Abstract: This invention relates to an ink impregnated material, particularly an ink roll, useful in the printing of high contrast images suitable for laser scanning. The ink roll according to the invention is a microporous polymeric structure impregnated with an ink. The ink is repetitively transferable to a surface in sufficient quantity to produce thousands of visible images. The invention further provides a method for printing a light scannable, coded image, and an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: An ink metering roller for a keyless inking system which comprises a steel or aluminum roller core and an outer surface of highly wear-resistant hard particles imbedded in an oleophilic and hydrophobic bonding matrix, which matrix is subject to wear by contact with a coacting doctor blade, thereby creating gaps or interstices between the hard particls for conveying fixed amounts of input ink to the rotary press.

Abstract: A method of producing a pitted roll for an offset litho press inking unit, more especially as part of a short inking unit, comprising the application of a dual coating layer of which the inner layer is formed of a material such as copper with a high affinity for ink and the outer layer is formed of ceramic material to give lands wiped by a doctor, preferably set at a negative angle, around the pits. A high wear resistance and a high accuracy may be achieved if the plain base member of the roll is coated with copper or the like and then with ceramic material, after which engraving takes place to penetrate the ceramic layer right into the copper or the like material with an affinity for ink.

Abstract: A variable speed oscillating roller assembly (10) is provided for use on a press. The roller (12) in the assembly can be adjusted to oscillate at a desired speed by adjusting the frictional engagement between the roller and a first sleeve (18). If desired, the oscillation of the roller can be halted by securing a second sleeve (60) to the shaft (14).

Abstract: An ink metering roller of an engraved aluminum base having a substantially continuous anodized surface layer of aluminum oxide ranging from about 1 to 3 microns in thickness and a layer of copper plate deposited directly onto the anodized surface.

Abstract: A mesh roller for planography. Its external surface is formed with a protruded surface and a plurality of fine cells for storing ink. The surface is made of or covered with a combination of a high hard material and a lipophilic metal material. According to the first aspect, the center area of its protruded surface is composed of or covered with a lipophilic metal material and the border edge between the protruded surface and the cells is composed of or covered with a high hard material. According to the second aspect, the protruded surface is composed of or covered with a mixture of a high hard material and a lipophilic metal material which are finely mixed each other. This mesh roller can be provided with a superior wear resistance against a high pressed scraping motion of a doctor blade and a high ability of ink reservation by preventing a lipophilic metal material from water soiling.

Abstract: A hand labeling device is described with the aid of which in the course of an operating cycle self-adhering labels can be imprinted, dispensed and attached to articles. The operating cycle is controlled by means of an operating lever (26) pivotal out of a rest position into a pulled or squeezed position. In a device housing a printing mechanism (34) is arranged which comprises print types for producing an imprint on a self-adhering label disposed in a printing position. By a transport means (22) the self-adhering labels can be brought consecutively into the printing position and into the position for attachment to the articles. An inking device serves for inking the print types of the printing mechanism (34) before each printing operation; said device comprises an inking roll (46) which is held by a stirrup (51) pivotally mounted in the device housing and which on pivoting of the stirrup member (51) rolls on the print types of the printing mechanism (34).

Abstract: An axially oscillating ink or other coating material distributing rotationally driven roller has axially spaced apart internal left and right hand threads journaled for rotating and sliding axially on a shaft. A unitary rocker-follower lever is mounted for rocking relative to the shaft about the axis of a pin or a spherical element mounted to the shaft. Opposite ends of the lever has segments of external threads formed integrally with it. The external thread segments act as internal thread followers and are caused to engage and disengage the internal threads alternately to drive the roller in opposite axial directions. The lever is made long to minimize the angle through which it rocks in which case there is only a tiny amount of movement between possible wearing surfaces on the rocker and the pin or spherical element on which the lever rocks so wear is reduced to a minimum.

Abstract: A mounting for changing or laterally reciprocatable inking, damping, or like applicator rolls of a printing press, which rolls are driven by a friction roll in engagement therewith. The changing applicator rolls each have their spindles mounted outside of the roll shell for rotational and axial movement in roller locks. Axial travel is limited by a shoulder ring in the roller lock, the ring cooperating with the outer race of a roller bearing which supports the roll spindle for relative rotational movement within the roller lock. Each roller lock also is mounted so as to be axially locatable in different positions for achieving desired axial movement of the applicator roll, or for preventing spreading movement of the applicator roll entirely.

Abstract: An elongated, cylindrical metal sleeve has a soft cylindrical, elastomer cover. A shaft is mounted through the core in a bearing slip-fitted in each end and held in place by a snap ring on one end snapped into the metal sleeve and on the other end by a circular collar having a protruding tooth or dog, which is press-fitted into the metal sleeve and slides into the keyway in the shaft. A collar is fitted on each end of the shaft to limit the amount of oscillation of the roller. The ends of the shaft are mounted on a printing press in a bearing cup or some other way.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for printing labels on labeling machines. To carry out the printing procedure, a longitudinally translating ink coated ribbon runs through ink in a container and is advanced by a rotating inking roller. The inking ribbon contacts the outer circumference of the inking roller. In order to achieve interruption-free and low maintenance but uniformly good application of ink onto the stamping or printing head, the invention provides that the inking ribbon, at the point of contact between the ink ribbon and the ink roller, has its longitudinal extension arranged substantially transversely of the rotational direction of the inking roller.

Abstract: A method for making an ink-impregnated material includes steps of mixing from a plastic powder, a water-soluble salt and a water-soluble, polar organic liquid to form a mixture, heating the mixture to a temperature sufficient to melt the plastic and form a cohesive structure, leaching the salt and polar organic liquid from the structure, drying the structure, and impregnating the structure with an ink. The resulting microporous material has an open-celled network of micropores extending therethrough, which micropores have smooth, rounded internal walls free of fibrous projections. An ink roll made of this material is suitable for use in an apparatus for printing coded images such as bar codes.

Abstract: A fluid metering roll is embossed with chains of cells, the cells of each chain being interconnected by channels. Certain of the walls of the cells are aligned at critical angles relative to the axis of the roll. The channels are oriented and arranged to assure a flushing of all portions of the cells so as to eliminate ink encrustation and maximize ink spread to avoid striations and moire effects.

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 hand labeling device is described with the aid of which self-adhering labels in the course of an operating cycle can be imprinted, dispensed and attached to articles. In a device housing a printing mechanism (34) is arranged for producing an imprint on a self-adhering label disposed in a printing position. A transport means (22) brings the self-adhering labels consecutively into the printing position and into the position for application to the articles. The printing types of the printing mechanism (34) are inked with the aid of an inking device before each printing operation, said device including an inking roll (46) which is adapted to roll on the print types and which is rotatably mounted in an inking roll holder (48) which during the rolling of the inking roll on the print types is guided in a guideway (54) in the housing by means of guide pins (52, 53) extending parallel to the inking roll.

Abstract: A fixed, non-rotating shaft supports a resilient roller for rotation and oscillation by means of bearing assemblies adjacent opposite ends of the roller. Each bearing assembly comprises a rotary bearing mounted inside the respective end of the roller and a reciprocating bearing assembly mounted in a respective keyway on the shaft so that the roller rotates about the fixed shaft but oscillates and reciprocates for a limited distance in opposite directions. The rotary bearing has the reciprocating bearing mounted therein in a housing as a subassembly.

Abstract: There is disclosed label printing and applying apparatus by which labels are successively printed and applied to merchandise. The apparatus feeds pressure sensitive labels mounted on a web of supporting material to a printing zone and to a delaminating zone. An applicator disposed downstream of the delaminating zone is used to apply the labels to merchandise.

Abstract: A printing press roller ink remover which has a solid ink transfer roller (20) that is contiguously driver by the press ink roller. The invention includes a plurality of side by side scraping blades (24) that selectively engage the roller to remove the transferred ink. A separated ink collector roller (26) receives the removed ink and is scraped clean by a single doctor blade (28) which deposits the ink on to a disposable liner (32) in a pan (30) underneath. The separate blades (24) are placed into their scraping position, either manually, or driven by pneumatic or electrical power. Selection is made by microprocessor signals, or by the operator, to uniformly correct the color density of the printing material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for oscillating the ink form rollers and dampening form roller in a lithographic printing press to apply a smooth, relatively uniform coating of ink to the ink-receptive areas of a lithographic printing plate and to prevent ink from being transferred from the dampening form roller to the ink-rejecting areas of the printing plate. The ink form rollers and the dampening form roller are each comprised of a hollow cylindrical metal core surrounded by a rubber covering. First and second bronze bushings are partially inserted into the hollow core at respective opposite ends of the roller. Each roller is mounted on a shaft rotatable about its own axis. The shaft has first and second shaft keys for mating with complementary first and second keyways formed in the respective first and second bushings to allow the bushings to engage the shaft for common rotation while allowing the roller and bushings to slide axially with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: The invention provides a printer apparatus which comprises a pair of doors mounted for opening and closing movement on opposite sides of a body case in the form of a housing, a printer located inside each of the doors for receiving elongated continuous print paper therein in such a manner as to allow the print paper toward the door and for printing on the thus received print paper, and a pair of issuing openings located on opposite side portions of a front wall of the body case for issuing therefrom the print paper after printing by the printers. Thus, two different types of print paper can be set in position in and printed by the two printers, which reduces the necessity of frequent label exchanging operations. Besides, an operation for exchanging print paper for each of the printers can be performed readily by opening the door for the printer.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ink impregnated material, particularly an ink roll, useful in the printing of high contrast images suitable for laser scanning. The ink roll according to the invention is a microporous polymeric structure impregnated with an ink. The ink is repetitively transferable to a surface in sufficient quantity to produce thousands of visible images. The invention further provides a method for printing a light scannable, coded image, and an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A sheet feeder having a slip preventing mechanism having a deformable member whose tip projects from a drive discharge roller by a short length and bends in contact with a sheet to be discharged in a small area, when the sheet is located between the drive discharge roller and the driven discharge roller. The deformable member transfers the sheets forcibly with biting them. As one of the drive roller and the driven roller which contacts the printed face of the sheet is made of a material which is hard to be stained by ink when contacted to the printed sheet, neither stain nor slip incur. Alternatively, the surface of one of the discharge rollers may be made rough.

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 two color printer of the ink roll type which can attain change-over in color with high accuracy with a simple construction. The printer comprises a plurality of type wheels arranged in a row and a pair of ink rolls in which inks of different colors are impregnated. A change-over cam is integrally provided on an end one of the type wheels and has first and second cam sections formed in an axially and circumferentially displaced phase relationship thereon. The ink rolls are carrier on a roll carrier which is mounted for pivotal and sliding movement toward and away from the type wheels and has first and second cam pawls opposed to the first and second cam sections of the change-over cam, respectively, whereby the first and second cam pawls of the roll carrier are alternately engaged with the first and second cam sections of the change-over cam, respectively, to selectively contact one of the ink rolls with the type wheels.

Abstract: A synthetic resinous bearing having hydrophobic properties which continuously expel collected waste ink from an ink transfer roller of a printing press. The bearing consists of a molded sleeve of synthetic resinous material such as sintered Teflon or molded nylon which has been impregnated with a compatiable lubricant such as molybdenum disulfide or the like. The bearing includes longitudinally oriented grooves on an inner surface thereof which are not wetted by the flow of waste ink and contaminants, and which provide for continuous discharge of the same during operation of the associated printing press.

Abstract: A cylindrical ink roller rotates as a result of being in tangential line contact with an adjacent roller that is driven rotationally. The roller is suspended for rotation and axial oscillation on bearing cages including bushing for turning and sliding on the shaft. A plurality of springy curved steel wire ribs have corresponding one ends fastened to the bushing and the ribs extend axially for their corresponding opposite ends to fasten to a ring member which fits inside of the roller. The ribs flex or bend slightly to allow the roller to be forced into perfect parallelism with the adjacent roller. The open ribbed roller suspension cages afford free flow of air axially through the roller for cooling it. One or more fans can be installed in the roller. A mechanism for oscillating the roller axially is confined inside of the roller and so designed that cooling air can flow past it.

Abstract: A vibrator roll assembly for use in spreading, smoothing and transferring wet ink within a wet ink transfer system of a printing and decorating apparatus wherein a vibrator roll is mounted on a shaft that is supported in a fixed support plate for rotational and reciprocal movement relative thereto. The shaft is rotated by a connecting assembly and a first portion of a reciprocating assembly is attached to the shaft for rotation therewith. A second portion of the reciprocating assembly is mounted on the connecting assembly for rotation relative thereto. The first portion and the second portion of the reciprocating assembly are rotated to have different rotational speeds. Actuating apparatus on the first and second portions are responsive to the difference in the rotational speeds thereof to reciprocate the shaft.

Abstract: A label imprinting machine has a feed hopper, a stacking hopper, an imprinting station, and a printing head at the imprinting station. Unimprinted labels are transported from the feed hopper to the imprinting station and imprinted labels from then to the stacking hopper. The machine further has a cartridge inking system including a holder for holding an ink cartridge, a pick up ring holding roll, an ink pick up ring on the pick up ring holding roll, an ink distribution roll in driving engagement with the pick up ring holding roll, and a power driven ink transfer roll engaging the printing head and frictionally engaging the ink distribution roll, to regulate the rotational speed of the ink distribution roll and the pick up ring holding roll. The ink distribution roll oscillates back and forth along its axis as it rotates about its axis.

Abstract: A labeling device is described with the aid of which self-adhering labels (6) can be imprinted, dispensed and attached to articles. The device includes a printing mechanism (16) having printing types (27) and a means for inking the printing types which includes a pivot member (21) rotatably mounted about a pivot pin (22) and an inking roll (26) which is connected to said member (21) and which prior to each printing operation by pivoting of the pivot member (21) is rolled along the printing types (27) for transferring ink. The inking roll (26) is mounted in an inking roll holder (25) which is adapted to be fitted onto the pivot member (21) in a direction extending radially with respect to the pivot axis (22) of the pivot member (21). At the contact face between the inking roll holder (25) and the pivot member (21) detent means (35, 36) are disposed which secure the inking roll holder (25) in the fitted position on the pivot member (21).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for oscillating the form rollers in a lithographic printing press to apply a smooth, relatively uniform coating of ink to the ink-receptive areas of a lithographic printing plate. The apparatus is comprised of a shaft rotatable about its own axis and a roller concentrically disposed on the shaft. The roller is preferably comprised of a hollow cylindrical metal core surrounded by a rubber covering. First and second bronze bushings are partially inserted into the hollow core at respective opposite ends of the roller. The shaft has first and second shaft keys for mating with complementary first and second keyways formed in the respective first and second bushings to allow the bushings to engage the shaft for common rotation while allowing the roller and bushings to slide axially with respect to the shaft. First and second collar members are disposed at respective predetermined locations on the shaft for limiting the axial movement of the roller on the shaft between selected limits.

Abstract: An inking roller for an offset printing machine, through the interior of which a temperature-control medium flows. The roller is formed of aluminum in a barrel shape with journals mounted at both ends. The cross-sections of the plurality of ducts formed in the wall of the barrel result in an optimally uniform surface temperature for the inking roller. On one side of the inking roller the ducts have openings so that the flow and return alternate inside the barrel. The opposite ends of the ducts communicate with openings which establish the counter flow of fluid through the barrel.

Abstract: Liquid is moved axially along a liquid roller (1) by a transport roller (2) from end regions towards the center region by forming the transport roller (2) with two conical surface regions (4, 5) which, alternately, are tipped in engagement with the liquid roller (1) while the respectively engaged conical section (e.g. FIG. 1: 4) is axially moving towards the center region of the liquid roller (1).

Abstract: In a mailing machine, having a removable postage meter with a rotatable printing drum and printing die there is an inking apparatus included with the mailing machine. The inking apparatus has a ink supply cartridge which engages an ink transfer roller mounted in a frame of the inking apparatus. A cam member operatively associated with the transfer roller prevent ink contamination of the postage meter when the meter is installed or withdrawn from the mailing machine.

Abstract: A reinforced hard porous ink roll assembly and a method of making same. The ink roll assembly of the invention comprises a hard porous material suitable for inking, the improvement comprising a hard ink resistant material encompassing a substantial portion of the outside surface of the roll to provide reinforcement therefor. A method of making the roll of the invention is also provided in which the hard porous inking material is made by metering the polymeric material which is used to form said hard porous material into a mold in increments, and applying pressure to the mold and polymeric material at each increment. After the mold is filled with the polymeric material, the polymeric material is cured. The roll is cooled and a strip of the mold material is milled to expose a small portion of the hard porous inking material in a straight strip parallel to the longitudinal axis of the roll.

Abstract: An ink-applying mechanism comprises an ink pad which supplies ink from an ink source to a single series of sequentially contacting kneading rolls, the last roll in the series comprising a distributing roll which applied ink to first and second ink rolls through intervening rolls of a number ensuring rotation of the ink rolls in opposite directions. A pair of smoothing rolls are provided intermediate the printing rolls to ensure equal application of ink to each of the first and second rolls.

Abstract: A covering for sheet-supporting cylinders and drums on rotary offset printing machines for printing both on single and both sides of a sheet, the covering having a smooth surface on one side thereof and a textured surface on the opposite side thereof, with sheet-supporting surfaces projecting from the textured surface and formed of hydrophilic and chemically and wear-resistant material includes a device for defining perforations formed in the textured surface, and a device connected to the perforations for selectively applying blowing air and suction therethrough.

Abstract: A cylindrical ink roller sleeve is mounted on a fixed shaft for sliding axially on and rotating on the fixed shaft. Left and right hand twist helical grooves or internal threads are formed in a driver cylinder concentric with the inside of the roller sleeve. A control shaft is mounted on said fixed shaft for sliding axially in opposite directions to right and left limits. Prongs on opposite ends of the control shaft are displaced 90.degree. about its axis so prongs at one end engage a helical groove of one twist while the prongs on the other end are turned out of engagement with the helical groove of opposite twist. Engagement will cause the roller to drive in one axial direction or the other until strikers disengage one and engage the other at the limit of axial travel. Then one or two idle revolutions occur and the roller dwells in its axial movement until the control shaft shifts to a limit stop in which case the roller beings to shift in the opposite direction.

Abstract: To provide for an easily replaceable attachment of a printing cylinder (11) on a shaft (12), the shaft is formed as a stub shaft with a flange (13) projecting therefrom, and a disk-shaped groove or recess or bore is formed in the end face (14) of the milling roller, into which the flange is fitted by an interference fit. In order to provide for ease of engagement of the interference fit, the flange and/or the end face of the roller is undercut by a groove spaced somewhat from the fitting engagement surfaces to form a resilient lip (16) which is subjected to the interference fit. The flange and the milling roller are connected by one or more clamping screws or bolts (18).

Abstract: In a mesh roller for a lithographic printing press a nitride layer is formed into all of an external surface of the mesh roller including recesses (cells) for metering amount of ink, so that the volume of the recesses is not reduced before subsequent plating. Thereafter, in case that copper is plated on the nitride surface of the recesses, reduction of the volume of the recess in minimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inking mechanism for letterpress and offset printing machines comprising a vibrator having a plurality of discs which are disposed side by side and which are adapted to reciprocate individually and independently of one another between a duct roller and a transfer roller, and the width of each of which corresponds to a specific inking zone. The disc each consist of a middle part and an outer ring with a covering and are disposed side by side without gaps on a stationary carrier tube. Each middle part is mounted movably on the carrier tubes and has a circular outer periphery on which the outer ring is rotatably mounted and a drive for the individual movement of the middle part is provided inside each disc.

Abstract: In a rotative printing process, especially in flexographic printing and indirect gravure (plate) printing, heat is supplied to the solvent containing printing ink so as to evaporate a portion of the solvent and ensure a reliable emptying of the screen-roller cups or the gravure printing cylinder recesses, whereupon, upon cooling the droplets of ink, there is again obtained a higher viscosity which is advantageous for effecting a print with sharp contours and stable forms.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying ink to a printing element such as a grade stamp which includes apparatus for supporting an associated generally cylindrical ink roll for rotational movement and apparatus for heating the associated ink roll. The apparatus for heating is disposed within the apparatus for supporting and also within the associated ink roll disposed on the apparatus for mounting.

Abstract: An improved value print device having incorporated within the device improved linkages for imparting a reciprocal motion to the carriage, housing and inking roller.

Abstract: An ink metering roller comprised of a base roller, a substantially continuous layer of oleophilic/hydrophobic material bonded on the outer surface of the base roller and a continuous outer microporous ceramic layer bonded to the oleophilic/hydrophobic layer, the ceramic layer forming the outermost layer of the base roller.

Abstract: An improved value print device having incorporated within the device improved mechanism for detachably coupling a housing with an inking roller to a reciprocal carriage and new structures on the housing for permitting the convenient removal of the housing and inking roller from the carriage.

Abstract: Elastic bearings supporting bearing bushings for shafts are mounted in recesses in plates of a machine frame. The elastic material is shaped so that, in at least one predetermined direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, its dimension is a multiple of that in other directions. What is achieved thereby is that the shaft is constrained to move in one defined direction only.

Abstract: Device for exchanging printing medium between zones offset with respect to one another in longitudinal direction of at least one roller in a printing unit of a rotary printing press, including at least one rotational body for exchanging and distributing the printing medium, the rotational body having a rotational axis out of parallel with the one roller of the printing unit and having an enveloping surface correspondingly out of parallel with the one roller and contacting the one roller at least indirectly at zones thereof offset from one another.

Abstract: A long wearing printing press ink metering roller which comprises an engraved base roller, a layer of hardened electroless nickel on the outer surface of the base roller and a final layer of copper covering the layer of electroless nickel.

Abstract: An ink transfer roll composed of a steel base covered by a ceramic-fluorocarbon outer layer into which are formed generally cylindrically shaped ink holes having a hemispherical bottom, a generally cylindrical intermediate portion and a rounded, beveled entryway. The ink holes are produced using a pulsed high energy source, such as a pulsed laser. An intermediate layer of corrosion resistant metal and fluorocarbon may be deposited between the steel base and the outer layer of ceramic-fluorocarbon material. Adhesion of the ceramic-fluorocarbon layer to the transfer roll is improved if corrosion resistant metal-fluorocarbon material is contained in the ceramic-fluorocarbon layer such that the quantity of corrosion resistant metal-fluorocarbon material in the ceramic-fluorocarbon layer gradually decreases in the direction away from the intermediate layer-outer layer interface, the quantity of corrosion resistant metal-fluorocarbon material in said outer layer being greatest at said interface.

Abstract: An inking roller assembly wherein the rollers are driven and there being an impositive driving connection between the driven roller and the driving shaft therefor and the roller is driven by impact of the imprinting head and the roller as the roller is struck by the imprinting head, the rollers also being associated with pumping rollers and smoothing rollers for properly distributing the ink and the inking rollers having novel end plates which return the excess ink into the roller. The imprinting head intermittently impacts against limited areas of the inking roller periphery and then moves out of contact with the inking roller to cause the same to thereafter roll freely and thus override the drive imparted thereto by the impositive or one way driving means so that the imprinting head is caused to strike the periphery of the inking roller in different areas randomly.