Abstract: A cylinder throwing-off/throwing-on controller for a multicolor lithographic rotary press in which paper splicing is performed.

Abstract: In a rotary rotogravure printing press for accomplishing the multicolor printing of first and second sides of a material to be printed, first side printing units and second side printing units are arranged in an alternating form. Dryers are located between the alternating first and second material side printing units, which may be configured as tower printing units.

Abstract: A web width adjusting device comprises a pressure force applying unit for applying pressure force to one side surface of a paper web which is successively traveled through two or more printing sections. Further the web width adjusting device may also include a counter pressure applying unit to apply counter pressure to the other side surface of the paper web. The pressure applying unit (and the counter pressure applying unit) deformes the paper web in a wavy surface which causes the width of the paper web to be shortened. The adjusting factors for the web width are controlled by automatic control system which detects traveling condition of the paper web, the generation of shears in printing, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multicolor web fed rotary printing press having printing units that can be moved along a linear section of a web by a positioning mechanism to allow easy access to each of the printing units. The easy access to the printing units significantly reduces maintenance costs and downtime of the press. In addition, the invention provides a printing press that has a reduced overall size and allows the printing units to be arranged in a nested formation during printing operations. This nested formation reduces fanout and paper waste. The linear web section can be oriented vertically or horizontally.

Abstract: A web-fed rotary printing press (1) which, in a first mode of operation, simultaneously prints on first and second webs (10, 18) and, in a second mode of operation, prints on a third single web (30) comprises at least one blanket-to-blanket printing unit (2a, 2b, 2c) to which, in the second mode of operation, the third single web is fed to be printed on both sides and to which, in the first mode of operation, the first and second webs (10, 18) are fed arranged on top of each other so that a first side (8a) of the first web (8) and a second side (16b) of the second web are printed on. The printing press (1) further comprises first and second further printing units (20, 22) located downstream of the blanket-to-blanket printing unit (2) and first guiding means (24) for, in the first mode of operation, guiding the first web (10) around the first further printing unit (20) and second guiding means (26) for guiding the second web (18) around the second further printing unit (22).

Abstract: A duplex color web press, wherein each section, which prints both faces of the web with any one ink type and color, is configured with a single printing cylinder and, in the case of a digitally recording press, with a single recording head. The single printing cylinder carries the inking versions of both the recto and verso images around its circumference and the web is routed through two printing stations, both associated with the single printing cylinder, so that one of its faces is imprinted in one station and the other face--in the other station. The resultant print on each face is alternating recto and verso images, such that a recto image on one face is in the back of a verso image on the other face, and vice versa.

Abstract: A cylinder unit is provided for a web-fed printing press. The unit includes first and second cylinders which form printing gaps with a common first counterpressure cylinder. Third and fourth cylinders are provided which form printing gaps with a common second counterpressure cylinder. The four cylinders and the two counterpressure cylinders are cylinders of a single H-shaped cylinder bridge. The second and third cylinders are spaced from one another at such a distance that a web can run in between these two cylinders in their printing-on positions at the respective counterpressure cylinders and can run out after wrapping around the two counterpressure cylinders. The first and fourth cylinders are spaced so close to one another that they can be reversed from a printing-on position against their respective counterpressure cylinder into printing-on position in relation to one another.

Abstract: A multi-color single blanket printing press for printing single or dual webs includes a pair of blanket cylinders that are movable between a contacting position and a remote position. A plurality of plate cylinders associated with each blanket cylinder apply a multi-color image to each blanket cylinder. When the blanket cylinders are in the contacting position, a web passing through the nip will receive multi-color image on both sides. When the blanket cylinders are in the remote position, a pair of webs may be passed between secondary nips formed by the blanket cylinders and a pair of secondary impression cylinders. Each of the webs may therefore receive a multi-color image on one side.

Abstract: There is disclosed a simple and compact additional printing apparatus for a rotary press and a printing unit. The additional printing apparatus includes an ink jet printing device comprising an ink jetting nozzle section and unnecessary ink droplet deflection unit. The ink jetting nozzle section includes a plurality of orifices arranged in a row and ink droplet formation unit. The unnecessary ink droplet deflection unit corresponds to each of the orifices. The ink jet printing device is disposed at a predetermined position in proximity to a paper web pass at which position an additional image can be printed on paper web in alignment with an image printed by the printing cylinder.

Abstract: A printing system for a multi-color web-fed rotary printing press utilizes a plurality of printing system units that are arranged in a vertical array. Each printing system unit includes a left printing unit and a right printing unit. The left or the right units are supported in a frame which is shiftable horizontally with the respect to the frame that supports the other units.

Abstract: A printing system for a multi-color web-fed rotary printing press utilizes a plurality of printing system units that are arranged in a vertical array. Each printing system unit includes a left printing portion, a right printing portion, and a central printing portion. The left and the right portions are supported in left and right shiftable frames which are shiftable horizontally with the respect to a center frame that supports the center portions of the printing system units.

Abstract: A short, multi-color, web-fed rotary printing press for job printing utilizes a vertical stack of bridge printing units which are supported by horizontally shiftable frame sections. The rubber blanket cylinder of each printing unit is at least twice as large as its associated printing cylinder but is always a whole number multiple in size. The printing cylinder in each printing unit rests on the upper half of its associated rubber blanket cylinder.

Abstract: A printing process prints a continuously moving substrate with elongate, semi-tone graphics. The printed substrate is incorporated into a composite elastic material, in which the substrate is contracted, thereby forming a desired full-tone graphic from the semi-tone graphic.

Abstract: A tower printing unit is formed using a plurality of bridge printing units, each of which has two opposing individual printing units. Ink roller trains in vertically alternating ones of these bridge printing units are oriented either vertically or horizontally. The resultant tower printing unit is more compact and efficient.

Abstract: A paper guide for a web-fed rotary printing press which prints multiple colors on both sides of a paper web uses multiple color printing groups arranged in pairs on a plurality of vertically spaced levels. Separate air drying paths are provided for the web after it has been initially printed in multiple colors on one side and again after it has been printed in multiple colors on its other side. The length of these paths are a multiple of the spacing between plate cylinders in each of the levels of the printing machine.

Abstract: An electrostatographic single-pass multiple station (e.g. multi-colour) duplex printer is described for forming an image onto a web. The printer has at least three toner image-producing electrostatographic stations. Each station has a rotatable endless surface in the form of a photoconductive drum onto which a toner image can be formed. The printer also includes drive rollers for conveying the web in succession past the stations. Corona discharge devices transfer the toner image on each rotatable surface onto the web. The image-producing stations are arranged in two sub-groups, the drum of one sub-group forming a backing roller for the other sub-group, and vice-versa, thereby to enable simultaneous duplex printing.

Abstract: A printing press (32) with a pair of plate cylinders (12A, 12B) each having a cylindrical body (22A, 22B) and a central axis of rotation (20A, 20B) mounted in fixed parallel spaced relationship, a pair of blanket cylinders (14A, 14B) located adjacent the plate cylinders (12A, 12B) with each having a cylindrical body (30A, 30B) and a rotary axis (24A, 24B) parallel to the axes (20A, 20B) of the plate cylinders (12A, 12B), having a blanket cylinder throw off apparatus (26) mounting the blanket cylinders (14A, 14B) in an operative position in engagement with the pair of plate cylinders (12A, 12B), respectively, and with their rotary axes (24A, 24B) in lateral alignment with the axes of rotation (20A, 20B) of the plate cylinders to reduce vibration and a throw off position in which a throw off gap (39) exists between the pair of blanket cylinders (14A, 14B) and a pair of gaps (403, 43B) exist between the pair of plate cylinders (12A, 12B), respectively.

Abstract: In a multicolor printing press which has a plurality of printing sections arranged in vertical alignment, the multicolor printing press facilitates adjustment of register position between a plurality of printing sections. The multicolor printing press thus has a first printing section which includes at least one first plate cylinder, and at least one second printing section which includes at least one second plate cylinder. The multicolor printing press is also provided with means for rotatably supporting the first plate cylinder in a fixed register position for providing reference position in adjustment of register position in the second printing section, means for rotatably supporting the second plate cylinder, and adjusting means of register position of said second plate cylinder relative to the reference position defined by the first plate cylinder.

Abstract: In a multicolor printing press which has a plurality of printing sections arranged in vertical alignment, the multicolor printing press facilitates adjustment of register position along the feeding direction of a printing medium. The multicolor printing press comprises a plurality of printing sections arranged in vertical alignment, a plurality of the printing sections each including at least one plate cylinder for transferring printing pattern defined on a printing plate carried thereon to a printing medium on which the printing pattern is to be printed, and means, associated with the plate cylinder, for adjusting rotational phase of the plate cylinder relative to the printing medium for adjustment of register position of the printing pattern on the printing medium.

Abstract: Several cylinders in a multiple cylinder printing press are supported in eccentric bushings so that they can be moved into and out of contact with cooperating cylinders. A force can be applied to these cylinders by rotating the eccentric bushings. The total resultant force will be applied in a direction away from the cylinder or cylinders into which the movable cylinder has been brought into contact.

Abstract: To expand a U printing system having two plate-blanket printing couples first to form a Y system for 2/1 (or 1/2) printing and then, further, to a dual-U system for 2/2 printing, with minimum space requirement, the axes of rotation of the base blanket cylinders are spaced from a separating line (3) between two superposed, staggered printing systems by different distances. An expansion group having two expansion plate-cylinder blanket couples likewise has the axes of rotation of the expansion blanket cylinders at different spacing from the separating line. Thus, by merely shifting a vertically arranged single blanket cylinder, previously in engagement with a lower blanket cylinder to release engagement therewith and engage against an opposite, newly arranged blanket cylinder, a space-saving 2/2 printing station is obtained.

Abstract: Two satellite printing stations (2, 3) are located vertically above each other, and a web (22) is guided first about a common impression cylinder (13) of the lower printing station, then upwardly about a common impression cylinder (4) of the upper printing station (2). To prevent set-off of freshly printed ink in the lower printing station (3) on the common impression cylinder (4) of the upper printing station, blanket cylinders (6, 7, 10, 12) of the upper printing station (2) are so located that, respectively, two blanket cylinders (6, 7, 10, 12) of printing couples of the upper printing stations are in vertical alignment so that a tangent at the nip between these blanket cylinders will be in an essentially horizontal plane (31).

Abstract: To permit easy change-over between double-prime, double-verso (2/2) printing on a substrate web (5) and double-prime, single-verso (2/1) printing, the cylinders are arranged in printing couples so that first and second blanket cylinders (1, 2) are in printing engagement with each other, with the web (5) therebetween and printing couples including blanket cylinders (3, 4) independently of the blanket cylinders (1, 2) are in engagement with each other, with the web therebetween. One (3) of the blanket cylinders of the printing couples is eccentrically shiftable from engagement with the associated blanket cylinder into engagement with another blanket cylinder (2) so that said other blanket cylinder will function as an impression cylinder for one prime image, and as a printing cylinder for the verso image, while, at the same time, another prime image is being applied thereagainst by the shifted blanket cylinder (3).

Abstract: A web-fed rotary printing assembly includes first and second printing couples. Each printing couple has upper and lower printing pairs of plate cylinders and blanket cylinders. An impression cylinder is pivotably supported cooperatively with the blanket cylinder of the first printing couple. Each of the blanket cylinders is also pivotably supported. This assembly allows the press to perform perfecting as well as being suitable as an imprinter. Flying plate changes may also be accomplished.

Abstract: To provide access to sequentially positioned printing machine operating stations (3, 14, 17, 33, 44) without having to tear a paper web threaded through the printing machine, in which the web passes, when in a printing position, essentially horizontally between the operating stations, a pair of vertically spaced substrate guide elements (23, 26; 123, 126; 56) are positioned on a vertical elevator positioning structure (22, 122; 52), the paper being guided between the guide elements, and the positioning structure permitting movement of the guide elements from an essentially central printing position to an upper position (23b) and a lower position (23a). The paper, before being passed between the substrate guide elements, is passed through a paper storage structure, for example by spaced, deflectable rollers which store paper in loop form, from which it can be released. The upper one of the guide elements is strong enough for an operator to stand thereon.

Abstract: To permit selective operation of two printing couples (1, 2, 4, 5) for printing, on a continuous web (7) respectively double-image prime printing (FIG. 1), single-image prime printing (FIGS. 3, 5), while permitting flying plate changes of one of the plates of a disengaged printing couple, or prime and verso printing (FIG. 7), two impression cylinders are provided, engageable with the blanket cylinders of the respective printing couples, the impression cylinders being spaced from each other by a gap sufficient to permit passage of the web therebtween when the system operates in the prime-and-verso printing mode, with a gap sufficient so that freshly printed subject matter will not be smeared by contact with the respective impression cylinders.

Abstract: To provide for selective printing by a five-cylinder printing machine either in single prism printing (1/0) or double prime printing (2/0) or prime-and-verso printing (1/1), at least one (3) of the printing cylinders can be selectively positioned by a crank arrangement (16, 15, 15a) which is coupled to a link (13) which link, in turn, operates a lever of an eccentric bearing (12) such that when the first printing cylinder (3) is to be, selectively, in engagement with either the impression cylinder (1) or the second blanket cylinder (2), the link is in a position at which the link passes through the axis of rotation of the crank so that reactive rotary forces from the blanket cylinder will not be transferred to the crank and hence will be isolated from an operating element (18) which moves the crank arrangement. Preferably, the crank arrangement is formed by a gear segment (15) which is rotated by a segmental gear (16), coupled to a linear piston--cylinder arrangement forming the operating element (18).

Abstract: To permit both circumferential as well as axial register adjustment of three printing couples (1, 2, 3), in which the respective cylinders of the printing couples are interconnected by spiral gears, two of the blanket cylinders (4, 8) are axially shiftable. The changes in circumferential register, upon changing of lateral register--due to the spiral gears--are compensated by position motor controllers (34, 44) which may include a microprocessor (50), automatically. Lateral register is set in a predetermined sequence by the respective cylinders, in accordance with the coupling of one of the plate cylinders (e.g. 5) with a printing machine main drive pinion (68).

Abstract: To provide for versatile printing, while permitting exchange of the plate of a blanket cylinder - plate cylinder couple during operation of the printing machine, i.e. while the machine is printing, for example only prime or verso printing in a single color, two blanket cylinder - plate cylinder (2, 4; 3, 5) are provided, selectively engageable with an impression cylinder (1). One (3) of the blanket cylinders is positionable in three axial positions, selectively (a) for engagement with the impression cylinder (1), (b) for engagement with the other blanket cylinder (2) or (c) removed from both the impression and the blanket cylinder, to permit exchange of the plate of the associated plate cylinder (5). A paper web substrate (6) can be passed, selectively, between the two blanket cylinders and partially about the impression cylinder, or between the impression cylinder and one of the blanket cylinders.

Abstract: An apparatus and method converts an existing printing press to offset printing. An auxiliary frame and two auxiliary impression cylinders are mounted to the press and existing cylinders are adapted for offset printing. A new web path is defined to the cylinders, through an auxiliary cross brace member. The shafts of auxiliary cylinders are eccentrically mounted dead shafts. The cylinder surface is friction driven by the web. Bearers smooth the movement of the cylinders across the blanket slots. The auxiliary cylinders are maintained on impression by an incompressible fluid for uniform impression and thrown off rapidly by a pressurized gas.

Abstract: In a web-fed offset rotary press printing unit comprising four cylinders (2-5), in order to move the two inner cylinders, for instance blanket cylinders (3, 4), apart from one another without having to move the outer cylinders (2, 5), the cylinder trunnions (6, 7) of the inner cylinders (3, 4) are positioned on double eccentric bushes (8, 9; 10, 11). By means of tie rods (16-19), all the pairs of eccentric bushes (8, 9; 10, 11) are pivoted in common about the same angle, resulting in a linear movement in opposite directions (P or P') by the inner cylinders (3, 4) with respect to the straight line (G) on which the four cylinders are disposed.

Abstract: The paper web capturing apparatus includes two capturing rollers, preferably disposed downstream of the last printing station, which when used in a prime-and-verso printing machine both have the same diameter as the printing station cylinders. Both cylinders acting as capturing rollers are provided with a rubber blanket and are driven at approximately the linear speed of the web. They are in continuous engagement with the web of material to be printed. During normal operation, the cylinders of the capturing apparatus effect an enhancement of the printing, in particular of the color printed at the last printing station, and in the event of web tearing the web is wrapped about one of the cylinders, which are positioned resiliently against one another.

Abstract: A web-fed offset rotary printing machine is disclosed. First and second satellite printing units are utilized to perform multiple color recto and verso printing. The cylinder diameters and bearer ring diameters of the first satellite unit are capable of being varied with respect to those of the second unit to accurately control paper web tension and hence to accomplish a color registry which is highly accurate. Calibrated underlay sheets are used to adjust the cylinder diameters and thin, hard, flexible bands are secured on the outer peripheries of inner rings to vary the bearer ring diameters.

Abstract: In an offset rotary printing press which is equipped with a pair of blanket cylinders which can be shifted between two ultimate positions, in which one is a blanket to blanket type printing mode with four series-contacting cylinders exclusive of an impression cylinder and the other is a satellite type printing mode with five series-contacting cylinders including the impression cylinder, the blanket cylinders can be shifted between the two ultimate positions via two intermediate throw-off positions by three strokes of an actuator with switching by a clutch.The amount of displacement of each of the blanket cylinders between the two ultimate positions exceeds the tooth height of driving gears for the blanket cylinders and the cylinders contacting with said blanket cylinders.

Abstract: The module is adapted to be attached to and suspended from a flexographic printing press in order to provide an additional web printing station and other options such as an ultraviolet curing device and a die cutting station. Guide rollers for the web being printed are so positioned that the web may be entrained around them in a manner to present the web to the print station of the module for backside printing thereof after the front side of the web has been printed by the primary press. The module derives its driving power for the various rollers and other components thereof from the primary press, and a quick change feature within the drive coupling between the press and the module enables the rollers of the module print station to be driven in a reverse mode for such backside printing, notwithstanding the fact that the print stations of the main press remain driven in the forward mode, as well as the web.

Abstract: An apparatus and method converts an existing printing press to offset printing. An auxiliary frame and two auxiliary impression cylinders are mounted to the press and existing cylinders are adapted for offset printing. A new web path is defined to the cylinders, through an auxiliary cross brace member. The shafts of auxiliary cylinders are eccentrically mounted dead shafts. The cylinder surface is friction driven by the web. Bearers smooth the movement of the cylinders across the blanket slots. The auxiliary cylinders are maintained on impression by an incompressible fluid for uniform impression and thrown off rapidly by a pressurized gas.

Abstract: A paper web guiding mechanism for printing units in a rotary web-fed printing machine is disclosed. Each printing unit has associated therewith a pivotable paper web guide frame which is comprised generally of spaced side plates. Each side plate is rotatably secured at its lower end to a longitudinal support member of the printing unit so that the paper guide frame can be pivoted between inclined and vertical positions. Paper guide rollers are held between the spaced side plates at the upper and lower ends of the paper guide frame to define a path of paper web travel. A cover sheet extends between the side plates from their upper ends downwardly to a point above the lower ends. This cover sheet supports the body of a press operator who is thus afforded access to various components of the printing units without necessitating severing of the paper web. An operating floor pedestal is placed between the lower ends of the side plates and the press operator can stand on this pedestal.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling fan-out in a web offset press. A bowed roller is interposed upstream of the blanket cylinder of the first printing unit. The bowed roller applies outward lateral forces to the web, to expand the web laterally prior to printing thereon by the blanket cylinder of the first printing unit.

Abstract: To provide for change of direction of rotation of the impression cylinders in a 10-cylinder printing system, and selective operation of blanket-impression cylinder or blanket-blanket printing, at least some of the gears driving the cylinders are axially shiftable, and rotation-reversal gears can be selectively switched in position with respect to drive power to drive, directly, from a main shaft (11), the one impression cylinder (2) with further drive (22) of the second impression cylinder (1), directly or via a second rotation-reversal gear (19); or, for blanket-to-blanket operation, disengagement of the rubber blankets from the impression cylinders by shifting-away of the centers of rotation thereof, and drive from the main drive shaft of the respective rubber cylinders through plate cylinders (9, 10) closest to the main drive train, and subsequent drive of rubber cylinders (5, 6; 3, 4) and the associated plate cylinders (7, 8) through the rubber cylinder--rubber cylinder plate cylinder system.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a printing press which is capable of operating either as a perfecting printing press or as a multicolor press. The press includes a common impression cylinder which is fixed in the frame of the printing press. A pair of blanket cylinders are mounted in eccentrics and are movable along arcuate paths between two printing positions. In one printing position the blanket cylinders are effective to print on opposite sides of a web passed between them, and in the other printing position both blanket cylinders will print on the same side of a web when the web is passed between the blanket cylinders and the common impression cylinder. The disclosure includes a unique linkage mechanism for shifting the blanket cylinder to four distinct positions, the two previously mentioned printing positions, and two throw off positions, one associated with each of the printing positions.

Abstract: A dual harmonic gear phasing device forming a part of a web-forming printing tower or other web-handling station is disclosed which allows static or dynamic, 360.degree. infinite phase alterations of web-contacting rollers for coarse and fine tuning of the registration of a multiple-station printing press. The phasing device comprises an enclosed, oil filled structure having a pair of tandem coupled harmonic drive gears respectively connected through gearing or the like to the press drive and to a desired roller for phase changing purposes. Each phasing device also includes a selectively operable stepper motor coupled to one of the harmonic gears for effecting phase alterations. The harmonic gears serve as a 1:1 gear ratio transmission during normal running operations. The phasing device can be used on hard impression or perfecting printing towers, and on other types of web-handling equipment where proper registration is important, such as numbering and punching units.

Abstract: Web letterpress equipment is converted to offset lithographic equipment by modification of a driven letterpress impression cylinder to receive an offset blanket, thereby producing an offset blanket cylinder. A letterpress plate cylinder is modified to become an offset plate cylinder with accompanying offset inking and dampening equipment. In one embodiment a drive letterpress plate cylinder of a color hump is packed to become an offset impression cylinder cooperating with the offset blanket cylinder. In a second embodiment the letterpress plate cylinder of the color hump is modified to an offset color plate cylinder and a driven offset impression cylinder is added to cooperate with the offset blanket cylinder. In this manner at least two colors may be offset printed on one side of a web.

Abstract: A pair of three cylinders train units and a four cylinder train unit are provided in relationship such that a pair of impression cylinders of the former are adjacent to a pair of blanket cylinders of the latter, respectively.The blanket cylinders of the latter are switched between a first position in which the blanket cylinders make contact with each other and with their respective plate cylinders and a second position in which the blanket cylinders are isolated from each other, make contact with their respective plate cylinders and with their respective impression cylinders of the three cylinder train units.The switching between extreme positions can be completed in one motion by an angle increase shifting mechanism using gears which are added to the switching means.Throw-off means for the blanket cylinders can be diverged independently and branchingly from each extreme position by a pin clutch mechanism which is added to the switching means.

Abstract: A web fed offset printing press unit (42) including a frame (12), an auxiliary frame (44), a pair of plate cylinders (46 and 46a), a first blanket cylinder (48), a second blanket cylinder (50), a common impression cylinder (56) and an auxiliary impression cylinder (58) is disclosed. The second blanket cylinder is swung bodily through a short radius arc between a first end position in rolling contact with the common impression cylinder and a second end position in rolling contact with the auxiliary impression cylinder.In one arrangement, the second blanket cylinder is journaled in an eccentric sleeve (76) at each end and linkage (86) is switchable between the two modes of operation with a throw-off position associated with each.A method for converting a web fed letterpress unit (10) into a web fed offset printing press unit for multicolor or two-sided printing is disclosed.

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 rotary cylindrical-screen printing apparatus for specularly printing equal patterns and/or colors onto the opposite faces of a fabric is disclosed, comprising two rotary screen printing machines, each equipped with electromechanical means for synchronizing the speed of the belt with the speed of the printing rollers, in which said machines are coupled by arranging one machine over the other, the fabric entering the underlying machine and thereafter entering the second upper machine which prints the opposite face of the fabric, the second machine comprising a transmission roller associated with its belt having a diameter equal to at least twice the diameter of the contiguous roller of the first machine, the apparatus comprising means for synchronizing the speeds of the printing rollers of two machines, including a transducer linked to the speed of the belt of a machine, whose outgoing frequency signal is sent to pilot the electrohydraulic motors controlling the printing rollers of both machines and means for

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 planetary inker for an offset printing press which uses only a single ink form roller but is substantially ghost free. A unique arrangement of distributor rollers operably associated with the form roller are present in sufficient number and of relative diameters with respect to each other and to the form roller to assure complete smoothing out of ink supplied to the form roller in conjunction with total elimination of all plate-derived latent images on the surface of the form roller before recontacting the plate on the plate cylinder. Especially efficient transfer of ink from the supply fountain to a drum roller in rolling contact with the form roller ahead of the distributor rollers is obtained in a preferred embodiment by the use of a pair of ink transfer ductors which are alternately intermittently shifted into engagement with the fountain ink ball and then the form roller vibrator. The relative time of engagement of the ductors with the ball and the vibrator may be selectively varied by the operator.

Abstract: In a mechanism for selectively obtaining two extreme positions of printing cylinders, i.e. a contact of four cylinders except an impression cylinder and a contact of five cylinders including the impression cylinder, through effecting angular displacements of eccentric sleeves attached to respective printing cylinders simultaneously by a common link mechanism, an angle increase shifting mechanism is interposed between the starting end of the link mechanism and the end of an actuator. Whereby, the pair of printing cylinders can be directly shifted from one to the other extreme positions by a single stroke of the actuator.A member attached to a main shaft of the angle increase shifting mechanism is divided into three pieces of a front piece, center piece and a rear piece, and the center piece is adapted to be selected engaged by and disengaged from the front and rear pieces by means of a pin clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A rotary printing machine having a plurality of serially disposed printing units, each including two blanket cylinders in mutual contact and two plate cylinders respectively cooperating with one of the blanket cylinders, and a main drive system individually driving each of the plate cylinders, the main drive system of each of the printing units comprising two spur gears in mutually meshing engagement and in meshing engagement with the spur gears of the respective main drive system of the printing units immediately adjacent thereto, each of the plate cylinders having a drive gear in meshing engagement with one of the two spur gears and, in combination with the main drive system, a drive system serially associated therewith and comprising two additional spur gears coupling each of the plate cylinders to a respective blanket cylinder, the additional spur gears being disposed adjacent the main drive system in a gear line different from that of the main drive system.