US3358704A

US3358704A - Printing press water solution mixing mechanism

Info

Publication number: US3358704A
Application number: US398846A
Authority: US
Inventors: James B Wyatt; Andrew N Stad
Original assignee: Baldwin Gegenheimer Corp
Current assignee: Baldwin Gegenheimer Corp
Priority date: 1964-09-24
Filing date: 1964-09-24
Publication date: 1967-12-19
Anticipated expiration: 1984-12-19
Also published as: DE1457277B2; DE1457277C3; DE1457277A1; GB1102334A

Description

Dec. 19, 1967 J B. W ATT ET AL 3,358,704

PRINTING PRESS WATER SOLUTION MIXING MECHANISM Filed Sept. 24, 1964 7 Sheets-Sheet l FIG.I

L. V v M INVENTORS E JAMES B; WYATT ANDREW N. STAD Dec. 19; 1967 WYATT ET AL PRINTING PRESS WATER SOLUTION MIXING MECHANISM 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 24, 1964 INVENTORS JAMES B WYATT ANDREW N. STAD Dec. 19, 1967 J W T ETAL 3,358,704

PRIHTING PRESS WATER SOLUTION MIXING MECHANISM Filed Sept. 24. 1964 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS JAMES B. WYATT ANDREW N. STAD Dec. 19, 1967 J. B. WYATT ET AL PRINTING PRESS WATER SOLUTION MIXING MECHANISM Filed Sept. 24, 1964 TOGGLE SWITCH '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 l I I FLOAT SWITCH FlG.-7

SOLENOID VALVE a LINE w (WATER) INVENTORS JAMES BJWYATT ANDREW N.-'STAD Dec. 19, 1967 J. B. WYATT ET AL 3,358,704

PRINTING PRESS WATER SOLUTION MIXING MECHANISM Filed Sept. 24, 1964 7 Sheets$heet 5 FIG."8

INVENTORS JAMES B. WYATT BY ANDREW N. STAD MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM 8| PINE ATTORNEYS Dec. 19, 1967 J WYATT ET AL 3,358,704

PRINTING PRESS WATER SOLUTION MIXING MECHANISM 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Sept. 24. 1964 I INVENTORS -JAMES B. WYATT ANDREW N. STAD BY MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM 8 PINE ATTORNEYS 3,358,704 PRINTING PRESS WATER SOLUTION MIXING MECHANISM Filed Sept. 24. 1964 Dec. 19, 1967 WYATT ETAL 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 T,VD. O 2 mm N m w r W Y m l mm m F F F m m JA 1 I Ill 7 I I 8 6 L a 6 M 8 G L m m m n m a W u m n M b v r 1 o I B M 1 M m w m P P P w a n r m P m a a 4 MP #A m a 4 6 0 w 8 MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM PINE- ATTQRNEY'S United States Patent 3,358,704 PRINTING PRESS WATER SOLUTION MIXING MECHANISM James B. Wyatt, Brooklyn, and Andrew N. Stad, Syosset, N .Y., assignors to Baldwin-Gegenlleimer Corporation, Brooklyn, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Sept. 24, 1964, Ser. No. 398,846 12 Claims. (Cl. 137101.21)

The present invention relates to an improved fluid mixing and distributing device and more particularly, to an improved device for automatically mixing a solution of the proper amount of ingredients for distribution to the water fountain pan of an offset printing press in a continuously flowing recirculating system. This invention represents an improvement of the invention described and claimed in United States patent application Ser. No. 152,205 now Patent No. 3,166,095, filed on Nov. 14, 1961 and is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 342,099, filed Feb. 3, 1964, now abandoned.

It is well known that offset printing presses are generally provided with a water fountain which is filled with a solution of gum arabic dissolved in water and a slight proportion of chromic or phosphoric acid. The dampening rollers of the press apply this water solution, referred to in the trade as gum and etch solution, to the non-printing portions of the printing plate on the plate cylinder of the press to thereby insure that no ink will be received on those dampened parts of the plate. The proportions of a particular gum and etch solution are dictated by a number of factors, including the type of ink used, the nature of the printed work, the color being printed, the type of paper to be printed and other related factors. In other instances it is desirable to add alcohol to be mixed with the solution of gum arabic dissolved in water and a slight proportion of chromic or phosphoric acid. The addition of alcohol to the fountain solution produces a more volatile fountain solution and one which will be wetter and thus cling to a metal roller to which it is applied.

In the past it was the responsibility of the offset press operator to replenish the supply of solution in the press water fountain pan since a dry-up would result in ink being applied to the non-printing portions of the printing plate thereby spoiling a printing run. Moreover, difficulty was encountered in obtaining uniform and constant proportions of the gum and etch solution.

Replenishment of the fountain was generally done on a batch basis, as required, but for large offset printing plants this was a costly, tedious and time consuming task. It was also found that the proportions in the gum and etch solutions were variable from batch to batch so that there was a lack of uniformity in the proportions of ingredients from batch to batch. Where it is desirable to add alcohol to the solution the problem is magnified since it is then necessary to control three ingredients in predetermined proportions.

Some attempts have been made to provide automatic equipment for the purpose of mixing the proper proportions of the gum and etch water solution. However, such devices have been generally limited in their usefulness. For example, prior devices have been limited in their ability to provide large quantities of the fountain solution and have generally been useful for providing only relatively small quantities of the fountain solution. Moreover, some of the prior devices have been relatively complex devices which were difiicult to clean and service and have been unreliable in their operation.

The present invention is characterized by the provision of a novel automatic mixing mechanism for mixing predetermined amounts of gum and etch with predetermined amounts of water which is adapted to be used with a circulating system for the directing of the solution to the 3,358,704 Patented Dec. 19, 1967 water fountain pan of an offset press. Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention the predetermined amounts of the ingredients are adjustable so as to form solutions of predetermined yet variable characteristics.

In a modified form of the invention at least three fluids are mixed together in predetermined proportions.

More specifically, the present invention is directed to a new and improved mixing apparatus for mixing predetermined amounts of gum and etch concentrate with ordinary tap water to form a gum and etch water solution having a predetermined constituency. In accordance with the present invention the gum and etch concentrate is mixed with water to form relatively small batches of the gum and etch solution. The batches are formed in accordance with this invention sequentially and automatically, as needed, so that only a relatively small tank is required for the gum and etch solution which is being fed, in turn, to one or a plurality of presses. With a device constructed and arranged in accordance with present invention a gum and etch reservoir of approximately three gallons can be used to furnish approximately 200 gallons of fountain solution. The capacity of the tank for the fountain solution is considerably smaller. More specifical ly in a modified form the invention is constructed and arranged so as to mix in predetermined proportions of gum and etch concentrate, water and alcohol.

Briefly described, the present invention includes a tank or container for the gum and etch and water solution. Mounted adjacent thereto and in communication therewith is a bottle or reservoir of gum and etch concentrate. A metering cup is mounted within the tank and is adapted to go up and dOWn with the level of liquid in the tank. The combination is such that identical amounts of gum and etch are fed into the metering cup for each cycle of operation. A water supply system is provided in cooperative communication with the metering cup whereby predetermined amounts, as established by adjusting means, of the gum and etch concentrate are removed from the metering cup by a fixed amount of water and mixed therewithin to form a gum and etch water solution of predetermined proportions. The gum and etch mixture is formed continuously while the level of the fluid in the tank rises to a predetermined level at which time further mixing is automatically stopped. The gum and etch water mixture can then be removed from the tank and directed to the water level for distribution to either a single or a plurality of presses. When a suflicient quantity of the fountain fluid has been removed so that the level of fountain fluid reaches a predetermined low level, the water system is again activated so that there is further mixing of the water and gum and etch concentrate. This cycle continues automatically, as described, until such time that it is necessary to replenish the supply of gum and etch concentrate.

In a modified form of the present invention the device is adapted to mix gum and etch concentrate with water and with alcohol. In this form of the invention, a metering cup which cooperates with the gum and etch concentrate and with a water supply, similar to that described above, is utilized. In addition, means are provided such that when the gum and etch and water solution reaches a predetermined level within the tank, alcohol is directed into the tank and the water supply is stopped. The flow of alcohol continues until the level in the tank reaches a predetermined level resulting in a mixture of gum and etch, water and alcohol in predetermined proportions.

More specifically, one of the features of the present invention is the novel metering cup which is located in vertical alignment with the gum and etch reservoir and is adapted to be raised and lowered by the level of liquid in the tank. As embodied, the metering cup is mounted on material which is floatable in the fluid in the tank.

When the metering cup is in its lowest position the bottom of the cup rests on the bottom of the tank and is always filled to the same level with concentrate. As embodied, the foregoing is accomplished in the present invention by virtue of the distance a downspout from the reservoir extends into the metering cup. As the level of liquid in the tank rises the metering cup goes up and will at a predetermined height come into communication with a syphon tube which communicates with an aspirator which is connected at one end with a Water source and outletting at the other end into the tank. Concentrated gum and etch is then syphoned from the metering cup by the vacuum caused by the aspirator and is mixed with the water. As water is fed to the tank the metering cup rises with the level of liquid and the concentrated gum and etch is removed from the metering cup and mixed with the water, this action continuing until the level of liquid in the tank reaches a predetermined level. As the concentrate is removed from the metering cup the cup will continue to rise with the level of fluid in the tank until the top of the cup comes into contact with the underside of the tank cover. Concentrated gum and etch is removed from the metering cup until level of liquid in the tank reaches the predetermined high level at which time the water supply is automatically turned off.

In the modified form of the invention where three fluids are mixed in predetermined proportions, namely, gum and etch, water and alcohol, means are provided so that when the level of fluid in the tank reaches its lowest or first predetermined level, the water supply is turned on thus causing mixing of the gum and etch and water as described above. When the level of fluid in the tank reaches an intermediate or second predetermined level means are automatically actuated to start the flow of alcohol into the tank and stop the flow of Water and hence the gum and etch concentrate. The alcohol will continue to flow into the tank until the highest or third predetermined level is reached at which time the flow of alcohol is stopped and the pump is actuated to remove the mixture of gum and etch, water and alcohol from the tank.

With the foregoing in mind, it is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved device for mixing a gum and etch concentrate with Water in predetermined adjustable proportions.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new improved device for mixing a gum and etch concentrate with water in predetermined proportions to form a fountain solution in automatic and sequential batches.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved mixing device having a novel metering cup which cooperates with means for filling the cup to a constant level whereby predetermined proportions of chemical ingredients can be mixed.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved metering cup which is adapted to go up and down with the level of the liquid in the tank.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved mixing mechanism for mixing predetermined proportions of etch and gum concentrate with water wherein the gum and etch concentrate is gravity fed to a metering cup to insure that identical amounts of gum and etch are fed to the metering cup during each cycle of the operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved mixing device for mixing predetermined proportions of gum and etch concentrate with water wherein the water supply syphons oif predetermined quantities of gum and etch concentrate in response to predetermined levels of fountain solution in the tank.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved mixing device for mixing a plurality of fluids in predetermined proportions.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved device for automatically and sequentially mixing at least three fluids in a tank in predetermined proportions.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved mixing device for mxing gum and etch concentrate, water and alcohol in predetermined proportions.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved mixing device for automatically and sequentially mixing gum and etch concentrate, water and alcohol in predetermined proportions.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a system for automatically and sequentially forming batches of gum and etch, water and alcohol in predetermined, proportions.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved mixing device including a tank wherein a combination of liquids is directed into the tank after a first predetermined level is reached and another liquid is directed into the tank when a second predetermined level is reached and the mixture of said fluids is removed after a third predetermined level is reached.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved mixing device which automatically and sequentially forms batches of fountain solution including a tank wherein at a first predetermined level a mixture of gum and etch and water is directed into the tank, at a second predetermined level alcohol is directed into the tank and at a third predetermined level the fluid mixture is removed from the tank.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be obvious herefrom or may be learned by practice with the invention, the same being realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and described.

The accompanied drawings referred to herein and constituting a part hereof illustrate one embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a sectional front view of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a partial view taken along lines 22 of FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURES 4-6 are schematic views illustrating the mode of operation of the present invention.

FIGURE 7 is a schematic electrical diagram.

FIGURE 8 is a sectional front view of modified version of the present invention.

FIGURE 9 is a view similar to FIGURE 3 showing the modified device of FIGURE 8.

FIGURES l0-l2 are schematic views illustrating the mode of operation of the modified form of this invention.

For convenience, a general description of the present invention will be given since it will be helpful in understanding the more detailed description which follows.

With reference to FIGURE 1 there is shown therein a tank 2 which can have any convenient contour but as shown herein is substantially rectangular in form.

The tank 2 includes a bottom wall 4 and at its upper end has a cover or top 6. Mounted at one end of the cover or top wall 6 is a pump 8 which is adapted to pump fountain solution from the tank 2 through pipe line 10 to a system feeding water fountain pans for one or more offset presses. This general operation is disclosed in United States patent application Ser. No. 152,205 filed on Nov. 14, 1961.

Mounted at the other end of the cover or top wall of the tank 6 is a reservoir 11, described more completely subsequently, for the gum and etch concentrate.

A metering cup 30 is located within the tank 2 and in vertical alignment with the reservoir 11 by a downspout 28 so as to locate the cup '30 beneath the reservoir 11 by the downspout 28 which aids in locating the cup 30 beneath the reservoir 11. The downspout 28 is adapted to feed gum and etch concentrate from the metering cup 30. Rods 37 also assist in aligning the cup 30. Pipe 12 is a water line which is attached at one end to supply fresh water and which has adjacent the other end an aspirator 14. As will be explained, fresh cooled water passing through pipe 12 creates a vacuum in the aspirator 14 whereby gum etch concentrate will be drawn through the downspout to be mixed with the water in tank 2.

In accordance with this invention means are provided for sequentially and automatically making batches of fountain solution. This means, as embodied, includes a float control means 15 having a lower float 16 and an upper float 18.

The float control means 15 is electrically connected to a solenoid 22 which opens and closes a water valve to control the flow of water in the water pipe. The lower float 16 actuates the solenoid 22 and opens the water valve when the level of liquid in the tank 2 falls to a predetermined lower level.

The float switch is of a differential type, i.e., it clicks over only when the high or low is reached and remains there until the other position is reached.

The upper float 18, on the other hand, operates solenoid 20 and closes the water valve to stop the flow of water when the level of fountain solution has reached a predetermined upper level. The details of the operation of the solenoid 20 are obvious to the person skilled in the art. As can be seen in FIGURE 7, the automatic operation can begin only when manual switch 21 is in the proper position. Note that switch 21 can be positioned so as to operate only motor 8 to thereby empty the tank 2.

In accordance with this invention, means are provided for removably mounting the gum and etch concentrate reservoir on the tank. As embodied, the reservoir 11 comprises an open ended cylindrical body closed at one end by a top plate 24 and closed at the other end by a bottom plate 26 from which extends a downspout 28 passing through an opening to thereby feed gum and etch concentrate to the metering cup 30.

The

plates

26 and 28 are forced into sealing engagement with the ends of the cylindrical container by the rods 29 and nuts 31. Means is provided for preventing any residue in the reservoir from leaking out of the reservoir when it is removed from its position on the tank for purposes of cleaning or refilling.

As embodied, a valve 32 is mounted on the bottom end of rod 34 which in turn extends upwardly to a position above the reservoir 11 and the upper plate 24 (see FIG- URE 1). The valve 32 is spring biased by the compression and torsion spring member 33 in a direction tending to close the downspout 28. One end of the spring member 33 seats against washer 41 and engages the handle assembly 50 and the other end is seated on base plate 26 of the reservoir and is engaged in slot 39 to prevent rotation thereof. A pin 35 extends into slot 39 and prevents rotation of the valve until pin 35 is moved to the upper dot-dash position of FIG. 2. The valve 32 is held in the open position of FIG. 1 (full line of FIGURE 2) by the notch 51 on the cover hook 49. The dotted position of FIGURE 2 shows the pin when the valve is closed. By virtue of this mechanism the reservoir cannot be removed when the valve is open. The rod which extends beyond plate 24 will force the valve open when the reservoir is turned upside down and placed on a hard surface.

When the pin is in the lower dot and dash position of FIGURE 2 the opening is complete and the device is in position for filling.

Means is provided in accordance with this invention for filling the metering cup with a predetermined amount of gum and etch concentrate for each batch. As embodied,

this means comprises a metering cup 30 adapted to rise and fall with the level of liquid in the tank. The metering cup 30 is attached in any convenient manner such as epoxy cement to a float 36. The float may be made of any suitable floating material such as polyvinyl chloride foam or some other equivalent material. As best shown in FIG- URE 1, the float is generally donut shaped and surrounds the bottom portion of the metering cup. The metering cup and its associated float have suflicient buoyance so that the metering cup can move upwardly with the level of liquid in the tank 2 even when the metering cup is filled with the gum and etch concentrate.

Although the metering cup is floatable in the tank, means is provided so that the cup remains horizontally aligned with the gum and etch reservoir.

As best seen in FIGURES 4-6, the length of the downspout 28 is related to the height of the measuring cup 30 so that the downspout will always extend at least partially into the metering cup so that the metering cup will always be located under the downspout 28 in a position to receive gum and etch concentrate therefrom. The distance that the downspout 28 extends into the metering cup 30 as it rests on the bottom 4 of tank 2 determines the quantity of gum and etch concentrate going into the cup since once the cup is filled to the lower point of the downspout no further amount of gum and etch can enter the cup since no air can get into the reservoir 10.

In accordance with this invention means is provided for mixing predetermined proportions of gum and etch and water. As shown in FIGURE 1, there is provided a substantially U shaped syphon tube 40, one end of which is adapted to communicate with the metering cup 30 when the cup has risen to the level of FIGURE 5. The other end of the syphon tube 40 communicates with the suction tube of the aspirator. Thus, when the level of liquid in the tank has gone up and hence the metering cup has risen to a predetermined height the syphon tube is adapted to transfer gum and etch concentrate to the water line 12.

Means are provided for varying the proportions of gum and etch concentrate and water for the fountain solution. As embodied, the syphon tube 40 is adjustably mounted so as to vary the distance of the tube from the bottom 4 of the tank 2 and hence the distance that the tube can extend into the metering cup 30. A clamp member 44 is provided with a threaded knob 46 so that the vertical position of the syphon tube can be adjusted and then set in position. A scale 48 informs the operator of the ratio of gum and etch concentrate to water for any position of the syphon tube. In one embodiment, the scale has been constructed and arranged so that it sets the desired fountain solution mixture in terms of ounces of gum and etch per gallon of water.

It will be understood that once the setting has been made then each batch of fountain solution which is made will have the same ratio of gum and etch concentrate to water. In this manner, each batch of fountain solution which is made will have the same constituency.

Operation The operation of a device made in accordance with this invention can be best understood with reference to FIGURES 4-6.

In FIGURE 4, the level of fountain solution in the tank 2 has reached a predetermined low level and metering cup 30 has been filled to a level just'below the top with the gum and etch concentrate. Owing to the low level of fluid in the tank the lower float 16 has actuated the solenoid 20 to open water valve 22 so that pure water passes into the tank to thereby begin filling the tank 2 with water. As the tank 2 is filled with water, the metering cup begins to rise with the level of fluid in the tank 2. After the level of fluid has gone up a predetermined amount, the end of the syphon tube 40 comes into contact with the gum and etch concentrate in the metering cup (FIGURE 5).

The aspirator 14 in the water line 12 creates a suction in the syphon tube to thereby syphon the concentrate from the metering cup to mix the gum and etch concentrate with the water. As the level of fluid in the tank rises, the metering cup continues to rise (FIGURE until such time that the top of the metering cup engages the bottom of the top plate 6 of the tank 2. After the metering cup has moved to this point (FIGURE 6) the upper float 18 will actuate the solenoid 22 controlling the Water valve and will turn the water valve ofl. The pump 8 can now be utilized to draw the fountain solution from the tank and direct the same to a suitable press feeding system. When the pump has lowered the level of fluid to the level of FIGURE 4, the above described procedure is again repeated.

A modified form of the invention is disclosed in FIG- URES 8-12. In accordance with this form of the invention, means are provided for mixing predetermined proportions of alcohol with the gum and etch and water mixture. Broadly speaking, this form of the invention includes means for mixing the gum and etch concentrate and water which is identical in form to that described above except for some minor changes noted hereinbelow.

In addition, to that described above this form of the invention include means operative when an intermediate or second predetermined level is reached which is operative to stop the flow of water and hence the mixture of gum and etch and start the flow of alcohol into the tank. Means is provided also for stopping the flow of alcohol at a predetermined level resulting in the formation of a batch of fountain fluid having predetermined proportions of gum and etch, water and alcohol. When the flow of alcohol is stopped means is automatically actuated for removing the mixture from the tank.

As embodied and shown more specifically in FIGURES 8 and 9, this form of the invention includes a proportioning float 59 including a lower float 60 and upper float 62 cooperating with the proportioning float switch 64. The proportioning float switch 64 operates a solenoid controlled valve shown diagrammatically at 66 to start and stop the flow of the alcohol. When the valve 66 is opened alcohol flows through the conduit 67 to the bottom of tank 2 so that it can easily be mixed with the mixture of gum and etch and water.

As in the case of the invention described in FIGURES 1-7, a high-low float 69 is provided having upper 7 0 and lower 68 float are provided cooperating with the high and low float switch 72. The switch 72 it will be observed is electrically connected to a solenoid operating the water supply valve and the alcohol supply valve.

Operation The operation of this modified form of the invention can best be understood with reference in FIGURES 10- 12, respectively.

In these

figures lines

80 and 81 represent the main power lines in the electrical circuit which are connected to any conventional power supply. As can be seen in FIGURE 10, when the tank 2 has had the level of liquid therein reduced by operation of the pump 8 to its lowest or first predetermined level, the high-low float 59 is at its low level and opens the high low switch to the pump 8 and closes the switch leading to the water and alcohol valve. The proportioning float 59, at this time, is at its low position and operates to close the electrical line to the solenoid 22 controlling the water valve. In this manner the water valve is opened, and the aspirator draws gum and etch from the metering cup, as described with reference to FIGURES 17, and direct the flow of gum and etch and water mixture into the tank 2.

The flow of gum and etch and water continues until the intermediate or second predetermined level of fluid in the container is reached (FIGURE 11) at which time the metering cup has already floated to its uppermost level as determined by the bottom of the top plate 6, and at which time e proportioning float 59 is moved upwardly by the fluid in the tank and operates the proportioning switch 72 to break the electrical connection to the water valve and thus automatically stop the further flow of water. Upon breaking the electrical connection to the water valve, the float propoitioning float switch 64 makes contact with the solenoid controlling alcohol valve 66, thus opening the same. Hence, alcohol begins flowing into the tanks when the second predetermined level is reached and the flow of gum and etch concentrate and water stops.

After reaching the second predetermined position alcohol continues to flow into the tank until the highest or third predetermined level is reached. At this time as shown in FIGURE 12, the upper float 79 of the high-low float 69 causes switch 64 to make an electrical connection to the pump 8 and to break the connection to the alcohol valve to thus begin the removal of fountain fluid from the tank 2 and stop the flow of alcohol into the tank. The fountain fluid is removed from the tank 2 until the lowest or first predetermined level is reached in the tank (FIG- URE 10) at which time the cycle automatically repeats itself.

It will be understood that this form of the invention is not limited to mixing alcohol with the gum and etch and that other and different wetting agents may be employed.

it is understood that the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific elements shown and described, but also contemplates Within the scope of the accompanying claims any departures made from such elements which do not sacrifice its chief advantages.

What is claimed is:

1. A mixing device for making solutions from predetermined proportions of chemical concentrate and water comprising: a tank, a metering cup located within the tank, said metering cup being floatable within said tank between an upper and lower position, a closed reservoir of chemical concentrate mounted on the tank having an opening communicating with said metering cup, means for locating said metering cup under said reservoir, a water supply means and means cooperating with said water supply means and said metering cup for removing said chemical concentrate from the metering cup when said metering cup is in the upper position mixing it with the water and directing it into said tank.

2. A mixing device for making fountain solution for distribution to a water level comprising: a tank, a gum and etch reservoir sealed at one end, a downspout extending from the bottom end of said reservoir, a metering cup mounted in said tank and being located beneath said reservoir, and floatable within said tank between a high and low position means for supplying water to said tank, means for controlling the supply of water to said tank so that the supply of water isstarted when the level of fluid in the tank reaches a predetermined low level and stopped when the fluid in the tank reaches a predetermined high level, pipe means for permitting passage of said gum and etch concentrate into contact with the Water and means for supplying a predetermined amount of gum and etch concentrate for mixture with the water when said metering cup is in the high position.

3. A mixing device for making a fountain solution comprising: a tank, a sealed reservoir for gum and etch concentrate mounted above said tank, a metering cup mounted in said tank, said metering cup being floatable in said tank so as to move up and down with the level of liquid in said tank, means for feeding a predetermined amount of gum and etch concentrate into said metering cup, pipe means intermediate said metering cup and said water supply means and means for directing said gum and etch concentrate into said water supply means as the metering cup rises to a predetermined height.

4. A device for mixing gum and etch concentrate and water comprising: a tank, a gum and etch reservoir mounted on said tank, a floatable metering cup located in said tank in alignment with said reservoir, a water pipe having an aspirator at one end, a syphon tube adapted to communicate with said metering cup and said aspirator and means for controlling the flow of water through said water pipe.

5. A mixing device for making fountain solutions for use with lithographic printing presses comprising: a tank, means for supplying water to said tank, a sealed gum and etch reservoir having an opening at its lower end, a floatable metering cup located in said tank and under said reservoir, and being movable between an upper and lower position, and means for cooperating with the flow of water to said tank for feeding predetermined amounts of gum and etch concentrate to said tank when said metering cup is in the upper position.

6. A mixing device for making fountain solutions comprising: a tank, means for including a water line for supplying water to said tank when the level of fluid in the tank is at a predetermined low level and stopping the flow of water when the level of fluid reaches a predetermined high level, an aspirator in said water line, a reservoir of gum and etch mounted on said tank, a floating metering cup in said tank and communicating with said reservoir, and pipe means adapted to communicate with said metering cup and said aspirator for mixing the gum and etch with water.

7. A mixing device for making a fountain solution comprising: a tank, a reservoir for gum and etch concentrate, water supply means, means operative at a first predetermined level for feeding a mixture of gum and etch concentrate and water into said tank, means operative at a second predetermined level for feeding alcohol into said tank and for stopping the flow of the mixture of gumand etch concentrate and water and means operative at a third predetermined level for removing the mixture from said tank.

8. A mixing device for making solutions from predetermined proportions of chemical ingredients and water comprising: a tank, a metering cup located within said tank, a reservoir for gum and etch concentrate mounted directly above said metering cup, a Water supply means and means cooperating with said water supply means and said metering cup for removing said concentrate from said metering cup and mixing it with water and for directing it into said tank when the level therein reaches a first predetermined level, means responsive to a second 10 predetermined level in said tank for directing alcohol into said tank, means responsive to said second predetermined level in said tank for stopping the flow of gum and etch and water mixture, and means responsive to a third predetermined level for removing the mixture of gum and etch, water and alcohol from the tank.

9. A mixing device for making a fountain solution comprising a tank, a closed reservoir for gum and etch concentrate, a Water supply means, means operative when the level of fluid in said tank reaches a first predetermined level to direct Water towards said tank and to mix gum and etch concentrate and water, an alcohol supply means, alcohol supply means operative when the level of fluid in said tank reaches a second predetermined level to direct alcohol into said tank, means operative to stop the flow of water when the flow of alcohol starts and means operative when the level in said tank reaches a third predetermined level to remove liquid from said tank.

10. A device as described in claim 9 including a metering cup positioned in said tank directly beneath said reservoir, said metering cup being floatable within said tank, a suction line extending from a position adjacent said metering cup to said water supply means and an aspirator cooperating with said water supply line and said suction line to mix gum and etch concentrate and Water.

11. A device as described in claim 10 having a float element in said tank adapted to cause operation of said water supply means when the first predetermined level is reached in said tank and to actuate said means for removing liquid from said tank when the third predetermined level is reached.

12. A device as described in claim 11 having another float element in said tank adapted to start the flow of alcohol and to stop the flow of water when the second predetermined level is reached.

References Cited FOREIGN PATENTS 540,117 10/ 1941 Great Britain.

WILLIAM F. ODEA, Primary Examiner. H. M. COHN, Assistant Examiner.