Abstract: The invention concerns a roll-coating machine for the application of coating colors onto a paper web, including:a coating roll that rotates in a coating color pool;a trough retaining the color pool and having a coating color inlet, a guide wall with a first overflow edge, and an overflow channel for a first overflow stream;a mating roll that rotates in a direction opposite to that of the coating roll and with it forms an inlet gusset and an outlet gusset; anda guide shield that has a second overflow edge on its downstream end for a second overflow stream, a bypass channel for division of the second overflow stream and having a valve, and a restrictor defined by the guide shield in cooperation with the paper web.

Abstract: A coater assembly includes a feed pump and a return pump for circulating a liquid coating material through a doctor reservoir for applying protective or decorative coating material to freshly printed sheets in an offset rotary printing press. A portable console control unit includes circulation and wash-up components for operating the coater in a PURGE/replenishment mode, a COAT mode, a WASH mode and a DRAIN mode. The components for pumping and valving the coating liquid and cleaning liquid are integrated within the portable console unit, which may be remotely located with respect to the press. Cleaning liquid and waste materials are stored internally within the portable console unit. The various operating modes are coordinated by two position, three-port flow control valves which are actuated from one position to the other by electrical solenoids under the control of ON-OFF switches.

Abstract: In an ink supply apparatus, inks of a paste-like consistency are supplied from a cylinder to a chamber doctor blade disposed adjacent an inking roller. Two conduits are disposed at opposite ends of the chamber doctor blade and each conduit communicates with one of the two opposite ends of the cylinder. Ink is supplied to the cylinder through an aperture. Within the cylinder there is disposed a reciprocating piston which, at low speed, forces ink via the conduits to the chamber doctor blade.

Abstract: A method of providing a software zero state for a plurality of ink adjusting modules in a printing press. Each of the ink adjusting modules are provided for adjusting an associated plunger assembly for dispensing ink to an ink rail in the printing press, each ink adjusting module having an ink control lever which contacts the plunger assembly to change the ink volume being pumped by the associated plunger assembly to the ink rail, having a mechanical stop for the ink control lever and having an adjustable ink control rod contacting the ink control lever.

Abstract: A chambered doctor blade for a short inking unit of a rotary press includes an ink receiving chamber and a profiled body positioned in the chamber. The shapes of the profiled body and the ink receiving chamber are complementary and define an ink flow path. This path is tapered in the direction of ink flow and provides a forced circulation of the ink through the tapered flow path.

Abstract: An inking system (10) for a printing press (12) having an ink injector (18) for supplying ink under pressure and having a device (50) for pumping and metering the ink flow in the injector (18), a fountain roller (14) having an outer brush surface (26) in close contact with the ink injector (18), a device (29) for rotating the fountain roller (14), a pick up roll (16) located adjacent the fountain roller (14) to receive ink from the fountain roller (14), a device (29) for rotating the pick up roller (14), and a device (42) for scraping the residual ink from a scraper roller (40) receiving ink from a rubber covered roller.

Abstract: A spray blanket cleaning system is provided for removing piling, lint and ink from blanket cylinders in a plurality of web or offset printing presses. Operation is effected by fluid control systems that direct solvent, water and air to spray systems in specific quantities and at specific pressures. The spray systems are point of use systems that mix solvent and water in a tube then eject the mixture to a connecting spray bar. The mixed fluid is then ejected by air pressure through the spray bar as sprayed fluid. The action of the spray in combination with the rotation of the blanket cylinder and the web, is such as to loosen dust, debris and lint from the blanket cylinder and collect it on the web passing out of the system.

Abstract: A two chamber ink container for a short inking unit of an offset rotary printing unit is generally funnel shaped and has an ink reservoir chamber and a feedback chamber. A separating plate divides the ink container into its two chambers. A lower portion of the separating plate defines a flow passage for the ink and doctored-off ink and water back to an ink pump and thence to a chambered doctor blade.

Abstract: A cylinder moistening assembly which is usable to apply moistening fluid to the surface of a cylinder utilizes a plurality of axially spaced fan spray nozzle devices in a housing. A screen assembly having upper and lower screen plates which define a spray outline or aperture is positioned intermediate a spray nozzle of the fan spray nozzle device and the cylinder. A smooth spray of moistening fluid is applied to the cylinder in a uniform manner particularly in those areas where the spray patterns of adjacent nozzles overlap.

Abstract: A doctor blade for an inking unit of a rotary printing press utilizes one or more plates or elastic bars to limit whirl flow of the ink in the distribution chamber. The plate and/or elastic bar partially divides the ink chamber. As a result, the creation of whirls is controlled and limited.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printing machine for corrugated board sheets, which is designed to facilitate the procedures of ink change in accordance with order changes in the printing of corrugated board sheets by using a low viscosity and quick-drying glycolic ink, in which the residual ink of the previous order can effectively be recovered so as to minimize the amount of the ink to be wasted.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying gravure coating material in which coating material is directly supplied to a contacting portion of a doctor blade and a gravure roll. The apparatus includes a gravure roll, a doctor blade, supporting means for supporting the doctor blade in such a manner that contacting state of the doctor blade relative to the gravure roll is adjustable, a coating material primary reservoir for temporarily reserving coating material, measuring means for measuring and controlling the quantity of coating material fed from said coating material primary reservoir, and a coating material secondary reservoir for supplying coating material through the measuring means to a contacting portion of the doctor blade and the gravure roll.

Abstract: A sealing device (10) for a printing press (11) having a base (12) defining a chamber (24) for retaining ink, a roller (14) mounted on the base (12) over the chamber (24) with the chamber (24) communicating with the roller (14), and a sealing member (20) having a surface (46) for contacting the roller (14), with the sealing member (20) being constructed from a porous material (49) and having a fluid impervious barrier (56 and 58) extending over at least one side (48 and 50) of the sealing member (20) to prevent passage of ink through the sealing member (20).

Abstract: Apparatus for distributing ink or other fluid on the surface of a rotating roll in flexographic or gravure type printing equipment. The ink distributing apparatus includes a backplate, first, second and third blades affixed to the backplate and having edges that define points of an arc, a secondary reservoir defined by the backplate and first and second doctor blades, and a primary reservoir defined by the backplate and the second and third doctor blades which is adjacent to the secondary reservoir. Inlets are also provided for communicating a fluid into each reservoir at relatively low pressure. The edges of the blades may be placed in close proximity with a surface of a roll having a periphery corresponding to the arc defined by the blade edges. Thus, the apparatus may be used to distribute a quantity of fluid received within the reservoirs on the surface of the roll when the roll rotates past the apparatus.

Abstract: A dual pressure preload system preloads a doctor blade assembly in intimate contact with an anilox roll. The doctor blade assembly is attached to at least one end wall of an ink chamber. The ink chamber directly applies ink to the circumferential surface of the roll. A pressure chamber is attached to the ink chamber on the side opposite the roll and maintains the doctor blade assembly adjacent the roll. A differential pressure is produced by the pressure chamber providing a consistent preload force applied to the anilox roll by the doctor blade assembly.In one embodiment, a relatively compressible fluid, such as a gas, is compressed, which, in turn, acts on a relatively incompressible fluid, such as a liquid, the relative incompressible liquid supplying the pressure in the pressure chamber.

Abstract: An ultrasonic printing fluid input apparatus and method for use in a lithographic printing press. The system has a rotatable roller 20 having at least an oleophilic and hydrophobic surface and a source 100 of printing fluid. A metering blade 62 for applying a thin film of printing fluid to the surface of the metering roller 20 has at least one device 63 for imparting ultrasonic vibrations to the metering blade 62 such that a thickness of the thin film of printing fluid is a function of the amplitude of ultrasonic vibrations. A control 65 for varying the amplitude of ultrasonic vibrations is connected to the device 63 for imparting ultrasonic vibrations. A fixed end of the metering blade 62 is attached to a stationary support 42 via a decoupling material 65. An printing fluid removal device 73 is also provided for substantially removing a return printing fluid film on the oleophilic and hydrophobic surface of the metering roller 20.

Abstract: This invention relates to an anilox printing apparatus for depositing ink onto a substrate in a predetermined pattern. The apparatus has a reservoir provided with a weir so that ink may continuously overflow the top or end of the weir and be removed from the reservoir in a controlled fashion while maintaining a constant backpressure of ink in the reservoir. This arrangement provides the advantage that ink leakage and splashing caused by debris entering the nip associated with a doctor blade held against the anilox roll or by surface imperfections interfering with the seal formed by such a doctor blade are eliminated. This also provides a printing apparatus for complete coating of the periphery of the anilox roll with ink without a high pressure system.

Abstract: During a printing operation, an ink pump assembly is driven in a forward direction by a reversible electric motor to pump ink from a source of ink to an inker apparatus. When the printing operation has been almost completed, the direction of operation of the ink pump assembly is reversed to pump reusable ink back to the source of ink. When most of the reusable ink has been pumped back to the source of ink, a valve is actuated to direct the output from the reverse operating ink pump assembly to a waste material receiver. Once the ink has been pumped from the inker apparatus, a valve is actuated to connect the ink pump assembly in fluid communication with a source of clean-up fluid. The clean-up fluid is then pumped from the source to the inker apparatus by forward operation of the ink pump assembly. Once sufficient clean-up fluid has been conducted to the inker apparatus, the ink pump assembly is again connected with the waste material receiver.

Abstract: A franking and value stamping machine includes an inking system with a housing, inking rollers, and inlet and return necks. A pump assembly includes tube or hose connections communicating with the inlet and return necks. An ink supply tank that communicates with the tube or hose connections has two ink containers. A guide tube provides communication between the ink containers. A threaded spindle is supported in the guide tube and driven by an electric motor through a coupling as a pumping unit.

Abstract: A printing ink feeding assembly for an anilox roller uses a plurality of individual anilox inking units. Each unit has its own individual chambered doctor blade, ink trough, ink pump and drive motor. The widths of the units and their positioning beneath the anilox roller are variable to provide flexibility of anilox roller inking.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing for which turret having a plurality of fountain and doctor blade assembly is translatably, indexably mounted adjacent a transfer roll.

Abstract: An ink supply source driving apparatus for rotary presses, capable of reducing the dimensions and weight of a rotary press and carrying out by a single ink supply source driving system an ante-printing rapid ink feeding operation, and an ink pump purging operation for the purpose of carrying out the cleaning of the parts after the completion of a printing operation and the cleaning of the parts for the purpose of replacing the ink by ink of a different color, the apparatus consisting of a synchronizing signal generator adapted to generate when a rotary press driving system in a rotary press is rotated a signal synchronous with the rotation thereof, an ink pump driving motor, a control unit adapted to control the ink pump driving motor selectively so that the ink pump driving motor is driven by an output from the signal generator synchronously with and at a predetermined rotational ratio with respect to the rotation of the rotary press driving system or independently of the rotation of the rotary press driving

Abstract: A doctor device for the washing inking unit of a rotary printing press includes a doctor carrier, on which two doctor blades are attached. The doctor blades are parallel to and coextensive with each other and are able to be put into engagement with an inking roller. Together with the inking roller, the doctor carrier and sealing means provided at the end thereof, the doctor blades define a sealed ink chamber. The ink is supplied to and removed from the ink chamber through ducts. The doctor carrier is able to be brought into engagement with the inking roller by sealing moldings. In order to ensure that no ink is able to escape from the ink chamber, even when the doctor device oscillates, the sealing moldings are formed of elastic or elastomeric material, which, on their sides facing the inking roller, have dihedral, downwardly sloping surfaces for supporting the end parts of the doctor blades. Between the dihedral surfaces, a curved sealing surface is provided.

Abstract: The improved automatic dampening water replenisher has two flow sensors that respectively measure the flow rates of stock solution and diluent water which are to be mixed to prepare dampening water with which the tank of dampening water is to be replenished, and this enables the concentration of dampening water in its tank to be maintained within a predetermined range at all times. If desired, the apparatus (the replenisher) may be equipped either with components for computing, displaying and storing the total flows of stock solution and diluent water or with an emergency alarm generator which issues an alarm indicating the occurrence of aberrations in the concentration of dampening water in its tank. This offers the advantage that normal operation of the apparatus can be resumed as soon as power failure is remedied, or the suspension of water supply and other troubles can be readily identified and corrected to avoid unwanted variations in the concentration of the dampening water.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling printing ink includes a bucket support positioned over a container that allows buckets to be placed up-side-down on the bucket support and rotated to wipe the inside of the buckets substantially clean. A cover for the container is moveable between an open position which allows the bucket to be placed on the bucket support and a closed position wherein the cover and bucket cooperate to form a substantially air tight closure over the container. Paddles urge ink from the container toward a discharge opening such that ink may be dispensed through various dispensing systems.

Abstract: An inking unit uses circumferentially offset elongated flexible doctor blades to form an ink chamber into which the screened surface of an ink roller immerses itself. Free ends of the spaced flexible doctor blades can be forced into or out of contact with the screened roller surface in accordance with the pressure of the ink in the ink chamber.

Abstract: An auxiliary apparatus is provided to supply ink to a printing press upon failure of a main ink pump assembly in the printing press. The auxiliary apparatus includes a portable auxiliary ink pump assembly which is maintained separate from the printing press during normal operation of the main ink pump assembly. Upon failure of the main ink pump assembly to properly supply ink, the auxiliary ink pump assembly is moved to a location adjacent to the failed main ink pump assembly. The failed main ink pump assembly is disconnected from the ink rail of the printing press. The auxiliary ink pump assembly is connected in fluid communication with the ink rail. A motor connected with the auxiliary ink pump assembly then drives the auxiliary ink pump assembly to supply ink to the ink rail.

Abstract: A printing apparatus has a plurality of ink rolls, particularly anilox rolls, for a single printing cylinder at any one of a number of similar and serially arranged printing stations, each station having one ink roll at a time being selected for use in cooperation with either a wipe roll assembly or a doctor blade assembly associated with each station. The various assemblies are surrounded by respective movable cover members which allow the assemblies to either print, or be washed or cleaned, at the same time that a similar printing or cleaning operation is taking place at an adjacent printing station. A movable subframe adjacent the main frame carries the ink rolls and their associated movable cover members as well as both the wipe roll assembly and the doctor blade assembly.

Abstract: An improved doctor-blade assembly for a flexographic press having an ink metering roller, in which the doctor-blade assembly includes an ink fountain having elastomer seals to improve end sealing of the ink fountain and to improve division of the fountain into discrete sections without cross bleed of different inks, and in which the assembly includes protective guard boots on an actuating mechanism that displaces the ink fountain into operating position with an ink metering roller to prevent crusting of ink in the actuating mechanism, affecting alignment of the assembly in the operating position.

Abstract: To eliminate the necessity of a hose connection between a chambered doctor blade unit (1) and an ink supply unit (14), the ink supply unit and the chambered doctor blade unit are, each, formed with an ink supply duct and an ink reception duct, respectively, which, when the chambered doctor blade unit is in operative position engaged against an ink roller (3), fits against the ink supply duct; upon rotation or sliding-away of the chambered doctor blade unit (1), the fluid communication between said ducts is released, thereby permitting ready removal of the chambered doctor blade unit, for example for cleaning or servicing.

Abstract: Method and ultrasonic ink metering system for applying ink to a roller 14 in a printing press; the system comprising: an ink supply 20 containing ink; means 22 for pressurizing said ink in said ink supply 20; at least one ink metering device 10 having an internal passageway 30, said internal passageway 30 having an input 32 connected to said ink supply 20 and having an output 36, said metering device 10 also having a nozzle 34 connected to said output 36 of said internal passageway 30 l; at least one piezoelectric transducer 26 attached to said nozzle 34; and variable means 24 for operating said at least one piezoelectric transducer 34 in a power input range; wherein at least the power input of operation of said at least one piezoelectric transducer 34 determines the quantity of ink applied to the roller 14.

Abstract: An ink unit for a printing press having a relatively elongated cylindrical roll and a relatively elongated ink fountain, the ink fountain being equipped with upper and lower doctor blades and with end seal members arranged at an angle of from about 25.degree. to about 65.degree..

Abstract: An ultrasonic printing fluid input apparatus and method for use in a keyless lithographic printing press. The system has a rotatable metering roller 20 having at least an olephilic and hydrophobic surface and a source 100 of printing fluid. A metering blade 62 for applying a thin film of printing fluid to the surface of the metering roller 20 has at least one device 63 for imparting ultrasonic vibrations to the metering blade 62 such that a thickness of the thin film of printing fluid is a function of the amplitude of ultrasonic vibrations. A control 65 for varying the amplitude of ultrasonic vibrations is connected to the device 63 for imparting ultrasonic vibrations. A fixed end of the metering blade 62 is attached to a stationary support 42 via a decoupling material 65. A printing fluid removal device 73 is also provided for substantially removing a return printing fluid film on the oleophilic and hydrophobic surface of the metering roller 20.

Abstract: A doctor device for the washing inking unit of a rotary printing press includes a doctor carrier, on which two doctor blades are attached. The doctor blades are parallel to and coextensive with each other and are able to be put into engagement with an inking roller. Together with the inking roller, the doctor carrier and sealing means provided at the end thereof, the doctor blades define a sealed ink chamber. The ink is supplied to and removed from the ink chamber through ducts. The doctor carrier is able to be brought into engagement with the inking roller by sealing moldings. In order to ensure that no ink is able to escape from the ink chamber, even when the doctor device oscillates, the sealing moldings are formed of elastic or elastomeric material, which, on their sides facing the inking roller, have dihedral, downwardly sloping surfaces for supporting the end parts of the doctor blades. Between the dihedral surface, a curved sealing surface if provided.

Abstract: A printing fluid input system (30) for use in a keyless lithographic printing press wherein a metering roller (20) has at least first and second ends mounted for rotation about an axis and has an oleophilic and hydrophobic surface (40) intermediate the first and second ends (32,34) which retains a natural quantity of printing fluid. A housing (42) has an open first side (46) which mates with at least a portion of the surface (40) of the metering roller (20) to define a closed chamber (44) containing the printing fluid under a predetermined pressure. End seal assemblies (48, 50) are mounted on opposed ends of the housing (42), each of the end seal assemblies (48,50) having at least a first surface (56) for mating with respective end sections (58,60) of the metering roller (20). A reverse angle doctor blade (62) on the housing (42) has an edge (66) for contacting the surface (40) of the metering roller (20) for removing excess printing fluid adhering to the surface (40) as the metering roller (20) rotates.

Abstract: An ink fountain having doctor blades clamped on the upstream and downstream sides to engage a rotary cylinder and an overflow ink barrier at one end of the ink fountain providing an overflow wall for the discharge of ink from the ink fountain into a drain chamber. Longitudinal channels beneath the doctor blades communicate with the drain chamber for the discharge of ink into the drain chamber.

Abstract: A printing apparatus has a printing cylinder rotatably supported by a main frame. A subassembly contains a plurality of anilox rolls rotatable about parallel spaced-apart axis with the subassembly being rotatable about an axis parallel to and between these spaced-apart axes. A locking arrangement secures the subassembly in selected positions whereby any selected one of the anilox rolls can be brought into an operative position for cooperating with the printing cylinder for printing. Alternative ink systems supply ink to the selected anilox roll when in the operative position. Preferably the subassembly is supported at its ends by gear casings which are adjustably rotatably mounted in a subframe which itself is pivotally mounted in the main frame. The ink rolls may be anilox rolls with different surface screens.

Abstract: To permit easy interchangeability of a doctor blade unit which could be a "throw-away" or "recyclable" item, the doctor blade unit and a carrier element (8) on the printing machine are formed with interengaging plug-and-socket connections formed, respectively, on the carrier element (8) and the rear wall (2) of the chambered doctor blade unit (1), in which the plugs can be hollow plugs or pipe stubs, secured to and projecting from the carrier element (8) snugly fitting into reception openings (13) formed in the rear wall (2) of the chambered doctor blade unit.

Abstract: In the context of a printing press inking unit with at least one pitted roll cooperating with two doctor blades offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the pitted roll and preferably carried on a mount so as to define an ink chamber between them into which the pitted roll extends, the wear of the doctor blade removing debris from the pitted roll is reduced if there is a forechamber outside the blade which is upstream in terms of the direction of rotation of the pitted roll, such roll dipping into such forechamber.

Abstract: In the case of a short inking unit with at least one transfer roll in the form of a pitted roll a compact design is made possible together with a reliable and accurate inking effect by the feature that there are at least two doctor blades mutually offset from each other in the peripheral direction of the pitted roll. Both the doctor blades have a negative angle of engagement with the periphery of the roll and delimit an ink chamber in the circumferential direction while the ends of this chamber are shut off by cheekpieces. At the walls of the ink chamber there is at least one supply port to be connected in a pressure-tight manner with an ink supply and at least one overflow port.

Abstract: An ink duct for applying ink to the surface of a roller mounted for rotation about its cylindrical axis comprises a chamber having an open side capable of being substantially closed by the roller surface and bounded by an axially extending doctor blade having an edge protruding towards the open side for contacting the roller surface, an axially extending sealing member having an edge protruding towards the open side, and end seals linking the blade and the sealing member at their ends and having edges protruding towards the open side for sealing engagement with the roller surface. The chamber includes an axially extending projection located between the blade and the sealing member and having an edge protruding towards the open side to divide the chamber into first and second zones while allowing ink to flow past the edge from the first zone to the second zone.

Abstract: A printing press dampener includes an elongated body member having a first and second passage provided therein. The first passage is connected to a supply of dampening fluid and the second passage is connected to a supply of pressurized gas. A plurality of chambers disposed along the length of the elongated body are in communication with both the first and the second passages. Fluid and gas run within these chambers. A plurality of spray nozzles, one in communication with each of the chambers, are positioned to spray dampening fluid against the dampener of the offset printing press.

Abstract: Ink is applied to a lithographic printing plate from an engraved roller provided with a plurality of cells in its surface. Ink is introduced into the cells by an inking device comprising a pressurized substantially closed ink duct defined by an axially extending sealing member contacting or close to the surface and an axially extending doctor blade in contact with the surface.

Abstract: An inking system having continuously operating individual positive displacement ink pumps for each column of print and means for applying ink to the ink roll in discrete, timed quantities which are determined by a microprocessor-based control system.

Abstract: An ink supply system that is operable to precisely provide ink to a transfer roll by means of positively pumping ink to an absorbent medium adjacent to a ductor wheel at a programmably controlled rate and to bring the ductor wheel into and out of contact with a transfer cylinder also at a programmably controlled rate.

Abstract: A process for recycling and reconstituting flexographic inks from wash water resulting from cleaning the rollers and other components of a flexographic printing press. The process includes the steps of circulating the wash water through a cross-flow ultrafilter to separate an optically-clear filtrate from a first concentrate containing suspended ink solids, bacteria, and macromolecules. Thereafter, the filtrate is directed through a reverse-osmosis filter to separate from the filtrate a second concentrate containing dissolved ink components and the remaining bacteria. The first and second concentrates are then combined together with a compatible biocidal agent to form a stable, biologically-inactive additive that is mixed with fresh ink concentrate to form pressready flexographic printing ink.

Abstract: A water stop module for use with a spray nozzle printing press dampener includes a shield maintained in a housing having an aperture to allow undisrupted fluid flow therethrough and a guide track for directing the shield to block the aperture. A pair of cogwheels with sprockets in engaging relation with the shield are rotatable to drive the shield along the guide tracks by a regulated amount to enable the area of coverage of fluid emerging from the aperture to be determined.

Abstract: Flexographic printing in a web-fed rotary printing press is accomplished using water-based inks without plugging the screened surfaces of the printing plate. The temperature of the water-based ink is kept within a first temperature range while the temperature of the screened ink roller is kept within a second, higher temperature range.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a rotatable anilox roll engageable with a rotatable print cylinder for transferring ink thereto. A rotatable wipe roll and a doctor blade head are selectively engageable with different portions of the anilox roll to provide alternative wipe roll and doctor blade inking systems. Preferably both inking systems have substantially common ink supply and ink return paths with a valve being selectively operable to direct the ink supply path to either the wipe roll or the doctor blade head. Facilities for effecting a wash cycle may be provided to wash either inking system after use. Preferably an interlock arrangement prevents changing in use between the two inking systems until a wash cycle has been completed.

Abstract: An automated system and method are provided to supply a liquid toner dispersion to the printing station of a high speed electrophotographic printing press. A highly concentrated form of the liquid toner dispersion is supplied in a first container. Density measurement of the liquid toner in a process tank controls the feed of concentrate to the process tank. Liquid level switches in the process tank control toner carrier liquid flow to the process tank. Conductivity sensor monitoring of the toner in the process tank controls the flow of liquid charge control agent into the process tank. Flow rate of the liquid toner from the process tank to the printing station of the printing unit is controlled by a sensor, logic circuitry, and motorized adjustable flow valve and flow meter.