US3477367A - Printing press - Google Patents

Description

Nov 11, 1969 A. W. RICHARDS PRINTING PRESS 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 14, .1967

- l-N VENTOR. Al AN W RICHARDS N 1959 A. w. RICHARDS 3,477,357

PRINTING PRESS Filed Jul' 14, 1967 e Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR. ALAN W RICHARDS 1i & l

Filed July 14, 1967 A. w. RICHARDS PRINTING PRESS 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTQR.

Al. AN w. Elm/Am ATTORNEY! @JZwM/M Nov. 11, 1969 7 A. W7RICHARDS 3,477,367

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Auw WR/Cl/ARPS A. W. .RlCHARDS PRINTING PRESS Nov. 11, 1969 6 Sheets-Sheei 6 Filed July '14, 1967 INVENTOR. ALAN w RICHARDS BY WWJgMM' ATIDRNEYS FIG .8

United States Patent 3,477,367 PRINTING PRESS Alan W. Richards, Lyudhurst, Ohio, assignor to Harris- Intertype Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Delaware Filed July 14, 1967, Ser. No. 653,442 Int. Cl. B41f 5/16 US. Cl. 101-137 t 19 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Each printing unit of a multiunit printing press includes a pair of printing cylinders which are relatively movable between printing and nonprinting positions. Electrical circuitry controls the movement of the cylinders. The circuitry includes a series of relays and means providing a timing signal for energizing the relays to effect with the proper delays the sequential movement of the cylinders of the units into printing position, as well as the sequential movement of the cylinders of the units from printing position. A selector switch is provided in the circuits for each unit and, when operated, eiI'ects movement of the cylinders of that unit from their printing to their nonprinting position in response to a timing signal. The cylinders are moved between their printing and nonprinting positions by electroresponsive means. The electroresponsive means is actuated by a first timing signal. A second timing signal actuates a relay having contacts in the actuating circuit which condition the actuating circuit for energization by the first timing signal, and the relay has further contacts which condition a delay circuit for energization by a timing signal. A master trip control is provided for efiecting energization of the electroresponsive means of all units to efiect movement of all of the cylinders which are in printing position simultaneously to their nonprinting position.

The present invention relates to a multiunit printing press in which each unit includes cylinders which are movable relatively between printing and nonprinting positions, and particularly a multiunit printing press wherein the cylinders of selected units may be moved from their printing to their nonprinting position while the cylinders of the other units maintain their printing positions whereby the press may operate to selectively print at one or selected combinations of units while sheets travel therethrough.

The principal object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved multiunit printing press wherein the cylinders of each unit are moved between their printing and nonprinting positions by electroresponsive means and wherein the electroresponsive means for the units are energized sequentially by relay circuitry which is relatively simple in construction, low in cost, and highly reliable in operation.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved multiunit printing press having electroresponsive means and an actuating circuit for effecting movement of the cylinders to and from printing position, and wherein a control circuit for conditioning the actuating circuit for one printing unit also conditions delay circuitry for the control circuit of the next unit so that the electroresponsive means of the next unit may be energized even though the electroresponsive means of the preceding unit is not energized.

Still another important object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved multiunit printing press wherein the units of the press are in phase and wherein each unit has an actuator circuit for electroresponsive means which effects movement of the cylinders ICC of that unit between printing and nonprinting positions and a first timing signal effects actuation of the electroresponsive means and a second timing signal actuates a control circuit which conditions the actuating circuit for energization by the first timing signal and also conditions delay circuitry for the control circuit of the next unit for energization by a timing signal.

Still a further important object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved multiunit printing press wherein the control circuit includes a control relay having relay contacts in the actuating circuit for the electroresponsive means for one printing unit and relay contacts in a delay circuit for the next printing unit.

Another important object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved. multiunit printing press wherein separate selector switches are positioned in the actuating circuit for the electroresponsive means for each printing unit, and wherein the selector switch may be moved between an actuating position conditioning the circuit for actuation by a timing signal and a second position wherein the control circuit is not actuated by the timing signal and wherein the selector switches may be moved to effect movement to their nonprinting position of any one or any combination of the cylinders.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved multiunit printing press wherein the timing signal for effecting movement of the cylinders of the respective printing units to their non.- printing position travels through the selector switch and through a relay which has contacts in a circuit which includes the electroresponsive means.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved multiunit printing press wherein the relay for controlling the electroresponsive means includes a pair of solenoids and the selector switch has separate contacts in circuit with each solenoid, and when a circuit is completed through one solenoid, the electroresponsive means is energized to move the cylinders to the nonprinting position and when a circuit is completed through the other solenoid, the electroresponsive means is energized to elfect movement of the cylinders to their printing position.

Still a further object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved multiunit printing press having an actuator circuit for electroresponsive means which effects movement of the cylinders of the units between printing and nonprinting positions, and wherein a first timing signal effects actuation of the electroresponsive means and a second timing signal actuates a control circuit which conditions the actuating circuit for energization by the first timing signal and also conditions a delay circuit for the control circuit of the next unit for energization by a timing signal and wherein a master trip control is provided which includes electrical contacts in the circuit for the electroresponsive means and which, when energized, efiects simultaneous movement of those printing cylinders which are in printing position to their nonprinting position in response to a timing signal.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which it relates from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof made with reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which: I

FIG. 1 is a schematic, side elevational view of a multiunit printing press embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic partial view of one of the printing units of the multiunit printing press shown in FIG. 1 and illustrating the mechanism for throwing the printing cylinders between their printing and nonprinting positions;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the circuit utilized in the printing press of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a timing signal generator which is utilized in the circuit of FIGS. 3A and 3B;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a relay also used in the circuit of FIGS. 3A and 3B;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are modified circuit diagrams which may be used in the printing press of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a mechanism which forms a part of the control circuit of FIGS. 6A and 6B; and

FIG. 8 is a sectional view, taken approximately along the section line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

The present invention provides an improved processing machine having a plurality of units which sequentially work on material advanced between the units. In particular, the present invention provides an improved multiunit printing press wherein sheet material conveyed through the press is printed in the respective printing units forming the printing press. As representing a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a multicolor lithographic printing press is illustrated in FIG. 1 and indicated generally by the reference numeral 10.

The printing press 10 includes a sheet feeding mechanism 11 which advances sheet material from a pile into the printing units of the printing press. The printing press 10, for illustrative purposes, includes four lithographic printing units designated 12, 13, 14 and 15. The sheet material is sequentially printed in each of the printing units and transferred from the last printing unit 15 by a delivery mechanism 16 which conveys the sheet material and releases the sheet material onto a pile, as is well known. The sheet material is printed with a different color in each of the printing units, and thus the printing press 10 is a four-color lithographic press.

The printing units 12, 13, 14, 15 are of similar construction. Each of the printing units includes an impression cylinder 20, a blanket cylinder 21, and a plate cylinder 22. Each unit also includes a suitable inking mechanism and a dampening mechanism 24. A sheet to be printed is advanced into the nip defined by the impression cylinder 20 and blanket cylinder 21 of the first unit and is printed as it advances therethrough. The sheet is then transferred by a transfer cylinder 25 to the printing unit 13. The sheet is then printed in a second color in the printing unit 13 in the nip of the blanket cylinder 21 and the impression cylinder 20 thereof and is then transferred by a transfer cylinder 26 into the next printing unit 14. The material is again printed in the printing unit 14 and then transmitted from the printing unit 14 into the printing unit 15 where it is printed in its fourth and final color from which it is conveyed by the delivery mechanism. The printing units 12, 13, 14 and 15 are in phase: that is, all the cylinder gaps are located at the same angular position at any one instance.

The impression cylinder 20 and the blanket cylinder 21 of each of the units comprise a printing couple and these cylinders are movable relatively from a printing position, illustrated in full lines in FIG. 2, to a nonprinting position, illustrated in dot-dash lines in FIG. 2. The mechanism for moving the cylinders relatively between their printing and nonprinting positions is shown schematically in FIG. 2, and is generally of a known construction. This mechanism will be described for one unit, and it should be understood that it is identical for the other units. Specifically, the blanket cylinder 21 is supported at its opposite ends by eccentrics 30. The eccentrics 30 are suitably connected by a linkage 31 to a member 32 which is pivotally supported in the frame of the press for pivotal movement about the axis of a pivot pin 33. The member 32 is pivoted about the axis of its pivot pin by a vertically reciprocating actuator member 35. The actuator member 35 is reciprocated vertically in an actuating stroke and return stroke once during each cycle of the operation of the press by a linkage mechanism, generally designated 36.

The linkage mechanism 36 includes a link member 37 pivotally connected to the actuator member 35 at one end and to a second link member 38 at its other end. The link member 38 has a cam follower 39 on the end thereof which cooperates with a cam 40 mounted on the axis of the impression cylinder 20 and which rotates with the impression cylinder 20. Upon each revolution of the cam 40, the lever 38 which is pivotall supported by pivot pin 38:: intermediate its ends pivots about its pivot pin 38a and effects a vertical reciprocating movement of the actuator member 35.

The actuator member 35 has shoulder portions 41, 42 which are adapted to engage pins 43, 44, respectively, which project from the member 32. The actuator member 35 is supported for pivotal movement about the axis of the pin 37a which connects the link 37 to the member 35. The member 35 is pivotal between two positions which may be designated as on and off positions corresponding with the printing cylinders being on and off pressure. The member 35 is pivoted about the axis of the pin 37a by a link member 46. The link member 46 may be moved in the direction of the arrows labeled off and on by a solenoid means designated 50. The solenoid means 50 includes a pair of solenoid coils 51, 52. The energization of the solenoid coil 51 and deenergization of solenoid coil 52 effects movement of the rod member 46 in the direction of the arrow labeled on in FIG. 2, through the actuation of the connecting linkage 53 between the solenoid means 50 and the rod 46. Energization of the solenoid coil 52 and de-energization of solenoid coil 51 effect movement of the rod 46 in the direction of the arrow labeled off, as shown in FIG. 2.

When the rod 46 moves to the right, that is, in the direction of the arrow designated on, the member 35 takes the position shown in FIG. 2 and on reciprocation of the member 35, the shoulder 41 thereof engages pin 43 and effects movement of the pin 43 upwardly to the position shown in FIG. 2. This, of course, effects rotation of the eccentric 30 which supports the cylinder 21.

Upon energization of the solenoid 52 and de-energization of the solenoid 51, the rod 46 is moved to the left, as viewed in FIG. 2, moving the actuating member 35 to a position where the shoulder 42 thereof engages the pin 44 on reciprocation of the member 35 to effect movement of the member 32 to effect rotation of the eccentric 30 in "a direction so as to effect throwoff of the cylinder 21 with respect to the cylinder 20 and locate the cylinder 21 in its nonprinting osition, indicated by the dotted lines in FIG. 2. The timing of the pivotal movement of the member 35 is such that it occurs after it clears pins 43, 44, on the return or downward stroke thereof, so that in the next actuating stroke the cylinder 21 Will be moved. Moreover, the movement of the blanket cylinder is effected in the gap of the impression cylinder, as is well known.

As noted hereinabove, the mechanism for moving the cylinders 20, 21 relatively between their printing and nonprinting positions is identical for each of the printing units 1215. Separate solenoids, therefore, are provided similar to the solenoid means 50 for the first printing unit. The solenoid means for the printing units 13, 14 and 15 are designated 55, 56 and 57, respectively, in the drawings and are shown only in the circuit diagram 3B. The solenoid 55 has a coil 60 energizable to effect movement of the blanket cylinder of the second unit 13 to its printing position and a coil 61 for controlling the movement of the blanket cylinder to its nonprinting position. The solenoid 56 which controls the movement of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 14 has a solenoid coil 62 which controls movement of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 14 to its printing position and has a second coil 63 which controls movement of the blanket cylinder to its nonprinting position. The solenoid 57 which controls the movement of the blanket cylinder 21 of the printing unit 15 likewise has two solenoid coils which are designated 64, 65, and which control movement of the blanket cylinder thereof between its printing and nonprinting positions, respectively.

When the operation of the printing press is initially begun, the cylinders of consecutive units are sequentially moved from their nonprinting positions to their printing positions. This is effected by sequential actuation of the solenoid coils 51, 60, 62 and 64 which move the blanket cylinders of the respective printing units 12-15, respectively, to their printing position. The timing of the energization of the solenoid coils 51, 60, 62, 64 is effected so as to provide the proper time delay so that the cylinders are moved to their printing position when the sheet to e printed arrives thereat.

The solenoid coils 51, 60, 62 and 64 are energized with the proper delays through the operation of electrical circuitry shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The electrical circuitry includes timing switches 70, 71, FIG. 3A. The timing switches 70, 71, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 4, are located adjacent a rotating drum 72 which carries a magnet 73. As a substitute for the magnet 73 a metal vane could be used which shorts out a magnetic field created by a magnet inside of switches 70 and 71, thus actuating the switches. The magnet 73 as it rotates effects opening and closing of the switches 70, 71 in a well-known manner as it rotates past the switches 70, 71. Switch 70 is located at zero degrees of rotation of the drum, and the switch 71 is located 90 degrees from the switch 70. The drum 72 makes one complete revolution during each press cycle and is suitably driven from the main drive of the press by a drive mechanism, not shown, so as to effect an energization or closing of the switch 70 at zero degrees of each press cycle, and of the switch 71 at 90 degrees of each press cycle.

The timing switches 70, 71 are operatively associated with a plurality of relays of the type shown in FIG. and generally designated 80. The relay 80 is a latching relay and includes a pair of spaced coils 81, 82 which are located on opposite sides of a permanent magnet 83. The coils 81, 82 and permanent magnet 83 are supported by a suitable base portion 84. The relay 80 also includes contact support members 85, 86 located on opposite sides of the coils in a spaced apart relation.

A movable contact arm 87 is positioned above the permanent magnet and pivots with respect to the permanent magnet 83. The arm 87 pivots in response to energization and de-energization of the coils 81, 82. The contact arm 87 moves from its full line position shown in FIG. 5 to its dotted line position shown in FIG. 5 upon tie-energization of the coil 82 and energization of the coil 81. The movable contact arm 87 will return to its full line position from its dotted line position upon energization of the coil 82 and de-energization of the coil 81. If both coils 81 and 82 are de-energized or energized, the arm 87 will not move. The movement of the arm 87 is achieved by energization of the appropriate coil. After movements, the arm 87 is held in position or latched by permanent magnet 83. Power is removed from the actuating coil upon movement of arm 87 thus aiding in long life.

The opposite outer ends of the arm 87 carry contacts thereon which move upon pivoting movement of the arm 87. When the arm 87 moves, the contacts on the outer end of the arm engage fixed contacts carried by arms 85, 86. When in their full line position, as shown in FIG. 5, contacts 90 and 90a are connected, completing a circuit therebetween, and these contacts may be termed closed. When the arm 87 moves to its dotted line position, contacts 90, 90a open and a circuit is completed between contacts 93, 93a. Any number of contacts may be supported so as to be opened and closed by movement of the arm 87, and the circuitry to be described hereinbelow does utilize relays, such as relay 80, but having more than two sets of contacts.

A number of relays, such as the relays 80 shown in FIG. 5, are utilized in the circuit for controlling the operation of the solenoid coils for moving the blanket of the printing units between their nonprinting and their printing positions. The particular location and operation of these relays in the circuit will best be understood from a description of the operation .of the circuit shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

When the printing press with all the blanket cylinders in their nonprinting position is initially started, the switch 120 closes. When the switch 120 closes, a circuit is completed from the power line 121 through the switch 120 and a relay 122 to the power line 125, thus effecting an energization of the relay 122.

When the relay 122 is energized, relay contacts 122-1 close and contacts 122-2 open. This conditions a circuit for energizing a coil 126 of a latching relay 127 similar to the relay described hereinabove. The coil 126 of the relay 127 is energized in response to a timing signal created by the closing of switch 70 at zero degrees of rotation of the drum 72 in the first cycle of operation of the press. When the switch 70 closes, a circuit is completed from the power line 130 through the switch 70, now closed contacts 122-1 of relay 122, coil 126 of the relay 127, and normally closed contacts 127-1 of the relay 127 to power line 130a. At this time, no circuit is completed through coil 128 of the relay 127, since the normally closed contacts 122-2 for the relay 122 connected with coil 128 are now open.

Energization of the coil 126 of the relay 127 causes the relay contacts thereof which are open to close and the relay contacts which are closed to open. Thus, relay contacts 127-1 open, relay contacts 127-2 close, relay contacts 127-3 close, relay contacts 127-4 open, relay contacts 127-5, FIG. 3B, close, and relay contacts 127-6, FIG. 3B, open.

Opening of relay contacts 127-1 rnerely de-energizes the coil 126. However, since the relay 127 is of the latching type described hereinabove in connection with FIG. 5, no function is performed by the opening of the contacts 127-1. Likewise, the closing of contacts 127-2 performs no function, since these contacts are in circuit with now open contacts 122-2 of the relay 1.22. Relay'contacts 127-3, 127-4, 127-5 and 127-6 are all connected by a conductor 131 to the timing switch 71 and, therefore, the switching of these contacts performs no function at this time, since the press timing limit switch 71 is open at this time. i

As the drum 72 rotates, the switch 70 opens and after degrees of rotation, the press timing limit switch 71 closes. The opening of the switch 70 performs no function, since the contacts 122-2 of the relay 122 are open and the contacts 127-1 of the relay 127 are also open. When the switch 71 closes at 90 degrees of the first press cycle, a circuit is completed from the power line through the switch 71, conductor 131, normally closed contacts -1 (FIG. 3B) of the master trip relay 140, now closed contacts 127-5 of relay 127, a manually actuatable proofing switch 142 for the first control unit, a coil 143 of a latching relay 144, and normally closed contacts 1441 of the relay 144 to the power line 130a.

Energization of the coil 143 of the relay 144 results in the contacts 144-1 of the relay to open, contacts 144-2 of the relay to close, contacts 144-3 to close, and contacts 144-4 to open. Closing of the contacts 1443 causes a circuit to be completed from the power line 121 through the contacts 144-3 and through coil 51 of the actuator mechanism 50 to the power line 125. Energization of the coil 51 causes the blanket cylinder 21 to be moved from its nonprinting position to its printing position, as described hereinabove. The opening of the contacts 144-4 of the relay 144 causes a de-energization of the coil 52 of, the solenoid, thereby permitting the movement of the blanket cylinder 21 of the first printing unit to its printing position, This, of course, as described hereinabove, occurs at 90 degrees of the first press cycle. The closing of the contacts 144-2 of the relay 144 performs no function at this time, since the contacts 144-2 of the relay 7 144 are in circuit with now open contacts 127-6 of the relay 127.

When the press timing limit switch 71 closes at 90 degrees of the first pressure cycle to effect energization of the coil 143 of the relay 144 and thereby effects movement of the blanket cylinder 21 to its printing position, simultaneously a delay circuit is energized so that the blanket cylinder of the second printing unit will be moved to its printing position at the proper time in a subsequent press cycle. The delay circuit which is actuated at this time includes a latching relay 150 (FIG. 3A) having coils 151 and 152. When the press timing limit switch 71 closes providing a timing signal at 90 degrees of the first press cycle, a circuit is completed from the power line 130 through the switch 71, the conductor 131, now closed contacts 127-3 of the relay 127, the coil 151 of the relay 150, and normally closed contacts 150-1 of the relay 150 to power line 130a. The energization of the coil 151 of the relay 150 causes the normally open contacts of the relay 150 to close and causes the normally closed contacts of the relay 150 to open. Thus, contacts 150-1 and 150-4 open, and contacts 150-2 and 150-3 close. The re ay 150 is identical to the relays 80 and 127 except that its includes four sets of contacts.

When the contacts 150-1 of the relay 150 open, this opens the circuit through the coil 151 of the relay and de-energizes the coil 151. Of course, since the relay is of the latching type, as show in FIG. 5, the contacts remain in their actuated positions. The closing of the contacts 150-2 of the relay 150 performs no function, since these contacts are in series with now open contacts 127-4 of the relay 127.

The closing of normally open contacts 150-3 of the relay 150 conditions a circuit for a further latching relay 160 which has coils 161 and 162, so as to effect energization of the coil 161 thereof upon receipt of a timing signal. Opening of normally closed contacts 150-4 performs no function, since both the contacts 150-3 and 150-4 are in circuit with the timing switch 70 which, at this time, is open.

At zero degrees in the second cycle of operation of the press, timing switch 70 again is closed. No circuit is completed, however, through the relay 127, since contacts 127-1 and 122-2 are now open. However, a circuit is completed through the contacts of the switch 70 through now closed contacts 150-3 of the relay 150, coil 161 of the relay 160, and contacts 160-1 of the relay 160 to the power line 130a, This, of course, causes an actuation of the normally open contacts of the relay 160 to a closed condition and opening of the normally closed contacts of the relay 160. Therefore, normally closed contacts 160-1 of the relay 160 open. This performs no function, except to open coil 161. Relay contacts 160-2 at this time close. This, however, likewise performs no function, since these contacts are in circuit with the now open contacts 150-4 of the relay 150.

Closing of contacts 160-3 of the relay 160, however, conditions a further delay circuit which includes coil 170 of the latching relay 171 which has an additional coil 172. The opening of contacts 160-4 of the relay 160 performs no function, since these are in circuit with now open contacts 171-2 of the relay 171. At 90 degrees in the second cycle of operation of the press, timing switch 71 is again closed to provide a timing pulse which completes a circuit through the conductor 131, now closed contacts 160-3 of relay 160, coil 170 of relay 171, and normally closed contacts 171-1 of the relay 171. Energization of the coil 170 of the relay 171 causes normally closed contacts 171-1 and 171-4 to open and normally open contacts 171-2 and 171-3 to close. The opening of contacts 171-1 performs no function at this time except to deenergize coil 170. Likewise, the closing contacts 171-2 perform no function, since the contacts are in circuit with contacts 160-4, which are now open. Closing of contacts 171-3 of the relay 171 conditions a still further circuit for a relay 180 having coils 181, 182. The opening of normally closed contacts 171-4 of the relay 171 performs no function at this time.

At zero degrees in the third cycle of operation of the press, a further timing signal is established by the closing of the switch which establishes a circuit from the power conductor 130 through the contacts of the switch 70, now closed contacts 171-3 of the relay 171, coil 181 of the relay 180, and normally closed contacts 180-1 of the relay 180. No circuit is completed at this time through the open relay contacts 171-4.

Then energization of the coil 181 of the relay 180 effects an opening of the normally closed contacts of the relay 180 and a closing of the normally open contacts of the relay 180. This, of course, causes normally closed contacts 180-1 and 180-4 of the relay 180 to open. When contacts 180-1 open, no function is performed except to de-energize the coil 181 of the latching relay 180. The closing of normally open contacts 180-2 of the relay 180 also performs no function, since they are now in circuit with now open contacts 171-4 of the relay 171. The closing of normally open contacts 180-3 of the relay 180, however, conditions delay circuitry for a relay 190 for the third unit.

When the relay coil 181 of the relay 180 is energized, the normally open contacts 180-5 (FIG. 3B) thereof close and normally closed contacts 180-6 of the relay 180 open. The opening of the contacts 180-6 of the relay 180 prevents a circuit from being completed through coil 200. The closing of the contacts 180-5 of the relay 180 conditions the actuating circuit which includes the coil 202 for energizing the electroresponsive coil 60 of the solenoid unit 55 for the second printing unit.

At degrees in the third cycle of the press operation, the timing switch 71 closes and produces a timing signal which completes a circuit from the power line through the contacts of the switch 71, conductor 131, through contacts -1 of the master trip relay 140, now closed contacts 180-5 of the relay 180, contacts 205A of a manually actuatable proofing switch 205, the coil 202 of the relay 201 and normally closed contacts 201-1 of the relay 201. The relay 201 being a latching type relay similar to relay 80 is thus energized so as to effect closing of all of the open contacts thereof and opening of all of the closed contacts thereof. Therefore, contacts 201-1 of the relay 201 open, contacts 201-2 of the relay close. However, no function is performed by the closing of contacts 201-2, since they are connected with now open contacts 180-6 of the relay 180. Contacts 201-3 of the relay 201 also close upon energization of coil 202, and, likewise, contacts 201-4 of the relay 201 open. The closing of the contacts 201-3 of the relay 201 effects a circuit from the power line 121 through the contacts 201-3 and solenoid coil 60 of the control unit 55 to the power line 125. This, of course, effects movement of the blanket cylinder 21 of the second printing unit to its printing position from its nonprinting position.

From the above description, it should be apparent that the relay 127 constitutes a control relay which, when the coil 126 thereof is energized, a delay circuit which includes the coil 151 of the relay is conditioned for operation in response to the timing signal from the press timing device 71, and that suitable delays are established through the use of the latching relays 150, and 171 for energizing the control relay for the second unit which corresponds for the second printing unit in operation and function to the control relay 127 of the first printing unit. Moreover, when the control relay 127 is energized, the actuating circuit for the coil 51 of sole noid 50 for throwing the blanket cylinder of the printing press from its nonprinting to its printing position is also conditioned so as to be responsive to a timing signal which is received upon closing of the switch 71.

The function and operation of the control relay 127 have been described in detail and the function of the control relay 180 for the second unit is substantially identical with that described in connection with relay 127 for the first unit. The control relay 180 for the second unit conditions the delay circuitry which includes relays 190, 210, 211 for effecting energization of a relay 220 for the third unit at the proper time. At the same time the relay 180 conditions the actuating circuitry for the coil 60 for moving the blanket cylinder of the second unit to its printing position. The actuation of the control relay 220 of the third unit in the same manner conditions delay circuitry which includes latching relays 222, 223 and 224, and actuates the control relay 221 for the fourth unit. At the same time the relay 220 conditions the actuating circuit for the coil 62 for moving the printing cylinder and blanket cylinder of the third printing unit from its nonprinting to its printing position.

It is not believed necessary to proceed with the specific details of the detailed circuitry for the performance of these operations, since they are identical to the operation and function performed by the relays described in detail 7 in connection with printing units 1 and 2 and to describe the circuitry in connection with printing units 3 and 4 would render the specification cumbersome and would merely involve a repetition of what has already been described in connection with printing units 1 and 2. The contacts for the relays 190, 210, 211, 220, 222, 223, 224 and 221 are appropriately designated in the drawings so that the circuitry can be readily followed, if desired.

Moreover, the press could include any number of printing units, and it should suffice to state that the number of control relays corresponding with the relays 127, 180, 220 and 221 would correspond with the number of printing units which are provided and each would function to effect a conditioning of the circuitry for energizing the solenoid for moving the blanket cylinder to its printing position in response to a timing signal and at the same time would condition delay circuitry for energizing the control relay for the next printing unit. Of course, the last control relay, which in this case constitutes the control relay 221, need not condition any delay circuitry since there is no printing unit to be actuated to its printing condition subsequent to the fourth unit.

After the completion of a printing operation, the blanket cylinders of each of the printing units are moved to their nonprinting positions. The movement of the blanket cylinders of the printing units from their printing to their nonprinting position occurs sequentially in much the same manner as their movement to printing position. Movement of the blanket cylinders to the nonprinting position is effected by the operation of the respective solenoid coils 52, 61, 63 and 65 for the respective units. These solenoid coils are energized sequentially by the operation of the control relays described hereinabove in connection with throwing the printing units on. The function and operation of the relays to effect throw-off will be best understood from a description of the operation of the circuit to effect the sequential movement of the blanket cylinders of the consecutive printing units to their nonprinting positions.

When it is desired to stop the operation of the printing press, the switch 120 is moved to its open position, thereby de-energizing the relay 122. When the relay 122 is de-energized, the now closed contacts 122-1 of the relay open, and the now open contacts 122-2 of the relay 122 close. This conditions the circuit for the coil 128 of the relay 127 to be operated upon receipt of a timing signal from the timing switch 70. At zero degrees of the next cycle of operation of the press, the switch 7.0 closes completing the circuit from the power line 130 through the switch 70, now closed contacts 122-2 of the relay 122, coil 128 of the relay 127, and now closed contacts 127-2 of the relay 127. This, of course, causes all of the contacts of relay 127 which are now open to close, and all of the contacts of the relay 127 which are closed to open.

This returns the contacts of the relay 127 to their normal position. As a result, the contacts 127-1 close. However, since they are in circuit with now open contacts 122-1 of the relay 122, no function is effected. Contacts 127-3 return to their normal open condition and contacts 127-4 of the relay 127 close. This conditions a circuit for the coil 152 of the relay 150 for energization in response to a timing signal from the timing switch 71 at degrees in the press cycle. At the same time, contacts 127-6 (FIG. 3B) of the relay 127 close and contacts 127-5 open. This conditions the actuating circuit for the control coil 52 which when energized effects movement of the blanket cylinder of the first printing unit from its printing to its nonprinting position.

At 90 degrees in the first cycle of operation after closing of the switch 120, a timing signal is effected by closing of the switch 71. This timing signal causes a circuit to be completed through the now closed contacts 127-6 of the relay 127, coil 144a of the relay 144, and now closed contacts 144-2 of the relay 144. Energization of the coil 144a of the relay 144 causes a switching of the contacts thereof. Specifically, the contacts 144-1 close, contacts 144-2 open, contacts 144-3 open, and contacts 144-4 close. The opening of the contacts 144-3, of course, effects a de-energization of the coil 51 of the first printing unit, and the closing of contacts 144-4 effect an energization of the coil 52 for the first printing unit. The opening of contacts 144-3 and the closing of contacts 144-4 effect movement of the blanket cylinder of the first printing unit from its printing to its nonprinting position.

At the same time, when the switch 71 closes at 90 degrees in the first cycle of press operation, a circuit is completed through the coil 152 of the relay 150, due to the fact that the contacts 127-4 of the relay 127 are now closed and contacts -2 of the relay 150 are also closed. This circuit effects a switching of the contacts of the relay 150 to their normal positions, and conditions a circuit for energization of the coil 162 of the relay by the closing of contacts 150-4 of the relay 150. When the switch 70 is again closed at zero degrees in the second cycle, a circuit is completed through the coil 162 of the relay 160 causing a switching of the contacts of the relay 160 and a conditioning of a circuit for energization of the coil 172 of the relay 171, due to the fact that the contacts 160-4 of the relay 160 close.

At 90 degrees in the second cycle of operation, a circuit is established through the coil 172 due to the closing of the timing switch 71 and this, in turn, effects a switching of the contacts of the relay 171 to their normal position which conditions a circuit for the coil 182 of the relay due to the fact that the contacts 171-4 of the relay 171 close. At the next zero pulse a circuit is established, due to the closing of switch 70, through the now closed contacts 171-4 to coil 182. The energization of coil 182 effects a switching of the contacts of coil 182 to their normal position. This in turn conditions the circuit for the relay 190, as well as effects a closing of the contacts 180-6 of the relay 180 and causes a circuit to be completed through the coil 200 of the relay 201 at 90 degrees in the next press cycle. This, in turn, effects a switching of the contacts 201-3 and 201-4 of the relay 201, which, in turn, results in the energization of the coil 61 and de-energization of the coil 60 to effect movement of the blanket cylinder of the second printing unit from its nonprinting position to its printing position in the same manner described in connection with the circuit of the first printing unit.

Each subsequent printing unit is moved from its printing to its nonprinting position in the same'manner as described above in connection with the first and second printing units, and thus a specific detailed description of how this circuitry operates for the third and fourth units is not believed necessary. It should be apparent, however, that the circuitry is completely returned to its normal condition after the seventh cycle of the press and 1 1 the various blanket cylinders are returned to their nonprinting positions. Therefore, during the next operation of the press, closing of the switch 120 will again effect a sequential actuation of each of the printing units of the printing press, as described above.

The control circuitry for the printing press described hereinabove is constructed so that the blanket cylinders of any one or any combination of the printing units may be moved from their printing to their nonprinting positions while the blanket cylinders of the other printing units remain in their printing positions and while material is advanced through the press. As a result of this capability, the press may be utilized for printing proofs of the image to be printed at each unit, or proofs of a combination of the images to be printed at any combination of units. For example, the blanket cylinder of the fourth printing unit may be moved from its printing to its nonprinting position and held in its nonprinting position while all of the other blanket cylinders remain in their printing positions and while material is advanced therethrough. Under this condition, the press would effect the printing of an image on the material advanced therethrough in the first, second and third units. Therefore, a proof would be printed of the images printed by the first, second and third units. Moreover, the blanket cylinders of all of the printing units, except the fourth, may be moved to their nonprinting position. In which case, the material advanced therethrough would be printed only in the fourth printing unit and, therefore, a proof would be provided of the image which is printed in the fourth unit only. The above is only by way of example, and it should be understood that the present control circuitry is constructed so that any one or any combination of cylinders may be moved from their printing to their nonprinting position so as to print proofs as desired. The desirability of the need for proofs of the image which is to be printed in each of the units is well known, and reference may be made to copending application, Ser. No. 461,795, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, filed June 7, 1965, for a general discussion of the advantages of such.

In order to effect movement of the printing cylinders of any one printing unit from its printing to its nonprinting position, separate selector switches, which may be termed proofing switches, are used in the control circuitry for the relays which control the energization of the solenoid units 50, 55, 56 and 57. A proofing switch 142 controls the operation of the relay 144 of the first printing unit. A proofing switch 205 constitutes the proofing switch which controls the operation of the relay 201 of the second printing unit. A proofing switch 240 is provided for controlling the operation of a relay 241 for the third printing unit, and a proofing switch 242 is provided for the control of the relay 243 of the fourth printing unit.

When the proofing switches are in their normal positions, the movement of the printing cylinders between printing and nonprinting positions is effected in the manner described hereinabove and the movement of the printing cylinders from their printing to their nonprinting positions is sequentially effected as described hereinabove. If it is desired, however, to move the blanket cylinder of the first printing unit from its printing to its nonprinting position so as to print only images in the subsequent units and render the first unit ineffective to print on the material advanced therebetween, the proofing switch 142 is moved from its normal position shown in the drawings to a position wherein the contacts 142-1 of the switch are closed. This, of course, conditions a circuit for the coil 144a of the relay 144 for energization in response to a timing signal from the switch 71 at 90 degrees in the next press cycle. When the switch 71 is energized, a circuit is then completed through the contacts of the switch 71, conductor 131, now closed contacts 142-1 of the proofing switch 142, coil 144a of the relay 144, and now closed contacts 144-2 of the relay 144 to power line 130a. This, of course, effects a switching of the contacts of the relay 144 and causes the contacts 144-3 to open and the contacts 144-4 to close.

The opening of the contacts 144-3 and the closing of the contacts 144-4 effect an energization of an electroresponsive unit 50 so as to cause the blanket cylinder of the first printing unit to be moved from its printing to its nonprinting position. The proofing switches 205, 240, 242 of the second, third, and fourth printing units, respectively, operate in substantially the same manner as switch 142 described in connection with the first unit, and therefore the specific operation of these proofing switches will not be described in detail. It should be apparent that any one or any combination of the proofing switches 'may be actuated to effect movement of the blanket cylinders of the respective units to their nonprinting positions. For example, if the switch 142 is moved from its normal position, as well as switch 205 and switch 240, all at substantially the same time, at degrees in the next press cycle, circuits would be completed through the coil 144A of the relay 144, the coil 200 of the relay 201, and the coil 242 of the relay 241. This would effect the energization of the electroresponsive units 50, 55 and 56 so as to cause movement of the blanket cylinders of each of the first three printing units to their nonprinting position from their printing position.

When the blanket cylinder of a particular unit has been moved to its nonprinting position due to the operation of the proofing switch, the blanket cylinder may be moved back to its printing position merely by moving the proofing switch back to its normal position. For example, when the proofing switch 142 for the first printing unit is returned to its normal position, shown in full lines in the drawings, at 90 degrees of the next press cycle, a circuit is completed through the closed contacts 127-5 of the rei lay 127, now closed contacts of the proofing switch 142,

the coil 143 of the relay 144, and the now closed contacts 144-1 of the relay 144. This, of course, effects switching of the contacts of the relay 144 and effects a closing of the contacts 144-3 and an opening of the contacts 144-4 and effects movement of the blanket cylinder of the first printing unit back to its printing position from its nonprinting position. This may be effected for each of the units separately and independently, or simultaneously, depending upon when the particular proofing switches are actuated. It should be apparent from the above that all of the units could be thrown back to their nonprinting position from the printing position simultaneously at approximately 90 degrees in the press cylinder. Once the proofing has been completed and all of the units are returned to their printing position, the proofing has no effect on the sequential movement of the blanket cylinders of the respective units to their nonprinting positions.

The control circuit for the printing press is also capable of providing for a master trip throwoff of all of the printing units simultaneously in response to a control signal provided by actuation of a control switch by the operator if the printing unit malfunctions for some particular reason. In this connection, a master trip switch is illustrated in FIG. 3A and designated 250. The master trip switch includes contacts 250-1 in a circuit for a feeder control solenoid 252. Energization of the feeder control solenoid 252 effects a stopping of the feeding of the material by the feeder in a well-known manner. Closing of the master trip switch also effects closing of the contacts 250-2 of the master trip which completes a circuit for the master trip relay 140. The master trip relay 140 has normally closed contacts 140-1 (FIG. 3B) which open when the master trip relay is energized and has normally open contacts 140-2, 140-3, 140-4 and 140-5, all of which close when the master trip relay is energized.

The master trip relay contacts 140-5 when closed condition a circuit for energizing the coil 144a of the relay 144 in response to a timing signal from the timing switch 71. When the timing switch 71 closes, a circuit is completed from the power line through the contacts of the switch 71, through the conductor 131, through now closed contacts 140-5 of the master trip relay, coil 144a of the relay 144, and now closed contacts 144-2 of the relay 144. Energization of the coil 144a of the relay 144, of course, as noted hereinabove, effects a switching of the contacts of the relay 144 and causes the contacts 144-3 of the relay to open and the contacts 144-4 of the relay to close. Opening of the contacts 144-3 and the closing of the contacts 144-4 of the relay effect an energization of the electroresponsive control unit 50 so as to cause the blanket cylinder of the first printing unit to move to its nonprinting position. In a similar manner, contacts 140-4 of the master trip relay control the coil 200 of the relay 201 and thereby effect energization thereof to cause the blanket cylinder of the second printing unit to likewise move to its nonprinting position. Contacts 140-2 and 140-3 respectively, control the fourth and third printing units in a similar manner to effect the simultaneous movement of the blanket cylinders of all of the printing units to their nonprinting position from their printing position upon depression of the master trip switch 250.

It should be noted that the master trip contacts have no effect or function on any particular unit which has its blanket cylinder in the nonprinting position, due to the fact that the proofing switch for that particular unit has been moved to its proofing position. For example, if the switch 142 is in its proofing position with the contacts 142-1 closed, the relay coil 144a has been energized to effect movement of the blanket cylinder of the first printing unit to its nonprinting position and the contacts 144-2 of the relay 144 have been opened. Therefore, the closing of the master trip contacts 140-5 performs no function since the contacts are in circuit with the now open contacts 144-2. of the relay 144. Therefore, the master trip will effect actuation of the blanket cylinder of any unit to its nonprinting position from its printing position. If the blanket cylinder of the particular unit is already in its nonprinting position, the master trip will have no effect thereon.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a modified circuitry for controlling the movement of the blanket cylinders of the various printing units between their printing and nonprinting positions. The circuit illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in general, diflers from the circuit described hereinabove in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B in that a latching relay of the type illustrated in FIG. 5 is not included in the circuit of FIGS. 6A and 6B, and rather than two timing switches, such as the switches 70 and 71 for providing timing signals, the circuits of FIGS. 6A and 6B include a number of timing switches for controlling the operation of relays which, in turn, control the operation of solenoid devices for moving the blanket cylinders of the respective printing units between printing and nonprinting positions. Certain of the relays in the circuit constitute control relays which not only condition an actuating circuit for the solenoids for moving the blanket cylinders between their printing and nonprinting positions, but also condition a delay circuit for the next unit so that the next unit may be actuated to its printing or nonprinting position, as the case may be, after the proper delay. The circuit of FIGS. 6A and 6B is constructed so as to render the printing press with which it is used capable of proofing in the manner described hereinabove in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B. Specifically, the circuit includes proofing switches which may be actuated in order to effect movement of any one or any combination of the blanket cylinders of the printing units from their printing position to their nonprinting position. The cylinders then maintain their nonprinting position while materal is advanced sequentially through the units to thereby effect printing in selected units. The circuit shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B also has the master trip capability which effects the movement of all of the cylinders of those units which are in printing condition to their nonprinting condition.

Each printing unit has an electroresponsive means which, when energized, effects movement of the blanket cylinder of that unit between its printing and nonprinting positions. The electroresponsive devices are designated 300-303 for the respective printing units of the printing press. Each of the electroresponsive devices 300-303 includes a pair of solenoid coils designated with an a or b following the reference number of the device. When the a coil is energized and the b coil de-energized, movement of the printing cylinder from its printing position to its nonprinting position is effected. When the b coil is energized and the a coil de-energized, movement of the printing cylinder from its nonprinting position to its printing position is effected.

The solenoid devices for the various printing units are energized in response to timing signals which effect energization of relays. The timing signals which are produced by a control unit, designated 310, are best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The control unit 310 includes a plurality of timing switches which are designated 311-321. These switches are mounted on a stationary support 322. Each of the switches is of the so-called reed type and closes in response to a magnetic force acting on the switch.

A permanent magnet 325 is mounted on an arm 326 which, in turn, is secured to a shaft 327 for rotation relative to the support 322 for the switches. The arm 326 extends outwardly from the shaft 327 and supports the magnet 325 so that as the magnet rotates, it sweeps past each of the switches 311-321. The direction of rotation of the magnet is illustrated in FIG. :8 as being counterclockwise as viewed in the drawing.

As the magnet 325 sweeps past the switches 311-321, each of the switches in turn is actuated while the magnet is adjacent thereto. The switches are located at specific angular locations so as to be energized at certain particular angular points in one revolution of the magnet 325. Thus a timing signal is created by closing of the switches at the desired point in a cycle of revolution of the press. The magnet 325 makes one complete revolution sweeping by all of the switches 311-321 upon one cycle of the press, with one cycle of the press being one complete revolution of the impression cylinders of the printing units.

In order to initiate the operation of the press, the operator manually effects closing of switch 330 (FIG. 6A). When switch 330 is closed, a circuit is completed from the power line 331 through the normally closed contacts 332-1 of a master trip relay 332, through the switch 330 and through a feeder control relay 333. The feeder control relay 333 effects energization of the feeder for initiating the feeding of sheet material to the press. The feeder control relay 333 includes normally open contacts 333-1 which close upon energization of relay 333. The closing of these contacts conditions the circuit for a control relay 335 to be energized in response to a timing signal from the switch 311. At zero degrees in the press cycle of operation, the magnet 325 sweeps past the control switch 311 and effects movement of the switch from its normal position shown in full lines in FIG. 6A to its dotted line position shown in FIG. 6A. At this point, a circuit is completed from the power line 331 through the now closed contacts 333-1 of the relay 333, through switch 311 and the control relay 335.

Energization of the control relay 335 causes normally open contacts 335-1, 335-2, 335-3 and 335-4 thereof to close. Closing of contacts 335-1 of the relay 335 provides a holding circuit for maintaining the relay 335 energized, even though the switch 311 moves to its full line position when the magnet 325 passes beyond the switch 311. The closing of contacts 335-4 performs no function at this time since those contacts are in circuit will normally open contacts 332-2 of the master trip relay 332.

Closing of contacts 335-2 of the relay 335 conditions an actuating circuit for energizing the solenoid device 300 and specifically the coil thereof in response to a timing signal provided by closing of the switch 312. The closing of the normally open contacts 335-3 of the control relay 335, likewise conditions a circuit, this circuit being a delay circuit for establishing a suitable delay for the energization of the next or second printing unit. The delay circuit is energized" in response to actuation of the timing switch 321.

When the magnet 325 sweeps by the switch 312, the switch 312'is moved from its full line position to its dotted line position. This completes a circuit from the power line 331 through a proofing switch 340, normally closed contacts 332-3 of the master trip relay, now closed contacts 335-2 of the control relay 335, switch 312 and relay 341. Energization of the relay 341 causes its normally open relay contacts 341-1 and 341-2 to close. The closing of contacts 341-1 of the relay 341 establishes a holding circuit for maintaining the relay 341 energized even though the switch 312 is returned to its full line position upon the passage of the magnet 325 past the switch 312. z

The closing of the relay contacts 341-2 of the relay 341 establishes a circuit for energization of the relay 350. This circuit is from the power line 331 through the proofing switch 340, normally closed contacts 332-3 of the master trip relay 332, now closed contacts 335-2 of the control relay 335, contacts 341-1 of the relay 341, now closed contacts 341-2 of the relay 341, and relay 350.

' The relay 350 directly controls the operation of the solenoid device 300 which effects the movement of the blanket cylinder of the first printing unit between its printing and nonprinting positions. The relay 350 has normally closed contacts 350-1 in circuit for the coil 300 for moving the blanket cylinder of the first printing unit from its printing position to its nonprinting position. The relay 350 also has normally open contacts 350-2 which is in circuit with the coil 300k which, when energized, elfects movement of the blanket cylinder of the first printing unit from its nonprinting position to its printing position. The energization of the relay 350 causes the relay contacts 350-1 to open and the relay contacts 350-2 to close. The opening of the relay contacts 350-1 de-energizes the coil 300a of the solenoid device 300 and the closing of the contacts 350-2 energizes the coil 3001;. As a result, the blanket cylinder of the first printing unit is moved from its non-printing position to its printing position.

As discussed hereinabove, the energization of the control relay 335 not only conditioned the actuating circuit for energization of the solenoid device 300 for the first printing unit into printing condition, but also conditioned a delay circuit which includes a relay 355 for energization upon closing of the switch 321. As the magnet 325 sweeps past the switches 313-320, no functions are performed, even though these switches are actuated, since each of these switches at this time is in series with open contacts.

When the magnet 325 sweeps past the switch 321, however, this switch is actuated from its full line position shown in FIG. 6A to its dotted line position shown in FIG. 6A. This actuation of the timing switch 321 causes a circuit to be completed from the power line 331 through now closed contacts 335-3 of the relay 335, switch 321, and relay 355 to the power line 331a. Energization of the relay 355 causes the closing of its normally open contacts 355-1, 355-2 and 355-3.

The closing of contacts 355-1 of the relay 355 provides a holding circuit for maintaining the relay 355 energized, even though the switch 321 has returned to its full line position upon movement of the magnet 325 beyond the switch 321. The closing of contacts 355-3 of the relay 355 performs no function at this time, since they are in circuit with normally open contacts 332-2 of the master trip relay 332.

The closing of contacts 355-2 of the relay 355 conditions a control circuit which includes a control relay 360. The control relay 360 when energized conditions the actuating circuit for the solenoid device 301 for the second printing unit and conditions the control circuitry" for efiecting the energization of the control device for the third printing unit at the desired time.

The control relay 360 is energized in response to a timing signal which is provided by the actuation of the timing switch 320 from its full line position to its dotted line position. This occurs at approximately 310 degrees in the second revolution of the magnet 325 and thus in the second cycle of the printing press. Of course, it should be apparent that the magnet 325 must sweep by switches 311-319 during the second cycle of the press before switch 320 is energized. However, at this time, the actuation of the switches 311-319 effects no function since the relays controlled by these switches either are already in their actuated condition and are not effected by the actuation of the switch, such as the relay 335, or the switches are in circuit with now open contacts and elfect no function.

When the switch 320 is actuated at 310 in the second cycle of the press, the switch is moved from its full line position to its dotted line position. This, of course, completes the circuit from the power line 331 through the now closed contacts 355-2 of the control relay 355, switch 320 and relay 360 to the power line 331a. Energization of the relay 360 causes the relay contacts 360-1, 360-2 and 360-3 thereof to close. The closing of the contacts 360-1 of the relay 360 merely establishes a holding circuit for maintaining the relay 360 energized, even though the timing switch 320 is returned to its full line position shown in FIG. 6A by the fact that the magnet 325 passes beyond the switch 320.

The closing of the contacts 360-2 of the relay 360 conditions the actuating circuit for effecting the energization of the solenoid device 301 for effecting movement of the second printing unit to its printing condition from its nonprinting condition, in response to a timing signal provided by closing of the switch 313 upon movement of the magnet 325 past the switch 313 during the third cycle of operation of the press or at approximately degrees in the third revolution of the magnet 325. Morenver, the closing of the contacts 360-3 of the control relay 360 establishes or conditions delay circuitry which includes a relay 370, the energization of which conditions a circuit for actuation of the control relay 375 for the third printing unit.

The specific detailed circuitry for the energization of the third and four printing units is identical with that described above in connection with the first and second printing units, and the detailed circuitry will not be described in view of the fact that it would be merely repetitious of that described. It should suffice, however, to state that the control relay 375 for the third printing unit when energized conditions a circuit having relay 376 which effects the energization of the solenoid device 302 for the third printing unit, and at the same time conditions a delay circuit which includes relay 377. The relay 376 of the third unit is energized when the switch 314 is actuated at approximately 85 degrees in the fifth cycle of the press. The relay 377 is energized at approximately 235 in the fifth cycle of the press. The energization of the relay 377 conditions the circuit for the control relay 380 of the fourth printing unit. The actuation of the switch 316 which occurs at approximately 210 of the sixth cycle of the press and the sixth cycle of revolution of the magnet 325. The control relay 380, of course, conditions the circuit for the relay 381 which is actuated at approximately 85 degrees in the seventh cycle of the press by the actuation of the switch 315 from its full line position to its dotted line position. Reference numerals are applied to the drawings indicating the contacts for the various relays and should aid in following the circuitry, if desired.

It should be apparent from the above that the printing units are sequentially actuated to their printing condition from their nonprinting condition due to the operation of the various relays of the timing switches with proper delays established therein in much the same mannor as that described above in connection with the circuit of FIGS. 3A and 3B. The printing units are likewise controlled by the circuit of FIGS. 6A and 6B to effect actuation of the printing units to their nonprinting condition.

The actuation of the printing units to their non-printing condition is effected by opening of the switch 330. This, of course, effects a de-energization of the relay 333. When the relay 333 is de-energ ized, the relay contacts 333-1 of the relay open. However, the relay 335 remains energized due to the fact that the switch 311 provides a holding circuit at this time from the power line 331 through the contacts of the switch 311 which is now in its full line position, and now closed contacts 335-1 of the relay 335. At zero degrees, however, in the next press cycle, the magnet 325 sweeps by the switch 311 and causes the switch 311 to be moved from its full line position shown in FIG. 6A to its dotted line position shown in FIG. 6A. When this occurs, the circuit for the relay 335 is broken and the relay contacts 335-1 are opened. The relay contacts 335-2, 335-3 and 335-4 are likewise opened. The opening of the contacts 335-2 of the relay performs no function at the moment, in view of the fact that the switch 312 is in its full line condition and holds the relay 341 energized, as well as the relay 350. However, when the magnet 325 sweeps by the switch 312, the switch 312 is moved from its full line position to its dotted line position breaking the circuit to the relays 341 and 350. This, of course, de-energizes the relays 341 and 350 and causes their relay contacts to return to their normal positions. As a result, the relay contacts 341-1 and 341-2 open. The de-energization of the relay 350 causes the relay contacts 350-1 to close and the relay contacts 350-2 to open. Thus, this effects a de-energization of the coil 30% of the solenoid device 300 and an energization of the solenoid coil 300a. This, of course, effects a movement of the blanket cylinder of the first printing unit from its printing position to its nonprinting position.

The opening of the contacts 335-3 effected upon the de-energization of the control relay 335 performs no function at that instant, since the timing switch 321 is in its full line position and the relay 355 is maintained energized due to the fact that a circuit is maintained through the switch 321 and now closed contacts 355-1 of the relay 355. However, when the magnet 325 sweeps past the switch 321, the switch 321 is again moved from its full line position to its dotted line position breaking the circuit to the relay 355 and causing the relay contacts 355-1, 355-2 and 355-3 to open. When the relay contact 355-2 open, again no function is performed instantly, since the switch 320 for the control relay 360 of the second printing unit is in its full line position shown in FIG. 6A. However, when the magnet 325 sweeps past the switch 320, the switch is moved to its dottedline position. This breaks the circuit to the relay 360 and causes the relay contacts 360-1, 360-2 and 360- 3 to open. As a result, the circuit for the relay 365 which effects the energization of the second printing unit is conditioned for de-energization when the timing switch 313 is opened. Likewise, the delay circuitry including the relay 370 is also conditioned for de-energization when the switch 319 is dc-energized upon the passage of magnet .325 therepastrThus, when the switch 313 is de-energized, the second printing unit will be actuated to its nonprinting condition. In a like mannenthe second, third, and 'fourth printing units are sequentially actuated to their nonprinting conditions due to the operation of the timing switches and the de-energizations of the relays, as described hereinabove in connection with the first and second printing units. It should be apparent that the consecutive printing units will be actuated to their nonprinting condition in sequence.

As noted hereinabove, the circuit of FIG. 6A ,andFIG. 6B includes proofing switches whichareioperableso vas to effect movement of any one organycombination of printing units from theirprinting to their, nonprinting positions, so that material may be advanced throughthe press and printed only in selected printing units: This, of course provides. the press with a proofingcapability, In this connection, each of the printing; units includes .a proofing switch. The proofingswitches for the first, second, third and fourth printing unitssaredesignated, 340, 390, 391 and 392, respectively. The proofing switches are normally in their closed positions and provide for .the actuation of the printing units, as described hereinabove, to their printing condition and to their nonprinting'condition. If it is desired, however, to render one of the. printing units ineffective to print on-the material advanced therebetween, for example, the first printing unit, it is necessary only to move the proofing switch 340.10 its open condition. When the proofing switch 340 is moved to its open condition, no function is immediately performed, since the circuit to the relays 341 and 350 remains completed due to the fact that the switch 312 is in its full line position. When the switch 312 is moved to its dotted line position, or if the switch happens to be in dotted line position when the proofing switch 340 is opened, the circuit to the relays 341, 350 are de-energized. As described hereinbefore, the de-energization of the relay 350 will immediately effect a closing of the contacts 350-1 thereof and an opening of the contacts 350-:2 thereof. This will cause the solenoid device 300 to effect movement of the blanket cylinder of the first printing unit to its nonprinting position from its printing position. a 1

After a number of sheets have been printed in the second, third and fourth units, and it is desired. to again actuate the first printing unit back to its printing condition, the proofing switch 340 need only be moved to its closed position. When switch 340 is closed and switch 312 is again tripped to, its dotted line position by magnet 325, a circuit will be completed through the proofing switch 340, closed contacts 332-3 of the master trip relay, closed contacts 335-2 of the control relay 335, the switch 3l2 to relay 341, which again effects an energization of the relay 341 and closing of the relay contacts 341-1 and 341-2. The immediately effects an energization ofthe relay 350. The energization of the relay 350 causes; the relay contacts 350-1.,thereof to open and the,relay contacts 350-2 thereof to close. This, of course, as described above, effects def-energization of the solenoid coil 300a and energization of the solenoid coil 300b, effecting an actuation of the first printing unit toits printing condition from its nonprinting condition. v

The proofing switches 390, 391, and 392, in a similar manner, control their respective printing units so that each one of the printing units may be moved between its nonprinting and printing conditions, as desired andindependently of whether or not the other printing units are in their printing or nonprinting conditions. For example, the first, second and third printing units may be rendered inoperative ad material would be printed onlyin the fourth printing unit. As anotherexample, mat erial could be printed in the first, second and third and not in thefourth. In fact, any combination may be providedby merely actuating the proofing switches 340, 3190, 391:and 392 for the respective printing units. H 7

The circuitry shown in FIGS. 6A and'6B .has a master trip capability for tripping the various printing units in response to energization of the master trip relay 332. The master trip relay 332 may be energized upon-depression of any one of a pair of master trip switches 395, 396. These switches may be located atany particular. location, preferably one being located at the feeder. end and one at the delivery end of the printing press. The actuation of either switch 395 or 396 effects the energization of the master trip relay 332. Energization of the master trip relay 332 effects opening of master trip relay contacts 332-1, 332-3, 332-4, 332-5 and 332-6. The energization 1 9 of the master trip relay also effects closing of master trip relay contacts 332-2 and 332-7.

The closing of the master trip relay contacts 332-2 provides a holding circuit for retaining the master trip relay 332 energized, as long as one of the contacts 335-4, 355-3, 370-3 and 380-3 is closed. As long as any particular printing unit is energized, one of these contacts will be closed providing a holding circuit for the master trip relay 332. The closing of the master trip relay contacts 332-7 effects an energization of the feeder trip solenoid 400 which effects a de-energization of the feeder. Energization of the feeder trip solenoid 400 effects a stopping of the feeding of material to the press.

The opening of the master trip relay contacts 332-1 effects a de-energization of the control relay 333 in which, in turn, effects an opening of the contacts 333-1 of the relay 333 and a de-energization of control relay 335 of the first printing unit when the switch 311 is moved to its full line position to its dotted line position on the passage of the magnet 325 past the switch 311.

The opening of the contacts 332-3 of the master trip relay performs no function until the switch 312 is moved to its dotted line position. When the switch 312 is moved to its dotted line position, the relays 341 and 359 are de energized which effect an actuation of the solenoid device 300 to effect an energization of the solenoid coil 300a and a de-energization of the solenoid coil 30Gb. This, of course, causes the first printing unit to move to its off position. In a like manner the second, third, and fourth printing units will be moved to their off position when the switches 313, 314 and 315 are moved from their full line position to their dotted line positions, as illustrated in FIG. 6A. These switches are all moved to their dotted line position upon the passage of the magnet 325 past the switches in one passage of the switches, so that all of the printing units are moved to their off position substantially at the same time. In fact, the switches 312, 313, 314 and 315 could be located at identical angular locations so they are tripped by the magnet 325. However, because of the space re'quirements, these switches are tripped at different times.

From the foregoing, it should be apparent that the control circuit shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B has the same capabilities as the control circuit shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, and that the differences in the control circuits reside primarily in the type of relays use and the number of timing switches necessary in the circuit.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A multiunit printing press comprising a plurality of spaced printing units arranged in tandem and through which sheets to be printed travel in sequence, means for sequentially feeding sheets to said printing units, each printing unit including a pair of cylinder members, said cylinder members of each unit being movable relatively between a printing position to print sheets traveling therebetween and a nonprinting position ineffective to print sheets traveling therebetween, means operable to relatively move said cylinder members of consecutive units in sequence between their printing and their nonprinting positions, said means including electroresponsive means for each unit actuatable to provide for relative movement of said cylinder members of that unit between their printing and nonprinting positions, first relay means for each unit having contacts operable to energize said electroresponsive means for that unit, timing means providing a timing signal at a predetermined time in the cycle of operation of a unit to effect actuation of said first relay means to effect movement of the cylinders of that unit, delay circuit means for conditioning the circuit containing said first relay means for the consecutive units following said first unit, and second relay means for each unit having first contacts operable to condition the circuit for said first relay means for that unit and second contacts operable to condition said delay circuit means for the next unit and actuatable by a timing signal,

2. A multiunit printing press as defined in claim 1 wherein said electroresponsive means provides for relative movement of said cylinder members between their printing and nonprinting positions and comprises first and second solenoids, and wherein the energization of the first solenoid and the de-energization of the second solenoid effects relative movement of the cylinders to their printing position and the de-energization of the first solenoid and energization of the second solenoid effects relative m0vement of the cylinder members to their nonprinting position.

3. A multiunit printing press as defined in claim 1 wherein said timing means operates to provide timing pulses at different degrees of angular rotation of the press, and said printing units operate in phase.

4. A printing press as defined in claim 1 further including a master trip relay having contacts in circuit with said first relay means and operable to effect actuation of said first relay means to relatively move the printing cylinder of all units which are in printing position to their nonprinting position within one cycle of operation of the press.

5. A multiunit printing press as defined in claim 1 wherein said first relay means comprises a two-coil multicontact latching relay which effects control of the electroresponsive means by energization and de-energization of said coils and wherein said energization and de-energization is effected by timing signal means.

6. A multiunit printing press as defined in claim 5 wherein said second relay means comprises a two-coil multicontact control latching relay which effects a change in state of the contacts thereof upon energization of one coil and de-energization of the other coil.

7. A multiunit printing press as defined in claim 6 wherein said timing means includes means for providing two timing pulses during each press cycle, one of said timing pulses actuating said first relay means and said second timing pulse actuating said second relay means.

8. A multiunit printing press as defined in claim 7 further including a proofing switch in the circuit including said first relay means for each unit, said proofing switch having a first position for energizing said first relay means of that unit to actuate movement of said printing cylinder of that unit to printing position and in second position for energizing said first relay means to actuate movement of said printing cylinders of that unit to their nonprinting position while the cylinders of the other units maintain their printing positions and material travels through the press.

9. A multiunit printing press as defined in claim 8 wherein said proofing switch has first and second contacts in circuit with said respective coils of said first relay and which are opened and closed, respectively, upon actuation of said proofing switch between said first and second positions.

10. A multiunit printing press as defined in claim 1 wherein said first relay includes a relay coil having contacts which have one condition when the coil is energized and a second condition when the coil is de-energized, and a holding circuit for each of said first relays to maintain the relay coil in its energized condition.

11. A multiunit printing press as defined in claim 10 wherein said timing means comprises a plurality of timing switches which are actuated each cycle of the press, each of said first relays having a separate one of said timing switches in circuit therewith.

12. In a printing press having a plurality of printing units and first electroresponsive means for each unit energizable to effect operation of the unit to a printing condition and second electroresponsive means energizable to effect operation of the printing unit to a nonprinting condition, first circuit means for each unit for controlling the energization and de-energization of said first and second electroresponsive means in response to a timing signal and operative to a second condition for breaking the circuitfor effecting energization of said first eletltroresponsivq means and for effecting energization of said second electroresponsive means in response to a timing signal, first timing means providing timing signals at a predetermined time in a press revolution for operating said first and second electroresponsive means, a control circuit for each of said first circuit means, operating means for conditioning the control circuit for the first printing unit, said operating means having a first condition for effecting energization of said control circuit in response to a timing signal to energize said first electroresponsive means in response to a timing signal and a second condition for effecting operation of said control circuit to energize said second electroresponsive means in response to a timing signal, delay circuit means for each of said control circuits for the printing units after the first printing unit, each of said delay circuit means comprising timing signal responsive circuits energized by one timing signal and conditioned to be energized in response to the operation of said control circuit means for the preceding unit.

13. A printing press as defined in claim 12 wherein said first circuit means comprises a first two-coil multicontact latching relay which effects control of the first and second electroresponsive means, and each of said delay circuits includes a second two-coil multicontact latching relay.

14. A printing press as defined in claim 13 wherein said selector switch means has contacts connected with respective coils of said first latching relay and which contacts when closed provide for energization of one coil of said first relay and de-energization of the other coil to thereby control actuation of said electroresponsive means.

15. In a printing press as defined in claim 12 wherein each of said first circuit means includes a relay coil having contacts which have one condition when the coil is energized and a second condition when the coil is de-energized, and a holding circuit for each of said first relays.

16. In a multiunit printing press as defined in claim 12 further including a master trip relay having contacts in said first circuit means and operable to effect actuation of said electroresponsive means to relatively move the printing cylinder of all units which are in printing position to their nonprinting position Within one cycle of operation of the press.

17. A multiunit printing press comprising a plurality of spaced printing units arranged in tandem and through which sheets to be printed travel in sequence, means for sequentially feeding sheets to said printing units, each printing unit including a pair of cylinder members, said cylinder members of each unit being movable relatively between a printing position to print sheets traveling therebetween and a nonprinting position ineffective to print sheets traveling therebetween, means operable to relatively move said cylinder members of consecutive units in sequence between their printing and their nonprinting positions, said means including power means for each unit actuatable to provide for relative movement of said cylinder members of that unit between their printing and nonprinting positions, first control means for each unit operable to actuate said power means for that unit, timing means providing a timing signal at a predetermined time in the cycle of operation of a unit to effect actuation of said control means to effect movement of the cylinders of that unit, delay means for conditioning the control means for the consecutive units following said first unit, and secand control means operable to condition said first control means for operation and also operable to condition said delay means for the next unit for operation in response to a timing signal.

18. A multiunit printing press as defined in claim 17 further including manually actuatable control means for the first control means for each unit and operable to control actuation of said first control means to effect relative movement of the cylinders of that unit to their nonprinting positions while the cylinders of the other units maintain their printing positions and while material travels through the press.

19. A multiunit printing press as defined in claim 17 further including a master trip control'means energizable to effect movement of the cylinder members of all units which are in printing position to their nonprinting positions within one cycle of the press.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,615,393 10/1952 Albrecht 1O1184 3,191,530 6/1965 Fath et al. 101l84 3,195,456 7/1965 Charlwood et al 101-184 ROBERT E. PULFREY, Primary Examiner I. REED FISHER, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 101184

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