Abstract: A proofing tool including an anilox roll and an impression roll that are shiftable relative to each other between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The invention further includes a positive rotational linkage between the anilox roll and the impression roll whereby a pitch velocity of the anilox roll and a pitch velocity of the impression roll are substantially matched.

Abstract: A proofing tool, including an anilox roll and an impression roll shiftable relative to each other from an engaged position and a disengaged position and a positive stop nip adjustment mechanism. operably connected to the anilox roll and the impression roll and being adjustable whereby when the anilox roll and the impression roll are in the engaged position the positive stop prevents the nip distance from being smaller than a set value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning an ink proofing head. The apparatus includes a continuous moving surface that engages a rotatable member of the ink proofing head, such as the anilox roller or the transfer roller, causing at least one of the members to rotate. A cleaning fluid is supplied to wet and cleanse the continuous moving surface and the inked surfaces of the ink proofing head. The fluid may be applied by immersing a portion of the continuous moving surface in a bath, or by pumping the fluid directly on to the ink proofing head. The ink-laden cleaning fluid may be conveyed to a decantation tank, enabling the ink to settle and the cleaning fluid to subsequently be re-used. A drag force may be applied to one or more of the rotating members of the ink proofing head, causing the rotating members to slip relative to the continuous moving surface and inducing a scrubbing action.

Abstract: A kit for use in preparing ink proofs including an ink proofing tool having an anilox roller shiftable between a first position in contact with an impression roller and a second position not in contact with the impression roller, an ink proofer apparatus including an endless movable transport surface and a holder to support the ink proofing tool, the holder being shiftable between a first position wherein the impression roller is not in contact with the transport surface and a second position wherein the impression roller is in contact with a substrate supported by the transport surface; and at least two endless movable transport surfaces which have different preselected surface qualities and which are exchangeably couplable to the ink proofer apparatus.

Abstract: An ink proofer arrangement to generate consistent and reliable ink drawdowns irrespective of the size of the substrate or the user preparing the ink sample. The ink proofer arrangement includes an ink proofer tool, a cylindrical drum roller, a drive motor adapted to rotate the roller and a first movable mounting assembly to retain the ink proofer tool adjacent to and in a non-contact position with the roller, a first variable pressure assembly coupled to the mounting assembly and adapted to move the ink proofer tool between a contact with pressure position and a non-contact position with the roller. The transfer roller is adapted to transfer ink to a substrate that is inserted between the roller and the transfer roll of the ink proofer tool when the drive motor is engaged. Additionally, the ink proofer arrangement includes a substrate roll tensioner to control the rotation of the substrate roll.

Abstract: An ink proofer arrangement includes an ink proofer tool, a cylindrical drum roller, a drive motor adapted to rotate the roller and a first movable mounting assembly to retain the ink proofer tool adjacent to and in a non-contact position with the roller, a first variable pressure assembly coupled to the mounting assembly and adapted to move the ink proofer tool between a contact with pressure position and a non-contact position with the roller. The ink proofer arrangement also includes a UV light source positioned downstream of the ink proofer tool to more quickly and uniformly dry the inks on the proof substrate. The UV light source may be pivotable to permit access to the proof substrate. The UV light source may be selectively positionable at different distances from the ink proofer tool so as to provide for adjustability of a dwell time for the proof.

Abstract: An ink proofer arrangement to generate consistent and reliable ink draw-downs irrespective of the size of the substrate or the user preparing the ink sample. One example embodiment includes an ink proofer arrangement and an ink proofer tool. The ink proofer arrangement includes a cylindrical roller and a drive motor adapted to rotate the roller. In addition, a first movable mounting assembly is included that retains the ink proofer tool adjacent to and in a non-contact position with the roller. The proofer arrangement further includes a first variable pressure assembly coupled to the mounting assembly and adapted to move the ink proofer tool between the non-contact position and a contact with pressure position with the roller, wherein a transfer roller of the ink proofer tool is adapted to transfer ink to a substrate that is inserted between the roller and the transfer roll when the drive motor is engaged.

Abstract: The ink proofer arrangement generates consistent and reliable ink draw downs irrespective of the size of the substrate or the user preparing the ink sample. The ink proofer arrangement includes an ink proofer tool, a cylindrical roller, a drive motor adapted to rotate the roller and a first movable mounting assembly is included that retains the ink proofer tool adjacent to and in a non-contact position with the roller. The proofer arrangement further includes a first variable pressure assembly coupled to the mounting assembly and adapted to move the ink proofer tool into a contact with pressure position with the roller and further adapted to move the ink proofer tool into the non-contact position, wherein the transfer roller is adapted to transfer ink to a substrate that is inserted between the roller and the transfer roll of the ink proofer tool when the drive motor is engaged.