Abstract: A roller for a roller frame fitted with rollers and being in a rotary printing machine, the roller comprising a roller shaft and a first rotational body freely rotatably mounted on the roller shaft and forming a roller body rotating during operation, the roller shaft constituting a second rotational body freely rotatably mounted in the roller frame and, when there is a difference between the rotational speeds of the first and the second rotational bodies, a torque can be transmitted from one to the other of the first and the second rotational bodies for exerting a dragging action on the respective one of the first and the second rotational bodies rotating at the lower speed; and a rotary printing machine including the roller.

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 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: 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: 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 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: Apparatus for an offset lithographic printing press having a master cylinder on which a lithographic printing plate may be mounted for rotating contact with the surface of a blanket cylinder and having a set of dampening rollers for applying a fountain solution to the printing plate and a separate set of ink rollers for applying ink to the printing plate. The set of ink rollers has at least one ink form roller for engagement with the printing plate for applying ink thereto prior to engagement of the printing plate with the blanket cylinder. The set of dampening rollers has a dampening form roller which engages the printing plate after engagement by the ink form roller for applying fountain solution thereto prior to engagement of the printing plate with the blanket cylinder.

Abstract: A fountain for a dampening unit of an offset printing machine includes a container having an inlet for dampening solution and a return for the dampening solution. The container is formed with a base, at least one side wall connected to the base and a dam disposed on the base. The dam is formed with an upper edge that is lower than an upper edge formed on the one side wall. A dividing wall has a run-off edge and an infeed edge. The dividing wall is seated on the upper edge of the dam and, starting from the dam, extends over the base to as far as the infeed edge. The infeed edge defines the level of the dampening solution in the fountain.

Abstract: A method for dampening a rotating planographic printing form via an ink applicator roller for indirectly dampening the planographic printing form and via a connecting roller in engagement with the ink applicator roller and engaged by a dampener roller for dampening the planographic printing form, includes, during dampening, rotating the dampener roller at a circumferential speed differing from the circumferential speed of the planographic printing form; a dampening unit for performing the method; and a planographic printing machine including the dampening unit.

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: The printing apparatus includes a press unit having at least one ink roller and a solvent delivery system. The ink roller has a center print area and, on one end or both ends, a non-print area. The solvent delivery system has an opening through which a suitable tack-reducing solvent for the ink is delivered to the non-print areas of the ink roller. In the printing process, tack-reducing solvent is delivered to the non-print areas of ink rollers of a printing press during operation of the press to keep the rollers free of dried, tacky ink build-up. The process uses a combination of ink and tack-reducing solvent compatible with the ink.

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: A friction roller is connected, in an articulated manner, in the area of its axis of rotation, to one end of a connecting rod. The second end of this connecting rod is connected, in an articulating manner, to a peripheral portion of a rotatable lever that can be driven. A rotational axis of the lever is situated at an angle with respect to the rotational axis of the friction roller.

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 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: A dampening unit of a planographic printing machine has a pan roller, a transfer roller, and a dampening unit roller. The transfer roller is held in bearing contact against the dampening unit roller with a regulating force such as, in particular, a spring force FF. The transfer roller, together with the pan roller, is pivotable about a pivot axis that is offset relative to the roller axis of the pan roller, and/or the pivot axis lies essentially on a tangential line running through a circumferential contact point which is formed by the transfer roller together with the dampening unit roller.

Abstract: Fountain solution is supplied to printing plates (2) on a plate cylinder (1) in an operating offset printing press, normally by means of a spray bar (5) containing nozzles for the fountain solution. The actual amount of the fountain solution on the printing plates is assessed by means of one or more plate sensor (8). The sensor(s) (8) will scan the print plates (2) and measure at predetermined points. The assessed values are transmitted to a control unit (9), which controls the supply of fountain solution from the spray bar to the printing plates (2).

Abstract: A fluid dampening system for a printing machine has a frame and a printing roll on the frame for holding a circular printing plate. A fluid reservoir is on the frame and a fountain roll is on the frame and is partially immersed in the fluid reservoir. A second roll is on the frame and is normally in surface contact with the fountain roll. A third roll is on the frame and is normally in surface contact with the fountain roll. A plurality of additional rolls are on the frame sequentially in surface contact with each other and with the third roll and the printing roll so that when all of the aforesaid rolls are rotated and in surface contact with each other, fluid will be transferred from the surface of the fountain roll to the surface of the third roll and sequentially on the surface of the additional rolls to the surface of the printing roll.

Abstract: A dampener activation apparatus is disclosed for engaging and disengaging a dampener with a plate cylinder of a printing press and for engaging and disengaging a drive gear with a roller in the dampener. The drive gear is driven to rotate about a shaft supporting the roller by a press drive train. The drive gear is also axially moveable on the shaft to engage and disengage the form roller. A first actuator is mounted to a dampener side frame and configured to translate the drive gear on the shaft to engage and disengage the form roller. A second actuator is attached to the printing press and configured to engage and disengage the dampener with the plate cylinder. A compressed air supply is in fluid communication with and configured to control the first and second actuators.

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 method and apparatus for adjusting skew settings in a dampener in a printing press. One or more skew adjustment linkages connect skew adjustment rods for the upper and lower dampeners of each printing unit. The linkage ensures that a single movement by the operator will allow adjustment of the skewing of both the upper and lower dampeners at the same time. The linkage or linkages are preferably connected at one end to skew adjustment brackets, which in turn are connected to a skew adjustment rod for one of the upper or lower dampeners. The skew adjustment rod adjusts the amount of skew of associated pan rolls. Movement of the linkage may be controlled by movement of a spring plunger, which is connected to the linkage or linkages. The spring plunger may be spring biased, and may be adjusted and locked into different skew setting positions using a pinhole arrangement.

Abstract: In a rotary press, ink transferring rollers and water transferring rollers provided in printing units are capable of separately and speed-variably controlled respectively by ink transferring rollers driving unit and water transferring driving unit independently of drive of print cylinder of the printing unit. Accordingly, spoilage can be avoided and printing failure such as doubling and hickey can be prevented, thereby improving print quality.

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: A device for internal mass balancing in self-reciprocating rolls, in which a balancing weight is arranged so as to permit a force (Fa) in the direction opposite to a reciprocating movement (A,B).

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: 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: There is disclosed a liquid application system for the printing, copying, imaging, converting, and related industries, and more particularly a liquid applicator means for applying moisture and coatings to cut sheets using a system of rolls and controlling surfaces, speeds, pressures, and directions of rotation of same relative to successive sheets passing through the system. In the use of the method and apparatus herein described, the liquid applied to the sheet is supplied from a reservoir or other liquid supply source to the nip between a smooth, resilient surfaced metering roll and a smoothly finished hydrophilic transfer roll. An abundant supply of liquid is supplied at the nip between the rolls which is metered by pressure contact between the resilient surfaced metering roll and the transfer roll to an exactly controlled film which adheres to the surface of the transfer roll, which rotates into contact with a cut sheet to apply the liquid thereto.

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: An apparatus and method which reduces solid mottling in an offset printing press. One or more form rolls having a hard elastomeric outer surface, in the range of approximately 50-100 Shore A durometer hardness, preferably approximately 60-90 Shore A durometer hardness, are used to transfer ink to the plate cylinder. The use of a form roll of this type ensures a smoother application of ink to the plate cylinder, which in turn ensures smoother ink application to the blanket cylinder and printed web. If more than one form roll is used, it is preferable that, at a minimum, the final form roll, i.e., the last form roll the plate cylinder contacts in the direction of rotation, be a hard elastomeric form roll. In another aspect of the present invention, the form rolls can be made of a convex shape along their axial length, such that the diameter of the form rolls at their axial center is larger than the diameter of the form rolls at their axial ends.

Abstract: A dampener activation apparatus is disclosed for engaging and disengaging a dampener with a plate cylinder of a printing press and for engaging and disengaging a drive gear with a roller in the dampener. The drive gear is driven to rotate about a shaft supporting the roller by a press drive train. The drive gear is also axially moveable on the shaft to engage and disengage the form roller. A first actuator is mounted to a dampener side frame and configured to translate the drive gear on the shaft to engage and disengage the form roller. A second actuator is attached to the printing press and configured to engage and disengage the dampener with the plate cylinder. A compressed air supply is in fluid communication with and configured to control the first and second actuators.

Abstract: An ink fountain with an ink-duct roller in the inking mechanism of printing presses, with a device for filling printing ink into the ink fountain, is described. The device for filling ink is mounted on a sled so that it can be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the ink fountain. A sensor is fastened to the sled, and when the ink level is too low, the sensor controls the ink feed. Thereby, a precise regulation of the amount of ink added can be achieved by means of a downstream dosing device.

Abstract: A printing press damping system (10) has a set of rollers (12,1,15,16) to deliver a damping fluid (14) from a trough (11) to a plate cylinder (20) of a printing press. The rollers comprise a fountain roller (12) which is rotatable within the trough to pick up damping fluid (14) which is then transferred to a feed roller (1) then to a distributor roller (15) and finally a damping roller (16) which delivers the damping fluid (14) onto the plate cylinder (20). The fountain roller (12) and distributor roller (15) each have their own drive means. Both the feed roller (1) and damping roller (16) are rotated by frictional engagement with the distributor roller (15). The feed roller (1) has a resiliently deformable outer circumferential surface with a plurality of spaced-apart radial slots which facilitates good grip between the feed roller (1) and the distributor roller (15) and minimises swelling in the feed roller (1) when it heats up in use.

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: It is an object of the present invention to provide a dampening volume control apparatus capable of shortening a period of time for adjusting a desired value of characteristics. A switch SW1 is a switch for switching the apparatus either in an automatic control mode or a manual control mode. A dampening volume of the dampening solution being stored in a manual dampening volume storing means 21 is varied by adjusting a switch SW21 and/or a switch 22. Revolution speed of a motor 25 is controlled by a controller 23 in accordance with the dampening volume thus varied. The switch SW1 is turned to the automatic control mode when the operator judges that quality of printing done on the printed papers is qualified to the criteria. The revolution speed of the motor 25 is controlled so as to make the dampening volume on the plate surface coincide with the volume corresponding to the desired value during the automatic control condition.

Abstract: Dampening-unit roller for a dampening unit of a printing machine includes a roller body having an outer cylindrical surface, and a coating on the outer cylindrical surface, the coating including or consisting of an oxide of zirconium and/or an oxide of yttrium.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having ink feeders for selectively feeding inks to a plurality of image areas on a plate or plates mounted on a plate cylinder. A plate cylinder supports, peripherally thereof, a single plate having a first and a second image areas. A plurality of cams are rotatable synchronously with the plate cylinder, and are arranged in positions laterally of the plate cylinder corresponding to the image areas. A plurality of ink rollers are arranged circumferentially of the plate cylinder for contacting a surface of the plate to feed ink to the image areas. A plurality of ink roller support arms rotatably support the ink rollers. An ink roller support arm swing mechanism includes cam followers for contacting the cams to swing the ink roller support arms successively, with rotation of the cams, between an ink feeding position in which the ink rollers contact the surface of the plate and a retracted position in which the ink rollers are separated from the surface of the plate.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the amount of moisture sprayed on a moving material web or a roller across their width, with the width being divided into individual measurement areas includes a measuring step, a storing step and further measuring steps. The measurement is made of local droplet flow of the sprayed liquid in the individual measurement areas, storing the measured values as set values, and again measuring the local droplet flow and comprising it to the set values. The device used includes a counting device and an evaluation unit. The counting device registers droplets of the liquid sprayed on the moving material web in a respective one of the individual measurement areas, and generates a signal per registered droplet which is supplied to the evaluation unit.

Abstract: An offset printing machine having a plate cylinder which carries a printing form and which is operatively connected to an inking unit and a dampening unit is provided. The dampening unit includes a dampening applicator roller which is mounted in contacting relation with the dampening applicator roller. The dampening applicator roller also includes at least one auxiliary roller which is mounted in contacting relation with the dampening applicator roller downstream or after the contact point between the dampening applicator roller and the plate cylinder. The auxiliary roller has a surface with a coating of non-stick material which blocks the transfer of ink and dampening medium to the surface of the auxiliary roller and is axially movable relative to the dampening applicator roller and selectively rotatable at circumferential speeds substantially equal to or different from the circumferential speed of the dampening applicator roller.

Abstract: An improved end-seal carrier assembly for supporting a seal in a seal-type continuous dampener. The seal is supported by a backing plate and pressed against the ends of the dampener's rollers. A carrier shaft is fixedly mounted to the backing plate. A shaft housing is mounted to the sideframe and has a hole extending longitudinally there through into which the shaft is mounted so to rotationally and longitudinally translate with respect to the sideframe. A coil spring is wound about a portion of the carrier shaft and has a first spring end operatively engaging the backing plate and a second spring end operatively engaging the shaft housing. The coil spring is configured to induce both a compressive and torsional bias between the backing plate and the sideframe. The shaft housing is rotatable for winding the coil spring and thereby establishing the torsional bias.

Abstract: A continuous seal type lithographic dampener is fitted with a one-piece metering roller which has a continuous surface coating of flame sprayed (as by plasma arc) chromium oxide particles providing a porous surface which is filled with a pore occluding sealer. The resulting cylindrical surface is than ground to a finish in the order of 20 to 30 micro inches. A finish coat of sealer is applied to the surface of the roller. The resultant metering roller is highly wear resistant and hydrophobic, having a surface energy in the order of 30 to 40 dynes/cm.

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 bearing assembly for a roller of an inking or wetting device includes a drive device that moves in a first direction to move a roller holder holding a roller from a print ready to an away position. The drive device also moves in a second direction to lock the roller holder onto a base of the bearing assembly at the print ready position. A spring urges the roller holder toward the print ready position when the drive device is inactive.

Abstract: A dampening system for an offset printing press system uses an intermediate roll between the press system and dampening rolls to create multiple slipping nips. By driving the intermediate roll at a surface velocity greater than the dampening roll speed and less than the press system speed, the speed ratio at each slipping nip may be reduced.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for arranging the inking for a pressrun in a rotary printing machine. The rotary printing machine has an inking mechanism and a dampening mechanism. The ink quantity transmitted by an ink ductor is adjusted by zone via ink zone ductor blades. When the dampening mechanism is switched off, the run-up curve of the inking mechanism is initially adjusted at an average surface coverage over the entire surface, so that a constant ink density corresponding to the average surface coverage results on the printing stock for all printing speeds. The run-up curve of the dampening mechanism is adjusted subsequently, wherein the ink zone ductor blades are in different positions which correspond to various surface coverage values of a printing subject customarily printed by the printing machine. The adjustment is effected in such a way that the ink zones with average surface coverage deliver a constant ink density to the printing stock for all printing speeds.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing condensation in a selected area of a printing press, for example a dampener system, by, for example, controlling the air temperature surrounding the dampener system by cooling, heating or changing the humidity of the air such that the temperature difference between the components of the dampener system and the surrounding air has a desired value.

Abstract: A dampening device for supplying a dampening liquid to a plate of a printing press is capable of optimize amount of the dampening liquid to be supplied to the plate through a transfer roller irrespective of fluctuation of supply amount of the dampening liquid from the dampening liquid source. The dampening device thus adjusts deposition pattern of the dampening liquid ejected from a plurality of nozzles onto the transfer rollers depending upon a printing speed of the printing press.

Abstract: A damping unit for offset presses, which damping unit has a tipping roller which is immersed in a damping solution pan, a metering roller associated with the tipping roller, and a form roller which applies the damping solution to a printing plate of a plate cylinder. The rollers of the damping unit can be driven at different speeds and in different directions, whereby the drive can be controlled independently of the press speed.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a dampening system including a two-roller continuous type dampener, a solution recirculator, and a recirculator adapter. The solution recirculator is configured to supply solution through a supply conduit and to receive solution through a return conduit. A pressure regulator receives solution from the supply conduit and regulates the solution flow. A feed conduit provides fluid communication between the pressure regulator and the dampener's solution reservoir. A venturi receives solution from the supply conduit and induces a vacuum in a suction conduit. A first end of the suction conduit is positioned at a predetermined level within the reservoir and has a portion proximate the first end extending upwardly and away from the reservoir. A second end of the suction conduit is in fluid communication with the venturi. The venturi is in fluid communication with the return conduit.

Abstract: A damping unit box for a damping unit of an offset printing machine, which box includes an inner basin-shaped wall and an outer basin-shaped wall that are separated by a heat insulating space to form a double-wall structure.