US1958593A - Method of and apparatus for dampening in lithographic presses - Google Patents

Description

Ma 35, 34 j SCHULTZ 1,958,593

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DAMPENING IN LITHOGRAPHIC PRESSES 5 SheetsSheet 1 Filed July 28, 1932 s Awavme:

JOSEPH 50/0172 Arrow/5y $1 58.? $934. 1 LTZ 1,958,593

THUD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DAMPENING IN LITH OGRAPHIC PRBSSES 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 iled July 28, 1932 Ava/move.- JOSEPH Scwuuz 6r QQ WW/ fife ATTOB/VEY J. SCHULTZ 1,958,593

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DAMPENING IN LITHOGRAPHIC PRESSES Fia/ Awwroe: /05 5mm 72 Wall 2%;

Arrow 5 1%341. J SCHULTZ 1,958,593

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DAMPENING IN LITHOGRAPHIC PRESSES Filed July 28, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 /A/v/vrae JOSEPH 567/007 Armezvey i zfiemy 21934 J SCHULTZ 1,958,593

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DAMPENING IN LITHOGRAPHIC PRESSES Filed July 28, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 //VVEW70/Q-' Josew/ 5010172 Arrae/vzr Federated may 15, 1934 METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DAIVIPEN- lNG IN LITHOGRAPHIC PRESSES 28 Claims.

My invention relates to dampening devices, and more particularly to mechanisms of this class suitable for supplying moisture to lithographic, printing and other reproducing and typographical apparatus. The particular embodiment of this invention disclosed in the present application illustrates this invention applied to a lithographic oliset press.

This present invention is a further development of the subject matter disclosed and claimed in Untt'd States Patent No. 1,812,720, entitled D: opening device and issued to me June 30, 1931. This invention is likewise a further development of the subject matter disclosed and claimed in my three pending applications having the following respective titles, serial numbers and filing dates:

Dampening device for lithographic offset presses and the like, Serial No. 386.573. filed August 1'7,

1.92s: Dampening device for lithographic offset presses and the like, Serial No. 504,786. filed December 26. 1930; and Dampening mechanism for llZilOijl'RDhlC offset presses and the like. Serial No. 507.096, filed January '1, 1931. In some aspects, the disclosure in this application is a specific mbodiment of features disclosed in the said appiicaion Serial No. 504,786, and certain features specifically claimed in the present application are broadly claimed in said application Serial No. 504.786.

ain features of this invention described. shown in this application and not claimed erein, are claimed in other applications co-pend- .ith this application and entitled respectively, ricgrapl'ric oifset press, Serial No. 614,408, filed ay 31. 1932. and Methods of and mechanism for feeding sheets in a lithographic press, Serial No. 625,394 filed July 28, 1932.

As is well known, in the art of lithography, and especially in offset lithography, the printing plate must be continuously and properly dampened to produce satisfactory results. It is also well known that a certain minimum amount of moisture must be continuously supplied to this plate to pi vzit it from becoming coated with ink and irreparably damaged. It is further a fact,

that different portions or zones of the plate re quire various amounts of moisture, these different requirements arising from differences in the size mild design of the printing areas, or from the entire absence of printing areas on the plate.

is also essential to point out that, when the the areas which require additional 11. those which do not, are clearly marked. a staiitial excess or insufficiency of moisture on either side of the border of the areas will produce imperfect work. It is also well. known that any excess of moisture supplied to any areas above that required, will be damaging, and further that the moisture supplied to any area must be uniformly distributed in the area in which the moisture is required.

The type of dampening apparatus which has been almost universally adopted for modern lithographic oifset presses comprises a reservoir of water or suitable liquid in which a water roller is partially immersed. Adapted for intermittent contact with this water roller is a ductor roller which transfers the liquid from the water roller to an intermediate roller. This intermediate roller transfers the liquid to a plurality of dampening rollers which, in turn, distribute the liquid to the plate on the plate cylinder, by contact. Dampening apparatus of this type is shown. for instance,

in U. S. Patent No. 1,472,626. This usual and well known dampening device is intended to supply a uniform amount of moisture over the entire width of the plate cylinder.

It will be evident that such a uniform distribution of moisture is difficult to obtain with this usual apparatusjust described, because of the unequal contacting pressure and consequent unequal moisture transferring capacity at different points along the length of the rollers. This defect may occur between any of the rollers which perform the moisture transferring function. This unequal contacting pressure and consequent unequal liquid transfer may result from slight variations or irregularities in the diameter of any of the rollers, unequal adjustment of the two ends of adjacent rollers. spring or deflection of the center of any roller under pressure, variation in the water absorbing capacity of the roller covering, partial ink or grease coating on the covering, etc. It should be interpolated that with this generally used apparatus, in some cases when it is desired to reduce the amount of moisture transferred by the center of the rollers. it has been necessary to press the ends of the rollers so tightly together that the rollers become dry and collect ink from the plate. especially in the case of long rollers.

It is evident. due to the deficient and faulty transfer of the liquid from the water roller to the plate, the uniformly distributed coating of liquid on the water roller is not applied in a uniformly distributed manner to the plate, but is deposited on the plate in zones or stripes of moisture of varying intensities, unless a corrcctive or compensating liquid feeding mecharaisin is provided to co-operate with the rollers,

such for instance, as is shown and described in my co-pending applications Serial Nos..386,573,

504,786 and 507,09fi referred to above, or in United States Patent No. 1,812,720 entitled Dampening device, issued to me June 30, 1931.

It should be noted that, even if the present n ening apparatus did distribute the liquid rrhly on the lithographic plate, this would 1, not be the desired condition for many cases in modern high speed printing. It is well known that those portions of the plate which take the heaviest amount of ink will also need a heavier amount of dampening liquid than the portions talring a relatively lesser amount of ink, or no i at all. When the liquid is supplied in a unii rmly distributed manner to such a plate with the usual apparatus above referred to, the I avily inked portions will either not receive sufient moisture or the lightly inked portions will receive an over supply of moisture. An

over supply of moisture, to any portion of the plate results in an uneven color and a lack of u. iiormity of color on the printed sheet. A deer; ficient amount of moisture on any portion of the plate will. cause a filling in with ink, or, what is known in this art as catching up.

In addition to the defective performance of the roller type of dampening apparatus there are certain disadvantages inherent in the use of dampening rollers well known to those skilled in this art. Among these detriments are, the difiiculty of applying water absorbent coverings to these rollers, which are uniformly cylindrical, smooth and free from high spots; the expense of and delays caused by the repeated washing and .ning required when colors are changed and by lre uent re-covering required by the rollers; e delays caused by the accurate positioning 1d aligning adjustment required in the rollers every time a roller is re-covered or is replaced by a newly re-covered roller; the frequent readjustment required on these rollers to comfor wear; and the damage and wear to e plate resulting from the relatively high pres- :re. pounding and friction of the distributing upon the surface of the lithographic 1 the formation of a scum on the leading .pper edge of the plate caused by the strikedge of the plate against pening rollers which move into the at revolution of the cylinder; viplication and expense of the mechr supporting and actuating these rollers. effort to overcome the above difficulties in order to insure the provision of a proper amount of liquid for each portion of the area 033 the plate without overcharging any portion of the plate. I have developed and successfully applied the apparatus to be hereinafter described.

The general object of my invention is, there- Store, to provide a method of and a device for supplying moisture to lithographic offset presses .r printing apparatus, which is of simple, -pensive and durable construction, which is convenient and efficient in use, and which is sufiiciently flexible to satisfy all dampening reuuirements demanded by the different designs and plates used in modern offset lithography, d which will satisfactorily supply moisture to "he plate on the press in proporrements or each particular area d which will. eliminate the dis :itages dampening devices in general use at present,

fill

Further and more specific objects which differentiate this invention from the prior art and from my earlier pending applications are as follows:

To provide a novel method of supplying moisture to a lithographic plate, which maintains a sharper outline of the design on the plate than has heretofore been possible with the use of dampening rollers.

To provide an improved method of and apparatus for applying moisture to a lithographic plate which preserves the plate and which eliminates the depreciation and wear to the plate caused by the pressure, irregularities and friction of the usual dampening rollers.

To provide improved dampening apparatus in which the element contacting the plate and distributing moisture to the plate, can be removed and replaced with a minimum of expense and delay, and requires no accurate and sensitive adjustment with relation to the cylinder or other co-operating parts before it is ready for operation.

To produce a dampening device which automatically applies the liquid to the plate in a novel manner by means of a relatively soft liquid absorbent member which lightly rides on the surface of the moving plate in a manner similar to the method which would be used by an operator in dampening or cleaning the plate with a wet cloth.

To produce a dampening device comprising a member which applies the liquid to a moving lithographic plate and which automatically reciprocates in a direction crosswise of the movement of the plate. and which is provided with suitable mechanism for thus actuating this member.

To produce an improved type of capillary siphon liquid feeding device in a dampening apparatus which will selectively and adjustably feed varying amounts of liquid to different portions of the plate crosswise of the press.

To produce a more substantial and more conveniently adjustable type of capillary siphon liquid feeding element in a dampening apparatus, which is pivotally mounted.

To produce a mechanism which includes a plurality of independently adjustable capillary liquid feeding elements, and in which the feeding by all of these appliances can be simultaneously interrupted.

To produce a device having a plurality of independently adjustable capillary liquid feeding elements in which the feeding may be interrupted and in which the device may again be placed into liquid feeding operation without disturbing the relative setting or adjustment of the elements, by a simple turn of a lever and without the necessity of individually touching any of the liquid feeding elements.

Further objects and advantages of this invention will appear from the following description and from reference to the accompanying drawings. These annexed drawings and description set forth in detail certain means embodying this invention, such disclosed means constituting however, but a few of the forms in which the principle of this invention may be applied.

In said annexed drawings:

Figure l is a plan view of a lithographic offset press embodying my invention, certain parts of the standard press which have no bearing on this invention being omitted and certain other ill) parts being shown in broken lines in an alternative position.

Figure 2 a longitudinal section through the press shown in Figure 1, this section being taken on the plane indicated by line 2, 2 in Figure 1.

Figure is a. fragmentary elevational view of portion of the press, this view being the plane indicated by line 3, 3 in d being broken away to disclose cernormally concealed. in a fragmentary plan view of that .re press embodying this specific in- .on, this view being taken from the plane i by line i, 4 in Figure 2, certain moisng elements being omitted.

fragmentary section of the upper this press taken on the plane indie 5, 5 in Figure 2.

a fragmentary side elevation of ion of the press embodying my specific iis view being taken from the plane line 6. 6 in Figures 1 and 3.

s a sectional perspective view showc. the novel elements of my invention "'e shown in orthographic projection in figures.

an enlarged sectional view taken e indicated by line 8, 8 in Figure 4 l f my improved apparatus.

"re 9 is a detached detail view of one of moms shown in Figure 8. in is an enlarged fragmentary detached view of one detail feature of this invention, this view beingtaken from the plane indicated by line 10, 10 in Figure 3.

a view similar to Figure lO showin an alternative position. is an enlarged fragmentary view of it poi on oi Figure 2 showing certain features ll'lOlSlUl'Q supplying and distributing ap- "his invention more clearly. up 12 is a view similar to Figure 12 showa parts in an alternative position.

' a transverse sectional view taken dicated by line 14, 14 in Figure 12. fragmentary View similar to a Figure 12. showing the position ascertain elements when the cylinder to a position in which the gap is adne m isture distributing apparatus.

detached view of one of the 'phen elements constituting one of the his invention. and 18 are sectional and elevational r atlc views respectively to illustrate a caused by dampening elements generally at present in the art of lithographic print- .1 g. this defect being avoided by the use of the iliipiui'cd apparatus of this invention.

Fl 19 is a view similar to Figure 12 showl, l'il l .zficd form of this invention, omitting n of the elements shown in the above deis still another and further simplified form of this invention in which certain aonsl elements are omitted.

- -'"e 21 is a view similar to a portion of F gure 12 showing a modified form of one elep" i used in this invention.

is likewise a View similar to a por- 10 i2, showing another modified form ire-vise a modified view similar to on of Figure 12, showing a still further modification of one element, this modification showing a construction particularly well adapted for use on larger cylinders.

Figure 24 is a view similar to Figure 12 showing my invention adapted for co-operation with the side of a relatively large cylinder.

Figure 25 is a view taken beyond the plane of the section in which Figure 24 is taken and showing certain supporting elements for the apparatus shown in Figure 24.

Figure 26 is a side elevation of a fragmentary portion of a lithographic press equipped with another modified form of this invention.

Figure 27 is a fragmentary plan view showing one end of the modification shown in Figure 26, this view being taken from the plane indicated by lines 27, 27 in Figures 26 and 28, the liquid reservoir being removed in this view.

Figure 28 is a fragmentary, vertical, longitudinal section through the mechanism shown in Figures 26 and 27. this view being taken on the plane indicated by line 28, 28 of Figure 27.

Figure 29 is a view similar to Figure 28 showing another modification of one detail of this invention.

The liquid used for dampening the plate of a lithographic offset press is usually either water or a relatively dilute solution of acid in water, or a. dilute solution of gum arabic or other materials or combinations of materials in water, depending upon the requirements. In the following specifications the term \vater", moisture and liquid are used interchangeably and it is understood, that these terms are to include such liquids as are referred to above, or any liquids which may be used with this apparatus for the purpose set forth.

General features I shall first describe the general features of the press with which my invention is co-operatively associated, and with particular reference to Figures 1 to 7 inclusive. In these figures, 1 indicates the frame of the press comprising side frames 1a and lb, upon which are mounted, in Well known manner, an impression cylinder 2, a blanket cylinder 3 and a plate cylinder 4. These cylinders are mounted in suitable bearings in the frame of the press and are rotated by gears adjustably mounted on the respective cylinders at the side adjacent the frame member 1a, the gearing being indicated collectively at 5. These gears 5 are driven by a belt actuated by any suitable source of power, not shown, and applied to a pulley 6 mounted on a shaft '7 upon which a pinion is mounted meshing with one of the units in the cylinder gearing 5.

The plate cylinder 4 is provided with a gear 8 on the opposite end from the drive gearing 5. for the purpose of driving certain apron reciprocating mechanism to be hereinafter described. The plate inking rollers 9 are shown in engagement with the periphery of the plate cylinder 4, these rollers in turn receiving the uniformly distributed ink from a series of ink rollers 10 which receive the ink from an ink fountain. as will be understood.

The plate cylinder is formed with a gap 11 in which are mounted the plate holding devices 12 adapted to firmly hold the plate 13 in position upon the cylinder. The plate holding devices may be of any desired construction and include adjusting means adapted to position the plate properly on the cylinder. The blanket cylinder is likewise formed with a gap in which is mounted mechanism 14 adapted to hold the blanket 15 securely on the blanket cylinder 3. The imprescylinder 2, is provided with gripper fingers is adapted to grip sheets, one by one, as they are fed to this cylinder.

The sheets to be printed are fed into this press from a stock pile, not shown, upon the tape conveyor i? any desired type of feeding mechan tape conveyor feeds the sheet to be uteri. against the disappearing stop fingers 18, posedf upon a suction head 19. The sheet is itioned then for proper registry with the plate ter which it is fed into and seized by the opens on the rotating impression cylinder by the suction head 19, this suction head beactuat-ed by suitable mechanism indicated .erallv at 20. The gripper fingers mounted on ng impression cylinder cause the sheet between the peripheries of the blanket er 3 and impression cylinder 2 at which me the impression from the plate is transferred in sheet. After the sheet has been printed, as gripper fingers feed the sheet to a delivery mechanism indicated generally at 21, this delivery mechanism and the gripper fingers being actua d b any well known and suitably timed aceviees not shown.

.Jiie feeding and. delivery mechanism need not be further described here as it forms no part of present invention.

Liquid feeding device 1 now describe the liquid feeding device of the dampening apparatus which constitutes one of the novel features of this invention, by reference to Figures 1 to 16 inclusive. A boss 22 is provided on the frame member 11) at its upper portion. and mounted in this boss is a hinge pin pivotally mounted upon which is a hinge bi. .clzet This bracket, in turn forms a seat for a support bar 25 projecting laterally from the hinge bracket 24. and in its normal position extendin transversely of the press as clearly shown in Figures 1, 2. 4. '7, 8 and 12. Likewise extendin in a direction transversely of the press relatively shorter pin 26. spaced from the port bar 25.

..terl upon the support bar 25 is a liquid ated in its eni ircty at 27. This ress an end frame 28 adjacent the 2d and a se end end frame 29 upon ide of the pr s. These end frames 'wl w a trough like member 30, havour 1nd a rear Wall 3017. Figure 12, to the frames 28 and 29 in a liquid 1 manner Each of the end frames is formed with a s ckcl. or recess 31 adapted to fit over the support bar 25. these sockets being provided with a set screw for the purpose of securing the reser-- voir in fitted relation to the bar. The end frame 28 is formed with a rearwardly extending car 32 ich is provided with a hole at its rear end on lid fit on the pin 26. In this mani is supported on the bar 25, onally supported against rotation a. L a: bar 25 means of the engagement of the pin with the our 32.

'oir or trough 27 extends across the tantially the full width of the plate rid the plate 13 mounted theretn, as appear fro an inspection of Figures rundly P" n t 98 and 29 are formed :"rlly projecting cur for ii c. op ning to rotoiably support a shaft 3a which extends between the end frames parallel to and in front of the trough member 36 and which is preferably made hollow for the purpose of lightness.

Mounted upon this shaft is a series of siphon capillary wick elements each indicated in its entirety at 35 and one of which is shown in Figure 16, detached from this apparatus. Each of these wick elements 35 comprise a bracket 36 preferably made of material which will not affect, and which will not be affected by, the liquid used for dampening. Each of the brackets is formed with a main body portion 37 projecting rearwardly and partly curved concavely downward as clearly shown in Figures 12, 13 and 16. This main body portion is narrowed or tapered toward its end terminating in a point as indicated at 38. Each bracket is likewise formed with a cylindrical portion of a size to engage the shaft tube 34 with a friction fit. This cylindrical portion 39 is preferably formed as an open cylinder of relatively resilient material so that the frictional tension of the cylindrical portion 39 on the shaft or tube 34 can be so adjusted that the bracket 36 can be manually rotated on the shaft and so that this bracket will be frictionaly held in the position in which it is placed. For the purpose of rotating the bracket 36 on the shaft a finger grip 40 is provided on each bracket. A capillary liquid absorbing wick element 41 is associated with each bracket, one portion 42 of which is attached to the body portion 37 of the bracket 36 by means of staples 44 or similar fastening means which will permit the quick renewal of the wicks and the other portion 43 of this element is freely suspended from the bracket. The portion 43 of the element 41 is of substantially the same width as the bracket 36 and the cylindrical portion 39. and the portion 42 takes the same tapered form as the portion 37 to which it is attached, terminating in the point 38.

Reference to Figures 2, 3, 5, 12 and 13 will disclose the fact that the rod 34 is slightly above and adjacent to the front wall 30a and so located that the portion 42 of the capillary element may be immersed varying distances in the liquid con tained in the reservoir 27. These figures will also show that the portions 43 of the elements il are suspended outside of the front wall 30o as is clearly shown also in Figure '7. It will be apparent from Figures 1. 5 a d 7 that the depending portions 43 are preferably arranged quite close togather and extend substai'itially over the full width of the plate 13 on the plate cylinder 4. and that the lower ends of the suspended portions 43 normally rest upon or contact a member 53 for transferring liquid to the plate.

Liquid disirz'buting mechanism for applying moisture to plate Axially and rotatably mounted on the support bar 25 are a pair of brackets 45. Figures 1, 4. 8 and 9. These brackets are formed with a hub which is fixedly secured on the bar and with preferably hinged caps 46 and provided with bearing portions 47 formed partly in the brackets and partly in the caps 46.

Slidably mounted in the bearing 47 is a rod 48 Figures 4, 5. 7, 8, 9 and 12. This rod extends across the press for a distance substantially greater than the out to out distance of the bearings in the brackets 45. This rod 48 has mounted blocks in turn support a rod 51 which runs across 1 at the gap,

lu in. spa ed parallel relation with the rod Supported on the rod 48 and detachably an- .ed thereto upon pins 52 is a distributing apron 53 formed of molleton or other soft and flexible liquid absorbent mategrzwitationally rests on the rotating mounted on the plate cylinder 4. This formed of a continuous member ex- .sely ol' the press for a distance r than the width of the design on Secured to the apron 53 on that it the rod 51 is a suspending web 5i to of relatively thin and flexible material. tins web in turn, suspended from the rod 51 m (le s. 'ly supported thereon by means of it will be apparent that in the preferred invention, as shown in Figures 1 to on rides on top of the upper periphery te cylinder. In mounting the web 54 it only sufilcient looseness of the web is rt the web will just come short of supe weight of any portion of the apron u the apron is riding on the plate. this loose- T eferably being so slight that the weight on will be supported and, in fact, the r n ..il be entirely suspended from the rods 48 i "n the gap 11 of the plate cylinder the apron and this suspension will res . ected before very much downward move- "fl-" it of apron takes place, as clearly shown in 'gure 15, thereby comprising an effective 5 for ,3 reventing the dropping of the apron c the g 11, and preventing any splash caused the st ing or" the leading edge of the plate against the dampening apron.

he rod as is formed at a point intermediate its with a downward projection 56, Figures 4, 8 preferably cylindrical in cross section. engages a slot 57 in a lever 58. otally mounted on an extension 59 integrally formed with or attached to the 7e bracket 24. The thrust of the depending .oj tion against the back of the slot 5'7 suprt the rod 48 and the arms 49 and the parts vreor: against rotating counter clocked in Figure 12, in the bearing 47 of is s 45, and the weight of these parts is t, to maintain the projection 56 against e slot 57. 5 i rovided with a roller 60 rotat point intermediate the ends of er is resiliently held in ent race cam 61 by means of a one end connected to the lever 58 ehored on the hinge bracket rl, -own in Figure l. The face cam 61 is rotated by means of a gear 64 secured to face cam and meshing with the gear 8 .nted on the plate cylinder referred to above. will be evident, the rotation of the cam 61 will cause the lever 58 to oscillate about its pivot lll'l? 31c slot 57 to move transversely of the gagement of the projection 56 of the the slot 57 will cause the rod 48, to move transversely in unison ver, and will cause the apron 53. mountc to reciprocate sidewise across 0 face of the plate as the plate moves about the of the plate cylinder. I prefer to reciprocate son se eral times for each revolution of the but I so select the size of the gear o its driving gear 8, that the gear '"iole number of revolutions .l'r: plate, thus making pro- 2 point in the apron will not contact the same point on the plate on two successive revolutions of the plate.

As previously explained, the shaft or tube 34 upon which the brackets and associated wick elements 41 are mounted, is rotatably mounted in the cars 33 formed on the ends of the reservoir. A handle 65 is mounted upon one end of the shaft 34. Figures 1, 3, l0, 11, 12, 13 and 14. This handie is provided with a hub 66 which is formed on its underside with a pair of recesses 6'7, 68 adopted to engage a pin 69 mounted in one of the ears 33. A coiled compression spring 70 is interposed between the other ear 33 and a collar 71 formed on the shaft 34 as clearly shown in Figure 14, to resiliently force the shaft 34 to the right and cause the recesses 67 or 68 to seat on the pin 69.

Extending rearwardly and upwardly from each of the end frames 28 and 29 is an arm 72, Figures 1, 2, 3 and 6. These arms are each provided with a slot or recess at their upper ends adapted to receive a pair of cylindrical trunnions formed on a liquid supply chamber '73. This chamber is preferably tubular in shape and of a length substantially equal to the space between the arms 72. This chamber is formed with a discharge spout '74, Figures 1 and 2, extending into the reservoir and reaching downwardly to the. point at which it is desired to maintain the water level in the resenvoir.

An opening, sealed by a plug 29a is provided in the end frame 29 of the liquid reservoir 27 for the purpose of draining the reservoir.

In order that the weight of the support bar 25 and the weights of the superimposed apparatus may not be entirely supported on the hinge bracket 24, and in order to properly align the bar 25 and the superimposed dampening apparatus in substantially parallel relation with the cylinders, a support is provided for an extension 250.

mounted on the bar 25, in the frame 1a as shown at '75, Figures 1 and 6. In order to maintain the bar in the support '75 I form the support with a shoulder '76 at the front end and I provide a latch or hook member 77 which passes down past the rear face of the bar thus preventing unintended lateral movement of the bar during the operation of the press and insuring the proper alignment of the dampening apparatus with the press.

It will be now evident that the entire dampening device including supply chamber 73, reservoir 2'7, wicks 35, apron 53, lever 58, earn 61, gear 64 and all parts supporting these elements are mounted on the hinge bracket 24 and this bracket is in turn supported on the boss 22 and pivotally mounted on the vertical hinge pin 23. When the hook '77 is lifted to release the extension 25a of the support bar 25, it is possible to move the entire dampening device horizontally 180 degrees if desired, about the vertical axis of the pin 23 entirely away from its operating position above the plate cylinder, as is suggested by the arrow and broken line position of this dampening device in Figure 1 of the drawings. This hinged mounting of the dampening device makes possible a'maximum of accessibility to the plate cylinder and to the b1anket cylinder. This arrangement makes the plate cylinder readily accessible for the purpose of securing the plate to the cylinder and adjusting it with relation to the cylinder, makes the plate easily accessible for inspection, for cleaning and for the purpose of making changes in the design on the plate. This arrangement further provides maximum access to the periphery of the blanket cylinder for the purpose of changing the packing underneath the blanket and making any necessary repairs to the blanket.

(l eration of dampening apparatus The functioning of one of the siphon capillary elements 35, or" the liquid feeding device, will be described and can best be understood by e to Figures l2, l3, l4 and 16. In Figures is, one of the wick elements indicated .wn with its end t2 immersed a sublstance below the surface of the liquid. .1 the end 42 of the wick is in this position, it ter will be absorbed by this immersed portion it or" the molleton 41 and will be drawn upwardly I capillary attraction to the highest point of the d will thence be drawn downwardly .tion of capillary and siphon action will be transferred by contact and by cap- This liquid, after it reaches the apron is -rawn downwardly to that area of the apron in line with the wick and in contact with the plate l3 at which point the liquid is transto the moving plate. The conduction of the through the apron from the bottom of the wick to the plate is qute direct and or urs thout any appreciable diffusion or lateral spreading.

This transfer of water from the molleton wick element to the apron, and in turn, to the plate, or yes to keep that area or zone of the plate which moves below the end 43 of the wick element 35y. moist in accordance with the amount of liquid fed by the wick element 35y.

I greater amount of moistening is required at area or none of the plate below the wick -1 355 the bracket 36 of this wick element mated in a direction to cause the end 42 dck element 359' to immerse more deeply (2 liquid so that a greater length of the wick i become immersed. in the liquid, as is shown for instance. at in Figures 12 and I l. Such an in the depth of immersion will produce a r water transferring capacity of this Wick ii for the reason that a larger portion of 1 cl; is immersed in the liquid and, due to the rmation oi. the end 42 of the wick, a cross sectional area of the molleton is surface of the liquid for conupwardly from the surface by creasing the water conducting ick element at 35.2. This inwater is, in turn, transferred to thence to the surface of the moviate as described above.

if, on. the other hand, a smaller amount of moistening is required by that area or zone of the plate below the wick element 35y, the bracket 36 of this wick element 35 may be rotated to raise of the wick element upwardly so that portion of the wick is immersed as is instance, at 3 5.1 in Figures 12 and 14. end 42 has thus been raised it will be that smaller portion of the molle- .ised in the liquid and second, that the CClO'flEtl area of the molleton which is of absorbing water from the surface of :td due to the tapered formation. of the the wick, both of these features tende flow of liquid in the wick and of liquid transferred to that area or none of the beneath the wick element 3530 will be reduced in proportion to the reduction of the immersed portion of the wick element. In the event that the amount of liquid fed by the wick 35.1? is still too great for the requirements of the plate moistened by the wick 353: it will be understood that the wick element 35 can be further raised until only the point 38 of the wick element remains immersed, this arrangement permitting the flow of liquid to be reduced to one or two drops per minute. It will be further understood that if the absorbing end of a wick element 35 is entirely raised out of the liquid, that no liquid will be absorbed by the molleton and hence no liquid will be transferred to the apron or to that area of the plate passing beneath the apron in line with such raised Wick element.

It will be understood that, in operation, all wick elements are usually not immersed to the same extent, as various differences of the plate will make it necessary to immerse the wick elements to a different extent as is clearly shown in Figures 1, 3, '7 and 14. After the desired adjustment of these wick elements has been made to suit the requirements of the plate, no further adjustments or attention of the operator to the dampening of the plate are usually required.

In order to maintain the liquid transferring capacity of the wicks 35 substantially constant, it is necessary to maintain the liquid level in the reservoir at the same point as will be readily understood. In order to automatically keep this liquid level constant and, in order to eliminate the delays and uncertainties involved in depending upon the operator to frequently carry liquid to the reservoir, I provide the liquid supply cham* ber '73, having its discharge spout 74 extending downwardly to the point at which it is desired to keep the water level. This supply chamber is filled with liquid and is inverted and supported on the reservoir 27 as shown. Liquid will discharge fromthe spout into the reservoir until the level reaches the bottom of the spout and seals the discharge opening. Any further flow through the spout will be prevented by the vacuum above the liquid in the chamber '73 until the level of the liquid again falls below the bottom of the spout. At this time suflicient liquid will automatically flow out of the spout until the spout is sealed again, thus maintaining the liquid level in the reservoir substantially constant.

As is well known, it frequently happens that a lithographic press must be stopped for a short period of time either due to correcting of a jam caused by the missing of a sheet, or for the purpose of checking of register, inspecting the work, making various adjustments on the press or for other reasons. When the press is stopped, or even when the press is running and no sheets are being fed through the press, it is. of course,

llllil desirable to interrupt the feeding of the liquid 1',

to the plate in order to avoid the overcharge of the plate with liquid, as will be understood.

In order to interrupt the how of liquid in all of the wicks simultaneously the handle 65 mounted on the tube 34 is manually turned from the position shown in Figure 12 to the position shown in Figure 13. This turning of the shaft 34 causes all of the brackets 36 of the wick elements 35 to raise the immersed portions 42 of the wick elements to a point above the liquid as shown in Fig- 1 ure 13. This lifting of the wick elements does not change the position of any of the wick elements on the tube 34 as these wick elements are fric tionally held in position on this tube 34 as previ ously explained. When the press is again ready for printing a simple downward movement of the handle 65 causes the tube 34 to rotate sufficiently to re-iinmerse the wicks in exactly the same poraiiioii relative to the surface of the liquid as that whi h they occupied prior to the interruption of engagement of the recess 68 in the hub 66 of the handle 65 with the pin 69 serve hold the lever 65 and hence the tube 34 and Y wicks ..5 in the upper position, and the enment of the recess 6'7 with the pin 69 serves .1c return of the wick elements to iden same position each time that the die is turned downwardly to re-immerse the This arrangement, further, makes it posio adjust the wicks so that each portion of date receives exactly the correct amount of ture and to interrupt this flow for any peand again initiating this flow without compelled to individually readjust any of elements. apron as previously described is supon and suspended between a pair of prefsubst-antially parallel rods 48 and 51. The ively flexible suspending web 54 permits the iron 53 to gravitationally ride on the plate 13 the same time prevents the apron from into the gap 11 on the cylinder 4. In that the area of the apron 53 in conthe plate 13 is too great or too small or in event that the pressure of the apron n the plate is too heavy or too light, the blocks If. on the arms 49 may be moved toward or from the rod 48 to produce the required area of conia'. i. or pressure between the apron and the plate. It will also be evident that one of the blocks 50 acent one end of the apron may be adjusted arm 49 without moving the other block, it be necessary in case a greater area of t desired at one edge of the plate than :ther or to compensate for inequalities in ldth of the apron.

quently happens that. in dampening dethe member which actually contacts the and distributes the liquid upon the plate b trequently renewed. or replaced and e. due to the fact that some ink frequently s to member, this change being espeecessary when a light color is to be printed clack or a dark color has been run. It parent that my construction permits the apron 53 and the substitution i ed apron with a minimum of ex- It is onl necessary to remove i the pins 52 and 55 and mount a t place. For the purpose of facilimaking of this change, the reservoir 7 ogether with the wicks 35 and supply chamber 73 may be lifted from the supporting rods 25 "ml 26. The removed apron can very quickly washed. or a new one can be substituted at little expense, if it is not desired to wash up on. It will also be clear that the apron will be ready for operation immediately upon tion after it has been moistened by the .1g ends 43 of the molleton wicks without 3 of making any delicate adjustments n required by the usual dampening de- 1 generally used.

A'U'OUtfltlC apron reciprocating mechanism variations of moisture coating on the plate. In order to eliminate the possibility of such defects and in order to effect as uniiform a distribution of moisture in each zon as possible, I provide auto matic mechanism for slightly reciprocating the apron 53 crosswise of the direction of movement of the plate. This mechanism consists, as previously described. of a slidable mounting for the apron supporting rods 48 and 51 and means for reciprocating these rods. The apron will, accordingly. move crosswise of the movement of the plate as will be understood while maintaining continuous contact with the plate. I prefer to reciprocate the apron relatively slowly and in a manner simulating the speed which might be used by an operator in dampening or cleaning his plate, but with a much shorter sidewise movement so as to prevent the moisture condition of one zone from substantially affecting the moisture condition of the next adjacent zones. I prefor to make at least one or two complete reciprocations during each revolution of the plate cylinder. In order to prevent any point on the apron from repeatedly travelling over the same point on the plate I so select the number of teeth in the pinion 64 so that this number will not be the same as, and will not be a multiple of the number of teeth in the gear 8 so that the gear 64 will not make a whole number of revolutions for each revolution of the plate. The lateral reciprocation of the apron 53 does not allcot the capacity of the wick elements for transferring liquid to the apron as the lower ends of the wick elements shift laterally with the apron and remain in contact with the apron due to the frictional engagement of the wick elements with the apron.

It frequently happens in lithographic presses equipped with the usual type of dampening rollers, especially on heavily inked portions of the design, that whiskers form on the back end of the design on the printed sheet. The reason for the formation of these whiskers" is shown diagrammatically in Figures 17 and 18 of the drawings. In these figures a plate is shown at A which is formed with a design B which is sensitive to ink and upon which a layer of ink of somewhat exaggerated thickness is shown in Figure 17. C represents one of the usual plate dampening rollers, shown in broken lines, which is normally pressed against the surface of the plate and which is driven from the plate by frictional contact therewith. It will be evident. when the plate A moves in the direction shown by the arrow. that the roller C, due to its pressure against the plate and due to its inertia and the frictional resistance of the bearings in which it is mounted, will have a tendency to bevel the leading edge of the design B and will likewise have a tendency to scrape ink oil the. design at the trailing edge, this displaced ink forming a feather edge causing the formation of the well known whiskeis on the printed sheet. The formation of these feather edges or whiskers" is avoided by use of the hereinbefore described method and apparatus because of the relatively very light pressure of the apron 53 upon the surface of the plate 13, and by the sidewise wiping action of the dampening apron 53. Even if such \vhiskers" should be formed they would be quickly removed by the reciprocating motion of the apron moving crosswise of the direction of motion of the plate. It is largely for these reasons that I have been able to produce a sharper and cleaner impression on designs which are heavily charged with ink than is pOs'SlblC with any press using the usual dampening; rollers.

Modified forms of this invention Numerous modifications of the apparatus hereinbefore described can be developed and I have elected to illustrate a few of the forms of this device which I have found advantageous. Some of +3 modified devices consist of the elimination one or more parts of the apparatus previously de 'ribcd. while others comprise a complete change of certain elements.

I shall first describe the device shown in Figure 19. The apparatus shown in this Figure is sub stautially the same as that shown in Figure 12, to which Figure 19 is similar, with the exception that the rod 51 for supporting the forward end of the apron 53, as well as the blocks and arms 49 have been omitted. In lieu of the apron 53, Figun; 19 shows an apron 78 which is substantially the same the apron 53 but is not provided with suspending web 54. This apron 78 is prefer- .y cleiachably mounted upon and anchored to the rod 48, and the free end '79 of this apron .5 gravitationally rests on the plate 13 and is held in the position shown in the drawings by the slight ii'ictionof the plate on the underside of the apron 8. in order to prevent the end 79 of the apron R from dropping into the gap 11a of the cylinder in, I provide a removable cover plate 80 which covers the gap and is secured in place by screws or any other desired means and which may be quickly 1 Wed when it is desired to remove the plate 13 2mm the cylinder. The rod 48 is reciprocated in this term of this device by the mechanism previously described. this reciprocation, causing the apron '78 to move crosswise of the direction of movement of the plate as described for the apron 53.

Figure 20 illustrates a slight further simplification of this invention consisting of the entire elimination of the distributing apron. In this term of dampening device a capillary liquid absorbeut element 81 is provided having longer deiii livery ends 82 than the wick 41 previously de :crioed. This delivery end is made of sufficient longi n so that the lower end portion 83 will gravitationally ride upon the upper face of the plate 13. at point 8 intermediate the lower and iper end of the depending wick 81, it is very itly h ld between the reciprocating rod 48 and l substantially parallel thereto and which d a pair of suitable brackets, one only 1 o .vn, mounted on the rod 48. The recipon oi the rods 48 and 85, lightly engaging lire s ics of wicks across the machine, will cause the lower ends 83 to reciprocate laterally. The reciprocation oi the rods l8 and 85 is affected by the lever 58 which is actuated by means of the 8'.- gearing and the cam mechanism previously deribedv The space between the separate wicks, 1. this form of the invention, is preferably made sufficiently small and so that it does not leave any uncoatcd portion on the plate.

in Figure 21. which is similar to a portion of i iigure 12. I have illustrated a modified form of apron 87 which is looped over the rod 48 instead of being impaled thereon as shown in most of the previous figures and which is supported by means 7C oi a. web support 88 looped over the rod 51.

pacity than a single thickness and is capable of maintaining the plate in a more heavily dampened condition when this is required. This apron 87 is supplied with liquid from a reservoir 27 through a plurality of wick elements il as described. It should also be noted that the water storage capacity of the apron 53 may be similarly increased by placing one or more loose pieces of molleton upon the apron 53 between the rod 48 and the suspending web 54.

Figure 22 shows another method of providing a double thickness of molleton, this method consisting of looping the molleton around the rod 48 and 51 to form the apron 89 suspended between these two rods. It will be understood that the aprons shown in Figures 21 and 22 may very quickly be replaced by removing the rod 48 from its sliding supports 45 by lifting the cap 46 and then removing the arm a9 and the block 50 whereupon aprons 87 and 89 respectively may quickly be removed from the rods and a new apron threaded through the loops over the rods. This method of anchoring the apron on the rods 48 and 51 requires slightly longer than the pin method shown in the previously described Figures, but has the advantage that there is no danger that the apron will accidentally become removed from its supports and be carried through the press.

Figure 23 shows still further modifications of the apron adapted especially for dampening a plate such as shown at 90 on a larger cylinder 91. This apron is shown supported on a pair of rods 92 and 93, both of which are to be considered as reciprocable in the same manner as the rods 48 and 51 previously described. Anchored on pins on the rods 92 and 93 is the main body portion 94 of this modified form of apron. Depending from this main body portion 94 is a plurality, three as illustrated, of sub-aprons 95a, 95band 950 gravitationally riding on the plate 90. The liquid is supplied to the main body portion 94 of the apron by means of a series of wicks 41. Most of the liquid supplied to the main body portion is quite uniformly distributed throughout the area of the body 94. but the major portion will pass to the sub-apron 95a, and sub-aprons 95b and 950 while supplying some moisture to the plate, will have, as their main function, the uniform distribution of the moisture supplied by the sub-apron 95a. I have found that this type of distributing device is very advantageous for dampening lithographic plates on large cylinders.

The forms of this invention thus far described are shown applied to a relatively small lithographic press, Two modifications which are especially well suited for use on larger presses will now be described. but it will be understood that any form of this invention may be used on any size of press.

Figures 24 and 25 illustrate a somewhat different application of the principle of my invention. The apron, in the devices hereinbefore described is shown as gravitationally resting upon the plate of the cylinder; in its broader aspects it is not necessary that the contact of the apron be gravitational as the device illustrated in Figure 24 discloses. In this device the reservoir 27a is substantially the same as the reservoir 2'? and the siphon capillary wick element 35.!- is likewise similar to the wick element 35 except that the depending or outer end 41:1 of the liquid absorbing clement is somewhat shorter than those previously shown. The apron 96 is anchored by of pins 9'7 and 98 to a rod 99 rotatably mounted in a bracket 104 and a rod is supported I.

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on a pair of vertical arms 103 detachably or otherwise secured to the rod 99 and hence pivotally mounted in the bracket 16%. The rod 99 is also rirovided with a depending ear 105 which engages an adjusting screw 106 mounted on the fixed v 3 which has slotted engagement with the depending 109 integrally formed on or secured to the rod 99. The cam 108 is driven by a gear 210 which, in turn, meshes with a gear 111 on the .late cylinder 102. This dampening device is ended for use on lithographic presses which re inking rollers and other apparatus on top he plate cylinder, and which are for other reanot adapted for the use of gravity type rons contacting the moving plate. This ap paratus is especially adapted for replacing the present roller type dampening devices generally used. on lithographic offset presses.

The modification of this invent on shown in "'i.,.rr*s 26 to 29 inclusive, is an amplification of tors invention to include the use of a plurality of the novel apron devices disclosed in the forms of this invention prevfously described. In some it is desirable to effect a more perfect and by one water applying apron as previously described. It has also been found that, with the use of the Water applying apron alone. a slight of water sometimes appears at certain p es on the plate, particularly at the points where the plate enters the gap in the plate cylinder. This may occur either due to improper adjustment or manipulation of the feeding device or due to causes beyond the control of the operator.

order to overcome the above mentioned diffirr ties, a second apron is provided in this dampmechanism contacting the plate at a point .i r advanced with relation to the travel of "i ier than the apron which applies the the plate. second apron serves p r which may have accumulated at the gripper or trailing edge of the plate.

This modified dampening device is also mounted so that it may be shifted to a position remote g access to the plate cylinder at the damp- .ng position, but this mounting is slightly difit from that previously described. The conuction of the liquid supplying devices and the moisture applying apron and the means for "oat-ing this apron are substantially the same "this modified form as in the first described forms of this invention.

This modified form will be briefly described by reference. first, to Figures 26, 27 and 28. The lithographic plate 118 adapted to be coated in ink by the ink rollers 119 is mounted onthe 1 l!l"" indicated at 120. This plate cylintnd rearwardly of the blanket 1, both, cylinders being mounted in suitable bearings in.the frame 122, comprising two side frames 122a and 12%.

Pivoted at 123 and 124 are links 125 and 126 respectively. The upper ends of these links pivotally support cross rods 127 and 128. These cross rods support two dampening frames 129a and 129b, one on each side of the press, located above frames 122a. and 1221) respectively. These frames are held in spaced relation by the rods 127 and 128 and are located in lateral alignment with reference to the press frame 122 and plate cylinder 120, by the links 125 and 126. An additional cross rod 130 extending between the frames and parallel to the cross rods 127 and 128, is supported in the dampening frames.

Mounted upon the cross rods 127 and 130 is a reservoir 131 which is generally similar to the reservoirs previously described. The ends of this reservoir are provided with ears 132, these ears being formed with slots adapted to seat upon the rods 127 and 130. and each ear being provided with a set screw for the purpose of fixing the reservoir with relation to said rods. The reservoir contains suitable liquid, and a. liquid supply chamber 133 is mounted on the reservoir for the purpose of supplying liquid to the reservoir and maintaining the level of this liquid constant, as previously described.

Mounted upon the tube 134 are a plurality of brackets 135 each bracket being independently rotatably adjustable on the tube 134. Each bracket has secured thereto a liquid absorbent wick 136, adapted to absorb liquid from the reservoir and transfer it to the apron 137 contacting the plate 118 and adapted to apply moisture to the plate. This apron is removably secured to the rods 138 and 139 which are reciprocably mounted in the frames 129a and 12912, for movement transversely of the movement of the plate. The apron 137 is anchored to the rod 138 by means of pins or in any other desired manner, and is loosely supported on the rod 139 by means of a suspending web 137a. Tie clamps 140 made of upper and lower halves, are used to clamp the two rods P8 and 139 together so that these rods will reciprocate in unison.

The rod 137 is formed with a pin 141 on its lower side. This pin is engaged by the slot of a lever 142, the other end of the lever being provided with a roller, and the lever being pivoted intermediate its ends on a pivot 143 supported in the dampening frame 1290. The roller in the lever 142 engages a groove formed in a cam 144, this cam being secured to a gear 145 and both the cam and the gear being rotatably mounted in a hub 146 on the dampening frame 129?). The gear 145 meshes with a gear 147 which is mounted on the plate cylinder, or on the frame of the press.

The mechanism so far described, while difiering in details, is substantially similar in principle to the device previously described. In this present modification, an additional distributing apron is shown at 148. This apron is supported on rods 149 and 150-which are reciprocably mounted in the frames 129a and 1291) andare clamped together for operation in unison by means of clamps 151. The clamps 140 and. 151 are provided with vertically projecting pins 152 and 153 respectively. These pins are engaged by slotted ends of a lever 154 pivoted at 155 on the frame 1292). Y

The operation of the elements for feeding the liquid from the reservoir to the apron and from the apron to the plate has already been described. The liquid applying apron 137 is reciprocated by means of the lever 142 actuated by the earn 144 which is, in turn, driven by the gear 147 on the press. This reciprocation of the apron will be parallel to the axis of the cylinder and therefore crosswise or transversely of the movement of the plate.

The reciprocation of the distributing apron is effected as follows: The pin 152 oscillates the lever about its pivot 155 which. in turn, causes the rods 149 and 150 to reciprocate, thus reciprocating the apron 14.8 parallel to and crosswise of the movement of the plate. It will be noted that the direction of movement of the apron 148 is opposed to the direction of movement of the apron 137. and that the apron 148 contacts the plate at a point further advanced with relation to the travel of the cylinder than the point of contact of the apron 137 with the plate. This distributing apron will more smoothly distribute or equalize the moisture previously delivered to the plate by the liquid applying apron, and also serves to absorb any excess moisture inadvertently applied to the plate or accidentally accumulated on the plate. It will be understood that the liquid applying apron 13'? applies the moisture to the plate subsequent to the printing of an impression upon the blanket, and that the moisture is then smoothed by the apron 148, after which the plate is again inked preparatory for the making of the next impression.

When is desired to have access to the plate .118 at the dampening position, for any of the reasons previously indicated, the dampening device, including the reservoir, liquid supply chamber, wicks, liquid applying apron, liquid distributing apron, apron reciprocating mechanism and the supports for these elements are shifted from the full line position shown in Figure 26 to the dotted .line position shown in the same figure.

This dampening device is held in the operative position adjacent to the plate, by means of a latch 15'? mounted on the frame and engaging a pin 158 on the link 125.

When the dampening device is removed to the inoperative position shown in broken lines in Figure 26, it may be moved against a stop 159 and a second latch element may be provided for holdir the dampening device in the inoperative pon if desired.

'lhe dampening device is moved manually and, in order to facilitate the shifting of this device, a lg counter balance is provided consisting of "ing 160 attached to an extension 125a of the 125 and adjustably anchored to the frame at 162.

It will be evident that the mounting described maintains the dampening device in a perfectly level position at all points during the shifting mo ement, and that the device will maintain its parallel relation with the plate cylinder during its movement.

Figure 29 illustrates another method of securm advantages somewhat similar to those produced by the use or" the second distributing apron referred to above. This view shows a roller 163, covered with molleton or other liquid absorbing material 164. This roller is formed with reduced extensions 165 forming trunnions or pins guided in slots 166 formed in the frame 167. The slots are of sufiicient depth to permit the roller 163 to gravitationally ride upon the face of the plate, but will not permit the roller to drop into the of the plate cylinder. It will be understood that the liquid supplying apron, liquid feeding device and actuating mechanism in Figure 29,

are identical with the corresponding device shown in Figures 26, 2'7 and 28. I have found that this roller very efliciently smooths the moisture and absorbs any surplus or undesired accumulation of moisture on the plate.

Many other modifications of this invention and its application will naturally occur to those skilled in this art, and the present disclosures should therefore be considered as typical only, and I desire not to be limited to the exact constructions shown and described.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. In a lithographic press, a moving lithographic plate, a reservoir of liquid, a relatively soft flexible liquid distributing apron lightly rid ing on the plate, and a plurality of capillary elements each having one end immersed in said liquid and the other end positioned exteriorly of said reservoir below the level of the liquid in the reservoir, to feed liquid to said apron, independently of every other element.

2. In a lithographic press, a moving lithographic plate, a relatively soft flexible liquid distributing element contacting the plate, a liquid supplying device adapted to feed liquid to the element, automatic means for reciprocating the element substantially crosswise of the plate, and driving mechanism adapted to actuate said means.

3. In a lithographic press, a lithographic plate, a relatively soft flexible liquid distributing element contacting the plate, a plurality of aligned liquid supplying devices each individually adjustable and adapted to feed liquid to the element, automatic means for reciprocating the element cross-wise of the plate, and driving mechanism adapted to actuate said automatic means.

4. In a lithographic press, a moving plate, a flexible sheet of liquid absorbent material having one portion gravitationally resting upon the surface of the plate and being anchored at another portion to resist movement with the plate, means for feeding liquid to the sheet, automatic means for moving the sheet crosswise of the movement of the plate, and driving mechanism adapted to actuate said means.

5. In a lithographic press, a moving plate, a

relatively soft liquid absorbent sheet contacting a portion of the surface of said plate, means adapted to vary the area of the surface of the plate contacted by the sheet, automatic mechonism for moving the sheet crosswise of the plate, and driving means adapted to actuate said mechanism.

6. In a lithographic press, a plate mounted on a rotatable cylinder, 2. pair of spaced supporting members substantially parallel with the axis of said cylinder, a liquid absorbent sheet suspended at two spaced points by said spaced supporting members, and having a portion of the sheet intermediate said suspended points contacting the plate, a source of liquid and devices adapted to feed liquid from said source to said sheet.

'7. In a lithographic press, a plate mounted on a rotatable cylinder. a pair of spaced supporting members substantially parallel with the axis of said cylinder. a liquid absorbent sheet suspended between said members and detachably mounted on said members. the suspended portion of the sheet contacting the plate, devices adapted to feed liquid to said sheet, automatic mechanism adapted to reciprocate the members parallel with the axis of the cylinder, and means adapted to actuate said mechanism.

8. In a lithographic press, a rotating plate cylinder, a plate mounted on said cylinder and a gap formed in said cylinder, a relatively flexible liquid distributing element gravitationally riding 1 upon said plate and means for preventing the dropping of said element into said gap.

9. In liquid feeding appliance for a lithographic press or the like having, in combination, reservoir of liquid, a plurality of individual wick nents each element adapted to lift liquid by illarity from said reservoir and feed the liquid point exterior-1y of the reservoir independently of every other element, each element having an absorbent portion pivotally mounted with relation to said reservoir and adapted to be individually adjusted for variable immersion in said reservoir independently of every other element, and means for holding the absorbent element in the adjusted position.

10. In a liquid feeding device for a lithographic press or the like, a reservoir containing liquid, 2 plurality of individual independently adjustable devices each adapted to transfer liquid from said reservoir to a point exteriorly of and below the level of the liquid in said reservoir independently of every other device, and means adaptto simultaneously interrupt the transferring 1i. liquid by all of said devices.

11, In a liquid feeding device for a lithographic press or the like, a reservoir containing liquid, a plurality of individually adjustable devices each adapted to transfer liquid from said reservoir to point laterally of said reservoir separately from all other devices, and means adapted to simultaneously interrupt the transferring of liquid by all of said devices without disturbing the relative adjustments of the devices.

12. In a lithographic press, a dampening deice comprising a reservoir of liquid formed with a wall, a plurality of individual capillary wick elements spaced from each other and having an individual absorbing end immersed in the liquid interiorly of said Wall and an individual delivering end exteriorly of said wall, individual adjustments for individually regulating the absorbing capacity of the absorbing end of each of said elements, and means for withdrawing all of said "isorbing ends from said liquid without altering relative adjustments, said means being pted to redmmerse all of said absorbing ends the position occupied by each of said ends bewithdrawal.

a lithographic press or the like, a movllthcgraphic plate. and a plate dampening c. said device including an apron contact- .the plate and adapted to apply moisture to plate, means for supplying moisture to said apron, and a second spaced from the first apron and contacting the plate at a point further advanced with relation to the travel of the plate than the first apron, and adapted to equalize the moisture deposited on the plate by said first apron and absorb excess moisture from the plate.

i In a lithographic press or the like, a movlithographic plate. and plate dampening hanism including a plurality of liquid aboing elements contacting the plate and spaced from each other in the direction of travel of plate, a liquid supply device adapted to supply liquid to one of said elements, and mecha- *n adapted to reciprocate one of said elements lithographic plate in a lithographic press which consists of automatically applying liquid to the inked design on the plate by capillary conduction with a continuous motion transversely with reference to the direction of travel of the plate in alternating directions.

16. The method of coating a moving lithographic plate in a lithographic press with different amounts of liquid upon different zones crosswise of the press, which consists of applying various amounts of liquid to the different zones of the plate in proportion to the requirements of each zone, by capillary conduction with a continuously reciprocating motion crosswise of the direction of movement of the plate.

17. The method of treating a moving lithographic plate which consists of automatically applying a coating of liquid to the surface of the plate and simultaneously lightly wiping the coated surface in a direction transversely of the direction of movement of the plate at the place where the liquid is applied.

18. The method of treating a moving lithographic plate which consists of automatically coating the surface of the plate with a relatively thin layer of liquid and lightly wiping the coated surface continuously in alternating directions transversely of the direction of movement of the plate.

19. The method of treating a rotating lithographic plate which consists of automatically coating the surface of the plate with a relatively thin layer of liquid and automatically lightly wiping the coated surface continuously in alternating directions transversely of the direction of movement of the plate, the period of the alternation varying from the period of rotation of the plate.

20. In a lithographic press, a rotating lithographic plate, a reservoir of liquid, a relatively soft liquid absorbent apron extending transversely of the press and lightly contacting the periphery of the plate, a plurality of spaced capillary elements each having one end immersed in said liquid and the other end positioned exteriorly of the reservoir and adapted to transfer liquid to the apron at a point adjacent the area of contact of the apron with the plate, independently of every other element, and means adapted to vary the feed of liquid of each capillary ele ment independently of every other element.

21. A liquid feeding device for a lithographic press or the like, including a reservoir containing liquid, a support disposed adjacent said reservoir, a plurality of brackets mounted on said support and pivotally adjustable with'relation to the level of said liquid, and a capillary element adapted to feed liquid from said reservoir, associated with each of saidbrackets, said ele-- ments being formed with a liquid absorbing end and a liquid delivering end, and each of said brackets being pivotally adjustable independent- 1y of every other bracket to vary the depth of immersion of the liquid absorbingends of said capillary elements in the liquid.

22. A liquid 'feeding .appliance'for a lithographic press or the like, adapted to feed varying amounts of liquid to different points crosswise of the press, having, in combination, a reservoir of liquid, a support adjacent said reservoir, a plurality of capillary elements spaced from each other and arranged transversely of the press and adapted to individually lift liquid from said reservoir and individually feed said liquid to a point exteriorly of said reservoir, one

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end of each of said elements being individually pivotally adjustably mounted on said support whereby the rate of feed of each of said elements is separately controlled.

23. A liquid feeding appliance for a lithographic press or the like, comprising a reservoir of liquid, a plurality of absorbent elements adapted to absorb liquid from said reservoir, said absorbent elements being tapered in the direction of their length and being mounted upon brackets pivotally supported relatively to said reserroir, and said elements being arcuately formed concavely toward the surface of the liquid, each of said brackets being adjustable toward and from the liquid independently of every other bracket, whereby the absorbent element may be variably immersed in the liquid, and means for supporting said brackets.

24;. The method of moistening a moving lithographic plate in a lithographic press, which mnsists of thinly coating the plate with liquid and smoothing and equalizing the coating by lightly wiping the coated plate in a direction transversely of the direction of movement of the plate at a point rearwardly of the point at which the coating is applied, with relation to the travel of the plate.

25. The method of moistening a travelling lithographic plate in a lithographic press, which consists of applying liquid to the plate at one area and smoothing and equalizing the applied liquid at another area, the two areas being spaced from each other in the direction of travel of the plate, and simultaneously lightly wiping the areas transversely with relation to the direction of travel. of the plate and in opposite directions with relation to each other.

26. in a lithographic press or the like, a rotating lithographic plate, and a plate dampening device including a source of liquid, controllable mechanism for feeding liquid from said source, a moisture applying apron contacting the plate and receiving liquid from said mechanism, and a non-moisture applying apron contacting the plate and spaced from said moisture applying apron in the direction toward which the plate is moving and adapted to uniformly distribute the moisture deposited by the moisture applying apron.

27. In a lithographic press or the like, a moving lithographic plate, and plate dampening apparatus, said apparatus including a source of liquid, adjustable means for feeding liquid from said source, a liquid absorbing element contacting the plate and adapted to receive liquid fed by said adjustable means and adapted to apply the liquid to the plate, mechanism reciprocating the element transversely of the plate, means for actuating said mechanism, and a second liquid absorbing element contacting the plate at a position farther advanced with relation to the travel of the plate than the first element, and adapted to equalize the moisture applied by the first element and absorb excess moisture from the plate.

28. In a lithographic press, a moving lithographic plate, a relatively soft flexible liquid distributing apron riding on the plate and transferring moisture to the plate, adjustable liquid supply devices feeding liquid to the apron, and a second flexible apron riding on the moistened plate, said second apron being spaced from the first mentioned apron in the direction of movement of the plate, and mechanism for reciprocating said aprons transversely of the movement of the plate in opposite directions relative to each other, and means for actuating said mechamsm.

JOSEPH SCHULTZ.

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