GB2190879A - Inking arrangements in printing machines - Google Patents

Description

GB 2 190 879 A

SPECIFICATION motors for the respective key adjustments.

It has also been suggested in the pastto employ Printing press using shiftable inking means segmented fountain blades each including a respective adjustment key. This overcomes the The present invention is broadly concerned with an 70 noted problem of a given key adjustment affecting inking assembly adapted for mounting on a web or the performance of adjacent keys, but provides a sheet-fed printing press of the type including a relatively complex structure which is expensive and multiple-roller inking train. More particularly, it is difficuitto control. Moreover, the segmented blades concerned with such an inking assembly making use are prone to leakage and can be difficult to clean.

of a shiftably mounted, reciprocal ink ejectorfor 75 For all of the foregoing reasons then, use of delivering precise quantities of inkto at least one conventional fountain rollers and key-adjusted ink-receiving roller as the ejector assembly traverses fountain blades presents considerable practical the roller. In this manner, the use of conventional ink difficulties in terms of cost and operational fountains, fountain rollers and associated adjustable efficiencies to the printer. There is therefore a inking keys is completely eliminated. 80 decided need in the artfor an improved inking In the printing of copy itfrequently occurs thatthe system which completely eliminates the need for a ink requirements across the width of the copy are not fountain roller, associated blade, and adjustment the same column by column orzone by zone. In keys while atthe same time giving precise, readily some of the column positionsthere may be heavily adjustable inking control.

pigmented areas asJor example, a half tone 85 It is an object of the present invention to provide an illustration with a dark background. This situation improved inking assembly adapted for mounting would require more inkto befed in that column, as adjacent one or more ink receiving rollers of a compared with other columns or zones across the printing press, which assembly obviates or mitigates copywhich are only lightly pigmented, or have no the above disadvantages.

printed areas of a particular color. 90 According to one aspect of the present invention In orderto accommodate these differential ink there is provided an inking assembly adapted for requirements, printing presses have long been mounting adjacent at least one ink-receiving rollerof provided with adjustable inking systems. These a printing press, said assembly comprising ink typically include an inking train made up of a number supply means including ink delivery means of rollers including an inking fountain roller, and 95 including structure defining an ink-conveying ductor and distribution rollers. In addition, such passage-way, means coupled with said delivery presses include an adjustable fountain doctor blade means for supplying inkthereto, selectively which can be adjusted zone byzone along the length actuatable feeding means operatively coupling said thereof by means of so-called inking keys. Such keys holding means and said delivery means for selective are manipulated bythe printer in orderto applythe 100 delivery of inkfrom said supplyto said delivery requisite differential quantities of inkacrossthe means, said feeding means including apparatusfor width of the inking train, and hence ultimatelytothe pressurizing successive charges of inkfrom said sheet orwebto be printed. supplyfor delivery of pressurized inkchargestothe Use of conventional inking keys presents a delivery means, and selectively operable motive number of problems, however. Thus, adjustment of 105 means operatively coupled with said pressurizing the keys can be a time consuming process and may means for operating the latter, means for mounting require considerable operator skill. While this said ink supply means adjacent said ink-receiving problem may not be of paramount importance when rollerwith said delivery means thereof oriented for long printing runs are contemplated, in the case of depositing ink onto said roller, and fortranslatory short runs the make-ready associated with inking key 110 movement of said ink supply means along a path of adjustments can represent a considerable costto the travel extending axially along the length of said printer, in terms of time and paper and inkwastage. roller, and control means operatively coupled with The typical doctor blade is fabricated from a sheet of said motive means for selective operation thereof f lexible spring metal. Ink key adjustment flexes the depending upon the position of said ink supply blade in the immediate area of that particular key. 115 means along said path of travel, in orderto deliver Experience has shown that adjustment of one key pre-selected, variable quantities of inkto said inevitably affects the performance of adjacent keys. ink-receiving roller at different positions along the Thus, many, many adjustments may be required in length thereof.

orderto achieve quality printing results. In preferred forms of the invention, the inkfeeding An adjustable fountain blade may also increase 120 means includes apparatus for pressurizing the horsepower requirements needed for rotation of successive charges of ink from the ink delivery the fountain roller. That is to say, many inks are means and for delivering such charges to the nozzle highlyviscous, gel-like substances, and in orderto means. One particularly appropriate feeding means rotate the fountain roller against the adjustable would be a positive displacement pump device. In blade, considerable horsepowercan be needed. 125 present practice, a pump is provided having a Attempts have been made in the pastto provide housing and a pair of intermeshed, counter-rotating automatic control of the inking keys, making use of screw members within the housing. The delivery motorized adjustments and micro-processor means here in theform of an ejector nozzle is in turn control. However, these units are relatively operatively coupled with the housing whereby expensive because of the need to provide multiple 130 rotation of the screw members serves to deliver 2 GB 2 190 879 A 2 constantf low rate, pressurized charges of inkto the the inking assembly; and ejector nozzle. The pump device is advantageously Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating in simplified powered by means of an adjacent stepper motor form the manner of microprocessor control used in which is shiftablewith the pump and inksupply. the present invention to control the operation of the In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the 70 inking assembly.

stepper motor is actuated to operatethe positive Referring to the drawing, a printing press 10 is displacement pump asthe inksupply means enters illustrated in Figures 1-3. The press 10 broadly each respective zone along the length of the includes a pair of laterally spaced apart sidewalls 12, ink-receiving roller. Preferably a digital electronic 14, togetherwith a pair of relatively large plate and microprocessor control is employed for operating 75 blanket rollers 16,18 and a corresponding the stepper motor. impression roller 19. The plate roller 16 as best seen According to a second aspect of the present in Figure 1 is in operative engagementwith an inking invention there is provided an inking assembly rollertrain broadly referred to bythe numeral 20.

adapted for mounting adjacent an ink-receiving Finally,the overall press 10 includes an inking rollerof a printing press, said assembly comprising 80 assembly 22 designed for applying inkto the inksupply means including delivery means having uppermost rollerof train 20 aswill be described structure defining an ink-conveying passageway, below.

means adjacent said delivery means for supplying In the normal operation of press 10, a continuous inkthereto, and selectively actuatable inkfeeding web of paper 24 is fed to the nip defined between the means operatively coupling said supply means and 85 rollers 18,19 for purposes of imprinting on theweb said delivery means for selective delivery of inkfrom 24. During such operation, ink supplied from the said supplyto said delivery means, selectively inking assembly 22 is fed via the rollertrain 20 for operable motive means operatively coupled with ultimate application to the plate roller 16 and blanket said feeding means for actuating the latter, said roller 18, as those skilled in the art will readily motive means including structure for operating said 90 appreciate. ftwill also be understood thatthe press feeding means for delivery of inkto said delivery 10 includes other conventional structure forming no means only ata constant flow rate, andfor partof the present invention, such asthe usual selectively terminating the constant flow rate dampening system.

operation of thefeeding means, meansfor mounting The inking assembly 22 has an ink supply means said ink supply means adjacent said ink-receiving 95 26 which is mounted for reciprocal, translatory rollerwith said delivery means thereof oriented for movement between the sidewalls 12,14. In detail, depositing ink onto said roller, and fortranslatory this ink supply means 26 includes an ink delivery movement of said ink supply means along a path of means in the form of a nozzle 28, structurefor travel extending axially along the length of said supplying ink referred to by the numeral 30, and roller, and control means operatively coupled with 100 feeding means 32 operatively coupling the ink said motive means for selective operation thereof for supply means 30 and the nozzle for selective delivery a selected period of time, depending upon the of inkf rom the supply to the nozzle.

position of said ink supply means along said path of Referring specificallyto Figures 4-6, it will be seen travel, whereby said feeding means delivers inkto that nozzle 28 is in the form of an elongated, tubular said delivery means only at said constantflow rate 105 body presenting a flattened outermost delivery end during said period of time. 34. The end of nozzle 28 remote from theflattened An embodiment of the present invention will now end 34 is operatively coupled to a feeding means32, be described byway of examplewith reference tothe preferably in theform of a pump device. In particular, accompanying drawings wherein:thefeeding means includes an elongated housing 36 Figure lis a partially schematic vertical sectional 110 with a forward or lower end cap 38. The cap 38 is view illustrating a small viebfed printing press with centrally apertured as at 40 in orderto receive the the inking assembly of the present invention end of nozzle 28, and a sealing ring 42 is situated mountedthereon; between the inner face of cap 38 and the defining Figure2 is a fragmentary side viewwith parts sidewall of housing 36 as will be readily seen from a broken awayfor clarity illustrating details of 115 study of Figures 4 and 5.

construction of the preferred inking assembly; The pumping device also includes a pair of Figure 3 is a fragmentarytop viewwith parts elongated, flighted, intermeshed, counter-rotating broken awayfor clarity which further illustrates the screw elements 44,46 which are situated within construction of the inking assembly; housing 36. As best seen in Figure 5, each of the Figure 4is an enlarged, fragmentaryview in partial 120 elements 44,46 includes a forwardly extending vertical section illustrating the construction of the journal extension 48, 50 which is in turn received preferred ink supply, pump and ejector nozzle; within a corresponding journal recess provided in Figure5is a sectional viewtaken along line 5-5 of end cap 38. In like manner, each screwelement Figure 4 and further depicting the details of includes a rearwardly extending drive extension 52, construction of the preferred twin screw positive 125 54; these extensions 52, 54 extend through aback displacement ink pump; plate 56 which closes the upper or rearward end of Figure 6is a front elevational view of the ink pump the housing 36.

and ejector nozzle; The motive drive forthe pumping device is Figure 7is a schematic block diagram illustrating advantageously in the form of a stepper motor 58.

the various components of the control apparatus of 130 This stepper motor is of conventional construction 3 GB 2 190 879 A 3 and includes a central output shaft 60 having an supplying means 30 by inserting the extension 112 outermost pinion gear 62 affixed thereto. A driving into bore 80, and by affixing the sealing member 92 connection between stepper motor 58 and the within the opposite open end of the cartridge.

rotatable screw elements 44,46, is effected by means Relatively low pressure air (e.g. 6 pounds persquare of a geartrain including intermediate gears 64,66, 70 inch) is applied during operation through line 102 and respective driven gears 68,70 affixed to the and the associated connection structure for delivery innermost ends of the drive extensions 52,54. Aswill againsttheface of piston 110 remote from ink 108, in be observed from a study of Figure 5,the gears 64,66 orderto maintain a continual bias againstthe piston are interconnected by conventional means 72for and thus ensure smooth flow of inkfrom the rotation in unison. Moreover, itwill be seen thatthe 75 cartridge into the internal chamber of housing 36. It gear64 is in meshed engagementwith gear62, and will be appreciated that lowerviscosity inks can flow thatthe gear66 is in driving engagementwith the downward into bore 80 without use of piston 110 or element driving gears 68,70. Hence, rotation of air pressurization.

stepper motor outputshaft 60 servesto The inking assembly of the invention also includes correspondingly rotatethe screw elements 44,46 in 80 means broadly referred to bythe numeral 114for the mannerwell known tothose skilled in the art. mounting the inksupplying means 26with the nozzle Turning nowto Figure 4, itwill be seen thatthe 28thereof adjacent at least one appropriate upperwall portion of housing 36 is provided with a ink-receiving roller in orderto deposit inkonto such threaded bore 74so as to afford communicationto roller(s), and fortranslatory movement of the ink the interior chamber defined bythe housing. Aflat, 85 supply means 26 along a path of travel extending annular, disk-like member76 is affixed to the upper axially of the ink- receiving roller. Most wall portion of housing 36 and affords connection advantageously, the nozzle 28 is oriented for with the ink supplyto be described hereinafter. In depositing ink into the incoming nip region particular, the disk member76 includes a depending, presented by a pair of oppositely rotating annular, externally threaded boss 78 which is 90 ink-receiving rollers. This structure 114 includes a threadably coupled with the threads of bore 74 as pair of upstanding side frames respectively secured will be seen in Figure 4. Moreover, the disk member to and extending upwardly from the underlying 76 is also provided with a smooth ink supply bore 80 press sidewalls 12, 14. A pair of elongated, therethrough which is coaxial with threaded bore 74. transversely extending guide rods 120,122 extend The overall ink supplying means 30 includes an 95 between and are rigidly affixed to the plates 116,118, irregularly shaped Z-bracket82 having an angularly togetherwith a spanning spacer channel 124. A oriented uppermost arm 84. The arm 84 is apertured shiftable carriage block 126 is mounted on the rods as at86 and is provided with an annular, internally 120,122 by means of ball bushings and isthus threaded attachment collar88 coaxial with the movable along the length thereof. A depending aperture 86. In addition, an elongated, externally 100 metallic bracket 128 is secured to the lower end of threaded, annular connector 90 is threadably carriage block 126, and supports stepper motor 58.

secured to the collar 88. The lowermost end of the To this end, the bracket 128 includes a lower connector 90 as viewed in Figure 4 is provided with transverse stretch 130 which is apertured as at 132 in an elastomeric, annular sealing member 92 orderto accommodate the output shaft 60 of stepper presenting a frustoconical lowermost sidewall 94. 105 motor 58. In addition, a support block 134 is affixed The upper end of connector 90 is provided with a to the stretch 130 and is configured for supporting radially enlarged, knurled connector disk 96 which the feeding pump 32.

permits selective threaded movement of the The end of bracket 82 remote from the arm 84 is connector 90 relative to the arm 84. also affixed to the upper end of carriage block 126, by The aforementioned components cooperatively 110 means of screws 136. The entire ink supply means 26 define an elongated air delivery bore 98 extending is thus laterally shiftable with carriage block 126 through the element 90 and sealing member 92, between the upstanding frames 116,118.

which is important for purposes to be described. The mounting means 114 also includes an Delivery of pressurized air to the bore 98 is effected elongated, continuous, toothed loop timing belt 138.

by means of a conventional swivel connector 100 115 This belt 138 is supported at respective ends thereof operatively secured to disk 96, togetherwith an air by corresponding pulleys 140,142. Moreover, itwill line 102 and coupler 104. be seen thatthe carriage block 126 is secured to belt ]twill be observed thatthe arm 84 and its 138 by means ofa threadably secured clamping plate associated structure isvertically spaced abovethe 144; hence, movement of the belt 138 in turn causes feeding means 32. This space accommodates an 120 movement of the carriage block 126 and therefore elongated, tubular, ink-holding cartridge 106which the entire inksupply means 26.

holds a supplyof theviscous, gel-like printing ink 108 Referring specificallyto Figure 2, itwill beseen to be used in press 10. The cartridge 106 has a thatthe pulley 142 is rotationally mounted on a shaft surrounding tubularsidewall as depicted, together 146, the latterin turn being mounted on a block 148 with an internal, slidably mounted piston 110 in 125 affixed to upstanding plate 118. On the other hand, direct contactwith the uppersurface of the ink 108. pulley 140 is mounted for rotation on a vertical shaft The overall cartridge further includes an inkoutlet 150, the latter being operatively coupled with a gear extension 112 which is designed tofitwithin the bore drive 152. This gear drive is connected to the output of disk member76. ltwill thus be appreciated that of a gear motor 154 designed for powered rotation of the ink cartridge 106 is positioned within the ink 130 shaft 150 and hence movement of belt 138. The 4 GB 2 190 879 A 4 motor 154 is supported on an appropriate bracket or train 20, for ultimate application to plate roller 16 and mount affixed to upstanding side plate 116, as will be web 24. In practice, ink is applied only during the readily seen from a study of Figures 2 and 3. passage of ink supply means 26 from limit switch 162 In orderto provide operational control forthe to limitswitch 164. During the return movementof translatory movement of the inksupply means 26, 70 the inksupply meanstothe starting position appropriate sensing controls are provided. Tothis corresponding to limit switch 162, no ink is applied; end,the lowermost end of shaft 150 is provided with moreover, this return movement is typically much a collar 156 having thereon a plurality of fasterthan the ink-applying movement between the circumferentially spaced magnets 158. A magnetic switches 162-164.

sensing device 160 is situated adjacent collar 156, 75 In addition, the assembly 22 is operated in such and is designed to detect rotational movement of fashion thatthe ink- receiving roller is divided into collar 156, and hence the corresponding position of successive ink- receiving zones. By way of example, carriage block 126 and thus ink supply means 26 and for illustrative purposes only, Figure 2 depicts along its path of travel between the plates 116,118. In roller 166 with a series of dotted lines which divide addition, a pair of limit switches 162,164 are secured 80 the roller into successive zones. These zones may be to the channel 124 as illustrated, in orderto sensethe of variable width, but in practice one and one-eighth termination of movement of the ink supply means inch wide zones have been found acceptable. Asthe 126 in a given direction, and to initiate return ink supply means enters each zone, the stepper movementthereof toward the opposite limit switch. motor is immediately activated to deliver an In addition, a sensor 165 (Figure 7) is provided for 85 appropriate, predetermined quantity of ink to the detecting the amount of rotation of the press rollers, respective zone. This is done on a time basis, Le.,the which is importantfor purposes to be described. stepper motor is operated for a period to applythe The preferred add-on inking assembly of the necessary ink, whereupon stepper motor operation invention is also provided with an ink-receiving is terminated until the ink supply means reachesthe roller 166 directly adjacent and beneath the nozzle 90 next zone. As such, it will be appreciated that ink may 28, and a total of three smaller rider rollers 168-172 in not be actually applied overthe entire zone width.

contact with roller 166. As best seen in Figure 1, This has not been found to present significant nozzle 28 is oriented for delivery of ink into the problems, however, in view of the selected zone incoming nip region presented bythe oppositely widths and thefaetthatthe downstream inktrain rotating rollers 166,172, Le.,the nozzle 28 is located 95 rollers serveto adequately spread the applied ink adjacentthe side of the nip region wherethe overthe zone in question. Whiletimed stepper motor adjacent surfaces of the rollers 166,172 converge application of ink has been proved satisfactory and is toward each other during rotation. The rollers presently preferred, it is also within the ambit of the 166-172 are supported by means of a pair of laterally invention to apply ink at a rate designed to distribute spaced apart, depending marginal mounting plates 100 the ink over more of or overthe entire width of the 174,176. These plates 174,176 are operatively corresponding zones. By virtue of this operation, it coupled to the associated upstanding plates 116,118 will be seen that the twin screw ink feeding pump by means of respective, irregularly shaped serves to create successive charges of pressurized connector plates 178,180. inkwhich are ejected from the nozzle 28 during As noted previously,the add-on inking assembly 105 traversal of the corresponding zones; these charges of the present invention is adapted for mounting on a are moreover delivered at a constant flow rate. This conventional printing press. In the particular press mode of timed stepper motor operation has been illustrated in the drawings, the sidewalls 12,14, found to be advantageous in that it affords precise, printing rollers 16,18, and the majority of the inking yet easily variable ink control.

train 20 is preserved and used. That is to say, in a 110 It is believed thatthe foregoing description of the normal unmodified press of thetype depicted, an ink structure and operation of the inking assembly 22 of fountain, fountain rollerwith doctor blade and the invention is in and of itself sufficiently detailed to ductor roller are employed togetherwith the allowthose skilled in that art to make and usethe remainder of the inktrain beneath the previously invention. Such artisans will of course appreciate described ink-receiving roller 166. When use is made 115 that a variety of conventional controls can be of the add-on inking assembly of the invention, employed for effecting the type of operation however, the fountain, fountain roller, doctor blade described. However, in order to ensure and ductor are removed or simply not used, and the completeness, thefollowing discussion is given of inking assembly is secured to the press by affixing the presently preferred apparatus and the upstanding side plates 11 6,118to the associated 120 computer- controlled method of operation.

press sidewalls 12,14. As such, itwill be seen that Attention isfirst directed to Figure7,Mich is a modification of the conventional pressto make use schematic blockcliagram depicting appropriate of the improved inking assembly of the invention is a control apparatus forthe invention. To this end, a simple matterwhich can be readily accomplished conventional personal computer 200 is provided without extensive press modifications. 125 which includes the usual electronic interface input Generally speaking, during the operation of the 202 and a display 204. Computer 200 is operatively inking assembly of the invention, ink is ejected from coupled with a preprogrammed microprocessor 206.

nozzle 28 as the ink supply means 26 moves along In addition to the computer input, the the length of ink-receiving roller 166. This ink isthen microprocessor has additional inputs in the form of transferred in the usual fashion to the inking roller 130the carriage block position sensor 160, the press GB 2 190 879 A 5 revolution sensor 165, and limit switches 162,164. RAM, step 221. The program then delivers this zone 1 As explained previously, the sensor 160 detects the inking data, step 222, to the pulse generator of the position of carriage block 126 along tile path of travel microprocessor, which in turn causes the stepper thereof, whereas the sensor 165 detects the motor 58 to step through the required number of rotational position of the primary roller 16. 70 steps to deliverthe requisite quantity of inkto zone 1 The microprocessor 206 is connected to a carriage of the roller 166. Atthis pointthe stepper motor is motor controller 208 which is in turn coupled with deactivated to stop ink delivery.

gear motor 154 for forward or reverse operation After initiation of step 222, the program loops back thereof. Moreover, the microprocessor is connected to step 220, and compares the preset zone number to an ink pump motor controller 210, the latter being 75 with the sensed position of the ink supply means 26 coupled to and controlling the stepper motor 58. relayed by sensor 160, step 224. As long as the ink The computer input 202 may be a keyboard, in supply means 26 is traveling within zone 1, the which case the operator would manually enter data comparator gives a " No" answer, step 226. The corresponding to the amount of ink desired in each program then ascertains if the limit switches 162,164 ink-receiving zone, such data being derivablefrom 80 are closed, step 228. Sincethe inksupply means is the operator's own observations orfrom a scanning traversing zone 1, a "No" answer is obtained, step device. 230. The program then loops backto continuethe Figure7 also schematically depicts one possibility steps 220through 222 as described above.

in this regard, i.e., scanning densitometer211 which When the ink supply means 26 enters zone 2 can be employed to supply appropriate inkcoverage 85 however, such information is relayed by sensor 160 data forthe copy to be printed to computer200. to the microprocessor 206. During a repeat loop step Typically, a prepared printing plate forthe desired 230, the comparison step 220 then ascertains thatthe copy is scanned using densitometer 211, and the zone number 2 is greaterthan the previous zone resultant data is delivered through input 202 to number 1, thereby generating a "Yes", step 232.

computer 200. Densitometer 211 in effect divides the 90 When this occurs, zone 2 data is retrieved from RAM, copy or printing plate into columns or zones and the appropriate pulse data is sent to the pulse corresponding to the ink-receiving zones on the generator for activation of motor 58 for a time to give press, and determines the amount of ink density the desired ink application within zone 2 of the roller required for each respective zone in the copyto be 166. Simultaneously, the comparator is reset with a printed. 95 "2" as the "Previous Zone No.", so thatthe repeat The sequential control operation of loop steps 230 will generate the desired "No" microprocessor 206 is illustrated in Figure 8. For responses untilzone 3 is reached bythe ink supply ease of discussion and to best illustrate the preferred means 26.

mode of operation, it will be assumed thatthe The prog ress of ink supply means along the length operator has obtained the necessary densitometer 100 of roller 166 is thus continuously monitored and data from the printing plate, and that such data has controlled until the last zone is reached and been delivered to computer 200, either by manual traversed, and limit switch 164 is closed. Atthis point keyboard entry, or by electronic data transfer such as during the repeat loop steps described, the step 228 f loppy disk storage. In the initial step 212, the generates a "Yes" answer. The microprocessorthen operator enters the letter "A" on the keyboard of the 105 sends a signal to controller 208 to reverse the computer 200; this transfers the zone-divided operation of motor 154 and to increase the speed densitometer data from computer 200 to the random thereof in orderto quickly return the ink supply access memory [RAM] of the microprocessor, step means 26 to its start position with limit switch 162 214. This input data, together with inputs from the closed. During such return movement no ink is sensors 160,165, and limit switches 162,164, is used 110 applied to roller 166.

in the microprocessor to control the operation of The program then follows step 234to a press inking assembly 22. revolution comparison, step 236, which compares The program loops around step 236 until the the number of press roller revolutions (relayed by number of revolutions of the press equals orexceeds sensor 165) with a predetermined revolution value a preset number "X" held in the RAM. At this time 115 "X" from RAM. This value "X" is chosen so asto the program moves on to step 216. The purpose of permit sufficienttime for the ink supply means to the delay loop around step 236 will become clear return to its start position. Thus, as long as the actual from the discussion below. number of revolutions sensed by sensor 165 is less An output signal is next sent bythe than "X", a " No" answer is generated, step 238, and microprocessorto: (1) resetto zero the press roller 120 the program goes through successive repeat revolution counter, step 216; and (2) activate comparison loops, step 240.

carriage motor 154through controller 208 to initiate When the number of sensed press roller translatory movement of ink supply means 26 from revolutions is greaterthan or equal to "X", a "Yes" the limit switch 162 towards limit switch 164. step answer is generated, step 242. This serves to restart 218 (see Figure 3). The supply means thus enters 125 the entire operational sequence, i.e., the counter is inking zone 1, such information being relayed to resetto zero, step 216, and carriage movement is microprocessor 206 via sensor 160. initiated, step 218. The control apparatus and In the next step 220, a zone number comparison is microprocessor program thereby serve to control setwith the zone number " 1 " and zone data the shifting movement and zone-by-zone ink corresponding to inking zone 1 is retrieved from 130application of the supply means 26 through 6 GB 2 190 879 A 6 successive passes along the length of roller 166. wherein said control means includes additional sensing means for sensing the amount of rotation of

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS said printing press.

   9. An inking assembly adapted for mounting 1. An inking assembly adapted for mounting 70 adjacent an ink-receiving roller of a printing press, adjacent at least one ink-receiving roller of a printing said assembly comprising ink supply means press, said assembly comprising ink supply means including delivery means having structure defining including ink delivery means including structure an ink-conveying passageway, means adjacent said defining an ink-conveying passageway, means delivery means for supplying inkthereto, and coupled with said delivery means for supplying ink 75 selectively actuatable inkfeeding means operatively thereto, selectively actuatable feeding means coupling said supply means and said delivery means operatively coupling said holding means and said for selective delivery of inkfrom said supply to said delivery means for selective delivery of inkfrom said delivery means, selectively operable motive means supplyto said delivery means, said feeding means operatively coupled with said feeding meansfor including apparatus for pressurizing successive 80 actuating the latter, said motive means including charges of inkfrom said supplyfor delivery of structure for operating said feeding means for pressurized ink charges to the delivery means, and delivery of inkto said delivery means only at a selectively operable motive means operatively constantflow rate, and for selectively terminating coupled with said pressurizing means of operating the constantflow rate operation of the feeding the latter, means for mounting said ink supply means 85 means, means for mounting said ink supply means adjacent said ink-receiving rollerwith said delivery adjacent said ink- receiving rollerwith said delivery means thereof oriented for depositing ink onto said means thereof oriented for depositing ink onto said roller, and fortranslatory movement of said ink roller, and fortranslatory movement of said ink supply means along a path of travel extending supply means along a path of travel extending axially along the length of said roller, and control 90 axially along the length of said roller, and control means operatively coupled with said motive means means operatively coupled with said motive means forselective operation thereof depending upon the for selective operation thereof for a selected period position of said ink supply means along said path of of time, depending upon the position of said ink travel, in orderto deliver preselected, variable supply means along said path of travel, whereby said quantities of inkto said ink-receiving roller at 95 feeding means delivers inkto said delivery means different positions along the lengththereof. only atsaid constantflow rate during said period of 2. An inking assembly as claimed in claim 1, time.

   wherein said motive means includes structure for 10. An inking assembly as claimed in claim 9, operating said feeding means for delivery of inkto wherein said ink supply means comprises structure said nozzle means at a constantflow rate. 100 for supporting an ink- filled cartridge adjacentsaid 3. An inking assembly as claimed in claim 1 or2, delivery means.

   wherein said feeding means comprisesa positive 11. An inking assembly as claimed in claim 10, displacement pump. wherein said ink supply means further includes 4. An inking assembly as claimed in claim 1 or2, means for exerting a constant pressure on the supply wherein said feeding means comprises a pump 105 of inkwithin said cartridge and in a direction toward chamber presenting an inlet adapted for said delivery means.

   communication with said ink supply, a pairof 12. An inking assembly as claimed in claim 9, juxtaposed, intermeshed, axially rotatable screws wherein said feeding means comprises a positive situated within said chamber, and means defining an displacement pump.

   outlet opening in said chamberfor passage of ink 110 13. An inking assembly as claimed in claim 9.

   therethrough, said delivery means being operatively wherein said feeding means comprises a pump coupled with said outlet opening. chamber presenting an inlet adapted for 5. An inking assembly as claimed in anyone of communication with said ink supply, a pair of the preceding claims, wherein said motive means juxtaposed intermeshed, axially rotatable screws comprises a stepper motor. 115 situated within said chamber, and means defining an 6. An inking assembly as claimed in anyone of outlet opening in said chamberfor passage of ink the preceding claims, wherein said mounting means therethrough, said nozzle means being operatively includes a carriage for supporting said ink supply coupled with said outlet opening.

   means, and means for moving said carriage along 14. An inking assembly as claimed in claim 9, said path of travel. 120 wherein said motive means comprises a stepper 7. An inking assembly as claimed in anyone of motor.

   the preceding claims, wherein said control means 15. An inking assembly as claimed in claim 14, includes means for sensing the position of said ink wherein are provided mounting said stepper motor supply means along said path of travel. and means fortranslatory movementwith said ink supply operatively coupling said sensing means and said 125 means.

   motive meansfor actuating said inkfeeding means 16. An inking assembly as claimed in claim 9, fora period of time which varies in response to the wherein said mounting means includes a carriage position of the inksupply means along said path of forsupporting said inksupply means, and meansfor travel. moving said carriage along said path of travel.

   8. An inking assembly as claimed in claim 7, 130 17.An inking assembly as claimed in claim 16, 7 GB 2 190 879 A 7 wherein said moving means comprises an endless loop carrier element, a pair of pulley means respectively located adjacentthe ends of said endless loop carrier means and supporting the latter, 5 and meansfor rotating one of said pulley means.

   18. An inking assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein said moving means includes structure for moving said ink supply means along said path of travel at a constant translational speed.

   19. An inking assembly as claimed in anyone of claims 9-18, wherein said control means includes means for sensing the position of said ink supply means along said path of travel, and means operatively coupling said sensing means and said motive means for actuating said inkfeeding means for a period of time which varies in response to the position of the ink supply means along said path of travel.

   20. An inking assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein said control means includes additional sensing meansfor sensing the rotational position of said printing press.

   21. An inking assembly as claimed in claim 1, including a pair of inkreceiving rollers in contact with each other, said ink delivery means being oriented for delivery of ink into the nip region cooperatively defined by said pair of ink- receiving rollers.

   22. An inking assembly as claimed in claim 21, wherein said pair of ink-receiving rollers are rotatable in opposite rotational directions respectively, said delivery means being located adjaceritthe side of said nip region where the adjacent roller surfaces are converging towards each other during said rotation thereof.

   23. An inking assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

   Printed for Her Majesty's Stationery Office by Croydon Printing Company (1] K) Ltd, 10187, D8991685. Published by The Patent Office, 25 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A 'I AY, from which copies may be obtained.