US2170895A - Transfer machine - Google Patents

Description

Aug- 29, 1939. L. HENDERSON K 2,170,895

TRANS FER MAGHI NE Filed March 13, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet l c. l.. HENDERSON 2,170,895

TRANSFER MACHINE Filed March 15, 1937 s 'sheets-sheet 2 www Aug. 29, 1939.

Aug. 29, 1939. c. l.. HENDERSON TRANSFER MACHINE Filed March 13, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Aug. 29, 1939.

c. L HENDERsoN TRANSFER MACHINE Filed March l5, 19157- 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 n TRANSFER MACHINE Filed March 13,l 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 IIMHU Patented Aug. 29, 1939 i 2,170,895

vUNITED STAT-Es PATENT OFFICE TRANSFER MACHINE Charles L. Henderson, Appleton, Wis., assignor to Paper Patents Company, Neenah, Wis., a. corporation of` Wisconsin Application March. 13, 1937, serai No. 130,647

Y 14 Claims. (Cl. 95-73) My invention'` relates in its broades aspects to I larly suitable for use in transferring continuous the art of .printing and has partie ar reference ,designs so as to automatically accomplish exact to the art of rotary printing. Soinewhat more matching of the design, it is equally suitable for i specifically, my invention relates to\ transfer apuse in the manufacture of rolls which do not reparatus for exposing sensitized printing cylinders 'quire exact matching of the picture or design to` 5 preparatoryto the .etching thereof, and especibe reproduced thereby. ally to transfer apparatus for exposing printing Other objects of the present invention are to cylinders for use in printing continuous patterns. provide a transfer mechanism for use in exposing 'I'he present application is a continuation in -sensitized printing cylinders which shall obvilc part of my co-pending application, Serial No. ate any need for the use of the carbon tissue or l 702,549 which was filed on December 15, 1933, other complicated methods-of the prior art; to and which is assigned to theassignee of the presprovide an improved transfer mechanism which ent invention. The apparatus described hereshall be extremely flexible in operation so as to in differs in certain structural details from the permit convenient and easy compensation for l structurey of the apparatus disclosed in the above the ordinary manufacturing differences and inl5 identified application, but the general principles accuracies in thedimensions of the roll and the of operation are exactly the same. transparency; t0 provide an improved transfer The transfer of designs 'onto printin'g'cylinders mechanism which shall be simple and substany photographic or other methods preparatory to tially foolproof in operation and which, in addithe etching of such cylinders, particularly the tion, shall be capable ofpro'ducing any number 20 transfer of vcontinuous patterns such as are used of rolls at any time which are exact duplicates of in wallpaper and box coveringsheets and the each other, thereby lending itself particularly like, has always presented 'a very serious problem to the quantity production of papers printed with to the art, for the reason that the exact'joining all-over designs or patterns or the `reprinting of up of the pattern during the transfer operation, such papers; and, generally, to provide an im- 25 which is absolutely essential where a continuous proved transfer mechanism for use in the manupattern is employed, is extremely diicult of atl facture 0f printing Cylinders and the like.

tainment. Further, the prior art methods even One preferred embodiment of the invention is when possible of accomplishment necessitate the illustrated in, the accompanying drawings. Re-

use of carbon tissue or similar procedures which ferring to these drawings, A 30 can be carriedout only by persons of unusual Figure 1 is an elevational view, partially in skill, and even then produce rolls which are often section, of a transfer mechanism embodyingthe very difiicultto duplicate; features of the present invention;

Hence, the principal object of the present in- Figure 2 is a plan sectional View on the general vention is to provide an improved transfer mech line 2-2 of Figure 1; 35 Aanism whereby pictures, patterns, or designs, Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view on the especially continuous patterns or designs, may general line 3-3 of Figure 1; be conveniently transferred by photographic Figure 4 is a perspective view of the light processes from suitable photographic transparsource and the pressure mechanism for insuring encies or the like onto printing cylinders, prefproper contact vbetween the plate transparency 40 erably without requiring the exercise of unusual andthe roll during the-exposing operation; or exceptional skill by the operator to secure ex- Figure is a fragmentary view illustrating the act matching of the pattern or design and in structural features and the manner of operation such manner that convenient and easy duplicaof a portion ef the mechanism provided for tion of the printing cylinders may be easily ac. accomplishing exact matching of the design on 45 c omplished. A further object of the invention is the roll; to provide an improved transfermechanism for Figure 6 is a fragmentary view in vertical photographically transferring a picture, pattern, transverse section illustrating the features of the or design from a photographic plate or transparpressure securing mechanism illustrated more ency to a sensitized printing cylinder by an opercompletely in Figure 4; 50 ation which once initiated'becomes entirely auto- Figure 7 is afragmentary view illustrating the, matic and is capable of proceeding to completion features of the adjustable support for the light with little or no supervision by the operator. source and pressure securing mechanism;

At this poirit it should beemphaslzed that while A Figure 8 is a fragmentary elevational view on the apparatus of the present invention is particuthe general 1in`e 8 8 of Figure 1 illustrating the 55 features of the the apparatus includes means printing cylinder, which tact therebetween.

-. plete revolution measuring equipment used In conjunctionwiththe apparatus'of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary sectionalview on the general line 9-9 of Figure 8 more completely illustrating certain of the features of the measuring equipment shown'in elevation in Figure 8; Figure 10 is a plan sectional view on the general line Ill-I0 of Figure 1 illustrating the mechanism provided for accurately indicating a comof the printing cylinder; and Figure l1 is a fragmentary/view of a portion of the mechanism utilized for accomplishing matching of the design.' y Y To aid in a complete understanding of the apparatus of the invention, it will, perhaps, be helpful to provide at this point a general suinmary of the manner of operation and the functions performed by the several structural features thereof. Reduced to its simplest elements, for supporting a.' lhas previously been sensitized, for, rotatable movement, a support for the printing plate or photographic transparency having the`design or picture thereon which it is desired to transfer to the printing cylinder, and means for moving the photographic transparency longitudinally in tangential contact with the printing cylinder while at the same time directing a relatively narrow, concentrated beam of light through the transparency onto the cylinder along the line of con- The apparatus includes means whereby exact joining of the ends of the design may be accomplished during the exposing operation. This means includes a mechanical arrangement wheresuch movement constitutes slippage, creepage,

by slight slippage may be accomplished along the line 'of engagement of the printing cyiinier and the photographic transparency during the exposing operation, this slippage ,serving tocompensate for whatever slight differences may exist in the length of the design on the transparency and the ,peripheral length of the printing cylinder.

The word slippage as used therein is intended to include all forms of relative movement whether or a combination ofthe two.

Other features of the apparatus are a pressure securingl means for accomplishing accurate line contact `loetweenthe printing cylinder and the transparency during the exposing Aoperation,

means for preventing` excessive heating of the Atransparency during the exposing operation,

- means for accurately indicating a complete revol Referring pa 'screws 1 for actuating-the .in gthe photographic plate transparency.

ripheral length o f paratory to the exposing operation and as an aid' lution of the printing accomplishing accurate' measurement of. the pethe printing cylinder vpreto the manufacture of the photographic transparency.

ticularly to'the drawings, it will be seen that the 4apparatus of the present inven- 'tion includes a bed plate `or main frame I preferably of heavy. cast construction whichis pro vided with a pair of elongated, cylindrical, pillar uprights 3 supportedthereon with their axes in parallel relation. These uprights are connected adjacentthe bed plate by a bracing yoke member 5 which alsoserves to support a pair of 4drive mechanism for hold- Un'ercain circumstances, as win bep'omted out later, it is desirable to operate the drive l clutch mechanism I9 operable fit.

- rectangularly shaped that a film,

cylinder, and means for rotatable movement ly, the apparatus of the present invention. is providedwith a screws 1 which is ofv a dual speed type. This ,drive mechanism 9 for the mechanism includes a suitable electric motor Il which is connected through speed reducing gearing, indicated generally at I2, and a pair of belts I3 and I4 to a pair of drive pulleys I5 and I5, each journaled for free'movement upon the main drive shaft I1 for the lifting screws 1. 'I'he motor is of the variable speed, reversing type,v and a by a handle 20 is provided intermediate the drive for permitting either of those pulle'ys tobe keyed to the main drive shaft I1.; The pulley I5 serves as the high speed drive, andthe pulley I6 serves as the slow speed drive. It will be understood, of course, that suitable gearing or the like may be substituted for the belts I3 and Il and their cooperating pulleys I5 and 4I6 lThis main drive shaftI1 f or the lifting screws 1 is supported upon the yoke 5 connecting 'the two uprights 3 by means of suitable bearings 2| and terminates at either end in a small cone pinion 23 each of which pinions is adapted to mesh with a cooperating gear 24 vkeyed to, and supported upon, the bottom of each ofthe lifting screws 1. A suitable thrust bearing 25 assures free movement of each of the lifting screws.

t The mechanism for supporting the photographic transparency, whichwill usually constitute anat glass plate' as is illustrated at 26, includes a rigid frame 21 having the general form of a hollow rectangle and preferably made of cast metal such as an aluminum alloy. This frame 21 is adapted to be slidably supported at either end thereof upon the cylindrical uprights 3; the frame including four suitably proportioned collars 29 engaging the-uprights 3 with a sliding As will be seen particularly in Figure y3, the frame'21 is provided with 3| adapted to ,receive transparency 26 with a removable inner frame` the glass plate or other which the device is preferably adjustably supported upon the frame 21 so as to facilitate alignment parency j26. It willbe understood, of course, preferably one backed by a glassplate, maybe used instead of parency 26. Y

The lower limb of the rectangular main frame 21 is provided with a pair of internally threaded bosses or Ahubs 33 for engaging the lifting screws 1, and it will be apparent that these screws constitutea convenient-means for raising and lower'- ing the frame 21 and the transparency supported thereon at y readily controllable4 speeds. During such movement the uprights serve both as supports and as guides for the 4frame 21.

The sensitized printing cylin er with which the apparatus is used is adaptedto be supported for in tangential vcontact with the` transparency 26, as 4is illustrated particularly in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings, the cylinder being identied bythe numeral 35. To this end, the apparatus includes a relatively rigid frame 31 provided at its ends -with a pair of split clamping members 39 which are adapted to clamp about the uprights 3as is illustrated particularly in Figures 1, 2, ande.. A bearing 4|,.preferably of the roller or ball .bearing type,- either end of this frame31 for' receiving the shaft l2 upon which the'cylinder is used. The inner frame 3i the plate transis provided at of the trans- 3:5 isV The 75 bearings 4i are siidably supported upon the frame 3l and are provided with a screw adjustment 43 whereby the cylinder 35 may be moved toward. or away from, the transparency so as to make possible the attainment of even line contact between the surface of the cylinder 35 and the surface of the transparency 25 when the apparatus lis set up for use.

g During operation of the'device, it is essential lthat some means be available for permitting the convenient and accurate determination of a complete revolution of the'prin'ting cylinder 35. One such means is illustrated in the drawings, which means, as will be seen by reference particularly to Figures 1, 2, and 10, includes an arm 45 adapted.

to be clamped upon the end of the supporting shaft 42 for the cylinder and provided at its outer end with an annularly shaped member 41 within which is supported a cross hair 48. The outer end of the arm 45 is adapted to move through a cooperating stationary means 49 supported upon, and in part integral with, one of the clamp supports 33 for the roll supporting frame 31, as is illustrated particularly in Figure 10.

This cooperating means includes an eye piece I and a cross hair 52 arranged to cooperate with the cross hair 48 in the end of the arm 45. If desired, an illuminating means may be provided for aiding in determining the coincidence of the cross hairs.- The arm 45 is preferably removably mounted as by a screw clamp upon the end of the shaft 42 in order to facilitate handling of the roll and may be of articulated construction to permit adjustment of the cross hair.

- AAs has been suggested previously, to assure accurate transfer of the picture or design upon the transparency 25 to the sensitized surface of the cylinder 35, it is absolutely essential to secure a good line contact between the transparency and the printing cylinder during the exposing operation. 'Ihis requirement makes it desirable to provide some means for biasing the transparency plate in the direction of the roll. In the apparatus shown in the drawings, this means includes a pair of resiliently mounted, elongated presser members 53 preferably made of. hard liber or similar material which will slide easily upon the back of the glass ,transparency plate. As illustrated particularly in Figures 3, 4, and 6, these members are generally L-shaped and are arranged in a close relationship. To obtain good contact throughout the area of engagement of the transparency 25 vand the cylinder 35, the presser members 53 are supported by a plurality of pivoted arms 54 each of which is individually biased in the direction of the transparency by a suitable spring 55, the tension of which is adjustable by a screw 5B. The arms 54 are supported upon and rotate about suitable shafts 51 which in turn are supported upon a. frame assemblage comprising a pair of parallel support members 53 rigidly connected at either end by 'a plate 5I, as is indicated in Figure 4. The spring mechanisms for biasing the arms are likewise supported -on' this frame assemblage, as is shown inthe drawings. y

While it is imperative to secure good contact between the transparency 24 and the sensitized surface of the roll 35 during the transfer operation and to obtain such contact through the use of resiliently supported pressure securing members engaging the back of the transparency adja cent the areaoi contact of the cylinder and the transparency, it is undesirable to have pressure applied to the back of the transparency when the cylinder'is not in place on the machine, due to the possibility of breaking the glass transparency. Because of this, I provide a pair of eccentrically mounted shafts 53 arranged to engage the rearwardly extending portions 65 of each of the sets of arms 54 utilized for supporting the pressure members 53. These shafts are illustrated particularly in Figures 3, 4, and 6, and each is provided at its outer end with a square or hexagonally shaped terminal portion 51 adapted to be engaged by an end wrench or handle so that it may be conveniently rotated. The bearing supports for the shafts 53 are suihciently tight to hold the shafts in any position to which they may be moved. Thus, when .it is desired to relieve the pressure on the presser members 53, it is necessary merely to rotate the shafts 53 about half a turn and thereby withdraw the presser members 53 from engagement with the rear surface of the transparency plate 25.

The adjacent edges of the presser member 53 define a relatively narrow slot 55 the width of which determines the width of the beam of light which may be directed through the transparency 25' onto the cylinder. Hence, it is desirable that these members shall be adjustably mounted, so as to permit convenient change inthe width of this slot. This may be done by means of screws |51 passing through vertical slots |68 in the presser members 53 and screwed into tapped holes in the arms 54, as shown in Fig. 4. The permissible limits of the width of the slot 55 depends upon the size of the cylinder beingv exposed and the fineness of definition which is required in the finished printing cylinder. It is,of course, desirable to use as wide a slot as is possible to minimize the time required for exposure. For a six inch diameter cylinder, it is generally possible to use a slot as wide as .080", and for a fourteen inch diameter cylinder the slot may be as wide as .150. If the slot is wider than this there will be a tendency toward dot reduction during the printing of the cylinder.

It is desirable that the frame assemblage utilized for supporting the slot defining presser members 53 shall be adjustably mounted in order to facilitate setting up of the apparatus and in order that the apparatus may be conveniently adjusted when it is installed. Accordingly, the end portions 5| of this frame assemblage are provided with tongue sections 59 adapted to engage suitable grooves formed within the members 'l0 disposed intermediate the members lliv and the clamp members 39 which engage the uprights 3. this arrangement being shown particularly in Figures 4 and 7. Suitable cap screws 1I and cooperating slots 'l2 formed in the end members 6I permit convenient vertical adjustment of the position of the frame assemblage. Horizontal adjustment of theV frame assemblageis accomplished by use of similar tongue and groove arrangements 'i3 formed in the clamp members 39 and the intermediate members 10, suitable screw adjusting means -being provided for cooperating with the intermediate members' 10, as is illustrated in Figures 2, 7, and 9. It will be apparent that this arrangement is extremely flexible and permits easy and convenient adjustment of the frame assemblage for supporting the presser members 53 and the associated mechanism in either the vertical or the horizontal direction.

The light source mechanism 11 is positioned immediately behind the lpresser members 53, and in oxi'e satisfactory embodiment of the invention in- 75 cludes a -waterjacketed reflector housing having l a box-like rear portion 19 (Figure 3) within-which are disposed a plurality ofsymmetrically located arc lamps 8i. For a roll 24" wide, I have used four. Macbeth-arc lamps and have also utilized twc 100 ampere Pease Heli-o-lites, both arrangements with good success. The box-likerear por,

tion 19 of the reector housing, connects with a wedge shaped section 83, as is illustrated particularly in Figures 3 and 4, this wedge shaped section 83 being likewise water jacketed. By virtue of its shape, the reflector uousing serves to direct a narrow concentrated beam of light through the the ywedge shaped section carried up to, and almost ini contact with, the presser members 53 utilized foraccomplishing' y 'itil liberation of heat at the slot 66 andthe transparency 26 onto the sensitized surface ofthe cylinder along the area of engagement of the transparency and the cylinder.

It willbe noted that the water jacketing about 83 of the reector is pendently of the other mechanism by means such asl the standard indicated at 85 in Figure 3,-and

to prevent undue heating of the room in which the equipment is used, it isdsirable that the reflector housing for the arc lamps shall lbe pro- 1 vided with an insulating outer closure 11 and a chimney 89. If desired, a Ventilating fan may be: utilized in conjunction with this outer closure and chimney. During operation of the machine, water or other cooling liquid is continuously circulated through the shaped section 83 of the reflector housing and -through the jacket of the rear portion 19 of the reiiector housing. p

It is a well known) fact that it i s-very diiiicult, if

not practically impossible, to make a photographic plate or transparency of sufliciently accurate size to assure the matching o f tern formed on such transparency during a direct operator time. An error in the transfer operation such as is contemplated by the present invention. Generally, itis possible to make such a transparency within limits vin the neighborhood 'of plus or minus .020", and while under certain circumstances greater accuracy may be obtained, the attainment of such greater accuracy requires unusual skill on .the part of the neighborhood .005" or even less in the match-up of a continuous design on a printing cylinder will completely ruin such cylinder for printing continuous patterns, for the reason thatthe inaccuracy will show up with sumcient clarity to constitute a, mostv objectionable defect or blemish in the printed sheet.`

The apparatus of the present invention, howeverppermits the attainment of tsubstantially perfect match-up' by direct transfer w'ithin the limits to which the photographic-plate may be convenientlymade. The means for accomplishing this match-up is illustrated particularly in Figures l, 2, and and includes a gear 89 having relatively narrow,` helically 'cut teeth keyed t`jo the supporting shaft 42 for the printing cylinder 35. The teeth of this gear 89 are adapted to mesh with anadjustably mounted rack 9| which is likewise provided with helically cut teethof p transparency 26 and the jacket about the wedge obtained when of the roll as is possible.

the design or patand an unreasonably large amount o f a zeroA point thereof by means chine is operated 89 and the rack 9| are cut at an angle of 15.

The rack 9| is horizontally adjustably supported A of the transparency supupon the main frame 21 port by a support means which includes two adjusting screws 92, and is angularly adjustable independently of the support means in. a vertical planev about a central pivot axis 9i' within defi'- nite limits, suitable locking and adjusting screws 93 rigidly supported upon the main ,supporting frame 21 being provided for accomplishing this angular adjustment. The pitchidiameter of the gear 89 is exactly the same as the diameter of the cylinder 39, and it 'will thus be immediately apparent that relative diierences between the peripheral speedofthe cylinder and the rectilinear speed of the transparency 26 can'be accomplished by angling the rack 9i to either side bodiment of the invention, the teeth of the gearf of the vertical. Clockwise angling of the rack 9i, as is indicated by the dotted lines of Figure ll, will cause the peripheral speed of the cylinder 35 to exceed the linear speed of. the transparency and vice versa.

Thisdiierence in the relative speeds of movenient, while very small, results in very slight slip- While the machine of the present invention is capable of compensating for rather material differences between the length of the design on the peripheral length oi the cylinder 35 being exposed, the bestresults are tained as nearly equal to the peripheral length also includes mechanism mining the peripheral length of the. cylinder which is to be exposed thereby. tioned means includes a scale 95 (Figs. 8 and 9) vertically adjustablyl mo tedfupon the supporting frame 21 for the transparency 26 and a suit- 'able cooperating eye piece 91 mounted uponon'e of the clampingl members 39 integral with the support for the cylinder. y

To measure theperipheral length of a cylinder', that-cylinder is bearing supports 4|, the rack 9i is moved to the vertical position, and the gear 89 is meshed therewith. Then the arm with the cross hair 48 is adjusted into coin idence with the stationthe length of the design is `mai'n- Thus, the machinev for accurately deter- This' last menplaced in position upon itsl ary cross hair 52 either by adjustment of thearticulated connection of thearm 45 or by raising or lowering the frame 21 of the transparency support. With the cross hairs 48 and 52 in exact coincidence, the scale 95 is adjusted to the upper ofthe adjustment screw ,99 and the eye piece 91.

to raise the transparency supporting frame 21 exactly one complete Vrotation of the cylinder35 whichmay be very accurately determined '-by bringing thecross hairs 48 and 52 into coincidence. The exact peripheral'length of the cylinder may then be read directly upon the It will be understood that the peripheral ,lengths of even very accurately machined rolls will vary' a' few thousandths, and that this lar- 'u Then, the maa suflicient amount lto produce 'scale l rangement or a similar means for accomplishing accurate measurement offthat peripheral length is a very important part of the present invention.

Having ascertained the exact peripheral length of. the cylinder, a photographic transparency of suitable size is prepared, every eiort being made to secure a photographic reproduction of the design, picture, ory pattern which is to be transferred to the cylinderhaving a length exactly equal to the peripheral length of the roll. As mentioned previously, it is substantially impossible to produce 'a transparency image having a length exactly length of the cylinder, and the finished transparency will probably be somewhat in error although the error should not, unless the operator has been unusually careless, be greater than 11:.020".

After the transparency has been prepared, an accurate determination is made of the length of the design or pattern reproduced thereon which is to be transferred to the printing cylinder.l The remaining portions of the transparency at either end thereof are then blocked venient means. Lengths ofopaque iilmstripped onto the transparency are particularly suitable for this purpose. These opaque strips serve to define matching limits of the design or pattern on the transparency which is to be transferred to the printing cylinder, and the longitudinal distance between the two strips will diier from the peripheral length of the roll by the error introduced during the operation of making the transparency.

The sensitized roll to which it is desired to transfer the design or pattern is then put in position upon the supporting bearings 4I, and these bearings are adjusted by the screws I3 to bring the surface of the roll into tangential contact with the surface of the transparency and at the same time bring the gear 89 into mesh with the Any discrepancies in therelative posirack 9i. tions ofthe gear 89 and the rack 9| due to diiering thickness of the transparency may be compensated for by the horizontal adjusting screws 92 forming part of therack support. The eccentric shafts 63 are then turned so as to bring the presser members 53 into'engagement with the back of the transparency, thereby assuring good line contact between the surface of the printing cylinder and the film side of the transparency during the exposing operation. It is assumed that the width of the slot 66 and the tension of the biasing springs for the presser members 5I lhave been previously adjusted to the desired value.

The distance'separating the two opaque strips which define the upper and lower matching limits of the design on the transparency is measured following the application of the strips to the transparency, and having this value it is a simple matter to adjust the rack 9| angularly in whichever direction ismecessary to' compensate for the slight differences between the length of the design and the peripheral length of the roll. It is, of course, readily possible to calibrate the rack as an aid to eiIecting this compensation.

In certain instances it may be desirable to make a trial exposure of the portion of the printing cylinder at which the but ordinarily an experienced operator can accomplish proper adjustment of the rack to assure perfect match-up in the exposed cylinder without requiring experimental or preliminary runs.

When theadjustment of the rack 9|- has been equal to the peripheral v out by any con-- match-up is effected,

completed, the transparency support is returned to its lower position so as to bring the upper opaque strip over the slot 66. The apparatus is then -in position for accomplishing the exposing operation. The clutch mechanism is placed in the slow speedposition, the light source is energized, and the driving motor started. The exposing operation thereupon proceeds automatically to completion, the transparency being moved longitudinally in tangential contact with the printing cylinder an amount l the lower opaque strip across the slot 86. Operation of the apparatus is then stopped either by manual operation of the motor and light switches, or by an automatic cut off switch. The cooperating rack 9| and gear 89 assure exact match-up by accomplishing slight uniform slippage between the'transparency and the printing cylinder` during the exposing operation. The proper speed of movement for accomplishing satisfactory exv posure of the sensitized cylinder will, of course,

be determined by experiment, and once established for any particular sensitizing material and density of transparency need not be changed.

Following its exposure, the roll is etched in any convenient manner, as by immersion or rotation in a suitable bath of etching acid. Since the process of the present invention ds not utilize car n tissue, it is desirablev that the transpar- -ency shall have a screen or other means formed therein for dening the support for the doctor blade to be used with the printing cylinder. Of course, a screen for defining supporting lands could be worked in during the exposing operation, but it is simpler to have the screen embodied into the transparency itself. A particularly suitable transparencycan out the methods disclosed in my co-pending application, Serial No. 702,549, transparencies of this type inherently producing proper ysupporting lands for the vdoctor blade.

From the foregoing it will be seen that I have disclosed a new and improved transfer mechanism and method of operating the same whereby printing rolls for use in printing continuous patterns or the like may be conveniently and easily manufactured by relatively unskilled operators.

The machine in operation is substantially foolproof; properly adjusted, it automatically compensates for the errors in dimensions which creep into thev manufacture of the transparencies; and

' it makes unnecessary the tedious and unsatisfactory carbon tissue methods of the prior art, while at the same time accomplishing a much more satisfactory match-up.

Further, through the use of the machine and method as described in the foregoing, it is possible to produce practically any number of rolls which are substantial duplicates of each other. If the unetched cylinders are machined at all accurately to size they may beproduced from the same transparency. f

I have also disclosed a number of novel structural arrangements which are of particular importance in carrying out the present-invention. In this connection, particular stress should be laid upon the novel arrangement disclosed for accomplishing slight slippage between the roll and the transparency during the printing operation; the novel arrangement oi' the presser mechanism whereby good line contact is obtained between the transparency and the cylinder at all times be produced by carrying' sufncient to bring Y during the operation of the device without danger plate transparency which; in conjunction with the guide means disclosed, accomplishes and assures uniform 4and positive movement of the-transparency support; and the arrangement of the water jacketing means for the lamp housing which, by virtue of the fact that the jacketing is carried up almost ln contact with the presser members, very materially minimizes .any danger of over heating the ,transparency during the printing operation.

It will be apparent that in the foregoing may be accomplished by the use of various mechanical arrangements. Accordingly, `it is my intention that the accompanying claims shall be accorded the broadest reasonable construction consistent with the state of the art. I .claim the following as my invention:

1In apparatus of the class described, means for supporting a printing cylinder for rotation` about its longitudinal axis', a photographic transparency, means including a fiat, relatively rigid plate member for supporting said transparency for rectilinear movement while in tangential contact with said cylinder, means for simultaneously rotating said cylinder'and moving said transparency in tangentialv contact therewith, and means, including a gear wheel keyed to an angularly adjustable rack affixed to said transparency support means, 'which is' actuable during said simultaneous movement of said cylinder and said plate to produce uniform slippage between said transparency and said cylinder along the line of tangential contact direction substantially 2. In apparatus of the class described, means for supporting a printing cylinder for. rotatable movement, means for supporting a photographic for rectilinear movement in tangential contact with said cylinder, means for simultaneously rotating said cylinderv and for moving said plate in tangential contact therewith, and means including a gear keyed-to said cylinder and an adjustable rack rigidly supported upon said support means for said transparency for permitting the accomplishment of relativedifferences between the peripheral speed of said cylinder and the linear speedof said transparency during the operation of said apparatus.

3. In apparatus of the class described, means for supporting aprinting cylinder for rotatable .movement, means for supporting a photographic plate transparency for rectilinear movement in tangential contact with said cylinder, means forA simultaneously rotating `said cylinder and for moving said plate in tangential contact therewith,

, of said cylinder and and means including a gear .named cross hair l tion may be had of a complete revolution of said formed with blique. cylinder and an angularly teeth keyed to said similar oblique teeth adjustable rack having mounted upon said support means for said transthe accomplishment of parency for .permitting relative differences between the peripheral speed the linear speed of said transparency during the operation of said apparatus.

4. In apparatus of the class described, a printing cylinder, stationary means for supporting said :cylinder for rotative movement, an arm including a -cross hair keyed to said cylinder, and cooperating means including a second cross hairA supy said stationary support means latthe path of travel of said i'lrst whereby accurate determinaported upon erally adjacent cylinder.

1 5. In apparatus of the class described, a print-r:

ingcylinder, means for supporting said cylinder for' rotatablemovement about its longitudinal the principles disclosed between,

. a plurality of pivotallysuppo means for biasing each said cylinder andtherebetween and in aperpendicular to such line.

` is arranged to bear support plateat one side of,

axis, a photographic transparency,

'axis, a photographic' transparency,v

cluding a flat glass plate forsupporting said'l axis, a photographic transparency, means including a flat, relatively rigid plate member for supporting said transparency for rectilinear movement while in tangential contact with the surface of said cylinder, means for accomplishing simultaneousjlinear movement oi said transparency and rotation of said cylinder in tangential contact therewith, and means for engagement between said transparency and said cylinderalong the line of tangential contact theresaid last mentioned means including a pair of elongated presser members each of which vis arranged to bear against the 'free surface of said transparency support plate at one side of, and adjacent to, said line of tangential contact, d, spaced arms for supporting each of said presser members at spaced intervals along their length, and. spring of said arms in thepressure securing direction. 6. In apparatus of the class described, a printing cylinder.. means for supporting said cylinder for rotatable movement about its longitudinal axis, a photographic transparency, means including a flat, relatively rigid plate member for supporting said transparencyfor rectilinear movement while in tangential contact with the surface of said cylinder, means for accomplishing simultaneous linear movement of said transparency and rotation of said cylinder in tangential contact therewith, and means for securing intimateengagement between said transparency and said securing 'intimate cylinder along the line of tangential contact therebetween, said last mentioned means including a pair of elongated presser members each of which against the 'free surface of said transparency and adjacent to, said line of tangential contact'. a plurality of pivotaily supported, 4spaced arm members for supporting said presser members at spaced intervals along the length thereof, adjustable spring means individually biasing each of said armsin the pressure securing and a. single spring release means actuable to simultaneously remove the biasing force of said spring means upon the arm supports for each ofsaid presser members. i

7. In apparatus of the `class described, a printing cylinder, means for supporting saidcylinder for rotatable. movement' about its longitudinal means lncluding a flat glass plate for supporting said transparency for rectilinear movement while in tangential contact with the surface of said cylinder, means for accomplishing simultaneous linear movement ,tion of said cylinder in tangential contact therewith, and means for insuring intimate engagement between said transparency der along the line of tangential contact therebetween, said `last mentioned means including a. pair of elongated presser-members is provided with an antifrictio'n bearing strip arranged to bear against the free surface of said transparency support plate at one -slde of, and

for supporting each of their length, and fmeans for biasing. each `arms in the pressure seeming direction.

8. In apparatus of the class described, a printing cylinder, means for supporting said cylinder. 'for rotatable movement about its longitudinal means inof said transparency and rota-` and said cylin-,

direction,

each of which Y engagement between y ber into engagement with said transparency transparency for rectilinear movement while in tangential contact with the surface of said cylinder, means for accomplishing simultaneous linear movement of said transparency and rotation of said cylinder in tangential contact theremeans for directing a relatively narrow elongated am of light through said transparency support and the transparency carried thereon onto tangential contact therebetween, and means for securing intimate engagement between said transparency and said cylinder along said line of tangential contact and for controlling the width of the beam of light which is directed through said transparency support plate, said last mentioned means including two elongated presser members each of which is arranged to bear against the free surface of said transparency support plate at one side of, and adjacent to, said line of tangential contact, said presser members extending generally parallel to each other and being spaced apart suiicientlv to deiine a narrow slot-like opening through which said beam of lightis directed onto said transparency support plate, a plurality, of spaced arms for supporting each f said presser members at spaced intervals along their length, means for biasing each of said arms in the pressure securing direction.. and means integral with at least one of said presser members which is ad- J'ustable toward and member to vary the ing therebetween and thereby to vary the width of thebeam'of light which is directed through saidtransparency support plate.

9-. In apparatus of the class described, a printing cylinder, means for supporting said cylinder for rotatable movement about its longitudinal axis, a photographictransparency, means including a flat, relatively rigid plate member for supporting said transparency for rectilinear movement while in tangential contact with the surface of said cylinderjmeans for accomplishing simultaneous movement of said transparency and rotation of said vcylinder in tangential contact therewith, and Ameans for'securing intimate said transparency and said cylinder along the line of tangential contact therebetween, said last mentioned meaxis including a stationary frame, at least one elongated presser member positioned so as to engage the free surface of said transparency support adiacent said line of tangential contact, and at least lone spring-pressed support arm mechanically connected at one endv to said frame and at the other end to said presser member for supporting said presser member and for biasing that memsupport plate.

10. In apparatus of the class described, a printing cylinder, means for supporting said cylinder for rotatable movement about its longitudinal axis, photographic transparency, means including a flat, relatively rigid plate member for supporting said transparency for rectilinear movement while in tangential contact 'with the surface of said cylinder, means for accomplishing simultaneous movement of said transparency and rotation of said cylinderin tangential contact therewith, and means for securing vintimate engagement between said transparency and said cylinder along the line of tangential contact therebetween, said last mentioned means including a stationary frame, at least one elongated presser member arranged to bear against the free said cylinder along the line of` away from the other presser i. width of said slot-like opensurface of said transparency support adjacent said line of tangential contact, and a plurality of lspring-pressed support arms mechanically connected at one end to said frame and at the other end to said presser member at spaced intervals along its/.length for supporting said presser vmember and for biasing said presser member into engagement with saidtransparency support plate.

, 11. In apparatus vof the class described, a printing cylinder, means for supporting said cylinder for rotatable movement about its longitudinal axis, a photographic transparency, means including a at, relatively rigid plate member for supporting said Atransparency for rectilinear movement while in tangential contact with the 'surface of said cylinder, 'means .for accomplishing simultaneous movement of said transparency and rotation of said cylinder in tangential contact therewith, and means for securing intimate engagement between said transparency and said cylinder along the line of tangential contact therebetween, said last mentioned means including a stationary frame, a pair of elongated presser members each of which is arranged to bear against the free surface of said transparency support plate at one side of and adjacent to said line Aof tangential contact, and a plurality of spring-pressed support arms each of which is mechanically connected at one end to said frame and at the other end to one of said presser members, said spring-pressed arms serving to support said presser members and to bias those members toward the free surface of said transparency support plate.

12. In apparatus of the class described, a printing cylinder, means for supporting said cylinder for rotatable movement about its longitudinal axis, a photographic transparency, means including a fiat, relatively rigid plate member for supporting said transparency for rectilinear movement while in tangential contact with the surface of said cylinder, means for accomplishing simultaneous movement of said transparency and rotation of said cylinder in tangential contact therewith, and means for securing intimate engagement between said transparency and said cylinder along 'the line of tangential contact therebetween, said last mentioned means including a stationary frame, at least one elongated presser member positioned so as to engage the free surface of said transparency support plate adjacent said line of tangential contact, a plurality o f spring-pressed support arms mechanically connected at one end to said frame and at the other end to said presser member at spaced intervals along its length `for supporting said Y presser member and for- 'biasingl said presser member into engagement with said transparency support plate, and a release means for said press- `er member actuable to removesimultaneously the therewith, and means for securing intimate en- 75.

sagement between said transparency and said 'cylinder along the line of tangential contact Y therebetween, said last mentioned means includinga pair of elongated presser members each of jparencyfor rectilinear movement wh e in tan- ,ing cylinder, means for 'for rotatable movement about` its 1 gitudinal whichy is arranged to bear against the free surface of said transparencyx support plate at one side of and adjacent to'said line of tangential contact, a stationary frame, a plurality lof springpressed support arms which are mechanically connected at one end to said frame and at the other end to said presser members at spaced in-` tervals along the length thereof, said springpressed arms serving to support said presser members and to bias those members toward the' free surface ofsaid transparency support plate,

. and release means for said presser members actuable-to remove the biasing force exerted by said spring-pressed support arms upon eachA o'f said presser members.

f 14s In apparatus of the class described, a printsupporting said )cylinder ans includid transaxis, a photographictransparency, m ing a flat glassI plate for supporting gential contact with the surface'. of sai cylinder,

A means for accomplishing simultaneous movement of said transparency and rotation of said cylinder in tangential contact therewith, means for directing a relatively narrow, elongated beam of light through said transparency support plate and the transparency carried thereon onto said vcylinder along the line of tangential contact therebetween, and means for securing intimate engagement between said transparency and said cylinder along said line of tangential contact, said last mentioned means including two elongated presser members each of which is arranged to bear against the free surface of said transparency support plate at one side of and adjacent to said lline of tangential contact, said presser members each otherand' bers may be moved relative tothe other-so as to vary `the width of said slot-like opening and thereby the width of the beam oflight which impinges upuon said transparency support plate.

CHARLES L. HENDERSON.

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