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: The inking and washing circuit of a flexographic printing machine includes a device comprising a fixed plate on which an immersion pump assembly is mounted with the pump below the plate, and lifting means for receiving a container of ink or for washing purposes and for lifting the container up to a position against the underside of the plate in which the pump is within the container. Washing nozzle means are mounted on the underside of the plate along a closed shape surrounding the pump assembly, which shape is within the open mouth of the washing container but outside the open mouth of the ink container.

Abstract: There is disclosed a printing, feeding and severing method and apparatus for carrying out the method. The apparatus includes a print head assembly and a platen assembly movable relatively toward and away from each other into and out of printing cooperation, mechanism for inking the print head assembly, mechanism for feeding a web of record members to between the print head assembly and the platen assembly, the web being in roll form and there being means to assist the gradual unwinding of the roll with gradual paying out of web material from the roll to the feeding mechanism, an idler contacting the web and disposed at a slight angle to the direction of feed of the web to cause the web to follow a feed edge, record severing means disposed downstream of the print head assembly and the platen assembly, and a modular support assembly of a print head of the print head assembly.

Abstract: An ink supply system for an ink printer having a pressurizable, interchangeable ink cartridge, means for pressuring the ink cartridge upon insertion into the ink cartridge receptacle, and means for establishing fluid communication between the interior of the ink cartridge and the ink supply line to the ink jet printer before pressurization of the ink cartridge occurs. The present ink supply system also includes an improved septum and needle method of establishing fluid communication.

Abstract: A device for loading an ink fountain of a printing press directly from sealed cans of ink. The device includes a base plate having a pair of vertical threaded pillars laterally spaced to define a working area adequate to accommodate cans of ink in all normally available sizes. A pressure plate flatly superimposed above the working area has captive bushings which threadedly engage the pillars, the bushings being rotated in unison for lowering the pressure plate to the base plate. An aperture is generally centered in the base plate. Thus when the base plate is seated above the fountain and a can of ink having a puncture alined with the aperture is engaged between the pressure plate and the base plate, ink is squeezed through the aperture directly into the fountain accompanied by accordion type collapse of the can into empty flattened condition.

Abstract: An ink feeding apparatus used for an offset printing press being adapted to provide simultaneous ink agitation substantially along the entire length of the ink supply line so that ink can be fed little by little continuously in operation as soon as it starts, thereby enabling the smooth feeding of ink for the next operation and to prevent droplet falling of ink.

Abstract: A dampening system for a lithographic press, comprised of a brush roller contacting a fountain roller immersed in a fluid. The brush roller is contacted by an elongate flicker bar transferring the fluid to a vibrator roller for application to a plate cylinder by a form roller. Drive means operate the fountain roller which is geared to the brush roller. The ratio of the gearing is such that the brush roller is driven at an overspeed condition relative to the fountain roller.

Abstract: The inventive ink jet printing system is driven from a repertoire data storage medium such as perforated tape or cards, magnetic tape or cards, or the like, on which the stored data may be changed, updated, increased or decreased, or deleted in whole or in part. The data read from this storage medium is fed into a microprocessor which directs a ganged multiplicity of ink jet printing heads, to simultaneously printout a plurality of lines of type. A transport mechanism picks up and feeds paper, magazines, or the like through a printing station where the ganged ink jets print out responsive to the data supplied from the repertoire storage medium. A number of housekeeping functions are carried out simultaneously, to insure that ink is delivered to and collected from the nozzles of the printing heads.

Abstract: A replaceable ink reservoir for use in ink printing equipment, particularly mosaic jet ink printers equipped to receive replaceable reservoirs, the same reservoir including a housing containing a part flexible ink bag in a chamber defined by housing walls with a flexible membrane supported by the walls and plate means overlying the flexible membrane for application of pressure on the ink supply to force the same through the printing head channels.

Abstract: A device for applying ink to a printing surface is described. The device includes two resilient ink flow control blades. The blades are deflected by contact with said surface to allow ink to flow onto the latter. The blades close to cut off the flow of ink as the device is lifted off the surface.

Abstract: A pressurized ink applicator for an intaglio printing press using viscous stiff-bodied ink is provided with an ink-shearing element or heating element within the applicator nozzle to apply energy to the ink thereby to improve its flow properties immediately before its application to the printing plate of the press. A tight seal between the nozzle and the printing plate is provided by spaced blades resiliently mounted in the nozzle. Ink is forced by air pressure from an ink container into the nozzle. A distributing manifold is provided in the flow path from a plurality of ink containers to the nozzle immediately before multiple parallel restrictions in the ink flow path. An optional sliding valve operating transversely in relation to the ink flow path controllably cuts off the flow of ink, as for example when gaps between printing plate edges pass by the nozzle. The sliding valve is controlled by a cam moving with the printing plate.

Abstract: The disclosed system controls through novel pressure and valving adjustment mechanisms the application of dampening fluid to the ink roll or offset plate on the plate cylinder of an offset printing press. In one embodiment the dampening fluid at a relatively high pressure passes through a pressure compensator which adjusts the fluid pressure in response to changes in the speed of the press. The fluid at the adjusted pressure is then directed to the spray bar of the system, where it is discharged through a plurality of spray nozzles controlled by a plurality of solenoid-actuated valves. In one embodiment, the valves continually fluctuate between open and closed positions, with the time of the fluctuations being adjustable in order to selectively and accurately meter the amount of dampening fuid applied to the offset plate on the plate cylinder of the press.

Abstract: A fluid injector unit, functioning as a pump-type injector unit through cooperation between an upper and lower press platen, being easily disassembled into a minimum number of parts for cleaning. Disengagement of a unitary assembly comprising a piston collar for supporting a main piston through biasing means therefor from a housing member containing a pump chamber results in easy access to those parts requiring cleaning without disassembly of parts external to fluid passages which do not require cleaning.

Abstract: A multiple spray nozzle, offset press dampening system of the type having individual metering pumps for the respective nozzles utilizes a device for opening the pump output valves while maintaining dampening liquid feed pressure substantially elevated, thereby purging feed lines, pump passageways and pump chambers of bubbles and particles which would interfere with accurate metering. Constant recirculation and filtering of the feed liquid under pressure maintains purging liquid substantially bubble and particle free.

Abstract: Dampening rolls receive spray from a multi-nozzle spray member having a spray path extending beyond the ends of the rolls. Overspray preventing shields are mounted at opposite ends of the spray path and have free dripping lower portions positioned over the dampening rolls. An oscillating roll runs against a dampening roll to spread the moisture film and a wet form roll provides contact between the oscillating roll and the plate cylinder. Preferably, the spray member oscillates transversely along the dampening rolls and separate shields are mounted on the spray member and fixed with respect to the press frame.

Abstract: An enclosed receptacle has a plurality of outlet nozzles, and is subdivided into two compartments one of which communicates with the outlet nozzles and which are separated by a flexible diaphragm. A cushion of compressed gas is maintained in the other compartment, and an arrangement is provided for admitting printing ink into the compartment communicating with the outlet nozzles.

Abstract: A printing plate is mounted on a driven print cylinder, and ink is applied to the face of the plate by an ink applying roll which forms a nip with an ink distributing roll positioned below and horizontally offset from the ink applying roll. The rolls are driven in timed relation by a set of connecting gears and are adjustable as a unit independently on opposite ends for selecting precision uniform contact of the ink applying roll with the printing plate. In addition, the ink distributing roll is adjustable on opposite ends independently relative to the ink applying roll for precisely adjusting the nip between the rolls without changing the drive relationship. The ink is supplied to the rolls by an ink recirculating pump actuated by a cam driven by the same motor which drives the print cylinder, the ink rolls and an optional web cut-off unit.

Abstract: A variable stroke positive displacement liquid metering pump unit having a rotatable plunger which is moveable in an axial direction within a cylindrical pump casing. The plunger has a flat portion which is adapted to overlie the inlet and outlet ports during different degrees of rotation. A variable stroke drive means is provided to vary the distance the plunger moves outwardly of the casing in a liquid infeed direction to vary the amount of liquid metered.A plurality of pump units are provided in a line across a printing couple with a spur gear mounted on each plunger of each unit to impart rotary motion to the plunger and with adjacent spur gears of adjacent units being connected in a gear train to a common drive means. A rotatable cam shaft common to all pump units is connected to the common drive means and cam rises on the shaft engage a portion of each of the variable drive means to provide axial movement of the plunger in the pump casing.

Abstract: An ink supply and ink level control device is mounted on an ink fountain of a printing machine. The device has a control and power head and an ink supply conduit and casing assembly removably connected to the head. The head includes a reciprocable output member, a reversible drive motor connected to produce limited linear displacement in one direction or the other of the output member, a pair of limit switches mounted for operation in response to movement of said output member to the limits, respectively, of its linear displacement, and an electronic proximity detector projecting from said head toward the surface of ink in said ink fountain to sense the relative proximity of the surface of the ink. The assembly includes a conduit for receiving ink from a source of ink and is removably fastened to the output member for limited linear displacement thereby, and an elongated tube-like casing partially enclosing said supply conduit and removably fastened at one end to the head.

Abstract: In an ink jet printer solid impurities contaminating recirculating ink are removed by subjecting contaminated ink to ultrasonic energy for forming an aerosol of the ink. The aerosol of ink is entrained in an air stream and carried to impactor means where the ink aerosol is caused to return to a liquid state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for applying fluid to an intaglio roll for subsequent transfer to a soft, absorbent fibrous web passing in contact with the intaglio roll. The fluid is flowed upwardly through a small unpressurized reservoir extending across the width of the intaglio roll, which forms a confining member of the reservoir, and overflows a second confining member of the reservoir spaced from the intaglio roll. The fluid is flowed into the reservoir with uniform flow velocity profile across the width of the reservoir, created preferably by flowing the fluid against an impingement member prior to entering the reservoir. The intaglio roll is rotated upwardly through the reservoir to establish a first layer of fluid adhering to the roll above the reservoir, and the intaglio roll is rotated past a unique pre-wipe member positioned adjacent the intaglio roll above the reservoir.

Abstract: In an ink jet system printer of the charge amplitude controlling type, it is required to ensure stable printing that viscosity and surface tension of ink liquid supplied to a nozzle is maintained at a constant value. To this end, there is provided an ink liquid warmer in an ink supply system. The viscosity and surface tension of the ink liquid is maintained at a constant value by holding the ink liquid at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A coating applicator system comprising a stationary coater blade, reciprocating valve and applicator plates and, interposed between the valve and applicator plates, a stationary metering plate which includes a metering cavity. In operation, a quantity of photoelectrophoretic imaging suspension is supplied to the metering cavity in the metering plate when the valve and applicator plates are cammed in. When the reciprocating plates are cammed out, a metered amount of the suspension is deposited on the coater blade and when the plates are cammed in the imaging suspension is caused to move into a coating gap to supply a uniform quantity of suspension to a surface to be coated.

Abstract: A dampener for lithographic printing presses is disclosed wherein means are provided for continuously generating a spray or mist of dampening fluid having optimum particle size and density characteristics and the volume of spray which is permitted to reach the plate cylinder is metered by a series of baffles that extend over the full length of the plate cylinder. The baffles are all connected for movement in unison with a common control member that is responsive automatically to changes in press speed to thereby control the overall volume of spray that reaches the plate cylinder with direct relation to the speed of the press and each individual baffle is selectively adjustable relative to the control member whereby to meter the volume of spray at local areas along the length of the plate cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering printing ink from a tubular cannister filled with ink to a printing unit. The cannister is received in a tubular casing, and an air-operated plunger is forced through the cannister to feed ink from the cannister through a pipeline to a printing unit.

Abstract: A dyestuff applicator, overlying an area of contact between a movable printing screen and a substrate, comprises a horizontal supply tube which supports an axially extending dyestuff-distributing member with freedom of relative mobility in a vertical axial plane of the tube. The bottom portion of the distributing member, forming an axially extending dyestuff outlet in the shape of a slot or a multiplicity of closely spaced apertures, is separated from its top portion, secured to the tube, by a bar-shaped body of relatively soft material which is readily compressible in the vertical direction while resisting deformation in a horizontal plane. The distributing member is weighted down by the pressure of the liquid dyestuff in a overlying space or by springs inserted between that member and the supply tube.

Abstract: A fluid injector unit wherein fluid from a chamber is deposited through an outlet passage in the chamber and onto a surface through the action of a first piston which moves in the chamber and a second piston which reciprocates within a bore in the first piston. Self sealing valve means are carried by the second piston and operate to urge the second piston toward a closed position in which it closes the outlet passage against fluid flow. Movement of the first piston within the chamber pressurizes the fluid therein and forces the second piston away from the closed position. Sealing means, also carried by the second piston, are then operative to prevent fluid leakage between the second piston and the bore as well as to act as stop means to regulate the range of motion of the second piston away from the closed position.

Abstract: A die member is formed having a desired configuration formed thereon by a metal rule. Absorbent means are placed within said metal rule for receiving a stain. Press means are provided to press the metal rule into a stock-piece to emboss the design therein and stain it with the stain contained by the absorbent means. The stain may be applied manually or by an automatic system. The press means can be a conventional press or other types which will provide the desired action. One other arrangement uses a cylindrical roller having a cylindrical die member thereon which can roll over a stock-piece to provide the same result.

Abstract: A printing press is provided with a dual ink circulation and wash-up system to reduce the wash-up time between color changes. The press includes a fountain and at least one receptacle associated therewith and having at least two compartments. Means are provided to selectively divert liquid from the fountain into one of the compartments while the other compartment is being washed. A plurality of ink supply means are provided for sequentially supplying ink to the fountain.

Abstract: A simplified press mounted, web-driven paper tinting unit especially useful for high speed presses and having low pressure, substantially clog-free, infinitely manually adjustable tinting fluid dispensing heads positioned proximal to underlying, freely rotatable tinting fluid-receiving rolls forming a part of the unit. The heads are preferably rotatable members having radially offset fluid delivery tubes and selectively movable betwen positions where all of the fluid from the latter directly impinges on the receiving rolls, to positions where at least a part of such fluid flows past the rolls for cyclic re-collection and reuse. In this manner, delivery of the tinting fluid to the web can be easily varied during tinting operations as desired without the need of flow-restricting metering valves or the like which are prone to clogging.

Abstract: A multiple spray nozzle, offset press dampening system of the type having individual metering pumps for the respective nozzles achieves improved control and reliability by substantially increasing feed water pressure entering the metering pumps, thereby reducing the formation of bubbles. The pump output valve flow-through pressure is also increased to retain accurate metering conditions.

Abstract: A method of intaglio printing adapted to produce a substantially flat article comprising bringing a die plate, recessed on its printing face to correspond with the required form of the article, against a substrate, injecting a settable material into the die recesses via passages through the thickness of the die plate to deposit material onto the substrate, separating the die plate from the substrate, allowing the material to set or partially set on the substrate and separating the article from the substrate.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump assembly especially adapted for use in conjunction with ink reservoirs of printing press apparatuses. There is provided a centrifugal pump assembly comprising motor mounting means for mounting the motor with respect to the cover member of an ink reservoir. The shaft of the motor extends downwardly into the reservoir and has secured thereto a coupling sleeve. The coupling sleeve includes means for securing the same to the motor shaft and means for releasably engaging the impeller shaft of the pump assembly. The impeller shaft is provided with a positive drive pin adapted to fit into a slot formed in the coupling sleeve to thereby properly align said impeller shaft with respect to the impeller housing and to insure proper positive connection of the impeller shaft with respect to the motor shaft for corresponding rotational movement therewith.

Abstract: Apparatus for developing exposed diazotype sheet material in which an accurately metered amount of liquid developer is applied to the sheet material by an applicator roller. The roller surface is essentially smooth and liquid developer is applied to the roller surface in an amount metered by a metering blade assembly which includes a flexible support member carrying a resilient backing layer which, in turn, carries a fine mesh screen held in contact with the smooth surface of the roller. A sheet of smooth, essentially continuous material is interposed between the screen and the roller surface when the apparatus is not in use and is retracted to enable direct contact between the screen and the roller surface when the apparatus is in use.

Abstract: The feed mechanism for a printing machine in which printing ink is fed into the recessed design of an intaglio printing plate includes a cylinder open at its upper end and communicating at its bottom with the recessed designs. A piston is housed in the cylinder, the lower end of which piston forms a chamber at the bottom of the cylinder. The piston rod extends above the cylinder and carries a support member at its upper end, the support member carrying a head. A second cylinder rests upon the top of the first cylinder and receives the head which is slidable therein within limits. A spring is interposed between the head and the bottom of the second cylinder. The piston and piston rod have a bore forming a second chamber provided at its upper end with an ink supply inlet. A hollow relief piston is slidable in the lower end of the bore communicating with the second chamber and communicating through inlet openings with the first chamber.