Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically controlling the water feedrate on a lithographic press which includes a blanket cylinder, a plate cylinder, inking rollers and dampening rollers. The temperature of the fountain solution is regulated so as to be constant. The alcohol concentration is regulated so as to be constant. The ink film thickness on one of the inking rollers is sensed to provide a signal proportional to that variable. The sensing of the ink film thickness on the inking roller is used to determine the water feedrate to the plate cylinder and the rate of water feed is dependent upon the ink film thickness.

Abstract: This application discloses removing scrap trimmed from a moving web with a series of pins mounted upon a disc which brings the pins into an impaling engagement in the scrap. The movement of the pins into such engagement is carefully synchronized between the cutting roller and the pins. The scrap is removed from the pins by causing it to be grasped between an abutment on one side and a nip roller on the other side and pulled from the pins at the same time as the pins are being withdrawn.

Abstract: A machine for arranging signatures in bundles includes a receiving conveyor onto which signatures are placed. The receiving conveyor moves the signatures in a shingled condition between deflecting surfaces to cause the signatures to assume an edge-standing condition. The edge-standing signatures move onto a consolidating conveyor so they move closer together. The signatures pass from the discharge end of the consildating conveyor onto an accumulating conveyor, which normally advances the signatures at a slightly slower speed than the consolidating conveyor. When enough signatures to make a bundle have passed onto the accumulating conveyor, the velocity along that conveyor is increasd substantially, and the consolidating conveyor is stopped to produce an isolated group of edge-standing signatues on the accumulating conveyor.

Abstract: An automatic blanket cylinder cleaner having a cleaner fabric adapted to contact the blanket cylinder. A cleaning cloth supply roller provides cloth for the cloth take-up roll. Positioned between these rolls is a water solvent dispensing tube, a solvent dispensing tube and an inflatable and deflatable mechanical loosening means which is adapted to move the cleaning fabric into and out of contact with the blanket cylinder. An air dryer means dries the blanket cylinder after the cleaning of debris. An advancing means advances the cleaning cloth intermittently onto the take-up roller by a control means in contact with the take-up roll which provides for uniform cloth advance during the cleaning cycle. There is a control means providing automatic and manual control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for applying dampening fluid to the plate cylinder of printing presses which is particularly adapted to contacting continuous dampening systems. The dampening fluid applying roller is in contact with the rotating plate cylinder and there is a wiping action between the dampening fluid applying roller and the plate cylinder which loosens foreign particles from the plate cylinder so they can be removed. The dampening fluid applying roller rotates at a different speed than the plate cylinder to cause the wiping action. Preferably, the dampening fluid applying roller rotates at a slower speed than the plate cylinder. In another form of the invention an ink receptive roller is driven at the same speed as the dampening or delta roller while in contact with the dampening roller.

Abstract: A knife holder mounted upon the periphery of the knife roller in an apparatus for cutting lengths of webs such as paper is disclosed. The knife holder in the system disclosed is formed of an elastomeric material. The knife blades are held in place principally by friction in slots cut in the holder and seat themselves in the elastomer during set-up and cutting. Rapid and simple changes of knife blades without torquing or rolling in are achieved by fixing the elastomeric knife holder between readily located clamping members affixed to the surface of the knife roller, and alternative clamping members are provided for retrofit installations.