Abstract: A dampener for use in dampening the distribution roller of a printing press of the lithographic type includes: a hollow, perforated roller adjacent to the distribution roller; a dampening solution source containing dampening solution; a variable speed power mechanism for driving the perforated roller through the dampening solution source; an air source for blowing dampening solution obtained from the source onto the distribution roller; and an oscillator for oscillating the perforated roller laterally of the air source as the perforated roller is being rotated.

Abstract: An anti-wrap apparatus and method for high speed printing press involves detecting the start of web wrap after web break to deactivate the press motors and apply the press brakes. In addition the detection mechanism which senses a change in the web path, can sever the already printed web being drawn backwards by the start of web wrap, to limit the availability of web material, for web wrap. In the case of difficult to sever web materials, severing action can be enhanced by forcing the web being drawn backwards, against the severing detection mechanism.

Abstract: A screw adjustment mechanism with pre-set backlash for an ink fountain blade, includes the adjusting screw threadedly mounting two bushings separated by a compression spring which biases the threads of the respective bushings into engagement with opposite sides of the screw thread a desired amount. The biased bushings are each fixed to the fountain blade. The bushings' thread contact with opposite sides of the screw thread effectively eliminates backlash (lost motion), but the contact can be adjusted to provide a desired resistance to screw adjustment.

Abstract: In a printing press of the lithographic type, a dampening system regulates the flow of dampening solution onto the oscillating roller for application to an adjacent dampener roller and then onto a plate cylinder. The dampening means includes a plurality of circumferentially grooved, longitudinally spaced discs, axially aligned and positioned adjacent to the oscillating roller. The grooved circumferences of the discs are so positioned as to be rotatable through a dampening solution source. A plurality of individually actuable means is each so positioned as to direct air under pressure at one of the grooved circumferences of the discs towards the oscillating roller. In this way dampening solution from the circumferential groove is directed into a fine spray onto the periphery of a section or zone of the oscillating roller. The system also includes means for controlling the amount of air directed from one of the air pressure means independent of every other air pressure means.

Abstract: An ink fountain blade assembly is mounted in a printing press of the lithographic and letter press variety for regulating the flow of ink onto a roller. The assembly is self contained and is readily removable and may be disassembled for cleaning or maintenance. The assembly has two parallel plates with a plurality of ink blades slidably mounted between the plates. The ends of the blades project beyond the plates and are engageable with the roller. Selectively actuable elements allow each blade to be individually adjusted relative to the roller.