Abstract: A control system for regulating the composition of an emulsion ink made from an oil-based ink and a water-based fountain solution using a mixing and dispersing apparatus includes a liquid level sensor, means responsive to the liquid level sensor for maintaining a proper liquid level in the mixing and dispersing apparatus, and means for producing an emulsion ink with a water content value which is within a predetermined range from a desired water content value. The producing means includes a feedforward controller and a feedback controller for regulating water-based fountain solution input rate to the mixing and dispersing apparatus.

Abstract: A control system for regulating the composition of an emulsion ink made from an oil-based ink and a water-based fountain solution using a mixing and dispersing apparatus includes a liquid level sensor, means responsive to the liquid level sensor for maintaining a proper liquid level in the mixing and dispersing apparatus, and means for producing an emulsion ink with a water content value which is within a predetermined range from a desired water content value. The producing means includes a feedforward controller and a feedback controller for regulating water-based fountain solution input rate to the mixing and dispersing apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying emulsion ink to a printing plate on a printing press is disclosed. The apparatus includes an ink feed and recirculation system and associated control system to quickly and reliably form a high quality emulsion ink. The control system utilizes both feedback and feedforward control strategies. The recirculation of the emulsion ink ensures that the emulsion ink remains stable and makes it possible to reformulate the emulsion ink, if necessary, without waiting for the exhaustion of all of the emulsion ink that is in need of reformulation.

Abstract: A water metering apparatus for measuring water concentrations in a water-ink emulsion used in a printing press is provided. The apparatus develops a substantially linear output for water concentrations ranging from 0% to approximately 50% without employing a logarithmic amplifier. In addition, an improved sensor for use in the water metering apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A mixing and dispersing apparatus for emulsion ink in a printing press is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vessel having walls defining an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A motor drives a shaft carrying a propeller having pitched blades, disposed in the upper chamber. The shaft also carries a rotor disposed below the propeller. The rotor includes downwardly extending teeth that are disposed adjacent to inner and outer stator walls. The inner and outer stator walls are perforated by slots therein and are fixed with respect to the vessel. The propeller mixes ink and fountain solution and propels the mixture downward toward the rotor, which shears and disperses the ink and fountain solution into the lower chamber, forming a suitably stable emulsion ink. The emulsion ink is then pumped to an ink distribution rail for use of some of the emulsion ink for printing, with the remainder of the emulsion ink being recirculated to the mixing and dispersing apparatus.

Abstract: An ink metering roller of an engraved aluminum base having a substantially continuous anodized surface layer of aluminum oxide ranging from about 1 to 3 microns in thickness and a layer of copper plate deposited directly onto the anodized surface.