Abstract: A mechanism for axially oscillating a distribution roller in a printing, duplicating or like machine, in which a drive shaft extends generally coaxially of the distribution roller. The mechanism is operatively associated between the drive shaft and the roller and includes right hand and left hand threads axially spaced of the shaft. A teeter member extends axially of the shaft and is pivotally mounted intermediate its opposite ends on a pivot axis extending generally transverse to the shaft. The teeter member has portions for alternating engagement in the right hand and left hand threads for axially oscillating the distribution roller in response to rotation of the roller. The threads have risers to lift the teeter member out of a respective threads, and a detent device facilitates moving the teeter member into the respective opposite thread.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for receiving and positionally adjusting the shaft end of a distribution roller in a printing, duplicating or like machine. A pin head structure is mounted on a framework of the machine. A triangular array of pins project inwardly of the pin head axially of the roller for receiving the shaft end of the roller in a position of engagement between the pins. At least one of the pins is adjustable generally in a radial direction to take up any radial play between the roller shaft end and the pin array. At least one of the pins includes means adjustable in an axial direction to take up any axial play between the roller shaft end and the pin head structure. At least one of the pins is retractable to allow for insertion of the roller into position between the pins. The entire pin head structure is rotatable about a given axis generally parallel to and offset from the axis of rotation of the roller to effect movement of the roller bodily in a radial direction relative to an adjacent roller.

Abstract: A moisture distribution roller assembly for use in a moisture feeding system of a printing, duplicating or like machine includes a shaft with a plurality of roller sections slidably mounted thereon. The roller sections are selectively positionable on the shaft at varying axial positions thereon to vary the effective surface area of the distribution roller assembly and, therefore, the amount of moisture carried by the composite roller assembly. As illustrated, the assembly has a central roller portion with stub shafts projecting axially outwardly from opposite ends therof, with the roller sections positionable on the stub shafts. Therefore, the central roller portion can be dimensioned axially to be substantially equal to the narrowest paper intended to be used in the machine.

Abstract: A system for lubricating a plurality of lubricating points in a printing, duplicating or like machine is disclosed. A main reservoir is provided for containing lubricating fluid. A distributor is located on the machine above the lubricating points and has a plurality of metering reservoirs, with an overflow passage from each metering reservoir, and a gravity feed line from each metering reservoir to a receptive one of the lubricating points. A pump is provided for pumping lubricating fluid from the main reservoir through a supply line to the distributor for filling the metering reservoirs and with excess fluid overflowing the metering reservoirs through the overflow passages. The pump is periodically actuated and deactuated to periodically fill the metering reservoirs.

Abstract: A drive system between a master cylinder, a form roller and a distributor roller in a moisture system of a printing, duplicating or like machine. The surface of the master cylinder has a longitudinal gap within which master clamping hardware are disposed. The drive system includes a first gear train, including a lost motion mechanism, between the master cylinder and the form roller for rotating the form roller only during an interval of a revolution of the master cylinder when the surface of the form roller is juxtaposed in the gap of the master cylinder. A second gear train independent of the first gear train is disposed between the form roller and the distributor roller for rotating the distributor roller continuously at the same surface speed as the form roller.

Abstract: A copy sheet feeding system for use in a printing, copying, duplicating and like machine includes a conveyor board for moving copy sheets thereover in seriatim fashion. A vacuum chamber extends lengthwise of the conveyor board, with openings extending longitudinally of the conveyor board and communicating with the vacuum chamber. An access mechanism is movable relative to the vacuum chamber and openings to effectivly expose the openings progressively in the direction of movement of the copy sheets. This effectively provides a moving vacuum device which moves with the copy sheets as the sheets move over the conveyor board.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for receiving and positionally adjusting the shaft end of a distribution roller in a printing, duplicating or like machine. A pin head structure is mounted on a framework of the machine. A triangular array of pins project inwardly of the pin head axially of the roller for receiving the shaft end of the roller in a position of engagement between the pins. At least one of the pins is adjustable generally in a radial direction to take up any radial play between the roller shaft end and the pin array. At least one of the pins includes means adjustable in an axial direction to take up any axial play between the roller shaft end and the pin head structure. At least one of the pins is retractable to allow for insertion of the roller into position between the pins. The entire pin head structure is rotatable about a given axis generally parallel to and offset from the axis of rotation of the roller to effect movement of the roller bodily in a radial direction relative to an adjacent roller.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting mechanism for a distribution roller in a printing, duplicating or like machine which includes a moisture or ink system having a plurality of distribution rollers for distributing moisture or ink to a printing couple of the machine. A pair of fixed rollers and a removable roller are located on the machine in a triangular configuration with parallel axes of rotation. The adjustable mounting mechanism includes a triangulated array of pivot arms movable generally perpendicular to the axes of the rollers. Two of the pivot arms define a V-shaped yoke to cradle the removable roller, and the other pivot arm defines a clamp for holding the removable roller in the cradle. Each of the other two pivot arms and, therefore, the removable roller is adjustable generally radially toward and away from the respective fixed roller to adjust the pressure or gap between the removable roller and the respective fixed roller.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for receiving the shaft end of a distribution roller in a printing, duplicating or like machine. A pin head structure is mounted on a framework of the machine. The pin head structure includes an axially inwardly facing abutment surface against which the shaft end of the roller can abut when in proper position in the machine. A latch member is movably mounted on the pin head structure for radially containing the roller in its proper position and for allowing removal of the roller in the radial direction. The latch member is movable from a first position disposed axially outwardly of the abutment surface to permit the roller to be radially moved into and out of its proper position in the machine, and a second position disposed axially inwardly of the abutment surface overlying the shaft end to contain the roller in its proper position in the machine.

Abstract: A conversion system for readily changing a printing couple of a printing or duplicating machine between a separated system wherein moisture and ink are distributed to a master cylinder through separate paths and an integrated system wherein the moisture and ink are mixed in common paths to the master cylinder. A transfer roller of the main ink distribution system is bodily movable into and out of rolling contact with a moisture form roller of the main moisture distribution system to convert between the integrated and separated systems. The transfer roller is journalled on the machine and is so moved without removing or disconnecting the transfer roller. The driving connection of another transfer roller in the moisture feeding system is selectively switchable to change the location of slippage between the rollers in the moisture feeding system.

Abstract: An ink or moisture pickup roller for feeding ink or moisture from a reservoir or fountain roller to a transfer roller. The surface of the pickup roller is formed by a plurality of spaced circular ribs defining a pattern of generally parallel ridges and valleys along the roller normal to the axis of the roller.

Abstract: A sheet handling mechanism for use in a duplicating machine for duplicating images on both sides of copy sheets including a first printing couple for transferring a first image to a first side of a copy sheet and a second printing couple for transferring a second image to a second side of the sheet. The sheet handling mechanism includes a conveyor movable between the first and second printing couples. Gripper mechanism are operatively associated with the conveyor for gripping the lead end of a copy sheet issuing from the first printing couple and rotating the sheet about an axis generally parallel to the direction of movement of the conveyor to present the second side of the sheet, lead end first, to the second printing couple.

Abstract: An ink fountain assembly for use in duplicating machines, such as rotary offset lithographic machines. A fountain trough is defined by an elongated blade extending along one side of the trough and an ink fountain roller extending along the other side of the trough. A fixed wall defines one end of the trough for flush abutment against adjacent ends of the blade and the roller to prevent ink leakage therethrough. An adjustable wall defines an opposite end of the fountain trough and is releasably secured against the top of the blade to provide a seal therewith. The adjustable wall is movable relative to the blade to bring the adjustable wall into flush abutment against the opposite end of the ink fountain roller to provide a seal therewith and prevent ink leakage therebetween.