Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in supplying ink to a printing press includes a motor which drives a pump assembly. A control system varies the rate of operation of the motor to drive the pump assembly through an operating cycle which includes an intake portion or stroke of relatively short duration and a discharge portion or stroke of relatively long duration. A control system varies the rate of operation of the motor in such a manner as to maintain the rate of flow of ink from the pump assembly constant during the discharge portion of the operating cycle. The short duration of the intake portion of the operating cycle is maintained constant with variations in the operating speed of the printing press supplied with ink by the pump assembly. However, the duration of the relatively long discharge portion of the operating cycle of the pump assembly varies with changes in the operating speed of the printing press.

Abstract: An auxiliary apparatus is provided to supply ink to a printing press upon failure of a main ink pump assembly in the printing press. The auxiliary apparatus includes a portable auxiliary ink pump assembly which is maintained separate from the printing press during normal operation of the main ink pump assembly. Upon failure of the main ink pump assembly to properly supply ink, the auxiliary ink pump assembly is moved to a location adjacent to the failed main ink pump assembly. The failed main ink pump assembly is disconnected from the ink rail of the printing press. The auxiliary ink pump assembly is connected in fluid communication with the ink rail. A motor connected with the auxiliary ink pump assembly then drives the auxiliary ink pump assembly to supply ink to the ink rail.