Abstract: A sheet transfer assembly for use above an ultraviolet curing unit in a flexographic printing press used for printing corrugated sheets includes a vacuum plate with heat sinks. The vacuum plate includes openings for rollers that extend through the vacuum plate to drive printed sheets across the bottom of the transfer assembly. Heat sinks are formed on the top surface of the vacuum plate between rollers to remove heat from the vacuum plate. Heat from the UV curing unit is effectively dissipated from the vacuum plate into the air used to hold printed substrates against the rollers in the transfer assembly.

Abstract: A system for curing printing plates with controlled radiant energy sources. A conveyor moves a printing plate through a chamber having energy radiators above and below the conveyor. Power to the radiators is controlled for each radiator or to groups of radiators defining radiation zones. Curing time may be controlled by adjusting power to the radiators and adjusting the conveyor speed. Sensors detect a plate as it enters and exits the chamber. Heat sensors may detect chamber or plate temperatures. A color sensor may detect plate color as an indicator of degree of curing. A computer system stores curing scenarios and uses the sensor signals and operator inputs to control power to the radiators and conveyor speed to provide uniform curing of the plate.

Abstract: A dryer is disclosed in a compact design for interstation use on printing presses, particularly lithographic presses. High velocity air is combined with intense infrared radiation to heat, evaporate and scrub vapor from freshly printed substrates. Air under pressure is provided through passages in a housing which is passed toward and by the infrared lamp in such a way as to cool the lamp and thereafter impact the substrate being dried. A pressure sensing control prevents operation of the lamp without the cooling air. The lamp power circuit is switched off if air pressure is lost. The dryer is mounted in an extractor housing provided with a negative pressure to extract the supplied air after it impacts upon the substrate.

Abstract: A dampening liquid application apparatus for a lithographic press includes a motor driven metering roller drivably engaged with a transfer roller which in turn is engageable with an applicator roller for transferring dampening liquid to a plate cylinder. The metering and transfer rollers are driven through a gear train and are mounted on support members which permit pivotal movement of the support members such that the transfer roller may be disengaged from the applicator roller and, through a lost motion coupling, the applicator roller may be disengaged from the plate cylinder. A distribution roller is engageable with the dampener applicator roller and one of the form rollers of the press inking train. The distribution roller is selectively movable to and maintainable in position in which the distribution roller is disengaged from the form roller but is engaged with the applicator roller.

Abstract: A dampening liquid application apparatus for a lithographic press includes a motor driven metering roller drivably engaged with a transfer roller which in turn is engageable with an applicator roller for transferring dampening liquid to a plate cylinder. The metering and transfer rollers are driven through a gear train and are mounted on support members which permit pivotal movement of the support members such that the transfer roller may be disengaged from the applicator roller and, through a lost motion coupling, the applicator roller may be disengaged from the plate cylinder. The applicator roller is driven independently through a gear train meshed with a drive gear on the plate cylinder. Support bearings for the metering and transfer rollers and the support members for the applicator roller are adjustable by stop members so that engagement forces between the respective rollers may be selectively adjusted.