US2815711A - Apparatus for selective intermittent printing - Google Patents

Description

m 9 1 0, .1 W D 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed NOV. 15,' 1956 Dec. 10, 1957 W. RITZERFELD yET AL APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE INTERMITTENT PRINTING Filed Nov. 15, 1956 9 Sheets--Shec-rl;V 2

Dec- 10, 1957 w. RlTzERFx-:RLD ErAL 2,815,711

APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE INTERMITTENT PRINTING Filed Nov. l5. 1956 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 Dec- 10, 1957 w. Rrrzl-:RFELD ErAL 2,815,711

APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE INTERMITTENT PRINTING Filed Nov. 15, 1956 9 SheetsSheet 4 Dec. 10, 1957 Filed Nov. 15, 1956 w. RxTzERFELD ETAL i 2,815,711

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Dec. 10, 1957 w. RlTzERFl-:LD ETAL 2,815,711

APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE INTERMITTENT PRINTING Filed Nov. 15, 1956 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 Dec. l0, 1957 w. RITZERFELD ErAL 2,815,711

APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE -INTERMITTENT PRINTING Filed Nov. 15', 1956 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 Dec. 10, 1957 w.R1TzERFE| D ETAL APPARATUS PoR SELECT-IVE INTERMITTENT PRINTING Filed Nov. 15, 195e 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 im m Q .E t

Dec. l0, 1957 w. RrrzERFr-:LD rs1-Al.A 2,815,711

APPARATUS FoR sELEcTrvE vINTRRMITTERT PRINTING Filed Nov. 145, 195e 9 sheets-sheet 9 Y r Invent-0n www United States Patent APPARATUS PoR sELEerIvE INTERMITTNT PRINTING wilhelm Ritzerfeld, Berlin-Dahlem, and Gerhard Ritzerfeld, Berlin-Grunewald, Germany Application November 15,1956, Serial No. 622,496 Claims priority, application Germany November 15, 1955 24 Claims. (Cl. 101-91) The present invention refers to alprinting apparatus and more particularly to an apparatus for reproducing selectively and intermittently whole pages and sections from printing forms.

One object of the present invention is Ato provide a printing apparatus in which selected sectionsfrom a printing form are reproduced on a copy `sheet in a predetermined arrangement of thesesections on the copy sheet by pressing the copy sheet againstthefprinting form in a predetermined sequence in a timed relation to the movement of the printing form.

It is another object of the invention to provide control means by which the operative movement of the means exerting pressure on the copy sheet vare..c ontrolled in relation to the movement of the printing v-form.

It is still another object ofthis inventionto provide electromagnetic control of the means which press the copy sheet against the form.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide electric impulse generating means which control the action of the electromagnetic means.

A further object of this invention is to provide a str 11cture which is throughout composedof ruggedly conf structed parts and elements which assure a continuous reliable operation of the apparatus.

With the above objects in view, the present invention mainly consists in a printing apparatusincluding a printing roll carried for rotation in the frame of the apparatus,` means for pressing a copy sheet against a form attached to the printing roll, electrical moving means for controlling the application of pressure, and electric impulse generating means selectively controlledfor the purpose of applying the pressure to the copy sheet through the electrical moving means in such a manner that selected sections of the printing form are reproduced on die` copy sheet by intermittent printing. In one preferred embodiment of the invention the electrical impulses are created by induction means passing a set of induction coil means whereby an impulse is generated in the coils every time when the induction means passes one of the coils, the individual members of the set of induction coil means being selectively controlled by a set of switches' associated respectively with the set of induction coils so that by presetting the switches the selected members of the set of induction coil means are placed in acondition for transmitting the impulse to the means providedfor movingthe pressure device into engagement with the copy sheet. f

In another embodiment of the `present invention the electrical impulses are generated by a set of induction means passing a stationary induction coil means whereby an impulse is created in the coil wheneverone orthe other of the induction means passes the coil,- the individuall members of the set of induction means being vmovable to and from an operative position by manual preseltting thereof, so that by lproper selective setting of themem? bers of the set of induction means selectedportionspf the printing form will be printed in accordance with the ICC presetting' of the, induction means associated with the selected sections of the printing form;

in another embodimentof the invention the electrical impulses are created Aby ,photoelectric means comprising a source of light and aphoto-sensitive cell. in one form of this embodiment a photoelectric cell passes a set of sources of light aSSQQiated with the various sections of the printing form, in 'anotherjormofthis embodiment a light source-passes afset of photo-electric cells associated likewise ywith the printingform',` sothat in either case an impulse is 4 generated whenever` aprieto-electric cell and a source of light ,are in operative position opposite each other. Selectorl means including asetV of switches associated withthesections of the printing form are pro vided for presetting.andpreparing a circuitfor the individual selected p hotofelectric means whereby in operation the' movingmeans ,are selectively operated for reproducing only the selected sections of the printing form;

In `another embodiment of this vinvention the electrical impulses are created bythe closing and opening of a set of selectivecontacts associated with the sections of the printing form whereby in an electric circuit a resistor is shunted by the closing' of selected4 contacts; Selection of contacts is madebyasetof switches associated with thesections of the printing form whereby the circuit is preset andvprepared forcperating the device `for exerting pressure on the copy sheet only when the selected contacts are closed.

l .Inall the embodiments; of; this invention theelectric circuit connected to tne electromagnetic means controlling tnepressure device contains electronic meanswhich act with great rapidity withoutinertia and without the danger of wear and tear in the course of the use of the apparat-11.5 i

Still in .anotherembodiment of this inventionia rapid action of the electromagnetic lmeans controlling the pressure device is, obtained by. including inthe Vcircuit. rectifier. and a combinationfa capacitor and a resistor.`

The novel features which ,are `considered as characteristicr for the invention ,aresetforth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself;` however, both asto its construction'an'd its method of operation, together with additional objects andi advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read-in connection with the accompnying drawings', in which: n r

Fig. 1 is' a lateralv View of-n e embodiment of .the inventiori, the left sidewall of theV fl'raieof the machine being omitted! for the sk'e'rf clarity and of showing the parts inside of the me'c'lianisrn` the partial sections being taken along line A-B of-Fig. 2';

`Fig. 2 is a sectin'al view taken along line C-D of Fig" l; n 4 i Fig. 4 is a lateral ofzanotherembodiment of `the invention, the left sidewall the fr 'a'rrlie'of` the yapparatus being for the alie of clarit'yhepartial sections beine taken alonelijneIvlvpfrigga Fig. v5 is vmainlya` v viringfdiagrani illustrating the electricalmeans used this embodimen t;

FigV 6 is a sectioril view taken along line --F of Fig 4; v .u

Fig. 7 is a partiaLNiew .of details of the control mechanilsrn as viewed y clire'cftitnli ofarrow G in Fig. 6;

Fig, 8 fshows p Vrgitially `in ition, details of the drive means used inwthis enrbodim nt' iiivention, the leftside wall oftheframe of the apparatus being omitted for the sake of clarity;

Fig. is a wiring diagram showing the electrical means used in thisembodiment; and

Fig. 11 is mainly an electrical wiring diagram illustrating the electrical and to some extent the mechanical means used in Ystill another' embodiment of this invention.

Referring now to Figs. 1-3, a printing roll 1 is mounted for rotation on a shaft 3 in the'frame A, and is adapted to have a printing form 2 attached to it. The printing roll 1 is driven from a motor, not shown, through a belt 8 and a pulley 7 on an intermediate shaft B, and from there through a chain 6 and chain sprockets 5 and 4.

By manual operation of a main lever 9 the counter roll 10 is set for Various pressures to be exerted by'it on a copy sheet 21 fed into the bight existing between counter roll 10 and printing roll 1. By operating the lever 9 at the same time a normally closed main switch 11 is moved into closed position. f Hereby all the electric means used in the device are connected with-thesourcel of energy. At the same time a pressure control lever 13 is moved through a link 12 into'various selected-*positions determining the amountof pressure to be exerted and is locked in selected positions by engagementwith notches on an arcuate strip 14. By turning the lever 13 the eccentric shaft 15 is turned which supports the toggle lever 16. This lever 16 is connected by a pivot pin 18 to a second toggle lever 17 connected to the counter roll 10. The counter roll 10 is otherwise carried by brackets 25 which are turnable around a stationary pivot or axle 26. It will be shown that the pressure exerted by` the counter roll 10 on the copy sheet 21 when in operativeposition is increased by swinging the lever 13 in clockwise direction as seen in Fig. 1.

The copy sheet 21 is fed intothe apparatus by means of cooperating feed rollers 22 and 23. The area where pressure is exerted for the purpose of reproduction on sheet 21 by the counter roll 10 is symbolized by the line The selective control of the apparatus is effected by operating a set of switches associated with key buttons T1 to T15 which are respectively associated with the sections Z1, Z2, Z3, etc. of the printing form 2.

The moving device for the counter roll 10, including brackets 25 and a number of cooperating levers and linkages, is operated by actuator means. These actuator means include rotary supporting elements or discs 62, 63, 64 mounted on a secondary shaft 34 supported in the frame A. The shaft 34 is drivenl in synchronism with the printing roll 1 by means of a gear train 31, 32, 33. Each disc 62, 63, 64 carries a series of actuating rollers'65 arranged along its circumference o'n a circle concentric with the axis of shaft 34.' The sets of actuating rollers 65 are respectively associated with the'sections Z1, Z2, Z3,l etc. of the printing form 2. However, since in this embodiment of the invention a plurality'of supporting elements is provided, the individual actuating rollers 65 of each disc 62, 63, 64 are spaced from each other so as to correspond to every third section of the printing form, and more specically the set of rollers 65 are offset with respect to each other from one disc to the other by an interval corresponding to one space between consecutive sections or lines of the printing form 2.

It should be understood that the multiple arrangement just described is advisable'whenever the spacing from section to section on the printing form is a comparatively narrow line spacing. y In case of'wider spacing between the successive sections of the printing form a multiple arrangement is not necessary and the apparatus may be provided only with a single set of actuator means and of the corresponding devices for operating the counter roll 10. On the other hand, While in the present example three actuating units are described, this number is not limited and may be increased if desired or advisable.

' The above-mentioned keyboard T14 to T15 is provided for selectively presetting the apparatus 'for reproducing by intermittent printinga selected sequence of Sections Z1,

CII

Z2 etc. of the printing form 2. By pressing any one of thekeys.-.T1,..T2, T3, etc. an associated switch is closed and thereby a circuit is preset or prepared for connecting a correspondingly selected member of the impulse generating means with the electromagnetic means operating the counter roller 10.

The electric impulse generating means in this embodiment of the invention include three sets of permanent magnets 68 located along a circle concentric with shaft 34 on stationary supporting elements C. The magnets 68 are spaced from each other by the same angular intervals as the rollers 65 of the corresponding disc 62, 63, 64, respectively. Each magnet 68 is provided with two pole pieces 68a, and each pole piece is provided with a coil 70, 71, respectively, wound around it. The pole pieces 68a are formed so as to leave only a very narrow gap 68h between their free ends. This gap may for instance be in the magnitude of approximately one-hundredths of an inch'.W The coils 70, 71 may have a resistance of between 2,600 and 4,000-ohms. The lines of force of the magnets extend 'through the coils 70, 71. Therefore, if inductor means as for instance a piece of soft iron 69 passes by the gap 68b a current of rather high frequency is induced in the coils 70, 71, and this current is used for igniting the thyratron tubes 75, 76, 77, respectively.

One induction coil means 68-71 is coordinated with and associated with each of the actuating elements or rollers 65. The gaps 68b of one set of induction coil means is located on a circle concentric with the shaft 34, andthe corresponding rotary supporting element or disc 62,63, 64, respectively, carries the soft iron element 69 at a radial distance from the center of shaft 34 equal to the radius of the circle on which the gaps 6812 are located. When, during rotation -of shaft 34 currents are induced in the coils 70, 71 of the individual induction coil means, this current can only be transmitted to the electromagnetic device of the apparatus from those coils which are con-A nected with the electromagnetic device by the switches forming part of the keyboard T1, T2, T3, etc. In other words, only the preselected keys of the keyboard which have been operated for closing the corresponding switch, will permit the induced current to ow through con- -densers 72, 73, 74, respectively, to the control grids of the thyratron tubes 75, 76, 77, respectively, associated with certain actuating rollers 65 and with solenoids 23, 23a, 28b, respectively. The current induced in the coils constitutes the electric impulse which ignites the tubes 7 5, '76, 77 which otherwise are blocked by a negative bias potential/and thereby a direct lcurrent is caused or permitted to ow between the cathode and anode and into the solenoids 28, 28a, 28b, respectively. ln this manner the solenoids are energized so as to move the counter roll itl into printing position. f

AVAs can be gathered from the wiring diagram of Fig. 3, each tube75, 76, 77, respectively, is associated with a cir cuit containing the tube 78, 79, 80, respectively, the cooperating tubes in each set of tubes having opposite phase relationship with respect to each other. This results in a rapid energization of the solenoids 28, 28a, 28b, respectively, and in promptly interrupting the direct current flowing through the tube 75, 76, 77, respectively.

For the purpose of selectively and intermittently operating the counter roll 10, the movement of the armatures of the solenoids 28, 28a, 28h, respectively, when energized, is transmitted to two- arm levers 83, 84, 85. respectively, through links 80, S1, 82, respectively. Other levers 89, Y 90, 91, respectively, are attached to a stationary axle 48 mounted in the frame A. These levers carry the twoarm levers 83, 84, 85, respectively, rotatable around pivot pins '86, 87, '88. The ends of the two-arm levers are connected by links 92, 93, 94, respectively, with feelcr arms 67, 67a, and 67b, respectively, by means of links 92, 93, 94. The feeler arms 67, 67a, 67b, respectively, are loosely turnableon shaft 48 and are provided at their free ends with 9am members 66.

Whenever the two-arm levers 83', 8f4", 85, resp tively, are turned by the above-described electromagnetic means until they abut against stop pins 95, 96, 97, respectively, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. lJ` then the toggle device constituted by the two- arm levers 83, 84, 85, respectively, and by the links 92, 93, 94, respectively, are turnedffrom the position shown in full lines beyond a straight relative position and into the position shown in dotted lines,.i`n which they serve to rigidly brace the feeler arm 67, 67a, 67h, respectively, against the pivot pins 86, 87, 88, respectively. At the same time the feeler arms 67, 67:1, 6771, respectively, are moved into an operative position vshown in dotted lines in Fig. l.. In this operative position the corresponding cams 66 project into the circular path of the actuating roller 65 and therefore a 'rol-ler 65 in its motion will engage the cam 66 and cause' a clockwise movement of the feeler arm 67, 67a, 67b, respectively, since however this arm is braced against the pertaining pivot pin 86, S7, 83, respectively, the resulting rotary movement of the lever 49 is transferred through the angular lever 50, link 51 and toggle levers 16, 17 and pivot pin 18 to the arm 25 of the counter roll 10. The counter roll 10 swinging around shaft or axle 26 is in this manner pressed against the voopy sheet 21 and an impression is created by the contact between the copy sheet 21 and the printing form 2 on the printing roll 1. It should be understood that one individual actuating roller 65 will engage the feeler arm 67, 67a, 67b, respectively, only if the induction means associated with that particular actuating roller 65 have been previously set into the operative connection with the electric equipment of the apparatus by operating the associated key of the keyboard. In this manner intermittent printing is effected selectively. `As soon as the energization of the solenoid 28, 28a, 281;, respectively, ceases a spring 52 causes the entire combination of links and levers to return into Ytheir starting or idle positions defined by the stop pin 19, while at the same time the feeler arm with the cam 66 also returns into inoperative position. y

Referring to Figs. 4-8, this embodiment contains means for operating the -counter roll directly through electromagnetic means without the interposition of linkages and rotary actuator means. l M.,

The general arrangement of the apparatus is similar to that illustrated by Fig. l. The counter roll k10is `con-v trolled by solenoids 28, 28a, respectively, through links 9S, toggle levers 16, 17, pivot pins 18 in cooperationwith the eccentric shaft 15. The counter roll 10 islsupported by the brackets which are turnable around the stationary pivot 26. h l

The shaft 3 of the printing roll 1 is cooperatively connected with a control shaft 99, supported in bearingsfattached to the frame A, through a pair of bevel gearsv100, 101. The control shaft 99 carries a rotary supporting ele-v ment in form of a disc member 102 which, in turn, is provided With a set of pins 103 located along a circle. Each of these pins is movable in transverse direction With respect to the disc 102 and carries at one end a flat soft iron piece which serves as inductor means. Disengageable locking means are provided for each pin 102 and consist mainly of a ball 105 supported by a spring 106 so that the ball 105 is able to snap into corresponding grooves in the pin 103 so as to hold it during the rotation of disc 102 either in operative or inoperative position. Perpendicular to the control shaft 99 and parallel with disc 102 a flat stationary supporting member 107 is mounted in the frame A. The element 107 is provide-d with a set of control elements constituted by pins 108 which are also movable in direction transverse to the element 107 and disc 102. Each pin 108 is provided with a return spring 109 which tends to move it into its inoperative position. The control pins 108 as well as the pins 103 are arranged along a circle concentric with shaft 99 and of equal diameter to that of the circle of the pins 103, and the individual pins 108 and 103, respectively, are spaced from each other at the Same angular intervals. In this manner, in starting "tion of disc `102 ueach control element 108 is exactly ahgned'with la pin 1h03. Whenever a pin 103 is in its inoperative position and when the opposite control element 108 is pushed against action of spring 109 into its operative positi'oh vthe pin 102will be moved into its operative position after which pin 108 returns automatically into its inoperative position. In this manner by selectively operating lthe pins 108 which are associated respectively with the section Z1, Z2, Z3, etc. of the printing form 2, any pre# setting of the inductor means 104 for selective reproduction of selected sections of the printing form can be effected.

Induction coil means including a permanent magnet 110 and two pole pieces ,provided with coils 111 and 112 is stationarily mounted in the frame in a position that the small gap left betweeny the tips of the pole pieces is lol cated at one point of the4 circular path traveled by the inductor ymeans 104 when in operative position. Therefore,

- Whenever during rotation of the printing roll 1 and the rotary supporting element 1,02 any one of the plates 104 passes the gapbetween the pole pieces of the magnet a 'curre'r1t is induced momentarily in the coils 111 and 112.

The induced Icurrent constitutes an electric impulse which is then carried through a condenser 113 to the conf trol grid of a tube 114 and thereby ignites this tube Which otherwise Vis blocked by a negative bias potential. After ignition of the tube 114 a direct current is caused to ow l between cathode and anode of tube 114 and to .the

solenoids 28, ,28av which are connected in parallel. Conf sequently, the impulse transmitted to the solenoids 28 and 28d causes the latter to operate the counter roll 10'.

Ascanlbe gatheredfrom the wiring diagram of Fig. 5, the tube 114 is connected with a circuit including a tube 1.15 whereby arapid energization of the solenoids 28 and 28a `and al prompt interruption of the direct current through tube114 is effected. TheV solenoids 28 and 28a operate the counter roll 10 in the manner described above.

Means for clearing the apparatus from a certain setting ofthelcpntrol means and for ybeing able to set the apparatuswfora diierent type of operation are provided in the following manner. A clearing lever 116 with a bevelledv` surface 117 at its free end is mounted turnable' aroundra pivot pin 118 and is controlled by a spring 119 for movementbetween two limiting stop pins 120 and 121, respectively. In its operative position the lever 116 projects with its bevelled end 117 into the circular path of the inductor means 104 in operative position. Theref fore during a rotation of the supporting element 102 all those plates 104 that were in operative position will strike against the surface 117 and thereby be pushed back into inoperative position. The lever 116 may be swung into inoperative position against pin 121.

Additional control means are provi-ded for moving the inductor means 104 automatically into operative position without manually operating the` control elements 108. This can be done in such a manner that after one revolution of the printing drum for printing sections of the form 2 in accordance with the rst setting of the pins 103, automatically the pins may be selectively set for a reproduction of other sections of the printing form during the next following revolution of the printing roll 1.

`For this purpose a control arm 122 is fixed to a ratchet wheel 124 which is rotatably mounted on the control shaft 99 and is operatively connected with a windable spring 125. The arm 122 is provided with a tiltable cam member l123 which during rotation automatically moves a pin 103 into operative position. For cooperation with the ratchet wheel 124 a locking pawl 126 and astep controlling pawl 127 are turnably mounted on a pivot pin 128`attached to the disc 102 and are subject to action by springs 129 and 130, respectively.

j The Vratchetwheel 124 is connected with an outwardly projecting hand knob 131 which permits to turn Athe ratchet wheel 124 against the action of the spring 125 7 into the desired position. During rotation of printing roll 1 and disc 102 the ratchet wheel 124 rotates also due' to the effect of the locking pawl 126 and carries with it the control arm 122. i i.

Shortly before the rotating elements return to the starting position the pawls 126 and 127 pass control pins 132 which are movable to and from operative positions in substantially radial direction with respect to shaft 99. Whenever the' pawls engage one of the control pins 132, the ratchet and pawl device causes the control arm 122 to make one step in relation to the disc 102 which occurs duc to the effect of the spring 125 and is controlled by the step controlling pawl 127. The step of the control arm 122 is carried out in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of disc 102. Therefore, during this stepwise movement the cam member 123 at the end of control arm 122 engages the next following pin 103 and if the latter was in inoperative position it will be pushed into operative position. In any case the arm 122 stops after the step with the -cam member 123 located in the interval between two successive pins 103. v

If more than one of the control pins 132, for instance two such pins, have been placed into operative position in which they are held by locking means including a spring supported ball snapping into corresponding grooves, then the engagement of the pawls with two control pins 132 in succession results in two consecutive automatic steps of the control lever 122. It is evident that in this matter by using a plurality of control pins 132 an automatic shifting from rst selected sections of the form to other consecutive sections of the form can be attained the number of sections reproduced on account of the automatic setting by control arm 122 corresponding to the number of control pins 132 placed into operative position. However. the selective setting of the control pins 132 can also be done in such a manner that for instance first the printing is done in single line arrangement and that the control pins 132 are set lfor two line steps of the control arm so that in this case only every other line is reproduced from the form.

Moreover, the device functions in such a mannerthat if for instance reproduction of several lines has been carried out and if the control pins 132 for the ratchets 126, 127 has been set accordingly, it is not necessary to set manually the pins 103 for reproduction of the next following series of lines. The control arm 122 moving stepwise as described brings automatically the pins 103 with the inductor means 104 into operative position in accordance with the setting of the control pins 132, without any necessity of a manual operation.

Fig. 4 shows that the control shaft 99 and therefore the axis of rotation of the rotary supporting element 102 is oriented at a 90 angle with respect to the direction ofk the shaft 3 of the printingy roll. .According to Fig. 4 a set of bevel gears is interposed between the two shafts. Fig. 8 serves to illustrate an alternative as in this case a worm 133 and a worm wheel 134 constitute the driving connection between the shafts 3 and 99.

Referring now to Figs. 9 and 10, the embodiment of the invention illustrated bv these figures is similar t-o the ones described before. However, the electric impulse generating means include in this case a photo-electric device comprising a source of light and a cooperating photo-sensitive cell. A set of light bulbs 135 or similar sources of light are mounted along a circle on a stationary supporting element. The light bulbs 135 are spaced from each other and associated respectively with sections Z1, Z2, Z3, etc. of the printing form 2. The individual light bulbs 135 are connected to a source of supply and to a set of switches respectively associated with keys P1, P2, P3, etc. on a keyboard on the outside of the apparatus. In this manner any one of the bulbs 135 can be set into operative condition that means made to light according to the selective setting or operation of the keys of the keyboard.

.The shaft 34 carries a rotary or rotating supporting ele- -ment' constituted by an arm 136a which, in turn, carries at its outer end a photo-sensitive cell 136. The cell 136 is connected by suitable'wires to contact rings on or around the shaft 34 which in turn are continuously engaged by corresponding sliding contacts 137 and 138, respectively. The contacts 137 and 138 are connected into the electric circuit means described further below.

The radial distance of cell 136 from the axis of shaft 34 is the same as the radius of the circle along which the light bulbs 135 are arranged. Therefore during rotation of shaft 34 the photo-sensitive cell 136 successively passes the light bulbs 135. Whenever one light bulb 135 is substantially in alignment with the cell 136 an electric impulse is generated in said cell 137. The circuit to which contacts 137, 138 are connected comprises rectifier means and thyratron tubes. The current generated in the cell 136 flows through the connecting lines from the contacts 137, 138 to the control grid of a thyratron tube 139 and there ignites the tube 139 which otherwise is blocked by a negative bias potential. The result of the ignition is that a direct current ows between the cathode and the anode -of the tube 139 and through the solenoids 140 and 141 which are connected in parallel and serve as the electromagnetic means for operating the counter roll 10 as has been described above.

In an alternative of the just described embodiment the arrangement of the photo-electric device can be reversed. In case of this alternative, the bulbs 135 are arranged on a rotary supporting element revolving with shaft 34 while the photo-sensitive cell 136 is mounted stationarily on a supporting element.

It is evident that by selectively setting the keys and switches of the keyboard the selected bulbs 135 are caused to emit light. While the rotary supporting element with the light bulbs rotates in synchronism with the printing roll the bulbs pass the stationary photo-sensitive cell 136 whereby a current is generated in the cell and is caused to flow to the grid of the tube 139 for igniting the latter. Through the ignited thyratron the current flows to the solenoids 140, 141 whereby the counter roll 10 is moved into printing position.

Referring now to Fig. 11 the embodiment according to this figure is illustrated more diagrammatically by showing the selector means, the stationary and rotary supporting elements and the circuit means including the solenoids 28, 28a intended to operate the counter roll 10. The mechanical equipment of the apparatus is to be assumed to be generally similar to the embodiments illustrated by the other drawings of this application.

As the wiring diagram shows, two separate keyboards are used for selecting the sections of the printing form intended to be reproduced. One keyboard comprises a set of keys T1, T2, T3, etc. each key being associated with a switch. The second keyboard comprises a set of keys I, II, III, etc. each also being associated with a switch. Each keyboard is divided into two similar groups, one assigned to cooperate with the solenoids 28, the other one with the solenoids 28a.

Each switch of the first mentioned keyboard T1, T2. T3, etc. is connected to a series of associated contacts K1, K2, K3, etc. mounted on a stationary supporting element 151. The set of keys and contacts is respectively associated with sections of the printing form. The contacts K1, K2, K3, etc. are arranged along circles on the support 151. The special arrangement in this case is such that'alternatively the consecutive contacts are arranged on the larger and smaller concentric circle and each contact on the inner circles is offset against the neighboring contacts'on the outer circle by one-half the angular interval between the contacts on the outer circle. The switches on the keyboard are connected with the contacts K1, K2, etc. in such a manner that two consecutive keys T1, T2, operate the contacts K1 and K2 and connect them if the key switches are closed to the same group of solenoids. By using the two groups of key and contact trienibe'rs and yof solenoids a considerably higher printing speed is obtainable. v

In the center of the stationary support 1 51 a shaft is 'arranged which carries a rotating supporting element 156 which in turn is provided with contacts adapted to engage during rotation of a`r m 156 successively the various contacts on thesuppjort y1517. The contacts on arm 156 are connected with each other so that as they pass over the stationary contacts which are offset against each other the time of closing the' Whole circuit will be determined by the time the Contact on arm 156 takes to travel for instance over the stationary contact K1 if the corresponding key T1 was operated. However if also the neighboring key T2 was operated then theltime of closing the 4circuit will be extendedin an overlapping manner by the time which the 'second contact on arm 156 takes to travel over contact K2.

Referring again to thewiring diagram, it can be seen that the apparatus is supplied with the usual 220vo1t or 11G-volt A. C. Since, however, applicationof A. C. to solenoid 28, 28a would result in a delay factor of 20 milliseconds, the A. C. is converted into D. C. by means of a rectifier tube 153 which assures a very satisfactory performance of the solenoids 28, 28a. The thyratron tubes 154, 154a are rst of all blocked by a suitable bias potential. .4

If for instance the key T3 is in actuated position so that the corresponding switch is closed, the resistor 155 is shunted by the circuit means including the connection to contact spring 157 on yarm 156;

l When the apparatus is 4 started ,the arm156 revolves' in synchronism with lthe printingroll 1. Whenever the arm 156 with its contacts engages the stationary Contact K3 then the resistance 155 is shunted through the key switch T3, the contact arm 156 and the sliding contact 157. The shunting of resistor 1 55 has the effect of an electric impulse because by the shunting of resistor 155 the potential drop in the voltagedivider 155, 158, 159 is changed whereby thethyratron 154 receives Van igniting impulse at a raised voltage through the condenser 160. The igniting impulse causes the solenoid 2d to be 4energized by the thyratron tube 154. In theanode connection from thyratron V154 to the solenoids'ZSa rapid action circuit 161 comprising a condenser and a resistor may be arranged for the purpose of causing the solenoids 28 to react faster. s i t When the contacts of thearni 156 leave thel stationary contact K3 a drop of voltage occurs at thevoltage divider 155, 158, 159 so that the voltage lreturnsV toits normal value, the voltage drop resulting in an impulse through the condenser `162. to an `'amplifier tube 163, The amplified impulse causesan igniting impulse through the condenser 164 to the second thyratron 165 whichr closes a circuit to the resistor 166 for the purpose of extinguishing the first thyratron 154. The sudden change of the voltage potential from plus to minus at the condenser 167 causes a rapid and immediate collapse' of the potential causing the extinguishing of `thethyratron 154.v Therefore the solenoids 28, are Vnow `without energization. k

As demonstrated above, the time during which the circuit is closed while one of the contacts of arm 156 is in engagement with one of the stationary contacts K1 etc. depends upon the dimensionof the stationary contact measured in the direction of rotation. By using also the second set of stationary contacts K2, K4 etc. the times of contact engagement overlap and thereby the duration of the shunted status of resistor 155 and the time of the counter roll held in printing position isextendedu In this case the apparatus and itsnfunction is insensitive to variations of the speed of rotation.

The above mentioned second keyboard together with a second stationary and rotary supportinguelement 152 and 168, respectively, with a set of,stationary` contacts Kzl, Kzz, Kzs, etc. is @entleert-.a ttsl the jre tf'of `the above described system in parallel and functionsexactly in the samenia'nneraiid with the sarneeli'ects. The difference is ythat the keys I', II, etc. can be used for connecting several groups vof the stationary contacts simultaneously for the purpose of igniting the .thyratron tube 154. By operating for instance the key Itmore than one line or section of the printing form can be reproduced consecutively and in one continuous block.

It will be understood that eachof the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of printing .apparatus differing from the types described above.

While the inventionhas been illustratedand described as embodied in an apparatus for selective intermittent printing, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made Without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without `further. analysis, the foregoing Will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications Without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this inventionhand, therefore, such adaptations `should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range ofl equivalence ofthe following claims.

Whatis claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:` u

1. Ina printing apparatus, in combination, a frame; a printing roll carried forrotationabout its axis by said frame and adapted to have a printingform fixed thereto; acounter roll carried bysaid frame for movement to and from an operatingposition in close proximity to said printingroll for pressing a ,copy sheet against said printing` form, ysaid counter roll having an axis parallel to that of said printing roll;v an electrical moving device operatively connected to said counter roll for moving the same in response to electrical impulses to and from said operating position; a first supporting element and a second supporting element -mounted on said frame, said second supporting element being movablerelative to said first supporting element; an electric impulse generating device including first impulse generating Ameans comprising a set of members respectively associated with sections of Said printing form, and second impulse generating means, said first and secbnd means cooperating for generating electrical impulses', said first impulse generating means being mounted on one of said supporting elements, and said second impulse generating means being mounted on the other of said supporting elements, so that the means mounted on said second supporting element move along aA predeterniinedpath, the means mounted on said first supporting element` being located along said path so that during the relative movement of said supporting elements, one of said members and said second impulse generating means are in mutually aligned positions for creating an electric impulse; circuit means connecting said impulse generating device with said electrical moving device and including electronic means for transmitting said impulses to said electrical moving device for operating `the same whenever an impulse is generated by said impulse generating device; selector means mounted on said frame and including a set of control elements respectively associated with sections of said printing form and with said members of said first impulse generating means for placing selected members of said first impulse genet-'ating means into operative condition; and drive means operatively connected to said printing roll and to said second supporting element for moving the same whereby selected sections of said printing form corresponding to selected control elements and members of said first impulse generating" means in operative condition are printed on copy sheet passing between said rolls.

In ai printingfapparatiis, in combination, a frame; a printing roll carried for rotation about its axis by said frame and adapted to have a printing form fixed thereto; a counter rollcarried by said frame for movement to and from an operating position in clo-se proximity to said printing roll for pressing a copy sheet against said printing form, said counter roll having an axis parallel to that of said printing7 roll; an electrical moving device operatively connected to said counter roll for moving the same in response to electrical impulses to and from said operating position; a first supporting element and a second supporting element mounted on said frame, said second supporting element being rotatable relative to said first supporting element; an electric impulse generating device including first impulse generating means comprising a set of members respectively associated with sections of said printing form, and second impulse generating means, said first and second means eooperating for generating electrical impulses, said first impulse generating means Vbeing mounted on one of said supporting elements, and said second impulse generating means being mounted on vthe other of said supporting elements, so that the means mounted on said second supporting element move along a circular path about the rotary axis of said second supporting element, the means mounted on said first supporting element being located along said circular path so that during the relative movement of said supporting elements, one of said members and said second impulse generating means are in mutually aligned positions for creating an electric impulse; circuit means connecting said impulse generating device with said electrical moving device and including electronic means for transmitting said impulses to said electrical moving device for operating the same whenever an impulse is generated by said impulse generating device; selector means mounted on said frame and including a set of control elements respectively associated with sections of said printing form and with said members of said first impulse generating means for placing selected members of said first impulse generating means into operative condition; and drive means operatively connected to said printing roll and to said second supporting element for moving the same whereby selected sections of said printing form corresponding to selected control elements and members of said first impulse generating means in operative condition are printed on a copy sheet passing between said rolls.

3. In a printing apparatus, in combination, a frame; a printing roll carried for rotation about its axis by said frame and adapted to have a printing form fixed thereto; a counter roll carried by said frame for movement to and from an operating position in close proximity to said printing roll for pressing a copy sheet against said printing form, said counter roll having an axis parallel to that of said printing roll; an electrical moving device operatively connected to said counter roll for moving the same in response to electrical impulses to and from said operating position; a first supporting element and a second supporting element mounted on said frame, said second supporting element being rotatable relative to said first supporting element; an electrical impulse generating device including a set of induction coil means on said first supporting element and being located spaced from each other along a circle having a center located in the axis of said second supporting element, said induction coil means being respectively associated with sections of said printing form, and induction means mounted on said second supporting element for rotation around the axis of said circle along a circular path of same diameter as said circle and in close proximity to said induction coil means and for inducing inductive electric impulses in said coil means, whereby an electric impulse is generated in each of said coil means whenever during rotation said induction means passes one of said induction coil means; circuit means connecting said impulse gen-V erating device with said electrical moving device and including electronic means for transmitting said impulses to said electrical moving device for operating the same whenever an impulse is generated in one of said induction coil means; selector means mounted on said frame and including a set of control switch elements respectively associated with sections of said printing form and with said induction coil means for connecting selected induction coil means into said circuit; and drive means operatively connected to said printing roll and to said second supporting element for moving the same whereby selected sections of said printing form corresponding to selected control elements and members of said first impulse generating means in operative condition are printed on a copy sheet passing between said rolls.

4. In a printing apparatus, in combination, a frame; a printing roll carried for rotation about its axis by said frame and adapted to have a printing form fixed thereto; a counter roll carried by said frame for movement to and from an operating position in close proximity to said printing roll for pressing a copy sheet against said printing form, said counter roll having `an axis parallel to that of said printing roll; an electrical moving device operatively connected to said counter roll for moving the same in response to electrical impulses to and from said operating position; a first supporting element and a second supporting element mounted on said frame, said second supporting element being rotatable relative to said first supporting element; an electrical impulse generating device including a set of magnets mounted on said first supporting element and located spaced from each other along a circle having a center located in the axis of said second supporting element, said magnets being respectively associated with sections of said printing form, a coil of wire wound around each of said magnets, and an armature member mounted on said second supporting element for rotation around the axis of said circle along a circular path of same diameter as said circle and in close proximity to said magnets and for inducing inductive electric irnpulses in said coils, whereby an electric impulse is generated in each of said coils whenever during rotation said armature member passes one of said magnets; circuit means connecting said impulse generating device with said electrical moving device and including electronic means for transmitting said impulses to said electrical moving device for operating the same whenever an impulse is generated in one of said coils; selector means mounted on said frame and including a set of control switch elements respectively associated with sections of said printing form and with said coils for connecting selected coils into said circuit; and drive means operatively connected to said printing roll and to said second supporting element for moving the same whereby selected sections of said printing form corresponding to selected control elements and members of said first impulse generating means in operative condition are printed on a copy sheet passing between said rolls.

5. In a printing apparatus, in combination, a frame; a printing roll carried for rotation about its axis by said frame and adapted to have a printing form fixed thereto; a counter roll carried by said frame for movement to and from an operating position in close proximity to said printing roll for pressing a copy sheet against said printing form, said counter roll having an axis parallel to that of said printing roll; an electrical moving device operatively connected to said counter roll for moving the same in response to electrical impulses to and from said operating position; a first supporting element and a second supporting element mounted on said frame, said second supporting element being rotatable relative to said first supporting element; an )electrical impulse generating device including a set of permanent magnets mounted on said first supporting element and located; spaced from each other along a circle having a center located in the axis of said second supporting element, said permanent magnets being respectively associated with sections of said printing form, said magnets including each of a pair of pole pieces 13 projecting therefrom with a small gap left between their free ends, a `coil `of wire woundaaroundneach of said pole pieces and an armature member mountedL on said second supporting element fdr rotation around the axis of said circle along a circular path of sameA diameter as said circle and in close proximity to said permanent magnets and for inducing linductive electric impulses in said coils, (whereby an electric impulse is generated in each of said coils whenever during rotation said armature member passes one of said gaps; circuit means connecting said impulse generating device with said electrical moving device and including electronic means for transmitting said impulses to said electrical moving device for operating the same whenever an impulse is generated in one of said coils; selector means mounted on said frame and including a set of control switch elements respectively associated with sections of said printing form and with said coils for connecting selected coils into saidrcircuit; and drive means operatively connected to said printing roll and to said second supporting element for moving the same whereby selected sections of said printing form corresponding to selected control elements and members of said first impulse generating means in operative condition are printed on a copy sheetl passing between said rolls.

6. An arrangement as set forth in claim 2, Vwherein said electrical moving device includesV a linkage pivotally mounted on said frame and carrying said counter roll, and

asis-,ni

fronjritisv priniing position whenever said electrmagnetie is energized by said electricv impulse; said moving device including coupling means turnablyrmounted on said frame and connected with said linkage and said movable member of said electromagnetic means, and nidi/able by said electromagnetic means from an inoperaytive position to an operative position, a portion of said coupling means projecting in operative position into said circular path of said actuating means whereby said counter electromagnetic means including 'a movablernember conj nected to said linkage for operating the same and connected into said circuit means whereby said counter roll is moved to and from its printing position whenever said electromagnetic means is energized by said electric impulse.

7. An arrangement as set forth in claim 2, and including a set of actuating means mounted on saidsecond supporting member and spaced from each other on said second supporting element along a circular path concentric with said circular path of said impulse generating means mounted on said second supporting element, each of said actuating means bein-g respectively associated with sections of said printing roll and with said members of said first impulse generating means; said electrical moving device including a linkage pivotally mounted in said frame and carrying said counter roll, and electromagnetic means including a movable member connected to said linkage for operating the same and connected into said circuit means whereby said counter roll is moved to and from its printing position whenever said electromagnetic means is energized by said electric impulse; and said moving device including coupling means turnably mounted in said frame and connected with said linkage and said movable member of said electromagnetic means, and movable by said electromagnetic means from an inoperative position to an operative position, a portion of said coupling means projecting in operative position into said circular path of said actuating means whereby Said counter roll is moved into printing position, whenever said coupling means is moved by said electromagnetic means into operative position and into engagement with said actuating means. j

8. An arrangement as set forth in claim 2, and including a set of actuating means mounted on said second supporting member and spaced from each other on said second supporting element along a circular path concentric with said circular path of said impulse generating means mounted on said second supporting element, each of said actuating means being respectively associated with sections of said printing roll and with said members of said rst impulse generating means; said electrical moving device includes a linkage pivotally mounted insaid frame and carrying said counter roll, and electromagnetic means including a movable member connected to said linkage for operating the same and connected into said circuit means whereby said counter roll is moved to and roll is moved into printing position, whenever said coupling means is moved by said electromagnetic means into operative position and into engagement with said actuating means; said coupling means being a feeler arm pivotally niointed on said frame, for turning to and from an operative position and having an end portion projecting into the circular path of said actuating means when in operative position, a second arm mounted coaxially with said feeler arm in saidrframe and operatively onnected said linkage, two links` pivotally connected with each other and respectively with said feeler arm and said second arm so as to constitute a toggle device movable to and from an operative position and connected with said electromagnetic means for being moved from inoperative to an operative position so that whenever said toggle device is moved i-nto operative position said feeler arm and said second arm are angularly moved relatively to each other and that said feeler arm is moved into operative position.

9. An arrangement as set forth in claim 2 wherein said selector means include a set of key members mounted on said frame and respectively associated with sections of said printing form and with said impulse generating members, a set of switches respectively associated with said key members for connecting selected impulse generating members into said circuit.

Al0. An arrangement as set forth in claim 1, wherein said electronic means include energizing means connected in circuit with said electromagnetic means, switch means connected in circuit between said energizing and said electromagnetic means and operable between a circuitclosing condition wherein said electromagnetic means is energized and a circuit-opening condition wherein said electromagnetic means is deenergized, said switch means being responsive to said impulse ,transmitted from said impulse generating means for changing said switch means between its circuit-opening and circuit-closing conditions.

ll. An arrangement asset forth in claim l, wherein said electronic means include energizing means connected in circuit with said electromagnetic means, switch means connected in circuit between said energizing and said electromagnetic means and operable between a circuitclosing condition wherein said electromagnetic means is energized and a circuit-opening condition wherein said electromagnetic means is deenergized, said switch means being responsive to one portion of said impulse transmitted from said impulse generating means for changing said switch means from circuit-opening condition to circuit-closing condition and responsive to another portion of said impulse for changing said switch means from circuit-closing condition toy circuit-opening condition.

12. In a pri-nting apparatus, in combination, a frame; a printing roll carried for rotation about its axis by said frame and adapted to have a printing form fixed thereto; a counter roll carried by said frame for movement to and from an operating position in close proximity to said printing roll for pressi-ng a copy sheet against said printing form, said counter roll having an axis parallel to that of said printing roll; a plurality of electrical moving devices operatively connected to said counter roll for moving the same in response to electrical impulses to and from said operating position; a plurality of rst supporting elements and a plurality of s econd supporting elements mounted on said frame, each of said second supporting elements being associated with one of said rst supporting elements and movable relative thereto; a plu"- rality of electric impulse generating devices including first impulse generating means each comprising a set of members respectively associated with sections of said printing form, and second impulse generating means, said first and second means cooperating for generating electrical impulses, said first impulse generating means being mounted on one of said supporting elements, and said second impulse generating means being mounted on the other of said supporting elements, so that the means mounted on said second supporting element move along a circular path about the rotary axis of said second supporting element, the means mounted on said first supporting element being located along 'said circular path so that during the relative movement of said supporting elements, one of said members and said second impulse generating means are in mutually aligned positions for creating an electric impulse; circuit means connecting said impulse generating device with said electrical moving device and including electronic means for transmitting said impulses to said electrical moving device for operating the same whenever an impulse is generated by each impulse generating device; selector means mounted on said frame and including a set of control elements respectively associated with sections of said printing form and with said members of said first impulse generating means for placing selected members of said first impulse generating means into operative condition; and drive means operatively connected to said printing roll and to said second supporting elements for moving the same whereby selected sections of said printing form corresponding to selected control elements and members of said first impulse generating means in operative condition are printed on a copy sheet passing between said rolls.

13. In a printing apparatus, in combination, a frame; a printing roll carried by rotation about its axis by said frame and adapted to have a printing form fixed thereto; a counter roll carried by said frame for movement to and from an operating position in close proximity to said printing roll for pressing a copy sheet against said printing form, said counter roll having an axis parallel to that of said printing roll; an electrical moving device operatively connected to said counter roll for moving the same in response to electrical impulses to and from said operating position; a first supporting element and a second supporting element mounted on said frame, said second supporting element being rotatable relative toy said first supporting element; an electric impulse generating device including a set of induction means mounted on said second supporting element spaced from each other along a circle and being respectively associated with sections of said printing form and being individually movable transversely of said second supporting element to and from an operative position, for travelling in operative position along a circular path, and induction coil means mounted on said first supporting element at a point along said circular path and in close proximity thereto, whereby an electric impulse is generated in said induction coil means whenever anyone of said induction means in operative position passes by said induction coil means during rotation; circuit means connecting said impulse generating device with said electrical moving device and including electronic means for transmitting said impulses to said electrical moving device for operating the same whenever an impulse is generated in said induction coil means; selector means mounted on said first supporting element and including a set of control elements respectively associated with sections of said printing form and with said induction means, and located spaced from `each other along a circle of same diameter as said circular path, for selectively moving said induction me'ansinto operative position; and drive means operatively connected to said printing roll and to said second supporting element for moving the same whereby selected sections of said printing form corresponding to selected control elements and members of said first impulse generating means in operative condition are printed on a copy sheet passing between said rolls.

14. In a printing apparatus, in combination, a frame; a printing roll carried for rotation about its axis by said frame and adapted to have a printing form fixed thereto; a counter roll carried by said frame for movement to and from an operating position in close proximity to said printing roll for pressing a copy sheet against said printing form, said counter roll having an axis parallel to that of said printing roll; an electrical moving device operatively connected to said counter roll for moving the same in response to electrical impulses to and from said operating position; a first supporting element and a second supporting element mounted on said frame, said second supporting element being rotatable relative to said first supporting element; an electric impulse generating device including a set of armature members mounted on said second supporting element spaced from each other along a circle and being respectively associated with sections of said printing form and being individually movable transversely of said second supporting element to and from an operative position, for traveling in operative position along a circular path, and magnet means mounted on said first supporting element at a point along said circular path and in close proximity thereto, a coil of wire wound around said magnet, whereby an electric impulse is generated in said coil whenever anyone of said armature members in operative position passes by said coil during rotation; circuit means connecting said impulse generating device with said electrical moving device and including electronic means for transmitting said impulses to said electrical moving device for operating the same whenever an impulse is generated in said coil; selector means mounted on said first supporting element and including a set of control elements respectively associated with sections of said printing form and with said armature members, and located spaced from each other along a circle of same diameter as said circular path, for selectively moving said armature members into operative position; and drive means operatively connected to said printing roll and to said second supporting element for moving the same whereby selected sections of said printing form corresponding to selected control elements and members of said first impulse generating means in operative condition are printed on a copy sheet passing between said rolls.

15. In a printing apparatus, in combination, a frame; a printing roll carried for rotation about its axis by said frame and adapted to have a printing form fixed thereto; a counter roll carried by said frame for movement to and from an operating position in close proximity to said printing roll for pressing a copy sheet against said printing form, said counter roll having an axis parallel to that of said printing roll; an electrical moving device operatively connected to Vsaid counter roll for moving the same in response to electrical impulses to and from said operating position; a first supporting element and a second supporting element mounted on said frame, said second supporting element being rotatable relative to said first supporting element; an electric impulse generating device including a set of armature members mounted on said second supporting element spaced from each other along a circle and being respectively associated with sections of said printing form and being individually movable transversely of said second supporting element to and from an operative position, for traveling in operative position along a circular path, and a permanent magnet means mounted on said first supporting element at a point along said circular path and in close proximity thereto, a pair of pole pieces projecting from` said magnet withl a small gap left between their free ends and a coil of wire wound around said pole piece-s, whereby an electric impulse is generated in said coil whenever anyone of said armature members in operative position passes by said gap during rotation; cirooit means. aportes-sting said v'trips-tlse generating dei/ies with .said eleetrisal nioviog 'dei/fies and insluiting t .tronic means for transmitting said impulses to cleo trical moving `devies for operating the saine whenever an impulse is generated in said ooilf; `selector spaans mounted op said nist supporting .element and -inplnding a set of veontnal elements respepf 4.ely associated gestions of said printing foins .and with ad ,ar .attire members., and located spaced from eaoli other g -a oirole of saine diameter. as said oireplar path, for seleotiyely moving .said annotare members into (operative positions and driye means operatively oonneeted to ,said printing roll and to .said second suppor g ,elenient ,for moving the sanne whereby selooted soot ing forni `oorr..espontling .to selected ooptrol e members of said rstimpulse generating mean-s in ,op- `stative condition are printed lon aoopy slieetpassing betweensaid rolls.. A'

:1..6 In .a printing apparatus, in combination,

trarne;

.a printing roll .carried tor rotation .about .its airis lay said l transcend adapted .tonaye a printing torni .naad thereto; a .counter rollearried by saisi .trame for ,moyens tio and .tronnan operating position .in close proirinsiy tto ...said nnting poll tor pressing .a .oopy sheet" gainst -said print- .los for ...d f unter'troll paying an i Ming roll; .electrical nioyingdeviee operatively .Connected to `saisi. `counter roll tor inovingthe .saine resp toeleetrioal impulses .to and frornlsaid operating position; aiirstlsppportingelernent.and .aseoond supporting element mounted on .,s'aid fr niensaid second snppordng elerne t ing 1; le .relative .to said supporting element; an electric including a sot of indnotion n second supporting element spaced tfrorn-.eaoll otl1.e.rlong a circle and Vbeing'respectively associated with i A nnpplse .gensratingde sections of said printing form and breingrindividually movable transversely of said second supporting element to and from an operative position., tor traveling in operative position along a circular path, ap d inductionygoilmeans mounted on saidtirst supporting ele ent at a point along said circular path and in close proxinllty thereto, whergby an electric 'impulse is generated in said induction coil means whenever anyone of said induction meansin operative position passes play said induction A,coil means during rotation; cirpit means connecting said impulse 1generating device -with said electrical movirilg device andi'ingqluding yelectronic means {or-transmitting 'said 'impulses to said electrical moving device for operating the same whenever an impulse is generated in said induction coil means; selector means mounted on said first supporting element and including a set of control members respectively associated with sections of said printing form and with said induction means, and located spaced from each other along a circle of same diameter as said circular path, said control members being movable transversely of said rst and .second supporting elements to and from an operative position and being spaced from each other at the same intervals as said induction means, for moving in operative position an associated induction means into its operative position; and drive means operatively connected to sad printing roll and to said second supporting element for moving the same whereby selected sections of said printing form corresponding to selected control elements and members of said lirst impulse generating means in operative condition are printed on a copy sheet passing between said rolls.

17. An arrangement as set forth in claim 16, wherein said rst supporting element is a plate perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said second supporting element and extending in a plane parallel to the axis of rotation of said printing roll, said rotary second supporting element including a rotary control member turnable about said axis of rotation thereof and including an actuating element movable along a circular path located between said set of induction means and said set of control members; Wind- .asis parallel to .aisle spring :ineens engaging said rotary icontrol .nieoiber Vand said :rotary second supporting relement .and tending .to said rotary control niet-aber .in a direction ,opposite to the rotation of ,said rotary second supporting element, Ineans for winding said spring .and means .on said ,second supporting element for holding said rotary control memoor in a selected position against .the aotionof said spring, and .release means mounted on said .fratrie movable' from .api peratiye .to an Yopstative position and projecting into the path ,of said ,holding rneans for moving' .the latter into .a position permitting said vrotary Qontrol niernber to :nove onde he .action of said spring and .to more a seleoted s g member .into operative position.

1.8, .arrangement as' set forth in .olaini 1.3, inelnding release .nieans Aino nted on said frame. 4,and movable .between .an inoperative and an operative position, said ,release ineans projecting in its operative position into .said Circular path of said indpotion kmeans Alior noot/,ing thorn braak linto their .inoperative position- 19. vI n a printing apparatus, in combination, a frame; a printing roll carried for rotation `about its axis 'by said frameand adapted to have a printing form fixed thereto; a counter roll carried by said frame for movement ,to and from an operating position in close proximity to said printing roll for pressing a copy sheet `against said printing form, said counter -`roll'having an axis parfallcl to that ofsaid printing roll; .an electrical moving device operatively connectd to said counter roll for moving the'same in response -to electrical impulses to and from `said operating position; a first supporting element and a second lsupporting element mounted on said lframe, said second supporting element .being rotatable relative -.-to said llirst Vsupporting element; an electric impulse generating `device -including frst `impulse generating -means comprising a set vofimembers mounted'on said first supporting element spaced -from each other along `a circle -and ,being respectively associated with sections of said printing form, and .second -impulse .generating means mounted on said `second 1supporting element forrotation .on a circular path .of same diameter as said circle and yin Close .proximity thereto, each .of said members and said second impulse 'generating -means .in .aligned .position .together constituting :a .photoelectric device including a source .of light .and `a ,photosensitive cell, .whereby an .electric impulse is lgenerated in saidtphotosensitive .cell whenever during rotation lsaid lcellis tlocated opposite one .of lsaid sources of lig-ht; ,circuit means connecting said .impulse generating device with said electrical moving device and including electronic means for transmitting said impulses to said electrical moving device for operating the same whenever an impulse is generated in said impulse generating device; selector means mounted on said frame and including a set of control elements respectively associated with sections of said printing form and with said impulse generating members for connecting selected members into said circuit; and drive means operatively connected to said printing roll and to said second supporting element for moving the same whereby selected sections of said printing form corresponding to selected control elements and members of said rst impulse generating means in operative condition are printed on a copy sheet passing between said rolls.

20. An arrangement as set forth in claim 19, wherein said electric impulse generating device includes a set of sources of light mounted on one of said supporting elements, and wherein said second impulse generating means is a photosensitive cell mounted on the other supporting element.

2l. An arrangement as set forth in claim i9, wherein said electrical impulse generating device includes a set of photosensitive cells mounted on one of said supporting elements and wherein said second impulse generating means is a source of light mounted on the other supporting element.

2,2. An arrangement as set forth in claim 19, wherein and from an operating position in close proximity to said printing roll for pressing a copy sheet against said printing form, said counter roll having an axis parallel to that of said printing roll; an electrical moving device operatively connected to said counter roll for moving the same in response'to electrical impulses to and from said operating position; a first supporting element and a second supporting element mounted on said frame, said second supporting element being rotatable relative to said `first supporting element; an electric impulse generating device including first impulse generating contact means comprising a set of contact members respectively associated with sections of said printing form, and second impulse generating contact means, said first and second contact means cooperating for generating electrical impulses, said first impulse generating contact means being mounted on one of said supporting elements, and said second impulse generating Contact means being mounted on the other of said supporting elements, so that the contact means mounted on said second supporting element move along a circular path about the rotary axis of said second supporting element, the contact means mounted on said first supporting element being located along said circular path so that during the relative movement of said supporting elements, one of said contact members and said second contact impulse generating means Vare in mutually aligned positions and contact each other for creating an electric impulse; said impulse generating device including resistor means Ahaving one end connected to the contact members of said set of contact members, and the other end connected to said second impulse generating contact means whereby during rotation of said second supporting element said resistor means is shunted whenever said contact members and means are in aligned ,45 positions; circuit means connected to the ends of said resistor means and connecting said impulse generating 'device with said electrical moving device and including electronic means for transmitting impulses created by shunting of said resistor means to said electrical moving device for operating the same; selector means mounted on said frame and including a set of control elements respectively associated with sections of said printing form and with said members of said first impulse generating means for placing selected members of said first impulse generating means into operative condition; and drive means operatively connected to said printing roll and to said second supporting element for moving the same whereby selected sections of said printing form corresponding to selected control elements and members of said first impulse generating means in operative condition are printed on a copy sheet passing between said rolls.

24. An arrangement as set forth in claim 23, wherein said electrical impulse generating device includes a plurality of said first supporting elements and an equal ynumber of said second supporting elements, one set of contact members mounted on each of said first supporting elements spaced from each other along a circle and respectively associated with sections of said printing form, and second impulse generating means comprising at least one contact means mounted on each of said second supporting elements, so that during rotation at least one of said contact means mounted on said second supporting element successively engages said contact members mounted on the associated first supporting element, and said selector means including a plurality of sets of con- Vtrol elements respectively associated with sections of said printing form and with said sets of contact members for placing selected contact members of one selected set of contact members into operative condition.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

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