Abstract: A clamping device for thin flexible printing plates has a tensioning rail at the trailing wall of a wide longitudinal groove in the plate cylinder. The tensioning unit is mounted for axial and peripheral adjustment on a support of "L" cross-section having a first leg seated with respect to the bottom of the groove and a second leg presenting an upstanding reference surface interposed between the tensioning rail and the trailing wall of the groove. A set of tensioning springs recessed in the tensioning rail bear against the reference surface and apply peripheral tension to the plate. A spring detent latches the tensioning rail temporarily against the reference surface, overcoming the tensioning springs while the trailing edge of the plate is being gripped. The spring detent is mounted upon and movable with the support. Screws having a plurality of selectable holes anchor the support in a series of peripheral positions for accommodation of plates of different length.

Abstract: A fluid supply system for a lithographic printing press in which a fountain roller journalled in the frame of the press and driven at a slow speed is partially submerged so that a film of fluid is formed on its surface. A distributor roller is journalled in the frame parallel to the fountain roller and spaced therefrom to form a gap. A ductor roller movable broadwise in the gap is supported by a pair of arms which are, in turn, rigidly supported by a shaft journalled in the frame. A driving arm having a thrust rod connected thereto is rigidly secured to the shaft. The driving arm is coupled to a cam follower which engages a rotary cam so that upon rotation of the cam the shaft oscillates to swing the ductor roller back and forth for successive engagement of the fountain roller and the distributor roller to convey fluid therebetween. Opposed way surfaces are provided at the ends of the arms oriented generally perpendicular to the plane of the arms.

Abstract: An inking unit for a printing press including a source of ink, a set of ink transfer rollers for establishing an ink film, a distributor roller vibrated endwise for distribution of the ink film and a form roller for applying the ink film to a plate on the plate cylinder. The form roller has a shaft and an outer cylindrical shell, the latter being rotated by surface engagement. A bearing between the shaft and the shell permits relative axial as well as rotational movement. A cam of the cylindrical, or drum, type mounted on the shaft has an endless wavy groove in which is received a cam follower in the form of a roller extending radially inwardly from the sleeve so that the sleeve reciprocates through a single cycle as a result of a single relative rotation of the shaft.