Abstract: An improved throw off device for disengaging adjacent blanket cylinders (12) and (14) from each other and corresponding adjacent plate cylinders (16) and (18) is provided. The device includes pairs of bearing assemblies (28A), (28B), (30A) and (30B) that are mounted on the opposite ends of the journal (26) of each of the blanket cylinders (12) and (14). Each bearing assembly is defined by an inner race (36) and an outer race (38) having an eccentric bore in which the inner race is disposed. The device eliminates the need for a bearing sleeve. Each bearing assembly has a lever (74) arm that is mounted to the outer race (38). The lever arm (74) is defined by two wing-shaped portions (76) and (78). Each bearing assembly further includes a hydraulic cylinder (86). Each hydraulic cylinder (86) is coupled at one end to one of the two wing-shaped portions of the lever arm (74) and at the other end to one of the side frames of the printing press.

Abstract: A fluid level detection system (50) for ink in a printing press (10) having a vessel (58) having walls (60) defining a chamber (62), an elongated rotatable shaft (64) in the chamber (62), a motor (66) for rotating the shaft (64), an elongated flexible blade (68) affixed to the shaft 64 such that the motor (66) rotates the blade (68), and a proximity sensor (72) adjacent the walls (60) of the vessel (58) to detect the rotating blade (68) in the absence of ink at the level of the blade (68), with the blade (68) flexing in the presence of ink such that the sensor (72) does not detect the blade (68).

Abstract: A printing press (10) with a dampener roller (16) and a spray bar assembly (12) for spraying dampening liquid (20) onto the dampener roller is provided with a dampening liquid spray control apparatus (15) including a control member (18) with a diagonal blocking section (40) for blocking dampening liquid (20) from impinging upon selected locations on the dampener roller (16) when there is a relatively narrow web running in the press and a transverse deflecting section (42) for deflecting dampening liquid (20) onto the dispenser roller at preselected locations adjacent the end of the dampener roller (16A) when a relatively wider web is running in the press to reduce scumming and an adjustable mounting apparatus (24, 26, 28, 30, 31, 34 and 37) to mount the control member (18) in different positions to achieve different dampening results.

Abstract: A control system for a web (10) in a printing press (12) having a device (20) for applying pressure to lateral locations of the web (10) intermediate side edges (22a and 22b) of the web (10), and a device (14) for controlling the pressure applying device (20) to apply a selected amount of pressure to the web (10).

Abstract: A spray bar assembly (10) for a printing press (12) having a source of liquid, at least one nozzle (42) communicating with the source, a pair of opposed elongated side walls housing the nozzle (42), a support member extending along the side walls, and an end baffle extending between the side walls near an end of the side walls, with the baffle being movably mounted on the support member to longitudinally adjust the position of the baffle relative to the side walls.

Abstract: An inking system (10) for a printing press (12) having an ink injector (18) for supplying ink under pressure and having a device (50) for pumping and metering the ink flow in the injector (18), a fountain roller (14) having an outer brush surface (26) in close contact with the ink injector (18), a device (29) for rotating the fountain roller (14), a pick up roll (16) located adjacent the fountain roller (14) to receive ink from the fountain roller (14), a device (29) for rotating the pick up roller (14), and a device (42) for scraping the residual ink from a scraper roller (40) receiving ink from a rubber covered roller.

Abstract: An inking system having continuously operating individual positive displacement ink pumps for each column of print and means for applying ink to the ink roll in discrete, timed quantities which are determined by a microprocessor-based control system.

Abstract: A water stop module for use with a spray nozzle printing press dampener includes a shield maintained in a housing having an aperture to allow undisrupted fluid flow therethrough and a guide track for directing the shield to block the aperture. A pair of cogwheels with sprockets in engaging relation with the shield are rotatable to drive the shield along the guide tracks by a regulated amount to enable the area of coverage of fluid emerging from the aperture to be determined.

Abstract: An improved structure for supplying dampening fluid to a lithographic printing press which structure includes a form roller for passing fluid to the plate cylinder and means mounting the form roller for simultaneous contact with the water drum and the plate cylinder and also means for oscillating the form roller slowly axially with respect to the plate cylinder and the water drum.

Abstract: An improved spray nozzle for supplying dampening fluid to a printing press is made of modular parts joined together and formed so that air and dampening fluids flow through the body of the nozzles, exit through outlet orifices in directions substantially perpendicular with respect to each other, and then impinge against a deflector plate located between two of the body modules so that fluids join while traveling in substantially parallel directions to produce a spray which is widely dispersed in the direction while being narrowly dispersed in a second direction.

Abstract: A reversible color deck apparatus for rotary printing presses for permitting a printer to selectively print a plurality of colors on one side or the other of a paper web. The apparatus includes a plurality of image delivery rolls or cylinders disposed in spaced relation. A pair of blanket rolls or cylinders are disposed within the space separating the image delivery rolls and are supported at their ends by eccentric sleeve elements. These sleeve elements are operatively interconnected by control linkage which, in turn, is connected to an actuating member for effecting simultaneous movement of the axes of rotation of the blanket rolls in the same directions. Via a neutral or throw off position, the axes of rotation of the blanket rolls can be moved to two different positions which permit the printing of a plurality of colors on that side of the web corresponding to the particular position to which the blanket rolls were selected to be moved.

Abstract: A device for detecting changes in ink film thickness on the inking rollers of a printing press which includes a transfer wheel rotatable mounted in nipping contact with one of the inking rollers. A rotatable gauge wheel having a slinger ring assembled intermediate its ends and about its periphery defines a measuring surface on one side of the ring for receiving a film of ink from the transfer wheel and the other side defines a reference surface maintained clear of ink by the ring. Individual photo-electric sensing members are tangentially associated with the peripheral surface of both the measuring and reference surfaces and by means of a cooperating circuit including a comparetor a signal change is given when a difference in ratio occurs between pre-selected signals from these surfaces.