Abstract: Disclosed is a spray nozzle repositioning device for attaching to a spray bar in a multi-nozzle spray dampening system of a printing press to reposition the nozzle and reduce the area covered by the dampening spray. The positioning device has a fluid conducting body member to which is connected a first coupling member which extends transversely outwardly from the body member and engages the nozzle connector on the spray bar. A second coupling member spaced from the first coupling member is operatively connected to the body member and extends transversely outward in the direction opposite to the first direction and has formations which permit the mounting of the nozzle in fluid communication with the body member so that the nozzle may be repositioned transversely closer to the adjacent nozzle and closer to the surface being sprayed.

Abstract: A dry brush cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning printing press blanket cylinders is disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a frame spanning the width of the working surface of the blanket cylinder; a plurality of rollers, at least one of which is secured to each end of the frame, the rollers being positioned to straddle the blanket and engage the bearer surfaces of the blanket cylinder, at least one of the rollers being a drive roller; a cleaning brush rotatably mounted on the frame; a drive interconnecting the drive roller and the cleaning brush to cause power developed by frictional engagement of the drive roller and the bearer surface to impart rotation to the cleaning brush; and a mechanism for delaying a cleaning engagement of the cleaning brush with the blanket cylinder until after power generated by frictional engagement of the drive wheel with the bearer surface has caused the cleaning brush to begin rotating.

Abstract: A spray dampening system is disclosed having a number of spray nozzles arranged in laterally spaced relationship, for spraying dampening fluid onto a dampening roll of a printing press in laterally adjacent individual spray patterns which merge on the dampening roll surface in a substantially continuous and laterally extending composite spray pattern. The system, through an arrangement of a plurality of guideway slots on a stationary member and cam slots on a pair of reciprocally movable cam members, moves the spray nozzles simultaneously laterally toward and away from each other and axially toward and away from the dampening roll surface, so that the width of the composite spray pattern may be adjusted while preventing excessive overlapping of the laterally adjacent individual spray patterns.

Abstract: The disclosed dampening system employs rolls which are frictionally driven by the plate roll of an offset printing press to distribute a dampening fluid over the surface of the plate roll. The system employs a rubber form roll which is in frictional engagement with the peripheral surface of the plate roll and is thus frictionally driven by the plate roll. A water feed roll having a ceramic surface is in frictional engagement with the form roll so that the feed roll will be frictionally driven by the form roll. Dampening fluid is sprayed onto the surface of the feed roll by spray nozzles, flickers or slingers, and the feed roll is axially reciprocated relative to the form roll while it is being frictionally driven by the form roll and while the dampening fluid is being applied to its surface so that the dampening fluid will be transferred to and distributed over the surface of the form roll by the feed roll and will in turn be transferred to and distributed over the surface of the plate roll by the form roll.

Abstract: A liquid mixing system and method are disclosed for automatically preparing a batch mixture containing predetermined quantities of liquids such as spray dampening solutions or silicone emulsions used in the printing industry. The system comprises a holding tank having one or more liquid columns in liquid communication with the tank so that the level of liquid in the column, or columns, will be the same as the level of the liquid in the tank. Liquid level detection devices preferably in the form of static capacity-type proximity switches sense the level of the liquid in the column, or columns, and liquid charging devices responsive to the liquid level detection devices charges the liquids into the tank in seriatum each time raising the level of the liquid in the tank and in the columns to the next detected level.

Abstract: A spray dampening system for use in a printing operation including solenoid-operated spray dampening fluid nozzles operated at particular frequencies in relation to the speed of the press. The nozzles are operated in pairs, such that only one of the nozzles of each pair is activated at any one time. The frequency of alternation of activation of the nozzles of each pair is dependent upon the speed of the printing operation.

Abstract: A spray dampening control system for use in a planographic printing operation includes solenoid-operated spray dampening fluid nozzles operated at a frequency in accordance with the speed of the press. The press speed is measured and converted in a nonlinear relationship into a frequency applied to the solenoid-operated spray nozzles. Individual nozzle control circuits are provided for further controlling the nozzle pulse characteristics by varying the width of the frequency pulses independently of the frequency. Auxiliary frequency generators are provided for substitution of the primary multifrequency generator, and isolation means between circuit stages are provided for ease of replacement and maintenance.

Abstract: A liquid coating supply system for a printing press blanket coater is disclosed. The system includes a vessel for holding a supply of the liquid coating material, the holding tray for holding a portion of the liquid coating material for pick up by a feed roller, a first liquid transfer means for transfering the liquid coating material from the supply vessel to the holding tray and a second liquid transfer means for transfering the liquid coating material from the holding tray to the supply vessel. The first liquid transfer means has an adjustable flow valve for regulating the liquid flow from that transfer means, and a supply pump between the supply vessel and the adjustable flow valve for withdrawing the coating material from the supply vessel and for forcing the material through the valve under a pressure which is dependent upon the adjustment of the flow valve.

Abstract: A silicone applicator and method are disclosed which apply a controlled concentration of an aqueous silicone emulsion to a paper web as the web is moving through a printing press. The applicator comprises a silicone concentrate supply tank, a water supply, and a mixing tank for mixing the slicone concentrate with the water to form an aqueous silicone emulsion of desired concentration. A silicone holding tray holds a supply of silicone emulsion, and a roller picks up the silicone emulsion from the holding tray and applies it to the paper web. A first transfer device transfers to the mixing tank metered quantities of the silicone concentrate from the supply tank, and water from the water supply. Water is charged to the mixing tank when a sensor in the tank senses that the level in the tank is below a predetermined lower limit. The charging is discontinued when the level reaches a predetermined high value as detected by another sensor.

Abstract: The coating apparatus disclosed in this application is for a printing press having a recessed printing cylinder. The mechanism comprises a frame, a tray mounted on the frame for holding a supply of the coating material and roller means carried by the frame for transferring the liquid coating material from the tray to the printing cylinder. A pair of track members extend upwardly and rearwardly from the press and the frame is mounted on these tracks for movement toward and away from the printing press cylinder. Means is provided for moving the frame between its remote position and its position adjacent the printing press cylinder. The roller means and the tray are preferably mounted on a subframe which is pivotally mounted on the frame and means is provided for pivoting the subframe so that the roller means will move into position for engagement with the printing press cylinder after the frame has been moved into its position adjacent the cylinder.

Abstract: The disclosed applicator applies liquids such as glue or a backbone softening liquid to a web of paper as that paper is moving through a printing press. The applicator has a long, thin dispensing tube, a liquid supply line and a gas purge line. Means is provided for a selectively and alternatively connecting the liquid supply line and the gas purge line to the dispensing tip so that when the liquid supply line is connected, the tip will dispense liquid and when the gas purge line is connected, the tip will be purged of liquid. A shield is provided which at least partially surrounds the tip when the tip is connected to the gas purge line so that the tip will be protected when it is not in use and workers will be protected from the tip as it is being purged.

Abstract: A liquid mixing system is disclosed which provides a continuous and constant pressure flow rate during operation, having particular use in spray dampening operations for offset printing procedures. The mixing system includes a stacked arrangement of a batch mixer and feed tank fluidly communicating therebetween, and transfer means sequentially activated to transfer the liquids to the feed tank upon completion of mixing the liquids. The feed tank having means for discharging liquids therefrom at a constant flow and pressure. Control means sequentially operate the system for the admission and mixing of liquids in predetermined amounts to the batch mixer, for transferring the mixed liquids from the mixer to the feed tank, and for discharging the mixed liquids from the feed tank. The system is capable of repetitive mixing and transfer cycles while continuously discharging from the feed tank at a constant flow rate.

Abstract: A fluid valve controls the delivery of fluid through a passageway by employing a novel valve construction in which a channel within the passageway is adjusted both in size and configuration. A resilient, flexible valve element defines the channel, and the valve element may be adjustably and incrementally compressed to obtain a gradual restriction in the passageway. By adjusting the size of the channel the rate of fluid flow may be controlled. The fluid valve may be used, for example, to control the amount of dampening fluid supplied to the ink roll or offset plate on the plate cylinder of an offset printing press, and will find application in any fluid delivery system where precise control of fluid flow is crucial.

Abstract: A proportional mixing system with water motor drive is provided for mixing water with one or more chemicals in selected proportions. The system is completely water driven and automatically meters out a set amount of water for mixing in desired proportion with one or more chemicals, each chemical being separately pumped by an individual pump. All pumps are linked to the water motor drive and may be individually set at a proportion to be mixed, or any individual pump may be set to an off position.

Abstract: The disclosed delivery system delivers a supply of fluid under pressure through a plurality of outlet lines simultaneously at desired intervals. The system enables controlled, intermittent fluid flow without drippage, as needed in the application of dampening fluid to the ink roll or offset plate on the plate cylinder of an offset printing press or in the application of solvent in a blanket cylinder washing system. A single valve provides fluid flow control by utilizing a single piston to simultaneously open and close all flow lines.

Abstract: The disclosed system controls, through novel pressure and valving adjustment mechanisms, the application of dampening fluid to the ink roll or offset plate on the plate cylinder of an offset printing press. The dampening fluid passes through a pressure compensator which adjusts the fluid pressure in response to changes in the speed of the press. The fluid at the adjusted pressure is then directed to a spray bar, where it is discharged through a plurality of nozzles. The fluid is directed to the spray bar by a multiple valve, page control assembly. In the page control assembly fluid from a common manifold is discharged through a plurality of dual control valves to respective nozzles. Closure elements for the respective valves are operated by air pistons. A plurality of needle elements for the respective valves are axially adjusted by a common manual control so that adjusting the manual control adjusts the amount of fluid from one segment of the spray bar, preferably corresponding to a full page.

Abstract: The disclosed system controls, through novel pressure and valving adjustment mechanisms, the application of dampening fluid to the ink roll or offset plate on the plate cylinder of an offset printing press. The dampening fluid passes through a pressure compensator which adjusts the fluid pressure in response to changes in the speed of the press. The fluid at the adjusted pressure is then directed to a spray bar, where it is discharged through a plurality of nozzles. The fluid is directed to the spray bar by a multiple valve, page control assembly. In the page control assembly fluid from a common manifold is discharged through a plurality of dual control valves to respective nozzles. Closure elements for the respective valves are operated by air pistons. A plurality of needle elements for the respective valves are axially adjusted by a common manual control so that adjusting the manual control adjusts the amount of fluid from one segment of the spray bar, preferably corresponding to a full page.

Abstract: The disclosed system controls through novel pressure and valving adjustment mechanisms the application of dampening fluid to the ink roll or offset plate on the plate cylinder of an offset printing press. In one embodiment the dampening fluid at a relatively high pressure passes through a pressure compensator which adjusts the fluid pressure in response to changes in the speed of the press. The fluid at the adjusted pressure is then directed to the spray bar of the system, where it is discharged through a plurality of spray nozzles controlled by a plurality of solenoid-actuated valves. In one embodiment, the valves continually fluctuate between open and closed positions, with the time of the fluctuations being adjustable in order to selectively and accurately meter the amount of dampening fuid applied to the offset plate on the plate cylinder of the press.