Abstract: An addition to a multi-color lithographic offset printing press comprising a self-contained coating unit moveable into and out of operative relationship with an impression cylinder on the press unit (e.g. the impression cylinder of the last press unit) without interrupting or disrupting printing taking place in this last stage. The coating unit includes a special blanket cylinder, a transfer cylinder and doctor or metering means to control the amount of coating material on the transfer cylinder. Inclined tracks are provided to guide the coating unit into and out of operative relationship with the impression cylinder of the last printing stage.

Abstract: The dampening apparatus and method provides automatic ink/water control for a lithographic printing press by means of a hydrophylic metering roll in a pan for fountain solution which contacts an oleophylic transfer roll. The transfer and metering rolls are free wheeling friction driven rolls which are driven in substantially a one-to-one surface speed ratio by friction between the transfer roll and a dampener form roll to cause the metering roll to provide an unmetered excess of dampening fluid from the pan to a nip with the transfer roll. The dampener form roll is positively driven from the drive system for the press plate cylinder at a one-to-one surface speed ratio with the plate cylinder and is a resilient oleophylic roll having a durometer within the range of 20 to 30 durometer. The transfer roll is harder and of different diameter than the dampener form roll with a durometer in the range of from 30 to 60 durometer.

Abstract: An addition to a multi-color lithographic offset printing press comprising a self-contained coating unit moveable into and out of operative relationship with the last stage impression cylinder without interrupting or disrupting printing taking place in this last stage. The coating unit includes a special blanket cylinder, a transfer roller and doctor or metering means to control the amount of coating material on the transfer roller. Inclined tracks are provided to guide the coating unit into and out of operative relationship with the impression roller of the last printing stage.

Abstract: A retractable coater is used on-line with the last unit of a standard offset lithographic printing press. The coater includes a coating assembly mounted on a platform and a retraction guide assembly, the latter comprising:(i) a horizontal member and means for slidably supporting platform movement along the horizontal member;(ii) a vertical member slidably guiding vertical movement of the platform and(iii) means for slidably lifting the platform and coating metering assembly on a course guided by the vertical member.