Abstract: A duplicator system and method are provided for preparing a lithographic master and for producing duplicated copies from the master in a fully automated system. An ink and moisture system is provided for supplying ink and moisture to a master on a master cylinder. During a pre-inking phase, an ink ductor roller is operative for a predetermined duration within variable ranges, as determined by the number of duplicated copies to be reproduced, and a moisture roller is operative to transmit moisture to the inking system. An early moisture circuit is also provided for conditioning the system by supplying moisture prior to a pre-inking phase in those instances wherein there has been a significant delay between the processing of two consecutive masters. Control means including a sensing device is provided for sensing the ambient temperature at an ink fountain and providing an indication thereof at predetermined temperature values.

Abstract: An automatic screen printing machine is disclosed in which a squeegee and doctor blade are synchronized with the vertical position of a reciprocating receiving roller carried by a lifting frame. The squeegee and doctor blade are positioned by rack gears on a common support mounted for reciprocation on a fixed longitudinal frame and driven by a mutual pinion which is operated by a link arm extended from the pressure roller.

Abstract: A removable module carrying a screen for a rotary screen printing machine, which stands on four individually vertically adjustable legs, each supported on an individual seating surface mounted on a bedplate. Two screw spindle and movable cylinder-nut mechanisms are provided for in-place angular and transverse position adjustment. The rotational drive of the screen is provided through a slidable Cardan joint.

Abstract: A new and improved stencil-sheet holder includes a frame adapted to define a central open area over which a stencil-sheet is mounted so that the major part of its surface is suspended in air with sufficient tension to prevent the formation of wrinkles in the stencil-sheet. A novel support structure adjustable in the longitudinal direction is provided so that different size stencil-sheets can be readily accommodated in the apparatus. Removable support pins make it possible to support different styles of stencil-sheets.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for wet transfer printing and a machine for effecting this process. The machine includes a rotatable, heated cylinder around which a transfer web and a fabric web are continuously passed one on top of the other, the two webs being held together and in contact with the cylinder by means of a continuous belt which is guided around a portion of the cylinder with the two webs therebetween. The belt is made of a water impervious material and at least one pressure applicator is provided which is adapted to apply pressure, in addition to that provided by the belt, to the transfer/fabric web combination.

Abstract: A rotary printing machine in which a cylindrical stencil is connected to an end ring at each end. At least one frame carries a supporting body on which rollers are rotatably mounted. The rollers engage one or more of the end rings on circular surfaces facing towards the stencil. The supporting body has radially diverging arms extending from a common center element coinciding with the center line of the stencil. The rollers are mounted at the extremities of the arms, and at least one of the rollers is movable from its operating position for releasing the end ring.

Abstract: A screen printing machine wherein a hollow cylindrical stencil rotates about a stationary but adjustable horizontal header which supplies a liquid and is welded to a carrier for a reciprocable or pivotable holder supporting a blade-like or rod-like squeegee. The latter is biased against the internal surface of the stencil by a deformable tubular cushion which is received in a U-shaped portion of the carrier and is deformed by an elongated extension of the holder which imparts to the cushion a kidney-shaped cross-sectional outline. The cushion can be bonded to the carrier and comprises an elastic hose which is reinforced by one or more textile or metallic layers or a non-elastic hose which is reinforced by one or more layers of elastomeric material.

Abstract: A silk screen printing process and apparatus in which a silk screen having a porous figure printing area may be divided by partitions into compartments for different types or colors of ink. The printing operation is performed by a rapid upward acceleration of the silk screen and sheet on which the printing is to be performed, thereby causing the ink to flow through the porous printing area of the screen as a result of inertia. Various types of apparatus may be used to perform the process, one consisting of a platen on which the sheet and silk screen are placed, and a hammer type element which strikes the underside of the platen to produce the upward acceleration.

Abstract: Stencilling apparatus having a print and flow action relative to a combination squeegee and flow coater assembly, wherein excess stencilling fluid ahead of the squeegee can flow through the assembly, by flow over the squeegee into a control reservoir behind the squeegee and ahead of the trailing flow coater, and a controlled layer of the fluid flows from the reservoir beneath the lower edge of the flow coater onto the underlying stencil screen.

Abstract: A web printing apparatus includes a positively driven printing base, a drive for driving a web to be printed over the printing base, and rollers positioned to contact and print a first portion of the web opposite the printing base. The drive moves the web at a higher speed than the base. The rollers press down on the web with sufficient force to create a friction connection between the web and the base, thus retarding and reducing the speed of the first portion of the web and tensioning a second portion of the web downstream of the rollers. The tension thus created in the second portion of the web is used to reduce the speed thereof.

Abstract: A belt of flexible metal with a dielectric of good electrostatic charge retention properties bonded to it is guided over grounded metal rollers with the metallicized side in contact with the rollers. At an imaging station an electrostatic image is placed directly on the dielectric.As the belt moves past a toning station it is sprayed with an insulating fluid containing small particles of high dielectric constant, which thereby obtain an induced dipole moment, or particles with a permanent dipole moment may be used. These particles are suspended in an organic carrier which is chosen so as not to discharge the dielectric belt and to impart a negligible electrostatic charge to the particles.Then the developed image is moved past a station wherein a dielectric roller is used as a backup, and a sheet of plain paper is pressed between the belt and the roller to transfer the wet particles from the belt to the paper.

Abstract: An apparatus and method used for stenciling selected indicia upon and into surfaces of structures for identification purposes, the apparatus comprising a hollow body with air pressure release outlet means, an aperture in the body wherein a detachable stencil holding unit having a stencil receptacle for affixing desired unit stencils over said aperture and a unit for applying the stenciling medium from within said body to said indicia; and a method of automobile identification marking wherein stenciled markings are placed on the panes of glass of a vehicle, the markings on each vehicle being unique and stored with other information in a central depository, the information being retrievable.

Abstract: A flexible squeegee for use in round or irregularly shaped screen-printing frames, whose design permits it to sweep all, or substantially all, of the screen surface.

Abstract: A device for digging, balling and relocating a tree for mounting on a vehicle having twin spaced booms having an attachment plate pivotally mounted thereto. The device includes a rear blade for connection with the attachment plate of the vehicle together with first and second arms rotatably mounted about the longitudinal axis thereof on the attachment plate. The arms are also pivotally mounted on the attachment plate. Each arm carries at the outer end thereof a side blade. A hydraulic ram rotates and pivots each of said arms to thereby move the blades thereof together or apart relative to the rear blade.

Abstract: Rotary printing press is provided with mounting means for an image cylinder to facilitate interchange of cylinders of different sizes and their adjustment. The cylinder is carried on upstanding supports on a cradle, end stub shafts of the cylinder being journalled on said supports and one or both of the latter being adjustable longitudinally of the cradle to suit cylinders of various axial lengths. The cradle is movable in a frame of the press either horizontally so that it can be withdrawn as a unit with the cylinder, or vertically for forming a nip with an impression cylinder.

Abstract: A device for rolling up onto a core a stencil or ink screen being removed from a duplicator, in which means alongside the or a duplicator cylinder for supporting a core and for driving it at a peripheral speed in excess of the peripheral speed of the duplicator so that a stencil or ink screen from the duplicator may be unrolled from the cylinder and onto the core with tension in the stencil or ink screen maintained by virtue of slipping drive to the core.

Abstract: A duplicating apparatus is equipped with a photoconductive modulator screen cylinder for making reproductions of a graphic original on a dielectric receiving medium utilizing aperture-controlled electrostatic printing techniques. Means is provided for creating a charge distribution system on the surface of the modulator corresponding to an image to be reproduced from the graphic original. The apparatus also comprises charging means for projecting gas ions against the modulator screen cylinder, electrode means for collecting the gas ions selectively transmitted by the modulator screen cylinder on the dielectric receiving medium and means for developing the dielectric receiving medium to create a visible image.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for releasably mounting thin walled cylindrical members in a machine involving rotary working operations, such as rotary screens used in rotary printing presses. The device comprises cylindrical end members adapted to be mounted on the rotary machine and adapted to fit within and engage inner peripheral flanges at the ends of the cylinder. The end members comprise an annular slot which contains a ring member expandible by suitable pressure means. Each ring member contains an outer annular groove adapted to engage the inner flange at each end of the cylinder upon expansion of the ring member thereby securing the ends of the cylinder on each end member. The ring member can be a steel band expandable by the action of a pressurized air tube mounted in the annular slot, or alternatively, the ring member can be an outer wedge ring disposed in the annular slot with an inner wedge ring in the slot which can be axially moved and thus radially moving the outer wedge ring.

Abstract: A machine for printing on thin-walled frusto-conical containers having little resistance to transverse deformation is provided with rotatable mandrels for holding and centering the containers during printing. Each mandrel has a rotatable body provided with two axially spaced centering rings adapted to engage the walls of the container and centralize the container relative to the axis of the mandrel upon axial movement of the container on to the mandrel. The centering rings make sealing engagement with the walls of the container and subdivide the space enclosed between the container and the mandrel body into an end chamber between the base of the container and the outer end of the mandrel, and an annular chamber between the side wall of the container and the mandrel body.

Abstract: A hand-held, manually-operated device for dispensing a viscous liquid in conjunction with a wiping action. Downward pressure on a handle causes expression of viscous material through one or more perforations or orifices in a flexible seal which is in abutting relationship with a surface to which the material is to be applied. As the device is slid across such surface the flexible seal provides both a sealing and a wiping action. When downward pressure is released, an expansion gap is created within the device, thereby relieving expression forces.