US2183720A

US2183720A - Inking mechanism for printing machines

Info

Publication number: US2183720A
Application number: US160792A
Authority: US
Inventors: Lougee Frederick Grafton; Albert J Horton
Original assignee: R Hoe and Co Inc
Current assignee: R Hoe and Co Inc
Priority date: 1937-08-25
Filing date: 1937-08-25
Publication date: 1939-12-19
Anticipated expiration: 1956-12-19

Description

' 1939' F. e. LOUGEE'ETI AL 2,183,720 I INKING MECHANISM FOR fRINT ING MACHINES, 7

Filed Aug. 25, 1937 v 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOIRS.

Dec. 19, 1939.

F. G. LOUGEE :1- AL ,720.

INKING MECI IANISM FOB PRINTING MACHINES 4 Sheet-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 25, 1937 I NVENTORS.

F. G. LouGEE ET AL 37% INKING MECHANISM FOR P RIN TING MACHiNES I 4 Sheets-Sheet s Filed Aug. 25, 1937 I l l/tl; 1M W an 3 M 7% 2/ 4% n mm 4% 3 L mm H mm mm fi a PatentedDec...19, 1939 INKING MECHANISM moms FOR

rnmrnvc Frederick Grafton Lougee, New Malden, England,

and Albert J. Horton, White Plains signors to R. Hoe & 00., Inc., New York, N. Y., A a corporation of New York p I Application August 25, 1987, Serial No. 160,792

25 Claims.

This invention relates to ink supply.mechanisms for printing machines having a plurality of printing units, and .more" particularly to an adjusting mechanism for such' an inksupply mechanism which is especially adapted to be controlled by means located remotely from the printing units.

The features and'principles of this invention are particularly adaptedfor use with an ink. supply mechanism wherein provision is madeto increase or decrease theamount of ink sup-- plied to any section of a printing cylinder, whereby uniformly inked impressions may be maintained upon the web.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide an improved adjusting mechanism for an ink supply mechanism adapted to be remotely controlled.

Another object is to provide for such an adjusting mechanism an improved remote controlling means. s

' Other objects include, the provision in an ink.

supply mechanism in which separately adjustable ink fiow controllin'g'me'mbers are provided,

means to adjust these members from a'position remote from the ink supply mechanism, means.

whereby the members of a plurality of such ink supply mechanisms may be adjusted from a com- 30 mon position remote from all of the printing units; and means whereby any set of members may be operablydisconnected from any one of the remotely positioned controls.

' It is also an object of this invention to provide an ink supply mechanism of generally improved construction, whereby the device will be simple, durable and inexpensive in construction as well as convenient, practical, serviceable and emcient in its use.

with the foregoing and'other objects in view," which will. appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the combination and arrangement of parts, and in the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed.

A. preferred embodiment of theinvention is iillustrated in the accompanying drawings, wheren: 1 Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a printing machine having a plurality, of printing units to which the features and principles of this inven tion are particularly and usefully applicable;

Figure 2 is a topplan view of a control device which is adapted -to be positioned remotefrom the ink supply-mechanism, for instance adjacent a folder of such a printing machine; H

. Figure 3 is a broken away view of a disconnecting device'by means of which any one of a plurality of supply mechanism adjusting devices may be disconnected from a control device;

Figure 4 is aside view partly in vertical section,

of an improved 'form of adjusting mechanism for 5 an ink supply mechanism;

Figure5 is a top plan view of the mechanism. shown in Figure 4, certain parts being broken away to more clearly expose others;

Figure 6 is a vertical 'crosssection taken on linelO 6-6 of Figure 5 throughpart of an ink supply mechanism of a particular design and showing the application of the improved adjusting mechanism of this invention thereto;

Figures '7 and 8 are cross sectional views taken 15 on line 1-1 of Figure 5 and showing different positions of certain parts during the operation of the mechanism;

Figure 9 is a sectional view taken on line H 20 of Figure 8; g

Figure 10 is a partial underneath view looking in the direction of arrow ill of Figure 4;-

Figure 11 is a sectional view taken on line il--ll of Figure 5;

Figures 12, 13 and 14 are partial sectional views 95 taken on line I2-'-l2 of Figure 9; v

Figure 15 is an electrical'control circuit dia-. gram for the adjusting mechanisms for the ink supply mechanism of one printing unit of the machine; 1 I Figure 16 is a top plan view of a somewhat modified form of reciprocating device for a partof the ink supply mechanism; and

Figure 17 is a top plan view of still another 85 form of reciprocating device. p

The, printing machine illustrated in Figure 1. selected to show the application ofthis invention thereto, comprises a plurality of printing units, 112-inc1usive arranged in groups of three, as

indicated by the brackets H, with a folder it for 40 each group. Such a machine, arranged in four groups of units, is adapted to print and fold four,

complete products. Occasionally, the product requires more units than three and provision is made to regroup the units in groups of four units 4|! with a folder", as indicated by the brackets II,

also in groups of five units and a folder, as shown by'brackets It, or in groups of sixunits and a folder, as indicated by brackets ll.

Each unitof each of such groups is usually pro-,lio;

vided with aiirst and a second printing mechanism, including printing members or cylinders 20 that'they maybe arranged as shown inright "and left hand relation and each requiring an ink supply mechanism It and l8 respectively. and u this invention is particularly adapted for adjusting these ink supply mechanisms to insure uniform printing of the respective printing mechanisms supplied with ink therefrom.

The mechanism of this invention is also adapted to facilitate the change over of the groups from one number of units to another by means of disconnecting devices 2| and to emciently con- ;trol the adjustments in the ink supply, mecha- 'nisms from a control box 22 positioned adjacent each folder l3. I

Inasmuch as the ink supply mechanisms |81and l9, the disconnecting switches 2|, and the control boxes 22 are identical in form and are similarly operable, only the mechanism, devices and parts associated with one printing unit, for instance the unit numbered 1, will be described.

In printing machines of the type illustrated in Figure 1, each side of eachunit maybe provided go with the "required printing cylinders to print Each ink supply mechanism L8 and i9 is pro- 1 vided with an ink pump 23 (Figure 6) and an associated valve mechanism 24 for each column of printedmatter required, and these may be arranged in four side by side rows, of eight in each row. Only two rows of eight or one pair of rows constituting a total of sixteen pumps and associated mechanism is shown in Figures 4 and 5. Each of the ink pumps 23 is provided with a piston rod 25 (see Figure 6) which is reciprocated by a suitably driven eccentric 25.

The stroke of each of the pump pistons is arranged tobe controlled and adjusted by an adiusting' screw 21 threaded into a plate 28 and directly overlying the upper end of each of the .rods 25. The stroke of the piston rodis limited as desired by adjustment of the screws 21. Each of these screws is provided with a knurled head 29 at its upper end, whereby it may be manually adjusted. A detailed description of the structure and operation of the ink pumps 23 will be I found in the specification of Patent Number 1,348,900 issued August-10, 1920, to Louis A. Schmidt.

In order to adapt each of the screws 21 for adjustment from a position remote from the ink supply mechanism, for instance at the folder l3 shank 3| of the screw 21 (see Figures 5, 6, 12, 13 and 14).

' The pinions 30 are herein shown as each being disposed in a counterbore formed in the upper depth to permit the required vertical adjustment of the screw 21 without the respective pinion 30 engaging .the plate 28. The pinions 30 are-arranged to be positioned with a sufficient length of their peripheral teeth 32 above the upper surface of the plate 28 to insure the teeth 32 being engaged by one or the other of a pair of

pawls

33 and 34 formed one, tooth on each side -of one end of a swingable armature or pawl member 35, whenit is swung to move its pawl carrying end to one side or the other.

The pinions 30 are retained against accidental rotation, by each being engaged by one end of a leaf spring 35 held by a stud 31 secu ed. to the :5 plate 28.

surface of the plate 28, which bore is of sufficient The armatures 35 are each pivoted on a screw 38 to a bar 39 which is slidably mounted upon the plate 28 by brackets 4|, one at each end of the bar 39, and secured to the plate 28 by screws 42. The bar 39 may be reciprocated by arotatable eccentric 43 mounted upon one end of a stud shaft 44-, the other end of which is secured to one part of,a two coil magnetic clutch 45. The other part of the magnetic clutch 45 is secured to a rotatable shaft 45 which is adapted by suitable connections (not shown) to be connected preferably to a driven shaft of the machine or any other suitable source of power. The arrangement is such that when the magnetic clutch 45 is energized, the eccentric 43 will rotate causing the bar 39 to be reciprocated longitudinally;

A post 41 extending upwardly from each bracket 4| supports a terminal supporting bar 48 to which a plurality of electrical terminal posts 49 are secured and arranged in this instance, in two rows of sixteen .posts each. The bar 48 may be formed of any suitable insulating material.

Two rows of sixteen each of electromagnets 5| are mounted on and carried by the bar 39 by having their cores 52 extending into suitable openings. The magnets 5| are arranged in pairs indicated respectively 5| and 5| one magnet 5| of each pair being disposed on one side of each armature 35 and another magnet 5| being disposed on the other side, as clearly shown in Figures 4 and 5. One terminal of each of the magnets 5| in the upper row and 5| b in the lower row, is collected into a cable 53' which in turn is connected to an insulated binding post 54 also mounted on and carried by the bar 39, and one terminal of each of the magnets 5| in the upper row and 5| in the lower' row, is'collected into a cable 53 which is connected to a binding post 54 similarly mounted. The other terminal of each of the magnets 5| is connected to a spring brush 55 carried on the upper end of each magnet and which extends upwardly therefrom and resiliently engages a plate 55 connected through the bar 48 to one of the terminal posts 49. Each post 49 is provided with the usual conductor binding nuts 51.

A locking ball 58 is disposed between. each armature 35 and the bar 39 in sockets 59 and GI, formed in each (see Figures 7, 8 and 9). The socket 6| in the bar 39 is shallower than the socket 59, to limit the 'ball 59 dropping below the abutting surfaces of the armature and bar, but the socket 59 in the armature is of suiiicientdepth'to a permit the ball 58 to be moved above these abutof each group of units, a pinion 30 is secured to, g or formed integral with, the upwardly extending ting surfaces. An opening 52 extends from each socket 5| through the bar39 and is adapted to slidingly receive a stud 53 extending upwardly from a magnet armature plate 54. The plate 64 extends on each side of the stud 53 to a position below the lower end of the cores 52- of the magnets 5|, disposed oneither side of each armature 35, and is normally supported on a shelf plate 65 spaced from the undcrsurface of the bar 39 bya spacing strip 55 and secured with it to the bar 39 by screws 61. t

Energization of any magnet 5| magnetizes its respective core 52 which .attracts'the free end of the adjacent armature 35. At the same time, the core 52 attracts the plate 54 directly beneath it, raises this plate and by means of the stud 63, it lifts the respective ball 58 into the. relatively deep socket 59 in the armature, whereupon the armature is unlocked and swings toward the core 52 of the magnet 5| which is energized. The armature 35 thusunlocked and swung assumes one or the other of, the positions shown in Figure 12 or 14. The arrangement is such that wheneever a magnet-| is energized, the magnetic clutch. 45 is also energized to drivingly connect the rotating shaft 46. to the stud shaft 44 whereupon the bar 39 is ,reciprocated by the rotatingv eccentric 43. Reciprocation of the bar 39 carrying the armatures 35, causes the

tooth

33 or 34 of the respective armature which has been swung,- to engage a tooth onthe pinion so and through it to rotate the adjusting screw 21 to eflect an adjustment of the stroke of the associated pump 23, to either increase or decrease, the amount of ink supplied'thereby to its respective column on the web being printed. Deenergization of the magnet 5| releases the armature 35 from the attraction of the core 52, whereby duringthe next stroke of the bar 39 the armature 35 is swung into its normal inoperative position, as shown in Figure, 13, by the engagement thereof with the pinion 39 which is being held by the, spring 36, and the ball 58 drops into the socket 8| in the bar 39 to lock the armature 35 thereto.

- Figure 12 illustrates the position of the armature at the completion of one vstroke'of the bar 39 to the left, the tooth 33 having rotated the pinion 38 an amount equivalent to one-tooth.-

Figure 14 illustrates the position of the parts at the completion of a stroke of the bar to the right,

lowing stroke. 9

In order toselectively energize a magnet 5| desired to actuate the associated armature 35 to either increase 'or decrease the amount of ink fed of theprinted matter, the control box (Figure On the re-" a tooth 32 and engage the next tooth on,the fol-' by the associated pump to a particular column 15) is provided with a unit selector switch 68 and.

a plurality of switches as preferably of the type wherein a centering spring tends to mainta n it in a neutral positionv but permits the switch to be moved in either of two directions. pne selector switch 68 is herein shown arranged to control eight units, and one switch 89 for each pair of electromagnets 5|, of each mechanism |8 or I9. The magnets .of each pair are indicated individually by the i'iumeralsf5l' and 5|. The selector switch 68 is adapted to-select either the right or left hand mechanism of any one of the eight units, and is shown in Figure 15 as being positioned to permit the venergitation of any pair of electromagnets 5| of the left hand mechanism l9. of the unit 'I, as further selected by the actu-. ation of the proper one of the switches 89, each switch 59. being actuated to energizeeitlier one the ink supply to scribed.

It will be understood that while the control of a'pair of magnets to increase or to decrease a certain column as above deboxis shown with knob operated switches 88,

35 and 89 in order to simplify the'drawings, these switches may be replaced if desired by any other Figure 2) shows an indicator pointer "pointing" towardan indicating mark 12, inscribed l-L, therebyindicating that the switch 89 is in position to control the left hand ink supply mechafl", nism of the printing .unit #1. The' pointer 1| commonly used or the switch 88, both of which are secured upon a common shaft 14, may be provided with a spring pressed catch I3 of suitable form to insure its proper location ateachindicating mark 12. As shown in Figure 15, the shaft 14 carries a. pair 5 of contacts 15 and J6, which are connected respectively through a suitable commutator" to conductors I8 and 19, which in turn are respectively connected to contacts 88 and 8|. The contacts 89 and 8| are adapted to be selectively con- 10 tacted by the switch 69 to connect either .one or the other of the

conductors

18 or 19 to the main line conductor Ll. The contacts I5 and 18 respectively connect with the terminals of' conduc--

tors

82 and 83 which lead through the coils 84 15 5491s, connectedby cable 53 with one terminal of each-of the off magnets 5| in the upper row, the actuation of which act to decrease the 25 a ink supply. The second terminalof each magnet 5| is connected'to the second terminal of its mate. 5| and to a conductor'8'l, .as shown in Figure l5. Each pair of magnetsthus act selectively on the same adlusting screw As hereinbefore shown, the connections ofthe lower row of magnets in F1 re 5 are the reverse of those in the upper row, the on magnets 5| beingconnected to the cable 53, while the "o magnets 5 I" are connected to the cable 53. Thus. 85 the "on magnets in both rows, are thosethat 1 would have even numbers when counting from the left end, and the oif magnets are those thatwouldhave odd numbers.

In Figure 15, the eonductorsfl of each ink 0 supply mechanism l8 and I9 are shown grouped in several cables 9| which .are connected to four trunk cables 93 thatsextend lengthwise of the printing machine. There is-one conductor in r the. trunk cable for each of the conductors 81 that are included in the cables in an inking mech-' anism l8, and thus as there are thirty-two conductors .81 shown leading from the inking mechanism l8, they will each be connected to one of conductorsin the trunk cable 93 and in the same' relativearrangement. Thus, the inkpuinps for corresponding columns of each ink supply mecha nlsm may all be controlled through the same conductor of the trunk cables 93.

In-Figure'15, four cables 9| are shown leading from each of the ink supply mechanisms l8 and I9 and joining the trunk cables. Similarly, four cables 94 are shown, one leading to-each group of switches 89 of the control box 22, but in Fig- 'ure,1, the trunk cable is shownas a -single cable with single branch cables leading to eachinking mechanism l8 and,|9, and'asingle branch to each 5 controlbox 22. e

Conductors 89, as shown in Figure 15, are connected. to contacts 90 of each switch 69 which connect them to the main line conductor L2 when the switch-69 is turned ineither direction. Con- 79 ductors 39 are grouped in the cable 94 and the ii!- divldual 'conductors are each connected to one of the conductors in the trunk cable 93, the connections being such that. each'of'the switches 69 controls the similarly located individual pumps ll of the several ink supply mechanisms. It will be seen that turning the switch 69 to complete the circuit to either contact 80 or 8I, will energize the desired magnet -5I or 5I and cause an adjustment of the stroke of the piston rod 25 of the desired pump 23.

The trunk cable 93 is made up of short sections, each of which extends between adjacent disconnecting switches 2I. One of these disconnecting switches is located between each two ad'- jacent printing units, and also one is between each folder andprinting unit that are adjacent; As shown in Figure 3, the conductors of the cable that lead to the left hand side of the disconnecting switch are connected to contacts 95 and those that lead to the right hand side of disconnecting switch are connected to contacts 96. The disconnecting switches may be of a well known drum type having insulated bars 91 secured to a shaft 99 that may be rotated by a handle 98, the arrangement being such that with the shaft in one position, a connection is made through the switch, from each contact 95 to a corresponding contact 96, but with the handle in another position, all circuits from contacts 95 to contacts 96 are broken.

It will be understood that by turning the disconnecting switch to the open circuit position, all portions of the trunk cable to the left of the switch are disconnected from all portions of the cable to the right of the switch, and that by a proper manipulation of these switches, that the units of a press arranged-as herein shown can be variously grouped to include desired numbers of units and a folder, and with the inkingmechanism controlled by the control box located at the folder in use. Thus, if the disconnecting switch 2I located to the left of printing unit #4 is opened, the inking mechanism for printing units I, 2 and 3 will be controlled by the control box 22 located at the folder adjacent printing unit #3. If, however, the disconnecting switch between units 4 and 5'is opened instead, the same control box will control the inking mechanisms of units I, 2, 3 and 4. From the above, it is obvious that by opening only certain disconnecting switches that the inking mechanism control for various groupings of units may be obtained.

An indicating device IN is shown mounted on the top ofthe control box 2| (Figures 2 and 15),

which is preferably an electric lamp that is arranged to light up substantially at the start of each operative'stroke of the bar 39 and remain lighted until the stroke is completed. The lamp IOI has one of its terminals connected by a conductor I02 to the main line conductor LI and has the other of its terminals connected by a conductor I03 to one terminal of each of a pair of normally, open solenoid switches I04 and I05. The other terminals of the switches I04 and I05 are connected to the main line conductor L2 by a conductor I06. The solenoids I 01 and I03,

when energized, actuate the switches m4, and I05 respectively, to close the circuit and light the lamp.

Energization of the solenoids I01 and I08 is accomplished as'follows. Each solenoid has one of its terminals connected to the main line conductor L2 by a conductor I 09 and its other terminal connected to'one terminal of each of a pair of cam controlled switches III'and I I2 by conductors II3 andl I 4 respectively. The other terminals H5 and IIS of the switches III and H2 respectively are connected to the

conductors

18 and 19 respectively, whereby the terminals IIi and H6 are connected to the main line conductor LI from the respective contact 80 or 8| contacted by the switch 69, and the respective solenoid will be energized when the respective switch III or H2 is closed by its actuating cam H1 or II8.

As shown in Figure 15, the cams I I1 and II! are mounted upon the shaft 44 of the eccentric (E5043, and each is provided with a switch operating camming lug H9 and I20 respectively. The lugs H9 and I20 are adapted to engage the operating arm of the respective switch III or II2 to close the circuit controlled thereby. Upon release of the spring opened switch 69 by which the respective solenoid was initially energized, the solenoid remains energized through a maintaining circuit. The solenoids I 01 and I08 actuate switches I2I and I22 respectively, one terminal of each of which is connected to the solenoid by a. conductor I 23, and I24 respectively. The other terminal of each switch I2I and I22 is connected through a conductor I25 and I26 respectively, and resistances I21 to one terminal of each of the normally closed switches I28 and I29 respectively. The other terminal of each of the switches I28 and I29 is connected by conductors I 3| and 132 respectively to the

conductors

18 and 19. Hence, when the solenoid is once energized, it will remain so until the respective switch I2I or I22 is' opened.

The switches I2I and I22 are disposed in proper position in respect to the cams II! and II8 respectively to be opened by the camming lug H9 or I20 thereof. The location of the camminglugs II 9 and I20 peripherally upon the cams I I1 and II8 is such that the lug II! will actuate the switch III to close it during one portion of a revolution of the eccentric disc 43, thereby actuating the solenoid I01 and lighting the lamp IN, and during a later portion of the same revolution of the eccentric 43, after the operating stroke is completed, the switch I28 opens the solenoid circuit and the light is extinguished. The portions of the revolution'of the eccentric 43 during which the camming lug II9 acts, corresponding to a complete stroke of the bar 39 in one direction,

as to increase the ink supply.

The camming lug I20 similarly acts on the switches H2 and I22 during another portion of a revolution of the eccentric 43, corresponding to a stroke of the bar 39 in the other direction. By this arrangement, the lamp I0Iv is lighted and extinguished to indicate to the attendant that the bar 39 has reciprocated one stroke and that in so doing the screw 21 selected has been turned the amount caused by the engagement of an armature 35 with a pinion 30. By observing the flashes of the lamp IOI while the selected switch 69 is held in closed position, the attendant can make any desired number of $teps of adjustment.

As shown in Figure 15, whenever one of the switches 69 is operated to either increase or decrease the ink supply to any column, observation of-the light will indicate when each adjusting stroke is completed. The cam H1 is adapted by means of its lug I I9, to cause lighting of the lamp IOI during the portion of one revolution of the eccentric 43 which actuates the pinion 30, to cause an increase in the amount of ink supplied and the cam II8 is adapted to be operative for the same purposet when the mechanism is being operated to cause a decrease in the ink supply.

"Although a driven eccentric disc 43 has been shown for the purpose of reciprocating the bar 39, in view of this disclosure, it is obvious that as shown in Figure 16 the bar 33 may be reciprocated by other mechanisnnfor instance by an 'place of the magnetic clutch coils 84 when the desired switch 69 is actuated, there being solenoids I31 and I38 provided which areenergized to close a circuit tothe switch I36. The arrange-' ment is such that'the switch I36 permits one revolution of the cam I32 and then is opened to stop the motor I 3I by a camming lug I39 When the motor I3I is used to reciprocate the bar ,39 as above described, the cams H8 and H9 and the associated switches are not required.

It is also possible to reciprocate the-bar 39 by means of a double coil solenoid I4I, as-shown in Figure 17, which solenoid may be connected into i the electrical circuit shown in Figure 15 in place of the magnetic clutch coils 84. When a solenoid I is used, each actuation of anyone of the switches 69 will cause the corresponding pinion to be adjusted one step, thus requiring repeated actuation of the switch 69 for furtheradjustment, the bar 39 being retracted upon deenergization of the. solenoid MI by a spring I42. When a solenoid MI is used, the cams H8 and H9 are also not required.

- .In operating the mechanism above described, the machine illustrated in Figure 1 is first arranged with the units grouped as desired, with a folder I3 for each groupof units. The adjusting screws 21 are set in a position believed suitable-to permit the proper amount of, ink to be supplied to the inkingroller for each column of printed matter, and the machine is started. As

the first printed copies begin to appear, the attendant notes the impressionsthereon and,'when l required, actuates the proper control at the folder to increase ordecrease' the amount of ink being supplied for the printing of any column.

For instance, referring to Figure 15, assuming that the ink being supplied from the left hand ink supply mechanism I8 of the unit #7 for column #3 is not sufficient to produce a denimpression, the attendant swingsthe switch 68 into the positiod'shown in Figure 15, for the left hand mechanism of #7 unit then moves and holds the switch 69, marked "3,- against its spring to the dotted position shown in this figure, to connect the contact 80 to the main line conductor LI by one blade of the switch 69, and one of the contacts 90 to the main line conductor. L2 .by'the other blade of the switch 69, whereby the corresponding on magnet 6| with the magnetic clutch 45 will be energized. The complete circuit is from the conductor LI through'the. switch" 63 tothe-contact 80, then to the conductor 18,

then through the commutator 'II to the contact I6, conductor 82, magnetic clutch coil 84' to the magnet 6|, and then back to the main line conductor L2 through the conductor 81, cable'al,

trunk cable 93, branch cable 94 to the conductor 89, and the contact 90, which is in connection with the main line conductor L2.

Energization of the magnet 5| will unlock the armature by causing the ball 68 to be. lifted outof the socket 6| in the bar, and swing the armature 36 into position to have one of its'pawls engage the teeth 32 on the pinion 30 to rotate it as the bar 39. is reciprocated by the eccentric 43. Rotation of the pinion 30 turns the screw 21 and adjusts it, in this instance, to increase the stroke of the pump 23 through its piston rod 26. The, amount of adjustment may be controlled by the length of time the selected switch 63 is held in contact with the contact 86. By the number of intervals the lamp IIII is lighted during one adjustment, the attendant will know the amount ofadjustment given to the screw 21, as above pointed out.

.The

conductors

82 and 83 which connect the points of the switch 63 with the ink supply mechanism IL are shown in Figure 15 as running directly from the control box to the inksupply mechanism in order to simplify the drawing. In

practice, these conductors together with other similar conductors connecting the control boxes with the magnetic clutch coils 84 of the other ink supply mechanisms are carried to the disconnecting switches 2| in the same manner as the conductors of. the trunk cables 93. Hence,

when any disconnecting switch is opened, the circuit through the conductors leading from the switch points of the selector switch v68 to certain ink supply mechanisms, as well as conductors in the cables 33 would be broken, thus-electrically isolating all ink supply mechanisms and control boxes at one side of that switch from those at the other side. The line conductors LI and L2 are not affected by theopening of the disconnecting switches.

, It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from. its spirit or essential attributes thereof,

and it is therefore desired that the present em- .bodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative 'andnot restrictive, and it will be further understood that each and every novel feature and combination-present in or possessed by the mechanism herein disclosed forms a part of the .invention included in this application.

What we claim is:

1. In combination with a printing machine having a plurality of printing units, each unit having a printing member and an ink supply "mechanism, each ink supply mechanism having means'to .feed ink to any one or a'pluralitypf areas on said printing member and including separately adjustable parts for varying the amount of .ink fed breach-of said means, an

mechanism adapted to adjust each one of said adjustable parts, ajcontroller having switches arranged to select any one of said units, and other switches interlocked with the unit selecting switchesand arranged to selectively control any oneof said adjusting devices of the selected unit. 2. Thecombination of a p nting machine having a plurality of printing un ts, each unit having a printing member and an ink supply mechanism, eachink supply mechanismhaving means to feed ink to any one of a plurality of areas on said.

printing member and including separately adjustabie parts for varying the amount of ink fed by each of said-means, with an electrically operated device for each ink supply mech adapted to'adjust each one of said adjustable parts, a controller having switches arranged to selectively control." any oneof said adjusting devices, and means to indicate-that such -a'djust ment'has'been made. I

3. In combination with a printing machine having'a plurality of printing units, each'unit having a printing member and an ink supply electrically operated device for each ink supply mechanism, each ink supply mechanism having means to teed ink to any one of a plurality of areas on said printing member and including separately adjustable parts for varying the 5 amount of ink fed by each of said means, an electrically operated-device for each ink supply mechanism adapted to adjust each one of said adjustable parts, a controller having switches arranged to select any one of said units and to selectively 10 control any one of said adjusting devices or the selected unit, and means to indicate that such adjustment has been made.

4. In combination with a printing machine having a plurality of printing units, each unit 5 having a printing member and a plurality of ink supply mechanisms, each ink supply mechanism having means to feed ink to any one of a plurality of areas on said printing member and including separately adjustable parts for increasing and decreasing the amount of ink fed by each of printing units, an inking mechanism at each unit havingv a pluralityof devices to adjust the feed 30 of ink to the printing units, means to actuate each of said adjusting devicesto selectively increase and decrease the ink fed, means to control said actuating means at a position remote from said printing units including a printing unit selector,

7 85 andan adjusting device' selector electrically interlocked with the printing unit selector.

6. In a printing machine having a plurality of printing, units, an inking mechanism at each unit having a plurality of devices to adjust the 40 feed of ink to the printing units, means to actuate each of said adjusting devices to selectively increase and decrease the ink fed, means to control I said actuating means at a position remote from. said printing units including a printing unitselector, an adjusting device selector, and an increase and decrease ink flow selector. "I. In a printing machine having a plurality oi printing units, an inking mechanism at each unit, having a plurality of devices to regulate the ink fed to each unit, means toactuate each of said regulating devices to selectively increase and decrease the ink. means to control said actuating means at a position remote from said printing units including a printing unit selector having separate connections to the inking mechanism or each unit, an adjusting device selector having separate connections with each adjusting device 0! each mechanism, and an increase and decrease in flow selector connected to each or said edn lusting device selectors and to the corresponding adjusting device. 1

8. In mechanism, a plurality of threaded ink flow controlling members adapted to be rotated in either direction to increase and de-.' a crease respectively the now of ink controlled thereby, means to selectively-rotate each or the threaded members in either direction including amnion operablyconnected to each member, a

her molmted tor reciprocating movement past 7. said pinicns, means to reciprocate the bar, a

. thereby, a pinion operably to present either one of said pawl ends in pinion. engaging position, whereby said pinion will be rotated thereby as the bar is reciprocated.

9. In an inking mechanism, a plurality of threaded ink flow controlling members adapted 5 to be rotated in either direction to increase and decrease respectively the flow of inkcontrolled thereby, means to selectively rotate each of the threaded members in either direction including a pinion operably connected to each member, a 10 bar mounted for reciprocating movement past said pinions, means to reciprocate the bar, a pawl member pivoted on the bar adjacent each pinion for free swinging movement, each of said pawl members having a pair of spaced apart pawl ends disposed one adjacent each side of each pinion, means to selectively swing said pawl member to present either of said pawl ends in pinion engaging position whereby said pinion will be rotated by a pawl as the bar is reciprocated, and means interlocking said pawl member swinging means and said bar reciprocating means to insure their simultaneous actuation.

10. In an inking mechanism, a plurality of threaded ink flow controlling members adapted to be rotated in either direction to increase and decrease respectively the flow of ink controlled thereby, means to selectively rotate each of the threaded members in either direction including a pinion operably connectedto each member, a bar mounted for reciprocating movement past said pinions, means, to reciprocate the bar, a pawl member pivoted on the bar adjacent each pinion for free swinging movement, each of said pawl members having a pair of spaced apart pawl ends disposed one adjacent each side of each pinion, means to selectively swing said pawl member to present either one of said pawl ends in pinion engaging position whereby said pinion will be rotated by a pawl as the bar is recipro- 4o cated, and releasable means. to lock said pawl member in non-pinion engaging position, said pawl member swinging means being adapted to unlock the locking means or the selected pawl member and to then immediately swing it. g 11. In an inking mechanism, a plurality of threaded ink flow controlling members adapted to be rotated in either direction to increase and decrease respectively the flow of 'ink controlled thereby, means to selectively rotate each of the w threaded members in either direction including a pinion operably connected to' each member, a bar mounted for reciprocating movement past said pinions, means to reciprocate the bar, a pawl, member pivoted on the bar adjacent each pinion u ior free swinging movement. each or said pawl members having a pair of spaced apart teethdisposed one adjacent each side of each pinion, means to selectively swing said pawl member to a present either 0! said teeth in pinion engaging 00 position, whereby said pinion will be rotated by said pawl as the bar is reciprocated, releasable means to lock said pawl member in non-pinion engaging position, said swinging means being adapted .to unlock the locking means or the se- .8 lected pawl member and then immediately swing said pawl member, and means interlocking said pawl member swinging means and said her. reciprocatlng means to insure their simultaneous actuation. V l0 12.- 1nan inking mechanism. a plurality of threaded ink iiow controlling members adapted to berotated in either direction to increase and decrease respectively the flow of ink controlled connected to each I threaded member, a bar mounted for reciprocating movement past said pinions, means to reciprocate said bar, a single pawlmember pivoted for free swinging movement on said bar adjacent each pinion and having apair of spaced apart teeth adapted to selectively engage either side of teeth on said pinion to rotate it when said pawl member is swung in either direction and said bar. is reciprocated, means to selectively swing said pawl member in either direction ineach pinion and having a pair of spaced apart pawl ends adapted to selectively engage either side of teeth on said pinion to rotate it when said pawl member is swung in either direction and said bar is reciprocated, releasable locking means adapted to'retain said pawl member in nonpinion engaging position, means to unlock said pawl member and selectively swing it in either direction, including an electromagnet disposed on each side of said pawl member, and means to selectively energize said electromagnets. v

14. In an inking mechanism, a plurality; of threaded ink flow controlling members adapted to be rotated in either direction to increase and decrease respectively the flow of ink controlled thereby, a pinion operably connected to each threaded member, a bar mounted for reciprocating movement pastsaid pinions, means to recip- 7 electrically controlled ink feeding device foreach printing unit, a controller and circuits arranged to selectively control each of the ink feeding devices, means for disconnecting the circuits of one of the ink feeding devices from its controller to prevent its control by'said v controller, and

means for-connecting the circuits of the said one ink feeding device to another controller to be operated thereby.

18, In a remotely controlled ink regulatingsystem for a multi-unit printing machine, an electrically controlled "ink feeding device for each printing unit, a controller to selectively control each of the said ink feeding devices, conductors connecting similar parts of each ink feeding device to the controller, and means for simultane-r ously disconnecting the conductors connecting one of the ink feeding devices from the controller.

19. In a multi-unit printing machine, inking mechanism including a plurality of ink' pumps for each unit, each pump having associated therewith a mechanism for regulating the supply of ink delivered by the said pump, and a manually operated controller for effecting remote control'of the regulating mechanisms, the said controller comprising a group selector for selecting any one of a plurality of groups of pump regulating mechanisms, and an individual selector for selecting any one regulating mechanism in a pre-selected group.

20. In a multi-unit printing machine, inking rocate said bar, a single pawl member pivoted for the id controller C mp ro p ec r free swinging movement on said bar adjacent each pinion and having a pair of spaced apart pawl ends adapted to selectively engage either of said pawl member, and means to selectively energize said electromagnets, said bar reciprocating means including any electromagnetic clutch, and interlocking electrical'connections' between said clutch and said electromagnets to' insure substantially simultaneous actuation thereof. I 15. In a remotely controlled ink regulating system for a multi-unit printing machine, a controllable ink feeding device for each printing unit, electrical circuits to each of which: corresponding ink feeding devices of each printing unit are connected, and a controller arranged to selectively control the ink feeding devices of any unit. v v

16. In a remotely controlled i'nk regulating system for a multi-unit'printing machine, a'controlliible ink feeding device for. each printing unit, a plurality of controllers each arranged to selectively control several ink feeding devices,

and means to disconnect one ink feeding device controller.

1'1. In a remotely controlled ink regulating.

for selecting any one of a plurality'of groups of electrically operable devices, and an individual selector for selecting any one of the said devices of a pre-selected group.

21. In a printing machine having a plurality of printing units, inking mechanism'including a plurality of ink pumps for each unit, each pump having a reciprocable piston. for causing a supply of ink to be delivered to and at spaced apart points on a memberof the printing unit, means to manually regulate the stroke of-each piston, and a manually operated electrically controlled device havinga unit selector and a pump for selectively eflecting remote control of each regulating means on each printing unit including a rotatable member operably connected to each regulating means, a single rockable member adapted to be swung into driving engagement with eachof said rotatable members to rotate it selectively in either direction, and means to reciprocable piston for causing a supply of ink to be delivered to and at spaced apart points along. said printing unit, a manually operable rotatable threaded member to regulate the stroke of each piston, and a mechanism to selectively rotate each of the threaded members in' 'either direction including a pinion operably connected system for a multi-unit printing machine, an toeach nieinbenabar mounted for reciprocating movement past said pinions, means to reciprocate the bar, a pawl member pivoted on the bar adjacent each pinion for free swinging movement,

7 each pawl member having a pair of spaced apart teeth disposed one adjacent each side of each pinion, and electrically operated means disposed remote from said inking mechanism to *selectively swing said pawl member to present either one of said teeth in pinion engaging position, whereby said pinion will be rotated thereby as the bar is reciprocated.

23. In combination with a printing machine, a plurality of printing units, each unit having a printing member and an ink supply mechanism, each ink supply mechanism having means to feed ink to any one of a plurality of areas on said printing member and includingseparately adjustable parts for varying the amount of ink fed by each of said means, an electricallyoperated device for each ink supply mechanism adapted to adjust each of said adjustable parts, a plurality of electrical circuits to each of which a device of each mechanism is connected, and a disconnecting switch operable to interrupt the said circuits simultaneously.

24. In combination, a printing machine including a folder, a plurality of printing units in alignment, said units being disposed on each side of the folder, a remotely controlled ink regulating system having a controllable ink feeding device for each printing unit, a controller arranged to selectively control the ink feeding device of any of the printing units, and means to disconnect the ink feeding device for a unit on one side of the folder from the controller. whereby the inking mechanism of printing units on both sides of the folder may be selectively regulated by the controller when the machine is operated with a' unit on each side of the folder in operation, and whereby the inking mechanism of printing units on one'side only of the folder may be selectively regulated by the controller when the machine is operated with units onone side only of the folder in operation.

25. In combination, a printing machine ineluding a folder and a plurality of printing units troller, whereby the inking mechanism of printy ing units on both sides of the folder may be selectively regulated by the controller when the machine is operated with a unit on each side of the folder in operation, and whereby when units on either one side of the folder only are in operation, the ink feeding devices of printing units only on the side in operation may be selectively regulated by the controller.

FREDEREECK GRAFTON LOUGEE. ALBERT J. HOE'ION.