Abstract: A low-blade type inking mechanism, comprising an ink duct roller (1) and an ink duct (4) carrying at least one detachable trough (7). The ink duct (4) is mounted on an axis (3) parallel to the axis of the roller (1) and rotatable about the latter so that the ink duct (4) can pivot about the roller (1) without the through (7) moving away from said roller (1), and pivot about the axis (3) on which it is mounted so that the trough (7) moves away from said roller (1). The mechanism is used in rotary printing presses, particularly for color printing.

Abstract: Ink duct assembly for offset or letterpress printing machines having an ink duct and a rotary duct roller defining an ink gap therebetween and an ink metering unit for adjusting the ink gap, respectively, zonewise in axial direction of the duct roller, includes an elastic foil, the ink metering unit being covered by the elastic foil and being engageable through the intermediary of the elastic foil with the duct roller, and means disposed in an upper region of the ink duct for retaining the foil against frictional force of the rotary duct roller and for displacing the elastic foil in rotary direction and opposite the rotary direction of the duct roller.

Abstract: An ink-applying device includes a rotary ink-application roller and a rotary dosing roller positioned between the ink-application roller and a funnel-shaped ink reservoir filled with ink. A bottom wall of the dosing roller is formed with a longitudinal row of conical holes of differing diameters.A number of dosing chambers of differing diameters are formed, respectively in the circumferential surface of the dosing roller to receive ink from the ink reservoir through those holes and to transmit it to an ink-application roller upon rotation of the dosing roller. A plurality of vertically movable plungers are mounted in the ink reservoir to selectively close or open the filling holes in the bottom wall communicated with respective dosing chambers in the dosing roller. A predetermined ink profile on the dosing roller may be obtained in each ink zone by selecting holes and dosing chambers to be closed and open.

Abstract: A non-rotating wedge-shaped ink agitator which reciprocates within an ink fountain along the length of an ink fountain roller. The ink agitator has a substantially flat bottom surface, side surfaces extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom surface and a top surface which slopes toward the end of the agitator adjacent the ink fountain roller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dampening apparatus for lithographic offset printing presses. A form roller having an ink receptive compressible surface is pressed against a plate on the plate cylinder, and a metering means lying parallel and tangent to the form roller having a relatively incompressible ink receptive surface is pressed against the form roller. A reservoir of dampening solution is maintained above the nip of the form roller and metering roller, and is automatically maintained. Rotation of the form roller results in a metered quantity of solution being fed to the form roller, a portion of that quantity being applied to the lithographic plate, and the excess of that quantity being returned to the supply.

Abstract: Ink metering device in an ink duct for offset or letterpress printing machines having an ink duct roller with metering and support regions disposed adjacent one another in axial direction of the ink duct roller, the metering regions being formed of metering elements adjustable zonewise to varying ink gap spacings, and the support regions continuously contacting the ink duct roller at least indirectly, under spring biasing force, including a flexionally elastic support rail extending over the entire length of the ink duct roller, the support regions being rigid support ledges formed on the support strip, the metering elements being disposed between the support ledges, and adjusting means operatively associated with the metering elements for zonally varying the ink gap spacings for the respective metering elements.

Abstract: An inking train for a printing press wherein an ink splitting cylinder acquires from an ink transporting roller preferably an approximate 50% portion of the ink load carried thereby whereby an approximate 50% portion of the ink load remains on the ink transporting roller; a pair of countercycling ductor rollers lift ink alternately from the ink transporting roller and the ink splitting cylinder and deposit the ink so lifted upon subsequent roller means in the inking train for subsequent recombining of the ink load portions upon a common roller for further transport thereof through the inking train.

Abstract: For use with an ink fountain having a trough with a flat sloping bottom wall and a fountain roller at the presented edge of the bottom wall, a moveable partition for dividing the trough into adjacent feeding and non-feeding areas. The partition consists of a trough-engaging portion having a straight face for engaging the bottom wall of the trough and a separate roller-engaging portion having an arcuate face for engaging the roller surface. Resilient sealing strips are secured to the faces thereof for sealing against the flat bottom wall of the trough and the cylindrical surface of the roller. The two portions are so arranged that their adjacent edges overlap to block the escape of ink, and are connected one to the other by a pivot which extends parallel to the roller axis in the region of the overlap.

Abstract: Lateral escape of ink from between the end face (A) of a duct roller (1) and the side wall (3) retaining the duct roller is prevented by extending the length of the duct blade (11) beyond the axial extent of the duct roller and placing an end wall portion (4) in the end wall which is resiliently pressed against the end face (A) of the duct roller and, further, resiliently engaged with the top face of the duct blade (11) to form a tight seal and prevent escape of ink laterally from between the duct blade (11) and the duct roller (1). The resilient portion is plate-like, and the sealing strip preferably is a generally T-shaped element, in which the leg portion of the T is clamped to both the resilient portion (4) of the end wall and the fixed portion (3) thereof, while permitting relative movement of the two elements.

Abstract: In an inking mechanism in a rotary press a doctor blade is provided to prevent the mixing into the ink of bubbles which cause the scattering of an ink mist upon bursting of the bubbles. The doctor blade can swing along the circumferential surface of eccentric sleeves supporting both ends of a fountain roll. A free end portion of the doctor blade contacts with a position just progressed in the rotative direction on that portion of the circumferential surface of a mesh roll to which ink is transferred from the fountain roll. A scraped ink returning plate is provided close to and along the circumferential surface of the fountain roll providing a streamline flow of the scraped ink without turbulent flow. The free end portion of the doctor blade can be displaced for cleaning and replacement.

Abstract: A value printing device, such as a postage meter, is provided with a switch for automatically signaling when a new inking member unit has been inserted into the device. The switch has a piercing member that closes the switch when a membrane or cover over an opening in the inking member is overcome by the piercing member.

Abstract: A system for applying and then removing ink in a metering fashion from a roll. A wire wound rod is rotated in a direction opposite of an ink applicator roll with the rod and roll in contact together. Ink is applied uniformly across the outer surface of the applicator roll with a portion of the ink then being removed from the applicator roll by the wire wound rod. The ink remaining on the applicator roll is then transferred to a printing plate provided on a roll rotatably mounted adjacent to the applicator roll. Spring biased washer seals mounted to the metering rod engage the opposite ends of the applicator roll and the metering rod mounting block limiting ink flow therefrom. Ink drainage channels in the metering rod mounting block drain the ink therefrom into a receptacle connected by conduits to a reservoir and pump operable to direct ink back onto the roll. An inflatable pressurized container is operable to move the metering rod to and from the applicator roll.

Abstract: Offset, rotary newspaper printing press systems, particularly a method of enhancing inking of the plate cylinder. The method includes defining a plurality of ink repository cells within the surface of an inking cylinder, immersing the repository cells within an ink reservoir, scraping excess ink from the surface of the inking cylinder and rotating the inking cylinder and ink-filled cells against the surfaces of a pair of form rollers, contacting the plate cylinder. Modifications of invention include rotating the watering cylinders against one of the form rollers of the pair or rotating the watering cylinder against a form cylinder which independently controls the plate cylinder.

Abstract: To permit easy cleaning of an ink trough, for example upon change of color or type of ink for an offset printing machine, the ink trough is formed with a cross rail to which the doctor blade engaging the ink duct roller from below is attached. The structure includes a pivotable holding rail positioned below and beneath the doctor blade, and means to hold the holding rail in position against the cross rail, the ink zone adjustment screws passing through and being retained by the holding rail. Upon loosening of the attachment means, the holding rail and with it the adjustment screws and possibly an override cross strip and its adjustment screws are pivoted away from the doctor blade, which will become unstressed, thus leaving a gap between the end of the doctor blade and the duct roller, preferably not less than 1 cm wide, to permit ink to drain out of the trough, for example into a receiving vessel.

Abstract: Dry offset printing apparatus for high speed printing on cylindrical objects fed either horizontally or vertically to the printer, which comprises a three-roller system including a single roll ink-metering system, plate cylinder and blanket or p rint roll. The ink roll is provided with a relatively soft, smooth elastomeric surface as is also the offset print roll blanket. A doctor blade is configured and oriented with respect to the ink roll to meter a uniformly even, thin film of ink onto the roll. Means are provided for evenly distributing the ink film on the ink roll in both horizontal and vertical embodiments of the printer. Means are also provided to prevent excessive ink buildup on print roll when skips occur at the printing station. Rotary transfer means are provided for positively feeding the cylindrical objects to the printer at high speeds in either horizontal or vertical orientation.

Abstract: A novel ink cartridge for a value printing device such as a postage meter is disclosed having built-in handles so that the cartridge can be inserted and removed from a device without the need of a special tool and without risk of inking the operator's hands or clothing.

Abstract: An ink fountain including a frame defining a horizontal slot adjacent the fountain roller. Arranged side by side in the slot is a metering assembly in the form of a series of flat slides each having a cam assembly at its rear end for adjusting the position of the slide with respect to the fountain roller thereby to meter ink in predetermined thickness in respective zones. Each slide is formed of a body having secured thereto a rectangular tip portion formed of resilient plastic. The tip portion of each slide has embedded in it a blade of wear resistant spring metal, the blade being coextensive with the width of the slide and so oriented as to present a flat face to the fountain roller defining, with the fountain roller, a sharply acute cusp.

Abstract: An ink-applying device having a funnel-shaped ink reservoir filled with ink is provided with an ink pick-up roller positioned below the ink reservoir and in communication therewith. A number of dosing chambers of differing diameters are formed in the circumferential surface of the roller to receive ink from the ink reservoir and to transmit it to an ink-transmitting roller upon rotation of the pick-up roller. The ink dosing chamber may be selectively closed after they have been filled with ink, in any required combination by a number of sliders or plungers adapted to move between a closing and opening positions and controlled by electromagnets or any suitable electronic device.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for an ink fountain in a rotary printing machine is disclosed. An ink fountain roller is carried in bearings in the side frames of the printing machine. Ball bearings are secured to support journals of the roller interiorly of the side frames and carry supporting rings which have grooved peripheral surfaces. An ink fountain is resiliently pivotably carried by the side frames and is secured to the roller journals. Securement is accomplished by flexible wire rope or the like which is secured at one end to the ink fountain, passes around the periphery of the supporting rings carried by the roller journals and is held by an over-center latch on the ink fountain. Actuation of the latch secures the ink fountain to the roller. The bearing arrangement in accordance with the present invention reduces ink fountain roller deflection and gives more uniform ink application.

Abstract: A printing machine such as a stencil duplicator having an ink supply roller and a squeezer and adapted to hold a columnar ink deposit placed on the outer peripheral surface of the roller and substantially prevented by the squeezer from moving as a whole together with the outer peripheral surface of the roller, including a device for detecting the amount of ink in the ink deposit, having a pivotable lever whose one end contacts the ink deposit and which changes its pivotal position in accordance with the size of the ink deposit, and a means for detecting the pivotal position of the lever.

Abstract: Dry offset printing apparatus for high speed printing on cylindrical objects fed either horizontally or vertically to the printer, which comprises a three-roller system including a single roll ink-metering system, plate cylinder and blanket or print roll. The ink roll is provided with a relatively soft, smooth elastomeric surface as is also the offset print roll blanket. A doctor blade is configured and oriented with respect to the ink roll to meter a uniformly even, thin film of ink onto the roll. Means are provided for evenly distributing the ink film on the ink roll in both horizontal and vertical embodiments of the printer. Means are also provided to prevent excessive ink buildup on print roll when skips occur at the printing station. Rotary transfer means are provided for positively feeding the cylindrical objects to the printer at high speeds in either horizontal or vertical orientation.

Abstract: A device for scraping the ink film including lint and debris from an ink fountain roller consisting of a relatively thin, relatively narrow, flexible blade positioned in contact with the surface of the ink fountain roller, the blade being reciprocated along the length of the roller so as to remove ink, lint and debris from the surface of the roller to thereby prevent clogging of the ink metering nip.

Abstract: Letterset, rotary newspaper printing press systems, particularly a method of enhancing inking of the plate cylinder. The method includes defining a plurality of ink repository cells within the surface of the inking cylinder, immersing the repository cells within an ink reservoir, scraping excess ink from the surface of the plate cylinder and rotating the inking cylinder and ink-filled cells against the plate form roller or directly against the surface of the plate cylinder. Modifications of invention include increasing the amount of ink deposited on the plate cylinder by reducing the number of ink cells per lineal inch and reducing the amount of ink deposited on the plate cylinder by increasing the amount of ink repository cells per lineal inch.

Abstract: The coating device of the invention, which enables a layer of product to be deposited on a strip (1) travelling between two rotary cylinders (2, 3), is characterized in that it comprises a reserve (8) containing the coating product; a first roller (9) associated with the reserve for continuously taking therefrom a specific amount of coating product; a second roller (10) bearing against one of the rotary cylinders (3, 2), the first and second rollers being parallel and spaced from each other; a third loosely mounted roller (11), bearing on the first and second rollers; means (M.sub.1) for rotating the first roller and imparting thereto a constant preadjusted speed; and means (M.sub.2) for rotating the second roller and imparting thereto a speed equal to the travelling speed of the strip, the first and second rollers rotating in the same direction .

Abstract: Flexographic printing press for printing on the corrugated board sheets passing between the printing cylinder provided with a form plate on its peripheral surface and the receiving roll. Flexographic ink stored between a doctor roll and an anilox roll, which are rotated in the opposite directions as these rolls contact each other, is supplied to said form plate via said anilox roll to thereby carry out a printing operation. Said anilox roll is driven by said printing cylinder at same peripheral speed. Said doctor roll is driven by a speed change drive mechanism for reducing the peripheral speed of said doctor roll when the rotational speed of said anilox roll is increased, and increasing the peripheral speed of said doctor roll when the rotational speed of said anilox roll is decreased.

Abstract: A greasy ink printing press including a rubber coated inking cylinder coacting with a plate cylinder has an inking device comprising a wiping cylinder formed by a small diameter rod pressed against the inking cylinder in a zone of downward movement thereof, with an ink trough formed in the space above the zone of contact of the rod and inking cylinder. A variable-speed electric motor rotates the rod in the same direction of rotation as the inking cylinder to laminate the ink between the rod and inking cylinder and provide a counter-current wiping of the inking cylinder. The rod may be reciprocated longitudinally to remove streaks.

Abstract: An ink fountain for a printing press having a sub-frame which is mounted on the main frame of the press and which cooperates with a stationary fountain roller. A fountain blade is secured to the sub-frame with provision, interposed between the sub-frame and the blade, for establishing the thickness of ink film fed by the balde when the sub-frame occupies a reference position. The sub-frame has a hinge connection with the main frame for rocking movement about an axis remote from the tip of the blade between the reference position and a downwardly angled position in which an enlarged clearance gap is created at the tip of the blade, with the resulting rush of ink therethrough clearing the tip of the blade of contamination by accumulated particles of dirt or other impurities.

Abstract: A greasy ink printing press including a rubber coated inking cylinder coacting with a plate cylinder has an inking device comprising a wiping cylinder formed by a small diameter rod pressed against the inking cylinder in a zone of downward movement thereof, with an ink trough formed in the space above the zone of contact of the rod and inking cylinder. A variable-speed electric motor rotates the rod in the same direction of rotation as the inking cylinder to laminate the ink between the rod and inking cylinder and provide a counter-current wiping of the inking cylinder. The rod may be reciprocated longitudinally to remove streaks.

Abstract: Ink duct assembly for offset or letterpress printing machines having an ink duct and a duct roller defining an ink gap therebetween and an ink metering unit for adjusting the ink gap, respectively, zonewise in axial direction of the duct roller, including an elastic foil, the ink metering unit being engageable through the intermediary of the elastic foil with the duct roller, the elastic foil covering the ink metering unit and being removably fastened to the ink duct at an upper edge thereof and means for tangentially displacing the elastic foil relative to the duct roller to a position wherein a new and unworn part of the surface of the elastic foil engages with the duct roller.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for thin film formation using off-set printing techniques, wherein a film-forming material is coated uniformly on a platform, which material is then transferred onto an object on which a thin film is to be formed. Coating the material on the platform is carried out by moving on the platform a roll coater which includes a distributing roller and a coating roller and which feeds the film-forming material onto the platform and by rotating the coating roller in a direction at which slippage in engagement between the coating roller and the platform is always involved in relation with the movement of the roll coater.

Abstract: To provide an accurate output indication of the actual position of a doctor blade, as distinguished from a commanded position, in which the commanded position is determined by a positioning pin (15) in engagement with a doctor blade which, in turn, is moved into a predetermined position by an actuating pin (10) in end-face engagement therewith, the actuating pin (10) is formed with a through-bore in which a feeler pin is located which is spring-loaded to be pushed at all times into engagement with the positioning pin (15) even though the actuating pin (14) may have withdrawn to a position which is not followed by the positioning pin (15) leaving a gap between the end of the positioning pin (15) and the actuating pin (10). The actual position of the feeler pin (14) can be indicated on a scale by transmission of motion by a double-arm lever which, preferably, has unequal arm length to amplify positional changes of the feeler pin, and, if desired, additionally by coupling to an electrical position transducer.

Abstract: A device for spreading paste on paperboard in a corrugated board manufacturing apparatus is herein disclosed. The device comprises a supplier for supplying liquid paste, a roller for spreading the liquid paste on tops of core paper to be pasted with linerboard, a member for controlling the volume of the liquid paste, a paste feeding member provided under the supplier downwardly inclinedly toward the paste spreading roller to define a passage for the liquid paste, at least a pair of movable end plates provided in the forward end of the paste feeding member and defining a certain clearance between the upper surfaces thereof and the paste spreading roller and a feed portion defined by the end plates to communicate with the passage. The width of the feed portion is adjustable by movement of the end plates in conformity with the width of the core paper between a minimum effective width and a maximum effective width.

Abstract: Ink is supplied to a plate cylinder (9) from an ink transfer cylinder. Two ink metering rollers (10, 13) are associated with the transfer cylinder, and in surface engagement therewith. The nip or engagement gap of the rollers (10, 13) with respect to the transfer cylinder (7) is adjustable. One of the two rollers (10) is supported with an additional positioning arrangement (8, 19, 20) to adjust the gap or nip of that one roller with respect to the other measuring or metering roller (13). The respective measuring or metering rollers are independently driven, such that the surface speed of the first metering roller, which has ink applied thereto, is counter the direction of rotation of the transfer cylinder (7), and the other metering roller is driven at a surface speed which is higher than that of the transfer cylinder but in the same direction of rotation. Ink is applied to the first metering roller (10) by an ink application roller (3) which has ink applied thereto, for example from an ink trough.

Abstract: A dampening assembly for a printing press has its components including the water tray, fountain roller and ancillary parts mounted on a frame which is supported from the press frame by means of parallel arms. A piston or comparable device is used to swing the arms about their pivotal connections to the machine frame so as to swing the dampening assembly between an operative elevated position and a lower laterally displaced servicing position to provide access to the interior of the press for quick change-over of the printing plate and for maintenance. The supporting arms are shaped and dimensioned so as to remain parallel to one another as the assembly is moved between its two positions, thereby to maintain the assembly frame and particularly the water tray thereon substantially horizontal to avoid spillage of water.

Abstract: Ink is picked up by an ink roller which has a surface characterized as consisting of a foamed plastic with pores open at the outer circumference but not interconnected. The ink roller dips into ink within an ink trough. The ink being applied to the ink roller is controlled by stripping elements formed as rollers which are pressed with controllable force against the surface of the ink pick-up roller; the force can be controlled, for example, by pneumatic or hydraulic fluid means, such as pressure piston-cylinder arrangements, blow-up pillows, or fluid pressure being applied against the roller mechanism directly; or by mechanical means, such as by a spring suspension in which the attachment points of the springs are selectively positionable. Preferably, the stripping rollers are about 1/15 or less of the diameter of the ink pick-up roller, and driven at a circumferential speed which is slow with respect to that of the ink pick-up roller.

Abstract: Ink metering apparatus comprising a resilient surfaced roller urged into indented relation with a printing plate; a source of ink positioned to apply an excess of ink to the portion of the resilient roller surface which has applied ink to the printing plate; and a resilient metering member having a hard, smooth, polished, highly developed, flexible edge resiliently urged by adjustment screws into pressure indented relation with the resilient roller surface. The flexible polished edge is resiliently and adjustably urged into pressure indented relation along the length of the resilient roller surface by forces of sufficient magnitude to deform the flexible polished edge along the length thereof such that the edge and the roller surface conform with each other and cooperate to form an orifice which is adjusted to the imperfections of the metering member and the resilient roller surface to form a continuous uniform film of ink on the resilient roller surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for a metered feeding of ink to a ductor roll of an offset printing device. The ductor roll is adapted to be dipped into an ink pool which is connected to a device for supplying metered amounts of ink. The device for supplying the metered amounts of ink is controlled by an installation for monitoring a level of ink in the ink pool. The monitoring installation includes a distance sensor which is constructed as a capacitive proximity switch.

Abstract: Method of reducing air entrapment in rotary inking systems of the type wherein an inking cylinder rotates through an inking reservoir, including defining a plurality of curvate baffles transversely within said reservoir and tangentially with respect to the path of the inking cylinder, so as to squeeze entrapped air out of the ink; venting excess air from the reservoir and scraping the surface of the rotating cylinder after inking. A suggested diffusion structure includes a plurality of transverse rods positioned in the reservoir in an arcuate array tangential to the path of rotation of the inking cylinder, such that ink is "squeezed" between each rod and the rotating inking cylinder surface to force out entrapped air bubbles.

Abstract: Ink duct for offset or relief printing machines having an ink metering device adjustable with respect to a doctor roller for varying a gap therebetween, includes an ink metering device having adjusting elements for varyingly adjusting the gap zonewise, the adjusting elements being formed with respective bracing and metering regions disposed adjacent one another in axial direction of the doctor roller, the adjusting elements at the respective bracing region thereof being continuously spring-biased into at least indirect contact with the doctor roller and, at the respective metering region thereof, being adjustable to a varying spacing thereof from the doctor roller so that the respective spacing of the respective metering region from the doctor roller determines the ink gap in a respective zone.

Abstract: A metering roll, employed between the developing station and the transfer station of a photocopier which uses a liquid toner, controls the thickness of the liquid on the photosensitive drum surface when it is presented to the transfer station. Elements fixed between the drum and roll maintain the central metering portion in a substantially constant spaced apart relationship to the photosensitive drum surface and thereby tend to limit and control the thickness of developer on the drum surface at the transfer station. The elements have different surfaces in sliding, frictional contact with the drum and roll respectively. In one embodiment the elements are strips with opposite parallel surfaces, one in contact with the drum and the other in contact with the roll. In another, the ends of the strip are mounted on reels so that the strip may be moved to vary wear points on the strip if any appear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a thin film of newsprint ink to a printing plate, the apparatus comprising a metering roller in rolling pressure indented relation with a transfer roller having an oleophillic surface. The transfer roller is in pressure indented relationship with a form roller which transfers a thin film of ink to the printing plate. An excess of ink is supplied to the nip between the metering roller and the transfer roller to produce the thin film of ink which may be further conditioned by an ink storage roller prior to entry of the film of ink into the ink transfer nip between the transfer roller and the form roller. By controlling the relative speeds between the form roller and the transfer roller, slippage occurs which meters a thin film of ink onto the form roller for transfer and application to the printing plate.

Abstract: A metering roll, employed between the developing station and the transfer station of a photocopier which uses a liquid toner, controls the thickness of the liquid on the photosensitive drum surface when it is presented to the transfer station. Shoe-like elements fixed between the drum and roll maintain the central metering portion in a substantially constant spaced apart relationship to the photosensitive drum surface and thereby tend to limit and control the thickness of developer on the drum surface at the transfer station. One surface of the element substantially conforms to an arc of the drum surface and another surface defines a hole through which a portion of the metering roll passes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying newsprint ink and dampening fluid to a lithographic printing plate, the apparatus comprising an ink metering roller in rolling pressure indented relation with a transfer roller having an oleophillic surface and a dampening fluid transfer roller having a hydrophillic surface each of the transfer rollers being driven by a reversible variable speed motor. The transfer rollers are in pressure indented relationship with a form roller which transfers a thin film of ink and dampening fluid to the printing plate. An excess of ink is supplied to the nip between the metering roller and the transfer roller to produce the thin film of ink which may be further conditioned by an ink storage roller prior to entry of the film of ink into the ink transfer nip between the transfer roller and the form roller.

Abstract: To apply herbicide to weeds extending above a crop, a nylon carpet on the cylinder of a roller applicator has herbicide applied to it as a tractor or other vehicle carries it through a field. The roller is held just above the crop where it contacts weeds and is rotated in the opposite direction as the tractor. A moisture sensor is spaced from the applicator on the roller and controls a valve that applies the herbicide to the roller to maintain a preset moisture level in the roller carpet. The amount of moisture is set by experimentation to permit an adequate amount of herbicide to be applied to various weeds without causing dripping from the point of contact on the roller by the weeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inking device for printing with greasy ink, said device being characterized in that it comprises, downstream of the zone of contact of the inking roller and the plate or photogravure cylinder, a second rod parallel to the inking roller, pressed under strong pressure against the soft surface layer of said roller and forming a barrier only against the dampening liquid, while allowing all the residual film of ink remaining on the periphery of the inking roller to pass and thus return to the mass of ink in the inking device. This invention is more particularly applicable in printing machines employing greasy ink, such as offset or typo printers.

Abstract: A newspaper printing system wherein low viscosity newsprint ink and dampening fluid are applied to opposed lithographic printing plates which simultaneously engage opposite sides of a web of porous absorbent newsprint to print on both sides of the web. Each of the inkers comprises an ink metering roller in pressure indented relation with an ink transfer roller having an oleophillic surface, the ink transfer roller being in pressure indented relationship with a single form roller which is in pressure indented relation with one of the printing plates. Each of the dampeners comprises a dampening fluid metering roller in pressure indented relation with a dampening fluid transfer roller having a hydrophilic surface, the dampening fluid transfer roller being in pressure indented relation with the same single form roller such that ink and dampening fluid continuously applied on the single form roller is applied to each of the printing plates.

Abstract: The ink return circuit of a flexographic printing machine, for receiving ink from the ends of the gutter formed by a stereo transfer roller and a pressure regulating roller, comprises, at each end of the rollers, a vertical deflecting spout for receiving ink from the gutter, each spout having three doctor blades comprising a first blade extending substantially along the line of centers of the rollers and inclined to form an overflow and two lateral blades extending perpendicular to the first blade and to the end faces of the rollers. The spouts are biased against the end faces of the rollers and form part of a set of interchangeable spouts.

Abstract: A printing press ink fountain has means for applying different colored inks to different sections of a circumferentially grooved fountain roll for subsequent transfer to an anilox roll, printing cylinder, and moving web. Ink dams or dividers, each having a hole through which the fountain roll extends, divide the ink fountain into separate ink compartments and cooperate with the fountain and anilox rolls to prevent ink transfer between adjacent sections on each roll. Each divider has a circumferential edge around its hole which extends into a fountain roll groove. Each divider also has a grooved edge which rides against the anilox roll. Air ports are provided along these edges and compressed air is expelled therethrough to provide air seals to prevent ink transfer along the rolls.

Abstract: A baffle for use in rotary newspaper printing press ink reservoirs. In such ink reservoirs the inking cylinder, while rotating at high speed contacts ink within the reservoir. Conventionally, the high speed rotation of the inking cylinder creates vibrations and turbulence in the ink, such that air is forced between the rotating surface of the inking cylinder and the printing ink, causing bubbles and non-uniform inking of the ink cylinder. The present system includes a series of baffles positioned within the ink reservoir so as to inhibit turbulence and enhance the flow of ink onto the surface of the rotating cylinder.

Abstract: A detachable ink fountain which is attached to a printing press by hinges with circular apertures through which a pivot shaft extends with circumferential grooves adjacent to each hinge which has a slot from the aperture to the outside surface of the hinge with at least a portion of slot having a dimension greater than the diameter of the pivot shaft but less than the diameter of the groove.