Abstract: A dampener activation apparatus is disclosed for engaging and disengaging a dampener with a plate cylinder of a printing press and for engaging and disengaging a drive gear with a roller in the dampener. The drive gear is driven to rotate about a shaft supporting the roller by a press drive train. The drive gear is also axially moveable on the shaft to engage and disengage the form roller. A first actuator is mounted to a dampener side frame and configured to translate the drive gear on the shaft to engage and disengage the form roller. A second actuator is attached to the printing press and configured to engage and disengage the dampener with the plate cylinder. A compressed air supply is in fluid communication with and configured to control the first and second actuators.

Abstract: A dampener activation apparatus is disclosed for engaging and disengaging a dampener with a plate cylinder of a printing press and for engaging and disengaging a drive gear with a roller in the dampener. The drive gear is driven to rotate about a shaft supporting the roller by a press drive train. The drive gear is also axially moveable on the shaft to engage and disengage the form roller. A first actuator is mounted to a dampener side frame and configured to translate the drive gear on the shaft to engage and disengage the form roller. A second actuator is attached to the printing press and configured to engage and disengage the dampener with the plate cylinder. A compressed air supply is in fluid communication with and configured to control the first and second actuators.

Abstract: An improved end-seal carrier assembly for supporting a seal in a seal-type continuous dampener. The seal is supported by a backing plate and pressed against the ends of the dampener's rollers. A carrier shaft is fixedly mounted to the backing plate. A shaft housing is mounted to the sideframe and has a hole extending longitudinally there through into which the shaft is mounted so to rotationally and longitudinally translate with respect to the sideframe. A coil spring is wound about a portion of the carrier shaft and has a first spring end operatively engaging the backing plate and a second spring end operatively engaging the shaft housing. The coil spring is configured to induce both a compressive and torsional bias between the backing plate and the sideframe. The shaft housing is rotatable for winding the coil spring and thereby establishing the torsional bias.

Abstract: A continuous seal type lithographic dampener is fitted with a one-piece metering roller which has a continuous surface coating of flame sprayed (as by plasma arc) chromium oxide particles providing a porous surface which is filled with a pore occluding sealer. The resulting cylindrical surface is than ground to a finish in the order of 20 to 30 micro inches. A finish coat of sealer is applied to the surface of the roller. The resultant metering roller is highly wear resistant and hydrophobic, having a surface energy in the order of 30 to 40 dynes/cm.

Abstract: A protective non-silicone oil aqueous lubricant emulsion for web off-set lithographic printing comprises from about 30 wt % to about 70 wt % hydrocarbon oil, from about 1 wt % to about 8 wt % of a surfactant having an HLB factor less than about 6, from about 2 wt % to about 9 wt % of a surfactant having an HLB factor greater than about 11, and from about 25 wt % to 60 wt % water, the emulsion having an average particle diameter of from about 500 nm to about 1100 nm. The emulsion enhances control of the dimensional stability of inked sheets and of the coefficient of friction of the heatset web.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a dampening system including a two-roller continuous type dampener, a solution recirculator, and a recirculator adapter. The solution recirculator is configured to supply solution through a supply conduit and to receive solution through a return conduit. A pressure regulator receives solution from the supply conduit and regulates the solution flow. A feed conduit provides fluid communication between the pressure regulator and the dampener's solution reservoir. A venturi receives solution from the supply conduit and induces a vacuum in a suction conduit. A first end of the suction conduit is positioned at a predetermined level within the reservoir and has a portion proximate the first end extending upwardly and away from the reservoir. A second end of the suction conduit is in fluid communication with the venturi. The venturi is in fluid communication with the return conduit.

Abstract: In a continuous dampening system, an oscillating distributor roller distributes ink/dampening fluid emulsion preferably over the form roller. The drive for causing distributing motion, back and forth along its axis of rotation, of the distributor roller is derived by friction drive to the roller surface and the support shaft of the distributor roller is also rotatably driven through appropriate gearing, thus rotation of the distributor roller is varied along with the rotational speed of the other rollers of the dampener, but the rate of longitudinal oscillation remains relative, since the speed of relative motion between the shaft and distributor roller itself increases or decreases proportionately as the press and dampener speed up and slow down.

Abstract: A drive disengaging device for a seal-type dampening system in an offset lithographic printing press. The disengaging mechanism includes a clutch gear rotationally mounted on a drive shaft and having a clutch bearing securely mounted thereto. The drive shaft incorporates a specified diameter, on which the clutch bearing functions as designed, and a stepped diameter, on which the clutch bearing does not function as designed. Alternate axial positioning of the clutch bearing between the specified diameter and the stepped diameter causes the clutch bearing to function or not function, respectively, as designed. Gear mesh between the clutch gear and the press drive train is maintained when the clutch gear is in either position. Axial positioning of the gear clutch assembly is controlled by the press operator through an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly can be either an axial-type or rotation-type, depending on the press configuration and space restrictions.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to an improved lithographic dampening solution comprising a diluted dampening solution concentrate having mixed therein a micro-emulsion formulation which spontaneously emulsifies upon mixing with the diluted dampening solution concentrate, the micro-emulsion formulation comprising a mono-, di-, or tripropylene glycol or other glycol having at least 3 carbons; a partially water soluble mono-, di-, or tripropylene glycol C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl ether; and, a wholly or partially water soluble polymer having an acid value of from about 5 to about 50. The subject invention further relates to a micro-emulsion formulation as previously stated or as stated hereinabove which further contains a nonionic surfactant of HLB 2-10 and a water soluble thickener. The invention further relates to a method for preparing the above-defined improved lithographic dampening solution.

Abstract: A dampener for a lithographic press comprises a form roller, a metering roller, a reservoir of dampening solution lying above and between the form and metering rollers, and means for supplying solution to the reservoir. The amount of solution applied to the form roller is controlled by adjusting the pressure between the form and metering rollers, without appreciably affecting the pressure between the form roller and the plate cylinder. Excess moisture retained on the form roller and excess solution which collects between the plate cylinder and the form roller is continuously returned directly to the reservoir. The metering roller and the plate cylinder are driven by the press gear drive system, and the form roller is driven from frictional contact with the plate cylinder and the metering roller, to aid in retrofitting the dampener to existing presses. The dampener mechanism can also be used alternatively to supply water-based coating liquids to allow use of the press for a coating operation.