GB793412A - Improvements in or relating to stereotype plate finishing machines - Google Patents

Abstract

793,412. Printing surfaces. MIEHLEGOSS-DEXTER, Inc. July 9, 1956 July 7, 1955], No. 21183/56. Class 100(2) In a stereotype-plate finishing-machine including a frame having an arch, longitudinal support means for supporting the straight edges of a printing plate for sliding movement into a position under the arch and means associated with the support means for clamping the plate upwardly into the arch, a stop mechanism 25 is provided adjacent the path of movement of one of the straight edges of the plate and operative to hold the latter against axial movement when it is in position in the arch, such mechanism comprisinig a stop member 40 outwardly biased towards its operative position but having a cam portion 47 including a rib 47a arranged to engage a narrow ribbon like area 15a along the straight edge of the plate when the latter is slid into position under the arch thereby avoiding damage to the printing surface of the plate during the sliding movement, and a serrated clamping edge 55. In one embodiment the stop mechanism 25 is adjustably mounted between the arms of a flattened C-shaped frame member by screws 31, 32 which co-operate with slots 33, 34 in the frame member. Adjustment is effected by a screw 52. The member 40 is pivoted at 43 and biased outwardly by a spring 41, movement being limited by a pin 49 co-operating with a slot 48 in the member 40. The member 40 is also provided with a serrated edge 55 for gripping the plate after it has been slid into the arch. In an alternative embodiment the stop member 40 is mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis the serrated edge then engaging the underside of the area 15a of a positioned plate (Figs. 8-10, not shown). For laterally positioning the extreme lower edge portions of the plate a pair of adjustable guide strips 61, 62 are secured to the main guide rails 16a, 17a (Fig. 7a) by mounting screws 63, 64 which are passed through elongated slots 65, 66 in the strips 61, 62 so as to permit limited lateral adjustment of the strips.