Abstract: A lithographic dampening control system measures the color strength of various tones of ink printed in multiple lateral locations across the width of a printing press to determine optimum dampening and controls multiple dampening control devices. By measuring and correcting for excess or inadequate dampening solution, proper dampening is maintained despite variations such as increased evaporation at machine edges due to heat from bearing friction.

Abstract: A printing press system with water content sensing capability is disclosed. Many printing operations, including keyless or lithographic printing presses, use an emulsion of ink and water to perform the printing operation. It is important that the emulsion maintain a proper balance between the ink and water. The disclosed system employs a sensor which may be placed in the ink train of the printing press to constantly monitor the level of water within the emulsion. The sensor may be a capacitive type sensor which detects changes in the dielectric constant of the emulsion, and based on a comparison of the measured value and a predetermined desired value, prompts the press operator regarding the imbalance to enable corrective action to be taken.

Abstract: A device for controlling delivery of an amount of fluid has a first rotating device having at least one peripheral first fluid transfer section, a second rotating device having at least one peripheral second fluid transfer section, and a device for setting a phase between the first and second fluid transfer sections. The device may be used for providing ink or dampening solution in a printing press.

Abstract: The subject invention discloses a dampener having a device for precisely metering dampening solution on a printing press. The dampener includes a form roller in contact with a plate cylinder on the printing press and a metering roller in contact with the form roller. The metering roller is supported in the dampener with eccentric collars. Adjustment devices are used for adjusting the eccentric collars to move the metering roller toward or away from the form roller. The adjustment devices can be adjusted without tools while the printing press is running and the safety covers of the press are closed.

Abstract: A method of adjusting dampening-solution feed of an offset printing press by a control device includes determining a required dampening-solution demand for a first calibration printing form with a known minimum percent area coverage and for a second calibration printing form with a known maximum percent area coverage at a calibration speed, and storing the dampening-solution demand in the control device as interpolation reference points; determining a percent area coverage lying between the maximum and the minimum percent area coverage of the calibration printing forms of a printing form to be used for a forthcoming print job, and passing the determined percent area coverage on to the control device; determining by the control device the dampening-solution demand required for the forthcoming print job with the printing form provided for the purpose at the calibration speed, by interpolating between the interpolation reference points; determining a printing-speed dependent characteristic curve of the dampening

Abstract: A distribution drive for a roll in a processing machine, and particularly in a press which has an improved axial motion distribution mechanism and which requires little installation space. This is achieved by an input drive mechanism coupled to a drive having at least one pinion gear 8 which is coupled to a gear 10. Arranged on a side face of the gear 10 is a first pin 17 which, together with a second pin 22, forms a rotary joint 20 by the first pin 17 penetrating the second pin 22. Together with a bearing arm 23, the second pin 22 forms a sliding joint 21, with the second pin 22 being accommodated at the ends in the bearing arm 23, and the bearing arm 23 being coupled to the roll 3.

Abstract: A process for the offset printing of a receiving medium with a functional pattern comprising in any order the steps of: applying a printing ink to a printing plate and wetting the printing plate with an aqueous fountain medium containing a solution or a dispersion containing at least one moiety having at least colouring, pH-indicating, whitening, fluorescent, phosphorescent, X-ray phosphor or conductive properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly and a method for preventing the spray emitted by a spraying nozzle (1) from reaching the surface of a paper web, said nozzle (1) being disposed at a distance from the surface of the paper web to be coated and further being directed toward said web surface to be coated. To in front of the spray emitted by the nozzle (1), between the spray and the paper web, there is adapted a movable baffle (2, 6) serving to prevent the spray from reaching the surface of the paper web.

Abstract: A method of preparing a fountain solution, a system for blending two or more concentrate components of a fountain solution, concentrate compositions, and articles of manufacture or kits comprising the concentrate compositions are provided. The method comprises combining at least two fluid concentrates that comprise the components of the fountain solution at effective proportions with water to produce the fountain solution composition containing a predetermined concentration of ingredients. In one embodiment, the method comprises combining an acidic film-forming polymer concentrate and a surface tension reducing (wetting) concentrate with water to form the fountain solution. The method preferably utilizes a proportioning pump for metering amounts of the component concentrates of the fountain solution into a water flow.

Abstract: A dampening water spraying device includes:

Abstract: A seal apparatus is disclosed for sealing dampening solution which is disposed within a reservoir extending from a nip defined between a form roller and a metering roller of a lithographic printing machine. The apparatus includes a source of pressurized air and device for directing a flow of air from the source of pressurized air towards an edge of the reservoir and between the form and metering rollers such that the flow of air generates an air dam for sealing the reservoir so that leakage of the dampening solution from the edge of the reservoir is inhibited.

Abstract: The present invention includes a dampening solution recirculator and a method for circulating dampening solution in a reservoir of a dampener. The dampening solution recirculator includes a tank for storing dampening solution, a pump for pumping dampening solution from the tank, a venturi positioned proximate the pump and the tank and including an inlet port in fluid communication with the pump, a suction port, and a discharge port in fluid communication with the tank. A feed conduit has a first end in fluid communication with the pump and a second end positioned above the reservoir. A suction conduit has a first end positioned at a predetermined level within the reservoir extending in a direction upwardly and away from the reservoir and a second end in fluid communication with the suction port.

Abstract: A roller structure in a printing press includes a dampening form roller, gear, belt, belt roller, clutch member, nut, movable element, and snap rings. The dampening form roller is supported rotatably and adapted to come into contact with a plate cylinder and oscillating roller, having different peripheral surface speeds, at their outer surfaces. The gear, belt, and belt roller transmit rotation of one of the plate cylinder and oscillating roller to the dampening form roller. The clutch member, nut, movable element, and snap rings connect/disconnect the gear, belt, and belt roller. When the gear, belt, and belt roller are disconnected by the clutch member, nut, movable element, and snap rings, the dampening form roller is rotatably driven by the other one of the plate cylinder and oscillating roller.

Abstract: Alcohol stabilizer for offset printing dampening solution, with a metering float for metering of alcohol into the dampening solution from a supply. An emergency cut-off float interrupts the supply of alcohol by ventilating the alcohol supply path when the alcohol content in the dampening solution reaches or exceeds an emergency cut-off value. The metered flow of alcohol is introduced into a recirculation path from and then back to a main vessel of the dampening solution.

Abstract: A method of feeding dampening water includes a density measuring step for measuring densities of first and second detecting patches 101 and 102 printed adjacent each other on printed matter 100 and presenting a difference in density variations after printing with varied feed rates of damping water and ink, a dampening water feeding step for controlling the feed rate of dampening water based on the densities of the first and second detecting patches 101 and 102 measured in the density measuring step, and an ink feeding step for controlling the feed rate of ink based on the densities of the first and second detecting patches measured in the density measuring step, and the feed rate of dampening water.

Abstract: A liquid supply device, particularly for gluing machines, coating machines, paper moistening machines and printing machines. It includes an airtight container of collapsible design including at least one collapsible wall. The container collapses corresponding to the quantity of liquid sucked out of it by a suction pump. The collapsible container may be disposed in a rigid container with walls that support the collapsible container walls from folding over.

Abstract: An optical instrument for determining properties of the imaging and non-imaging areas of offset printing plates is disclosed. A laser light source (30) directs a laser beam (35) at the surface layer (50) of an offset printing plate (60). A specularly reflected beam (45) is detected by a light detector (40). Additionally. scattered light (55) is detected by a light detector (50). The detectors (40, 50) produce light intensity signals for the reflected and scattered light, respectively. A data processor (70) processes the intensity signals to determine various properties relating to the dampening solution and ink present on the non-imaging and imaging areas of the printing plate, respectively. These properties include the thickness of dampening solution in non-imaging areas, the image density in imaging areas of a moving printing plate, and the occurrence of scumming in non-imaging areas of a printing plate.

Abstract: A press dampening system which applies dampening fluid to a roll or cylinder using high-density straight streams of fluid flow. The term straight stream encompasses a stream of fluid which is primarily laminar, and which produces a minimal amount of spray or droplets. The flow of fluid is not, or is minimally, broken up into droplets. The straight streams, which include a high density of water or dampening fluid, impact against the roll or cylinder and thereafter the straight stream spreads out across the surface of the roll or cylinder in a puddle-like fashion. Each straight stream is created by an orifice—preferably a micro-orifice—which, at an appropriate back pressure upstream of the orifice, causes the water or dampening fluid to emerge from the orifice in a straight stream of relatively laminar flow.

Abstract: A dampening unit for a printing press contains a first roller and a second roller that together form a slip gap. The dampening unit is distinguished in that a pivot axis, about which the first roller is pivotably supported against the second roller, extends through a center axis of the first roller and substantially parallel to a tangential line that is located on a line L which extends through the slip gap.

Abstract: A printing press system with water content sensing capability is disclosed. Many printing operations, including keyless or lithographic printing presses, use an emulsion of ink and water to perform the printing operation. It is important that the emulsion maintain a proper balance between the ink and water. The disclosed system employs a sensor which may be placed in the ink train of the printing press to constantly monitor the level of water within the emulsion. The sensor may be a capacitive type sensor which detects changes in the dielectric constant of the emulsion, and based on a comparison of the measured value and a predetermined desired value, prompts the press operator regarding the imbalance to enable corrective action to be taken.

Abstract: A combination used in an offset printer comprises a water pickup roller having an outside surface and mounted so that the roller is able to rotate within an offset printer frame adjacent to a water pan for pickup of water. A tape strip has plural holes spaced along the length of the strip. The strip may be coiled to form a roll of material that can be dispensed as needed. A portion of the roll is removed and adhesively attached to the roller's outer surface at positions on the roller where it is desired to limit the amount of water picked-up by the roller.

Abstract: Disclosed are a lithographic dampening solution and a method for dampening a lithographic plate. The solution comprises an aqueous solution of a gum, which may be a corn-hull-derived hemicellulose or the enzyme digestion product of a hemicellulose. The method generally comprises dampening a lithographic plate with the disclosed dampening solution.

Abstract: A rotary printing press has one or two inking rollers each in rolling engagement with both an ink supply cylinder and a plate cylinder. Each inking roller is identically supported by means comprising a first pair of roller support members mounted one adjacent each end of the ink supply cylinder for pivotal motion about the axis of that cylinder, and a second pair of roller support members mounted to the first pair for pivotal motion about an axis parallel to the axis of the ink supply cylinder, the second pair of roller support members rotatably supporting one inking roller therebetween. Adjusting screws act between the two pairs of roller support members for adjustably varying the nip width between the ink supply cylinder and each inking roller.

Abstract: The method effects a closed-loop control of the quantity of dampening solution during printing. The metering of the quantity of dampening solution to be applied to the printing material is preferably a function of the printing speed. In addition, at least one of the variables that influence the requisite quantity of dampening solution in the printing process is taken into account.

Abstract: An inking unit for a printing machine, having a metering system for printing ink, and equipment for conveying ink on a conveyor path between the metering system and a plate cylinder of a printing machine, includes a vacuum chamber for evaporating a dampening-solution portion from the printing ink.

Abstract: An offset printing unit includes at least one cylinder pair with a form cylinder and a transfer cylinder. The transfer cylinder cooperates with an impression cylinder in such a way that ink can be applied to a printing material web guided between the transfer cylinder and the impression cylinder. In order to permit the economic production of multifarious products with a relatively low technical outlay, the form cylinder is fitted in the circumferential direction with one, and in the longitudinal direction with at least four, portrait printed pages in broadsheet format. The form cylinder may optionally be fitted with landscape printed pages in tabloid format or portrait or landscape printed pages in book format. A circumference of the form cylinder receives one flexible printing plate and a longitudinal length of the form cylinder receives at least one flexible printing plate.

Abstract: A dampener for use in dampening the distribution roller of a printing press of the lithographic type includes: a hollow, perforated roller adjacent to the distribution roller; a dampening solution source containing dampening solution; a variable speed power mechanism for driving the perforated roller through the dampening solution source; an air source for blowing dampening solution obtained from the source onto the distribution roller; and an oscillator for oscillating the perforated roller laterally of the air source as the perforated roller is being rotated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for moistening a web-shaped material, wherein the moistening device is designed as a device for mobile use, and wherein the web-shaped material can be laterally pushed into the moistening device.

Abstract: Apparatus for the metered coating of a printing machine roller with a liquid application medium, in particular for the metered coating of an ink applicator roller with printing ink, containing at least one doctor roller placed with its working surface onto the printing machine roller and carried by a doctor roller bed. The doctor roller is slide-mounted on its working surface by means of at least one sliding surface formed on the doctor roller bed. The application medium can be fed to or discharged from the surface of the printing machine roller by rotation of the doctor roller, through a clearance between the sliding surface and the working surface of the doctor roller. A pressure-regulatable valve for regulating the pressure prevailing in the clearance is arranged between a pressure source for the application medium and the clearance.

Abstract: A spray dampening device for a printing apparatus, the spray dampening device comprising a plurality of spray nozzles. The spray nozzles are each cycled at a predetermined frequency and at an individual nozzle phase shift with the individual phase shifts being synchronized so that an effective frequency of spray bursts applied to target surface of the printing apparatus is greater than the predetermined frequency. Dampening system performance may be improved without the implementation of new individual nozzle technology. The benefits of a pulsed dampener system are maintained while system performance approaches that of a continuous dampener.

Abstract: A fountain solution for a lithographic press is treated by applying a succession of doses of electromagnetic radiation at increasing frequencies, from audio to radio frequencies, via an antenna that is immersed in the fountain solution. The conductive elements of the antenna are sealed within an insulating sheath so as to be out of contact with the fountain solution.

Abstract: A printing machine includes a printing form, an optical imaging unit for directly imaging the printing form, and an inking unit for inking the printing form, the printing form having a surface formed of a material with wetting properties reversibly changeable between a state with a very small contact angle and a state with a relatively large contact angle, the state with a small contact angle being achievable by action of light having a wavelength shorter than a material-specific wavelength, and a cleaning device for cleaning the surface of the printing form; and a printing process performed with the printing machine.

Abstract: A dampening train of rollers in an offset printing press system for delivering dampening solution to a plate cylinder in which the dampening train of rollers is independent of and separate from an inking train of rollers which provide ink to the plate cylinder. The dampening train of rollers has at least four rollers including a dampening solution transfer roller, a dampening form roller, a single mechanically driven drive roller, and at least one rider roller. The plate cylinder engages with the single dampening form roller which transfers an even application of dampening solution to the plate cylinder. The mechanically driven drive roller is surrounded by the dampening form roller and the rider rollers which are positioned at the supply side of the drive roller between the transfer roller and the form roller.

Abstract: An offset printing unit includes at least one cylinder pair with a form cylinder and a transfer cylinder. The transfer cylinder cooperates with an impression cylinder in such a way that ink can be applied to a printing material web guided between the transfer cylinder and the impression cylinder. In order to permit the economic production of multifarious products with a relatively low technical outlay, the form cylinder is fitted in the circumferential direction with one, and in the longitudinal direction with at least four, portrait printed pages in broadsheet format. The form cylinder may optionally be fitted with landscape printed pages in tabloid format or portrait or landscape printed pages in book format. A circumference of the form cylinder receives one flexible printing plate and a longitudinal length of the form cylinder receives at least one flexible printing plate.

Abstract: A dampening roller, which functions reliably and which can be driven by friction has a surface of a rubber-elastic material. Drive rings of equal diameter to that of the working surface of the dampening roller, as defined by the rubber-elastic material, are provided at either end of the dampening roller. These drive rings are also made of the same rubber-elastic surface material.

Abstract: An offset printing press having a plate cylinder and, as viewed in a direction of rotation of the plate cylinder, a first applicator roller assigned to a dampening unit and a second applicator roller to an inking unit, a bridge roller in contact with the first and second applicator rollers, and a roller in contact with the first applicator roller for selectively driving the first applicator roller at the circumferential speed of the plate cylinder and at a different speed, includes a drive connection of the bridge roller so formed that, when the first applicator roller is driven at a circumferential speed different from that of the plate cylinder, the bridge roller is drivable at the circumferential speed of the plate cylinder.

Abstract: A method of metering dampening solution when printing with a printing form for offset printing, including, with a control device, setting an amount of dampening solution on the surface of the printing form to a predetermined value before starting to print, further includes, following one interruption in the printing, determining the number of interruptions which have occurred previously in a predefined time interval, and varying in accordance with the number of interruptions the amount of dampening solution supplied to the surface of the printing form during the one interruption.

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 cam-controlled power differential gear transmission for a sheet acceleration system, which is formed of a pregripper having an acceleration course determinable by a control cam driven at a single speed, includes two compensating masses pivotably supported diametrically opposite one another, and respective control cams assigned to the compensating masses, respectively, for controlling the pivoting motion thereof.

Abstract: A printing unit of a rotary printing press for using various ink types, particularly water-based inks, is provided. The printing unit includes an inking mechanism, a print cylinder, and a blanket cylinder. The inking mechanism and the cylinders are mounted in side walls of the printing unit. A housing at least partially surrounds the inking mechanism and the cylinders to maintain a surrounding atmosphere within an at least semi-enclosed area of the printing unit. A chemical agent may be selectively added to the atmosphere in the semi-enclosed area to reduce the rate of evaporation of a substance in the ink. The printing unit also includes a cooling unit for maintaining an ink carrying surface of one or more of the print form, the printing blanket, and the inking unit at a predetermined temperature which is suitable for printing with water-based inks. The printing unit may be a sheet-fed printing press.

Abstract: A spray dampening device for spraying fountain solution on a rotating roller (1) in a printing press has a spray casing (2) to be mounted in the vicinity of the roller and a spray beam (3) with a number of spray valves (7). The spray beam is at each end attached to the spray casing, which is fixedly mounted to the printing press frame (6), by means of a mounting bracket (15) allowing longitudinal adjustment of the spray beams and thus the spray valves in relation to the fixed spray casing.

Abstract: A mist containment system including shieldings (6, 7) assigned to a rotating surface (2). Gaps (4, 5) are created between the shielding (6, 7) and the rotating surface (2). Mist contained within the shieldings (6, 7) is kept within the shielding (6, 7) and prevented from escaping through the gaps (4, 5) either by a negative pressure differential device creating a negative pressure differential across the gaps (4, 5) or in alternative by a condensation device (17) condensing solution which is collected by gravity or by electrostatic charging the spray particles contained in the mist as well as the rotating surface (2).

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of feeding a dampening water to a plate cylinder in an offset printing press which is accelerated to, operated at and then decelerated from a predetermined speed for printing. The method comprises the step of programmatically controlling the feeding amount of the dampening water to increase in accordance with the increase in speed of the printing press along a first curve which is predetermined to indicate the relation of the feeding amount of dampening water to the speed of printing press, when the printing press is accelerated. The method further comprises the step of programmatically controlling the feeding amount of the dampening water to decrease in accordance with the decrease in speed of the printing press along a second curve which is predetermined to indicate the relation of the feeding amount of dampening water to the speed of printing press, when the printing press is decelerated.

Abstract: In a printing method and system for production of a print image on a carrier material, a print carrier is provided, a surface of which is charged with water vapor at locations corresponding to structures of the print image to be printed. Water vapor is condensed at these locations as a film of water. Ink is applied to the surface, the ink adhering to non-wetted locations and not being accepted by the wetted locations. The ink from the non-wetted locations is printed onto the carrier material.

Abstract: An economical device for applying a wetting agent in the form of small droplets to a cylinder includes nozzles which are supplied continuously with pressurized wetting agent arranged along the cylinder. An adjustment element in the spray area of the nozzles doses the wetting agent application that is maximally one printed page wide.

Abstract: A method and a device (1) for carrying out the method of optimizing dampening agent utilization in offset printing with a container (2) for dampening agent (3), a supply line (4) to at least one dampening mechanism, a recirculation line (5) for the unused dampening agent and a detector for measuring the fill level (10), which is functionally linked to the shutoff (7) for the supply (6). Servicing is reduced to a minimum, the cleaning intervals are lengthened, the utilization of dampening agent is improved, and the amount to be disposed of is reduced in that the detector for measuring the fill level (10) is set so that, after closing the shutoff (7), it reopens the supply (6) only when the fill level (11, 18) has been reduced so that after refilling the container (2) the contamination level is not increased compared to the instant prior to the interruption.

Abstract: For moistening a water roller in contact with a planographic printing plate on a plate cylinder in an offset printing press, a sprayer produces a more or less flat spray of dampening water. Baffles are positioned in front of the sprayer to define an aperture through which the spray travels before hitting the water roller. The aperture has a width shorter than the longer dimension of the cross section of the spray as measured in a plane containing the aperture, and longer than the shorter dimension of the cross section of the spray in the same plane. Thus the rate at which the dampening water is supplied to the water roller is infinitely variable by changing the angular position of the spray relative to the aperture between a minimum dampening position where the spray has the opposite longitudinal end portions of its cross section interrupted to the utmost by the baffle means and a maximum dampening position where the spray is allowed wholly through the aperture.

Abstract: A single point quick disconnect spray bar is disclosed for movement between a connected position, in which the spray bar is operatively connected to a press frame, and a disconnected position. A mounting guide secured to the spray bar is engagable with the press frame and movably supports the spray bar in the disconnected position when so engaged. A closure member, having a first part affixed to a first end of the spray bar and a second end affixed to the press frame moves the spray bar into the connected position when the first and second parts are engaged. A method of connecting a spray bar is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dampening water supply device is capable of reducing spoilage upon initiation of printing after temporary stop when accumulated printing operation before temporary stop is large.

Abstract: The improvements consist in supplying the wetting system with a water based solution including a determined additive. This solution is subjected, through a mechanism forming a part of this invention, to a process of agitation by which it adsorbs a high oxygen content. As a result of these improvements, the solution which wets the aluminium plate, from which the printing is done, acquires a high free oxygen content, increasing the water-ink interface and improving the quality of the printing.