Abstract: A convertible coating apparatus provides one or two side coating of a web having wet ink thereon to permit both printing and coating to be carried out prior to any drying operation. The apparatus includes a coating applicator roller in contact with a relatively hard back-up roller. The coating applicator roller is supplied with coating in both the one and two side operations while the back-up roller is supplied with coating only in the two side operation. Water is supplied to the back-up roller in the one side operation and the back-up roller has a hydrophilic surface which, when supplied with water, repels the wet ink on the web passing through the couple and prevents smudging and offset of the ink to the back-up roller. A method of carrying out the one and two side coating is also disclosed. A turning roller is also provided which guides the freshly inked web between inking operations without smudging the ink on the web.

Abstract: A convertible coating apparatus provides one or two side coating of a web having wet ink thereon to permit both printing and coating to be carried out prior to any drying operation. The apparatus includes a coating applicator roller in contact with a relatively hard back-up roller. The coating applicator roller is supplied with coating in both the one and two side operations while the back-up roller is supplied with coating only in the two side operation. Water is supplied to the back-up roller in the one side operation and the back-up roller has a hydrophilic surface which, when supplied with water, repels the wet ink on the web passing through the couple and prevents smudging and offset of the ink to the back-up roller. A method of carrying out the one and two side coating is also disclosed. A turning roller is also provided which guides the freshly inked web between inking operations without smudging the ink on the web.

Abstract: An inker comprising two rollers having surfaces in pressure indented relation, the contacting surfaces moving in opposite directions to meter ink. A surface of one of the rollers carries a film of ink to the printing plate and thereafter an excessive quantity of ink is applied as the surface moves away from the printing plate. The excessive quantity of ink is metered between the surfaces of the two rollers moving in opposite directions to form a fresh continuous uniform thickness for application to the printing plate.

Abstract: An inker comprising two rollers having surfaces in pressure indented relation, adjacent surfaces moving in opposite directions to meter ink. A surface of one of the rollers carries a film of ink to the printing plate and thereafter an excessive quantity of ink is applied as the surface moves away from the printing plate and through an ink reservoir. The excessive quantity of ink is metered between the surfaces of the two rollers moving in opposite directions to form a fresh continuous uniform thickness for application to the printing plate. Viscosity of the ink in the reservoir is controlled.

Abstract: The inker and inking method include forming a metering nip between the ink applicator roller of a printing press to which an excess of ink has been previously applied and a metering unit. A uniform film of ink is then formed on the surface of the metering unit and the physical properties of this film of ink are subsequently varied and controlled so that when this film contacts the ink on the applicator roller at the metering nip, a uniform layer of ink of a desired thickness is created and maintained on the applicator roller as it leaves the nip.