Abstract: The applicator includes a housing having an outer surface, and an internal reservoir for holding the dispensable product (e.g., liquid soap or topical skin treatment or any flowable product). Porous qualities of the housing fluidly couple the internal reservoir and the outer surface of the housing. Thus, when the applicator is activated by creating an internal positive pressure, the product continuously flows (e.g., for 10 seconds or more) from the internal reservoir to the outer housing surface. A rapid product release (e.g., 1 to 9 seconds) is also possible. One or more porous housing jackets may be disposed about the housing, which operate in conjunction with the porous housing to control flow of product. The applicator can be designed as a one-time disposable device that includes an internal supply of product, avoiding the need for both applicator and separate product. Alternatively, the applicator can be designed to be rechargeable with a particular product or products.

Abstract: The applicator includes a housing having an outer surface, and an internal reservoir for holding the dispensable product (e.g., liquid soap or topical skin treatment or any flowable product). Porous qualities of the housing fluidly couple the internal reservoir and the outer surface of the housing. Thus, when the applicator is activated by creating an internal positive pressure, the product continuously flows (e.g., for 10 seconds or more) from the internal reservoir to the outer housing surface. A rapid product release (e.g., 1 to 9 seconds) is also possible. One or more porous housing jackets may be disposed about the housing, which operate in conjunction with the porous housing to control flow of product. The applicator can be designed as a one-time disposable device that includes an internal supply of product, avoiding the need for both applicator and separate product. Alternatively, the applicator can be designed to be rechargeable with a particular product or products.

Abstract: Multiple winding mechanisms are disposed within a single cylinder, such as the plate cylinder of a printing press, and are actuable so as to pay out material across different cylinder segments. For example, the winding mechanisms may be differentially geared to cylinder rotation, such that rotation of the cylinder in a first direction advances material from a first winding mechanism across a first circumferential portion of the cylinder to a second winding mechanism; while rotation of the cylinder in the opposite direction advances material from the second winding mechanism across a second circumferential portion of the cylinder (which may, for example, be diametrically opposed to the first cylinder portion) to the first winding mechanism. Alternatively, material advancement may be achieved by means of a dedicated motor rather than mechanical coupling to cylinder rotation.

Abstract: A plate-imaging system and a plate-cylinder support structure are coupled in a manner that achieves precise spacing between a writing head and the surface of a lithographic plate. The imaging unit is designed to permit the writing head undergo controlled advancement toward the plate cylinder, and includes a pair of rollers fixed with respect to the writing head and a spaced so as to facilitate rolling contact with peripheral segments of the cylinder. When the imaging unit is brought into contact with the structure containing the plate cylinder, the writing head is advanced toward the cylinder until the rollers make contact with the peripheral segments. The alignment between the rollers and the writing head is fixed such that rolling contact between the rollers and the peripheral cylinder segments ensures proper spacing between the writing head and a plate mounted to the plate cylinder.

Abstract: A controlled slip torque transmitting apparatus comprises a first substantially cylindrical rotary member which is rigid and has a longitudinal axis of rotation. A somewhat compliant tubular rotary member snugly encircles the first member, the two members being rotatable relatively about that axis. The second member has at least three outwardly extending projections with free ends. An elastic band surrounds the projections so as to exert compressive loads on the body thereby pressing the body against the tubular member at the roots of the lobes so that the clutch has an inherent break away torque when the two members are moved relatively.

Abstract: An adaptive clamping assembly especially suitable for use in clamping a lithographic plate material around a cylinder. A lead clamp for receiving the leading edge of the plate is fixed along the outer surface of the cylinder parallel to the cylinder's longitudinal axis of rotation. A tail clamp for receiving the trailing edge of the plate is disposed along the outer surface of the cylinder parallel to the lead clamp. The tail clamp is mounted to a take-up assembly that is rotatably mounted within the cylinder bore so that the tail clamp can be selectively positioned along the outer surface of the cylinder relative to the lead clamp. Further rotation of the take-up assembly through rotation of the cylinder tensions the plate around the cylinder for proper imaging or printing.

Abstract: A system for accepting and winding lithographic plate material around a cylinder adapted for rotation about a longitudinal axis includes supply and uptake spools and an alignment tool for use therewith. The cylinder is hollow, having an interior and an axial opening thereto, and includes means within its interior for selectably engaging supply and uptake spools. The engagement means are in fixed alignment with one another and are disposed within the cylinder so as to define an unobstructed winding path extending around the cylinder from the supply spool to the uptake spool. Plate material stored on the supply spool is extended around this path and affixed to the uptake spool. The tool includes means for releasably gripping supply and uptake spools, and alignment components for aligning the gripping means to at least one engagement means within the cylinder when the tool is introduced therein. The tool is removed from the cylinder following release of the spools to the engagement means.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for clamping a lithographic plate to a cylinder includes a base defining a channel and a plate mounted to the base and overlying the channel. An elongated cam member is rotatably positioned in the channel, the member having a cam surface profiled so that when the cam member is in a first angular position, that surface extends relatively close to the plate and when the cam member is in a second position, that surface is further away from the plate. Stops are included for establishing the two positions of the cam member. When the cam member is in its second position and an edge margin of a recording medium is inserted between the cam member and the plate, moving the cam member to its first position causes the clamp assembly to simultaneously grip and pull on the recording medium.

Abstract: Apparatus for imaging a lithographic printing plate wherein structure is provided for removing debris generated by an imaging head and adhering to the plate. The debris removing structure may comprise a rotating brush which is selectively movable into and out of contact with the plate as necessary. Cleaning fluid may be delivered to the brush and suction may be used to aid removal of debris loosened by the brush.

Abstract: The printer paper feed mechanism disclosed herein operates to transfer a sheet of paper being printed from the printing platen to an output tray above the platen by means of a plurality of resiliently surfaced rolls carried on a shaft which is journaled in arcuate slots in end plates at either end of the platen roll. When the rollers are driven in one direction, the shaft walks along the arcuate slots toward a guide which is overlaid by a sheet of paper being fed from the platen. The rollers drive that piece of paper upwardly away from the platen and into the output tray.

Abstract: In the paper feed mechanism disclosed herein, a pick roller is journaled in a swing member which is pivoted on a horizontal drive shaft extending across the paper path. The periphery of the pick roller frictionally engages the drive shaft and the swing mechanism depends from the drive shaft through a friction fit. When the drive shaft is rotated in the appropriate direction, the pick roller is swung, due to the frictional fit, against the front sheet of a paper pack and continued rotation of the shaft drives the pick roller into wedging engagement with the sheet, causing the sheet to advance and separate from the pack.