transporting and evenly distributing printing ink in a rotary printing machine is disclosed. A plurality of generally cone shaped ink transport rollers are placed about the periphery of one or more ink relief equalizing cylinders. The axes of rotation of the rollers are angled with respect to the axes of rotation of the ink relief equalizing cylinders. The covered surfaces of the rollers, which are disposed generally in pairs, contact the surface of the ink cylinders to form ink bridges which split the ink coating on the cylinders and cross transport it longitudinally along the length of each of the ink relief equalizing cylinders. The ink metering unit in accordance with the present invention uniformly and rapidly equalizes ink thickness without the need for ink zone adjusting screws and doctor blades.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of and a device for the weighted measurement of quantities of liquid per unit area and/or the relative quantities of a liquid per unit area by means of an acoustic sensor. More particularly, the method permits the measurement of quantities of liquid and/or relative quantities of a liquid per unit area at the outlet of a nip formed by two rollers completely or partially covered by the liquid and/or liquid mixture concerned, the rollers rolling one upon the other and the layer of liquid in the nip being split at the nip outlet. Splitting of the layer of liquid occurs particularly in printing machines and glue applying machines, to which the invention can accordingly be applied.

Abstract: In a rotary printing machine, an arrangement for mounting an applicator roller and a preceding roller in a fluid feed stream journals the applicator roller and the preceding roller to the printing machine frame with substantial bearing play, and spring loads the applicator roller against the bearing surface away from the plate cylinder.On passing through the cylinder gap the applicator rollers of inking, damping or varnishing units in sheet-fed offset presses are jolted both at the start and end of the gap. The resulting different flattening of the soft applicator rollers causes roller marks, which should be avoided. For this purpose the applicator roller and the preceding roller are braced against each other by springs, so that their bearing play is eliminated and the distance between shafts is constant. This condition is also maintained on passage through the gap. Conveyance of liquid between applicator rollers and the preceding rollers is thus constant.

Abstract: Device for ink profile-dependent regulation of dampening solution in an offset printing unit having an inking-dampening unit which, over the width of a type form, supplies a dampening solution film of substantially uniform thickness to the plate cylinder and to the inking part of the inking-dampening unit, including a hydrophilic measuring roller in contact with one of a plurality of inking unit rollers; a measuring device disposed in vicinity of the measuring roller for determining extent of wetting of an outer cylindrical surface of the measuring roller section-by-section over the entire width of the measuring roller and for transmitting corresponding signals; means for varying the proportion of the dampening solution in the ink film section-by-section; and a control stage for converting the signals from the measuring device into adjustment commands and applying them to the proportion varying means for varying section-by-section the proportion of dampening solution in the ink film.

Abstract: A device for adjusting ink or moisture-application rolls to a feeding roll and a printing cylinder in a printing machine, which includes two eccentrics positioned on the shaft of the feeding roll and provided with radially extended rods pivotally connected to the piston rods of pneumatic working cylinders and two pivotable double-arm levers centrally positioned on the respective eccentrics and connected with their upper arms to the ink or moisture application rolls. Adjustment of the ink or moisture application rolls to the feeding roll is effected upon actuation of the working cylinder and rotation of the eccentrics and adjustment of the ink or moisture application rolls relative to the printing cylinder is effected upon the pivoting movement of the double-arm levers.

Abstract: A device for ink profile-dependent regulation of dampening medium in an offset printing unit having an inking-dampening unit which, over the width of a type forme, supplies a dampening medium film of substantially uniform thickness to a plate cylinder and to an inking part of the inking-dampening unit includes a hydrophilic measuring roller, measuring means adjacent the measuring roller for determining extent of wetting of an outer cylindrical surface of the measuring roller section-by-section over the width of the measuring roller and for transmitting corresponding signals, means for varying the proportion of dampening medium in the ink film section-by-section, control means for converting the signals from the measuring means into adjustment commands and applying them to the proportion varying means for varying the proportion of dampening solution in the ink film section, the hydrophilic measuring roller being in cooperative engagement with a rubber-covered ink roller, the control means being actuatable in a

Abstract: A moistening system for a printing machine, which can be suitable for application to a printing roller either of a wetting agent or alcohol, comprises a fountain roller partially immersed in a reservoir containing an agent to be applied to the printing roller, a slip roller in contact with the fountain roller, a rubbing cylinder rotated with the speed of the printing machine and applying the agent to the impression roller through distributing rollers, and a vibrating roller interpositioned between the rubbing roller and the slip roller to transmit the agent from the slip roller to the rubbing roller. The slip roller is connected to the rubbing roller so that they rotate with the same velocity.

Abstract: A fluid supply system for a lithographic printing press in which a fountain roller journalled in the frame of the press and driven at a slow speed is partially submerged so that a film of fluid is formed on its surface. A distributor roller is journalled in the frame parallel to the fountain roller and spaced therefrom to form a gap. A ductor roller movable broadwise in the gap is supported by a pair of arms which are, in turn, rigidly supported by a shaft journalled in the frame. A driving arm having a thrust rod connected thereto is rigidly secured to the shaft. The driving arm is coupled to a cam follower which engages a rotary cam so that upon rotation of the cam the shaft oscillates to swing the ductor roller back and forth for successive engagement of the fountain roller and the distributor roller to convey fluid therebetween. Opposed way surfaces are provided at the ends of the arms oriented generally perpendicular to the plane of the arms.

Abstract: The mounting hardware for the attachment of a water unit to a printing press includes two mounting members attached on opposite sides of the revolving plate cylinder of the printing press. The water unit is mounted on the top surfaces of the front ends of the mounting members and is positioned over the plate cylinder. The top surfaces of the back ends of the mounting members are raised in comparison to the front ends and can support a transparent shield which extends rearwardly of the back ends. A rod interconnects the two mounting members at their back ends and serves to hingeably support the water unit. Two inking unit brackets attach to opposite sides of the printing press slightly back of and below the back ends of the mounting members and extend rearwardly in an inverted L-shape to support the inking unit of the printing press.

Abstract: Wetting device and method with water-alcohol mixture in offset printing, wherein three rollers 4,5,6 are provided as associated with the plate holder cylinder 1, the inking roller unit and the vibrating unit 2, of which the solution is supplied on the first resilient roller 4, the second of which 5 is a hydrophile chromium plated roller acting as a transfer roller and the third of which 6, similarly resilient and separable from the first other two rollers 4,5 performs the function of solution metering roller directly on at least one vibrating roller 7, as well as on the vibrating battery 2, the solution being then transferred to the plate on the cylinder 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dampening apparatus for lithographic offset printing presses. A form roller having an ink receptive compressible surface is pressed against a plate on the plate cylinder, and a metering means lying parallel and tangent to the form roller having a relatively incompressible ink receptive surface is pressed against the form roller. A reservoir of dampening solution is maintained above the nip of the form roller and metering roller, and is automatically maintained. Rotation of the form roller results in a metered quantity of solution being fed to the form roller, a portion of that quantity being applied to the lithographic plate, and the excess of that quantity being returned to the supply.

Abstract: An inking unit for use in a rotary printing machine is disclosed. A plurality of endless belts are placed side by side along the surface of a driving roller. These belts transport a liquid medium such as printing ink or damping fluid along the surface of a covering of a cylinder in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. The liquid medium is transported by the belts from a position of excess ink to a position of less ink thereby ensuring a uniform distribution of the liquid along the surface of the roller.

Abstract: An inker for a lithographic printing press in which ink and dampening fluid are applied to the printing plate by a resilient applicator roller. A resilient ink metering member having a flat metering surface is mounted on a support member which is movable to adjust the angle of intersection of the metering surface relative to a plane tangent to the roller surface. A doctor blade is mounted to remove dampening fluid from the roller surface and is actuated to an operative position upon actuation of the dampener to apply dampening fluid to the applicator roller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to ink and dampen a lithographic printing plate wherein one or more of four disclosed embodiments of a dampening fluid evaporator device directs a continuous stream of air or other drying fluid along the length of a single resilient inking form roller (22) to remove dampening fluid from the roller (22) while leaving substantially dry ink on the roller surface.

Abstract: Dampening-inking unit for offset printing machines for forming and feeding an ink-water emulsion to a plate cylinder including a first and a second distributor roller, two inking rollers disposed between the first and second distributor rollers and connected to one another by an intermediate roller, the first distributor roller being a dampening-medium distributor roller in contact with one of the two inking rollers at a given contact location, means for driving the dampening-medium distributor roller, a fountain roller dipping into a dampening-medium tank, and a metering roller engageable with the fountain roller, the metering roller being also engageable with the one of the two inking rollers at a given contact location, the contact location of the metering roller and the one inking roller being upstream of the contact location of the dampening-medium distributor roller and the one inking roller, as viewed in direction of rotation of the one inking roller, the dampening-medium distributor roller having a ro

Abstract: An inking apparatus including a first vibrator roller to which ink is intermittently transferred by a ductor roller from an ink fountain, a pair of second vibrator rollers held in contact with a plurality of ink form rollers held against a plate cylinder, a third vibrator roller, a first distributor roller held in contact with the first and third vibrator rollers, three second distributor rollers disposed in peripheral contact between the second vibrator rollers, a third distributor roller held in contact with a central one of the three second distributor rollers and the third vibrator roller, a fourth vibrator roller held in contact with one of the second distributor rollers which is located upstream of the central one thereof with respect to the direction of rotation of the plate cylinder, and a fourth distributor roller held in contact with the third vibrator roller and the fourth vibrator roller.

Abstract: To provide a compact drive arrangement for a plurality of axially oscillating or reciprocating milling rollers (11, 12, 13) used in inkers and/or dampers of rotary printing machines, a central gear (16) is provided, driven from the plate cylinder (5) of the printing system, and wide enough to permit axial excursion of meshing gears (11', 12', 13') coupled to the respective milling rollers, and engaged with the central gear.

Abstract: To permit, selectively, lithographic printing, flexo printing, or direct lithographic printing on a printing machine with the same direction of rotation of the respective cylinders, a liquid application system (11) including a liquid application roller (15) is selectively positionable for engagement either with a plate cylinder (4, 5) of a lithographic system, the rubber blanket cylinder (2, 3) for direct lithographic printing, the plate cylinder then acting as a form ink transfer cylinder which is being continuously inked; or for engagement with the blanket cylinder, with a flexo printing plate applied to the blanket cylinder, and the plate cylinder being placed out of engagement with the blanket cylinder, the damping liquid for lithographic printing being replaced by flexo-printing ink, and the position (FIG.

Abstract: To increase the surface area of ink picked up from a cylinder of the ink train, which ink may have been contaminated with wetting water, and to insure evaporation of the wetting water, a cage-like holder with ventilating openings therein has two rollers, spaced from each other, in surface-friction and rolling engagement with an oscillating cylinder of the ink train, and further retains a plurality of roller elements, preferably balls, but which may be pins, rollers, or cylinders, in floating, self-aligning, centerless position within the cage, so that ink, contaminated with water, picked up by one of the ink transferring rollers, will coat the roller elements therein to provide a substantial surface area for evaporation of water carried thereby. If needed, an air blast can be directed to the cage to increase the evaporation effect.

Abstract: A drive system for rollers in pressure indented relation including a lug on a drive gear, which is rotatably mounted about one of the roller journals, and a projection on the roller journal such that the gear will drive the roller only when the lug and the projection are in engagement. The system provides a drive for driving rollers at different surface speeds, the drive being adapted to permit rotation of the rollers at equal surface speeds until lubricant is transferred to the nip between the rollers and thereafter at different surface speeds.

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: Device for testing dampening liquid and ink equilibrium in offset printing units having a plurality of dampening liquid applicator rollers defining a dampening film flow path and a plurality of ink applicator rollers defining an ink film flow path, includes a solitary test roller disposable in at least one of the flow paths and having an outer casing surface of hydrophilic construction at least over a partial region thereof, and means for effecting contact between the solitary test roller and at least one roller of the respective pluralities of dampening liquid and ink applicator rollers so as to form a corresponding film thereon.

Abstract: An inking system for a lithographic printing press in which the plate has a non-ink accepting column position. Ink from an ink fountain is conveyed to the plate over its full width by a series of roller elements including an ink drum and ending with a form roller which is in rolling engagement with the plate. Water from a water fountain is conveyed to the plate by a series of rollers ending with a water form roller. A sub-frame is positioned at the non-ink accepting column position. The sub-frame mounts a pair of guide rollers supporting a relatively narrow endless belt in an elongated loop, the belt presenting a flat ink-accepting surface. A relatively narrow roller segment couples one end of the loop to the plate while the other end of the loop is coupled to the ink drum so that the belt forms an ink "bridge" on the downstream side of the series of ink rollers.

Abstract: A cylindrical covering fabric for a damping form roller of an offset printing machine is manufactured by weaving, as ground yarn, yarns composed of polyurethane fibers drafted to at least twice of free length, water-soluble fibers and water-insoluble fibers coiling around the above-mentioned polyurethane fiber and water-soluble fiber and, as pile yarn, hydrophilic fibers. The covering fabric is firmly mounted on a damping form roller by immersing the roller covered by the fabric in water to remove the water-soluble fibers from the ground yarns, followed by shrinking of the polyurethane fibers.

Abstract: To permit, in addition to selectively raised letter printing or direct lithographic printing on a single plate cylinder (2), additionally flexo printing, the damping system (4) utilized for direct lithographic printing is filled with flexo printing ink rather than with damping liquid, and the direction of rotation of the plate cylinder, and an associated impression cylinder, together with direction of passage of a printed web or sheet (28) is reversed so that flexo printing ink is applied by the damper, positioned in advance of the printing or impression line (29) to a flexo printing plate on the plate cylinder (2) whereas, for direct lithographic printing, damping liquid is first applied to the plate cylinder for subsequent application of ink by an inker (8) in engagement with the plate cylinder which is removable from engagement when used in flexo printing.

Abstract: An adjusting and throw-off mechanism for use with an applicator roller and a distributor roller in a printing press. An eccentric sleeve bearing surrounds the shaft of the applicator roller. A plunger having a rack and pinion connection with the sleeve bearing is threaded at its end and engaged by a cylindrical nut. A nut carrier is provided in the form of a cylinder telescoped over the nut, the nut being rotatable with respect to the carrier but axially captive therein. The nut carrier is telescopingly received in a bracket secured to the press frame. A positioning device in the form of a crank is interposed between the carrier and the bracket for moving the carrier and nut into a reference position so that upon turning the nut the plunger is axially moved to adjust the eccentric sleeve bearing thereby to adjust the pressure between the rollers.

Abstract: Water and oil base ink are delivered to lithographic plates as a single liquid, a mixture of water and ink, wherein the water is in the form of fine droplets dispersed in the ink. Preferably also, lithographic concentrate is added to the mixture as part of the water content. During a printing run the mixture is automatically resupplied to the printing machine by a level sensor that controls the amount of ink and water and by a pH sensor that controls the concentrate percentage. The proportion of ink and water is controlled by a moisture sensor. The thickness of the film of mixture delivered to the lithographic plate is controlled by a density sensor. A viscosity sensor controls the agitation of the mixture. As few as three rollers are required to deliver the ink-water-concentrate dispersion from a fountain to a lithographic plate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for removing water from the solvent recovery system of a fast printer. Water recovered in the solvent recovery system from solvent vapor and water vapor is passed into the open air outside of the printer frame without generating damage due to water corrosion within the printer. Recovered water is passed from a discharge pipe to an evaporation chamber containing either a heated evaporator container or to a unheated trough containing upstanding absorbent mats which suck the recovered water up into an open air space above the trough. A stream of dry warm air is generated by blowers within the printer and passes through the evaporation chamber picking up water vapor. The vapor-air mixture produced in the evaporation chamber then passes through slots formed in the printer assembly frame directly into the open air.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for operating a printing press in which the dampening fluid is water or an alcohol water mixture and alternately and selectively switching from water to said alcohol-water mixture. The device supplies dampening fluid to the plate cylinder and is separate from the inking assembly.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a method of metering to a printing plate (P). An applicator roller (312), which receives ink from a pick-up roller (310), is positioned in pressure indented relation with a metering roller (12). The surface speed of metering roller (12) is varied to meter the ink to roller apparatus which supplies the ink to printing plate (P).

Abstract: An improved printing roller and method of making same, wherein a soft, loose, long nap fabric having a backing is bonded onto a roller shaft. The fabric is impregnated with a resilient elastomeric binder to form a homogeneous roller medium from the shaft to the roller surface. The homogeneous roller medium is grinded to raise a soft, loose nap on the roller surface.

Abstract: An automatic control system for an offset printing machine includes a process execution instructions generating circuit having latched therein instructions for executing various operation processes and adapted to shift from one operation phase to another for successively generating process execution instructions, so that an ink forming and master plate feeding process, an inking process, a transfer-printing process, a printing process, and a master plate ejecting and cleaning process can be automatically executed in correct order. The number of times for executing each of the etching, inking, transfer-printing and cleaning processes can be adjusted in a process setting structure. When a master plate feeding error detecting signal is generated, the process execution instructions generating circuit is reset to an initial condition of stop instructions which prevailed prior to actuation of a start switch.

Abstract: Combined dampening-inking unit for offset printing units having inking rollers engageable with a plate cylinder and including, as viewed in rotational direction of the plate cylinder, a first inking roller mounted so as to be adjustable independently of at least another next succeeding inking roller disposed in the rotational direction of the plate cylinder, and a dampening-medium distributor roller of a dampening unit cooperatively engageable with the first inking roller, including an oleophilic intermediate roller connecting the first and the next succeeding inking rollers to one another, an ink distributor roller engaging the next succeeding inking roller, the first inking roller being mounted so as to be swivelable about the dampening-medium distributor roller and liftable therefrom, and control means for selectively engaging the first inking roller with the plate cylinder, the intermediate roller and the dampening-medium distributor roller and for selectively disengaging the first inking roller therefrom

Abstract: An offset printing machine having a cleaning device for a printing-unit cylinder with plate, blanket and impression cylinders, includes a washing device engaging with the blanket cylinder in operating position thereof, and means for engaging the blanket cylinder with at least the impression cylinder in operating position of the washing device.

Abstract: A dampening assembly for a printing press has its components including the water tray, fountain roller and ancillary parts mounted on a frame which is supported from the press frame by means of parallel arms. A piston or comparable device is used to swing the arms about their pivotal connections to the machine frame so as to swing the dampening assembly between an operative elevated position and a lower laterally displaced servicing position to provide access to the interior of the press for quick change-over of the printing plate and for maintenance. The supporting arms are shaped and dimensioned so as to remain parallel to one another as the assembly is moved between its two positions, thereby to maintain the assembly frame and particularly the water tray thereon substantially horizontal to avoid spillage of water.

Abstract: To permit selective operation of an application roller either transferring wetting water and ink, or only wetting water, depending on subject matter to be printed on an offset printing machine, without disturbance of the ink distribution system thereof, the application roller is movably positioned to be, selectively, in engagement with an ink distribution roller or out of engagement therewith, the application roller being maintained in continuous engagement with the plate cylinder and a wetting liquid transfer roller being in continuous engagement with the application roller. Preferably, and to permit movement, engagement which includes the application roller is by a resilient bias force, for example supplied by a spring moving the water transfer roller towards the application roller, or the application roller itself against the plate cylinder.

Abstract: The disclosed delivery system delivers a supply of fluid under pressure through a plurality of outlet lines simultaneously at desired intervals. The system enables controlled, intermittent fluid flow without drippage, as needed in the application of dampening fluid to the ink roll or offset plate on the plate cylinder of an offset printing press or in the application of solvent in a blanket cylinder washing system. A single valve provides fluid flow control by utilizing a single piston to simultaneously open and close all flow lines.

Abstract: In a lithographic printing apparatus, the rollers that supply ink and/or water to form rollers have a surface with minutely intermixed hydrophilic and oleophilic areas. The amount of water retained by a roller is dependent upon the total of the hydrophilic areas, and the amount of oil-based ink retained by the roller is dependent upon the total of the oleophilic areas. A preselected ratio of oil to water is obtained by selecting the ratio of hydrophilic areas to oleophilic areas.

Abstract: A fountain solution for use with a lithographic offset printing press is prepared by admixing fountain etch constituents, water and between about 0.5 and 5 percent by volume of a substitutive additive for isopropyl alcohol. The additive or replacement may be a Carbitol or Cellosolve derivative or mixtures of Cellosolve or Carbitol derivatives, such as phenyl glycol ethers or other organic non-ionic compounds, as for example, n-hexoxyglycol (n-hexyl Cellosolve), n-hexoxydiethylene glycol, (n-hexyl Carbitol), 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, n-butoxyethylene glycolacetate, n-butoxy-diethyleneglycolacetate, and 3-butoxy-2 propanol. The fountain solution free is isopropyl alcohol does not have the adverse toxic and flammable properties of prior art fountain solutions containing isopropyl alcohol.

Abstract: An apparatus for cyclically decelerating and accelerating a ductor roller which has a journal which is mounted on a swing arm for rotation on the arm and is moved with the arm to selectively and alternatively engage the ductor roller with a first roller, such as a fountain roller and a second roller, such as a first roller of a printing press, is employed in inking and damping units of such presses. The apparatus includes a bearing head of the spring arm which provides a rotatable mounting for the journal of the ductor roller and the arrangement includes a planetary gear system connected to the journal and to a free wheel element with a controllable brake acting between the planetary gear system and the bearing head of the swing arm in an arrangement which permits the free wheel element to rotate after the braking system has been engaged to cause the winding or tensioning of a spring, such as a spiral spring, which is disposed between the free wheel element and the journal of the ductor roller.

Abstract: In a printing press of the lithographic type, a dampening system regulates the flow of dampening solution onto the oscillating roller for application to an adjacent dampener roller and then onto a plate cylinder. The dampening means includes a plurality of circumferentially grooved, longitudinally spaced discs, axially aligned and positioned adjacent to the oscillating roller. The grooved circumferences of the discs are so positioned as to be rotatable through a dampening solution source. A plurality of individually actuable means is each so positioned as to direct air under pressure at one of the grooved circumferences of the discs towards the oscillating roller. In this way dampening solution from the circumferential groove is directed into a fine spray onto the periphery of a section or zone of the oscillating roller. The system also includes means for controlling the amount of air directed from one of the air pressure means independent of every other air pressure means.

Abstract: A self-cleaning nozzle for lithographic printing dampeners includes a central liquid duct and an air expansion chamber surrounding the liquid duct and defined by a cylindrical wall closed at an entrance end by a baffle having circumferential slits therethrough and at an exit end by a planar end wall spaced from the termination of the liquid duct and forming a mixing corridor therebetween. The end wall is positioned perpendicular to the liquid duct and to the direction of air traveling through the expansion chamber, thereby increasing turbulence in the air to more effectively break up the liquid stream into fine droplets. A slot orifice is formed in the end wall and is defined by a peripheral surface which forms an acute angle with an inner surface of the end wall and an obtuse angle with the outer surface thereof.

Abstract: An offset lithographic web printing press capable of printing a series of relatively short runs without interruption and with minimum waste of web material. The press includes a plurality of printing units. During a given run, some of the printing units are in a printing mode, while others are in a nonprinting or thrown-off mode. The web moves freely through the units which are thrown-off while those units are made ready for a succeeding run. Each unit includes a motor which has adequate capacity to drive such auxiliary equipment as a web infeed and folder, in addition to the unit, itself. Each unit motor may be clutched into a common drive line passing through all the units in order to drive the infeed and folder. Each printing unit also includes apparatus for throwing the printing cylinders of the unit to and from the web, and for changing the attitude of the web as it passes through the unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a thin film of newsprint ink to a printing plate, the apparatus comprising a metering roller in rolling pressure indented relation with a transfer roller having an oleophillic surface. The transfer roller is in pressure indented relationship with a form roller which transfers a thin film of ink to the printing plate. An excess of ink is supplied to the nip between the metering roller and the transfer roller to produce the thin film of ink which may be further conditioned by an ink storage roller prior to entry of the film of ink into the ink transfer nip between the transfer roller and the form roller. By controlling the relative speeds between the form roller and the transfer roller, slippage occurs which meters a thin film of ink onto the form roller for transfer and application to the printing plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying newsprint ink and dampening fluid to a lithographic printing plate, the apparatus comprising an ink metering roller in rolling pressure indented relation with a transfer roller having an oleophillic surface and a dampening fluid transfer roller having a hydrophillic surface each of the transfer rollers being driven by a reversible variable speed motor. The transfer rollers are in pressure indented relationship with a form roller which transfers a thin film of ink and dampening fluid to the printing plate. An excess of ink is supplied to the nip between the metering roller and the transfer roller to produce the thin film of ink which may be further conditioned by an ink storage roller prior to entry of the film of ink into the ink transfer nip between the transfer roller and the form roller.

Abstract: A dampening device for an offset lithographic printing machine of the type having a pickup roll having radially spaced fluid retaining means thereon rotatable in a bath of a dampening fluid where the fluid is transferred from the pickup roll to any one of a transfer roll, drum or form roll which together comprise part of a fluid distribution system radially spaced from the pickup roll for subsequent movement to a printing plate on a plate cylinder. The dampening device includes a gaseous blow means for directing a current of gas towards the pickup roll near the gap between the pickup roll and transfer roll, drum or form roll whereby fluid is blown from the fluid retaining means onto the surface of the pickup roll from where it rebounds across the gap to impinge on the transfer roll, drum or form roll as a finely dispersed spray.

Abstract: A two-color offset printing press having two plate cylinders simultaneously engageable with a single blanket cylinder is disclosed. The plate cylinders and the blanket cylinder are rotatably mounted on a printer head fixed to the mainframe of the press. A first set of dampening and inking rollers is mounted on the printer head and engageable with one of the plate cylinders. A second set of dampening and inking rollers, engageable with the other plate cylinder, is mounted on a ball bushing supported carriage linearly movable to and from the printer head along a pair of parallel rails fixed to the mainframe. Image registry between the two plate cylinders is established by an operator-accessible adjustment mechanism for shifting one of the plate cylinders back and forth along its axis of rotation. An electrical safety interlock system precludes operator access to the carriage-associated plate cylinder during predetermined operating modes of the press.

Abstract: A two-color offset printing press having two plate cylinders simultaneously engageable with a single blanket cylinder is disclosed. The plate cylinders and a blanket cylinder are rotatably mounted on a printer head fixed to the mainframe of the press. A first set of dampening and inking rollers is mounted on the printer head and engageable with one of the plate cylinders. A second set of dampening and inking rollers, engageable with the other plate cylinder, is mounted on a ball bushing supported carriage linearly movable to and from the printer head along a pair of parallel rails fixed to the mainframe. Image registry between the two plate cylinders is established by an operator-accessible adjustment mechanism for shifting one of the plate cylinders back and forth along its axis of rotation. An electrical safety interlock system precludes operator access to the carriage-associated plate cylinder during predetermined operating modes of the press.

Abstract: A two-color offset printing press having two plate cylinders simultaneously engageable with a single blanket cylinder is disclosed. The plate cylinders and the blanket cylinder are rotatably mounted on a printer head fixed to the mainframe of the press. A first set of dampening and inking rollers is mounted on the printer head and engageable with one of the plate cylinders. A second set of dampening and inking rollers, engageable with the other plate cylinder, is mounted on a ball bushing supported carriage linearly movable to and from the printer head along a pair of parallel rails fixed to the mainframe. Image registry between the two plate cylinders is established by an operator-accessible adjustment mechanism for shifting one of the plate cylinders back and forth along its axis of rotation. An electrical safety interlock system precludes operator access to the carriage-associated plate cylinder during predetermined operating modes of the press.